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December 18, 2014 • mccsokinawa.com
okinawalivingweekly Winter Wonderland for Kids
Christmas at the Clubs
I
T
he winter season can sometimes turn into a series of grey days and drizzly nights. It’s easy to succumb to the feeling of boredom in the wintertime, especially for children. Shake off those winter blues this year and bring the whole family to the Winter Wonderland for Kids at the Community Center on Camp Foster. A winter festival is always a welcome event for the young ones and is sure to delight your family with the wide range of fun and entertainment to be found there. Watch as the Community Center turns into a
winter wonderland right before your eyes. If you like carnival games, then you are in for a treat. Try your luck tossing rings or trying to pin a balloon with a dart to win the prize of your dreams. For those who enjoy more artistic endeavors, there will be face painting and cultural crafts to enjoy along with a DJ, free food and so much more. The Winter Wonderland for Kids and will run from noon to 4 p.m. on December 27. This event is free to all DoD ID card holders and their guests.
t’s the most wonderful time of year and MCCS has great events planned to spread holiday cheer. Come celebrate Christmas at an MCCS Club near you. On December 25, traditional lunch buffets will be available at the Butler Officers’ Club on Plaza Housing, Tengan Castle on Camp Courtney and the Surfside on Camp Kinser from 11 to 3 p.m. The Palms on Camp Hansen is hosting a later lunch from noon to 4 p.m. and The Lanai at Taiyo Golf Club is having an all-day buffet from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. For a traditional Christmas dinner buffet, visit the BeachHead on Camp Schwab, Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster or try a Hawaiian Luau buffet at the Habu Pit on MCAS Futenma from 5 to 9 p.m. For a countrified kick, try the Country Fried Christmas at Thirsty’s on MCAS Futenma from 7 p.m. For details and prices, visit mccsokinawa.com/clubs or call your nearest participating club.
Happy Holidays from all of us at Okinawa Living Weekly. Our next issue will be out on January 8.
inside
Living at Large: Take Control of Stress | 3 Ryan vs. Courtney: Christmas in Japan | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5 Off Base Events: Yomitan Pottery Market | 7
Photo of the Week | 7 Spotlight: Unplugged | 9 Movie Schedule | 11 Health Tip of the Week | 11
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livingatlarge
Take Control of Stress
N
o one needs to tell us that juggling our work and personal lives is stressful. It takes its toll on us mentally, physically and emotionally. No matter what your stress level is, and no matter what the causes of your stress are, you have to take control of it before it becomes destruc-
tive. Being stressed harms your body cognitively, emotionally, physically and can lead to behavioral problems. Learning how to cope with stress is one of the best tools you can learn in life. That’s why MCCS Behavioral Health Family Advocacy Program is hosting a program to help you dis-
cover new ways to cope with your everyday stressors. This class is open to active duty Marines, Sailors and DoD ID card holder who want to learn active coping skills and how to better manage stress. For more information and to register, call 645-2915.
mccsevents&happenings Ace the Interview December 19, 1–4 p.m. MFP-R, Camp Kinser 645-3151 FREE Money Management December 19, 8:30–11:30 a.m. MFP-R, Camp Courtney 645-2104 FREE LINKS for Kids December 22, 1:30–4:30 p.m. MCFTB, Camp Foster 645-3689 FREE
Smooth Move December 22, 8 a.m.–noon Community Center Camp Foster 645-2104 FREE Money Management December 22, 8–11 a.m. MFP-R, Camp Schwab 645-2104 FREE Survival Japanese Language December 22, 11:30–12:30 p.m. MFP-R, Camp Hansen 645-2104 FREE
Federal Resume Writing December 23, 8–11:30 a.m. MFP-R, Camp Courtney 645-3151 FREE EFMP Winter Series December 29 & 30, 1–3 p.m EFMP, Camp Foster 645-9237 FREE Credit Report December 30, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. MFP-R, Camp Schwab 645-2104 FREE
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER | Jim Kassebaum MANAGING EDITOR | Ryan Anastoplus ART DIRECTORS | Hector Nieves, Karie Morton GRAPHIC ARTS MANAGER | Henry Ortega GRAPHIC DESIGNERS | Margie Shimabukuro, Lisa Miyagi, Kelli Davis, Corrinne McKenna EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | Mike Daley EDITOR | Courtney Rick PHOTOGRAPHER | Thomas Alan Smilie AD/SPONSORSHIP MANAGER | Roy Forster AD SALES | Aya Chilcote, Yoshihiro Shinzato, Yoriko Yamashiro, Jessica Wagner, Lola Cardenas, Carina Fils-Julien DISTRIBUTION | Gideon Juko MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER | Andrew Menges ACCOUNTS & RESEARCH | Amy Schultz, Kelly Longo, Phylicia Callahan, Lindsay Roegge, Katherine Melrose CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALISTS | Ayako Kawamitsu, Rie Shinjo Questions? Comments? Please e-mail OLW@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org 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. No Department of Defense, U.S. Marine Corps or Marine Corps Community Services endorsement of commercial advertisers or sponsors implied.
We Make Okinawa Home
Other FREE Media:
Channel 15 & 118
This publication printed with
Various Camps
Camp Courtney
First Tuesdays of the Month 10–11 a.m. Join us for family interaction and collaboration as we welcome new EFMP families and foster community awareness. EFMP 645-9237
December 23 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Stop by the Marine & Family Programs–Resources office for free snacks and let our personal financial manager and transition specialist answer your questions. mccsokinawa.com/mfp-r
Exceptional Coffee Breaks
Various Camps
Share Okinawa
Get the best of Okinawa with Okinawa Living Postcards, Map of Okinawa, The Habu Hunter graphic novel, The Spirit of Okinawa book and The Best of Okinawa Living book. All on sale now at Exchange Bookmarks and select locations island-wide. mccsokinawa.com
Customer Appreciation Day
Camp Foster
Free Nutrition Consultations
Visit a nutrition expert for individual nutrition consultations, weight-management tips or unit nutrition briefs. MCCS Health Promotion 645-3910
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ryan vs. courtney
japanese phrase of the week
C
Merry Christmas! Merii Kurisumasu! For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs–Resources at 645-2104/2106.
Christmas in Japan
ourtney: I know a lot of Americans decorate their homes for the holidays, but I was very surprised to look out of my bedroom window this weekend and see my Okinawan neighbors’ Christmas light show. Is this just one of those American imports that stuck here? Ryan: Yes, in fact, Christmas itself is an American import. It’s not a holiday in Japan and it’s not the same as in the States. Christmas resembles American Valentine’s Day; it’s more for couples than for families. Christmas in Japan isn’t about caroling, angels getting their wings or wishes coming true. It’s about Kentucky Fried Chicken and romance. C: Kentucky Fried Chicken? What about presents? Do kids get to visit Saint Nick on this side of the world? R: The “holiday” is mainly a day for lovers, and for people without a significant other, it’s just like any
other day except the nightly crying session might begin a little earlier. As for the chicken, in the mid-70s,
with it, and Colonel Sanders became the surrogate Santa of Japan. C: Well, I guess they both have the white beard going for them. I heard several of the resorts in town set up elaborate light displays this time of year for spirit-seekers to visit, like the Stardust Fantasia at the Kanucha Resort. R: You’d need to get a cake too. Second to Christmas KFC is Christmas cake. Cake shops pump out a ton during the Christmas season. Leftover cakes don’t sell; they’re hot for one day only. People who are alone during Christmas are compared to leftover/unsold Christmas cakes. C: That’s so sad. It makes me want to go out to the store the next day and buy up all the unwanted Christmas cakes.
KFC decided that chicken is the symbol for Christmas. People went
By Ryan Anastoplus and Courtney Rick
Contact Ryan or Courtney with your questions, comments or cookies at ryan.anastoplus@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or courtney.rick@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
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off-base events get out and explore.
Yomitan Pottery Market December 19–21, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Yomitan Yachimun Village, Yomitan FREE Xmas Music Fireworks Festival December 20, 3:30–8:30 p.m. Tropical Beach, Ginowan Adults ¥3,300 (¥4,400 with parking), Children (15 and under) ¥2,200
tours+
adventure begins here. Urashima Dinner Theater December 26, 5:30–9:30 p.m. Adults $75 w/ lobster, $60 w/o lobster, Children (6–12) $38, (3‐5) $34, (under 3) FREE no meal Savor the flavors of Okinawan cuisine while being entertained by traditional music and dancers.
Northern Highlights Tour December 27, 9 am–5 p.m. Adults $41, Children (3–11) $27, (under 3) Free Visit Nago Pineapple Winery, Nago Glass Factory and the Orion Beer factory.
Peaceful Illumination Itoman December 28, 4:30–10 p.m. Adult $18, Children (3–11) $11, (under 3) FREE Have a night with beautiful Christmas lights and decorations. There will be a laser light show with lots of entertainment, food and games.
Children’s Zoo Light Show December 27, 3:30–7:30 pm Adults $35, Children (4–15) $9, (under 4) FREE Join us at the Okinawa Children’s Zoo for a holiday themed laser light show and even play in some snow.
Forest Adventure December 28, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Adults $51, Children (7–17) $34 Test your courage on the Zip Slide ride, the Amazon Rope Bridge, the Tibetan Bridge, or any other of the exciting courses.
Ice Skating December 29, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Adults $25, Children (13–17) $23, (7–12) $21, (3–6) $20, (under 3) FREE More than just an ice skating rink, Southern Hill offers batting cages, a bowling alley, video games and more.
Onna Village Industry Festival December 20–21, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Onna Village Learning Center, Onna Village FREE *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 Temporarily Closed| U.S. Naval Hospital 646-7013
photooftheweek Thomas Alan Smilie
All of us at Okinawa Living Weekly wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
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spotlight
Calling all Talent!
W
e love a good success story. That’s why shows like American Idol, X Factor and The Voice are so popular. It’s also why people will always be curious to see what turns up at a talent show. While seeing a professional band play is always fun, seeing amateur performers chasing their dreams in the manner that the pros write power ballads about is, perhaps, more rewarding. Unplugged is a music competition
open to all SOFA status performers group or solo, for any genre of music. First and second place winners will have the opportunity to perform at an MCCS festival in front of thousands of people and win cash prizes. The showdown of contestants will be on January 10 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster. The show is open to all DoD ID card holders. For details, visit mccsokinawa.com/entertainment.
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upcoming semperfitevents movieschedule Proud sponsor of MCCS Youth Sports 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
Power Lifting Competition December 20 Camp Schwab Power Dome
Register at any MCCS fitness center by 1 p.m. on December 20 or for $10 or on-site by 9:30 a.m. for $15. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place finishers in each weight class. Details: 625-2654.
Flag Football Tournament December 26–28 Camp Schwab Power Dome
Register by 1 p.m. on December 22 at any MCCS fitness center for $95 per team. This event is open to participants island-wide. Team and individual awards will be given to first, second and third place finishers. Tournament brackets and bylaws will be e-mailed to each coach. Details: 625-2654.
Softball Tournament December 26–28 MCAS Futenma Semper Fit Gym
Register by 1 p.m. on December 22 at any MCCS fitness center for $95 per team. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place teams. Tournament brackets and bylaws will be e-mailed to each coach. Details: 636-2672.
Youth Sports 645-3533/3534
*Attendance is required for participation.
CAMP KINSER | 637-2177
CAMP COURTNEY | 622-6101
Thursday, December 18 Night Crawler (R) 6:30 p.m. Friday, December 19 The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies 3D (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Saturday, December 20 Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (PG) 3 p.m. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Sunday, December 21 Annie (PG) 1 p.m. Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (PG) 3:30 p.m. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies 3D (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Monday, December 22 CLOSED Tuesday, December 23 CLOSED Wednesday, December 24 Exodus: Gods and Kings (PG 13) 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 18 CLOSED Friday, December 19 The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies 3D (PG 13) 6 p.m. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies 3D (PG 13) 9:30 p.m. Saturday, December 20 The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (PG 13) 3 p.m. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Sunday, December 21 The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (PG 13) 3 p.m. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Monday, December 22 The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (PG 13) 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 23 CLOSED Wednesday, December 24 Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (PG) 2 p.m. Annie (PG) 6 p.m.
MCAS FUTENMA | 636-3890 Thursday, December 18 CLOSED Friday, December 19 The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies 3D (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Saturday, December 20 The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies 3D (PG 13) 4 p.m. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies 3D (PG 13) 7:40 p.m. Sunday, December 21 Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (PG) 4 p.m. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies 3D (PG 13) 7 p.m. Monday, December 22 Beyond the Lights (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 23 CLOSED Wednesday, December 24 CLOSED
CAMP FOSTER | 645-3465
classoftheweek Full Metal Body (FMB) This class will sculpt lean muscle with a total body training utilizing dumbbells, body bars, exercise bands, medicine balls and other equipment.
weeklyhealthtip How bad is diet soda for you, really? It’s true that soda in general is linked to poor dental health; the culprit is the combination of sugar, acidity and poor dental hygiene. Besides its effect on our teeth, diet drinks and sugar substitutes are things that have been thoroughly studied and so far, no studies have shown that there are any long-term health risks associated with drinking diet soda. References: http://goo.gl/VCEaus, http://goo.gl/JwBy0d.
Thursday, December 18 John Wick (R) 7 p.m. Friday, December 19 Night at the Museum: Secret Of The Tomb (PG 13) 6 p.m. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies 3D (PG 13) 9 p.m. Saturday, December 20 Annie (PG) Noon The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (PG 13) 3 p.m. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies 3D (PG 13) 6:30 p.m. Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (PG 13) 10 p.m. Sunday, December 21 Annie (PG) 1 p.m. Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (PG 13) 4 p.m. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (PG 13) 7 p.m. Monday, December 22 Annie (PG) 3 p.m. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies 3D (PG 13) 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 23 Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (PG 13) 3 p.m. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (PG 13) 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 24 The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (PG 13) 3 p.m. Night at The Museum: Secret of the Tomb (PG 13) 7 p.m.
CAMP HANSEN | 623-4564 Thursday, December 18 The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (PG 13) 7 p.m. Friday, December 19 Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (PG) 6:30 p.m. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies 3D (PG 13) 10 p.m. Saturday, December 20 Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (PG) 6 p.m. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (PG 13) 9:30 p.m. Sunday, December 21 Annie (PG) 3:30 p.m. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies 3D (PG 13) 7 p.m. Monday, December 22 Beyond the Lights (PG 13) 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 23 Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (PG) 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 24 The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (PG 13) 6 p.m. Exodus: Gods and Kings 3D (PG 13) 9:30 p.m.
CAMP SCHWAB | 625-2338 Thursday, December 18 CLOSED Friday, December 19 The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies 3D (PG 13) 6 p.m. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (PG 13) 9:30 p.m. Saturday, December 20 The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies 3D (PG 13) 6 p.m. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (PG 13) 9:30 p.m. Sunday, December 21 Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (PG) 4 p.m. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (PG 13) 7 p.m. Monday, December 22 CLOSED Tuesday, December 23 CLOSED Wednesday, December 24 Annie (PG) 6 p.m. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (PG 13) 9 p.m.
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