December 2018 | Issue 250
contents December 2018
24 40
8 features
fitness + fun
kids + parents
8
19
53
Rudolph’s Sled Pull Join MCCS Health Promotion for some seasonal fitness fun at Rudolph’s Sled Pull Team Fitness Challenge.
Spend Your Holiday Vacation with CYP MCCS Youth and Teen Centers have a series of fun-filled events lined up just in time for the holidays.
21
services
Out + About—Season of Light Get into the holiday spirit with a shining Christmas light display—there’s plenty to choose from!
24
Cats vs Dogs Whether you prefer them feline or canine, there’s nothing better than cuddling with a furry family member to chase away the winter chills.
40
Restaurant Review: DoubleTree by Hilton So, what’s a better present to give yourself than a relaxing session at the spa? How about an exquisite lunch or delicious dinner AND a relaxing session at the spa?
56 RODERICA MATHIS, MIKE DALEY, DOUBLE TREE BY HILTON, LOISIR HOTEL, TATYANAGL/BIGSTOCK.COM
56
A Special Moment Presents such as jewelry, a gadget or clothing will most likely elicit a smile, but spending quality time with that special someone is the greatest gift of all.
Taiyo Golf Club Holiday Sale Looking for a present for a golfer or someone who’s thinking of taking up the game?
dining + entertainment 37
Holiday Parties at the Clubs It’s the most wonderful time of the year—a time for delicious food, ugly sweater contests, prize giveaways, the best of jingles and so much more.
39
Brunch with Santa Gather the kids for a filling meal and a visit with the jolly one!
marines + families 45
Real Leaders Listen The art of communication is the language of leadership and it’s critical in daily life as well.
47
DSTRESS Line No matter what your stress level is, and no matter what the causes of your stress are, remember you never have to carry it alone.
On the cover What better to find under the tree than a friend forever?
55
Sketching Classes Learn the fundamentals of drawing and become a better illustrator.
extras 5
Mensore + Feedback
67
Living on Okinawa
69
MCCS News
70
Marketplace Guide
DECEMBER 2018 | ISSUE 250 COMMANDING GENERAL MCIPAC Brigadier General Paul J. Rock Jr. ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF, MCCS, MCIPAC Edward S. Hutsell DEPUTY ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF BUSINESS & SUPPORT Michael S. Gieseck DEPUTY ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF MARINE & FAMILY Carlos J. Saldaña CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER Jim Kassebaum EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mike Daley MCCS ART DIRECTOR Henry C. Ortega OKINAWA LIVING ART DIRECTORS Margie Shimabukuro Jongeun Spencer GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Catherine Newquist, Emeline Toole EDITORIAL Amanda Carrasquillo, Ashley Sablan DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Thomas Alan Smilie DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA Kathlene Millette, Emi Hays CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALIST Ayako Kawamitsu ADVERTISING SALES & SPONSORSHIP MANAGER Roy Forster ADVERTISING SALES & SPONSORSHIP Yoshihiro Shinzato, Hiromitsu Horikawa Athena Garcia, Becky Stalcup MARKETING ACCOUNTS & RESEARCH MANAGER Andrew Menges MARKETING ACCOUNTS & RESEARCH Kristen Wong, Ashley Snipes, Tiffany Moore DISTRIBUTION Desiree Adams, Joan Webb
We welcome your comments. Please send letters to editor@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org For advertising | 広告掲載のお問い合わせ (日本語可) 098-970-2245 (phone) | 098-970-0975 (fax) sales@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org (email)
mensôre “Welcome” to Okinawa Living
Talkin’ bout a resolution… As the final month of 2018 winds down, a few of us may still be wrestling with our 2018 New Year’s resolutions. And the vast majority of us have probably forgotten what they were in the first place. Most New Year’s resolutions are about improving oneself…many timeworn cliché resolutions often include quitting smoking, losing ten pounds of fat (or gaining ten pounds of muscle), getting out of debt, drinking less alcohol and spending more time with the family. Others may include resolving to be a nicer person—holding the door open for strangers, smiling more often or increasing their annual CFC donation. While these resolutions are all worthwhile, why not be a bit more creative this year and resolve to do something meaningful AND fun? Being on a beautiful island, there are plenty of possibilities. How about resolving to overcome your fear of water and get scuba certified? The waters off the shores of Okinawa offer a spectacular world of wonderment. Resolving to get in shape and possibly lose some weight? Rent a sea kayak or SUP and explore the island’s beautiful waters from above while burning calories and having a blast racing with a friend. Looking for something a bit less strenuous but just as worthwhile? How about resolving to learn enough Japanese to say “hello” and “thank you” to the nice old Okinawan lady that rakes the leaves and cleans up the trash in the local park your children play in every afternoon? Okinawa offers plenty of opportunities to enrich and improve ourselves both inside and out. Be it climbing a small mountain, visiting all four populated Kerama Islands… or even sampling every flavor available at Blue Seal Ice Cream (although it would be a stretch trying to justify this as a viable resolution). All jokes aside, this year I resolve to “stop and smell the roses” more—to use each moment of the coming year wisely and savor every one of them like a heaping spoonful of the aforementioned Blue Seal Ice Cream...preferably Strawberry Cheesecake. As always, we thank you for picking up this issue of Okinawa Living Magazine, now time to turn the page and let your journey begin!
See our advertising rates at mccsokinawa.com MCCS MARKETING BRANCH MCB Camp S.D. Butler. Unit 35023, FPO AP 96378-5023
RAWPIXEL.COM/BIGSTOCK.COM
Mike Daley Editor-In-Chief
Okinawa Living is published by MCCS Marketing. Its purpose is to inform the military and civilian community about events and programs offered by MCCS or available in the local market. Dates and times may change. Copyright ©2018 by MCCS. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transferred in any form, by any means, electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without written permission of the copyright owner. No federal or Marine Corps endorsement of advertisers and sponsors. MCCS is not responsible for editing content of non-MCCS ads.
December 2018 | Issue 250
December 2018 | Issue 250
Okinawa Living Magazine is printed with
Take us on the road Enjoy Okinawa Living Magazine on your favorite mobile device! Visit mccsokinawa.com/ol for the latest issue. Also, visit issuu.com/mccsokinawa to see back issues of the magazine as well as Okinawa Spotlight.
feedback
from the ICE Program and Facebook I travel extensively and recently stayed at the WestPac Inn during my visit to Okinawa. Of all the locations I have visited, my stay here far exceeds that of any other facility and it’s directly attributed to the entire team. From the time I made my reservation to check-out, it was a most enjoyable experience. The front desk supervisor (Kimiko) and her entire team (Junko Mori, Masami, Makiko, Noriko, Yuko, Yurika, Mediel, Mae, Narika and Nari) were outstanding, all consummate professionals! I respectfully request that each of them be commended on their professionalism and outstanding customer service. It was recognized and deeply appreciated! The MCCS team is extremely fortunate to have them represent you—they do so in a highly admirable manner. —via ICE
@okilivingmag Show us your island adventures and favorite food finds!
@sherrise.nicole
My Marine and I had a great time at our 1st Marine Corps Ball here in Okinawa! #okilivingmag
How do I access the photo gallery for the professional pictures taken at my spouse’s Marine Corps Ball?—via Ask MCCS Marine Corps Ball photos are hosted at mccsphotography.enjoyphotos.com. You will need the login and password provided at your unit’s ball, which the administrative section or the Deployment Readiness Coordinator should also be able to provide. The gallery is typically loaded about a week after the event, and photos are available for purchase directly through enjoyphotos.com. Please call our Food & Hospitality office on Camp Foster at 6454459 or 098-970-4459 if you are looking for photos from a previous year.—MCCS Consumer Relations I purchased some equipment from Tsunami Scuba at the Camp Foster store. While setting up the equipment, I noticed two pieces appeared to be missing. When I identified the issue to the staff, Mr. Scott Sukalski, Program Supply Tech, investigated the issue and continuously followed up. He ultimately identified the parts were not missing, but rather had been deemed not necessary by the manufacturer through its product updates. He provided absolutely superior customer service, and as a result, my wife and I have chosen to make other large purchases from this location over others on island.—via ICE
@tricediva
Could totally live off of veggie bagel sammies (everything bagel + hummus + lettuce + tomato + avocado) & this pretty pink tropical kombucha everyday. #okinomnoms
@symphlefao
‘we go together like rama rama lama ka dinga da dinga dong’. Max’s #firsthalloween was a success. #okilivingmag
MCCS Okinawa is great! Great service, great energy, great experience.—via Facebook We’re humbled and gratified to receive such a great review, and we’ll continue to do our best to try and live up to that standard for you and other customers we are privileged to serve! —MCCS Consumer Relations
Domo arigatou gozaimashita and thank you for your posts! We can’t wait to see what else you love about Okinawa! —The Okinawa Living Staff
Give MCCS Feedback—ICE Program & Facebook Let us know how we can better serve you or thank us for a job well-done. Go to mccsokinawa.com and click on the ICE link at the bottom of the homepage or find us on Facebook to share feedback. Comments on this page may be edited for clarity or length.
DECEMBER 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 7
VALERYBROZHINSKY/BIGSTOCK.COM, RODERICA MATHIS, CORTESY OF OKINAWA ZOO, MIKE DALEY
OUT + ABOUT
Kurisumasu OKINAWAN-STYLE Usually beginning in the months of November and December (in some places the day after Halloween), many stores on Okinawa are filled aisle-to-aisle with every type of Christmas decoration imaginable—colorful artificial trees of all sizes including almost-garish fiber optic trees, garlands of fake pine, real poinsettias and plenty of bright, brassy tinsel and tree toppers. But perhaps the most popular manifestation of the holidays on Okinawa are the colorful, shining illumination displays. Today, more and more Okinawan families join in the holiday spirit by stringing lights along their gates, in and around trees and shrubbery and over the doorways and
entrances to their homes. Okinawa Denryoku (the Okinawa Electric Power Company) even sponsors a holiday illumination contest that grows larger and larger each year. However, even though some of these displays can almost turn night into day, they pale in comparison to holiday light displays held in places such as American Village in Mihama, Southeast Botanical Gardens in Okinawa City, Itoman City’s Peaceful Illumination (featuring 1,400,000+ lights), several resort hotels such as Kanucha Resort, Sheraton Okinawa Sunmarina Resort, ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort and many others as well as many restaurants and department stores.
DECEMBER 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 9
OUT + ABOUT
VALERYBROZHINSKY/BIGSTOCK.COM, RODERICA MATHIS
Southeast Botanical Gardens Home to 1,300 species of exotic plants, trees, shrubs and a petting zoo featuring the cutest animals from around the world, Southeast Botanical Gardens never fails to amaze their guests of all ages all-yearround. However, the gardens turn into an extraspecial place during the holidays with multitudes of tropical plants draped with Christmas lights and cheer. With a theme of “Road of Iridescence: Nostalgic Illumination,” admission is ¥1,800 for adults, ¥1,000 for high school students, ¥500 for elementary and middle school students and FREE for kids under 6. The gardens will be lit up from 5 to 10 p.m. now until March 31.
DECEMBER 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 11
OUT + ABOUT
Itoman Peaceful Illumination Renowned as one of the premier seasonal light displays on island, Itoman Peaceful Illumination is now in its 19th year. Set in Itoman City, this year’s Itoman Peaceful Illumination promises to be another unforgettable holiday experience. With a theme of “The Light of Prayers that Link People to People,” approximately 1.4 million twinkling lights—one for each resident of the island—will be arranged in trees and structures throughout Uchina Farm located near Peace Memorial Park. The Peaceful Illumination runs from December 16 through January 3 from 6 to 10 p.m. (12:30 a.m. on December 31). Admission is ¥500 for adults and high school students and FREE for everyone junior high school aged and below. MCCS Tours+ will be offering a tour to Itoman Peaceful Illumination; visit mccsokinawa.com/tours for more information.
VALERYBROZHINSKY/BIGSTOCK.COM, MIKE DALEY, MARGIE SHIMABUKURO
Kanucha Bay Hotel & Villas Stardust Fantasia Tucked away in beautiful Oura Wan Bay, Kanucha Bay resort hotel is a spectacle that’s worth the drive at any time of the year. But during the Christmas season, this charming ocean-side retreat is transformed into a stunning village of stars. Kanucha Bay begins its seasonal illumination in November, ideal for those who prefer an early start on the holidays. For 106 nights, until Valentine’s Day, over 1,000,000 lights decorate the sprawling hotel grounds. Ample pools make this a photographer’s paradise with reflections on the waters amplifying the beauty tenfold. MCCS Tours+ will be offering a tour to Stardust Fantasia; visit mccsokinawa.com/ tours for more information.
DECEMBER 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 13
OUT + ABOUT
VALERYBROZHINSKY/BIGSTOCK.COM, CORTESY OF OKINAWA ZOO, THOMAS ALAN SMILIE
Okinawa Zoo and Children’s Museum
The Okinawa Zoo and Children’s Museum is in its 23rd year of celebrating the holidays with lights and festivities ranging from their “Super Aurora Attraction” fireworks displays and real “snow” from a giant snow machine. Families can start the day at the zoo early; the Okinawa Zoo houses nearly 200 species and more than 1,000 animals including reptiles, mammals, birds and fish to gawk at. Once visitors have finished animal gazing, they can indulge in bumper cars, relax by a fishing pond, take a scenic spin on the train, twirl on the merry-go-round, float on a three-person mini-boat and a visit at the Wonder Museum—a 3,400-square-meter facility brimming with gadgets, games and exhibits. Admission is ¥2,200 for adults (and high school aged kids), ¥1,200 for children 4 through junior high school and FREE for kids under 4.
Mihama American Village During the day, the sprawling Depot Garden complex of Mihama’s American Village is a veritable explosion of pinks, oranges and yellows with curved corridors lined with shops hawking the latest fashion, art, curios and gadgets. The complex itself is made up of around a dozen buildings designed with a fusion of European, Asian and Okinawan styles. During the holiday season (and well beyond), this explosion of color becomes an eruption of holiday cheeriness in the evenings.
DECEMBER 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 15
FITNESS + FUN
Tours+ Holiday Tours There’s No Better Gift than a Happy Memory
OLLI0815/BIGSTOCK.COM
Overwhelmed with deciding how to spend the upcoming holidays? Let MCCS Tours+ do all the planning. First, sit down for a scrumptious Christmas Eve dinner buffet at the Okinawa Marriot Resort and Spa, located in the northern scenic village of Nago. On Monday, December 24, feast on traditional seasonal favorites as well as Okinawan staples. Then, on 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 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. Last but not least, for all the lovely couples out there, Tours+ is offering a special Valentine’s Day package. Spend this Valentine’s Day weekend (February 14–18) with your sweetheart in the twinkling city of Tokyo. Explore the capital of Japan, from its bright neon lights to its quiet incense-filled temples. Alternative tour packages are also available, including a trip to Tokyo Disney. Sign-ups start soon, but you can get ahead of the rush by adding your name to the tour wish list. For pricing details or more information, call Tours+ at 646-3205 or visit them online at mccsokinawa.com/tours. You can also follow them on Facebook at MCCS Okinawa Tours+.
DECEMBER 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 17
e t a r b e l Ce e th r a e Y New at Okuma
Okuma Surfside Grill & Bar
Monday • 31 December • 6 pm - 2 am $25 • Adults | $16 • Ages 13 - 17 $10 • Ages 4 - 12 | Free • Ages 3 & under Enjoy hors d’oeuvres from 9 pm - 11 pm, plus a complimentary glass of champagne or non-alcoholic drink at midnight! There will also be entertainment, games, and prizes. The midnight breakfast buffet will be available 12 am - 2 am.
Christmas Buffet Monday • 24 December • 1 pm - 8:30 pm $24.95 • Adults $12.95 • Ages 4 - 12 Free • Ages 3 & under Christmas with a twist! Enjoy your favorite holiday classics like turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, and try a variety of exciting new dishes. Local Okinawan Jazz musicians will provide fantastic live entertainment from 5 pm - 8 pm.
Mini Golf Course GRAND OPENING IN DECEMBER
New at Okuma - play 18 holes of mini golf! Come join us on our brand new course to test your putting skills. For more information, call Outdoor Recreation Equipment Rental at 631-1815.
Okuma Beach • 631-1990 | Surfside Grill & Bar • 631-1805 | 098-962-1805 Okuma Beach is located 51 miles north of Kadena Air Base Kadenafss.com/okuma facebook.com/theokumabeach
Instagram us @okumabeach
KADENA AIR BASE
FITNESS + FUN
Wanna Wrassle? Prove You’re the Emperor or Empress of the Mats Pin your competition at the Foster Open Wrestling Tournament on December 8 at 10 a.m. at Gunners Fitness Center. Register by December 3 (1 p.m.) at any staffed MCCS Fitness Center for $20. Late registration is available December 8 (8–9 a.m.) at Gunners Fitness Center for $25. This event is open to all participants island-wide. Individual awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers in each respective weight class. For more information, call 645-4866 or email adultsports@okinawa. usmc-mccs.org.
Open Powerlifting Competition Raise the Bar on Camp Foster Are you into picking heavy up things and putting them down over and over again? Then show off your strength and prove pound-for-pound who’s the strongest lifter on Okinawa at Camp Foster’s Open Powerlifting Competition. This meet will be held on Saturday, December 15 at 9 a.m. in the Community Center Auditorium. Those interested can register for $20 at any staffed MCCS Fitness Center until December 10 or at Gunners Fitness Center December 11–14. Sameday registration will also be available at the event site from 7 to 8 a.m. Weigh-ins will take place
from 7 to 8:15 a.m. on the day of the competition. Participants must also attend a brief at 8:35 a.m. The Foster Open Powerlifting Competition is open to all lifters island-wide. Individual awards will be given to the top three finishers in each weight class. Masters’ divisions, as well as overall male and female, will be determined using the Wilkes Coefficient. For more information, call 645-4866 or email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. You can also visit mccsokinawa.com/semperfit.
Rudolph’s Sled Pull
RODERICA MATHIS
Team Fitness Challenge Join MCCS Health Promotion for some seasonal fitness fun at Rudolph’s Sled Pull Team Fitness Challenge. It all goes down December 4 at the Camp Foster Gunners Fitness Center and December 13 at the Camp Hansen House of Pain Fitness Center. This event is centered on the seven High Intensity Tactical Training (HITT) foundational movements—push, plank, pull, rotation, hinge, squat and lunge. Seven stations will be set, and each team will be given a sled and harness equipped with seven 10 lb. plates. Team members will rotate between being Rudolph (the sled puller) and Santa (the sled pusher). The objective is simple: move your sled station to station, finishing with the best time. At each station, a question is asked. If answered correctly, the entire team will perform a HITT exercise and move onto the next station. If answered incorrectly, the team has the option to perform double the exercise or replace one of the 10 lb. weights with a heavier one before moving forward. The winning team will receive awesome prizes! This event is open to all active duty Marines and Sailors. Teams of two can sign up at mccsokinawa.com/healthpromotion. For further information, email healthpromotions@ okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. DECEMBER 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 19
FITNESS + FUN
Santa’s Diving Deep… …Into His Bag of Presents!
KATIKO.DP/BIGSTOCK.COM, PRESSMASTER/BIGSTOCK.COM,
‘Tis the season for shopping and gift-giving, and Tsunami Scuba is going to help you save some hardearned bucks this year while doing so. Chances are you have a friend, coworker or family member who’s either already an avid diver or snorkeler or aspires to become one on this gorgeous island. Or, perhaps you fit into this category and want to start dropping some hints about the underwater toys you hope to see under the tree this year. Either way, you better get them during Tsunami Scuba’s phenomenal Holiday Extravaganza December 14–17 in stores island-wide. Regulators, wet & dry exposure suits, masks, fins, dive computers and much, much more will be available. You’ll probably buy a few things for yourself as a reward for being such a great Santa Claus. For more details, call 645-4206 or visit mccsokinawa.com/ tsunamiscuba.
12 Days of Christmas Health and Wellness Challenge Beat the Holiday Weight Gain For most people, the holiday season means eating—lots of eating—which not only results in weight gain, but a New Year’s resolution to lose it as well. The best way to keep off the extra weight is simple—maintaining a food journal. This will help you keep track of what you’re putting in your body (it’s kind of like using cash instead of a card when you’re Christmas shopping). Need a little motivation? Join MCCS Health Promotion’s 12 Days of Christmas Health and Wellness Challenge for a chance to win a prize!
Participants will receive a log to record food and beverage intake. The log will also include 12 goals. For every goal achieved, you’ll get an extra entry into the prize drawing. The challenge begins on December 1 and lasts until December 12. Packets with logs and rules are available online at the Health Promotion website. For more information, contact Health Promotion or visit them online at mccsokinawa. com/healthpromotion.
Taiyo Golf Club Holiday Sale Looking for a present for a golfer or someone who’s thinking of taking up the game? How about picking up a new driver, putter or golf bag from the Taiyo Golf Club Pro Shop? All the way through Christmas Day, stop by the Taiyo Golf Club Pro Shop for their annual holiday sale. During this time, all items in the store will be marked down at least 10% with selected items up to 40% off. Get that golfer in your life something extra special this holiday season. For more information on the Taiyo Golf Club Holiday Sale, call 622-2004/2006 or visit Taiyo Golf Club online at mccsokinawa.com/golf.
DECEMBER 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 21
FITNESS + FUN
Winter Fun at the Aquatic Centers
SPORTPOIN74/BIGSTOCK.COM
Water Activities One of the best things about living on Okinawa is you can still hit the pools in the winter. Get in the festive spirit and catch a holiday flick by (or in) the pool at an Aquatic Center’s Dive-In Movie. There will be one on Camps Schwab (December 7), Hansen (December 14) and Foster (December 21). All will run from 6 to 8 p.m. and will feature FREE popcorn. Non-alcoholic beverages also be available. If you’re a little more serious about swimming, there will be a swim meet on December 15 at the Foster Aquatic Center. The competition is FREE and will run from 6 to 9 a.m. Swimmers can compete in a maximum of three individual events. Registration for SOFA-status personnel opens December 1 and closes December 10. To register, email your name and age to odst@hotmail.com along with a maximum of three event choices. To look up more swim meets, visit mccsokinawa.com/swimteam.
Maybe you’d like an excuse to hang by the pool all the time, no matter the season, or maybe you’d be interested in the business of saving lives. If so, you should consider becoming the lifeguard. But first you need to get the necessary certifications by taking a Lifeguarding Full Course. This class will teach you the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies, how to provide professional-level care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, as well as how to care for injuries and sudden illness until emergency medical services (EMS) personnel take over. The next class will be December 14–19 at the Foster Aquatic Center. Those who wish to attend must register online by December 12. For more information or to register, visit mccsokinawa.com/lifeguard. To see what else is going on at an Aquatic Center near you, visit mccsokinawa.com/aquatics.
DECEMBER 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 23
DINING + ENTERTAINMENT
A Special Meal
RAWPIXEL.COM/BIGSTOCK.COM
Holiday Meals-To-Go
Along with brand new toys and the carpet under the tree strewn with torn and shredded wrapping paper, gathering the family for a holiday meal is a time-worn tradition for many. Make your holiday easier (and spend less time in the kitchen) by ordering your yuletide feast in the form of a Holiday Meals-To-Go from an MCCS Club or Restaurant. Patrons can order complete meal packages, order just a turkey or ham, or perhaps just a few extra side dishes to add to the rest of a meal. Traditional Holiday Packages include the Classic Turkey Package ($125), the Deluxe Glazed Hickory Ham Package ($100) and the Holiday Feast Combination Package ($215). The turkey and ham packages come with 4 pounds each of traditional herb-seasoned bread stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and green beans as well as 2 quarts of turkey gravy and your choice of a pumpkin, pecan or apple pie. The Holiday Feast Package comes with a DOUBLE order of sides.
The Hickory Holiday Package ($150), consisting of enough smoked beef brisket to feed a dozen thankful revelers, comes with 4 pounds each of coleslaw and baked macaroni cheese au gratin, 1 quart of BBQ sauce and your choice of a pumpkin, pecan or apple pie. All items and sides from both Traditional and Hickory Packages are available à la carte. Holiday Meals-To-Go orders can be placed five days before the desired pick-up date and paid in full two business days prior to pick-up. Order times are Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. and all arrangements must be made with the club where the packages will be picked up. Participating clubs include Kinser Surfside (637-3137), Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster (645-3666), Tengan Castle on Camp Courtney (622-9413) and The Palms on Camp Hansen (623-4375). Please call a participating club or visit mccsokinawa.com/clubs for more details. DECEMBER 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 35
DINING + ENTERTAINMENT
Holiday Parties at the Clubs
KURHAN/BIGSTOCK.COM
Have a Jolly Good Time with MCCS It’s the most wonderful time of the year—a time for delicious food, ugly sweater contests, prize giveaways, the best of jingles and so much more. This holiday season, get merry with MCCS at one (or more) of our many holiday parties. The Landing Zone Enlisted Lounge inside BeachHead on Camp Schwab and The Palms Enlisted Lounge on Camp Hansen both will be having a holiday celebration on December 24. Both will feature prize giveaways and FREE themed food (while supplies last). The festivities at Landing Zone Enlisted Lounge will begin at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. at The Palms Enlisted Lounge. Camp Courtney will be having three parties this year. Bayview will be featuring FREE “Meximas” hor d’oeuvres, salsa music, a taco bar and an ugly sweater contest. The merrymaking will kick off at 6 p.m. on December 14. Legends Officers’ Club will start the party early at 4:30 p.m. on December 21 with complimentary Polynesian hors d’oeuvres and giveaways. Hashmarks SNCO Club and Chapultepec NCO Club will also be hosting a celebration on December 21. Beginning at 5 p.m., guests can enjoy delicious food from a complimentary Festivus menu, Air Your Grievances and cornhole games, an ugly sweater contest and karaoke. Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster will have two parties on December 22. Starting at 8 p.m., get festive with your favorite holiday jams, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and prize giveaways at Chesty’s SNCO Lounge. Or, head to Globe & Anchor Enlisted Lounge at 9 p.m. to compete in the Christmas Eve Ugly Sweater Contest. There will be prize giveaways, FREE themed food and snacks (while supplies last) at Habu Pit on MCAS Futenma on December 22. The party will start at 5 p.m. Kinser Surfside will be getting festive in both the Harbor and Enlisted Lounges. On December 24, head to the Harbor Lounge for FREE holiday appetizers from 5 to 7 p.m. On December 25, check out the Enlisted Lounge for a FREE holiday buffet from 5 to 7 p.m. For more information on any of these events, call your local participating club or visit mccsokinawa.com/clubs.
Celebrate Christmas It’s More the Merrier at MCCS Clubs & Restaurants Start your Christmas morning bright and early with an à la carte brunch at Taiyo Steakhouse, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Or, for those who prefer, make your way to Butler Officers’ Club on Camp Foster or Tengan Castle on Camp Courtney for a fabulous lunch buffet. Both establishments will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Prices are $19.95 for adults, $9.95 for children ages 5–11 and FREE for children under 5. For the northern camps, The Palms on Camp Hansen will also be hosting a lovely lunch buffet. At $17.95 for adults, $8.95 for children ages 5–11 and FREE for children under 5, chow down with your friends and family from noon to 4 p.m. Meanwhile, the BeachHead on Camp Schwab and The Veranda inside Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster will be cooking up sumptuous Christmas dinners. Head to the BeachHead from 4 to 8 p.m. and enjoy a traditional Christmas spread for just $17.95 for adults, $8.95 for children 5–11 and FREE for children under 5. The Veranda will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. and prices are $19.95 for adults, $9.95 for children 5–11 and FREE for children under 5. Reservations are highly recommended. For more information, call a participating club or visit mccsokinawa.com/clubs. DECEMBER 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 37
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DINING + ENTERTAINMENT
MCFTB Featured Classes
Time for 2019! New Year’s Parties at the Clubs
Brunch with Santa
LIANG ZHANG/BIGSTOCK.COM
Spend a Delightful Morning with the Jolly One!
Countless people have precious memories of seeing Santa Claus embedded in their hearts. As Christmas draws closer and closer, adults often reminisce about the restlessness that would intertwine with their holiday spirit as they approached the jolly old man with the white beard and red suit. For many, it was the most nerve-racking moment of the year. The cheery “ho-ho-ho” always seemed to echo as everyone fidgeted with nervousness. However, despite having to fight with anxiousness during the wait, it was always worth it. Sitting on Santa’s lap and hearing his hearty laugh are often some of the happiest times of one’s life. Tengan Castle on Camp Courtney and Butler Officers’ Club in the Plaza Housing Area are providing the opportunity to not only meet with Santa, but have brunch! Yes, that’s right! Good ol’ Saint Nick will be taking time out of his busy schedule to invite you and your family to a magical
meal. Also, everyone will have the opportunity to take pictures. The jolly one will be at Butler Officers’ Club December 16 and 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Adults can enjoy brunch for $19, children 5–11 for $9.50 and children under 5 for FREE. Reservations are highly recommended, and bringing a camera to shoot a keepsake picture of Santa with the kids is even more recommended. To make a reservation, call 645-7530. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/boc. Santa will also be at Tengan Castle on December 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.—don’t forget your camera! Adults can enjoy the buffet for $17, children 5–11 for $8.50 and children under 5 for FREE. Reservations are highly recommended; to make one, call 622-9413. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/tengancastle.
Count down to 2019 with MCCS Clubs on December 31 and start the New Year with a bang! Clubs throughout the island will be offering complimentary hors d’oeuvres, DJ music, prizes, a toast at midnight and tons of fun. The Landing Zone at BeachHead is your New Year’s Eve party headquarters for Camp Schwab. The Landing Zone will open at 9 p.m. Both the SNCO Lounge and Enlisted Lounge in The Palms on Camp Hansen will be open and ready to party the night away at 7 p.m. Bayview on Camp Courtney will start celebrating at 9 p.m. with a DJ and dancing. Also on Camp Courtney, the SNCO Lounge in Hashmarks will offer a pre-party with complimentary hors d’oeuvres from 6 to 8 p.m. Taiyo Steakhouse located at Taiyo Golf Club will be offering a chance to save the best meal of 2018 for last. Dinner will be served from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Camp Foster will offer three choices for you to ring in the New Year. Both Globe & Anchor (9 p.m.) and Chesty’s (8 p.m.) at Ocean Breeze will have prizes throughout the evening and a toast to the New Year at midnight. The Butler Officers’ Club will start partying 80s-style at 9 p.m. On MCAS Futenma, the enlisted lounge in Thirsty’s will begin celebrating at 7 p.m. and the SNCO Lounge in Habu Pit will offer complimentary hors d’oeuvres from 7 to 9 p.m. with a DJ from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Prizes will be awarded throughout the evening and a champagne toast will happen at midnight. On Camp Kinser, the Harbor Lounge at Surfside will serve FREE hors d’oeuvres from 8 to 10 p.m. as a DJ rocks the house! Enjoy the celebrations responsibly. For more information, call the nearest participating club or visit mccsokinawa.com/clubs.
DECEMBER 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 39
RESTAURANT REVIEW
DoubleTree by Hilton Spa x Dine Package Text by Amanda Carrasquillo
IMAGE COURTESY OF DOUBLE TREE BY HILTON
Hours of Operation Lunch 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Last Call 2:30 p.m. Dinner 5:30–10 p.m. Last Call 9:30 p.m. Phone 098-936-4781 Address 43 Mihama Chatan-Cho, Nakagami-Gun Okinawa 904-0115 Payment ¥, CC
The holiday season is downright stressful. What we all need is a way to escape the chaos and blues—at least for a little while. Lucky for us, DoubleTree by Hilton in Chatan has the perfect mini-getaway that happens to make a perfect gift to give yourself. Indulge, relax and revitalize with their Spa x Dine plan. This package offers an exquisite lunch or dinner at the lovely MaTiira restaurant paired with your choice between a 40-minute back and body massage or 50-minute facial at Amami Spa. MaTiira’s menus were designed by Sous Chef Masanori Tezuka, who has over 20 years of experience in Tokyo. His goal was to create a filling, but not heavy, healthy meal loaded with superfoods and flavor. Those who choose to dine during lunch start off with a salad and garlic toast, followed by basil pasta with pine nut sauce—a specialty Chef Tezuka-san learned in Italy. The meal also comes with a smoothie made from seasonal fruits. Right now, guests can choose between strawberry or green apple. Meanwhile, dinner guests can enjoy a course meal of prosciutto salad with acai dressing and pumpkin soup followed by fresh local fish (the best from the market) with dried tomatoes and amani (flaxseed) oil. After your meal (or before if you’d like), the Amami Spa will transport you to a whole new world—far beyond the reach of any stress. As soon as you step foot
in the door, the soft music and sea air that somehow flows through the rooms will put your mind at complete ease. Small piles of beach stones and shells decorate the halls, making you feel as though you’re by the ocean. The back and body massage incorporates both Swedish and Hawaiian Lomi Lomi techniques. The masseur will help soothe your mind and ease tension with kneading, long strokes, friction and vibration. One session will also help increase blood circulation, decrease muscle toxins and stimulate nerve endings, leaving you rejuvenated and ready to tackle anything thrown your way this holiday season. The facial, on the other hand, will nourish, exfoliate and purify your skin to give your complexion a healthy, radiant glow. Your pores will be fully cleansed and the tension in your facial muscles relieved, but the real magic comes from the deep sea mask specially made from Okinawa's own crystal-clear waters. If, somehow, a carefully-crafted, nutritious meal and tranquil massage are not for you, gift vouchers are also available for purchase. Consider gifting a Spa x Dine package to someone who needs a little “me time.” Prices are ¥9,500 for lunch and a massage, ¥11,500 for lunch and a facial, ¥10,500 for dinner and a massage, and ¥12,500 for dinner and a facial.
DECEMBER 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 41
MARINES + FAMILIES
Financial Resources
MEGAFLOPP/BIGSTOCK.COM
MFP-R Has Got Your Back Interested in helping your peers put an end to money troubles? Affected by the changes to the military retirement system? Looking for a job? Whatever you need, the Marine & Family Programs-Resources (MFP-R) has got you covered. There’s a course available for corporals and sergeants to receive 16 hours of training on how to assist the unit Command Financial Specialist in providing peer-to-peer influence to ranks E1–E5. This class, NCO for Financial Fitness, will be held on December 18 and 19 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Bldg. 439 on Camp Foster. You must be registered to attend. Also, those interested are asked to review the class prerequisites in MCO 1700.37. For more information or to sign up, call Foster MFP-R at 645-2104 or visit mccsokinawa.com/finance. If you’re affected by the new Blended Retirement System (BRS), the Personal Finance Management Program is offering BRS Information Classes this month. One will be held on December 11 in Bldg. 2339 on Camp Hansen and another on
December 18 in Bldg. 445 on Camp Foster. Both will run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sign up at mccsokinawa.com/finance. Job-hunting and struggling with interviews? Everyone knows the interview is the most important part of the hiring process. The Family Member Employment Assistance Program (FMEAP) wants to help make your first impression count with their Ace the Interview workshop. This course will teach you how to answer tough questions, dress appropriately, negotiate your salary and more. FMEAP will be hosting an Ace the Interview workshop on November 7 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Bldg. 3429 on Camp Schwab and from 1 to 4 p.m. in Bldg. 4425 on Camp Courtney, November 16 from 1 to 4 p.m. in Bldg. 2339 on Camp Hansen and November 19 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Bldg. 445 on Camp Foster. You must be registered to attend. To sign up, visit mccsokinawa. com/transition. For more workshops, check out mccsokinawa.com/mfp-r.
DECEMBER 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 43
MARINES + FAMILIES
Real Leaders Listen Communicate to Lead
Four Lenses Workshop What Personality Style Do You Have? Everyone has a unique personality spectrum (or lens) that reveals how they naturally see the world. Knowing yours will help you understand your strengths and weaknesses, avoid conflict, know what environments you perform the best in and more. You can find out what lens you use at a Four Lenses workshop to be held December 13 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Foster Education Center.
Four Lenses is a proven personality temperament model that helps you understand the different personality styles as well as identify yours. By attending this workshop, you’ll not only discover more about yourself but will learn about value and communication styles that’ll improve your worldly interaction. To register, call 6453689, email mcftbokinawa@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or visit mccsokinawa.com/mcftb.
The art of communication is the language of leadership and it’s critical in daily life as well. This workshop is designed to sharpen communication skills and build stronger personal and professional relationships. Open to current and future leaders, Communicate to Lead will help Marines and families learn how to communicate with one another in an effective and mutually productive manner. The next class will be held December 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Camp Hansen Library. For more information on this offering, call 645-3689 or visit MCCS Marine Corps Family Team Building (MCFTB) online at mccsokinawa.con/mcftb.
Japanese Spouses Orientation
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Assisting You in Your Transition to the Military Lifestyle Becoming a military spouse can be pretty overwhelming. There’s really no way to prepare for some of the challenges it brings and, to say the least, there’s a lot you can only learn from personal experience. Language barriers and cultural differences make it even harder for Japanese spouses. But the good news is, you’re not alone. There are many resources available to help make the transition process a little easier. Personal & Professional Development-Resources (P&PD-R) hosts a seminar that’s designed to assist Japanese spouses of service members in their transition to the military lifestyle. The class, Japanese Spouses Orientation ( JSO), is held once month and covers a different topic each time. A translator is present for all sessions. This month, the theme is family resources and the class will be held on December 6 from 1 to 4 p.m. in Bldg. 445 on Camp Foster. For more information call 645-3127/2157 or visit mccsokinawa.com/ culturalawareness. DECEMBER 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 45
TROY’s Military and Family Scholarship caps the cost of tuition at $250 per credit hour for active military. Also, your spouse and dependents receive up to 50% in tuition savings. CONTACT THE PROGRAM
COORDINATOR NEAREST YOU FOR MORE INFORMATION
KADENA AB kadena@troy.edu DSN 634-7464
OSAN AB osan@troy.edu DSN 784-5141
MISAWA AB misawa@troy.edu DSN 226-3748
CAMP HUMPHREYS humphreys@troy.edu DSN 755-3534
YONGSAN AG yongsan@troy.edu DSN 723-7508
troy.edu/pacific
TERM III 2019 Jan. 7 - Mar. 10, 2019 Application Deadline: 12/21/18 Registration Begins: 11/26/18 TERM IV 2019 Mar. 18 - May 19, 2019 Application Deadline: 03/08/19 Registration Begins: 02/25/19 TERM V 2019 May 28 – July 28, 2019 Application Deadline: 05/17/19 Registration Begins: 05/06/19
MARINES + FAMILIES
DSTRESS Line Talk to Someone
THOMAS ALLAN SMILIE, IRA BUDANOVA/BIGSTOCK.COM
No one needs to tell us that, at times, life can be stressful. We all encounter situations that overwhelm us and take a toll on us mentally, physically and emotionally. No matter what your stress level is, and no matter what the causes of your stress are, remember that you never have to carry it alone. Getting the support you need is easy and can be anonymous. Call the DSTRESS Line at any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, to chat with veteran Marines, Fleet Marine Force Navy Corpsmen who were previously attached to the Marine Corps, Marine spouses and other family members, as well as licensed behavioral health counselors specifically trained in Marine Corps culture. Talk to someone who gets it at the DSTRESS Line. Call 098-970-7734 or 645-7734 from a DSN line. Visit dstressline.com for more information.
Japanese Gift Wrapping In Japan, gift wrapping is a gesture in itself— often believed to be just as important as the gift being wrapped. Learn the art of Japanese gift wrapping—and make the receiver glad to get that present (even if it’s only a necktie). You can learn the art of gift wrapping for FREE at the Japanese Gift Wrapping Class
by Marine and Family Programs-Resources (MFP-R) on December 4 from 9 to 11 a.m. on Camp Foster (Bldg. 445) on December 13 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Camp Courtney (Bldg. 4425) and on December 14 from 9 to 11 a.m. on Camp Kinser (Bldg. 1220). For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/mfp-r. DECEMBER 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 47
MARINES + FAMILIES
Accessing Higher Education
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It Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming Education is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to transitioning out of the military—but it’s a big, confusing (and very important) piece. The MCCS Education Centers provide assistance to Marines, Sailors and spouses transitioning from military to student life. There are numerous workshops led by transition advisors for those interested in pursuing a college education. Accessing Higher Education is a twoday course designed to assist transitioning service members with creating a customized plan for successfully adjusting to an educational institution. The goal is to align attendees’ personal and career choices in choosing a degree program and college, funding options (to include state and federal benefits, scholarships, grants and student loans), the admissions process and more. Two workshops will be held this month—one aboard Camp Foster and the other on Camp Hansen. Foster’s will take place on December 6 and 7 in the Education Center (Bldg. 5679), and Hansen’s will be in the Education Center (Bldg. 2339) on December 20 and 21. Both workshops will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Accessing Higher Education is open to all active duty military personnel and their spouses. High school students are also allowed to attend but need to have a parent present. You must register to attend. To sign up, email your name, rank (if applicable) and the dates of the class you wish to attend to eduadvisor@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org, or visit your local MCCS Education Center. Transition advisors are also available for one-on-one consultation. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/ educationandcareerservices.
Santa’s Workshop …at Your Local Library
Tired of waiting for everyone to sleep to wrap presents away from prying eyes? MCCS Libraries will be providing relief! Libraries island-wide will be offering a safe haven to wrap those Timberlands, the Nintendo Switch or that ornamental kimono obi. All supplies will be provided—including gift boxes and wrapping paper! For more information and hours of operation, call your nearest MCCS Library or visit mccsokinawa.com/libraries. DECEMBER 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 49
KIDS + PARENTS
New Parent Support Program
RODERICA MATHIS
Here for You and Your New Addition
There are no instruction manuals or foolproof ways to raise your child to become a great person. But a parent’s duty is a serious and vital responsibility. The MCCS New Parent Support Program (NPSP) is here to aid and support parents on their journey. Journey Through Pregnancy, held every Thursday on Camp Foster in Bldg. 439 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., is a 12-week open discussion class featuring the InJoy series. Topics range from labor and delivery to new mother care, feeding, Dustan Baby Language and more. Play Mornings, held every Friday on Camp Foster at the American Red Cross Building from 10 to 11:30 a.m., is an interactive educational playgroup that helps parents learn developmentally-appropriate play techniques and children under 6 improve their social, cognitive and motor skills. Parents in Uniform is a small group-based class offered to moms
and dads at any stage of pregnancy. Home visitors educate parentsto-be on Marine Corps policies including housing information, legal requirements, on-island child care options and other family readiness issues. The next class will be held on December 13 on Camp Foster in Bldg. 439 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Baby Boot Camp assists in preparing expectant mothers and fathers to be confident and competent parents. Baby Boot Camp covers the basics of infant development, taking care of yourself as a parent, baby safety, newborn care, community resources and more. The next class will be held on December 21 on Camp Foster in Bldg. 439 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information on these offerings and more, call NPSP at 645-0396 or visit them online at mccsokinawa.com/npsp.
DECEMBER 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 51
KIDS + PARENTS
Spend Your Holiday Vacation…
RAWPIXEL.COM/BIGSTOCK.COM
…with CYP! Has winter vacation left you with a house full of bored teenagers? Don’t worry—MCCS Youth and Teen Centers have a series of funfilled events lined up just in time for the holidays. On Friday, December 14, Kinser Youth Center will be hosting their Annual Reindeer Games. Starting at 4 p.m., children ages 10 to 12 are invited to join in for good food and a series of athletic games, all with a cool holiday twist. Team games, such as the Gift Box Wrapping Race/Obstacle Course, Sleigh Ride blanket pull and Polar Bear vs. Elves Dodgeball Match will test kids’ speed, agility and teamwork. And, awards will be given to the winning team! Then, the Foster Teen Center will be holding an overnight Winter Break Lock-In from 7 p.m. on Friday, December 28 to 7 a.m. on Saturday, December 29 at the Kishaba Youth Center (Bldg.
24). Teens and their friends (ages 13 to 18) are welcome to stay the night and enjoy dinner, group challenges, games, midnight snacks, crafts, karaoke, dancing and a hearty breakfast the next morning. If interested, sign your teen up at the Foster Teen Center located inside The Spot (Bldg. 200). Parental permission is required. Finally, teens are also invited to the Foster Teen Center’s 2019 New Year’s Party on January 4 from noon to 4 p.m. Teens can hang out and celebrate the arrival of the New Year alongside their friends with FREE pizza, beverages, music and games. These events are open to members and their guests, but if you’d like to register your child or teen as a CYP member, download the registration packet from mccsokinawa.com/cyp and turn it in to your local MCCS Youth or Teen Center. DECEMBER 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 53
SERVICES
Sketching Classes Learn the fundamentals of drawing and become a better illustrator in just eight separate 1-hour sessions at the Courtney Arts and Crafts Center and Foster Framing and Fine Arts. For children, the Courtney Arts and Crafts Center offers a Kids Sketching Class held Thursdays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 3 to 4 p.m. Foster Framing and Fine Arts also holds a Kids Cartooning Class on Wednesdays and Fridays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. An Adults Sketching Class is held at the Courtney Arts and Crafts Center on Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 4 to 5 p.m., as well as at Foster Framing and Fine Arts from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Prices are $32 for children and $62.50 for adults. Students are kindly asked to bring a sketch book, wood pencil, eraser and colored pencils to join in on the fun. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/ fosterframingandfinearts or mccsokinawa. com/courtneyartsandcrafts. You can also email artsandcrafts@okinawa.usmcmccs.org.
MCCS Gift Cards The Gift That Keeps on Giving
Save Your Fingers RASSELOK/BIGSTOCK.COM
Courtney Arts and Crafts Woodshop Safety Orientation The Courtney Arts and Crafts Woodshop has all the tools you need to make your very own wooden treasures—and it only costs $1 per hour! If you’ve never worked in this woodshop before, you must first attend the Woodshop Orientation, which is held every Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. For just $5, participants will learn the basics of woodshop safety and be issued a Woodshop Safety Card upon completion.
This card will grant you access to the woodshop for DIY use. The Courtney Arts and Crafts Woodshop is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The shop is closed Mondays, Tuesdays and holidays. Those who use this woodshop can also store their projects for just $5 a month. For more information, call 622-7492 or visit mccsokinawa.com/courtneyartsandcrafts.
Show them how much you care with an MCCS Gift Card for that special occasion. What can it be used for? How about camping gear rentals from MCCS Outdoor Recreation? Perhaps a relaxing massage or performanceenhancing dietary supplement from Semper Fit? Or a customized bowling ball from the Camp Foster Bowling Pro Shop, framed photo from Foster Framing, a tour from Tours+ or an art class at Foster Framing and Fine Arts? The MCCS Gift Card is the most versatile gift, made for everyone. Use it to buy balls at the Taiyo Golf Club Pro Shop, an oil change from Typhoon Motors, a mask and snorkel from Tsunami Scuba…the list is endless. MCCS Gift Cards are available at MCCS retail facilities island-wide. For more information, call 645-3193 or visit mccsokinawa.com/giftcard. DECEMBER 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 55
DECEMBER 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 57
L.M.V/BIGSTOCK.COM, WOODHOUSE/BIGSTOCK.COM, IMAGE COURTESY OF SHERATON OKINAWA SUNMARINA RESORT
Kafuu Resort’s flagship restaurant, Wine & Dining The Orange, opened in 2009 and has forged a reputation as one of the best restaurants in Onna Village—no mean feat as many of the island’s world-class resorts (each with its own flagship restaurant) are concentrated in Onna. For Christmas this year, The Orange will feature a special Noel Course Dinner for ¥6,500. The course features 5 kinds of Amuse ornaments: a Terrine of Marinated Foie Gras blanketed with tankan mandarin flavor, Langoustine Poêlé and Baked Risotto with Sea Urchin accompanied by Omar lobster sauce, Poached Local Grouper with butter and mussels accompanied by rouille and champagne sauce, Duck Roti accompanied by caramelized persimmons and gravy sauce and a White Chocolate and Raspberry fondant. The main dish (Duck Roti) can be upgraded to Grilled Local Beef Filet and a Winter Vegetable Garden accompanied by truffle flavors for an extra ¥1,500. Dinner is served from 6 to 11 p.m. (special Noel course last order at 9 p.m.) and reservations are recommended. PHONE
098-964-7711
IMAGES COURTESY OF KAFUU RESORT FUCHAKU CONDO • HOTEL, RODERICA MATHIS, SHERATON OKINAWA SUNMARINA RESORT
Many Okinawan residents and guests alike know Sheraton Okinawa Sunmarina Resort for its pools, waterslides and 250-meter-long MegaZIP—the island’s only over-water zipline (speeds can reach as high as 30 km/h). The resort features three restaurants—Dining Room SENSES (specializing in international buffets), the Sunset Bar & Terrace (a relaxed beachside haven specializing in cocktails and signature beverages) and The Grill, which features dishes made from the highest-grade Wagyu ( Japanese beef) and the freshest local seafood and vegetables. This year for Christmas, The Grill will feature a Gala Dinner “Ryukyu French” Course Meal December 22–25 with available seatings each evening at 5:30, 6, 6:30, 8 and 8:30 p.m. The price is ¥8,000 per person (excluding tax and service fee) and diners will be serenaded by Christmas carols to put them in a holiday mood at 6:15 and 8:30 p.m. SENSES will offer a Christmas Special Dinner Buffet December 22–25 with seatings at 5:30 and 8 p.m. The buffet is ¥6,000 per person (less tax and service fees). Advance reservations are highly recommended at both venues. PHONE
098-965-2497
DECEMBER 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 59
IMAGES COURTESY OF ANA INTERCONTINENTAL MANZA BEACH RESORT
The restaurants at the ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort will be offering many holiday culinary extravaganzas including popular dishes and desserts from Asia, Europe and throughout the world. Aqua Belle is the perfect place to enjoy a memorable time with family and friends. For a holiday buffet with a twist, Aqua Belle offers lavishly festive main courses including roasted turkey, bone-in lamb chops and roast beef at the live carving station. Aqua Belle’s special buffet is ¥4,400 for adults, ¥2,200 for children 6–12 and ¥1,200 for kids 3–5. Special holiday courses are also available at Unkai Japanese Cuisine and The Oriental Grill by Karin. Treat yourself and loved ones to the eight-course Kaiseki dinner set specially-prepared by Chef Matsuyama for ¥9,000. Or, indulge in the fivecourse meal made using luxurious ingredients selected by Chef Yoza at the Oriental Grill by Karin. The special Celebration Menu is available for ¥8,000. PHONE
098-966-1211
DECEMBER 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 61
IMAGES COURTESY OF OKINAWA GRAND MER RESORT
Located in the hills of Okinawa City overlooking Nakagusuku Bay and the Pacific Ocean, Okinawa Grand Mer Resort is another perfect place to share an intimate holiday dinner in the soft twilight glow of a winter evening on Okinawa. Grand Mer features three restaurants—Dress Diner, Shuna and the Sheesah Lounge. Dress Diner features an all-you-can-eat buffet for dinner, and as Christmas Day falls on a Tuesday, what can be better than stuffing oneself with red snow crab, triangle tanner crab, snow crab and deepwater red crab? Dress Diner’s main entrees are not limited to crab legs and include delicacies such as spicy roasted Berkshire pork spareribs, roasted chorizo franks and Andean potatoes with whole-grain mustard, pastas, pizzas and much more. Shuna is the place for the finest Japanese cuisine with several courses to choose from featuring the freshest ingredients, and the Sheesah Lounge offers a more relaxed atmosphere with American favorites such as herb-grilled lamb loin, steaks, fish and chips and more. Don’t forget to try the “Buffalo Wings from Hell” and the “Triple-Layered Mega Hamburger!” PHONE
098-931-1500
DECEMBER 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 63
Located on the waterfront in Naha City near Aja Port, Loisir Hotel is an urban resort featuring world-class amenities. From December 2 through December 28 (except for December 22–25), Loisir’s café restaurant Fontaine will be featuring a special buffet both during lunch and dinner that brings together all of the highest ranking favorites of 2018 (including some of the best hotel restaurant desserts on island). The lunch buffet (11:30 a.m.– 2:30 p.m.; last order 2 p.m.) is ¥2,400 for adults and ¥1,000 for kids. The dinner buffet (5:30–10 p.m.; last order for food 9 p.m.), which features more menu items to choose from, goes for ¥3,900 and ¥2,000 on weekdays and ¥4,200 and ¥2,000 on weekends. PHONE
098-868-2222
One of the oldest beach resorts on island, Hotel Moon Beach has long been known for its beautiful sunsets, pristine horseshoe-shaped beach, relaxing spas and world-class cuisine. Corallo All-DayDining, located on the second floor overlooking the bay, is a buffet-style restaurant featuring international cuisine. Corallo, which is open for lunch (11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.; last order 2:30 p.m.) and dinner (6–10 p.m.; last order 9:30 p.m.), will be offering a special holiday spread this year. Call them for dates, times and menu items.
IMAGES COURTESY OF LOISIR HOTEL NAHA, HOTEL MOON BEACH, RODERICA MATHIS
PHONE
098-965-1020
MCCS Clubs and Restaurants will be offering a plethora of options for Christmas dinner with buffets offered at Kinser Surfside and The Veranda inside Camp Foster’s Ocean Breeze from 5 to 9 p.m. The BeachHead offers a buffet from 4 to 8 p.m. The Habu Pit on MCAS Futenma will feature a Christmas Eve Hawaiian Buffet with roasted kāhlua pig from 5 to 9 p.m. Tengan Castle on Camp Courtney will be offering a French Quarter Cajuninspired buffet at their Christmas in New Orleans featuring a performance by the Modern Jazz Orchestra MOJO from 6 to 9 p.m. For more information on these events, visit mccsokinawa.com/clubs.
DECEMBER 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 65
LIVING ON OKINAWA
Chawan Mushi (Steamed Egg Custard) This delicious, silky custard is usually served as a component or course in a traditional Japanese meal. However, it can be enjoyed on its own as well. Ingredients 4 eggs 2 cups dashi (a broth made from dried bonito flakes) 3/4 tbsp. salt 1 tbsp. soy sauce 1 tsp. sake (rice wine) 1 1/4 tbsp. mirin (sweet cooking rice wine) 3 oz. fresh spinach leaves (parboiled) 4 small uncooked shrimp, shelled and de-veined 4 shiitake mushrooms (stemmed and quartered) 8 snow peas (parboiled) Preparation 1. Break the eggs into a bowl, add the dashi, salt, soy sauce and mirin; beat well. 2. Allow the mixture to stand for a few minutes, then strain to remove all air bubbles and lumps from the mixture. 3. Divide the shrimp, snow peas and the shiitake mushrooms between four individual heat-proof custard cups with lids (or heat resistant coffee cups with saucers or foil for lids). 4. Pour the egg mixture into each cup until two-thirds full and cover with the lid. Place the cups in a preheated steamer and steam over high heat. When the surface of the custard turns white (about three minutes), reduce the heat to low and steam for an additional 15 minutes. 5. Once you’re able to stick a bamboo skewer into the custard and have the liquid flowing from the puncture run clear, it’s ready to serve.
Kagami-biraki Although many people in Japan enjoy eating rice cakes called mochi throughout the year, the beginning of January is the time when this cake is consumed the most. During New Year’s, many Japanese prominently display kagami-mochi (“mirror-rice cake”) in their homes. This traditional decoration is made with two different sized rice cakes stacked one on top of the other (sort of like a snowman) with an orange on top. The reason why this decoration is called “mirror” mochi is because the rice cakes that are used are shaped like an old-fashioned metal mirror many Japanese used back in the old days. The original motivation for using an orange to top this decoration is in the fruit’s name. In Japanese, the color orange is pronounced “dai-dai,” which also means “from generation to generation” and symbolizes prosperity. Every year on January 11 during the days of the samurai, kagami-mochi were broken and eaten in a ritual called “kagami-biraki”—which literally means “mirror opening”—to usher in a prosperous new year. The pieces of mochi were often eaten in a red bean soup. Nowadays, kagami-mochi are often vinyl coated facsimiles because real mochi easily molds and cracks. However, the casings still usually contain individually wrapped mochi, and the rice cakes remain an important Japanese New Year’s tradition.
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Uchinâguchi Corner English
Japanese
Uchinâguchi
Would you like to dance with me?
Isshoni odorimasenka?
Majun wuduibiranai? DECEMBER 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 67
MCCS NEWS
F9PHOTOS/BIGSTOCK.COM
Your Home for the Holidays 2018–2019 The winter holidays, as merry as they can be, can also mean busy schedules, party planning (and execution), shopping, tension and a fair amount of stress. And unfamiliar surroundings only compound it. Traditionally, the holidays equate to sharing good times and festive meals with loved ones. However, for someone living a thousand miles away from family and friends—as well as familiar sights and sounds of home—the holidays can be tinged a very different shade. Relationships can cause turmoil, conflict or stress at any time with tensions often heightening during the holidays. Conversely, those who are facing the holidays without a loved one may find themselves especially lonely or sad—missing even the aforementioned turmoil. Finances can be another stressor. Although finances have the power to cause stress at any time of the year, overspending during the holidays on gifts, travel, food and entertainment can increase stress as people try to make ends meet while ensuring that everyone on the “gift list” is equally happy. Many may find themselves in a financial spiral that leaves them with symptoms of depression such as
hopelessness, sadness and helplessness. Physical demands, including the strain of shopping, attending social gatherings and preparing holiday meals can wipe people out as well. Feeling exhausted increases stress even more, creating a vicious cycle that’s difficult to quell. Once again this year, MCCS Okinawa will be offering many activities to help alleviate holiday stress and chase away the blues. From simple things like FREE cookies, a piping-hot cup of coffee and a welcoming smile and FREE holiday meals to FREE golf, Reindeer Games, Green Grinch Soda parties, “Meximus” Christmas parties and much, much more, MCCS is here to make Okinawa Your Home for the Holidays! Check out mccsokinawa.com/holidays for a full listing of 2018-19 Your Home for the Holidays events and offerings on Marine Corps installations island–wide to fill your heart with yuletide warmth. May your days and nights…be merry and bright.
DECEMBER 2018 | OKINAWA LIVING 69
MARKETPLACE GUIDE Commercial Ad Directory
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