December 20, 2018 · mccsokinawa.com
Sayonara!
New Year’s at the Clubs
derepente/bigstock.com
T
he publication you’re holding in your hands may be a collector’s item someday, because this is the last printed issue of Okinawa Spotlight. Originally an advertising insert known as The Source bundled inside the official base newspaper, MCCS Okinawa has been delivering the latest island happenings, both on and off Marine Corps camps, along with cultural info and more, to Marines, Sailors, civilians and family members via this pub and its successors since 1995. The Source, as it was originally titled, became a standalone periodical known as Okinawa Living Weekly after the Okinawa Marine newspaper ceased printing in February 2014. Later it was renamed Okinawa Spotlight when the paper became a twicemonthly source about all things MCCS and more. Starting in 2019 as part of ongoing efforts to make our marketing more attuned to an audience spending
inside
more and more time on mobile devices (and less and less with print), MCCS Okinawa will be reaching out via social media such as facebook.com/mccsokinawa and instagram.com/okilivingmag, the MCCS Okinawa Liberty App available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play, and on our corporate website mccsokinawa.com. These online platforms will help us to deliver more timely and dynamic content to you, while offering you and others in the U.S. military community on Okinawa the opportunity to ask questions, share feedback and content, and receive near real-time updates. And, of course, we encourage you to pick up and read our award-winning monthly magazine, Okinawa Living, and our annual Okinawa Guide, which is due to hit stands in late spring. See you next year!
New Year’s at the Clubs | 1 & 3 Your Home for the Holidays | 3 Shuri Castle New Year Celebration | 5 New Year, New You | 7
O
n December 31, count down to 2019 at an MCCS Club and start the New Year with a bang. There will be FREE hors d’oeuvres, prize giveaways and much more. Select clubs will even be serving a complimentary glass of champagne for a toast at midnight. The Landing Zone Enlisted Lounge (9 p.m.) inside BeachHead is your New Year’s Eve party headquarters for Camp Schwab. On Camp Hansen, it’s the SNCO & Enlisted Lounges (7 p.m.) and Ballroom (9 p.m.) inside The Palms. (cont. on page 3)
Beating the Holiday Blues | 9 MCCS Tours+ | 11 Semper Fit Events | 11
3 | OKINAWA SPOTLIGHT | December 20, 2018
livingatlarge New Year’s at the Clubs
(cont. from page 1)
Camp Courtney will be hosting two parties this year, and Camp Foster will be having three. On Camp Courtney, the celebration at Hashmarks will begin at 6 p.m. and at Bayview at 9 p.m. On Camp Foster, you can head to Ocean Breeze and ring in the New Year at Chesty’s (8 p.m.) or Globe & Anchor (9 p.m.). You can also check out
Butler Officers’ Club (9 p.m.). On MCAS Futenma, the Habu Pit SNCO Lounge will be celebrating at 6 p.m. and Thirty’s Enlisted Lounge at 7 p.m. On Camp Kinser, the party will be at the Harbor Lounge (8 p.m.) inside Surfside. And if you’re looking for a more upscale and intimate place to make New Year’s Eve reservations,
call Taiyo Steakhouse at 622-2020. Dinner will be served from 6 to 9:30 p.m. The hardest final decision of 2018 might be which club to start 2019 with. All events are geared towards adults, so partygoers must be at least 18 to attend. For more information, call the nearest participating club or visit mccsokinawa.com/clubs.
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER | Jim Kassebaum MANAGING EDITOR | Ashley Sablan ART DIRECTOR | Catherine Newquist CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALIST | Ayako Kawamitsu GRAPHIC ARTS MANAGER | Henry Ortega GRAPHIC DESIGNERS | Margie Shimabukuro, Jongeun Spencer, Emeline Toole WRITERS/EDITORS | Amanda Carrasquillo, Mike Daley DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER | Thomas Alan Smilie PHOTOGRAPHER | Kailey LaValliere DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA | Kathlene Millette, Emi Hays AD/SPONSORSHIP MANAGER | Roy Forster AD SALES | Yoshihiro Shinzato, Hiromitsu Horikawa, Athena Garcia, Becky Stalcup DISTRIBUTION | Desiree Adams, Joan Webb MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER | Andrew Menges ACCOUNTS & RESEARCH | Kristen Wong, Ashley Snipes, Tiffany Moore
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.
events&happenings
evgeny atamanenko/bigstock.com
M
Your Home for the Holidays
CCS Okinawa is once again offering many FREE activities for the holiday season running through the New Year, "Your Home for the Holidays." There are events galore for Marines, Sailors and family members on every camp. On Camp Kinser, teens can enjoy a Winter Lock-In at the Teen Center from 7 p.m. on December 21 until 7 a.m. on December 22. Hoopsters on Kinser can look forward to two holiday basketball tournaments at the Kinser Fitness Center—one December 21–23 and another January 1–4. MCAS Futenma SMP will hold events such as Stockings for the Duties December 25 from noon to 9 p.m. and a FREE Holiday Dinner Party from 3 p.m. to midnight, both at the SMP Center. On Camp Foster, the SMP team will be organizing a Grinch’s TearDown December 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and “Ride a Wave into the New Year” December 31 from 8 a.m.
to 3 p.m. Camp Courtney’s Arts and Crafts Center will be having a Christmas Giveaway December 22 & 23 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the Courtney SMP Center will host a FREE Christmas Meal and Pool Tournament December 25 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Marines and Sailors on Camp Hansen can participate in the Christmas Dinner and Ugly Sweater Contest December 25 from 4 to 8 p.m. and enjoy New Year’s Okinawa Soba January 1 from 2 to 5 p.m. Both events will be held at the SMP Center. In addition, FREE bowling will be offered at Strikers Bowling Center January 1 from 4 to 10 p.m. Camp Schwab residents can enjoy Christmas Dinner and Carol Karaoke December 25 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the SMP Center. New Year’s Day Brunch will also be served at the SMP Center January 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Schwab SMP will organize a New Year’s shrine
visit January 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Service members at JWTC can enjoy a Holiday Party December 21 from 11 a.m. to noon at the Schwab CSC office and, on Ie Shima, a Troop Appreciation Event & Sports Day will take place December 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Believe it or not, these events are just the tip of the iceberg; a complete listing by camp of this year’s Your Home for the Holidays events and offerings is available at mccsokinawa.com/holidays.
This publication printed with
4 | OKINAWA SPOTLIGHT | December 20, 2018
5 | OKINAWA SPOTLIGHT | December 20, 2018
japanese phrase
islandadventure
of the week
Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu! Happy New Year!
Sunwards Art/bigstock.com, olli0815/bigstock.com
For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs-Resources at 645-2104/2106.
Shuri Castle New Year Celebration
O
n January 2, ring in the New Year exploring the former capital of the three kingdoms at the Shuri Castle New Year Celebration. This event is a reenactment of the traditional chohaioshiki (New Year’s ceremony) held during the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Witness the
time-honored welcoming of the New Year by the “King and Queen of Ryukyu” and their court as they pray for prosperity and usher in traditional performances and other festivities. Afterwards, venture over to Kokusai Street for a bite to eat and a little post-holiday shopping.
For pricing details or more information, call Tours+ at 6463502 or visit them online at mccsokinawa.com/tours. You can also follow them on Facebook at MCCS Okinawa Tours+.
6 | OKINAWA SPOTLIGHT | December 20, 2018
7 | OKINAWA SPOTLIGHT | December 20, 2018
pickoftheweek
didyou know?
M
On average, most people abandon their New Year’s resolutions after 14 days. However, it takes approximately 66 days to form a new habit. So, stick with it!
New Year, New You
ake 2019 your year to get fit. MCCS Health Promotion is ready to help you get started with Fit Camp, a 6-week progressive physical fitness program that’ll tear you down and rebuild you into a newer, BETTER you. Designed with your goals in mind, Semper Fit trainers will help motivate you so you can stick to your plan. Working out in a group can help you stick with a routine and form supportive friendships to keep you on target. Plus, most people rarely push themselves as hard a trainer will, but doing so can lead to reaching your fitness goals sooner, increasing endurance and strengthening your muscles faster. Put yourself in control with this high-intensity, fun and inspiring experience. Trainers will hold Fit Camps on Camps Foster and Courtney from January 7 to February 15. On Camp Courtney, sessions will run from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. On Camp Foster, the ses-
sions will run from 5 to 6 a.m., 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 5 to 6 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Register at the fitness center where you will be attending boot camp by January 4.
Fit Camp is $199 per participant. For details, call 645-3910 or visit mccsokinawa.com/healthpromotion.
fuzzbones/bigstock.come, Zatevakhin/bigstock.com, Thomas Alan Smili
photooftheweek
Much like a deadlift, tire flips work your back, glutes and hamstrings. But they also work your biceps, triceps, pectorals and abdominals. Sign up for Fit Camp to be challenged to a full-body workout!
8 | OKINAWA SPOTLIGHT | December 20, 2018
9 | OKINAWA SPOTLIGHT | December 20, 2018
indepth
more
information
T
thefinalmiracle/bigstock.com, verbaska/bigstock.com
To help reduce holiday stress, set a schedule, be smart about eating, create a new tradition and most importantly, breathe.
Beating the Holiday Blues
he holidays, as merry as they can be, can also mean busy schedules, extensive planning, shopping, tension and a fair amount of stress. And sometimes, being overseas away from friends and family only seems to make it worse. Too many social obligations can put a strain on relationships, or cause conflict, stress or burnout. Conversely, not enough interaction may cause those who are facing the holidays without a loved one to find themselves especially lonely or sad. Finances can be another stressor. Breaking budgets and overspending on gifts, travel, entertainment and food during the holidays can increase stress as people try to make ends meet. Trying to ensure that everyone on the gift list is equally happy often leaves many in an overwhelming financial spiral that sticks around well past the holiday season.
Then, of course, there are the physical demands of shopping, attending school, work and unit functions, and preparing holiday feasts that can wipe people out as well. If you or a loved one is feeling a bit blue this holiday, talk to somebody. Reach out to MCCS Behavioral Health at 098-970-2915 or your nearest Community Counseling Program by visiting mccsokinawa.
com/communitycounseling. Or, for financial advice, Personal & Professional Development offers counseling and classes at mccsokinawa.com/personal_ finance_management. We wish everyone a happy holiday season and a new year filled with good health, peace and prosperity.
10 | OKINAWA SPOTLIGHT | December 20, 2018
11 | OKINAWA SPOTLIGHT | December 20, 2018
tours+
adventure begins here Ryukyu Lantern Festival December 23, 5–9 p.m. Adults $23; Teens (13–17) $22; Children (6–12) $17, (3–5) $14, (0–2) FREE Travel back in time to the Ryukyu Kingdom and spend a romantic night walking among 5,000 Chinese lanterns. There will be concession stands for local festive snacks such as yakitori (grilled chicken) and pork buns. Children’s Zoo Light Show December 28, 4–8 p.m. Adults $39; Children (4–15) $14, (0–3) FREE Join us at the Okinawa Children’s Zoo for an evening of fun. Watch an exciting holiday themed laser light show and even play in some snow. Explore themed areas such as Heart Land, a heart-shaped tunnel of hearts, and see one of the largest illuminated Christmas trees on island.
Sea Adventure & Lunch Buffet December 29, 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Adults $62; Teens (13–18) $58; Children (6–12) $34, (4–5) $23, (0–3) FREE Enjoy an explosion of underwater color. See all the cute and colorful fish at Busena Cape in a 360° underwater observatory. After, hop onto a glass-bottom boat. For lunch, enjoy a sumptuous buffet at the Okinawa Marriott Resort. Lunch and admission included in the tour price. Battle Sites Tour December 30, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $28; Children (3–11) $18, (0–2) FREE 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 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, Rawf8/bigstock.com
upcoming semperfitevents 6-on-6 Soccer Tournament December 28, 6 p.m. December 29 & 30, 9 a.m. MCAS Futenma Semper Fit Fitness Center Register by December 24 (1 p.m.) at any staffed MCCS Fitness Center for $120 per team. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place teams. By-laws and a tournament bracket will be emailed December 24. For more information, call 636-2672 or email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
Camp Kinser Basketball Tournament January 4, 6 p.m. January 5 & 6 & 25, 9 a.m. Camp Kinser Fitness Center Register by December 31 (1 p.m.) at any staffed MCCS Fitness Center for $120 per team. This event is open to all participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place teams. Bylaws and the tournament bracket will be emailed on December 31. For more information, call 637-1869 or email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
Northern CC Cup Flag Football Tournament January 4, 6 p.m. January 5 & 6, 9 a.m. Camp Hansen Parade Deck Field Register by January 2 (1 p.m.) at any staffed MCCS Fitness Center for FREE. This event is open to all eligible units. Awards will be given to first and second place teams. By-laws and the tournament bracket will be emailed on January 2. For more information, call 623-5569 or email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
Camp Courtney Softball Tournament January 11, 6 p.m. January 12 & 13, 9 a.m. Camp Courtney Exchange Field Register by January 7 (1 p.m.) at any staffed MCCS Fitness Center for $120 per team. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place teams. By-laws and a tournament bracket will be emailed January 7. For more information, call 622-7297 or email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
classof theweek
Pilates This hour-long class is great for conditioning, toning and strengthening your entire body, targeting your core.
For a full group fitness schedule, visit mccsokinawa.com/groupfitness.