April 14, 2016 • mccsokinawa.com
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aireo/bigstock.com, watson images/bigstock.com
n aluminum can that you tossed in the recycle bin last week eventually gets sorted
among other recyclables—glass and plastic bottles, paper, cardboard—upwards of 20 tons per year, compacted into large bricks and repurposed. Old glass becomes new glass, a plastic bottle becomes the lid to your coffee and old credit card statements become organic toilet paper. But recycling is just half the story. It's not just about waste reduction. Nor is it only for people who go to Coachella and make their own cheese. The Qualified Recycling Program (QRP) creates cash out of our garbage—cash that is injected back into the community. Major David Roen, Deputy Director of the Environmental Affairs Branch, explains, “QRP allows installations to collect recyclable materials and sell it to vendors and retain the revenue. We can use that revenue to pay for energy conservation, pollution prevention and quality of life programs.” This year recycling generated $225,000 that was put towards improving the quality of life of Marines, Sailors and their families stationed on Okinawa. “Our intent was to incentivize recycling so people can see the benefits of it in something tangible,” says Sergeant Major Fields of Camp Schwab. On Camp Schwab, funds generated from recycling have funded improvements to the SMP Program.
inside
The Qualified Recycling Program is a program funded purely by recycled materials. “The main function of QRP is to divert solid waste from the landfills. The more waste that can [be recycled], the less impact you will have on the environment. And since we can make money with [QRP], it becomes a self-sustaining program that isn’t a burden on the tax payer,” Major Roen adds. Although recycling is something that is drilled into our minds since elementary school, the economic impact of recycling remains unknown to most. For a long time, the understanding was sorting your garbage meant helping the environment. And while that is true, it's not enough to get people to care. But if putting out your cardboard means new Xboxes—that’s a different story. It’s that very nature of our
Home & Home Challenge | 3 Jobs for Teens | 3 Culture Corner: Earth Day | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5
"Recycling is just half the story." population that has made QRP so successful. “We are in a financially constrained environment, and this is a new funding stream that hasn’t been tapped into in a long time,” says Sergeant Major Fields, “and it’s entirely fueled by consumer consumption.” So help support your community—recycle this issue after you've read it. —Ryan Anastoplus
Pick of the Week: Hira Falls | 7 SMP Marines Give Back | 9 Off-Base Events | 11 Semper Fit Events | 11
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livingatlarge
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Home & Home Challenge
he Home & Home Challenge, a friendly rivalry between Taiyo Golf Club and the Banyan Tree Golf Course, is entering its 20th year. The Home & Home Traveling Trophy and your home course’s pride are at stake. There is no better time than now to hit up the driving range or get professional instruction. So pick up those clubs and give your finicky driver some much-needed attention and practice those killer three-foot putts. Every year Taiyo Golf Club and Banyan Tree Golf Course golfers go head-to-head for the coveted Home & Home Traveling Trophy and a substantial amount of bragging rights, good for one year. Those who claim home course at Taiyo Golf Club will be playing to bring the trophy back home after last year’s defeat. In addition to the bragging rights and a shiny trophy, there will be fabulous prize giveaways including an overnight stay for two with breakfast at YYY iE
Island Resort and Moon Ocean Ginowan Hotel and Residence and gift certificates for Red Lobster and Super Sports Xebio. This two-day tournament will take place at Taiyo Golf Club on April 23 and 24 with a shotgun start at 7:30 a.m. Register by April 20 for $100. The tournament format is in-
dividual stroke play using 100 percent handicaps, and the winners will be determined using the aggregate total of the lowest 80 gross scores from each side. For more information or to register, contact the Taiyo Golf Club Pro Shop at 622-2004. Visit mccsokinawa.com/golf for additional details.
events&happenings
Top to bottom: satariel/bigstock.com, Thomas Alan Smilie
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Jobs for Teens!
o, what’s better for a teen than freedom from homework and summertime fun on a beautiful subtropical island? The aforementioned with cash in their pocket, of course! Starting April 11, MCCS NAF HRO began accepting electronic applications from motivated teens with a great attitude and desire to serve the community on Camps Kinser, Foster, Courtney, Hansen, McTureous and MCAS Futenma while turning their summer time into money. Potential positions include accounting assistants, food service workers, special events assistants, ID checkers, file clerks, hosts/hostesses, cashiers, recreation attendants and administrative support. Interested teens can apply online from now through May 20 at usmc-mccs.org/careers (JOB ID #18931). Applicants must be family members of Active Duty Military or DoD Civilians ages 14 to 19 (by
August 26). The teen summer hire program runs from June 21 through August 26. Once selected, the NonAppropriated Fund Human Resources Office will also require the submission of a copy of their spon-
sor’s orders, a parental consent form if under 18, a valid social security card, background check forms and a valid passport with a SOFA stamp. For more information, contact MCCS NAF HRO at 645-3052.
Chief Marketing Officer | Jim Kassebaum Managing Editor | Caylee Reid Art Director | Catherine Newquist Cultural Research Specialist | Ayako Kawamitsu Graphic Arts Manager | Henry Ortega Graphic Designers | Margie Shimabukuro, Lisa Miyagi, Kelli Davis, Hector Nieves Editor-in-Chief | Mike Daley Editor | Ryan Anastoplus Photographer | Thomas Alan Smilie Ad/Sponsorship Manager | Roy Forster Ad Sales | Yoshihiro Shinzato, Aya Chilcote, Yoriko Yamashiro, Carina Fils-Julien, Lisa Hicks Distribution | Gideon Juko, Kelli Kreider Marketing Accounts Manager | Andrew Menges Accounts & Research | Jennifer Dowd, Marissa DeSmet, Katherine Melrose, Jenessa Reutov Broadcast | Victor Mercado, Kathlene Millette, Gabriel Archer Career practicum intern | Skylor Stevens
Questions? Comments? Please e-mail OLW@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. To advertise in Okinawa LivingWeekly, call 645-2245, fax 645-0975, or email sales@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. MCCS is not responsible for designing and editing outside ads. No Department of Defense, U.S. Marine Corps or Marine Corps Community Services endorsement of commercial advertisers or sponsors implied.
This publication printed with
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japanese phrase
culturecorner
of the week
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Korewa nandesu ka? What is this? For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs-Resources at 645-2104/2106.
Japan’s “Earth Day”
hile Americans celebrate Earth Day on April 22, the Japanese have their own version of “Earth Day” on May 4 called Midori no Hi or “Greenery Day.” Like Earth Day, this is a day dedicated to the environment and nature. Greenery Day is held in Emperor Hirohito’s honor because he loved plants and nature. Prior to the official establishment of this holiday, Hirohito devoted himself to many environmental and green issues during his time as emperor. He was responsible for the construction of a biological laboratory at Akasaka Palace along with the establishment of the Imperial Biological Research Institute. On this day, commemorative plantings of trees are held around the country, as are many events that bring people closer to nature. Parks and gardens around Okinawa are worth a visit as there are often lo-
cal events taking place to honor nature, and, in selected areas, trees are planted to commemorate this event. Celebrate the world twice this year, and participate in Earth Day and Greenery Day with a nature walk or by doing a project to improve or preserve nature.
Don't be surprised if you see a group of people madly sweeping, polishing and otherwise employed to bring the sparkle back to a particular spot. Revel in the natural wonders that abound in Okinawa, and give a little back to them.
Clockwise from the top left: Kzenon/bigstock.com, Thomas Alan Smilie
If you have any burning questions about Japanese culture, please send them to OLW@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
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getting there
Hira Falls
Coordinates: 26.582111, 128.104666 Safety Measures: Go with at least four people. Know and respect your limits. Understand the dangers of this hike.
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n honor of America’s Earth Day (April 22) and Okinawa’s Greenery Day (May 5), my pick of the week is a long jungle trek to the stunning threetier Hira Falls. The Japanese have a saying, shinrin-yoku, meaning “forest bathing.” It’s the idea that simply bathing (not literally, although, I suppose that may be enjoyable too) in the beauty of nature is a form of medicine. It’s healing. Bask in the sun filtered through leaves, in the particles curling in those sunbeams, in the calls of birds and in the hum of the bees and bugs. It’s easy to sit behind a desk and forget about the incredible things happening in the world. Go be immersed in it. Find a simple walk or take on the challenge of Hira Falls. Note: this is not a kid-friendly jungle adventure. It is only for fit adults who aren’t afraid of battling a few spiders. It’s like trekking though Jurassic Park. Start by hopping over a car rail (red dot of spray paint) and slide down the jungley hill (please, be careful of habu)
Hira Falls
until you reach the small stream. Follow this stream and look for intermittent red tape or markings on trees as your guide to a larger river. Continue, occasionally traveling over narrow rocky footings with ropes. It is wise to use a large stick to clear away cobwebs and to remove brush to look for any snakes. You may also encounter freshwater eels (we crossed paths with one).
Top: Caylee Reid Bottom: Thomas Alan Smilie
photooftheweek
If the jungle or forest doesn’t entice you, celebrate Earth Day with a dip in the ocean.
You will see a small waterfall first. Do not mistake this as Hira Falls. Once you find Hira (about an hour and a half of careful hiking), you will know. Hira pours her constant rumble into a cerulean pool. Take a nap, enjoy lunch, blow up your float and drift through the pool. This is life. —Caylee Reid
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more details Day of Service Dates MCAS Futenma April 17, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Camp Courtney & Bechtel Elementary April 22, 9 a.m. Camp Hansen April 22, 10 a.m. Camp Schwab & Nago City April 22, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Camp Foster Chapel April 22, 1 p.m.
Clockwise from the top left: Images provided by Single Marine Program
Camp Kinser & Uchima Nishi Park April 24, 9–11 a.m.
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SMP Marines Give Back
he few, the proud, the Marines. We all have an idea of what Marines are like, regardless if we grew up around the military or not. The Marine Corps conjures up pictures of salty devil dogs, the best of the best, Dress Blues, honor, integrity, but mostly, the gall it takes to be the first to fight, making the impossible possible and doing more with less. Add to that impressive list: volunteers. It’s not that far of a leap to imagine that those who volunteer their life to also be the kind of people who, well, continue to volunteer. Collectively the 2,500 Marines of the Single Marine Program (SMP) on Okinawa have logged over 16,000 volunteer hours over the last quarter alone. They volunteer every weekend doing different things like perimeter clean-ups, car washes and working with kids. However, their biggest volunteer
event, the Day of Service, brings out an impressive total of about 300 Marines per camp. Each camp has holds their own Day of Service and tailor it to the current needs of the surrounding Military and Japanese communities. While the Day of Service events are primarily for the single Marines, anyone is welcome to join, including dependents. It’s not just all about working, a few of them are also giving back to the
Marines; for example, the Futenma Day of Service is holding a barbeque for participants afterwards. While this event is about giving back, SMP on Okinawa strives to improve the quality of life for unaccompanied Marines and Sailors with lots of other activities like the dragon boat race team, Naha Tug of War and a Mt. Fuji trip. For more information about SMP or their Day of Service events, please visit mccsokinawa.com/SMP.
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tours+
adventure begins here Tunnel Rats April 17, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $23, Children (7–11) $16 We’ll explore numerous caves that served as bunkers and shelter during WWII. Included in the tour is a stop at the Battle of Okinawa Historical Society Museum. Okinawan Cuisine Buffet & Drum Show April 22, 5–9 p.m. Adults $60, Children (7–12) $34, (4–6) $28 (under 4) FREE Enjoy the varied flavors of Okinawan cuisine while being entertained by traditional music and dancers. Eisa dance is performed by Zampo Daiko Group at this famous resort hotel in Okinawa. The tour price includes show, dinner and soft drinks.
Lily Festival at Ie Island April 23, 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $44, Children (6–11) $32, (3–5) $11 (under 3) FREE Get away to Ie Island, and enjoy the spectacular view of over one million lilies! Lily Field Park will host an assortment of fun with variety local shows and food booths. Not only will we see the lilies but the popular Mt. Gusuku and the Wajee water springs! Kerama Snorkeling April 23, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $73, Children (4–11) $41 Grab your fins and get ready for some fun! Tour includes a boat ride to two snorkeling spots in the breathtaking Kerama Islands which boasts world-class coral and sea life.
*Bring yen for additional food, drinks and/or purchases. For more information, contact MCCS Tours+: Camp Foster 646-3502 | Camp Hansen 623-6344 | Camp Kinser 637-2744
off-baseevents get out and explore
Fisherman’s Market in Nanjo City April 17, 8 a.m.–2 p.m. (Fish auction starts at 9 a.m.) Umino Gyokou Chinen, Nanjo City FREE
Proud sponsor of MCCS Youth Sports
Athletics/Adult Sports
Top: Thomas Alan Smilie Bottom:Rus N./bigstock.com
645-3521/3522
Aquatics 645-3180 Courtney Ironworks 622-9261/7297 Futenma Semper Fit 636-2672 Gunners Fitness Center 645-3985/2235 Hansen House of Pain 623-5558/4831 Health Promotion 645-3484/3910 Kinser Fitness Center 637-1869/1114 Schwab Power Dome 625-2654/2442 Taiyo Golf Club 622-2004 Tsunami SCUBA 645-9500 Youth Sports 645-3533/3534
Okinawa Marine Fiesta 2016 April 16–17, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Ginowan Marina, Ginowan City FREE
upcoming semperfitevents Open Gladiator Games May 8 Camp Schwab Power Dome Register at any MCCS fitness centers by 1 p.m. on May 2 for $30 per team (or at the Camp Schwab fitness center by 4:30 p.m. on May 6 for $45 per team). This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third-place in male and female categories. Details: 625-2654.
Open Warrior Challenge 5K Fun Run May 14 Camp Schwab Power Dome Register at any MCCS fitness center by 1 p.m. on May 9 for $25/individual or $60/team of three. All participants will receive a t-shirt. Details: 625-2654.
Ryukyu Ballet Performance April 16, doors open at 6 p.m. Tedako Hall, Urasoe City Tickets: ¥2,900
classof theweek Night Club Cardio Another great cardio dance class with music ranging from hip hop, rock, rap, dance, techno, pop and the list can go on from there! Dancing skills are not necessary. Camp Foster Mondays 8:15–9:15 p.m. For a full class schedule and times, visit mccsokinawa.com/groupfitness.