November 2021 | Issue 285
contents November 2021
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16 8
56
features
fitness + fun
services
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31
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MCCS Holiday Gift Guide Get the lowdown on upcoming specials and sales.
Gobble Up the Miles Time to lace up your sneakers and talk turkey about Camp Kinser’s Half-Marathon.
Razor-Sharp Sales Typhoon Motors is trimming prices and cutting razor-sharp deals with four sales this month.
16 Okinawan Holiday Gift Guide Score some presents that are home runs for folks back in the States.
56 Time Tumbles By Happy Birthday, EGA MCCS celebrates the one year anniversary of Excellence Gymnastics Academy.
restaurant review 42 Taiyo Café Small Building, Big Offerings On a mission to make golfers happy, the new Taiyo Café ensures delicious and convenient selections.
dining + entertainment 26
33 Turkey Bowl We highly recommend not eating your Thanksgiving leftovers right before competing in this flag football tournament.
marines + families
extras 5 Mensôre
7 Feedback & Show Us!
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69
Commemorative Hammers and Paddles Celebrating a Marine’s achievements? Create your own gift—like a war hammer or paddle— at the woodshop in the Courtney Arts and Crafts Center.
Living on Okinawa
41
MCCS News
Cookies, Crafts & Cocoa Create a homemade keepsake while enjoying cookies, hot chocolate or chocolate milk.
kids + parents
Holiday Meals-To-Go MCCS Catering makes serving up a taste of home easy as pie. Choose complete meals, à la carte selections or mix and match all of your favorites!
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29
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Cowboy Burger There’s a new burger on the loose at Bulldogs Burgers—one wanted on multiple counts of being too gosh darn tasty. Catch one while you can!
ODST Swim Meet Find out what you have in common with dolphins at the Okinawa Dolphins Swim Team swim meet.
Harvest Some Fun Kids will have bunches of autumnal fun at the Foster Youth Center Harvest Festival!
70 Marketplace Guide
71
NOVEMBER 2021 | ISSUE 285 COMMANDING GENERAL, MCIPAC Brigadier General William J. Bowers ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF, MCCS, MCIPAC Edward S. Hutsell DEPUTY ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF, MCCS DIRECTOR, MCCS, MCB CAMP BUTLER Michael S. Gieseck DEPUTY MCCS DIRECTOR MARINE & FAMILY PROGRAMS Carlos J. Saldaña DEPUTY MCCS DIRECTOR BUSINESS & SUPPORT Hyun Woo Chang CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER Jim Kassebaum EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mike Daley MCCS ART DIRECTOR Henry C. Ortega OKINAWA LIVING ART DIRECTORS Margie Shimabukuro, Emeline Toole GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Giulia Pulvirenti, Mayar Mahmoud, Rebecca Lambertsen DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Thomas Alan Smilie PHOTOGRAPHER Mia Cox EDITORIAL Alex Jusell, Angie Andrews DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA Kathlene Millette, Roxine Ami, Jaci Mullally CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALIST Ayako Kawamitsu ADVERTISING SALES & SPONSORSHIP MANAGER Roy Forster ADVERTISING SALES & SPONSORSHIP Yoshihiro Shinzato, Hiromitsu Horikawa Terumi Nagai, Crystal Rivas, Ronshanda Perkins MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER Andrew Menges MARKETING ACCOUNTS Leah Scrybalo, Bethany Ramirez DISTRIBUTION Brian Jones
mensôre “Welcome” to Okinawa Living
Thanks November traditionally marks the beginning of the holiday season. With the celebration of the 246th birthday of the United States Marine Corps, Veterans Day and Thanksgiving, it is certainly a time for giving thanks—especially to those who have served and still serve today. In Japan, the month of November is also marked by two holidays: Bunka-no-Hi (National Culture Day) on November 3 and another national holiday with ties to giving thanks called “Labor Thanksgiving Day,” or Kinrō-Kansha-no-Hi, on November 23. Originally a harvest festival, Kinrō-Kansha-no-Hi is also set aside for people in Japan to express gratitude to one another for work well done throughout the year. It honors those who serve in the country’s workforce and celebrates bountiful harvests at the same time—basically a cross between Labor Day and Thanksgiving in the U.S. For those who aren’t overly attached to the thought of laboring for hours upon hours in the kitchen to prepare for (not to mention, clean up after) Thanksgiving, MCCS Holiday Meals-to-Go—ready-made feasts prepared by MCCS’ talented chefs—may be just the ticket. Find out more on page 26. In the spirit of giving thanks, what better time to start shopping for holiday gifts to show your appreciation for family and friends both here and back home? This month’s issue will give you a bit of an assist in that department—in the form of a comprehensive gift guide full of ideas for thoughtful presents for that special person. 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!
CONTRIBUTING WRITER Kiara Klein
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) See our advertising rates at mccsokinawa.com MCCS MARKETING BRANCH MCB Camp S.D. Butler. Unit 35023, FPO AP 96378-5023
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 ©2021 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. Okinawa Living Magazine is printed with
Mike Daley Editor-In-Chief
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.
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feedback
from the ICE Program and Facebook
@okilivingmag Show us your island adventures and favorite food finds!
The Courtney Library is the absolute best. They go above and beyond for the families and they’re super friendly, super helpful and super fun! Honestly, such a breath of fresh air. The other libraries don’t come close to the coolness happening over at Courtney. Give them all something special. This entire community is so thankful for them. We love you guys! —via ICE
@milandwerlen
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium!
I have really enjoyed all the classes I have taken through the MCCS New Parent Support Program, and Baby Boot Camp was no different. The content and delivery exceeded my expectations, and the instructors were wonderful! I definitely plan on recommending this course to any new parents I meet on the island. Thank you for all that you do! —via ICE The burger place [Bulldogs Burgers] at the Foster Bowling Center is great and the burgers are delicious. But I wish they would use paper boxes for to-go orders so the buns don’t get so soggy. I got one to-go during lunch, and even though I was back to the office in ten minutes, the buns were soggy. —via ICE
@phoeva_eatin
Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback on your
Can you hear that Sizzle?!?!
recent dining experience. Foster Bulldogs is now providing paper to-go containers as you suggested, and we hope your future dining experiences are improved. Thank you. —Chris Braswell, MCCS Bowling Program Manager Hello, I just want to let you guys know that your Zumba® classes at the Foster pool are great! My wife loves the classes so much that she is there four times a week. Your staff is awesome. —via ICE Thank you for the wonderful feedback! We are glad that both you and your wife have been enjoying the Aqua Zumba® class at the Foster Aquatic Center and I will be sure to pass your compliments on to the instructor. Please let me know if there is anything else that Health Promotion can do for you. Have a great day! —Stephanie Towers, MCCS Health Promotion/Fitness
@ro0xay
Okinawa stay quirky!!!
Program Manager September 15 was NICU Nurse Day and I had called Sumo Burrito on Camp Foster around 11:30 a.m. that day to place a last-minute order for a get-together. Although it was already lunchtime and busy, we ordered bowls and tacos with a request to pick it up as soon as possible. Not only did the employee I spoke with tell me she would have it ready by 12:15–12:20 p.m., they even brought it out to the car! I just wanted to say that the food was very delicious and I loved how quick the service was, given the short notice. —via ICE
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.
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2021
HOLIDAY Gift GUIDE Text by Mike Daley | Design by Mayar Mahmoud | Photography by Mia Cox
In the final stretch of your Christmas shopping? Here’s the lowdown on special sales coming up at MCCS facilities where you can get that special gift for that special someone.
Give the Gift of Travel
TOP LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF HILTON OKINAWA SESOKO RESORT
One of the best gifts that someone can receive is a break from the weekly grind—a refreshing escape from the daily routine (and pre/postholiday stress) to recharge their batteries. Gift this escape in the form of a local tour to some of the island’s cultural attractions and beyond! Or, if you really want to wow someone with a Christmas gift, Tours+ has the perfect extravagant present: a tailor-made excursion to an exotic locale! Stop by your nearest Tours+ location, name your destination and they’ll do the rest of the legwork for you. What’s the best part of this present, you ask? You can tag along for the ride and enjoy this present together! For more information on upcoming tours, contact your nearest MCCS Tours+ office or visit them online at mccsokinawa.com/tours.
Uniquely Okinawan Books Share the beauty of your home-away-from-home with friends and family in the States. The Best of Okinawa Living, a substantial and comprehensive pictorial compilation of everything Okinawa, covers the island’s history, picturesque locales, interesting cuisine, cultural curiosities, art, artists, national and local festivals and holidays and much more. Omoide: Memories of Okinawa is a collection of images that will elicit fond memories of the island. The Best of Okinawa Living and Omoide: Memories of Okinawa make a perfect pair and are available island-wide at Exchange retail facilities selling books. NOVEMBER 2021| OKINAWA LIVING 9
For a Diver or Snorkeler ’ Tis the season for shopping and gift-giving, and chances are you have a friend, coworker or family member who is either already an avid diver or snorkeler or aspires to be one. On the other hand, maybe you fit into this category yourself and should start dropping some hints about the underwater toys you hope to see under the tree this year. Either way, if you get them during Tsunami Scuba’s phenomenal Holiday Sale (December 18 and 19 in stores island-wide), you are sure to save some cash for extra Christmas cookies, eggnog and more! From BCDs to scuba lights, dive knives, steel and aluminum tanks, rash guards, accessories and tons more available at 10 percent OFF retail, 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.
The Gift of Fine Dining Purchase a Taiyo Steakhouse Gift Card and pair it with dinner reservations at Taiyo Steakhouse— one of the premier on-base dining establishments on island. Taiyo Steakhouse prides itself on serving some of the highest-quality and most delicious steaks on Okinawa. And, with gift cards chargeable to an amount to match any appetite, your gift recipient is sure to eat his or her fill and enjoy every bite! For more information on Taiyo Steakhouse Gift Cards—which may be redeemed at any MCCS restaurant—call (DSN) 645-5809 or 098-9705809. Visit Taiyo Steakhouse online at mccsokinawa.com/taiyosteakhouse.
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Tidings of Joy from Taiyo G.C. Looking for a present for a golfer or someone who is thinking of taking up the game? How about picking up a new driver, putter, golf bag, and Taiyo-branded hat or shirt for them from the Taiyo Golf Club Pro Shop? Everything in the store will be on sale from November 26 until December 25 (for the ultimate shopping procrastinator). All in-stock items will be at least 10 percent OFF, with some select items up to 40 percent OFF! For more information on the Taiyo Golf Club Holiday Sale, call 622-2004. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/golf.
A Gift for Their Ride
Gearheads can be hard to shop for; if you aren’t one yourself, it can be a difficult proposition to guess what a car lover wants. Even if you’re a car lover yourself, parts can be too expensive, too specific to find easily or both. Well, it’s time to throw those worries out the window (or sunroof)! Typhoon Motors’ holiday sales make shopping for carrelated presents that much easier. Whether it’s something to make their ride run smoother or an upgrade to their sound system—such as a brand new head unit, amp or speakers— Typhoon Motors will have the perfect present to keep them happy on the road. For more information on upcoming sales at Typhoon Motors, turn to p. 51. For more info on their offerings, call your nearest location or visit them online at mccsokinawa.com/typhoonmotors.
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For the Crafty (and Craft Lovers)
Sometimes a handcrafted or personalized gift is the most meaningful one of all… but what to make? How about painting a ceramic art piece to display on their desk, or creating a frame to display a meaningful photo—such as one of yourself frolicking amongst the sunflowers of Kitanakagusuku—at Arts and Craft Centers on Camps Foster or Courtney? You can also paint them a landscape of Manzamo as a memento of the island or make them a wooden work of art (in the form of a comfy stool, perhaps) at the woodshop inside the Courtney Arts and Crafts Center. You can even gift a custom-engraved plaque declaring them the greatest mom (or dad) in the universe from the Foster Custom Shop! Is your gift recipient a creative person themself ? Then how about an art class for them to spread their creative wings? Classes available at MCCS Arts and Crafts Centers include Ikebana Flower Arranging, Kimekomi Doll Making, Sketching, Oil Painting, Realism Drawing and Beaded Jewelry Creation.
For the Bowlers The Camp Foster Bowling Center Pro Shop will be holding a sale December 1–12 that will <cough, cough> “bowl you over!” The Foster Bowling Pro Shop has everything a bowler needs, be they beginners or advanced competitors, and stocks a wide-variety of bowling balls, bags, shoes and accessories. Custom fitting, resurfacing and reconditioning services for bowling balls are also available. All items in the shop—including balls, of course—will be 10 percent OFF, with some select items marked down as much as 30 percent OFF! For more information on this sale, call the Foster Bowling Center Pro Shop at 645-7205. Visit them online at mccsokinawa.com/bowling.
And Stocking Stuffers Having trouble fitting a set of snorkeling fins in that stocking? Gift the next best thing: an MCCS Gift Card! This handy dandy card can replace many things that won’t fit in that sock—such as a customized ball from the Camp Foster Bowling Pro Shop, an exquisite steak dinner at Taiyo Steakhouse, an oil change for their ride from Typhoon Motors, logoed merchandise and performance apparel from the Taiyo Golf Club Pro Shop, a leotard from EGA, snorkeling and diving gear from Tsunami Scuba and much more. MCCS Gift Cards are available for purchase and redemption at all MCCS Clubs and Restaurants including Taiyo Steakhouse, all fast-casual dining facilities (Bonsai Coffee Company, Bulldogs Burgers, Shisa Pizza, Sumo Burrito and Red Barn Country Kitchen), Taiyo Golf Club, all Bowling Centers and all Tours+, Tsunami Scuba and Typhoon Motors locations. In addition, the MCCS Gift Card is accepted for payment at just about every MCCS facility—including Special Events Bouncers+, Semper Fit Outdoor Recreation, all staffed Semper Fit Fitness Centers (including retail and LifeJuice purchases, martial arts and other classes as well as event and athletic tournament fees) and much, much more! For more information about MCCS Gift Cards, call (DSN) 645-5809 or 098-970-5809. Happy Gift Hunting! NOVEMBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 15
Okinawan Holiday GIF T GUIDE
Text by: Alex Jusell and Kiara Klein | Design by: Margie Shimabukuro | Photography by: Mia Cox
Pottery: The island is a pottery powerhouse with a style all its own.
Painted Seashells: These repurposed shells by Mikikazu Ogawa (check Facebook) make a great gift, and some have been fashioned into chopstick holders. Visit Mikikazu-san’s shop in the covered market off Kokusai-Dori in Naha.
I
f you are looking for presents that are specific to Okinawa, you’ve flipped to the right page. Many of the following items are home runs for folks back in the States, and are sure to crown you the king or queen of gift giving.
Crafts Dragons: Since the Edo Period, various animal statues have been used to guard houses in addition to shīsā, including tigers, foxes and dragons.
Glass: Okinawa features both traditional Ryukyu glass—famous for its vibrant colors and unique texture—and more modern pieces from different areas in Japan, like this color-changing sakuraprint glassware from XROSS*R (check them out on Facebook or Instagram).
Shīsā: These Okinawan hallmarks sit outside of homes to ward off evil. Grab one from Ikutouen (ikutouen.com) in Tsuboya, or head to Yomitan Pottery Village.
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Home Goods Coasters and Bottle-Opener Magnets: Created by Desmond Liang of Oki Social (okisocial.com), these items adopt the style of the island’s manhole covers to highlight popular locales like Naha, Zanpa, American Village and more.
Happiness in Okinawa is…: An adorable illustrated book by Desmond Liang commemorating the moments on Okinawa that bring us happiness.
Chopsticks: A couple chopstick sets can make a homemade sushi night back in the States that much more special. These sets can be found at XROSS*R.
Chopstick Rests: Ceramic rests are available in many kitchen shops, like Anchor Shoji (anchorshoji.co.jp) outside of Camp Foster.
Unique Facial Masks: Revitalize your face in style! Available in the cosmetic section of many grocery stores, including AEON.
Bingata: This traditional dyeing technique specific to Okinawa is an incredibly unique gift you’ll be hardpressed to find anywhere else in the world. Gusuku Bingata (gusukubingata.com) sells gorgeous bingata tapestries, phone cases, bags and more.
Jewelry: XROSS*R also sells jewelry with Okinawan designs and materials, like unique necklaces and black pearl earrings.
Woodblock Prints: Naka Bokunen is a renowned Okinawan woodblock artist. His beautiful prints—most of which depict scenes from the island—are for sale at the Bokunen Museum in American Village.
Wine Bottle Koozies: Something for the wine lover who thought they had everything. Grab one from XROSS*R in American Village.
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Clothes Sports Jerseys: Support the Ryukyu Golden Kings— Okinawa’s professional basketball team—in style. Pick up a jersey at the Arena Shop inside Okinawa Arena (okinawa-arena.jp/arenashop). Go Kings!
Casual Clothing: Snag a Velvet Underground-inspired gōyā T-shirt, or hundreds of other Okinawa-themed shirts, at T-SHIRT-YA.COM (that’s the name of the company and their website).
Traditional Wear: Extravagant, colorful kimono and yukata make very special gifts.
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Entertainment Kendama: A ball and stick. Easy enough, right? Think again! This toy will test your hand-eye coordination as well as your sanity.
Koma: Spin alone, or have a battle where the last top to topple wins. Snag one (or two) at the toy department in AEON.
Puzzles: Popular anime characters adorn many puzzles in Japan. If you’re shopping for someone who is a fan of a specific anime, they’re sure to appreciate this gift.
Stuffed Animal Pokémon: With 898 different Pokémon (and counting), there is no lack of options when it comes to gifting your favorite pocket monsters. Catch �em all (alright, maybe not all) at the Pokémon Store in Rycom Mall.
Deck of Cards: Despite the different language, you can still play with an Okinawan deck that also teaches Uchināguchi (Okinawan). The novelty is a big hit with card-playing friends and family back in the States.
Manga and Books: If anyone you know is learning Japanese (or just likes the art style), manga is a great gift.
Bingata Kit: Gift a bingata kit (gusukubingata.com) so your loved ones can try an art style they’ve likely never tried before.
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Food and Drinks Candy: To folks who’ve never had them, Japanese sweets look and taste different than anything they’ve ever experienced. The packaging is super fun, too.
Salt Cookies: Chinsuko, or traditional Okinawan cookies, have been around since the times of the Ryukyu Kingdom. There are many different flavors of chinsuko, but shio, or salt, is a delicious complement to the cookies’ underlying sweetness.
Sweet Potato Tarts: Beni imo—or Okinawa’s own purple sweet potato—in the form of a tart is an ageold delicacy.
Tea: Tea is as part of the culture as soba or shīsā. As such, Okinawa has some awesome varieties. Head to Lupicia in AEON Mall to pick some up.
Coffee Beans: Okinawa’s coffee scene has exploded in the past two decades, meaning high-quality beans are just a short drive away.
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DINING + ENTERTAINMENT
TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY PACKAGES Classic 18–20 lb. Turkey Package with Holiday Sides: $125 (Serves 15) Deluxe 9 lb. Glazed HickorySmoked Ham Package with Holiday Sides: $125 (Serves 15) Holiday Feast Combination Package: $225 9 lb. Ham and 18–20 lb. Turkey *Includes DOUBLE Holiday Sides and two pies (Serves 30) HOLIDAY SIDES 4 lb. Traditional Herb-Seasoned Bread Stuffing 4 lb. Mashed Potatoes 4 lb. Candied Yams 4 lb. Seasoned Green Beans 2 qt. Turkey Gravy Choice of one pie— Pumpkin, Pecan or Apple À LA CARTE 18–20 lb. Whole-Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Sauce: $75 9 lb. Glazed Hickory-Smoked Ham: $75 2 lb. Candied Yams: $12 2 lb. Mashed Potatoes: $12 2 lb. Traditional Herb-Seasoned Bread Stuffing: $12 2 lb. Seasoned Green Beans: $12 1 qt. Turkey Gravy: $6 1 lb. Cranberry Sauce: $3 Choice of one pie— Pumpkin, Pecan or Apple: $12 CONTACT Surfside: 637-3137 (098-970-5555, then 637-3137) The Palms: 623-4375 (098-969-4375) Ocean Breeze: 645-3666 (098-970-3666) Tengan Castle: 622-9413 (098-954-9413)
Holiday Meals-To-Go Serving Up Convenience A well-executed holiday feast usually involves days, if not a week or more, of prep time. That’s a lot of effort for one meal—even one as special as Thanksgiving. Why not serve up a little convenience along with your traditional spread this year? Holiday Meals-To-Go—an annual MCCS offering—makes ordering, picking up and serving a taste of home easy as pie. This catering option gives you the choice of ordering complete meals or à la carte selections. For a crowd-pleasing meal, choose one of two Traditional Holiday Packages: the Classic 18–20 lb. Turkey Package with Holiday Sides or the Deluxe 9 lb. Ham Package with Holiday Sides. Looking for a taste of both? Go for the Holiday Feast Combination Package, which also comes with double sides and two pies. To accompany the whole-roasted turkeys and glazed hickory-smoked hams, MCCS chefs are cooking up plenty of side dishes too: mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, candied yams, green beans and herb-sea-
soned bread stuffing. And, of course, pies for dessert! Choose from apple, pumpkin or pecan to complete your feast. All of the items mentioned above are also available on the à la carte menu, so go ahead and mix and match all of your favorites. These seasonal meals are available from Surfside on Camp Kinser, Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster, Tengan Castle on Camp Courtney and The Palms on Camp Hansen. Ordering is available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from November 15 to December 27. Pickup dates stretch from November 20 to January 1, 2022, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to feast! Place your order at least five days in advance of when you would like to pick it up, and complete your payment at least two days prior to your scheduled pickup date. For more information, check out the sidebar or visit mccsokinawa.com/catering. And, from everyone here at MCCS, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season!
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DINING + ENTERTAINMENT
Cowboy Burger Limited Time Offer at Bulldogs Burgers Attention! The Cowboy Burger is on the loose and is wanted on account of it being too gosh darn tasty. The reward for corralling this burger—a delicious beef patty on a housebaked buttered bun loaded with crispy onion petals, bacon, lettuce, tomato and ranch dressing—is a happy stomach and some seriously satisfied taste buds. Word is, the Cowboy Burger has been hanging around all Bulldogs Burgers locations. But be careful, it’s been known to associate with some similarly savory characters like French Fries, Chili, or that ruthless rebel, Ms. Coleslaw. And keep your peepers peeled, the Cowboy Burger has been known to swap out its beef patty for a Beyond Burger patty for $2 extra. Now get along, little doggy, and grab yerself a Cowboy Burger before it ditches town! For more information, including locations and phone numbers, head to mccsokinawa.com/ bulldogs.
Tengan Castle’s Home-Style Lunch Buffet Now That’s Comforting There are few things as comforting as Southern-style food. And not Southern Okinawa—although soba can be very comforting—but the Southern United States. That means tender pork roast, flaky catfish, ooey-gooey mac and cheese, satisfying fried chicken, green beans, fried okra and the list goes on. If you’ve been hankering for Southern-style comfort food like this, look no further than Tengan Castle’s Home-Style Lunch Buffet,
available every Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. As for the prices, ages 12 and older are $11.95, ages 5–11 are $5.95 and kids under 5 are FREE. Now that’s comforting. And don’t forget about Tengan Castle’s other offerings, including breakfast Monday– Saturday, Sunday Brunch and Mongolian BBQ on Wednesdays and Thursdays. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/tengancastle. For questions, please call 622-9413 or 098-954-9413.
Bliss Out this Fall Bonsai’s Seasonal Treats Oh my gourd…have you heard?! Bonsai’s newest limited-time offerings are bringing plenty o’ pumpkin to the season. Get your fix with a Pumpkin Bliss Latte: espresso, pumpkin syrup and steamed milk topped with whipped cream and drizzled with—yep, you guessed it—more pumpkin! Customize your latte by swapping the milk for your favorite milk alternative or by adding some extra espresso shots. And we know you’re excited—probably jumping around and twirling with glee—but wait, there’s actually more! Pair your drink with a pumpkin-flavored café treat to snack on (available only while supplies last). We’re talking all the fall feels here, so be sure to snag yours before they’re gone. Bonsai Coffee Company has two locations ready to serve up some autumnal bliss: Camp Foster (Bldg. 5908) and Camp Hansen (Bldg. 2654). To view the complete menu and hours of operation, visit mccsokinawa.com/bonsai. NOVEMBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 29
FITNESS + FUN
Black Friday Aerobathon Trade Store Racks for Sore Backs Golden and crispy turkey, warm and fluffy mashed potatoes, laden in liquid gold butter—ah, a day of togetherness with a little indulgence. Nothing brings on those feel-good endorphins like a meal with loved ones and a cornucopia of dishes—except a long, vigorous workout. And the day after Thanksgiving, a.k.a. Black Friday, is the perfect time to shake off that food-induced coma. The holidays are when many people find it hard to stay on track with their fitness goals, but MCCS Health Promotion is here to help keep you from derailing. On November 26, from 9 a.m. to noon, join Health Promotion at Gunners Fitness Center for the Black Friday Aerobathon, a three-hour aerobic marathon (not the running kind). The event includes three different aerobic-style classes to enjoy: yoga, cycling and circuit training. If you’ve never attended any of these classes before, this event provides a fun introduction to each of them. So, grab a friend or two, and instead of moseying the malls, work off those fall-flavored treats. This is a FREE event, there is no registration required and it is open to all SOFA ID card holders island-wide. What’s more, participants ages 12 to 17 may participate with a parent or legal guardian present. For additional information, visit mccsokinawa.com/ healthpromotion. If you have any questions about the Black Friday Aerobathon, please call 645-3910 (DSN) or 098-970-3910 from off base. —Kiara Klein
Gobble Up the Miles Camp Kinser Half-Marathon Sure, “Turkey Trot” races are a lot of fun, both as events and awesome alliterations, but it turns out turkeys can move quite a bit faster than what you might consider a trot. Wild turkeys run at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour! Whether you find that impressive or terrifying, we’re pretty sure humans have more endurance than turkeys, so lace up your sneakers and let’s talk turkey about Camp Kinser’s Half-Marathon. While this race is not actually of the turkey trot variety, you’ll only have a few days to wait before gobbling up some holiday fare after you cross that finish line. Here’s what to expect on race day, Sunday, November 21: Packet pick-up and runner check-ins will be from 6:35 to 7:35 a.m., with a participant brief immediately following. At 8:05 a.m., you’re off for the two-lap, 13.1 mile course, starting and ending at the Camp Kinser Fitness Center. Awards will be given to the top three finishers across all age and gender categories with a grand prize going to the overall 1st place male and female runners. Plus all participants will receive T-shirts and all race finishers will receive a completion medal. The Kinser Half-Marathon is open to SOFA ID card holders ages 12 and older and costs $40 per person. To register, sign up via Eventbrite by 11:30 p.m. on November 17. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/adultsports or follow facebook.com/mccsokinawa.semperfit. If you have any questions about the race, please email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. NOVEMBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 31
FITNESS + FUN
Turkey Bowl Flag Football Tournament The annual Turkey Bowl Flag Football Tournament is back at Camp Foster’s Athletic Fields (in front of Gunners Fitness Center) on Saturday and Sunday, November 27 and 28, at 9 a.m. Here’s how the Turkey Bowl’s going down: Teams can have up to 20 players plus a coach (if the coach is playing, that counts against the 20-player limit) with a maximum of eight players allowed on the field at any given time. Moreover, teams that place 1st, 2nd or 3rd will receive awards. Lastly, the field itself will be a whole 100 yards long
(including end zones) and 40 yards wide, so it is highly recommended you do not eat your Thanksgiving leftovers or guzzle a pint of pumpkin latte immediately prior to playing. SOFA ID card holders ages 16 and older may participate and must register via Eventbrite for $150 per team before November 22 at 1 p.m. For more information, head to facebook.com/mccsokinawa.semperfit or mccsokinawa.com/adultsports. If you have any questions, please email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
Bases Loaded & Shiny Noses Camp Hansen Softball Tournament Did you know that Rudolph got his red nose after they finally let him play in the reindeer games? Nobody ever mentions it, but Dasher hit him square in the face with a softball. Just kidding! That did not actually happen, we just needed an intro to the Camp Hansen Open Softball Tournament. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams will receive awards and go down in history, so gather your best players (between 9 and 15 of them) plus a coach and head to the Camp Hansen Softball Fields on December
11 and 12. If your coach also plans to play, make sure to count them in your 15-player limit. Registration is open to SOFA ID card holders ages 16 and older only (sorry, no actual reindeer allowed). Be sure to register by 1 p.m. on December 6 via Eventbrite for $150 per team. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/adultsports or email any questions to adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
NOVEMBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 33
FITNESS + FUN
Smash! Smash! Smash! Futenma Open Racquetball Tournament
Futenma Open Wrestling Tournament Shoot Your Way into the Competition Get ready to grapple, tussle and scuffle on the mat) at the Futenma Open Wrestling Tournament. If you are a SOFA ID card holder age 16 or older who can bring the heat, the tournament takes place on December 4. Participants can expect to be put into one of eight weight categories for the event: 110lbs, 110.1lb–121lbs, 121.1lbs–132lbs, 132.1lbs– 145.5lbs, 146.6lbs–163lbs, 163.1lbs–185lbs, 185.1lbs–210lbs or 210.1–264lbs. If you are
interested in laying the smack down, register via Eventbrite by 11:30 p.m. on December 1. There is a participation fee of $20. While the 1st place champion of each weight category will gain the glory, prizes will be awarded to the 2nd and 3rd place runner-ups as well. For more information, visit mccsokinawa. com/adultsports and for questions, email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. —Kiara Klein
Goggled gladiators, it’s time to reapply your de-fog and head over to MCAS Futenma for the Open Racquetball Tournament. Open to SOFA ID card-holding racquetball players ages 16 and older, this tournament will pit racquet wielders in a winner-take-all showdown of pinch, splat and “z” shots at the Semper Fit Athletic Facility’s courts November 13 and 14. Awards will go to the top three performers, and registration ($20) is required via Eventbrite before November 8 at 1 p.m. For more information, visit mccsokinawa. com/adultsports or facebook.com/mccs okinawa.semperfit. If you have any questions, email adultsports@okinawa. usmc-mccs.org.
Assemble Your Squad Camp Hansen Open Basketball Tournament Calling all hoopers: assemble your squad and test your skills at the Camp Hansen Open Basketball Tournament, hosted by Semper Fit. This two-day tourney will run Saturday–Sunday, November 13–14, at the House of Pain basketball court. Here’s what you need to know: Teams will be limited to 12 players plus a coach, unless that coach is playing, and games will consist of two 20-minute halves. A running clock will be used until the last two minutes of the second half, wherein a regulation clock will be used. Lastly, 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams will go home with awards and bragging rights. SOFA ID card holders ages 16 and older may participate and must register via Eventbrite by November 8 (1 p.m.) for $150 per team. For more information, head to mccsokinawa.com/adultsports or facebook. com/mccsokinawa.semperfit. For questions, please email adultsports@ okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. NOVEMBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 35
Football Mania Friday, 26 November
Doors open at 7am Surfside Grill & Bar (Lounge)
Enjoy a delicious selection of game day food for purchase. Breakfast buffet available from 8 - 10 am.
at OKUMA BEACH
Black Friday Sale Friday, 26 November 11 am - 8 pm
30% off of all Okuma Logo Apparel and Souvenir items at Beach Mart.
Group Reservations
Sweet Cabana Deal
Camp Under the Stars
Now - 31 March 2022 Okuma Group Reservations offers a lodging discount for five or more rooms Sunday through Thursday. A perfect time to schedule those annual meetings, family reunions, weddings, retreats, functions, and more!
Now - 25 March 2022 Save 20% on a two-night stay in any Okuma Suite, Suite Plus, Studio, or Studio Premier. Package includes two breakfast vouchers. Sunday through Thursdays only, holidays not included. Restrictions may apply. Contact our Reservation Desk at 098-962-1991/1992 or 631-1991/1992 from 8 am - 5 pm to book your stay today!
Beachfront or Hillside campgrounds Campers must register at Okuma Outdoor Recreation. Tents, sleeping bags, lanterns, and more available for rent!
You name it, we’ve hosted it! For more details, contact the Group Reservations Office at 631-1806 or 080-6489-8619 on Monday - Friday from 8 am - 5 pm.
Okuma Beach • 631-1990 Lodging Reservations • 631-1991 Surfside Grill & Bar • 098-962-1805 Okuma Outdoor Recreation • 631-1815 Located 51 miles north of Kadena Air Base
Okuma.KadenaFSS.com facebook.com/theokumabeach @okumabeach
MARINES + FAMILIES
Stay Updated… With the MCCS (e)Newsletter
Commemorative Hammers & Paddles MCCS Arts and Crafts Centers Commemorating a Marine’s achievements sometimes comes in the form of war hammers or paddles, depending on the unit or occasion. Both forms carry significant meaning; as such, the hammer or paddle should be well-crafted and made by someone you can trust. For this, look to the MCCS Arts and Crafts Centers. At the Courtney Arts and Crafts Woodshop, you can actually make the commemorative paddle or hammer yourself. After you pass the woodshop orientation, you can get started on your very own project. For directions on how to make the war hammer, feel free to ask the woodshop staff for help.
If you’d rather not make the commemorative piece, you can purchase a wrapped mallet or paddle at the Camp Foster Custom Shop. And then, whether you made the commemoration yourself or not, you can have it engraved at the Courtney Arts and Crafts Center (using the CNC machine) or the Foster Custom Shop (using lasers). For more information on what the Arts and Crafts Centers offer, head to mccsokinawa. com/courtneyartsandcrafts. For questions, call 622-7492 from a DSN or 098-954-7492 from off base.
Do you feel a bit behind the times? Are you often the last among your friends to hear about a concert or fun event? It might be because you haven’t subscribed to the MCCS (e)newsletter yet! MCCS has hundreds of events per year, and with such a constant flow of dates, times and locations, it’s nice to have all of this event information organized in one convenient place so you can stay up-to-date. Head to mccs okinawa.com/newsletter and sign up to gain access to events and activities offered by MCCS Okinawa—from FREE workshops and classes, special sales, giveaways and holiday events to updates about festivals, entertainment, food-truck fairs, concerts, backstage pass information and more. COVID-19 and other operational information is also communicated through this weekly (e)newsletter. By the way, in the previous list, did the word “giveaways” catch your eye? That’s right, we frequently have FREE giveaways tucked into our newsletters. Why? The more you read our newsletter, the more aware you will be of what’s going on, which increases the chances of you coming to MCCS events. The more events you attend, the more a part of the community you become, which can directly improve your quality of life. As it is MCCS’ mission to enhance the quality of life of Marines, Sailors and their families, this newsletter is a stepping-stone towards making you a happier (and more informed) camper, and enjoying your time on Okinawa. So sign up today!
NOVEMBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 37
MARINES + FAMILIES
MilSpouse to Schoolhouse A Virtual Brief to Help Navigate Education Deciding to further your education can be a big (and sometimes nerve-wracking) decision. A decision that often leads to important questions: “What school should I attend? And how am I going to pay for it?” Going to school (or back to school) can be a scary thought, especially if you’ve heard horror stories of insurmountable student loan debt. Thankfully, there are resources out there to help answer all education-related questions and help ease worries regarding debt. One such resource is MilSpouse to Schoolhouse, a virtual brief specifically designed for military spouses and family members who are taking the leap to higher education. As far as the brief ’s topics go: First, you will define your interests and learn to identify degree programs that are best aligned with your interests. Next, you will become familiarized with accessible colleges and universities (including ones found on island). Lastly (but perhaps most importantly), you’ll learn how to navigate and utilize financial aid, scholarships and military benefits that can help with education costs. There will be two opportunities to attend the virtual event: November 10 and November 24 from 10 to 11 a.m. To register for the brief, please email education@okinawa.usmcmccs.org with your full name. On the day of the brief, you’ll receive an email with an access link and a password. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/education. —Kiara Klein
Stress Management Brief Helping You Combat Daily Stressors It might be the small stuff like the never-ending hairballs your cat coughs up and the fact that your kids aren’t quite sure of the difference between an inside voice and an outside one. Or it could be the big stuff, like a global pandemic, money troubles and relationship issues. Whatever it is, we all have things that stress us out—it’s a simple fact of life. But how you handle the stressors in your life is crucial. If left unchecked, stress can cause both short-term problems like headaches and muscle tension and long-term issues like high blood pressure and unhealthy sleep patterns. Learning how to manage and combat daily stressors is the best thing you can do to avoid the dangerous impact stress can have on your health. For active-duty Marines and Sailors, the Family Advocacy Program Prevention and Education team offers a Stress Management Brief. This brief, which is available by unit request, typically lasts between 45 minutes and one hour. Find out how to stress-guard your life with exercise, self-care, breathing techniques and more. You’d be amazed at what just changing your perspective of stress can do. Units interested in scheduling a brief can reach out to Family Advocacy by phone or email. Please call 645-2915 or send an email to FAPPrevention@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org to make arrangements. For more information regarding Prevention and Education Specialists, visit mccsokinawa.com/prevention_and_education. NOVEMBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 39
MARINES + FAMILIES
Cookies, Crafts & Cocoa Memories Are Homemade The holiday season is full of chances to make things. From foodstuffs like pies and cookies to gift lists, holiday cards and snow angels (okay, maybe more like sand angels on Okinawa), you might be as busy making things as the North Pole’s elves themselves. But the best thing you can make are memories! Each year, as you rediscover hand-crafted items from years past, every trinket surely holds a special memory. This year, create your own Okinawa-themed craft so you’ll always have a keepsake to remember your time on island. Join in at the Marine & Family Programs-Resources Centers for Cookies, Crafts and Cocoa holiday events. Celebrate the season and enjoy flavored hot chocolate, chocolate milk and cookies as you
create your own holiday ornament or small craft such as a kimono keychain. Camp Foster is kicking things off on November 30 (Bldg. 439), followed by Camp Courtney on December 7 (Bldg. 4425), Camp Kinser on December 14 (Bldg. 1220) and Camp Hansen on December 21 (Bldg. 2339). All Cookies, Crafts and Cocoa holiday events are FREE and open to SOFA ID card holders island-wide. Registration is required at least one day in advance, and parents must attend to supervise any children participating. When signing up, participants can choose time slots between noon and 4 p.m. For more information or to register, visit mccsokinawa.com/relocation.
Go to an Art Museum Day Appreciation will Spark Inspiration Did you know that November 9 is National Go to an Art Museum Day? Yes, an entire day to appreciate the fine arts produced by artists past and present. And lucky for us, Okinawa is brimming with art, poised with culturally rich pieces ready to be admired and appreciated. You can find an array of art museums scattered around Okinawa, but here are a few notable ones to add to your bucket list: Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum, Urasoe City Art Museum and Sakima Art Museum. So, go out and experience all the aesthetic works the island has to offer. (But first, a museumgoer memo: Avoid ALL flash photography—older works of art are extremely light-sensitive, so turn off your phone or camera’s flash before snapping any pics.)
When you come back buzzing with inspiration, express your creative urges at one of the many art classes at Foster Arts and Crafts or Courtney Arts and Crafts. The classes at MCCS Arts and Crafts are taught by renowned local artists—Arisa Miller, Eiichi Yoshida, Kimiko Nohara, Masako Zamami, Senkei Yoshida and Yuta Suzuki—all of whom have had their work featured in numerous festivals, international competitions, conferences and more! Their classes will hone your pre-existing skills and teach you new techniques. To call and schedule your next art class you can reach Foster Arts and Crafts at 645-3674 (DSN) or 098-970-3674 (off base) or Courtney Arts and Crafts at 622-7492 or 098-954-7492 (off base). —Kiara Klein NOVEMBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 41
RESTAURANT REVIEW
Taiyo Café Small Building, Big Offerings Text by Alex Jusell | Photography by Mia Cox
If you’ve noticed the putting green at Taiyo Golf Club smelling especially good lately, it’s not your imagination. It’s Taiyo Café—the new food and beverage joint behind the Pro Shop. Its mission? “To make the golfers happy,” said Food and Beverage Manager Rahman Farnell. Pure and simple. To achieve this goal, Mr. Farnell has worked hard with his team to ensure Taiyo Café’s offerings are delicious, convenient and able to adapt to the patrons’ needs. Late for your tee time and looking for a quick bite to eat on your way to the first hole? Taiyo Café’s got some ready-to-go items like egg salad sandwiches, fruit, chips and the like. But where the café really shines is in its larger offerings—pizzas and sandwiches—that you can enjoy on the outdoor patio (the second floor of which is now open), take with you on the course (a perfect passenger for your golf cart) or take home with you after your 18 holes. Don’t let the café’s small stature fool you, either; the variety of pizzas (available in 6 or 12-inch pies) and sandwiches it can dish out—all designed by Executive Chef Putnam Yost himself—are impressive. There are several show-stopping pizzas: the Farmer’s Market boasts pesto and cheese with fresh vegetables including zucchini, eggplant, peppers and onions; the Combo features a healthy heaping of pepperoni, sausage, peppers and onions; and the BLT combines mayo, cheese, bacon, lettuce and tomato to delicious effect. But chief among the showstoppers is the Taiyo Steak Pizza, a delectable pie topped with tender slices of NY strip steak, greens and a balsamic reduction. On the sandwich side of things, you’ve got breakfast favorites like a Ham, Egg & Cheese and a Sausage, Egg & Cheese, as well as lunch
items like the satisfying Hot Italian Grinder (salami, pepperoni, ham, lettuce and tomato with Italian vinaigrette on ciabatta), the classic Chicken Salad Sandwich, and the savory Shrimp Bites and Crab Bites. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the Lobster Roll. This tasty take-out adaptation of Taiyo Steakhouse’s Lobster Roll, featuring fresh lobster, lemon and diced celery on a toasted bun, will likely have you ordering seconds. If, on the other hand, you’re in the mood for something sweeter, desserts like Cookies, hot Apple Galettes and Cheesecakes topped with blueberries are also available. Moreover, Taiyo Café is your one-stop beverage shop—for any time of day and any season of the year. Warm up with some coffee, a cappuccino or a latte, or cool off with a water or some local bottled sodas. For alcoholic beverages, you’ve got ice-cold canned beer, Stella Rosa Moscato and La Marca Prosecco. So whether you’re starting your round, closing it out, practicing your putts on the green, getting some shopping done in the Pro Shop or just happen to be in the area (you don’t need to play golf to enjoy these great offerings), don’t ignore the incredible aromas of Taiyo Café. Let them carry you by the nose like a Tom and Jerry cartoon so you can enjoy a meal with which you are sure to be satisfied. Taiyo Café is open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, including the food and beverage menus, head to mccsokinawa.com/taiyocafe. If you have any questions, please call 622-2022 from a DSN or 098-954-2022 from off base.
NOVEMBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 43
KIDS+PARENTS
Life Gooooooooooals! 2022 Youth Soccer Registration For many kids, participation in team sports at a young age has lasting positive impacts—both physical and emotional. Sports promote cooperative play, teamwork and sportsmanship and can also help to improve motor skills and boost self-esteem. Best of all, sports are also a fun way to make new friends! Soccer, which is played by 250 million players in 200 countries throughout the world, is the world’s most popular team sport—and is also a great activity for kids. Soccer requires intelligence, fitness and agility and builds stamina and cardiovascular health. And, as in many other sports, soccer teaches kids valuable lessons about struggling and triumphing in the face of adversity. Life is unpredictable, and can sometimes be unfair. Soccer can offer good practice for real life situations in the form of regrouping after an unfair yellow card or coming back and winning the next match after a disheart-
ening loss. Above all, soccer is a team sport that teaches that working together towards a common goal with teammates supersedes perceived differences between individuals. Register now for the 2022 youth soccer season at mccsokinawa.com/ys or at any staffed MCCS Fitness Center between November 1 and 30. Practices begin January 31, 2022 and the season begins February 12. MCCS Youth Sports is also looking for volunteer coaches for teams. Coaching is a great way to meet new people and share your skills with children who share a passion for sports and an active lifestyle. Applications can be downloaded at mccsokinawa.com/coachescorner. For details about becoming a volunteer coach, please stop by the Youth Sports office on Camp Foster, call 645-3533/3534 or email youthsports@ okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
Celebrate Autumn Harvest Some Fun Missing fall foliage, apple picking and hayrides? Okinawa’s climate might make it seem like there are only two seasons to enjoy (summer and a very mild winter), but don’t let that fool you. There’s still a ton of reasons to partake in fall activities. Plus, there are actually 90 days between the autumnal equinox and the winter solstice, giving you ample time to harvest bunches of fun. This month marks the midway point of the season, and celebrations are in full swing. On November 5 from 3 to 5 p.m., SOFA ID card holders ages 10 to 12 are invited to the Foster Youth Center’s Harvest Festival. So come on out to the Kishaba Youth Center (Camp Foster, Bldg. 24) for an afternoon full of music, food and fabulous fall activities. Show off your pearly whites and favorite poses with snapshots from the photo booth, warm up your beanbag tossing arm to see who is the ultimate cornhole champ and get crafty by making your own feather necklace, adding some flair to slap bracelets and decorating teepees. And, oh me, oh my… did we forget to mention the pie? Have more than your fill and lots of laughs at the pie-eating contest! The Harvest Festival is a FREE event and both youth center members and non-members are welcome. Registration is not necessary. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/youthandteencenter. If you have any questions, please call 645-8012 (DSN) or 098-970-8012 from off base. NOVEMBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 47
KIDS + PARENTS
ODST Swim Meet Foster Aquatic Center Dolphins and humans have many things in common—we both eat fish, take naps and compete in swim meets at the Foster Aquatic Center. Don’t believe it? See for yourself— and see how you compare—on Saturday, November 13 at the Okinawa Dolphins Swim Team (ODST) Swim Meet. Warm-ups start at 7 a.m., and the events will run from 8 to 11 a.m. You don’t have to be a member of ODST to swim, either. Non-ODST participants can choose their own events, ranging from a 25m Kick with a Board to a 400m Freestyle. For the full list of events in which you can participate, head to mccsokinawa.com/swimteam and pick a maximum of three. As for ODST members, your coach will choose your events for you. Swimmers will be seeded by entry times regardless of gender or age, but for individual events, the top eight finishers in each age group by gender will receive ribbons. Age groups are 8 and under, 9–10, 11–12, 13–14, 15–18, 19–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59 and 60 and over. SOFA ID card holders of all ages may participate and must register (it’s FREE!) by November 10. To sign up, or if you have any questions, please email mccsaquatics@okina wa.usmc-mccs.org with your name, age, gender and desired events. For more information, including other upcoming events at the aquatic centers, head to facebook.com/mccsoki nawa.aquatics.
Gain Confidence in the Water
Swim Lessons on Camp Foster
Want a “warm welcome” to the wonderful world of swimming? Then thank goodness for the heated pool at Camp Foster Aquatic Center! Whether you are a first-time learner or someone looking to build upon skills you already have, now’s your chance to become more confident in the water. MCCS Aquatics Learn to Swim (LTS) lessons are offered based on age and skill level and include eight 30-minute weekday sessions. A variety of lessons are available based on instructor availability throughout the year. Parent and child lessons ($50) focus on swimming-readiness skills. Parents will accompany their children (ages 6 months to 3 years) in the pool to learn safety topics along with holding and support techniques. Children ages 4 to 6 can attend three different levels of preschool lessons. For swimmers ages 5 to 15, there are six levels of lessons. All lessons build upon each other with progressive skills. In addition, adult learners (ages 16 and older) can also enroll to gain basic aquatic skills and improve swimming proficiency. Pricing for each of these levels is $75 per participant. To view full descriptions of swim lesson levels and to enroll, visit mccsokinawa.com/ learntoswim. Upcoming sessions will be held on Camp Foster and include Late Fall 2 (Nov. 8–18), with registration from October 30 to November 4; Late Fall 3 (Nov. 22–Dec. 2), with registration from November 13 to 18; and Late Fall 4 (Dec. 6–15), with registration from November 27 to December 2. If you have any questions, please email mccsaquatics@ okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. NOVEMBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 49
It’s good to know your options. 2021 OPEN SEASON
Mon. NOV. 8 – Mon. DEC. 13
FOREIGN SERVICE BENEFIT PLAN
Enjoy comprehensive health insurance and prescription coverage, as well as generous alternative benefits.
Our plan covers:
50 massages
50 chiropractic
afspa.org/fsbp FEHB High Option Plan open to eligible Federal Civilian employees. All benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions set forth in the Foreign Service Benefit Plan’s Federal brochure (RI 72-001)
50 acupuncture
SERVICES
We Want YOU Join the MCCS Family As an organization focused on serving those who serve, MCCS is looking for sharp, service-minded individuals to join the team. Help support and enhance the quality of life for Marines, Sailors and their families by working in a team-oriented environment comprised of military personnel, contractors, volunteers and other civilian employees. MCCS has a vast variety of career paths for individuals from all backgrounds and experiences, so head to careers.usmc-mccs.org for the current list of job vacancies and see if any align with your talents. Alternatively, you can have hot job listings sent directly to your smartphone by subscribing to the MCCS Newsletter at mccsokinawa.com/newsletter. And if you don’t have internet access, not to worry; you can visit the MCCS NAF Human Resources Office located on the second floor of Bldg. 5966 on Camp Foster to inquire about job listings. Once a part of the team, regular full- and part-time employees enjoy excellent benefits, including Tuition Assistance (up to $10,000 per year for certifications, licenses and college degrees), a 401(k) retirement plan, short-term disability insurance and life, medical and dental insurance. Furthermore, employees earn vacation and sick leave and are even authorized to utilize the Family Friendly Leave Act, Family Medical Leave Act, Leave Donation Program, Employee Assistance Program and much more (when qualified). For more information on becoming a part of the MCCS family, call the MCCS NAF Human Resources Office at 645-3052 (DSN) or 098-970-3052 from off base.
Razor-Sharp Sales Typhoon Motors Car Care November’s calendar is dotted with plenty of holidays—Thanksgiving, Veterans Day and Black Friday. And of course, everyone loves this month because of the NoShave November campaign. Typhoon Motors is joining in by trimming prices and cutting some razor-sharp deals. First up, shave some dollars and cents off the price of your favorite automotive goods from November 6 to 13. Select items will be discounted by 75 percent, so be sure to shop the sales for your own ride and to get a leg up on your holiday gift list. Next with all the precious hours you’ll save from retiring your dopp kit, you’ll have plenty of free time to work on your car yourself. You’ve got two chances to hit the $1 Stalls Sales: November 10–12 and November 23–28. These first two sales are happening at Typhoon Motors locations on Camps Foster, Courtney and Hansen, but for the most clean-cut sound, check out Camp Foster’s Car Audio Sale from November 23 to 30 when all head units will be 10 percent OFF. For more information on locations, hours and services, visit mccsokinawa.com/ typhoonmotors. NOVEMBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 51
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Time y s B e l b Tum Happy Birthday, Excellence Gymnastics Academy
ANNIVERSARY -1 year -
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Text by: Angie Andrews Design by: Emeline Toole Photography by: Mia Cox and Kathy Millette
Life on Okinawa is full of reasons to feel grateful, and this fall, MCCS celebrates one more: Excellence Gymnastics Academy’s (EGA) one year anniversary. EGA officially opened to the public on November 16, 2020 and is the first and only gymnastics program on a Marine Corps installation. Coach Tiffany Mills, EGA Program Director, said it best when she shared, “This is about giving opportunities to the families that are here [on Okinawa]—that’s our priority and why we’re here.” From the beaming smiles of youngsters to the accomplishments of competitive gymnasts on through the support of their parents, this new program has made quite the impact on our community. NOVEMBER JANUARY 2016 2021 || OKINAWA OKINAWA LIVING LIVING XX 57
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ANNIVERSARY
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-1 year -
Offering both recreational classes and competitive training, there’s something for everyone. Starting with the littlest gymnasts (as young as 10 months old), classes focus on safe mobility that supports hand, arm and core control. Children ages 3 and older can begin working on activities using balance beams, bars and the vault, and tumbling both on the springy gym floor and the popular Tumbl Trak—a 40-foot-long trampoline which looks fun enough to make adults jealous. While younger students learn life skills such as sharing, following directions and how to be encouraging to others, the older gymnasts learn about self-discipline, sportsmanship and the value of hard work paired with can-do attitudes. Gymnasts on the competition training team routinely put in 16 hours per week! To witness the strength and talent these athletes have developed is absolutely amazing; not too many people can jump rope while balancing on the high beams or do full leg lifts, let alone all of the flips, tumbles and many more impressive feats. Coach Tiffany is really proud of being able to work with MCCS in establishing the program, especially during the ongoing pandemic. She’s glad to provide a safe place for kids to come and be active while everything else seems so up in the air. And she’s definitely not the only one happy that EGA is up and running. Several families shared their experiences with us, too.
NOVEMBER JANUARY 2016 2021 || OKINAWA OKINAWA LIVING LIVING XX 59
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ANNIVERSARY -1 year -
Asuquo Family Ima (pictured left) seemed to have a blast wherever she was in the gym. Her dad, Alex, shared that their experience at EGA has been very positive and highlighted that the staff members are always helpful and will try to accommodate any needs you might have. He enjoys that Ima gets to socialize with the other children, and he’s noticed that since starting, Ima has developed much better balance.
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Turner Family As they were already on island for a few months before EGA opened, the Turners were excited to be a part of the inaugural group of gymnasts enrolled. Kayla has been involved with gymnastics since she was three years old and says she enjoys working on floor exercises with her coach the most. Her mom can tell she’s made improvements in her backbends and bridges since being here. Kayla’s most proud of her back walkover and she’s pretty sure she’ll still be able to do a split when she grows up because they’re a fun thing to do! NOVEMBER JANUARY 2016 2021 || OKINAWA OKINAWA LIVING LIVING XX 61
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
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TERM III, 2022 Jan. 10 - Mar. 13, 2022 Registration Begins: 11/29/21 TERM IV, 2022 Mar. 21 - May 22, 2022 Registration Begins: 02/28/22 TERM V, 2022 May 31 - July 31, 2022 Registration Begins: 05/09/22 TERM I, 2022 Aug. 8 - Oct. 9, 2022 Registration Begins: 05/09/22
ANNIVERSARY -1 year -
Hyndman Family Gymnastics is a family sport for the Hyndmans since Courtney Hyndman, the girls’ mom, remembers how much self-confidence it gave her when she was young. She’s appreciative of the fun, safe and encouraging environment EGA provides. As for the girls, Abigail really likes doing handstands because she likes to see how long she can hold in that position, and being up on the high beams because she’s so high in the air. According to her mom, Abigail wants to be a cheerleader and dancer too, so the skills she’s building now will help with both of those future ventures. Charlotte (pictured right) participates in preschool-level gymnastics and says she loves Coach Coco, who helps her on the bars. She also has fun jumping on the Tumbl Trak and doing forward rolls.
Garcia Family With a little one in the Mini Marvels class, Jill loves EGA and says it’s the “most fun-packed 45 minutes of our day.” She feels her child is absolutely benefiting from the growth and development opportunity. She notices stronger muscles and better coordination, but also that her youngster is more confident in wanting to do things independently (without any help from mom!).
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Smith Family EGA is Lana’s fourth gym and her mom, Summer, certainly hit it home for the military community by stating, “when you move so much, you just don’t know what to expect at each new gym.” But she’s super-happy here because she’s noticed an amazing progression in Lana’s skills over the past six or seven months. Lana shared with us that she is most proud of her cast handstand because she just mastered it in September and she’s been working on it for years. She was inspired to get into gymnastics by watching Simone Biles, so Lana is working on some tricks of her own: giants on bars, Yurchenko-style vaults, back tuck on high beams and a twisting back layout. NOVEMBER JANUARY 2016 2021 || OKINAWA OKINAWA LIVING LIVING XX 63
ANNIVERSARY -1 year -
Solano Family Esra (pictured left) got her start by trying cartwheels and round-offs around her house, at which point her mom thought “we better put you in a gym; let you move more.” She’s been practicing for three years and has a big goal of going to the Olympics, but her short-term goals are to work on her fly-aways and a handspring layout on the high beam. Her favorite part of being an EGA gymnast is working with her coach and teammates and she has some great advice for anyone wanting to get involved: “Keep going and even if you feel like giving up, you shouldn’t because you’ll become amazing one day.”
Noland Family
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Tammie shared that this is her children’s first time trying gymnastics and they both enjoy coming to EGA. Her daughter, Tatum, likes dancing and jumping around, so gymnastics is a perfect fit. When she started out, she was actually one of the older kids in a younger class, which allowed her to feel like a role model and build up her confidence a bit. Her older brother Damon was inspired to join because of his sister, too! He’s a big fan of the Tumbl Trak, is mastering the art of backward rolls and shared that his coach taught him how to do an L-handstand. November will be a special month as Coach Tiffany reflects upon the past year. Along with the possibility of some cake and ice cream to celebrate, she has some big plans for growth and one day hopes to be able to host special events such as open gym days, birthday parties and large invitational competitions. For now, it will be a regular day on November 16 with a gym full of kids and families having a great time through the sport of gymnastics. Her advice to anyone interested in this great and challenging sport is to just start where you are. Join at any age and see how far you (or your kids) can go. First step? Visit mccsokinawa.com/gymnastics to learn more about EGA.
NOVEMBER JANUARY 2016 2021 || OKINAWA OKINAWA LIVING LIVING XX 65
LIVING ON OKINAWA
Yaki Gyōza (Pot Stickers) Serves 8 to 10 (as an appetizer) Ingredients • 1/2 lb. ground pork • 3/4 cup shredded cabbage • 1 green onion, diced • 2 tsp. ginger, minced • 1 egg, lightly beaten • 1 tsp. soy sauce • 1/4 tsp. hot chili oil (or to taste) • 1/4 tsp. sesame oil • 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil • 30 gyōza wrappers (available at any local grocery store) • 1/2 cup water Method of Preparation 1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the shredded cabbage until it is slightly tender (roughly 2 minutes). Plunge cabbage into ice-cold water, drain thoroughly, and set aside. 2. In a medium bowl, combine everything except for the vegetable oil, water and gyōza wrappers. Knead mixture until it is blended thoroughly and has a pasty texture. 3. Lay a gyōza wrapper in front of you and lightly moisten the edges with water. Place a teaspoon of filling in the middle of the wrapper. Fold the sides up to form a semicircle, and then firmly pinch/fold the edges to seal completely (usually six equally spaced pinches/folds work best). Continue with the rest of the wrappers until the filling is gone. 4. To cook, heat vegetable oil in a heavy frying pan over medium-high to high heat. Add 12–15 of the gyōza and cook for two minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the bottom. 5. Add 1/2 cup of water to the pan. Cover the pan and steam the gyōza until the water has evaporated (5–7 minutes). Repeat with the remainder and enjoy!
Shichi-Go-San Although many in Japan aren’t ardent practitioners of either Buddhism or Shinto, many still go to shrines and temples during certain special occasions. For most parents, Shichi-Go-San (which translates to “seven-five-three”) is one of these occasions. During Shichi-Go-San, families with boys ages 3 and 5 or girls ages 3 and 7 visit Shinto shrines to celebrate their children’s growth. Shichi-Go-San was originally a children’s “coming of age” rite that was practiced by samurai families during the Muromachi era (1338–1466 AD). During this time period, the death rate of babies and infants was exceptionally high in Japan. Because of this, children who lived to reach the ages of 3, 5 and 7 were cause for thanksgiving and celebration. Traditionally, all family members—including grandparents, aunts and uncles—would dress formally and visit local shrines to give thanks to the gods. Boys turning 5 wore hakama (men’s kimono), and 7-year-old girls wore kimono with the obi belt for the first time. Nowadays during Shichi-Go-San, some girls still wear kimono, but many more wear formal dresses. Many boys don western suits complete with a tie—although the Demon Slayer
manga/anime has helped cause a resurgence in the popularity of hakama. Because Shichi-Go-San isn’t formally recognized as a national holiday, families visit shrines on weekends around the middle of November.
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SECTION HEAD MCCS NEWS
May Your Days Be Merry and Bright! Traditionally, the winter holidays are about sharing good times and festive meals with loved ones—making them very merry. However, for someone living thousands of miles away from family, friends and the familiar sights and sounds of home, the holidays can appear to be tinged a very different shade. Holiday blues—the feelings of loss or sadness that some experience during the holiday season— most often strike when people are away from those that they love. Even for those that are here with family, the holidays can mean busy schedules, party planning, shopping, tension and a fair amount of stress. In addition, finances can be another source of stress—overspending during the holidays can increase tensions as people try to make ends meet while ensuring everyone on their gift list is “happy.” Physical demands, including the strain of actual shopping and wrapping, attending social gatherings and preparing holiday meals can simply wipe people out. Feeling exhausted increases stress, creating a vicious cycle. To help alleviate holiday stress and help chase away these blues, MCCS will once again be offering many activities to make
Okinawa, mainland Japan or South Korea “Your Home for the Holidays.” Events include activities promoting healthy stress-free living, FREE athletic tournaments for Marines and Sailors, FREE events and food at SMP centers throughout the holiday season and much, much more. This year, offerings include FREE Holiday Meals-To-Go packages for lucky winners, a holiday film festival at MCCS Education Centers, a holiday scavenger hunt, a polar bear plunge, ugly sweater contests galore, FREE smoothies, video game tournaments, talent shows, FREE bowling…and this is just the tip of the iceberg for those stationed on Okinawa, Camp Fuji in mainland Japan and Camp Mujuk in South Korea. Check out mccsokinawa.com/holidays for a full listing of 2021 Your Home for the Holidays offerings taking place this year and take advantage of these FREE events, entertainment and more to make your holiday season merry and bright.
NOVEMBER 2021 | OKINAWA LIVING 71