The Signature | July 10, 2020

July 10, 2020

Vol. 37 No. 11

REMEMBERING PONTE DIRILLO & OPERATION HUSKY pages 6 & 7

NATO AGS HOLDS CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY SUMMER TRAVELS THROUGH SICILY

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Direct Line

Capt. Denise Gechas, U.S. NMRTC Sigonella Commanding Officer

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alve!

My name is Captain Denise Gechas, and I am the incoming Commanding Officer for U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella and our Branch Health Clinics at the Flight Line on NAS 2, in the Kingdom of Bahrain and in Souda Bay, Greece. It is an absolute pleasure to be back in Sicily after having completed a tour from 2016-2018 as the Senior Nurse Executive/Director of Nursing Services. There are still so many familiar faces that my husband and I feel like we’ve come home after a long vacation. In our opinion, this is what truly makes Sicily so special.

I’d like to share some interesting facts about our facility. Our command’s area of responsibility (AOR) spans all four hemispheres and equates to nearly 1/3 of the planet’s surface and crosses 16 time zones in both the 6th and 5th Fleet AORs. In total, we have 533 outstanding staff members consisting of active duty service members, civilians, local nationals, and contractors supporting our mission of warfighter readiness and beneficiary care.

On average, our team of professionals provides inpatient and outpatient care for approximately 12,000 beneficiaries across our AORs each year.

As you know, COVID-19 has had a significant impact to our operations, specifically related to our ability to provide routine, non-urgent care. Nevertheless, our team has successfully kept the virus out the hospital, in large part due to our comprehensive screening programs, and we have resumed our operations to meet your healthcare needs in a way that is consistent with the latest public health guidance.

Furthermore, all our facilities are heavily involved in ongoing COVID-19 surveillance testing to facilitate maximum visibility on how the pandemic may be impacting the

force.

U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella is YOUR local community hospital and is standing by to provide you with the quality healthcare you deserve. Although we do not have every medical or dental specialty service that is available in many large stateside hospitals, our team of referral managers is here to assist you with locating local network specialty care and will support you every step of the way. On behalf of our dedicated team of healthcare professionals, we look forward to continuing to provide you and your families with the finest medical and dental care available.

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Interactive Customer Evaluation Comments Regarding NAS I Fit extremely frustrated by the lack of attention given to facilities onboard NAS 2. I was told District : We have received multiple comments regarding sewage backup in the NAS I fitness facility locker rooms, particularly prior to the COVID-19 lockdown Response: MWR leadership has coordinated with Public Works to determine the root cause of the issue. After thorough review of the PW plumbing shop response history, it appears the clogs are due to flushing unauthorized items other than toilet paper.

PW Sailors have pulled items out of the plumbing to include gym towels, diapers, brown paper towels, and feminine hygiene products. These are some of the more common and less egregious offenders clogging our toilets.

We are going to need the community’s assistance to fully address this issue. We must all be careful about what goes down the toilets. If it is not toilet paper, don’t flush it; throw it out instead. If the toilers are ever backed up for any reason, the facilities are closed and thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before reopening.

Comments Regarding Commissary:

NEX/

that once the new Pass and ID building was completed that the parking lot around my NAVSUP building would be filled. When is the parking lot going to be repaved? Trying to navigate the parking lot and not hit another car or having to avoid the ever increasing sink hole is becoming more of a challenge. Being a retired officer I find this lack of concern to facility maintenance disturbing. At least fill in the holes before the next deluge of rain commences and the problem only grows.

U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA

Thank you for your backup regarding the potholes near the NAS II NAVSUP building. Public Works has provided patches to temporarily alleviate the issue.

Though we understand this is a short term fix, repaving the parking lot is on the list of long term projects. Like all military installations worldwide, we face challenging fiscal restraints which forces us to balance our resources and funds with extensive competing and higher priority requirements such as building habitability. Our installation development plan incorporates a phased approach to resurfacing asphalt around base in the coming years.

We appreciate your attention and patience.

Public Affairs Officer Lt. Karl Schonberg karl.schonberg@eu.navy.mil

Response:

We have received comments about the cleanliness of glove and mask use by employees at the Commissary and Navy Exchange and concerns that they are not BZ to PSD: being changed on a regular basis.

I have been to many locations and bases Response: and this is by far the best ID lab I have ever Thank you for asking this question. The been to. The ID clerk Mr. Rei seem to be managers at both locations have taken the very knowledgeable when it comes to doing opportunity to reiterate to the staff regarding his job, he was able to take care of an issue the appropriate use of COVID-19 PPE that I have been having in the system for years during these unprecedented times. We in just the matter of seconds. I have been in have confirmed there are plentiful gloves on multiple times to get my pin unlocked and it standby for their use. If you see a concerning is always an in and out process. violation in the future, please feel free to I just wanted to make sure that this place reach out to either store manager in-person gets it’s positive feedback for their excellent to correct the issue on the spot. customer service.

Bravo Zulu

Comment Regarding NAS II Pass and ID Parking Lot:

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BZ to CDC:

I want to give a huge thank you to Adam I am not sure if this is where I am supposed D’Amico and his entire staff for welcoming to send this ICE comment too but I am the kids back to SAC with such energy and

Commanding Officer Capt. Kevin Pickard Executive Officer Cmdr. Patrick J. Moran Command Master Chief CMDCM Nancy Estrada EDITORIAL

Assistant Public Affairs Officer Megan Mills megan.mills@eu.navy.mil

Public Affairs Leading Petty Officer MC1 Kegan Kay kegan.kay@eu.navy.mil Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil PAO Staff Writers \ Photographers MC2 Joshua Coté joshua.m.cote@eu.navy.mil

MCSA Triniti Lersch triniti.lersch@eu.navy.mil CONTACT US

Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily thesig@eu.navy.mil DSN 624-5440; 095-86-5440 PSC 812 Box 7, FPO, AE 09627-0001

This newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services overseas.

Contents of The Signature are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense (DoD), or the U.S. Navy.

Editorial submissions are welcomed from all Naval Air Station Sigonella departments, divisions and tenant commands. Editorial submissions should be sent to the Public Affairs Office via thesig@eu.navy.mil. All articles submitted by non-staff members will be considered contributing writers.

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Name: Jennifer Nguyen Command: NAS Sigonella Department: AIMD - 500 Division

By MCSA Triniti Lersch, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

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attoos are not what led Aviation Structural Mechanic (AM) Airman Jennifer Nguyen to the military, but they are what brought her to the Navy. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Nguyen wanted to leave home as soon as possible, but her initial plan of joining the Marines was thwarted due to their strict tattoo policies. Luckily, the Navy embraced her and her tattoos, and she joined February 25, 2019.

Nguyen is now serving at her first command, Naval Air Station Sigonella, with the Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Detachment (AIMD) –500 Division with the Maintenance Department Aircraft Division.

“Although new to the AIMD, and the Navy, AMAN Nguyen has become an asset to her division and a Sailor who her peers can truly rely on,” said Aviation Structural Mechanic First Class

Michael Keran.

Aviation Structural Mechanics maintain aircraft airframes and structural components. They go to school for approximately nine weeks in Pensacola, Florida. They go through the basic aviation structural mechanic course and the basic aviation theory course to learn all the skills required for the specialized AM rating.

Nguyen’s daily work life is welding when people bring in their aircraft pieces and she makes sure people keep up with the maintenance. Being in charge of METCAL, she also makes sure that the 200 tools in her division are calibrated.

Currently, Nguyen is going to school for her bachelors in Aeronautical Science and plans to finish the degree in three years.

“She is on the fast-track to becoming the leader that today’s Navy needs,” remarked Keran.

Nguyen’s favorite saying is “Do as others say you are not capable of doing.” She chose it because all her life people have doubted her, and she wants to prove to herself that she can do what others don’t believe she can.

Although Nguyen is restricted in the dishes she can create due to the lack of kitchen equipment in the barracks, she enjoys cooking.

Asian cuisine is her favorite, and she especially enjoys spring rolls and beef stir fry noodles.

Having arrived so soon before the lock down was set in place, Nguyen hasn’t been able to explore much. Nevertheless, her favorite place to visit here in Sicily is Taormina for their beaches.

She visited Berlin in February, and she looks forward to visiting France, mainland Italy, Spain, and Greece as soon as traveling is permitted.

July 10, 2020

NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance Force Holds Change of Command Ceremony

By NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance Public Affairs Office uring a Change of Command ceremony at the Italian Air Base Sigonella, Sicily, on Thursday, July 09, 2020, Major General Phillip A. Stewart, United States Air Force, relinquished his duties as the Commander of NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance Force (NAGSF) to the incoming Commander, Brigadier General Houston R. Cantwell, United States Air Force.

The Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) General Tod Wolters presided over the ceremony. Among the distinguished guests was General Jeff Harrigian, Commander of NATO’s Allied Air Command. In respect to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, NAGSF took precautionary measures for all attendees of the ceremony and participation was limited in accordance with Host Nation Italy restrictions.

“We are inspired by his [Maj. Gen. Stewart] accomplishments, which are your [NATO AGS] accomplishments,” said Gen. Wolters. “Quite honestly we are absolutely positively shocked that we are where we are today, and it is for the good for all of NATO and certainly for the good of all global security.”

Brigadier General Cantwell is the second Commander of NATO’s Alliance Ground Surveillance Force in its permanent structure. During his speech, Brig Gen Cantwell told the member of the NATO AGS Force: “We assemble under a common flag. Our very creation demonstrates the everchanging European security environment - the preeminent importance of information in the 21st century - and the need for NATO to continue to evolve. As professionals, we share a common set of values and principles - we are all members of the PROFESSION OF ARMS.” During his farewell speech, Major General Stewart thanked all of partners involved in establishing NAGSF, reflected on NAGSF’s progress over the past two years, and stressed the

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importance of the NATO alliance.

“What we [NATO AGS] do for our nations and what we do for NATO is unparalleled,” said Stewart. “We need to cherish our alliance as over 1 billion people and one-third of the entire world’s industrial and military might reside under the umbrella of protection offered by our alliance. Never forget how precious our alliance is.”

Under Major General Stewart’s leadership, NAGSF achieved several crucial AGS program milestones. In late 2019, the program saw the arrival of two RQ-4D aircraft and the early acceptance of eight associated ground assemblages.

NAGSF co-hosted a “Welcome Ceremony” with the NATO AGS Management Organization in January 2020, with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg as the presiding official. This spring, NAGSF also conducted four missions to date, flying over the Mediterranean in support of ongoing NATO operations.

“In just two short years we have achieved our first flight of this great aerial surveillance vehicle which sits behind me today,” said Wolters.

AGS is the first fully NATO-owned and operated system.

It expands NATO’s joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capability and represents a critical step towards NATO facing 21st century challenges. Fully equipped, AGS consists of five remotely piloted RQ-4D aircraft, and ground control stations. It will enable the Alliance to perform persistent terrestrial and maritime surveillance operations, over wide areas from high-altitude, long-endurance, under any weather or light conditions. The main operating base is located at Sigonella, Italy, which serves as a NATO Joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance deployment base and data exploitation center.

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y r a s r e v i n n A h t 7 7 e h t g y n k i s r u e b H m e n o m i e t a R r e p O d n a o l f Ponte Diril

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ssing a site a p re a u o y t e tha t not realize y fields and miles from th h Mills, N n ig a g m e u M o y y , b y , k ry la b s Sto 5 near Ge nificance. Surrounded ent from Operation Hu 1 1 S S g n lo a m ig riving d emotional as tragic and courageous mo n a l a c ri d to is h of es participatend illo marks World War II. rc ir fo D n te a n li o a P It , n d nearest tow vasion of Sicily during om both American an tt, Naval Computer a s the Allied in , 2020, representatives frny. Ens. Mattheu Corbe enter Director, served a r On July 10 remembrance ceremo ocal Network Support C ocation. Lt. Commande v l in an annuaication Station (NCTS) Lt. Ryan Albano led the inreco, mayor of Gela; Mr.b Telecommunremonies, and Chaplain Lcer of NCTS; Lucio G of the Gela Kiwanis Clund master of ce Farlane, Executive Offi ndskeeper; and members erved as guest speaker a Cayanne Mcte Dirillo memorial grou Cpt. Dustin Mondloch s ice Ventura, Pon the remembrance. Armyte Dirillo. an joint servy, I c ri e m A w o d n ll also attende the sacrifices made at Po unds surrounded by fe ity from all around Sicil ars reflected on d on these hallowed gro the welcoming commund on these grounds 77 ye “As I stan d military partners, and es made on this day an ous sacrific asion by boths d v n members, allie in e n m a e d tr e e n n th by iou es pla am humbled ch said. nd Allied forcivision launched an amphnibately, a , s e rc fo is lo x d ago,” Mon ily was controlled by A 0, the 82nd Airborne D enemy lines. Unfortu hute In 1943, Sic appen in July. On July 1 00 paratroopers behind lion of the 505th Parac nd a h air and sea toe coast and also sent 12,0members of the 1st Battga three German pillboxes assault on th er during the night blew hey landed instead amon e the most ofs d a severe weathiment miles off course. TTiger tanks. m lo il ir D nte rce Infantry Reg rrounded by 10 German soldiers who landed at Po e German and Italian fo, was were soon suCol. Arthur Gorham, the all groups, they fought thyear old Brooklyn nativeto set Led by Lt. situation. Forming sm f July 11. Gorham, a 28 up a dropped weapon end. o g te their desperaight and into the morningous acts, including pickinred his men until the verys, the through the not before several courage g to survivors, he bolstetinguished Service Crosse killed, but n er tank ablaze. Accordinmously awarded two Dis estows. an battalion to s Army b as posthu te rm w e ta a German Tig G S m a d re e rh ti it o n n e G U , n e a m For his heroisst award for bravery that th ericans forced m A d re e b m u e pillboxes, n a rm e G second high of the fighting, the outn ves. d e et-mark wing By the end paratroopers lost their li can see not only the bullldiers along with the folloe men u o s retreat, but 3o9u visit the battle site, youe naming those valiant sd from the sacrifice of the Today, if y e farmhouse with a plaq me was the heroism, an it each of the 39 f o s e but also a wheme were the losses, supre m a n e ad th words: “Extr new history of Europe.” t Sergeant Justin Meyers re th ,” said f e plaque. is created theat the ceremony, Army 1s nial wreaths at the base o lost in this horrific battle around every were eremo e t c a if f o tr th s This year, g ll d a in n y a g la n il ri o y hono human wed b h turm soldiers, follovent marks a historic daaymidst a global crisis, witr of unity, the bonds of the “Today’s e s we gather here today t to remember the powe captured the ortan s p p o im o tr re o y Mondloch. “A m rm n e A ” eventh merican, omes ev corner, it bec history we share together.ed a success after U.S. S ugust. The efforts of the A ender of race, and theperation Husky was deeman troops left the island in Ani’s deposal and the surr continue to rm soli e e s W u G . d M s e n o a id it Overall, O 2 s n 2 e th ly B o rmo on Ju ly led to than 14,000 dead on b llen, including those at te a im lt u s e capital of Pale anadian forc ly, while tallying more ber the sacrifice of the fa Ponte Dirillo.

British and C Ita remem ublic Affairs AS Sigonella P

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Photos by NAS Sigonella Public Affairs and Naval History and Heritage Command

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Sicilian Granita is Buonissima!

By Dr. Alberto Lunetta, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

id you know that, in summertime, Sicilians who enjoy D bars and cafes change their breakfast habits? Yes, when the weather becomes too hot, the cappuccino and cornetto

give way to the granita with brioche! Sicilian granita is a delicious frozen ice dessert made from water, sugar and various flavorings (almond, lemon, pistachio, strawberry, to name just a few). Artisanal granitas, which are created by the most talented master gelato makers, give tourists one more reason to visit and explore Sicily, along with its blue sea and sunny days during (Photo by sicilyseashell.com) The nouthwatering granita is a must-try Sicilian the bathing season. summer semi-frozen dessert whose origin dates back to the Middle Ages. It’s Don’t be misled by the fact that granita might look like slushie. refreshing, crunchy, and comes in all sorts of flavors including lemon, strawberry, almond, pistacho, coffee, mulberry, and more.

It is not made of ice crystals and artificial flavors, but actually contains fresh and organic fruits and flavors. It’s different from gelato because it stays in the freezer for only five to ten minutes, while gelato needs to stay in there for 20 minutes. Also, gelato is dairy-based product, while granita, which has a crunchy texture, is only made with sugar, water and fresh fruits (such as lemon or strawberry),nuts (pistachios, almonds or hazelnut), or another flavoring ingredients like chocolate or coffee. Therefore, the texture of the granita changes according to its ingredients.

The history of granita dates back to the Middle Ages when Sicily was under the Arab rule. The granddaddy of granita is the sorbet (originating from the Arabian “sciurbat”). You may be surprised to learn that granita was prepared with snow coming from Etna where it was kept in cavities, called “neviere,” by nevaroli (snow carriers) to preserve it from melting.

In summertime, Sicilian noblemen used to buy snow from nevaroli who transported it to the cities inside wicker baskets by mules and donkeys.

The ice blocks were mainly taken to the coastal area, which is why the strongest granita tradition is in Acireale and its neighboring seaside towns. There, the blocks were mixed with lemon juice, aromatic herbs and spices, almond milk, coffee syrup.

Nowadays, you can choose among a variety of scrumptious flavors such as mandarin, almond, prickly pear, peach, tiny wild strawberries (fragoline), nutella, hazelnut, watermelon, dark chocolate, pistachio and the delicious gelso nero (black mulberry).

Granita is usually served with brioche, a sweet yeast pastry with a little ball on top called “tuppo.” (bun). Some cafes serve granita with regular white bread.

If you want to add to the taste and the calories of your refreshing snack, you can ask for a “granita con panna” (granita with whipped cream). On the contrary, if you are on a diet, you may opt for the “granita piccola” (small granita). Buon appetito!

Savoca, on the tracks of Coppola’s “The Godfather”

By Dr. Alberto Lunetta, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

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hen Maria was alive, she used to smile at any tourist passing by “Bar Vitelli,” a retro-fashioned café she owned in the historic heart of Savoca which started in 1963. The bar’s name, which used to be D’Arrigo (Maria’s family name), was later changed when Francis Ford Coppola choose it as a setting for “The Godfather.”

Even if Maria noticed that you were not interested in sipping a cappuccino or a sampling a delicious granita, she would gently invite you to sit down and chat with her anyway. Even today, when you take a look inside, you will see this haunt is a real movie museum decorated with pictures and mementos from those summer days in 1971 when one of the most famous Hollywood directors and a few excellent actors were her guests.

Savoca was chosen over the town of Corleone to shoot “The Godfather” scenes when Michael, played by Al Pacino, visited Sicily. The sign at the entrance of the town that says “Savoca” was replaced with another in which “Corleone” was written. The two towns look similar; they both fascinate their visitors as they represent a typical Sicilian inland burgh.

Every year, tourists and media from all over the world, including many Hollywood stars, visit this picturesque bar. Everybody is welcome in this fascinating corner of Sicily that is part of the history of Hollywood. Now that Maria is in heaven because of her big heart, as local residents say, the bar is run by her nephew who continues the family tradition.

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July 10, 2020

Missing travel? Want to leave the triangle but need inspiration? You can have an amazing vacation without leaving the island! Here are just a few trips Sigonella families have taken this summer. Want to share yours? Email thesig@eu.navy.mil and let us know!

ASHLEY MARTIN

Where: San Vito Lo Capo, Erice, Trapani, and Zingaro.

Who: Our family (my husband and our 2 and 5 year old sons) and our neighbor friends (husband, wife, and 9 and 13 year old daughters) We drove to San Vito Lo Capo and spent the day exploring the beach town. Then spent a day exploring Erice (an extremely old castle village) and Trapani (known for their salt flats). We also spent a day venturing to the Zingaro Nature Reserve to hike a trail to their secluded beach that is popular for snorkeling.

Best Surprise: The water is beautifully clear! We also weren’t expecting to see such gorgeous cliffs and rock formations.

LAUREN PEPPERS

Where: Marzamemi Who: My husband and I and our two children (ages 4 and 2) Marzamemi is just under an hour and a half drive away from Marinai heading south towards Syracuse/Gela on the E45. A small seaside fishing village that offers charming views in every direction, it is easily walkable, even with a stroller for littles. Plus, there’s easy parking right along the beach.

Best Advice: It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat along the water, a refreshing cup of gelato or granita, and soak up the lovely scenery!

KRISTIN CLIPPERTON-ALLEN

Where: Aeolian Islands Who: My husband, our 2 year old, 4 year old, and our babysitter We all drove to the beach and stayed overnight in Milazzo before catching the hydrofoil to Lipari the next morning. We based ourselves at Casa Janca in Canetto while we explored Lipari, Vulcano, and Panarea. We ate incredible food, saw gorgeous beaches, and did an Airbnb Experience kayaking around Vulcano.

Unexpected Highlight: I fell in love with the cat sanctuary across from Giardini Lipari.

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positivity. I cannot imagine the program adjustments and extra work they have put in to create a safe, healthy, and yet exciting place post COVID for kids to go while their parents are working. They always greet my son and our entire family with warm smiles and excellent attitudes.

The peace of mind I feel knowing my child is with them all day makes going to work a little easier. I am so grateful for them. Thank you!

BZ to Extra Cleaning Staff:

I would like to make a huge shout out to the cleaning staff that came in and assisted for COVID-19 extra cleaning.

The cleaning staff (Vera and Sabrina) that worked at my building, 319, was exceptionally diligent at their job and incredibly friendly. Each day, the cleaning staff worked hard and I have never seen our building and facilities so clean. They were amazing. They were incredibly flexible and always willing to work around our customers’ and staff’s needs before cleaning the area that was occupied. I do not know how much longer we will have these wonderful people, but I am very grateful for them.

Cost:

Pre-Registration is required by contacting CREDO. Retreat meals, lodging, accommodations and materials are at no cost for All Active Duty and Active Duty Reservist and their families. (e.g. lodging, meals, transportation and materials) *DoD Civilians / Contractors are required to purchase their Room and Board Youth 16-18 Years must be accompanied by parent/guardian and confirmed by the CREDO Director

All retreats are official military training Uniform: Civilian Attire

To Register:

Send to CREDO@EU.NAVY.MIL Date of the Retreat: 17-19 JULY or 7-9 August / NAS Sigonella Name, Command, Work Email, Work DSN, Personal Email, Cell LIST IF YOU ARE: Active/ Reservist/Dependent/Civilian Please Carbon Copy (CC): Sigonellachaplain@eu.navy.mil Richard.Graves.ctr@eu.navy.mil

"Italian News" cont’d from Page 8

Savoca is not only famous for having hosted “The Godfather”. A town in the Messina province, it lies atop a 303-meter rock above the sea level. There is a local saying: “Supra na rocca Sauca sta, setti facci sempri fa.” This ancient Sicilian proverb not only points out their elevated position, but also states that Savoca and its residents “always show seven faces.” Stories say that Savoca has seven faces because each corner of its territory shows a different and magnificent view, including the sea, Mount Etna, the surrounding valleys, and the coasts of the Calabrian peninsula. Strolling through Savoca is like looking through colored windows.

As for Savoca inhabitants, stories say they are cunning people. One tells how Savoca people stole a painting depicting St. Michael the Archangel from the neighboring town of Forza d’Agrò and brought it to the church of St. Michael in Savoca. As a result, the relationships between the two towns became harsh. After some time, Savoca residents tried to make peace with their neighbors by inviting them to a lavish banquet. However, Savoca residents tricked their neighbors again as they served them dog meat while they enjoyed delicious beefsteaks!

It is difficult to say whether or not those stories are true, but they certainly tell us about ancient rivalries between the Sicilian towns.

The name “Savoca” derives from “Sabak,” which in

Arabic means “uniting.” Historians say the Saracens unified under the district of Savoca several surrounding castles. The town was also elected as an important religious center as it was the see of an “archimandrite,” a high-ranking cleric who was the head of a group of monasteries.

Norman Count Roger founded the city in 1072, building a fortress, which no longer exists, atop an ancient Roman site.

At the end of the 16th century, when the town had an estimated 5,000 residents, Savoca boasted 17 churches which are still quite well preserved. Among them, the most important is the “Chiesa Madre,” the cathedral. It was built in 1163 and has a beautiful Renaissance rose window on the portal.

The church basement housed the site in which the Capuchin friars used to perform mummification according to a method of Egyptian origin. Thirty-four embalmed bodies of 19th century nobles, lawyers and monks are permanently displayed inside a crypt within the 16th century Capuchin Convent.

The City Museum is also worth a visit. It features agriculture implements used by peasants in 19th century Savoca and showcases a rich collection of objects such as clothes, armorial bearings and documents that belonged to the local aristocratic families from the last century.

Traveling S I C I L Y

COMMUNITY RECREATION

Gardini Naxos SUNDAY

JULY 19

Depart: NAS II 8:30 am, Marinai 8:45 am, NAS I 9:00 am Return: 5:00 pm Cost: $20

Fontane Bianche SATURDAY

Depart: NAS II 8:30 am, Marinai 8:45 am, NAS I 9:00 am Return: 5:00 pm Cost: $20

JULY 25

Hike Rocca Novara Park

(Nebrodi Mountains)

SATURDAY

AUG 1

Depart: NAS II 6:30 am, Marinai 6:45 am, NAS I 7:00 am Return: 6:30 pm Ages: 12+ Cost: $40 (Includes transportation and guide. Bring euro for food)