contents November 2020
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20 features
marines + families
services
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2020 Holiday Gift Guide Your shelter in the gift-giving storm.
Mil Spouse to School House Spouses of active-duty service members and veterans, stop by this virtual brief to chart your course to higher education.
Self-Care for the Self-Aware Treat yourself to some FREE self-care with the MCCS Okinawa Liberty App’s Total Fitness tool.
dining + entertainment
MCCS (e)Newsletter Do you feel a bit behind the times? Subscribe to the MCCS newsletter to fix that.
20 Unplug and Escape! Camping on Okinawa Reconnect with nature at one of the many picturesque campgrounds on Okinawa.
58 Shīsā The Lion Dogs of the Ryukyus These guardians are as celebrated on island as they are ubiquitous.
restaurant review 44
DEPOSIT PHOTOS, KAILEY LAVALLIERE, MIKE DALEY, KAILEY LAVALLIERE
Nukumi Kitchen At Long Last “Have you had a good burrito recently?” Head to Nukumi Kitchen so you can say “yes.”
41 Holiday Meals-To-Go MCCS is here to ensure you and your family, friends and unit get the home-cooked holiday meals you deserve.
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5 Mensôre
7
kids + parents
Living on Okinawa
47
Marketplace Guide
fitness + fun 31
49
Turkey Bowl We highly recommend not eating your Thanksgiving leftovers right before this flagfootball tournament.
Kids’ Sketching Class Kids’ Sketching classes at Foster Framing and Fine Arts and Courtney Arts and Crafts have fantastic returns: your children can gift their masterpieces to you, your spouse, your own parents, aunts, uncles—you’ll have the holidays covered for years to come!
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Gobble ‘Til You Wobble Celebrate Thanksgiving at your local MCCS Clubs and Restaurants.
Coaching for the Win Become a mentor for youth and a pillar of the community as a Semper Fit Youth Sports Coach.
Dust Off Those Cleats Organized adult sports are finally returning! Dust off those cleats, gather a squad and test your team’s skills in the MCAS Futenma 6v6 Soccer Tournament.
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Feedback & Show Us!
69 70 71 MCCS News
Apples falling, Cinnamon calling!
Cinnamon Apple Spice
Chai Apple Spice
AVA I L A B L E O C TO B E R 1–N O V E M B E R 30
mccsokinawa.com/bonsai
NOVEMBER 2020 | ISSUE 273 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
mensôre “Welcome” to Okinawa Living
Make Okinawa Your Home for the Holidays
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER Jim Kassebaum EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mike Daley MCCS ART DIRECTOR Henry C. Ortega OKINAWA LIVING ART DIRECTORS Margie Shimabukuro GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Emeline Toole, Giulia Pulvirenti, Mayar Mahmoud DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Thomas Alan Smilie PHOTOGRAPHER Kailey LaValliere EDITORIAL Alex Jusell, Angie Andrews DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA Kathlene Millette, Lillion Hunt Hamilton, Hillary Taylor Christine Zimmerman CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALIST Ayako Kawamitsu ADVERTISING SALES & SPONSORSHIP MANAGER Roy Forster ADVERTISING SALES & SPONSORSHIP Yoshihiro Shinzato, Hiromitsu Horikawa Terumi Nagai, Serge Sombie, Crystal Rivas MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER Andrew Menges MARKETING ACCOUNTS Courtney Davis, Leah Scrybalo
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)
The holiday season, as joyous as it can be, can also mean busy schedules, party planning (and execution), cooking (and cleaning), shopping, tension, financial uncertainty and a fair amount of stress. In addition, unfamiliar surroundings only compound it and 2020 has been a challenging year in many respects as-is. Traditionally, the holidays are about sharing good times and festive meals with loved ones. However, for someone living thousands of miles away from family and friends—as well as familiar sights and sounds of home—the holidays can seem 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. Finances can be another source of stress. Overspending during the holidays can increase tensions as people try to make ends meet while ensuring that 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 wipe people out. Feeling exhausted increases stress, creating a vicious cycle. To help alleviate holiday stress and chase away these blues, MCCS Okinawa will once again be offering many activities to make Okinawa “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. Check out mccsokinawa.com/holidays for a full listing of 2020 Your Home for the Holidays offerings island wide kicking off in late November and take advantage of these FREE events, entertainment and more to make your holiday season on Okinawa merry and bright.
See our advertising rates at mccsokinawa.com MCCS MARKETING BRANCH MCB Camp S.D. Butler. Unit 35023, FPO AP 96378-5023
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 ©2020 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
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.
Book Now, Travel Later.
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feedback
from the ICE Program and Facebook I read (with interest) about the upcoming Pizza Palooza 2. Back in April, I was running errands on Camp Foster and happened upon the first Pizza Palooza that day. I was so impressed with the thoughtfulness and generosity that went into that. The MCCS folks at the event were, as always, friendly and welcoming (and the pizza was amazing). Your efforts are undoubtedly enjoyed and appreciated by many, certainly by me and my family. Thank you MCCS for all that you do! —Christine Florea, US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Thank you so much for your kind comments. During Pizza Palooza 2 from Sept. 29 to Oct. 3, we were delighted to distribute more than 2,550 free pizzas on Marine Corps installations, including special deliveries to Marines at the Jungle Warfare Training Center and on Ie Island—and that’s in addition to the 2,760 pizzas we distributed during Pizza Palooza in late-April! —MCCS Okinawa
@okilivingmag Show us your island adventures and favorite food finds!
@musubi_Theminiaussie
Find out how I PCSed to Japan with my family. #okilivingmag
Bonsai Coffee on Camp Foster should keep the Coffee & Cream Blender frappe as a permanent menu item. A lot of customers really enjoy it! Also, the new barista, Camille, is absolutely amazing. Fantastic customer service every time I come in. —via ICE Thank you for your comment. It is always a pleasure to receive compliments concerning our MCCS employees. Camille is most certainly worthy of such praise. She is doing a fantastic job as our new manager. I will ensure that your comment is passed to her, as well as the rest of our management team and staff. In regards to the Coffee & Cream, it will continue to be available to order at any time. The only modification is that the espresso whipped cream is no longer available. We thank you for your patronage and look forward to your next visit! —Michelle J. Pedersen, Ocean Breeze Club Manager During September and October, Mr. Fugate taught and coached III MEF Marines in water survival at the Hansen Aquatic Center. This improved the Marines’ combat readiness and reduced the risk of accidental drowning during training or off-duty activity. Marines graduate from basic training with a level of swimming mastery that crosses a wide spectrum from basic to expert. Marines who work hard in boot camp to achieve the basic qualifications often forget this skill due to lack of practical application or training in a controlled environment. Mr. Fugate coached the III MEF G-8 Marines to improve their water survival skills, which included personally training a Marine who could not swim. When the G-8 Marines came to the McTureous Aquatic Center, Mr. Fugate critiqued the more advanced swimmers. He also taught using the explanation, demonstration, imitation and practice (EDIP) method to the Marine who could not swim. Mr. Fugate’s dedication to the Marines greatly improved their swimming ability and confidence in the water. —via ICE Thank you for contacting MCCS Aquatics and sharing your feedback. We are pleased to hear that Scott Fugate’s interactions have been of value to the Marines. We will let him know that his actions are valued by both the Marines and by MCCS. If you have any additional comments, questions, or concerns, please feel free to contact me at mccsaquatics@ okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. —Paul Honnold, Semper Fit Athletics & Aquatics Program Manager
@heather_renee07 It’s the weekend! #okilivingmag
@Jenny.joyy All of Oki Blues #okilivingmag
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.
NOVEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 7
2020 2020
E
2020 2020
HOLIDAY
Gift GUIDE
For the
ST
For the
DIVER
For the
GOLF
For the
GOLF
ENTHUSIAST
For the
HOME CHEF
$ Cookbooks
Keep those new recipes coming.
$$ Cutting Board A nice cutting board can be the crowning jewel of any kitchen, especially if you make the board yourself at the Courtney Arts and Crafts Woodshop!
$$$ Chef’s Knife A high-quality chef’s knife is well worth the price. Anchor Shoji (anchorshoji. co.jp), just outside Camp Foster, has a fantastic selection of knives and kitchenware.
$$ Air Fryer Fry food without all the oily mess.
For the
KIDS
$ Japanese Candy The deliciousdelicious ness and novelty of Japanese candy are hard to dispute. And what kid is going to turn down candy?
$$$ Foot-Powered Transportation Longboards, scooters and bikes have been classic holiday gifts since medieval times. Sure to make your kid’s face light up!
$ Fun Socks Head to the Exchange or online to take your kid’s sock game to the next level.
$$ Local Sports Jerseys A fun and unique way for your kids (or anybody, really) to rep Okinawa. Available at The Super Sports Xebio (supersports.com).
S
$$ Health Supplements Make sure your fitness guru is getting the fuel his or her body needs!
For the
For the
FITNESS
GURU
GURU
$ EGA Apparel Celebrate the opening of Excellence Gymnastics Academy (mccsokinawa. mccsokinawa. com/gymnastics) in style at Gunners FitFit ness Center. These items and more will be available starting November .
$$$ Exercise Equipment Head to Kinsei Barbell and Fitness ((kinseibarbell.jp) or the Exchange for a wide range of home-workout equipment.
$$ Yoga Gear Yoga is an important aspect of many people’s lives, as it is a mind-centering activity that can help manage stress. Gifting a new yoga mat or carrying bag can go a long way with a yoga enthusiast.
For the
$ Face Masks Not the illnesspreventing kind, but the exfoliating and pore-cleansing kind!
For the
SELF-CARE
$$$ Skin Care Products
SPECIALIST
Remind your loved ones to love themselves during these stress-ful times. Soothing, rejuvenating skin care products can do just that and are available at Ryukyu Cosme House (navi-q.jp/ publics/index/), Yacchi & Moon (facebook.com/yacchi. moon), AEON Mall (okinawarycom-aeonmall.com) and more.
NOVEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 13
$ Art Supplies
$$$ Art Class Fee
ATIVE
Wide selections of paints, brushes, paper, pens, pencils, markers and more are available at off-base art stores like Green Note (green-note.biz)) or Tokyu Hands at the PARCO City shop shop-ping mall (parcocity.jp). ). Speaking of, many shops at PARCO City are offering military discounts this holiday season—just ask!
Gift an art class to your loved one this year. Classes available through MCCS this December include Ikebana Flower Arranging, Kimekomi Doll Making, Sketching, Watercolor Painting, Pastel Drawing, Oil Paint Painting, Realism Drawing and Beaded Jewelry Creation classes. Refer to the two URLs below under “DIY Presents” for more infor information regarding dates, times and prices.
For the
For the
CREATIVE $$ DIY Presents
Sometimes a hand-crafted present is the most meaning meaningful gift. Paint a ceramic art piece through Courtney Arts and Crafts ((mccsokinawa.com/artsandcrafts) or create a frame to display a meaningful photo or painting at Foster Framing and Fine Arts ((mccsokinawa.com/ framingandfinearts).
$ Okinawan Deck of Cards The novelty of Japanese-themed gifts can go a long way with folks back home. Pick up a Japanese deck of cards from Family Mart.
$$ Omoide: Memories of Okinawa and The Best of Okinawa Living Compilations of everything Okinawa. Available at any Exchange retail facility that sells books.
For the
OKINAWA LOVER
$ Okinawa-Exclusive Pikachu I mean, come on, how cute is that? Head to the Pokémon Store in Rycom Mall to pika one up (I’m not sorry).
$$$ Yomitan Pottery Village Glassware and Pottery Works of art you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Address: - Zakimi, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa -
NOVEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 15
$ Lift and Stall Rental Fee
$$ Car Care Products
$ Mechanic’s Gloves
An easy but meaningful gesture if your gearhead wants to work on his or her own car. Stop by Typhoon Motors between December and January for $ lift and stall rentals.
These hese turn a car from a looker into a real head-turner.
For the
Working on cars doesn’t have to destroy your hands.
For the
GEARHEAD $$$ Kenwood Audio Equipmen Equipment
$ Air Freshener The carburetor’s tor’s fixed, the engine’s fixed…how about the smell?
High-quality subwoofers and amplifiers will be on sale December – for up to % off at Typhoon Motors.
$$ Board Games ROM doesn’t have to be boring. Gather the family and play from among the long list of excellent board games available at Kappa Castle (facebook.com/kappacastlegame) in Chatan, the Exchange or online.
$ Marine Corps Birthday Commemorative Blanket
$$$ Video Games
For when you run out of board games.
or Those in
ROM
For Those in $ Candles
ROM
Cozy up in this warm woven blanket, available for purchase at several MCCS facilities. For a full list of locations where it is available, visit mccsokinawa.com/ usmcball/#tab.
$$$
Care Basket Open the windows, light some candles You don’t think receiving a basket of home items like and freshen up the Clorox wipes, easy-to-make food and other treats house a bit. would be so exciting a gift—until you’ve been on ROM.
NOVEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 17
$$$ Fishing Charter
$$ Forest Adventure Admission Fee Zip-line and climb through Forest Adventure (fa-onna.foret-aventure.jp) in Onna Village. A blast for any thrill-seeker.
For the
Charter a guided fishing trip off the coast of Okinawa, where you can catch enough tuna, mahi-mahi and more to keep your freezer stocked for months.
For the
FUN-SEEKER $$$ Bowling Gear Head to the Camp Foster Bowling Center Pro Shop ((mccsokinawa.com/bowling) sokinawa.com/bowling kinawa.com/bowling) for a wide variety of custom-fit kinawa.com/bowling bowling balls, bags, shoes and accessories.
$ Karaoke Cover the fees for a fun night of karaoke! And if karaoke bars are still restricted by the time the holidays hit, buying a home karaoke set is always an option.
For
For
STUFFING
STOCKINGS $$ MCCS Gift Cards The most versatile of gifts, MCCS gift cards are valid at MCCS facilities island-wide. Taiyo Steakhouse (mccsokinawa.com/taiyosteakhouse) even has its own gift card available in house $ or $ increments, if you’d like to gift a truly special meal.
$$ Local T-Shirts
T-shirts from your loved ones’ favorite stores or restaurants are sure to bring smiles to their faces.
$ Okinawa Travel Mug
Stop by a Bonsai Coffee Company (mccsokinawa. mccsokinawa. com/bonsai)) location near you for these on-the-go travel mugs.
$ Daiso Goodies Daiso is stocking-stuffer central for toys, statio stationery, treats and more.
NOVEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 19
Calling all glampers! If you want to camp without letting go of the conveniences of home, luxury RV camping may be for you. Tamaru Camping Park is located in the heart of Nakijin and will be a great home base for all of the exploring available in the Motobu area. Tamaru Camping Park offers fully furnished, two-bedroom, twobathroom RVs for a truly lavish camping experience. Opt for a queensized bed and three singles instead of sleeping bags. Your RV will also come with a refrigerator, stove, microwave, a TV and Wi-Fi. Large picnic tables adorn each RV’s deck and if you order in advance, you can request a BBQ meal set to cook. You may also purchase small snacks and drinks from the reception area. When you return from busy sightseeing days, you can relax at the community campfire each evening or take in the night sky from the stargazing deck that’s above the reception building. Although driving an RV sounds fun, these are stationary and fill the camping area quite well, so don’t plan on spacious outdoor play areas.
Location: 1876-1 Imadomari, Nakijin Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture
PHOTOS COURTESY OF TAMARU CAMPING PARK
Contact Information: 090-1947-1202 tamaru.okinawa
NOVEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 23
Much of northern Okinawa is comprised of Yanbaru Forest, which is teeming with unique flora and fauna. Nestled in Yanbaru National Park, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the Kunigami Environmental Education Center. Whether you choose to tent camp or stay in one of the rooms in the beautiful wooden lodge, you can expect breathtaking views of the forest beyond. Explore two nature walking trails, go canoeing, star gazing or bird watching; you will especially want to keep your eyes peeled for the Yanbaru Kuina, or Okinawa Rail—a bird so rare it is not found anywhere else in the world. You’ll know you’ve spotted one of these flightless, endangered birds because they have bright-red beaks. If you miss out on seeing one, maybe the park’s resident goat will console you! Of all the campgrounds on our list, this area is the farthest removed from any city and is guaranteed to be a retreat to nature. You will most likely lose all cell phone reception here, so we recommend saving a screenshot of the Forest Park Map (available on the park’s website) before you arrive and maybe downloading an offline GPS map of the area.
Location: 1301-7 Aha, Kunigami, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture Contact Information: 098-041-7979 Daily, 9 a.m.–8 p.m. atabii.jp
Location: 1332 Jana, Nakijin, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture Contact Information: 098-043-5022 Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–noon or 1–5 p.m. fro-nakijin.jp/oppadake
OPPADAKE FOREST PARK PHOTOS BY KAILEY LAVALLIERE
Nakijin Village is within minutes of all of the attractions Motobu and Nago have to offer and is home to Oppadake Forest Park. Located less than 200 meters from Mt. Otowadake (from which you can experience beautiful panoramic views of the Motobu area), this camp is protected from the harshest winds and heavier rains. Sheltered by an arching canopy of trees, the road leading into Oppadake Forest Park will bring you to a quiet and peaceful camp. Campers can choose to set up their sightseeing home base in cabins or at tent campsites. There is a small parking area from which you can tote your belongings down to your assigned camp. Tent campers can bring their own camp stove or fire pit, or enjoy cooking in the camp’s shared outdoor kitchens, which have grills and sinks for clean-up. There’s also a separate tent-camp site in the main park with incredible views of Kouri Island, although it is farther away from the kitchen and restrooms.
NOVEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 25
4 Your drive to Nature-Mirai will take you past small farms and rice paddy fields and into the heart of Kin town; you may still hear cityscape noises, but there will be enough scenic views and fresh air to get you in sync with nature. Tent camping for single families or small groups is available, as well as spacious open-floorplan cottages for larger groups such as scout troops or retreat participants. While camping here, you can enjoy fishing, kayaking, bike rentals and craft making (such as photo frame creations, sandal making or shīsā decorating). Children will be thrilled with the playground and adults and children alike will love testing their balance while walking through the main lawn on stilts. Aside from the river and boat launch areas, a small beach is within walking distance of this campground as well as a miniature golf course. Grill masters will also relish the chance to use a Japanese outdoor kitchen complete with grills and large sinks for easy clean-up. BBQ meal sets are available for purchase, and there is also a small shop which sells light snacks, firewood and other small camping gear such as BBQ cooking tools, lanterns, batteries and even compact dish sets.
Location: 11818-2 Kin, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture Contact Information: 098-968-6117 Daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. www.nature-kin.com
Location: Okuma Resort, South Beach Building 121 Contact Information: DSN 631-1815 Daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. okuma.kadenafss.com/camping
NATURE-MIRAI-KAN PHOTOS BY KAILEY LAVALLIERE
On western Okinawa, about an hour south of Hedo Point, along Highway 58, lies Okuma Military Resort. Okuma is managed by Kadena Force Support Squadron and is open to SOFA status members island-wide. Campers can opt for cabin or tent camping amongst two camping areas with differing quiet hours—one for those who like to turn in early, and one for those who enjoy watching campfires dwindle to embers late into the night. This is resort camping with activities-galore. Besides the picnic table, fire pit and grill available at each campsite, there are playgrounds, a miniature golf course, an executive golf course, tennis courts, a nature trail and, of course, the beach. Sunset Cafe is open daily for easy access to snacks as well as Starbucks coffee for those who are missing some city comforts. And for those wishing for a little more privacy, check out the Turtle’s Nest Beach House or Ai Beach Cottage—both with access to private beach areas.
NOVEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 27
Okuma's
Thanksgiving Buffet with an International Twist! Surfside Grill & Bar Thursday, 26 November • Noon - 8:30 pm
$24.95 • Ages 13 & over $12.95 • Ages 4 - 12 | Free • Ages 3 & under Enjoy your traditional classics such as ham, turkey, macaroni & cheese, and mashed potatoes & gravy, along with Okuma Thanksgiving exclusives such as crab legs, garlic shrimp, Hawaiian braised beef, and more!
Turkey Trot Thursday, 26 November $10 • All ages Registration begins at 7 am on Surfside’s patio. Trot your way around Okuma for our 5K and you could gobble down a free Thanksgiving buffet! Your entry fee includes a T-shirt, and the top participants will win free entry to the Thanksgiving buffet.
Winter Deals Group Reservations Now - 31 March 2021 • Sunday - Thursday Okuma Group Reservations offers lodging discounts to groups of five or more rooms. This is a great time to schedule annual meetings, family reunions, weddings, retreats, functions, and more! You name it, we can host it! For more details, please contact the Group Reservations office. Monday - Friday • 8 am - 5 pm • 631-1806 | 080-6489-8619 Sweet Cabana Deal Now - 31 March 2021 Sunday - Thursday • Excludes Holidays Your stay gets even sweeter when you save 20% off of a two-night stay that includes breakfast for two people in any Okuma Suite, Suite Plus, Studio or Studio Premier. Restrictions may apply.
Okuma Beach • 631-1990 | Surfside Grill & Bar • 631-1805 | Reservations • 631-1991 Located 51 miles north of Kadena Air Base
Okuma.KadenaFSS.com
facebook.com/theokumabeach
@okumabeach
KADENA AIR BASE
At White Beach Naval Base in Uruma, White Beach Campground is managed by Navy MWR and open to SOFA status members island-wide. Cabins and camper trailers are available to rent and come with stovetops and microwaves, but if you plan to tent camp, make sure to bring your own grill. Plenty of picnic tables, some pavilions and ample grassy areas beyond the sand for outdoor play and relaxation dot this camp. Volleyball nets and cornhole boards are set up for friendly games, and you can also rent kayaks or paddle boards for watersport fun. There is a community campfire pit as well. White Beach offers pet-friendly camping as leashed dogs are allowed within the campground. Two campers and two cabins are pet-friendly and all tent-camping areas are pet-friendly too. The coral and shell-studded sands of White Beach are located off Nakagusuku Bay, which is recognized as a significant wetland by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment. Part of Nakagusuku Bay is Awase Mudflats, home to 165 different species of aquatic birds. Camping here is the perfect place to admire herons, egrets, sandpipers and even endangered birds such as the Kentish plover and various types of terns.
Location: White Beach Naval Base, Bldg 1003 Contact Information: DSN 622-1877 | Off Base 098-954-1877 Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. navymwrokinawa.com (From the website’s title menu at the top, select “Lodging,” then “Navy Okinawa Getaways.”)
7 Torii Beach is an active nesting area for both aquatic birds and turtles located within Torii Station Army Base in Yomitan and managed by Army MWR. The camping area, which is open to SOFA status members island-wide, is just off the beach and a short walk away from the main beach parking lots. Campers at Torii only have the option to tent camp, as there are no cabins or cottages at this time. Each campsite comes equipped with a picnic table, a BBQ grill and space to pitch a tent. If you’d like to spread out a bit more, covered pavilions are also available for rent, each with its own BBQ grill and picnic tables. In addition, CJ’s Sunset Grill, which is adjacent to the campsites, is open for take-out meals during limited weekend hours. Watersport and sporting equipment such as kayaks, skim boards, surfboards, kites and horseshoe games can also be rented on site for hours of sand-and-sun fun. Feel free to bring the whole family—dogs included! Dogs are allowed at all campsites, and MWR staff can help orient you to pet leash rules and zones.
Location: Torii Station, Bldg T-315 Contact Information: DSN 644-4659 | Off Base 098-962-4659 Thursday–Monday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. torii.armymwr.com/programs/ torii-beach
Once you’ve picked out your camping location, it’s time to pack your gear and hit the road. What if you don’t have any gear, though? It’s not a problem! MCCS Outdoor Recreation rents all of the items you may need—tents, coolers, grills, sleeping bags, tables, chairs and more. Find prices, policies and more details at mccsokinawa.com/outdoor_recreation. Besides being a fun staycation, camping on Okinawa can bring many benefits—fresh air and time spent outdoors, unplugging from technology while reconnecting with friends or family, stress relief from the everyday grind or even a healthy dose of solitude. After trying out some of the spots on our list, keep exploring! With more than 3,000 campsites nationwide, Japan could keep you a happy camper for a lifetime.
NOVEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 29
FITNESS + FUN
Turkey Bowl Flag Football Tournament MCCS has got all of your Thanksgiving staples covered: turkey, ham and trimmings through Holiday Meals-To-Go (flip to p. 41 for more on that) and flag football through Semper Fit. That’s right, the annual Turkey Bowl Flag Football Tournament is back at Camp Foster’s Field 6 (in front of Gunners Fitness Center) on Saturday and Sunday, November 28 & 29, at 9 a.m. Here’s how the Turkey Bowl’s going down: each game will consist of two 20-minute halves with a running clock—except for the last two minutes of each half, which will proceed with a stop/regulation clock. 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 right before to playing. 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. Lastly, 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams will receive awards and the highly coveted Turkey Bowl Tournament sweatshirts, perfect for hiding your gut after your team’s celebratory meal. SOFA ID card holders ages 16 and older may participate and must register through Eventbrite for $150 per team before November 23 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.
Swim to Win It’s Time for a Meet! If you think you’re fast in the water, then it’s time to put your money where your mouth is! Okinawa Dolphins Swim Team (ODST) swim meets are the perfect place to show your mettle (and maybe win some medals in the future). A meet for swimmers of all ages—featuring events ranging from “kick-with-a-board” to 400 m Individual Medley—will be held at the Foster Aquatic Center on November 14. Warm-ups start at 7
a.m. and the competition begins at 8:05 a.m. The best thing? It’s FREE! Interested? Then act now, because if you’re a SOFA ID card holder, registration closes November 11. This meet is open to both ODST members and non-members. For more information about registering for this event, visit mccsokinawa.com/swimteam.
NOVEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 31
FITNESS + FUN
Dust Off Those Cleats MCAS Futenma 6v6 Soccer Tournament It’s been a quick minute since MCCS has been able to host an organized sports tournament due to restrictions and all, so Semper Fit is thrilled to announce the MCAS Futenma 6v6 Soccer Tournament. On Saturday and Sunday, November 21–22, the Semper Fit Fitness Center Field on MCAS Futenma will host the tournament starting at 9 a.m. SOFA ID card holders ages 16 and older may participate and must register through Eventbrite for $150 per team before 1 p.m. on November 16. And not to be Johnny “Rulebook” Raincloud or anything, but this tournament has some specific rules you’ll want to be aware of before kickoff. Each game will consist of two 20-minute halves with a 5-minute halftime. You may have between 6 and 12 players on your team plus a coach, with 6 players allowed on the field at any given time (you are allowed unlimited substitutions). If your coach is also playing, that counts towards your 12-player limit. Moreover, there will be no offsides, so plan your tactics accordingly. Tie games will proceed to penalty shoot-outs and 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams will receive awards and T-shirts. In regards to clothing, shin guards are mandatory, shorts with pockets won’t be allowed and metal, football or baseball cleats will not be authorized. Lastly, team rosters must be submitted 30 minutes prior to the first game. Any team caught with a player not on their roster will be disqualified and individuals may only play on one team. For information, check facebook.com/mccsokinawa.semperfit and for questions, email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
Kinser Virtual Half Marathon Half the Distance, Double the Fun The story goes that way back in the day (around 490 B.C.), a Greek foot messenger sprinted from the battle of Marathon to Athens— roughly 25 miles—to share news of Greece’s victory over the Persian army. With no water stations, energy gels or proper arch support in sight, the messenger promptly collapsed and died upon delivering the news. To honor this messenger’s deed, the marathon race was established. Over time, variations of the marathon have popped up, and this month, Camp Kinser will host the Kinser Virtual Half Marathon—a more manageable race with a distance the Greek messenger would have much preferred running. With the race being “virtual,” the process is a bit different this year. SOFA ID card holders ages 12 and older will register for this 13.1-mile race via mccsokinawa.com/adultsports between November 9
and 22, and then run the set course any time between November 14 and 22. During your run, you’ll record your effort with a cellphone or smartwatch application and then email a screenshot of your run (including the date, distance and duration) to adultsports@okinawa. usmc-mccs.org. Apart from entry into the race itself, the $25 registration fee guarantees a T-shirt for every competitor and a medal for all who complete the event. Participants also have a chance to win a Mizuno backpack! Sign-ups are limited to 400 runners, so don’t wait until the last minute! For more information, head to mccsokinawa.com/ adultsports or facebook.com/mccsokinawa.semperfit. For questions, email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or call 645-3521.
NOVEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 33
FITNESS + FUN
Family Fun Run Virtual 5k
Outdoor Recreation Break the Routine It’s easy to feel pent-up, disconnected and stuck these days. You’ve read all your books, played all your video games, watched all the shows and movies on your “to-watch” list—what else is there to do while remaining socially distant? Quite a lot, actually, through MCCS Semper Fit Outdoor Recreation. With locations at Camps Foster, Hansen, Schwab, Kinser, Courtney and MCAS Futenma, Outdoor Recreation will set you up with all the gear you’ll need to recharge out in nature—alone or with friends—and add some variety to your routine. If you are camping with just the bare minimum, tents range from $3 to $6 while foam pads are only $1, but if you want to set yourself up with a mini outdoor kingdom, canopies are $20, camping chairs are $1 and
tables range from $2 to $5 depending on the size you’d like. Keep your drinks cold with $2 to $3 ice chests and your food hot with small, medium, large or full rotisserie grills. Camping accessories are also available for rent—lanterns, sleeping bags, screen tents and more. Additionally, Camp Foster offers special items including TV’s, PlayStation 4’s, bikes and fitness equipment including dumbbells, kettlebells, benches, bars, medicine balls and boxing stands. All charges are daily usage fees with each item’s availability varying depending on the camp. Please call ahead to confirm the items you want are in stock. For numbers and Outdoor Recreation locations, head to mccsokinawa.com/outdoor_recreation.
November is Month of the Military Family, a time to honor the sacrifices military families make on a daily basis. To celebrate, the MCCS Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) and Semper Fit are hosting the Family Fun Run Virtual 5k. If you are wondering what in the world a virtual 5k is, you’re not the only one. To prevent runners from coming into close contact with each other, we have stretched the event window throughout a whole week for runners to conquer the course on their own time. Virtually, you’ll be running a 5k, just not all at the same time so as to allow everyone a safe environment in which to exercise and engage with the community. Here’s how it works: November 16–29, you may register for FREE via mccsokinawa.com/efmp as long as you are a SOFA ID card holder and among the first 500 to sign up. After registering as a solo runner or as a family team, you will then run the set course on Camp Foster between November 21 and 29 and record your effort using a cellphone or smartwatch application. Once finished, you’ll then email a screenshot of your run—including the date, distance and duration—to efmp@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. All participants will receive a certificate and on December 1, EFMP will post the winners on their Facebook page; the top three solo runners and top three family teams will receive plaques. Other prizes up for grabs include two overnight stays for two with breakfast at Hotel Nikko Alivila and an overnight stay for two courtesy of DSH Resorts Okinawa. For more information including the running route, head to mccsokinawa.com/efmp. For questions, email efmp@okinawa. usmc-mccs.org. NOVEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 35
MARINES+FAMILIES SECTION NAME
Mil Spouse to School House Virtual Brief Chart Your Course to Higher Education Contrary to what one might think, being a military spouse on a small subtropical island in the middle of the Pacific doesn’t mean you have to put your life on hold; Okinawa is as good a place as any to continue your education, especially with so many colleges and universities committing to full online learning this year. Charting another educational course can be nerve-wracking, though, so to help you gain your bearings, MCCS Education is offering a virtual brief for spouses of both active-duty service members and veterans called Mil Spouse to School House. Whether you are interested in accessing higher education while on Okinawa or in preparation for your return to the States, this brief will highlight the resources available to you and teach you how to sift through the seemingly endless program options to find your dream school. Moreover, Mil Spouse to School House will be your lighthouse in the FAFSA storm, as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid can be quite befuddling for those unfamiliar. In fact, it’s possible you may not even need FAFSA with all of the scholarships and benefits available for military spouses.
If you have yet to dive into the ocean of these scholarships and benefits, head to mccsokinawa.com/education and click through the tabs; you’ll feel much more at ease once you discover the many channels of support available to you through MCCS. Pursuing your education is not something you have to do alone and it does not have to break the bank. Choosing a program with reduced tuition for military-affiliated students, frontloading scholarships and following the many tips available at Mil Spouse to School House will disperse the clouds of stress and frustration on your journey to higher education. There will be two chances to catch this brief: 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 4 and Wednesday, November 18. Registration is required; to sign up, email education@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org with your name, email address and assigned camp. MCCS Education will then respond with the link and password for the brief you wish to attend. For more information, head to mccsokinawa.com/education or facebook.com/mccsokinawa.educationandlibraries. For questions, please call 645-7160.
Passport to Volunteering Help Yourself…Help Your Community When one thinks about the benefits that result from volunteering, the emphasis is usually placed on the community: a house is built, trash is picked up, trees are planted and so forth. But volunteering is one of those symbiotic situations in which the person volunteering greatly benefits as well. Think back to the times you’ve volunteered in your life. You don’t leave volunteering wishing you had never done it. Au contraire! You leave feeling connected to the community and in high spirits because volunteering makes you a more empathetic, service-minded individual. In short, doing good does you good. Another benefit of volunteering is that it looks great on a résumé; employers and educational institutions (rightfully) regard volunteer work as a show of great character. And when you can identify
transferrable skills from volunteering that relate to the position you are applying for, your résumé emits an aura of competency. Strategically volunteering and identifying relevant skills to put on a résumé (or even to gain scholarships) is certainly a skill, though, so MCCS Volunteer Program is offering the virtual Passport to Volunteering brief to teach you that very skill. You’ve got two chances to catch this virtual brief: Thursday, November 12 and Friday, November 20. Both sessions run from 9 to 11 a.m. and registration is required; to sign up, head to mccsokinawa. com/volunteer. For questions, please call 645-3749 from a DSN or 098-970-3749 from off base.
NOVEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 37
DINING + ENTERTAINMENT
Classic 18-20 lb. Turkey Package with Holiday Sides: $125 (Serves 15) Deluxe 9 lb. 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) 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 18-20 lb. Whole Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Sauce: $75 9 lb. Glazed Hickory-Smoked Ham: $75 2 lb. Baked Macaroni & Cheese Au Gratin: $15 2 lb. Mashed Potatoes: $12 2 lb. Traditional Herb-Seasoned Bread Stuffing: $12 2 lb. Seasoned Green Beans: $12 2 lb. Candied Yams: $12 1 qt. Turkey Gravy: $6 1 lb. Cranberry Sauce: $3 Choice of one pie—Pumpkin, Pecan or Apple: $12
MCCS PHOTO
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 Take Some Stress out of Your Holidays As cooking a boatload of food for others can be one of the most stressful aspects of the holiday season, MCCS is here to shoulder that burden for you. This fall, Holiday MealsTo-Go—an annual offering in which full holiday meals are available for you to order, pick up, take home and enjoy—is back. And this is not some second-rate food we are supplying; we’ve got juicy 18–20 lb. whole-roasted turkeys, 9 lb. glazed hickory-smoked hams, baked macaroni & cheese, mashed potatoes, herb-seasoned stuffing, green beans, candied yams, turkey gravy, cranberry sauce and pies (choose from pumpkin, pecan or apple)—all the staples of a traditional American holiday meal. The chefs at Surfside on Camp Kinser, The Palms on Camp Hansen, Ocean Breeze on Camp Foster and Tengan Castle on Camp Courtney will be working around the clock to ensure you and your family, friends and unit get the taste of home you deserve. Here’s how ordering works. Orders must be placed five days prior to your desired pick-
up date and paid in full two business days prior. Clubs will start taking orders on Monday, November 16, with the first available pickup on Saturday, November 21. You may call to order Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., and all arrangements must be made with the club at which you plan to pick up the meal. The last day for ordering will be December 28, with the last day for pickup being January 2, 2021. And no, Holiday Meals-To-Go doesn’t shut down between Thanksgiving and Christmas; these meals will be available for a whole month and a half. Please refer to the sidebar for participating clubs’ phone numbers as well as the full menu, from which you’ll have the option of ordering individual items or full holiday meal package specials to include a turkey or ham (or both) with all the sides listed. For more information, head to mccsokinawa.com/catering, and from the bottom of our hearts here at MCCS, we wish you a very safe and happy holiday season. NOVEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 41
DINING + ENTERTAINMENT
Gobble ‘Til You Wobble
MCCS PHOTO
Thanksgiving at the Clubs If visions of perfectly roasted turkey, glazed ham and gravy-topped mashed potatoes (plus stuffing and fall veggies) are starting to fill your daydreams, it can only mean one thing—you forgot to think about the pies! Thanksgiving is soon approaching and you are invited to celebrate the holiday at your local MCCS Clubs and Restaurants. Buffets and à la carte feasts will feature your favorite holiday fare, so take a break from your kitchen and the mountains of dirty dishes that pile up much too quickly and give thanks for the MCCS chefs. Reservations are a must this year while we adhere to social-distancing protocols, so go ahead and reserve your spot for a Thanksgiving meal today. Besides, it’s more fun to pick out a holiday outfit you’ll wear out in public than one you’ll only wear to your own dinner table. And remember—this year, your outfit isn’t complete without an approved face covering. We also recommend pants with some give because you’re definitely going to be full from these scrumptious feasts. On Thursday, November 26, buffet meals are available from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Palms Ballroom (Camps Hansen), Tengan Castle (Camp Courtney), Butler Officers’ Club (Camp Foster) and Kinser Surfside Ballroom (Camp Kinser). If you prefer to eat your Thanksgiving dinner a bit later, BeachHead’s (Camp Schwab) buffet is set for 4–8 p.m. And, good news, diners—children under the age of 5 receive their buffet meals for FREE. Meal prices on Camps Foster, Courtney and Kinser are $19.95 per adult and $9.95 for children ages 5–11. On Camp Hansen and Camp Schwab, meal prices are $17.95 per adult and $8.95 for children ages 5–11. Thanksgiving-feast enthusiasts can also enjoy an à la carte brunch (7 a.m.–3 p.m.) or dinner (6–8 p.m.) at Taiyo Steakhouse. MCCS is wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving! Just remember to give the club or restaurant you plan on visiting a call, as reservations are required for all Thanksgiving meals. Please also note that face coverings and social-distancing protocols remain in place at this time. To make your reservations or for inquiries, find participating clubs’ contact information at mccsokinawa.com/clubs.
Sip into the Season Limited Edition Fall Drinks at Bonsai If you find yourself missing the brilliance of kōyō (fall foliage) while living on Okinawa, you can still conjure up the glory of all that is autumn with one of two fall-inspired drinks at Bonsai Coffee Company. Don’t miss out on this sweet duo which highlights two of the most cherished flavors of the season: cinnamon and apple. If you haven’t tried one yet, the Cinnamon Apple Spice and Chai Apple Spice are available through November 30. The Cinnamon Apple Spice, a mulled apple juice made with vanilla flavor, cinnamon and cinnamon-infused whipped cream, is a delight for those looking for a caffeine-free treat. Alternatively, caffeine fiends and tea aficionados can rejoice with the Chai Apple Spice, as it is the perfect blend of sweetened chai black tea, vanilla, apple juice and cinnamon-infused whipped cream. (Ask to sub a sugar-free version of the vanilla syrup if you’d like.) Just as brisk air, wearing your favorite hoodies and football are all telltale signs of autumn, these delectable, toasty spiced drinks invite you to sip into the season. Enjoy a Cinnamon Apple Spice or Chai Apple Spice at any Bonsai Coffee Company location. Stop by on Camp Foster Monday–Friday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., or on Camp Hansen to get your fall fix before 3 p.m. daily (open from 6 a.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. on weekends). For more details or to check out Bonsai’s menu, head over to mccsokinawa.com/bonsai. NOVEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 43
RESTAURANT REVIEW
Nukumi Kitchen At Long Last
By Alex Jusell | Photography by Kailey LaValliere
Location Gala Aoiumi 915 Takashiho, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0323 Hours of Operation Open Thursday– Tuesday, 11 a.m–6 p.m. Take-out Available Payment Yen, Dollars and Credit Card
My years-long search for a great off-base burrito on island has taken me to Okinawa’s farthest reaches. Unfortunately, many a long drive has left a mediocre taste in my mouth and a longing in my heart for the hundreds of great taquerias back home in Southern California and Tijuana. After an Okinawan burrito shop used sticky white rice, wrapped my burrito in cling wrap and sliced it into bite-sized pieces (with the wrapping still on), I had lost all hope. I sat unwrapping my burrito slices in bitter (and thankfully, false) acceptance: there are no good off-base burritos on Okinawa. And then, like Gandalf cresting over the mountain at the Battle of Helm’s Deep, Nukumi Kitchen came to my rescue. Nukumi Kitchen is among the restaurants and stores perched along the Yomitan coast in Gala Aoiumi, a small outdoor shopping center with an outrageously gorgeous view of the East China Sea. If you’ve ever visited Sea Seed, the coral nursery, you likely parked at Gala Aoiumi’s spacious lot. Now—if you’ll allow a forced transition—the ease and satisfaction associated with finding a good parking spot here are feelings you’ll quickly come to associate with Nukumi Kitchen as well. Regarding ease, an English menu, welcoming staff and a beautiful outdoor dining area with canvas canopies, a green lawn and views you’d be willing to pay for are all present. Regarding satisfaction, their burritos are not only the best I’ve had on island, but are great burritos by any standard. Let’s unwrap one. A solid indicator of a burrito’s quality is its tortilla; often, you don’t have to open a burrito to know if it’s going to taste good or not. Nukumi Kitchen’s flour tortillas are delicious
and prepared with love—these are no microwaved tortillas, these are fresh off the stove. And whichever main filling you choose (beef steak, grilled chicken, shrimp and avocado, veggie or mixed chicken and steak), each burrito comes packed with lettuce, Spanish rice, salsa, cilantro and sour cream. All but the Shrimp and Avocado Burrito include beans, but there is one quality they all share—a simple but important quality that you’ll be surprisingly hard-pressed to find on island: each burrito’s carefully-curated ingredients are evenly distributed to ensure every bite is as satisfying as the last. Even the first bite is enjoyable. What is usually a mouthful of tortilla is a wonderful first impression of what Nukumi Kitchen has to offer. In addition to the burritos, Nukumi Kitchen sells tacos, salads, French fries, nachos and guacamole. A relatively small menu, sure, but I’d take a focused menu full of quality options over a large menu full of mediocrity any day. After your meal, there are plenty of stores at Gala Aoiumi to meander through while you digest your burrito, and while I highly recommend visiting the physical restaurant because of all the aforementioned reasons, Nukumi Kitchen also has a bright orange food truck that visits different camps throughout the week in case you can’t make it out to Yomitan. To view the food truck schedule and the most up-to-date information on everything Nukumi Kitchen, head to facebook. com/nukumikitchen. Interestingly, Nukumi Kitchen’s slogan is “Have you had a good burrito lately?” Without a doubt, this lovely burrito shop will give you more than enough reason to say “yes.”
NOVEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 45
KIDS + PARENTS
Coaching for the Win Volunteer with Semper Fit Youth Sports Inspiring, encouraging, fun-loving, dedicated, goal-oriented, patient and optimistic are attributes we might all strive to have, but when you’ve got them all, there’s a role that might be perfect for you: youth sports coach. Your team is bound to win and lose— that is the nature of sports, after all, but your biggest win as a coach probably won’t be found within your team’s record; coaching can be your chance to connect with the community. While each athlete on a team has an important role to play and position to fill, as a mentor, a coach can influence much more than athletic development. Life lessons in areas such as teamwork, self-discipline, good sportsmanship and countless others are yours to impart. And a wise
coach will know there are plenty of lessons to be learned from working with children and their families. As a volunteer coach, you may find yourself working on self-improvement, too. You will have ample opportunities to work on your communication, management and organizational skills—and you may even get healthier with the extra regular exercise! You certainly don’t have to be the world’s best athlete or in tip-top shape to be a coach, but you’ll definitely be on the move and keeping yourself active for a few extra hours each week while teaching kids about sports and fitness. Semper Fit Youth Sports programs span most of the year with seasons for baseball,
softball, basketball, cheerleading and soccer, so there are plenty of coaching opportunities to go around. Each sport has teams on Camps Kinser, Foster and Courtney, plus various age divisions (for youth between ages 5–18). Assistant coaches must be at least 16 years of age, head coaches must be at least 18 years of age and all interested volunteers may submit a coaching application packet at any time throughout the year. For more information about becoming a Semper Fit Youth Sports Coach or to download your application packet, visit mccsokinawa.com/coachescorner. For inquiries, call 645-3533, 645-3534 or email youthsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
NOVEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 47
KIDS + PARENTS
Bounce Houses Bundle up and Bounce! Sure, it’s cooling down outside, but that doesn’t mean tykes can’t enjoy a bit of brisk outdoor bouncing! Bundle up your kid in fleece for an afternoon of bouncy fun in a bounce house available for rent through MCCS Special Events. Not just for birthdays and special occasions, bounce houses are perfect for bringing smiles to kids’ faces and making their eyes sparkle with happiness. Invite the neighborhood kids for a bouncy block party! Bounce houses are, of course, customizable to fit any occasion. Choose from 12 different themes including Marvel Avenger characters, Disney Princesses, Hello Kitty, Jurassic Park and more. You can even rent bounce houses with a slide! For more information, call MCCS Special Events at 6455828 or visit mccsokinawa.com/bouncers.
Kids’ Sketching Class An Investment with Great Returns With the holidays right around the corner, you may be scrambling for gift ideas for your kids and spouse alike. And while gifting the Kids’ Sketching class at Foster Framing and Fine Arts or Courtney Arts and Crafts to your children may not seem like an obvious choice, it’s a great option to knock out several holiday gifts at the same time. Let us explain. First and foremost, the class is a great gift for your kids (especially if they are interested in art), as it will offer a solid foundation of art skills which they can build upon and then make some truly impressive artwork. Second, this investment has fantastic returns because your children can then gift their masterpieces to you, your spouse, your own parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and more! And if you have two kids taking this course, just imagine—you’ll have gifts for your extended family for years to come. The class is only $32 per child (ages 5–12) and includes eight one-hour sessions. The sessions at Foster Framing and Fine Arts run from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays while the sessions at Courtney Arts and Crafts are 3:30–4:30 p.m. on Thursdays and Saturdays. Participants must bring a sketchbook, wooden pencils, colored pencils and an eraser to each session. To register, head to either of these locations in person or email artsandcrafts@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/framingandfinearts for Camp Foster offerings and mccsokinawa.com/courtneyartsandcrafts for classes on Camp Courtney. For questions, call 645-3674 (DSN)/098-970-3674 (from off base), or 622-7492 (DSN)/098954-7492 (from off base), respectively. NOVEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 49
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10 YEARS
Beach Ready.
Every Day. Forever For You.
YOUR SAFETY is OUR PRIORITY
Smooth Face For HIM
¥1500
Neck, Jawline, Cheeks, Upper Lip or Chin Buy 4 Areas Get 1 Area FREE
¥3300
Mon-Sat:10am-7pm Sun: Closed
Opening hours vary every month, please check our hours on Facebook before visiting. Coupons cannot be combined with any other offers or promotional offers. No substitutions. Tax not included.
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Valid until 11.30.2020
No More Laser Burn Underarms & Bikini Line
Summer Skin Pack
¥7500
Deep Pore Cleansing & Microdermabrasion or Peel (Vacuum Suction & Exfoliation)
Infection control: Measures we are taking to protect staff and customers at me love Limiting the maximum capacity. Restricting the number of occupants at the salon (If coming to the salon for a group appointment, we appreciate your cooperation in arriving with no more than 2 clients to enter the salon). Screening health technicians’ body temperatures before their work shifts. Maintaining the salon’s hygiene. Providing technicians with masks, gloves and protective glasses. Limiting the number of reservations. Opening of doors and windows for ventilation inside the salon (partial implementation in case of rain). Please check our Facebook for more details.
098-926-5523
Valid until 11.30.2020
Valid until 11.30.2020
IPL/SHR Hair Removal IPL/SHR Hair Removal
¥6800
¥500
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IPL/SHR Hair Removal
¥3500
Chest, Stomach, Shoulder, Upper Arms or Back of Neck
Perfect Summer Package
Underarms New Clients Only
Underarms, Bikini Line & Lower legs
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IPL/SHR Hair Removal
New Clients Only
Smooth Body for HIM
50%OFF
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¥7000
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Brazilian
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A FREE Consultation
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IPL HAIR REMOVAL | FOR HER
Valid until 11.30.2020
IPL/SHR Hair Removal
Consultation
IPL HAIR REMOVAL | FOR HIM
SERVICES
Self-Care for the Self-Aware
THOMAS ALAN SMILIE
Liberty App’s Total Fitness Tool Have you ever given the perfect gift? Watching the recipient’s face light up, hearing their joyful exclamations and feeling you’ve contributed to their happiness certainly brightens your day as much as theirs. Consider making all of your days brighter— with a health boost! Treat yourself with some FREE self-care with MCCS Okinawa Liberty App’s built-in Total Fitness tool. The holiday season brings about many emotions and, unfortunately, not all of them are merry. Sometimes, being away from family stateside or having a deployed spouse can amplify negative feelings such as loneliness. But, whether you are feeling festive or are just fighting a case of holiday blues, monitoring your overall health and well-being is always a positive idea. Using the Total Fitness tool will help you maintain your health across mind, body and spirit. Part of the Total Fitness tool is a selfassessment, which measures aspects of
your overall health. Taking mere minutes to complete, the self-assessment is brief and easy to use. Your responses are anonymous, confidential and are springboards for reflection as you monitor your mental and physical health. You can retake the assessment as often as you like to track your progress or to catch early warning signs before things become more serious. Regular check-ins with your self-assessment can help you create goals, make better choices and give you a leg up when it comes to proactively seeking outside help. With resources linked to each well-being category, you will always have help at the ready. Some of the resources available within the Total Fitness tool are the USMC Workout of the Day, local mental health connections to the US Naval Hospital and MCCS Behavioral Health, links to the Safe Helpline plus Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s website and phone numbers. You’ll find
information regarding social activities, options for volunteering, the on-duty Chaplain’s contact information and each base’s chapel links, too. Don’t make the mistake of equating “asking for help” with weakness—on the contrary, being self-aware is a sign of strength. To access the Total Fitness tool, open up your Liberty App and look for the trophy icon. Don’t have the app yet? Head on over to mccsokinawa.com/liberty for more information and options for downloading, or use the QR code below.
NOVEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 51
SERVICES
Stay Updated… With the MCCS (e)Newsletter 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 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 mccsokinawa.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. Up-to-date information during crises is also communicated through this weekly 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 come to, 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 us completing our mission. So sign up today!
Warehouse Sale! Computers, Furniture and More Did you know that MCCS conducts weekly sales of excess Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) property every Wednesday? Items such as computers, monitors, furniture, sporting equipment, recreational equipment and more are usually available. These sales take place on Camp Foster in Warehouse 5601 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. During the hours of 8–11 a.m., the sale is open to DoD ID card holders only, while both card holders and non-DoD ID card holders may make purchases from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information about these sales, contact MCCS Supply via email at warehousesales@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or via DSN at 645-3954 (098-970-3954 from off-base or a mobile phone). NOVEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 53
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TROY’s Military and Family Scholarship caps the cost of tuition at $250 per credit hour for active duty military. Also, your spouse and dependents receive up to 50% in tuition savings. CONTACT THE PROGRAM
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LIVING ON OKINAWA
Tempura Batter 1 cup of flour 5/8 cup of cold water 8 prawns, shelled and deveined 1/4 Japanese kabocha (squash), cut 1/4-inch thick 4 green bell peppers, cut into 1/4-inch strips 1 steamed sweet potato, cut into 1/4-inch thick Vegetable Oil Dipping Sauce 3/4 cup of dashi (soup stock) 2 tbsp. mirin (sweet rice wine) 2 tbsp. soy sauce 1. Mix flour and water; add a dash of salt. 2. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer to 365 F. 3. Dip vegetables and prawns slowly into the batter, and then submerge in the oil to prevent splashing. 4. Fry until light golden brown, approx. 2-3 minutes. 5. Remove prawns and vegetables from oil using slotted spoon; drain on wok rack or paper towels. 6. Mix dipping sauce ingredients in a saucepan; heat thoroughly. Serve tempura with steamed white rice and miso soup.
Matsutake Mushrooms
Uchinâguchi Corner
Many in Japan believe that autumn is the season for sports, reading and hearty appetites. Because of this, many tasty tidbits can be found in stores throughout Japan in the fall. Among all these foods, which include chestnuts, eggplant and saba (mackerel), the most well-known (as well as expensive) is probably the matsutake mushroom. Known as “pine mushrooms” in English, matsutake are usually cooked with rice or grilled in foil. The strong aroma of this mushroom is equated to luxury but, not very many people can actually enjoy what is considered the “king of Japanese autumn food.” Why? Like caviar and foie gras, matsutake mushrooms are very expensive. One single good-sized specimen can easily cost from ¥10,000 to over ¥200,000. Conditions for growing matsutake are very hard to reproduce artificially as they grow in mountainous regions with red pine forests. And, even in a natural environment, these sensitive mushrooms are difficult to find. Like the mushroom’s name suggests (matsu means pine tree, and take means mushroom), matsutake only grow under certain conditions. Once one is found in a mountainous area, the price of the land skyrockets, which is probably why these ‘shrooms are sometimes called “mountain diamonds.”
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MCCS NEWS
MCCS Okinawa Sets Pace with 14 Winners 2020 Food and Hospitality Excellence Awards Fourteen MCCS Okinawa restaurant and hospitality activities were among 56 recognized Marine Corps-wide for their exceptional performance in 2019 with Food and Hospitality Excellence Awards. The Food and Hospitality Excellence Award Program was established by Marine Corps Community Services at HQMC to recognize restaurant and hospitality activities that exceed the highest level of operational excellence and service. “On behalf of MCIPAC and all of our MCCS Food & Hospitality staff, we are very pleased and more than a bit humbled to once again set the pace in delivering excellent performance and superior service to America’s finest customers—our Marines, Sailors and families who serve throughout the Pacific,” said Edward S. Hutsell, Assistant Chief of Staff, MCCS, MCIPAC. “The privilege of serving America’s finest is what will continue to drive us in providing best-in-class customer experiences across the breadth of our enterprise.” The award program allows any club, restaurant, snack bar or lodging facility, regardless of size or location, to measure their results against criteria in pre-established categories of customer service, financial performance, human resources development and operational excellence. “All of us at MCCS Okinawa are incredibly proud to successfully serve more than 1.7 million customers annually at our many restaurants and lodges across eight U.S. Marine Corps installations on Okinawa,” said Michael S. Gieseck, MCCS Director, MCB Camp Butler. “We realize, however, that we’re only as good as any customer’s last
meal or visit, so we’re always hard at work to be better tomorrow than we are today and to make Okinawa home for all those who we are privileged to serve.” The criteria to achieve this award focus well beyond financial performance; to achieve an Excellence Award, activities must be agile and seasoned, and place the customer at the center of all they do. “Our entire organization salutes our Food and Hospitality Excellence Award winners,” said Cindy Whitman Lacy, Director, Business and Support Services Division, HQMC. “Beyond solid foundational metrics, these lodges, clubs and restaurants embody our shared vision of being the iconic business force of the Armed Services. Hospitality businesses are all about taking exceptional care of customers and generating preference and loyalty. The staff of these 56 Excellence Award winners ‘get it’ and put the Marine, Sailor and families at the heart of everything they do.” In addition to the 14 winners at MCCS Okinawa (plus Shisa Pizza at the Foster Bowling Center receiving honorable mention for 2020 Marine Corps Restaurant of the Year), MCB Hawaii totaled seven winners and MCAS Iwakuni four, with Club Iwakuni being named the 2020 Marine Corps Club of the Year. To recognize this achievement, the activities will receive award plaques and window clings that will be displayed in the facilities. Last year, MCCS Okinawa led the way with 13 of the 60 winners, including Taiyo Steakhouse being named 2019 Marine Corps Restaurant of the Year for exemplary performance in 2018. NOVEMBER 2020 | OKINAWA LIVING 71