Okinawa Spotlight

MCCS Hot Job August 24, 2017 | Subscribe to win at mccsokinawa.com/spotlight

Hansen Festival

EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT SUPERVISOR, NF-04 Location: Camp Foster Description: Develops longrange employee development plans that complement the strategic operational focus of MCCS and ensures compliance with all applicable directives from higher headquarters.

Apply by: August 28

more MCCS jobs on p.11

Left to right: Thomas Alan Smilie, ingimage.com

Tsunami Scuba Labor Day Sale

W

hat better time of the year for one of the hottest festivals on the island? One of the most popular summer festivals MCCS has to offer is almost here—Hansen Fest! MCCS will be hosting the Hansen Festival on Saturday, September 23 and Sunday, September 24 from 1 to 9 p.m. both days.

This annual festival welcomes all service members, their families and local Okinawans and Japanese to partake in a weekend of festival fun with favorite festival attractions for all ages including Fun Land’s rides and bouncers, game booths and more. Hungry revelers will delight in delicious cultural foods and food offerings from MCCS including USA staples such as sizzling burgers from Bulldogs, succulent BBQ beef brisket from Hickory House All-American BBQ, scrumptious pizza, and, for adult patrons, refreshing

inside

beverages from Kanpai Lounge.

As a part of MCCS’ Hard Corps Music Series, entertainment will include true legends of red, white and blue rock ‘n roll to honor service members this year.

Hansen Festival is open to all DoD ID card holders and Japanese citizens. FREE shuttle buses will provide transportation to and from designated parking lots on Camp Hansen. Patrons should enter Camp Hansen via Gates 1 & 2 from noon to 10 p.m. both days.

Please leave your pets at home. Do not bring any outside alcohol, bottles or coolers. If you choose to drink, please do so responsibly. There will be daiko and taxi services available.

For more information, call MCCS Special Events at 645-5828 or visit mccsokinawa.com/festivals.

Okinapa | 3 Tsunami Scuba Labor Day Sale | 3 Island Adventure: Yanbaru Kayaking Trip | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 7

Exploring the underwater wonderland surrounding Okinawa is one of the island’s most rewarding and pleasurable experiences. Even though the waters of Okinawa will be warm well into autumn, the end of summer is a great time to start thinking about cooler-weather diving and preparing for what you’ll need. Tsunami Scuba will be hosting a Labor Day Sale from September 2nd to the 4th at Tsunami Scuba locations island-wide on many items that will keep divers comfortable all-year-round. (cont. on page 3)

Pick of the Week: Courtney Beach Clean Up | 7 Red, White and Blue Scramble | 9 MCCS Tours+ | 11 Semper Fit Events | 11

2 | OKINAWA SPOTLIGHT | August 24, 2017

3 | OKINAWA SPOTLIGHT | August 24, 2017

livingatlarge

Y

Okinapa 20th Anniversary

ou’ve heard about it. Everyone is talking about it. So, why not gather your friends and find out what all the excitement is about? Now in its 20th year, MCCS is once again proud to present the Okinapa Wine Festival—a food- and wine-tasting extravaganza. Unique to Okinawa, this two-day event has built a substantial reputation since its inception, catering to those interested in learning more about wine culture and delicious food pairings.

As it has from the beginning, Okinapa will feature wines from throughout the world and promises to be another tremendous celebration courtesy of MCCS Okinawa. Vendors will once again be traveling from all over the wine world, bringing some of their most tantalizing vintages for your enjoyment and education.

This year’s Okinapa will take place Friday, September 15 from 5 to 11 p.m. and Saturday, September 16 from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Butler Officers’

Club. Tickets are $40 per person and are sold online at mccsokinawa.com/ okinapa beginning August 22. Tickets sales are limited to 4 per patron.*As this is a very popular event, we apol-

ogize in advance if tickets have sold out. For more information, call 6457530 or visit the Butler Officers’ Club online at mccsokinawa.com/boc.

events&happenings

Tsunami Scuba Labor Day Sale

Chief Marketing Officer | Jim Kassebaum Managing Editor | Ryan Anastoplus Art Director | Catherine Newquist Cultural Research Specialist | Ayako Kawamitsu Graphic Arts Manager | Henry Ortega Graphic Designers | Margie Shimabukuro, Lisa Miyagi, Hector Nieves, Jongeun Spencer Editor-in-Chief | Mike Daley WRITER/EDITOR| Shelbie Thilmony Digital marketing manager | Thomas Alan Smilie Photographer | Roderica Mathis Ad/Sponsorship Manager | Roy Forster Ad Sales | Yoshihiro Shinzato, Yoriko Yamashiro, Angela Neal Distribution | Kelli Kreider, Desiree Adams Marketing Accounts Manager | Andrew Menges Accounts & Research | Ashley Herring, Kristen Wong, Secoya Holmes, Ashley Snipes, Allison Dixon Broadcast | Kathlene Millette, Gabriel Archer, Emi Komiya Summer Hires | Nicholaus Featherston, Mia Cox

Questions? Comments? Please e-mail OLW@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.

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.

(cont. from page 1)

ingimage.com

Shoppers can save 10% off of all merchandise excluding educational materials, rentals, services and booties. But the real deals will only be announced inside the stores during the sale. Everyone loves being in the right place at the right time and those looking for a deal on scuba-related merchandise will be rewarded for it with Tsunami Scuba’s secret daily specials during the Labor Day Sale!

For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/tsunamiscuba or facebook.com/mccsokinawa.scuba.

This publication printed with

4 | OKINAWA SPOTLIGHT | August 24, 2017

5 | OKINAWA SPOTLIGHT | August 24, 2017

don't

islandadventure

forget

O

Clockwise from the top left: MCCS, Thomas Alan Smilie

We recommend bringing a change of clothes, a towel, suntan lotion, sandals, a hat and a packed lunch with many drinks. Unfortunately, no children under the age of 6 or pregnant woman are permitted on this tour.

Yanbaru Kayaking Trip

ne of the best ways to experience Okinawa is from (or in) the water. Kayaking brings you close to nature and lets you explore areas of the island that are otherwise inaccessible. It’s also a great way to get your muscles moving and disguise exercise as something fun.

Okinawa offers opportunities for both ocean kayaking and river kayaking. Inlets and coves are excellent spots for ocean kayaking when the waters are calm.

Further north, you’ll find ideal conditions for river kayaking. The lush jungle area of Yanbaru offers mangrove-lined rivers reminiscent of an expedition up the Amazon.

One of the largest mangrove forests can be found at the mouth of the Gesashi River in Higashi Village.

The area is considered to be one of the most diverse natural environments on island and a great spot to take in the sights from your kayak.

If you’re new to kayaking, MCCS Tours+ can get you started with a guided trip through the mangroves in Yanbaru. The next tour will be on Saturday, August 26 from 8 a.m.

to 3:30 p.m. Tour prices for adults are $55 and $33 for children 6 to 12. For details on this and other tours, visit MCCS Tours+ online at mccsokinawa.com/tours.

6 | OKINAWA SPOTLIGHT | August 24, 2017

7 | OKINAWA SPOTLIGHT | August 24, 2017

japanese phrase

pickoftheweek

of the week

O

A-chi-chi-a-chi!

Hot-hot-hot!

For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs-Resources at 645-2104/2106.

Courtney Beach Clean Up

n the surface, Okinawa looks like a typical subtropical island paradise—a picture postcard of beautiful beaches, verdant green forests, and abundant natural life.

For centuries, the seas have provided sustenance for the residents, and, even today, the oceans and beaches continue to provide for the people of Okinawa. Tourism is a major source of income and the coasts of Okinawa are lined with resort hotels filled with tourists that flock to the island to immerse themselves in the island’s natural beauty.

However beautiful the picture of Okinawa may appear, if you were to peer closer, you might notice that the “pristine” sands of Okinawa’s beaches are marred by half-buried aluminum cans and fly-ridden fast food wrappers. And, if you were to look still higher along the shorelines, you would see the over-grown remains of broken bottles, flotsam, Styrofoam, plastic bottles and other

trash washed up by the tide.

Everyone on the island shares the responsibility in repaying Mother Nature for giving us this beautiful gift called Okinawa and especially its beautiful beaches. You too can do your part. How? Join members of Camp Courtney’s Single Marine

Clockwise from top to bottom: ingimage.com, Sarah Head, Roderica Mathis

photooftheweek

Okinawa’s beautiful coastlines and beaches are treasures worth saving so that they can be enjoyed by the generations to come.

Program to clean up the beaches of Uruma City. Interested participants can meet at Bldg. 4319 on Camp Courtney next to the beach entrance at 8:50 a.m. for check in and a safety brief. The earth with thank you!

For more information visit mccsokinawa.com/smp.

9 | OKINAWA SPOTLIGHT | August 24, 2017

more

Red, White and Blue Scramble

information

Left to right: flippo/bigstock.com, monkeybusinessimages/bigstock.com

For more information on the event, call 622-2004/2006 (098 954-2004/2006 from offbase or a mobile phone).

Visit Taiyo Golf Club online at mccsokinawa.com/golf.

L

ike a bit of competition on the links? Then polish your swing (and your clubs) and get ready for the Taiyo Golf Club Red, White and Blue Scramble on September 9! The entry fee is $30 per player, and the registration deadline is September 6 at noon. Don’t wait until the last moment, however, as registration will close as soon as all slots are filled.

This event will be a four-person

scramble played with 10 percent of the team’s combined handicap.

What is a four-person scramble you ask? Team players will hit from alternating red, white and blue tees (hence the name) and the best shot will be selected. The players will then play the next shot from the position of the selected ball, placing each ball within 12 inches of where the selected ball lies (no closer to the

pin). This procedure is continued until the completion of each hole.

Make sense?

Players may choose their own foursomes and winning teams will win great prizes! The Taiyo Golf Club Red, White and Blue Scramble will be a tee time event with the first slot at 6:15 a.m. Green and cart fees are not included in the registration fee.

10 | OKINAWA SPOTLIGHT | August 24, 2017

11 | OKINAWA SPOTLIGHT | August 24, 2017

mccshotjobs RECREATION ATTENDANT NF-01

YOUTH SPORTS COORDINATOR NF-02/03

QUALITY ASSURANCE INSPECTOR NF-03

Location: Camp Foster Provides instructions and information concerning policies and regulations in the use of facilities, fitness program schedules, operation hours, monthly activities and programs, etc. to authorized patrons. Monitors and evaluates the security of the premises.

Location: Camp Foster Plans, organizes, coordinates and directs a comprehensive youth fitness/sports program including major and minor events, team sports and competitive events with a participant population of over 2,500 youth and teens, ages 5-18.

Location: Camp Foster Under the guidance of the QA Supervisor, inspects and evaluates operations to detect unsafe/ unhealthy conditions and ensures compliance with applicable safety and health laws, regulations, and standards.

Apply by: August 28

Apply by: September 4

Apply by: August 28

For more information about Marine Corps civilian careers with MCCS, visit mccsokinawa.com/jobs

tours+ Southern Hill Ice Skating Tour August 26, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Adults $36, Children (13-17) $34, Children (7-12) $25, Children (3-6) $23, Children (0-2) FREE More than just an ice skating rink, Southern Hill offers batting cages, a bowling alley, video games and more.

Bring yen for food and activities. Gloves are required for skating.

Hotel Nikko Alivila and Central Highlights September 2, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Adults $45, Children (6–12) $28, (4–5) $19 (under 3) FREE Start the day at the Zakimi Castle Ruins, Yomitan Museum and then the famous Cape Zampa Lighthouse. Break for lunch at the four-star Spanish-style Hotel Nikko Alivila Resort and then finish the day relaxing on the beach.

Kerama Islands Snorkeling Tour August 27, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Adult $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 Kerama Islands.

Northern Highlights September 3, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Adults $39, Children (3–11) $24, (under 3) FREE Visit Nago Pineapple Winery, Nago Glass Factory, and the Orion Brewery. Enjoy a buffet lunch at Yanbaru Ikoi No Mura.

*Bring yen for additional food, drinks and/or purchases. Camp Foster 646-3502 | Camp Hansen 623-6344 | Camp Kinser 637-2744

Athletics/Adult Sports

Mike Daley

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

upcoming semperfitevents Northern CC Cup 11-on-11 Soccer Tournament September 1–3 Camp Courtney Bowl Register by August 28 (1 p.m.) at any MCCS athletic facility. This event is open to eligible unit teams on northern camps.

Awards will be given to first and second place teams. Bylaws and a tournament bracket schedule will be e-mailed to team representatives August 28. For more information, call 622-7297.

Open Basketball Tournament September 8–10 Camp Foster Fieldhouse Register by September 5 (1 p.m.) at any MCCS athletic facility for $120 per team.

This event is open to participants island wide. A group trophy, as well as individual awards, will be given to first, second and third place teams. Bylaws and a tournament bracket schedule will be e-mailed to team representatives September 5. For more information, call 645-4866.

classof theweek MixxedFit® A dance fitness program that is a mix of explosive dancing and boot camp toning. Everything in the class is “explosive” which helps you to burn more calories and to challenge physically and mentally. This class is offered on Mondays & Saturdays at Gunners Fitness Center.

For a full schedule and class descriptions, visit mccsokinawa.com/groupfitness.