May 10, 2018 · mccsokinawa.com
Pool Time!
Red, White and CraftBrew
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reat news; it’s finally that time of the year! All seasonal pools (located on Camps McTureous and Kinser, Plaza Housing and MCAS Futenma) will be opening on Memorial Day weekend. That means you better stock up on sunscreen, find out wherever you stowed the pool toys, get your swimsuits ready and start the countdown for a cannonball-splash of fun! Since it’s getting pretty hot these days (and with summer on its way to give even more heat), a cooling plunge sounds pretty amazing right now, doesn’t it? In addition, swimming is a great form of exercise that works the whole body. It doesn’t matter if you take it slow and glide through the water to relax or go full speed. However, whether you choose to go easy or have a hardcore workout, swimming is also very useful when it comes to combating stress. Parents would certainly agree, but mostly because taking the kids to the pool is a surefire way to tire them out. Plus, a community pool offers children more than a few hours of awesome playtime and a
great opportunity to socialize. It gives them a chance to improve their coordination, balance and flexibility, which is worked on by simply swimming. The kids don’t know that though, because they’re too busy having a blast. Don’t forget that by taking your children to the pool, you’re getting them to go outside—far away from those darn video games and that “resourceful” iPad. Begin the pool season (and get ready for the summer) the way you should this year by taking the kids to the Hansen 50M Pool, McTureous 25M Pool, Foster 50M Pool or Futenma 25M Pool on Memorial Day (May 28). No children? Don’t worry! There will be fun for all ages, as all pool bashes will feature delicious poolside food (while supplies last), games, awesome prizes and a DJ. All bashes will be held from noon to 3 p.m. For more information on our pool bashes, check out page 9. All MCCS pools will open on Friday, May 25. For more information on the pool openings, visit mccsokinawa.com/aquatics.
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alling all brew enthusiasts! Join us on Saturday, May 26 from 3 to 9 p.m. at the Butler Officers’ Club for an array of fine craft brews expertly-paired with delicious cuisine. Red, White and CraftBrew will feature masters from the Okinawa Craft Beer Association and the Okinawa Octoberfest Committee. A wide range of savory food choices will be available at stations to complement the intricate flavors of your beer selection, including the Bacon & Belly Station (featuring chocolate, peppered maple bacon and stout BBQ bacon shooters), Sliders Station (serving Mojo and beer marinated pork, Philly and vegan eggplant sliders), the Grill Station (with vegan Italian sausage bites, brat bites and marinated lemon pepper chicken skewers) and much more! (cont. on page 3)
inside
Red, White and CraftBrew | 1 & 3 Habu Pit Cajun Shrimp Boil | 3 Fun Day at Okuma | 5 Firecracker Softball Tournament | 7
Memorial Day Pool Bashes | 9 MCCS Tours+ | 11 Semper Fit Events | 11
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livingatlarge Red, White and CraftBrew (cont. from page 1)
In addition to great food and better brews, there will also be LIVE entertainment from DJ Aries (3–6 p.m.) and a band playing a variety of hits (6–9 p.m.). Tickets are on sale NOW at select MCCS Clubs & Restaurants, as well as online for $40, and come with $20 in drink vouchers that can be used in increments for tasting pours or outright purchases of any craft beer offering. Guests will receive their vouchers and a souvenir tasting beer cup upon arrival to the event. Additional vouchers will be available for purchase for those wishing to indulge in more of the many offerings from local craft brewers. All guests must be 20 years old or older to attend and the preferred dress code is business casual. In other words, we encourage all patrons to dress comfortably, but leave the flip-flops, t-shirts and tattered jeans at home.
Please drink responsibly and remember, Red, White and CraftBrew is not about chugging; it’s about sampling a variety of quality craft beers and bringing people together. Last call will be at 9 p.m., with all customers having an hour to finish their beverages and secure a ride. There will also be bus transportation
available both to and from the venue. To view the schedule, please visit mccsokinawa.com/craftbrew. This event is open to all adult DoD ID card holders and their authorized guests. For more information on Red, White and CraftBrew, call the Butler Officers’ Club at 645-7530.
events&happenings
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Habu Pit Cajun Shrimp Boil
here’s no such thing as too much of a good thing when that “good thing” is plump and succulent boiled shrimp! The ultimate laid-back comfort food, shrimp boils are a great southern tradition where generations after generations of friends gathered together and enjoyed fellowship and delicious grub with all the fixins. On Friday, May 18 from 6 to 9 p.m., the Habu Pit on MCAS Futenma will carry on this tradition of finger-licking food and fellowship with a Cajun Shrimp Boil! Be prepared with a sizable appetite as the Habu Pit’s pots will be overflowing with seasoned shrimp boiled to perfection complemented with all of your favorite accompaniments (a.k.a. “fixins”) to enhance the scrumptious crustaceans. Time to gather the family, text all your friends and make a date to dive into all-you-can-eat shrimp-peeling, mess-making heaven!
Tickets to attend the Habu Pit Cajun Shrimp Boil are available at mccsokinawa.com/habupit. Prices are $30 for adults, $14.50 for children
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER | Jim Kassebaum MANAGING EDITOR | Mike Daley ART DIRECTOR | Catherine Newquist CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALIST | Ayako Kawamitsu GRAPHIC ARTS MANAGER | Henry Ortega GRAPHIC DESIGNERS | Margie Shimabukuro, Lisa Miyagi, Jongeun Spencer WRITERS/EDITORS | Amanda Carrasquillo, Ashley Sablan DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER | Thomas Alan Smilie DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA | Kathlene Millette, Gabriel Archer, Emi Komiya, Shelbie Thilmony PHOTOGRAPHER | Roderica Mathis AD/SPONSORSHIP MANAGER | Roy Forster AD SALES | Yoshihiro Shinzato, Yoriko Yamashiro, Hiromitsu Horikawa, Athena Garcia DISTRIBUTION | Kelli Kreider, Desiree Adams MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER | Andrew Menges ACCOUNTS & RESEARCH | Kristen Wong, Secoya Holmes, Ashley Snipes, Erin Hotson INTERNS | Koby Karl, Bailey McLauren
To advertise in Okinawa Spotlight, 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.
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5–11 and FREE for kids under 5. For more information about this event, call the Habu Pit at 636-3081. This publication printed with
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japanese phrase of the week
Umi ni ikimashou! Let's go to the beach!
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For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs-Resources at 645-2104/2106.
islandadventure
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Fun Day at Okuma
ooking for a day of relaxation? The northern reaches of the isle offer pristine beaches, unspoiled natural beauty and the relaxed vibe that you would expect to find on an island paradise such as Okinawa. Okuma Resort, located in Kunigami (which is light years away from the hustle and bustle), is a beautiful place to spend time with family and friends playing a fun, short game of golf, leisurely enjoying the scenery on a bike, visiting the fishes residing in the crystal-clear emerald waters off of a picturesque beach, riding on a banana boat while screaming in glee or playing a 3-on-3 game of basketball under the not-yet-seering springtime sun. There’s just one thing; the person driving has a long, arduous journey in front of them while fighting evening traffic and the "sleepies" all the way home. Why not let Tours+ do the driving for you? Join them Sunday, May
20 for a fun day at Okuma! Enjoy a full day of fun in the sun and recharge the batteries before you face another day in the office. The tour price is $23 for adults, $16 for children 3–11 and FREE for kids under 3. Travelers should bring dollars for spending, rentals and lunch at Oku-
ma Restaurant or bring a packed lunch for a picnic in paradise. For more information on this tour, call Tours+ at 646-3502 or visit them online at mccsokinawa. com/tours.
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pickoftheweek
didyou know?
Firecracker Softball Tournament
O Before the term “softball” was coined by Walter Hakanson in 1926, the sport was identified with terms such as “mush ball,” “indoor baseball” and “pumpkin ball.”
ne does not simply play softball. One lives and breathes softball, because it’s more than just a sport; it’s a lifestyle. If you’re someone with this kind of diamond fever, you’re well aware of this. And, you probably already know that the best event of the year is near. That's right, it's almost time for the Firecracker! Get your fluorescent yellow fix with six days of competi-
tion in the biggest softball tournament in the Pacific. Who will reign supreme in 2018? The Firecracker will be held at the Camp Foster softball fields from June 28 to July 3 and is open to players Pacific-wide. Nonstop, roundthe-clock games will begin on June 29. This tournament will be a single round robin followed by double elimination. Team and individual
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photooftheweek
Start your summer with a splash! All MCCS pools will be open starting Friday, May 25.
awards will be given to the top three teams in both male and female divisions. All-tournament players, skills competition winners, male and female MVPs and all-tournament coaches will also receive awards. Those interested must register by 1 p.m. on June 22 at any staffed MCCS Fitness Center for $275 a team. For more information, call 645-3521 or visit mccsokinawa.com/semperfit.
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indepth
didyou know?
Memorial Day Pool Bashes
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The first recorded swimming races took place in Japan in 36 B.C.
he Okinawan heat can be overpowering, and finding a way to cool off can prove to be difficult. But don’t sweat it; MCCS Aquatics has got you covered. There are MCCS Aquatic Centers conveniently located at various bases, waiting for you to stop in and swim or just get the perfect tan.
Start the summer pool season right with a Memorial Day Pool Bash! The Hansen 50M, McTureous 25M, Foster 50M and Futenma 25M Pools will all be hosting a bash on Memorial Day (May 28). It’s sure to be great family fun with FREE food, games and a DJ spinning some of today’s hottest hits. Be sure to request
your favorite song while you enjoy some delicious poolside BBQ (while supplies last)! There will also be aquatic games for all ages and prizes you won’t want to miss. So come on out and enjoy the cool of the pool. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/aquatics. —Koby “Cool of the Pool” Karl
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tours+
adventure begins here Battle Sites Tour May 12 & 20, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $28; Children (3–11) $18, (Under 3) FREE Visit Hacksaw Ridge and the Battle of Okinawa Historical Society Museum on Camp Kinser. Afterwards, explore the Japanese Naval Underground Headquarters and end the day at Peace Memorial Park. Bring dollars for lunch and yen for admissions. Pizza in the Sky and Nakijin Castle Ruins May 26, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $28; Children (6–11) $18, (3–5) $16, (Under 3) FREE Gaze out at the ocean as you indulge in delicious pizza and salad from the café restaurant “Pizza in the Sky,” located in the hills of Northern Okinawa. After lunch, stop by the Nakijin Castle Ruins. Bring yen for lunch and additional spending.
Kerama Islands Snorkeling Tour May 27, 7 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Adults $74; Children (4–11) $41 Experience Okinawa like never before! Join Tours+ as we take you by boat ride to the Kerama Islands. Located off the coast of Naha, this is one of Okinawa’s premier snorkeling and dive locations. Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen, lunch and hydration. Tour goers must also provide their own snorkeling sets. Children under 4 and expectant mothers are not allowed on the tour. Expo Park & Churaumi Aquarium May 28, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $39; Children (16–17) $34, (6–15) $21, (3–5) $16, (Under 3) FREE Head to Expo Park, where you can visit Japan’s largest aquarium. Watch a FREE dolphin show, explore an Okinawan village and much more! Admission for both the park and aquarium are included in the tour price. Lunch is not included.
*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
upcoming semperfitevents
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Open Flag Football Tournament May 25, 6 p.m. May 26–27, 9 a.m. Camp Schwab Field Register by May 21 (1 p.m.) at any staffed MCCS athletic facility for $120 per team. This event is open to all participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place teams. For more information, call 625-2654 or email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. Open Doubles Tennis Tournament June 2–3, 9 a.m. Camp Courtney Ironworks Fitness Center Register by May 30 (1 p.m.) at any staffed MCCS athletic facility for $30 per pair. This event is open to all participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place winners. For more information, call 622-7297 or email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
Open Flag Football Tournament June 8, 6 p.m. June 9–10, 9 a.m. Camp Courtney Bowl Register by June 4 (1 p.m.) at any staffed MCCS athletic facility for $120. This event is open to all participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place teams. For more information, call 6227297 or email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. Open Softball Tournament June 8, 6 p.m. June 9–10, 9 a.m. Camp Kinser Softball Fields Register by June 4 (1 p.m.) at any staffed MCCS athletic facility for $120 per team. This event is open to all participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place teams and individuals. For more information, call 637-1869 or email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
classof theweek
Cycle Indoor cycling is an effective cardio and strength workout with a variety of courses including hill climb, downhill, rolling hill, flat, head/tailwind and more. For a full group fitness schedule, visit mccsokinawa.com/groupfitness.