December 21, 2017 · mccsokinawa.com
Ring in the New Year!
Ingimage.com, yobro/bigstock.com
Calling All Ballers
M S
ay sayonara to 2017 with a New Year’s Eve event at MCCS Clubs! This year, MCCS has a wonderful roundup chock-full of snazzy soirees going down at your nearest club. All events are geared towards adults, so partygoers must be at least 18 to attend. If you’re on Camp Foster, hit the Ocean Breeze where both Chesty’s and the Globe & Anchor encourage you to get glammed up for an evening of dancing and champagne toasts. Or, party to the pangs of New Year’s nostalgia with an ‘80s party hosted by the Butler Officers’ Club. If you’d rather indulge in hors d’oeuvres and giveaways, get to BeachHead on Camp Schwab before the clock strikes midnight, or countdown on Camp Courtney at either the Bayview Enlisted Club or Hashmarks SNCO Lounge. You can also celebrate at
inside
The Palms on Camp Hansen. Both the SNCO and Enlisted Lounges will be open that night where you can delight in hot and cold food stations, music and giveaways. On MCAS Futenma, Thirsty’s will be putting out FREE finger foods for all to enjoy while a DJ rocks the house, and the Habu Pit SNCO Lounge will be open for an evening of food, prizes and champagne. Last but not least, Camp Kinser Surfside Harbor Lounge will, too, be open for complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a midnight champagne toast. With 2018 fast approaching, don’t forget to make your arrangements for a New Year’s Eve filled with absolute revelry! For details or more information, call the nearest participating club or visit mccsokinawa.com/clubs.
Calling All Ballers | 1 & 3 Winter Wonderland Family Fun Nights | 3 Season of Lights | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5
ake your Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday weekend an exciting one by competing in the largest and fiercest basketball tournament in the Pacific. This Pacific-wide tournament, which has been hosted by Camp Foster for over 20 years, will bring out the best male and female basketball teams and some of the most talented players from Okinawa, mainland Japan and beyond. Whether you’re tossing no-look alley-oop passes, showing off your patented ankle-breaker crossover, racking up triple-doubles or cheering on last year’s winners—Kadena’s Shake n’ Bake men’s team and Okinawa Storm women’s team—as a spectator, this tournament is not to be missed. The tournament will kick off January 10 at the Camp Foster Fieldhouse and will continue through January 15. (cont. on page 3)
Christmas in New Orleans | 7 MCCS Gift Cards | 9 MCCS Tours+ | 11 Semper Fit Events | 11
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livingatlarge Calling All Ballers
(cont. from page 1)
Games begin at 6 p.m. January 10–12 and at 9 a.m. January 13–15. The tournament format will be a single round robin followed by double elimination with awards for first, second and third place teams. Awards will also be given to the All-Tournament Team, All-Tournament Coaches and MVPs. A 3-point
shootout, skills challenge and dunk contest will feature individual talents. Great prizes will include overnight stays for two with breakfast at Kafuu Resort Fuchaku Condo-Hotel and Okinawa Grand Mer Resort, sporting equipment courtesy of BSN Sports and much more. The tournament is open to
participants Pacific-wide. Register by 1 p.m. on January 2 at any MCCS Fitness Center for $275 per team. For more information on the 2018 Martin Luther King Jr. PacificWide Basketball Tournament, contact MCCS Semper Fit Athletics at 645-3521 or visit mccsokinawa. com/mlkbasketball.
events&happenings
Winter Wonderland Family Fun Nights
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, Catherine Newquist, 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 BROADCAST | Kathlene Millette, Gabriel Archer, Emi Komiya INTERNS | Koby Karl, Bailey McLauren
Questions? Comments? Please e-mail OLW@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. To advertise in Okinawa Spotlight, call 645-2245, fax 645-0975 or e-mail 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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inter is a season of grey days and damp, gloomy nights. Therefore, it’s easy to succumb to the feeling of boredom, especially for children. Don’t let the winter blues get you this year! Bring the whole family to a Winter Wonderland Family Fun Night and enjoy a wide range of fun and entertainment. Stay warm and cozy with a featured s’mores bar, snowflake crafts, winter movie and giveaways. This themed Family Fun Night will be hosted at Butler Officers’ Club in Plaza Housing (January 4), The Veranda inside Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster (January 17), Tengan Castle on Camp Courtney (January 18) and the Surfside Ballroom on Camp Kinser (January 25). All are from 5 to 9 p.m. The prices are $7.95 for adults, $3.95 for children 5–11 and FREE for children under 5. For more information, call a participating club or visit mccsokinawa.com/clubs.
This publication printed with
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japanese phrase of the week
Kirei desune. It's pretty.
Mike Daley
For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs-Resources at 645-2104/2106.
islandadventure
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Season of Lights
uring the holiday season, several venues on Okinawa have become well-known for their light displays, making them the perfect places to get into the holiday mood with family or friends. This month, join Tours+ as they will be offering excursions to some of the most spectacular! On December 24 from 4:30 to 10 p.m., visit one of the premier seasonal light displays on island—the Itoman Peaceful Illumination. With a theme of “The Light of Prayers that Link People to People,” approximately 1.4 million twinkling lights will be arranged in trees and structures throughout Uchina Farm located near Peace Memorial Park. Admission for adults is $25; $14 for children (3–11) and FREE for children under 3. On December 22 from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m., enjoy an unforgettable meal at Taiyo Steakhouse followed by a stroll
through a sea of lights that are sure to take your breath away on the Southeast Botanical Garden Illumination and Dinner Tour. The price for adults is $72. Prices for children are $69 (15– 17), $57 (12–14), $29 (4–11) and FREE for children under 3 with no meal. Finally, on December 28, head over to the Okinawa Children’s Zoo for an exciting evening of fun. Kids
will enjoy the holiday-themed laser light show and can even play in the snow! The tour runs from 4 to 8 p.m. and the ticket price for adults is $39; $14 for children (4–15) and FREE for children under 3. For more information on any of these tours, call 646-3502 or visit mccsokinawa.com/tours.
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pickoftheweek
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Christmas in New Orleans
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ew Orleans is a gorgeous city with a love for spectacle. During the holiday season, this inclination goes into overdrive—turning the city into a wonderland of sparking lights, ribbons, tinsel and more. The French Quarter, which is the oldest section of the Louisiana city, is covered with even more decorations that are truly unique. It’s a marvelous sight, as well as a Christmas affair that everyone should experience. Since you probably won’t be flying out to The Big Easy anytime soon, don’t worry. You can still celebrate Christmas New Orleans style! On December 25, join Tengan Castle on Camp Courtney for a glamourous evening as they bring the French Quarter to you! It’ll be a Christmas you’ll never forget! Get festively gluttonous with a scrumptious Cajun-inspired buffet while listening to the modern
jazz orchestra MOJO as they play throughout the night. Start off with some Bloody Mary Shrimp Shooters or delicious cheese from an international cheese display. Then, pile some seafood gumbo, Creole crawfish mac-n-cheese, Cajun ham and turkey from a carving station, voodoo chicken and cheddar biscuits on your plate—but make sure
to leave room for dessert! There will also be a drink station with delightful hot chocolate and a cash bar featuring the signature cocktail “Gator Bite Rum Punch.” You’re probably thinking that this Christmas event couldn’t get any better, but thanks to some generous sponsors…it most certainly can. There will be several giveaways, as
well as a grand prize! To name a few of the awesome prizes, lucky winners can receive tickets to a Sunset Dinner Cruise for two or Underwater Sightseeing Cruise from West Marine. Okinawa World is giving away FREE entry to the Habu Museum and Gyokusendo Cave. The grand prize, which will be announced near the end of the night, will be a FREE four-night stay at Dragon Hill Lodge in Seoul, Korea valued at $920. So you definitely don’t want to miss your chance! Christmas in New Orleans will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Those interested must purchase a ticket (available at Tengan Castle) to attend. Prices are $25 for adults, $12.50 for children 5–11 and $6.25 for children under 5. For more information, call Tengan Castle at 622-9413 or visit mccsokinawa.com/tengancastle.
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indepth
didyou know?
MCCS Gift Cards
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MCCS
The first plastic gift cards were introduced by Neiman Marcus and Blockbuster Entertainment in 1994. Retailers such as Macy’s, Gap, Bloomingdales and others began adopting them in 1998.
pouse’s birthday coming up? Maybe a friend just got promoted? Or, perhaps you’re in need of a last-second-emergency-gift-for-thatforgotten-occasion? Show them how much you care and bring a smile to their face with a MCCS Gift Card! The perfect gift for any occasion, MCCS Gift Cards can be used to rent camping gear from MCCS Outdoor Recreation or a relaxing massage
or performance-enhancing dietary supplement from Semper Fit. And, that’s not all! How about a customized bowling ball from the Camp Foster Bowling Pro Shop, framed photo from Foster Framing, a local tour from Tours+ or an art class at Foster Framing and Fine Arts? The MCCS Gift Card is the gift with a thousand faces; it can be used to buy apparel at the Taiyo
Golf Club Pro Shop, an oil change from Typhoon Motors, a mask and snorkel from Tsunami Scuba…the list is endless. Recipients can even keep the change and use that balance elsewhere! MCCS Gift Cards are available at MCCS retail facilities island-wide. For more information, call 645-5785 or visit mccsokinawa.com/giftcard.
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tours+
adventure begins here Pizza in the Sky and Nakijin Castle Ruins* January 6, 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. Lunch not included. Bios on the Hill* January 7, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Adults $36; Children (4-12) $22, (Under 4) FREE Take a boat ride to see the exotic flora and fauna native to Okinawa. Then, see the majestic water buffalo up close and personal, and even take a ride in a water buffalo cart. Admission and boat ride included in the tour price. Lunch not included.
Battle Sites Tour* January 13, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $28; Children (3-11) $18, (Under 3) FREE Join Tours+ as they take you back in time to WWII. Visit Hacksaw Ridge followed by the Battle of Okinawa Historical Society’s 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. Tangerine Picking Tour* January 20, 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Adults $39; Children (7-12) $26, (4-6) $23, (Under 3) FREE Delight in an afternoon of (all-you-can-eat) tangerine picking at Izumi Mikan farm followed by lunch at Yanbaru Ikoi-no-Mori. Tangerines are sold per kilo at the farm. Lunch and admission are included in the tour price.
*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
Mike Daley, ingimage
upcoming semperfitevents 6-on-6 Soccer Tournament January 5, 6 p.m. January 6–7, 9 a.m. Schwab Power Dome Fitness Center Register by January 1 (1 p.m.) at any MCCS athletic facility for $100. This event is open to all participants island-wide. Team and individual awards will be given to first, second and third places. By-laws and the tournament bracket will be e-mailed on January 1. For more information, call 625-2654 or e-mail adultsports@ okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
Open Basketball Tournament January 5, 6 p.m. January 6–7, 9 a.m. Kinser Fitness Center Register by January 2 (1 p.m.) for $120 at any MCCS athletic facility. 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 e-mailed on January 2. For more information, call 637-1869 or e-mail adultsports@ okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
Northern CC Flag Football January 5–7, 9 a.m. Hansen House of Pain Fitness Center Register for FREE by January 2 (1 p.m.) at any MCCS athletic facility. This event is open to all eligible units. Awards will be given to the first and second place teams. By-laws and the tournament bracket for this event will be e-mailed on January 2. For more information, call 624-5558 or e-mail adultsports@okinawa. usmc-mccs.org.
11-on-11 Soccer Tournament January 26, 9 a.m. January 27–28, 10 a.m. Foster Athletic Fields Register by January 22 (1 p.m.) at any MCCS athletic facility for $120. This event is open to 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 e-mailed on January 22. For more information, call 645-4866 or e-mail 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 strength training major muscle groups using weights. Appropriate for ALL fitness levels. For a full group fitness schedule, visit mccsokinawa.com/groupfitness.