January 25, 2018 · mccsokinawa.com
Big Game, Bigger Breakfast
Spend Your Valentine's Day with Us!
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t’s coming. One of the biggest sporting spectacles in the world will be held inside U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota and the anticipation and excitement is building like a thunderstorm on the horizon. Disappointed that you won’t be there to see the titanic clash of gridiron gladiators? Bummed that you’ll miss out on whether Justin Timberlake can outdo Lady Gaga’s 2017 halftime performance? Don’t fret! Instead, snag your seat for the Super Bowl on February 5 at your participating MCCS Clubs and Restaurants. For only $12, pile your plate high at 7 a.m. at the Big Game, Big Breakfast Buffet. Then kick back with your buddies and count down to kickoff. Complimentary snacks will be served throughout the game, so no need to rush to miss a play because you have to grab some more chips and dip.
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The BeachHead on Camp Schwab and The Palms Enlisted Lounge on Camp Hansen have the northern end of the island covered on game day. Hashmarks SNCO Club and Legends Officers’ Club on Camp Courtney have ample space in their huddle for you to cheer on your favorite team. The Butler Officers’ Club and the Globe & Anchor inside Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster are also eligible receivers. And, down south, both the Habu Pit on MCAS Futenma and Surfside on Camp Kinser will snag your “Hail Mary” in the back of the end zone for six. Fast casual dining options will be offered at Thirsty’s Enlisted Club on MCAS Futenma, Bayview Enlisted Club on Camp Courtney and Bulldogs Burgers inside the Foster Bowling Center. For more Big Game, Big Breakfast details, visit mccsokinawa.com/clubs or call your local participating club.
Spend Your Valentine's Day with Us! | 1 & 3 A Romantic Dinner for Two | 3 Sakura Time | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5
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ove is in the air. Love is on air. Love is everywhere. Ahhh... Valentine's Day. It's that time of year to celebrate your better half and make him or her feel special. This year, head to a local MCCS Club or Restaurant and make this Valentine's Day one you'll both cherish forever. If you want to celebrate a little early (or twice), Butler Officers' Club in Plaza Housing is offering an opulent seven-course dinner on February 10 for $50 a person. Start off your evening with cocktails and complimentary hors d'oeuvres during cocktail hour at 6 p.m. Dinner will be served starting at 7 p.m. (cont. on page 3)
Adam DeVine Comedy Show | 7 Mardi Gras Family Fun Night | 9 MCCS Tours+ | 11 Semper Fit Events | 11
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livingatlarge
Spend Your Valentine’s Day with Us!
(cont. from page 1)
On February 13, The Veranda inside Ocean Breeze will be hosting a lovely event for the whole family. There will be a special buffet, photo booth and lively activities from 5 to 9 p.m. Adults are $17.95, children 5–11 are $8.95 and children under 5 are FREE. On February 14, you have a few choices. Head over to MCAS Futen-
ma and dine out at the Habu Pit’s Evening of Romance. Their specialty four-course menu is $45 each or $80 for a couple. Kinser Surfside will be offering a romantic full-course meal beginning at 6:30 p.m. for $70 a couple. Can’t go without a babysitter? There’s no need if you head to Tengan Castle on Camp Courtney. Kids eat from a special buffet and play
games while adults spoil themselves with a romantic à la carte dinner. Would your significant other prefer complimentary beverages and flowers? Then Taiyo Steakhouse at Taiyo Golf Club is the perfect place. For more information on Valentine’s events at MCCS Clubs and Restaurants, call a participating facility or visit mccsokinaw.com/clubs.
events&happenings
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, Hector Nieves, Jongeun Spencer WRITERS/EDITORS | Amanda Carrasquillo, Ashley Sablan DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER | Thomas Alan Smilie SOCIAL MEDIA | Shelbie Thilmony PHOTOGRAPHER | Roderica Mathis AD/SPONSORSHIP MANAGER | Roy Forster AD SALES | Yoshihiro Shinzato, Yoriko Yamashiro, Angela Neal, Athena Garcia DISTRIBUTION | Kelli Kreider, Desiree Adams MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER | Andrew Menges ACCOUNTS & RESEARCH | Ashley Herring, Kristen Wong, Secoya Holmes, Ashley Snipes, Erin Hotson BROADCAST | Kathlene Millette, Gabriel Archer, Emi Komiya INTERNS | Koby Karl, Bailey McLauren
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A Romantic Dinner for Two
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othing says “I love you” like a romantic dinner for two. On February 14, treat your sweetheart to an elegant full-course meal at Surfside on Camp Kinser! Tickets are only $70 a couple! The elegant evening will begin with scrumptious shrimp bisque soup. Then, enjoy benimo (purple sweet potatoes) corn cakes topped
with scallops and served with ume (Okinawan plums) dipping sauce. A grilled sea bass over risotto with lemon puree and a zucchini salad will follow for the first entrée. Some shiquasa (a citrus fruit) honey sorbet will help cleanse your palate as you wait for the main course—a filet with blackberry and rosemary reduction accompanied by squash and
goat cheese bruschetta. If you still have room, this intimate meal also includes a superb chef select dessert. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. Space is limited to 15 couples. Tickets must be purchased at Surfside. For more information, call 637-3137 or visit mccsokinawa.com/surfside. This publication printed with
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japanese phrase of the week
Hanami ni ikimasen ka? Why don’t we go and see the cherry blossoms?
Roderica Mathis
For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs-Resources at 645-2104/2106.
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n Okinawa, the hanami, or cherry blossom viewing season, starts much earlier than in mainland Japan. Hanami signifies the conclusion of winter and the dawn of spring. Known as sakura, cherry blossoms are also revered as an indication of good fortune and love—fitting for the transition into a new season. The tradition of hanami in Japan is centuries-old. Its origin lies in the Nara Period (710–794), when people gathered for the viewing of ume (plum) blossoms. By the Heian Period (794–1185), sakura began to attract more attention and the term "hanami" became colloquially synonymous with festivals exclusive to the celebration of cherry blossoms. Every year on Okinawa, thousands of people flock to the flowering trees to enjoy cheerful companionship and watch eisa dancers and taiko drummers march through the
Sakura Time
dreamy scenery. MCCS Tours+ is offering tours to the Nago Cherry Blossom Festival on January 27 and 28. Enjoy an eisa performance, cultural dances, folk music and hanami set against a picturesque view of the East China Sea. The tour will run from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets for the tour are $23 for adults, $16 for children 3–11 and FREE for
children under 2. Please bring yen for additional spending at the many unique food booths at the festival. Oh, and don’t forget your camera! The Nago Cherry Blossom Festival often provides some of the best photo backdrops you’ll see on-island. For more information, call 6463502. Visit MCCS Tours+ online at mcccssokinawa.com/tours.
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pickoftheweek
didyou know?
O When Adam DeVine was 11 years old, he was hit by a cement truck while walking his bike across the street. He woke up two weeks later and was told that he may never walk again. However, with determination (and 26 surgeries) he eventually regained full mobility. He credits this accident for his career, since comedy became his way of dealing with it.
Adam DeVine Comedy Show
n February 10, laugh harder than ever as one of the most sought-after comedians and actors in the comedy world takes the stage—Adam DeVine. DeVine is best known as a cocreator, writer and star of Workaholics. He played the infamous Adam DeMamp, a role that got him named as one of THR’s Top 50 Showrunners and one of Variety’s 2013 Ten Comics to watch. He can also be seen on Comedy Central's Adam DeVine's House Party and the award-winning ABC series, Modern Family. The famed comedian and actor has starred in several side-splitting movies, such as Pitch Perfect and the sequel, Pitch Perfect 2 as “Bumper.” He has worked with many prominent performers, some including Zac Efron (in the Fox feature, Mike and Dave Need Wedding
ingimage.com, Photo courtesey of Adam DeVine, Thomas Alan Smilie
photooftheweek
The Treron Permagnus, also known as the Ryukyu green-pigeon, has a call that sounds like a long, melancholic, flute-like note.
Dates), Anne Hathaway and Robert De Niro (in the Warner Brothers film, The Intern) and Taissa Farmiga and Malin Akerman (in Sony’s The Final Girls). He can be seen next in the Netflix original, When We First Met, as well as in the Fox feature Why Him?, starring James Franco and Bryan Cranston. In the wise words of Adam DeMamp, “you only YOLO once.” Therefore, make sure to take some time out of your busy schedule to enjoy one of life’s greatest pleasures—laughter. Adam DeVine will be performing for FREE in the Surfside Ballroom at 8 p.m. This event is for adults only, as it may contain adult-oriented language that may be offensive. All ranks are welcome. For more information, call 645-5821 or visit mccsokinawa. com/entertainment.
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didyou know?
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Mardi Gras is all about flair, so come dressed to impress! Both Family Fun Nights will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Adults are $7.95, children 5–11 are $3.95 and children under 5 are FREE! For more information, call a participating club or visit mccsokinawa.com/clubs.
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Mardi Gras Family Fun Night
ou’ve probably heard of this thing called “Mardi Gras” that happens every year in New Orleans. After all, it’s one of the biggest parties in the world. Famed for extravagant parades, beads flying through the air, colorful costumes, awesome music and the best food ever—it’s definitely an event to have on the top of your bucket list. However, you probably won’t be making that lengthy trip to Louisiana from Okinawa anytime soon. That doesn’t mean you can’t partake in the wonderful festivities on-island. On February 22, it’s Mardi Gras on Okinawa! Head to Tengan Castle on Camp Courtney or Surfside on Camp Kinser for Mardi Gras Family Fun Night! Enjoy a festive night of awesome games, prizes and giveaways that’ll make you feel like you actually brought your family all the
way to The Big Easy! Don’t worry, for the star of Mardi Gras will certainly be there—the food (and yes, the food is the star… not the beads). Both clubs will feature a tasty Mardi Gras-themed buffet, inspired
by the bold flavors of New Orleans. So, it’ll be impossible not to stuff your face with all the yummy food! Sounds like an event you don’t want to miss, right?
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tours+
adventure begins here Battle Sites Tour* February 3, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $28; Children (3–11) $18, (Under 3) FREE Take a step back in time to WWII. Visit Hacksaw Ridge and the Battle of Okinawa Historical Society Museum on Camp Kinser. Then, explore the Japanese Naval Underground Headquarters and end the day at Peace Memorial Park. Bring dollars for lunch and yen for admission.
Whale Watching Tours* February 11 & 17, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Adults $53; Children (4-11) $36 Watch these mammoth-sized aquatic mammals surface around the Kerama Islands while enjoying the beautiful scenery and ocean breezes. This is an experience of a lifetime! After a morning on the seas, there will be lunch and shopping on Kokusai Street. Bring yen for lunch.
Kinoshita Circus* February 4, 10 & 11 (Times Vary) Adults $45; Children (3–14) $28, (Under 3) FREE (No Seat) Experience Japan’s oldest and most famous circus! Marvel over the “Miracle Wild White Lions,” “Artistic Spectacle of the Double Flying Trapeze,” “Sliding Tightrope,” “Russian Aerial Acrobatic Trapeze,” “Death Defying Motorcycle Globe,” wacky clowns and much more!
Polynesian Dinner Show* February 16, 4:30–8:30 p.m. Adults $73, Children (6–11) $40, (3–5) $28, (0–2) FREE Enjoy flavorful Pan Pacific foods and the World Dinner Buffet at the opulent Renaissance Okinawa Resort’s Sailfish Café while watching the dancers showcase unique Polynesian cultural dances.
*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
Thomas Alan Smilie, ingimage
upcoming semperfitevents Softball Tournament February 2, 6 p.m. February 3–4, 9 a.m. Camp Kinser BK Field & Field #4 Register by January 29 (1 p.m.) at any MCCS athletic facility for $120. This event is open to all participants island-wide. Team and individual awards will be given to first, second and third place teams. By-laws and the tournament bracket will be emailed on January 29. For more information, call 637-1869 or email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
Camp Commander’s Cup Northern Bowling February 7, 8 a.m. Camp Schwab Bowling Center Register by January 31 (1 p.m.) at any MCCS athletic facility for FREE. This event is open to all eligible units and sections stationed on Camps Courtney, Hansen and Schwab. Team awards will be presented to the first and second place teams. By-laws and the tournament bracket will be emailed on January 31. For more information, call 625-2654 or email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
Basketball Tournament February 2, 6 p.m. February 3–4, 9 a.m. Hansen House of Pain Fitness Center Register by January 29 (1 p.m.) at any 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. By-laws and the tournament bracket will be emailed on January 29. For more information, call 623-5558/5569 or email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
Camp Commander’s Cup Southern Bowling February 8, 8 a.m. Camp Foster Bowling Center Register by February 1 (1 p.m.) at any MCCS athletic facility for FREE. This event is open to all eligible units and sections stationed on Camps Foster and Kinser, as well as MCAS Futnema. Team awards will be presented to the first and second place teams. By-laws and the tournament bracket will be emailed on February 1. For more information, call 645-3003/4866 or email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
classof theweek
Muscle Madness This class is designed to build strength, increase endurance and burn body fat. Each class will focus on strengthening major muscle groups using weights. Appropriate for ALL Fitness levels. For a full group fitness schedule, visit mccsokinawa.com/groupfitness.