mccsokinawa.com
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December 3, 2015
okinawalivingweekly
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CCS Okinawa has once again giftwrapped a very special package of holiday cheer in appreciation of our Marines, Sailors and their families on Okinawa as well as on Camp Fuji in mainland Japan and Camp Mujuk in South Korea. Heaps of events, offerings, entertainment, prize drawings, giveaways and more are in store to make the holidays even merrier. Some of the festivities are already underway. Enjoy your first game on the house at MCCS bowling centers across the island every Monday through Thursday. If bowling isn’t your thing, there is the Single Marine Program’s (SMP) Duck & Cover 4 Team “Best Ball” Golf Tournament at Taiyo Golf Club
INSIDE
on December 4. Also at Taiyo is the Holiday Ham Scramble on December 12 (register by December 9). If you’re more interested in buying golf gear, the Pro Shop Holiday Sale runs until December 25. Other retail highlights include Tsunami Scuba’s Holiday Sale, which will be slashing prices until the end of the year, and the Kenwood Christmas Sale at Typhoon Motors until December 16 and the Tool Sale from December 17 to 31. MCCS clubs and restaurants across the island offer plenty to do throughout the holidays. On December 6, 13 and 20, have Brunch with Santa at the Butler Officers’ Club from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Single Marines on Camp Courtney
Living at Large: Courtney Festival with Aaron Tippin | 3 Culture Corner: Island Sweets | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5 Off Base Events: Disney on Classic | 7
can enjoy Christmas Brunch courtesy of SMP at Tengan Castle on December 21 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Those on or near MCAS Futenma won’t miss out—come for a FREE breakfast buffet at the Habu Pit on December 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a Christmas Eve Hawaiian Luau on December 24 from 5 to 9 p.m. These events are just a small example of the 200+ events happening on Marine installations across Okinawa through December and into the New Year to make Okinawa Your Home for the Holidays. For a complete event listing and more details, visit mccsokinawa.com/holidays.
turn to p.3 for more events Photo of the Week | 7 Spotlight: Tsunami Scuba Holiday Sale| 9 Semper Fit Events | 11 Class of the Week: Prenatal Yoga | 11
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livingatlarge
Courtney Festival with Aaron Tippin
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he Courtney Christmas and Holiday Festival is a FREE event for all ages and provides plenty of merriment on December 5 and 6 from 2 to 10 p.m. This year’s event will be held at the Commissary and Exchange complex. Don your Christmas spirit and get ready for a truly spectacular festive celebration. This festival is open to all DoD ID card holders and Japanese. There will be booths featuring cultural foods, games, Fun Land featuring Santa’s House, giveaways, amusement rides and live entertainment featuring Aaron Tippin at 7:30 p.m. both days. In the spirit of the season, MCCS will be giving away two over-
night stays for four courtesy of ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort and two round-trip tickets from Narita to any American Airlines gateway city courtesy of American Airlines. There will be shuttles from designated parking areas to the festi-
val. No pets, outside alcohol, bottles, backpacks or coolers allowed. Taxi and daiko services will be available. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/festivals or call 645-5828.
Events and Happenings Free First Game Every Monday–Thursday in December Bowling Centers, all camps 645-7205
Youth Sports Reindeer Games Through December Youth Sports, Camps Kinser, Foster & Courtney 645-3533
Okinawan Gift Wrapping Class December 4, 5–7 p.m. EFMP, Camp Foster 645-9237
Free Social Hour Snacks Every Friday & Saturday in December, 5–7 p.m. Surfside, Camp Kinser 637-3137
Jingle Bell Fun Run December 4, 8 a.m. Fitness Center, Camp Kinser 637-1114
Brunch with Santa December 6, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Butler Officers’ Club, Plaza Hsg. 645-7530
Questions? Comments? Please e-mail OLW@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org
Jingle Bell Fun Run December 4, 1 p.m. House of Pain, Camp Hansen 623-4831
SMP Wing Wedenesday & Beating the Blues December 9, 6-9 p.m. SMP, Camp Schwab 625-1119
No Department of Defense, U.S. Marine Corps or Marine Corps Community Services endorsement of commercial advertisers or sponsors implied.
De-stress December 1-23 Health Promotion, all camps 645-3910
To advertise in Okinawa Living Weekly, call 645-2245, fax 645-0975, or email sales@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. MCCS is not responsible for designing and editing outside ads.
This publication printed with
Camp Foster
Camp Foster
December 12, 1:30–4:30 p.m. Learn about military lifestyles, share insights and knowledge, make friends and gain skills to be successful throughout your journey. Register online by December 10. mccsokinawa.com/mcftb
December 16, 5:30–6:30 p.m. Learn how to change your brakes from the pros at Typhoon Motors. Reservation required. Typhoon Motors 645-7169/9362/9363
L.I.N.K.S. for Kids
Top photo: kiankhoon/bigstock.com
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER | Jim Kassebaum MANAGING EDITOR | Ryan Anastoplus ART DIRECTOR | Corrinne McKenna CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALIST | Ayako Kawamitsu GRAPHIC ARTS MANAGER | Henry Ortega GRAPHIC DESIGNERS | Margie Shimabukuro, Lisa Miyagi, Kelli Davis, Corrinne McKenna Catherine Newquist EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | Mike Daley PHOTOGRAPHER | Thomas Alan Smilie AD/SPONSORSHIP MANAGER | Roy Forster AD SALES | Yoshihiro Shinzato, Aya Chilcote, Yoriko Yamashiro, Carina Fils-Julien, Lisa Hicks, Michael Johnson DISTRIBUTION | Gideon Juko, Sho Vivas MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER | Andrew Menges ACCOUNTS & RESEARCH | Amanda Bakun, Katherine Melrose, Kayla Christen, Jenessa Reutov, Jennifer Dowd, Marissa DeSmet BROADCAST | Victor Mercado, Kathlene Millette, Gabriel Archer CAREER PRACTICUM INTERN | Skylor Stevens
Various Camps
Motor Vehicle Operators Wanted
Why work your day away at a desk when you could be surrounded by beautiful scenery and open roads? Motor Transportation Office at 645-7772
Car Care Workshop: Servicing and Replacing Brakes
Camp Foster
MLK JR Pacific Basketball Tournament January 14–15, 6 p.m. & 16–18, 9:30 p.m. Register by 4 p.m. on January 8 at any MCCS fitness center for $250 per team or by 1 p.m. on January 11 at Gunners Fitness Center for $300. Gunners Fitness Center 645-3521.
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japanese phrase
culturecorner
of the week
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What do you do for a living? Osigoto wa nani wo shiteimasuka?
Clockwise from the top left: lithian, Nosnibor137/bigstock.com
For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs– Resources at 645-2104/2106.
Island Sweets
epending on where you are in the world, it can be difficult to find certain cuisines. Each region’s history and culture will depict its flavors. However there is one thing that is unanimous across all countries in the world: we all love sweets. The magical, child-like awe of having dessert never goes away when you know you’re entering a place with fine confections. Okinawa’s selection of desserts varies from American, French and Italian-inspired dishes. Of course, the classic staples of sata andagi (Okinawan donuts) and chinsko (Okinawan shortbread cookies) are tried-and-true members of the dessert old guard. However, if you fancy a NY cheesecake, tiramisu or opera cake, you wouldn’t need to travel very far either. But Japan’s love affair with French and American sweets isn’t one-sided–Japanese pastries and chefs are the latest craze
in France and New York. The only thing that rivals the number of vending machines on Okinawa is the number of dessert shops. With all the bakeries, cake shops and ice
cream parlors, you should never suffer through a sugar craving again. So scavenge the island for every sweetmeat and explore the world through your sweet tooth.
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off-base events get out and explore.
Disney on Classic– A Magical Night December 4, 6 p.m. & December 5, 12:30 p.m. Okinawa Convention Center Ginowan City Tickets: ¥7,600 for seat A, ¥8,700 for seat S Ryukyu Golden Kings vs. Akita Northern Happinets December 5, 7 p.m. & December 6, 1 p.m. Ginowan City Gym Ginowan City Call Tours+ at 646-3502 for tickets. Yoga at Nakagusuku Castle December 6, 8:30 a.m. Nakagusuku Castle Kitanakagusuku Village Call 098-923-3601 for reservations Tickets: ¥500
tours+
adventure begins here. Ice Skating at Southern Hill* December 7, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Adults $35, Children (13–17) $32, (7–12) $26, (3–6) $22, (under 3) FREE More than just an ice skating rink, Southern Hill offers batting cages, a bowling alley, video games and more.
Urashima Dinner Theater* December 11, 5:30–9:30 p.m. Adults $68 with half lobster, $52 without lobster, Children (6–12) $38, (3–5) $34, (under 3) FREE *no meal Savor the varied flavors of Okinawan cuisine while being entertained by traditional music and dancers.
Sub-ship (ORCA) & Lunch* December 12, 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Adults $53, Children (6-12) $41, (3-5) $11* lunch not included, (under 3) FREE View the beautiful waters of Okinawa from the comfort of the Orca Sub-Ship. Afterwards, have lunch at the Nest Hotel and spend the afternoon shopping on Kokusai Street.
Naha City Tour* December 9, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Adults $20, Child (4–11) $13, (under 4) FREE Explore some of the highlights of Naha City. See the beautiful “shrine on the waves,” Naminoue Shrine, the enchanting Fukushuen Garden and the hustle and bustle of the fish market.
Shuri at War* December 12, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Adults $23, Children (3–11) $16, (under 3) FREE Visit Shuri Castle and the surrounding area to discover the effects of the Battle of Okinawa.
Neo Park & Pineapple Park* December 13, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Adults $26, Children (3–11) $13, (under 3) FREE Feed birds, monkeys, llamas and other animals at Neo Park. After lunch enjoy the rest of the tour at Pineapple Park.
*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 | U.S. Naval Hospital 646-7013
Clockwise from the top left: stokkete/bigstock.com, Thomas Alan Smilie
photooftheweek
Who needs a winter fleece when you can get toasty from the inside out with a piping-hot bowl of ramen?
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spotlight
Tsunami Scuba Holiday Sale
O
Thomas Alan Smilie
nly on Okinawa can you think about diving in December. Scuba and snorkel gear always make ideal gifts on an island with inviting water almost year-round. There’s no better place to stock up on snorkel and scuba equipment than at the Annual Holiday Sale at your local Tsunami SCUBA Center running now to December 31. Receive 15 percent off retail items storewide with even deeper discounts on select items. Tsunami Scuba of-
fers something for beginner and advanced divers, from the most basic essentials and accessories to the latest gadgets. As an added bonus, buy a D6I or Viper Air computer and receive 50 percent off a transmitter. Head to your local Tsunami Scuba center to take advantage of this sale and tackle your Christmas shopping with just one stop. For more information, contact your nearest Tsunami Scuba center or visit mccsokinawa.com/tsunamiscuba.
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Athletics/Adult Sports 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
semperfitevents Open Basketball Competition December 11–13 Camp Foster Gunners Fitness Center Register at any MCCS fitness center by 1 p.m. on December 7 for $95. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place teams. Tournament brackets and rules will be e-mailed to each player. Details: 645-3003/4866.
classof theweek
Open Flag Football Tournament December 18–20 Camp Schwab Power Dome Register at any MCCS fitness center 1 p.m. on December 14 for $95. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place teams. Tournament brackets and rules will be e-mailed to each player. Details: 625-2654.
Open 6 on 6 Soccer Tournament December 18–20 MCAS Futenma Semper Fit Gym Register at any MCCS fitness center by 1 p.m. on December 14 for $80. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place teams. Tournament brackets and rules will be e-mailed to each player. Details: 636-2672.
Prenatal Yoga
Yoga poses for pre- and post-natal women, focusing on strength and flexibility throughout your pregnancy. (You don't have to be pregnant to attend this class).