15 April The Signature

Vol. 28 No. 14

april 15, 2011

Check us out online!

facebook.com/nassigonella

cnic.navy.mil/sigonella

Root, root, root for the home team

youtube.com/sigonellavids

NEX Sigonella celebrates 65th anniversary

By MCSN Cameron Bramham The Signature Staff The Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella High School Jaguars Baseball team welcomed the Paterno Red Sox, a Sicilian travel team, to the Land Annex baseball field on NAS Sigonella’s support side Apr. 6 for what is starting to become an annual baseball scrimmage between the two teams.

“We usually try to set up a rotating home and away game against Paterno,” Jaguars Manager, Chief David Berryhill said.

“Sometimes it doesn’t work out but we try to play them every Wednesday when both teams are off. It helps us get better against a good team and it’s a lot of fun for everyone.”

Berryhill said he’s been managing and coaching baseball for eight years, four at the high school and four locally for teams around the island.

“I’ve coached some of the kids since they were freshmen and I’ve enjoyed seeing them grow into better players and also mature as young adults,” Berryhill said. “This is only the third year that there has been a Sigonella baseball team. The year before that, I took some of the kids at the school and put them in a league out in town. So after that was when this little rivalry began, and every year it continues to grow and become more competitive, so it’s been nice to see kids from completely diffe- The Sigonella High School Jaguars Baseball team faced off rent backgrounds come together for an afternoon and just cut against the Paterno Red Sox during a scrimmage Apr. 6 at loose on the field. It’s funny too, because we have kids, inclu- NAS Sigonella Land Annex Field. The game was held as an

Photo by Tracie Barnthouse, The Signature Editor

The Navy Exchange celebrated its 65th anniversary on Friday, Apr. 1 at the NEX on Naval Air Station Sigonella’s support base. The festivities kicked off with a cake cutting ceremony with NAS Sigonella Executive Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Scott Hottenstein and Navy Exchange Sigonella’s General Manager, Ron Dahl.

experience for both teams to work on baseball skills, learn about each nationality’s playing style and simply to have JAGUARS, continued on page 12 fun.

Naval Hospital Sigonella raises money for NMCRS

By MC2 Gary Prill NPASE East

As a part of the NMCRS Fund Drive, Naval Hospital Sigonella raised $3500 when Capt.

Ostergaard (right) and Cmdr.

Sexton (left) shaved their established mustaches at a price of $1500 per mustache. Neither had shaved in over 25 years.

Capt. Ostergaard’s mustache was removed by the youngest Hospital Corpsman of the command, who is six years younger than the mustaches.

Weather

top StorieS

Apr. 15 H: 67 update L: 57

The secret to getting respect is to give respect. See how Chaplain Kennedy learned this secret in this week’s Chaplain’s Corner.

iNSide

PAGE 2 Direct Line 2

Apr. 16 H: 70 L: 52

Apr. 17 H: 68 L: 50

Connoisseurs of combat cuisine, get ready for change.

MREs will soon have 12 new items for you to taste, trade and mix together. If you could pick a new MRE flavor, what would it be? Read some of the flavor combinations some Sigonella personnel chose in this Week’s Man on the Street.

PAGE 3 Navy News 3

Apr. 18 H: 71 L: 49

The Settimana Santa or Easter week in Enna and its province (Aidone, Valguarnera, Barrafranca, Niscemi, Butera and Pietraperzia), is one of the most fascinating times of the year. Whether you are a believer or not, those festivities will definitely catch your interest.

PAGE 6 Community Calendar 4

Apr. 19 H: 72 L: 51

Apr. 20 H: 73 L: 51

If you’ve never taken a trip to see the ceramic in Caltagirone, you’re missing out. From the beautiful pottery to the stunning and famous staircase, Caltagirone is a mere stones throw from Sigonella. Take a little trip there this weekend!

PAGE 8 MWR Corner 11

Traffic Numbers

Apr. 21 H: 73 L: 50 Put on your trailblazer shoes and run with MWR Fitness on Saturday, April 30, at 10 a.m.

Run the Motta Hill, an exercise that’ll surely have you testing your fitness skills. Learn more about the run and where to sign up.

PAGE 11 Il Mercato 14

Jan. 11 Mar. 11

Jan. 10 Mar. 10

Accidents

85

73

Injuries

14

6

DUIs

3

2

Traffic Deaths

0

0

please, don’t become a statistic!

page 2

april 15, 2011

DirecT liNe We received so many questions for April’s Feedback Live that we couldn’t cover them all during the show, so we are devoting this Direct Line to answer the remaining questions. Please keep sending your questions via email, but remember that Feedback Live is a LIVE call in show -- you can get your question answered on the spot. The show is held on the first Thursday of each month, from 6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

To call in live on the show, please dial 624-4265 or 095-56-4265.

Q1. I have a genuine growing concern in regard to Operational Security. There is a community website on Facebook created for members/family members to socialize. Is there a policy in place for social networking, if so is it accessible, and if this is an area of concern can commands put word out in regard to social networking and OPSEC? A1.. Maintaining Operational Security and the requirement to keep our public informed is a balancing

NaS SigoNella CommaNdiNg offiCer, Capt. SCott Butler

act that is constantly being refined as lessons are learned. In terms of Operational Security at NAS Sigonella the following criteria are applied before posting anything: Is it giving away a security posture?

Does it give away future planning from an operational or security standpoint?

Is the information already in the public domain from official sources?

The final, and often times the deciding factor on whether to post information or directions to our audience is whether or not the good caused by the information outweighs the potential negative outcomes – a sort of modified “do no harm” principle. This principle has been directly taken from the lessons learned at the Ft. Hood shooting where Facebook was a primary means of getting people away from the shooter, and from the recent floods in Millington TN, where navy.mil went down and the base

Life Lessons from LoDo

There’s a secret to gaining respect that I had the good fortune to learn early in my life and from a most unlikely source.

The secret to getting respect is to give respect. John Maxwell once said, “If you are not respected, you cannot lead, at least, not for long.”

We all want to be respected as humans. I was in my last year of undergraduate work on my in Denver, Colorado. One night I was with a good friend in ministry at our favorite place in Denver. We were having coffee at our favorite coffee house appropriately named, “Jitters” (name says it all). Jitters was located in LoDo (Lower Downtown). I was enjoying my double espresso when my friend Jeff looked at me and said, “We need to start an inner city ministry.” I responded, “Jeff, that’s a great idea.” I didn’t think he was talking starting one that night. It was 11:30 pm and I was still working on my sermon for Sunday. I asked him, “Where are you going?” He replied, “I’m going to Five Points.”

The next thing I know we were driving by a group of obvious drug dealers. He Commanding Officer Capt. Scott Butler Public Affairs Officer Lt. Matt Knight Deputy Public Affairs Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta Editor Tracie Barnthouse Staff Writers/ Photographers MC1 Christopher Delano MC2 Gary Prill GM2 Kris Carmody MCSN Cameron Bramham The Signature editorial office is located at: Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily PSC 812 Box 3020, FPO, AE 09627 Telephone: 095-86-5440: DSN 624-5440

said, “We need to talk to those guys.”

My response, “We need to talk to those guys selling drugs?” His reply was an unhesitating, “yes, we need to talk to them.” I was thinking, these guys have guns…and are not afraid to use them.

So I walked with my friend down the street toward these men. By this time it was already past midnight. It was cold.

Steam was rising from nearby manholes. It didn’t take them long to spot us and appraise the situation. When we reached them we both said something alarmingly profound, “hello.” The silence that followed cut through our hearts (by the way, my heart was beating quickly). What were mere seconds seemed like hours in the midst of the cold night and equally ice-cold stares, their prolonged gaze made us feel a little uncomfortable.

Finally, the extremely awkward silence was broken, “You guys cops?” We just shook our heads in unison. Another said, “What do you guys want?”

My friend Jeff spoke up thankfully and said, “We work with a local church and would like to invite you to our service tomorrow.” The dominate male in the group finally spoke up, “You guys are out here after midnight to invite us to your church?” He then said some things in disbelief that I cannot include in this article. I responded, “That’s right, you are all invited.”

Then what happened is totally amazing.

My friend Jeff asked them if we could pray for them. The leader of the group said, “You’d be willing to pray for us.

Man…do you know who we are?” We just looked at them for a few seconds.

Facebook site became the information hub overnight. Bottom line, everyone is responsible to uphold OPSEC, and often times the definition of OPSEC varies based on the situation at hand. Use your best judgment and read the resources available at facebook.com/NavalOPSEC and www.chinfo.navy.mil/chinfo/SocialMedia.aspx Q2. We here at Naval Station Sigonella receive an e-mail just about everyday on the bank exchange rate. Can we get an e-mail notifying us when the gas coupons are going up in price? Thank You A2. NASSIG PAO is currently coordinating with MVRO and the NEX to get that information provided to us as it changes so we can send it all hands.

Q3.. Is there any way we can have a disk golf course open somewhere nearby? It's great exercise, it gets people outdoors, and it's fairly inexpensive – any land that it's on doesn't need to be altered. I also

Currently the CPU is sitting in London and the installation contractor is coordinating travel and repair dates.

We hope to have this issue resolved by the middle of April.

The questions, comments and concerns stated in this column do not constitute the official position of the U.S. Navy and are submitted by members of the community.

NASSIG WORSHIP SERVICES Chapel Offices: NAS I 095-56-3975, NAS II 095-86-9049 PROTESTANT ROMAN CATHOLIC Sunday Sunday 1045 Protestant Worship (NAS I) 0900 Catholic Mass (NAS I Chapel) Wednesday 1200 Catholic Mass (NAS II Chapel) 1700 Fellowship Meal Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 1800 Adult Bible Study 1130 Catholic Mass (NAS II Chapel) Youth Group JEWISH LAY SERVICES Children’s Class First Friday CHURCH OF CHRIST LAY SERVICE 1800 Shabbat Service (NAS I Chapel) Sunday sigshalom@yahoo.com 1300 Bible Study (NAS I Chapel) 1330 Worship Service Call 624-5128 or 338-736-3061 OTHER SERVICES/ACTIVITIES POINTS OF CONTACT Muslim Prayer Room, open for daily prayers, NAS II Chapel, x9049.

Latter-day Saints: Sunday 1300 Catania Chapel, shefchik@hotmail.com; 624-1393 AA Meetings: Monday,Wednesday, Friday – 1900, NAS II Chapel, 346-840-7745

Traffic accident reporting procedures

By MA2 Pace NAS Sigonella Security In the event you are involved in a traffic accident on or off base notify NAS Security immediately at 095-861911/5487. State your location, any injuries, number of vehicles involved and any other pertinent information.

Collect the following information from all drivers/vehicles involved: Last Name (Cognome) First Name (Nome) Insurance Company (Assicurazione) Policy # (Polizza #) Expiration Date (Scadenza) Date of Birth Data di Nascita) Place of Birth (Luogo di Nascita) Address (Indirizzo) Driver License Number (Numero di

LESSONS, continued on page 12 This civilian enterprise (CE) 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. The appearance of advertising in this newspaper, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD or Stampa Generale S.r.l., of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. The Signature is published weekly

by Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno

heard that MWR already has the baskets. Is there a way we can make this happen? I would even be willing to drive to its location. Please make this happen for disk golfers in Sigonella!

A3. Great to hear we have a "Disk Golfer" out there! We are interested in setting up a course and would like to include you and tap your expertise. Please contact the Recreation Director at 624-0503 or Robert.Froelicher@eu.navy.mil so we can discuss some options.

Q4. When can we expect for the movie theater to be repaired?

A4. The small theater's light support CPU crashed during recent rounds of power fluctuations in Midtown. The theater cannot operate in a safe enough manner to allow patrons to enter and enjoy the movies. We are working diligently with two contractors that maintain the lighting CPU and installation/operations of the state of the art lighting system in the theater to get the quickest repair as possible.

Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity, Capodichino (Naples), Italy - Tel. 081568-7884, Fax 081-568-7887.

E-mail: stampagenerale@tin.it. 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, guard mail stop #68 or hand-delivered to our office no later than the close of business on the Friday proceeding the expected publication date. All articles submitted by non-staff members will be considered contributing writers. The Signature will not publish any anonymous articles. All advertisements in this publication are the property of Stampa Generale S.r.l. Any reproduction of advertisements in The Signature is unauthorized without the written consent of the publisher.

Patente) Vehicle Owner (Proprietario Veicolo) Vehicle Year/Make/Model (Anno/Marca/Modello Veicolo) Color (Colore)

Emergency Management Office Be prepared to be on your own for at least three days. Seven is better! The BASIC FIVE: Water, Food, Heat, Cash, Radio; Fam-

License Plate # (Numero Targa) Vin # (Numero Telaio) Command (U.S. Military) Report to Bldg. #606 (NAS II) or Bldg. #320 (NAS I) within 24 hours of the accident. Failure to report within 24 hours may delay insurance claim processing.

If you are involved in an accident with a Local National or stopped by Local Authorities and need translation assistance, you can contact the Security Liaison at: 095-86-2795 (Primary) or 335-8412014 ACCIDENT, continued on page 12 ily Communications Plan: Phone Numbers & Rally Points; Public Protection Strategies: Evacuation and Shelter-in-Place; Web info: Ready.gov; Emergency info: AFN 106.0 FM; Questions? Call the EM Office at 624-2630, 8265 or 2621.

CNE-CNA-C6F/CNREURAFSEA IG Hotline It’s everyone’s responsibility to report fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement in Navy activities to: Office of the Inspector General, Naples, Italy Leave a recorded message 24/7: DSN 626-2983, Comm: 081-568-2983 Speak to the Investigator: DSN 626-2964, Comm: 081568-2964 Email: ighotline@eu.navy.mil Website: www.cnic.navy.mil/europe/index.htm You can choose to remain anonymous or confidential.

april 15, 2011

MRE Taste Test Panel gives the skinny on 12 new items headed to the field - and 3 that are out

By Lance M. Bacon Connoisseurs of combat cuisine, get ready for change. MREs will soon have 12 new items for you to taste, trade and mix together.

And three other items - beef pot roast with vegetables, sloppy Joe filling and cornbread stuffing - have been canned.

Here's what you can expect to see: * Jalapeño pepper jack beef patty. * Beef taco filling. * White-wheat snack bread. * Oatmeal chocolate chunk cookie. * Chocolate-filled chocolate pound cake. * Barbecue almonds. * Ketchup. * Mustard. * Lemon iced tea in an ergonomically designed, zip-featured drink pouch. * Chocolate, vanilla and straw-berry banana-flavored trans-fat-free dairy shakes.

But keep your taste buds in check. Troops won't see the new items for more than a year, said Jeremy Whitsitt, a technology integration analyst for the Defense Department's Combat Feeding Directorate. Suppliers need that time to do production studies and retool equipment.

Navy Times took samples of the new items to the Pentagon for a multiservice taste test. Members of all four services tried the new items and rated them. The beef taco filling proved to be a big hit, and many said they would trade to get it. The white-wheat snack bread, which testers described as "tasty" and "moist," also scored high, as did the oatmeal chocolate chunk cookie.

"It has really good-sized chocolate chips in it," said Army Staff Sgt. Denises Veitia, a chaplain's assistant and confessed chocoholic. Army Sgt. Joseph Bills, who is headed to the 101st Airborne Division, said he would have preferred white chocolate macadamias, but he is not holding his breath.

Maj. Richelle Dowdell, an Air Force public affairs officer, would have preferred the cookie be more moist, but said it had a "good, sweet flavor."

The team also applauded the inclusion of ketchup and mustard - as long as they don't replace Tabasco sauce.

"Those are fighting words," Bills said.

Testers were moderate in their reviews of the jalapeño pepper jack beef patty. Most said it tasted like jalapeño cheese and would be a good covering for other food.

Capt. Ian Phillips, an Air Force media affairs officer, was the exception. He gave it a top score and gladly ate what the others had set aside.

The chocolate-filled chocolate pound cake proved to be a let-down. Most gave the moist cake a top rating when they saw it, but the head shakes and shrugs that followed told a different story.

"It left a bad aftertaste in my mouth," said Yeoman 2nd Class Robert Perry, who is assigned to the Office of 47 the Chief of Naval Operations. "It tasted like stale chocolate."

The filling was the culprit, the testers said, adding that the cake had a "decent taste."

Marine Lance Cpl. John Baxley was not as kind.

"I would eat this in the field, but nowhere else on earth," the administrative clerk said.

The milkshakes were met with hesitation.

The packages require 6 ounces of water, aided by a fill line on the package. A resalable closure enabled a thorough mixture.

When it was time to take the plunge, the panel expressed a love-hate relationship.

They loved the chocolate and hated the vanilla.

The chocolate shake had a good taste, no aftertaste and a consistency similar to a good protein shake, the testers said. Phillips was the lone dissenter but only because he would prefer water. Baxley was moderate in his review, noting that the shake had 47 grams of sugar and 17 grams of protein, which he called "ridiculous."

Vanilla, on the other hand, scored lower than any other item. Bills described the taste as "sweet paste."

Baxley asked for a canteen to wash the taste out of his mouth. Veitia was a step ahead of him and was already chugging water.

The panel was indifferent to the addition of barbecue almonds, although most said they would have preferred regular almonds.

Goodbye, Sloppy Joe The testers agreed with the removal of two out of the three items.

For starters, they didn't care that the cornbread stuffing was removed because only Perry could remember ever eating it. And he was happy to see it go because "it caused everyone to hit the bath-room at the same time."

The group was also happy to see the sloppy Joe filling go - an item Bills said was so bad that he avoided it based on what others told him. But the removal of the beef pot roast with vegetables did not sit well among the group.

"You got meat, veggies and gravy - that thing had it all," an upset Bills said.

"I never traded that one," Veitia said. "I was thrilled if I pulled that in a grab-and-go."

Phillips and Perry called it "one of the best," describing it as a hearty meal that filled you up. Even Baxley, who is now a vegetarian, said this was a bad move. "I ate it before becoming a vegetarian. It was a good evening meal, as close to home as you could get," he said.

The panelists offered a few suggestions: Get rid of the "dreaded omelet" and provide more variety in the vegetarian meals.

And in recognition of the age-old joke about the "Meals, Refusing to Exit," Baxley asked that the directorate add fiber pills, a suggestion that received immediate support. "Absolutely," Bills said. "I mean, it's like things are going on strike down there every time I eat."

Who Plans Your Menu The Defense Department's Combat Feeding Directorate is a potluck in its own right.

It is composed of military and civilian representatives from each service branch, with a dash of senior food advisers from various organizations.

The group meets annually to discuss the wants, needs and ideas of troops who survive on the combat rations.

The mission is to ensure that troops are fed a variety of products that "reflect everchanging consumer preferences, advancements in food science and technology and overall improvements in product quality," said Jeremy Whitsitt, a technology integration analyst for the directorate.

To be included on the menu, new items must be tested and approved by war fighters.

Bravo Zulu - Top 5 commands improving in Individual Medical Readiness: FISC Sigonella RLSO DWSF NISCEMI NCTS These commands showed the greatest improvement with Medical Readiness Brought to you by your Flight Line Clinic, Medical Home Port

If you could create the most ideal MRE, what would it be?

PSSR Jisselle Wallace ET3 Matthew Hanby

YNC Tijuana Bragg

"A Mcdonald’s happy "Surf n Turf, steak and "Eggplant parmesan, or lobster tail." meal." junk food."

Staff Sergeant Maurice Shever "I would have chicken with rice, and a kool-aid"

Lt. Ron Kennedy “What if an MRE were made of BBQ spare ribs, would you eat it then? I would, heck! I’d have seconds, and then polish it off with a tall, cold...”

New Hope Picciolo

Dott. Stella

page 3

page 4

april 15, 2011

Home Buying Strategies 10-12 FFSC

Eective Communication 1-3 FFSC

DoDDS Students back to school

Babysitter Training 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Red Cross

Arrivederci Class 8-11:30 FFSC

Healthy Pregnancy, Healthy Baby 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Red Cross

Tobacco Cessation Class 9 a.m. x4950

FFSC can be reached at x4291 American Red Cross at x4900 Does your command or organization have an event you’d like to see on the Community Calendar?

Email us at thesig@eu.navy.mil and let us know!

Pantellaro

Chiechio

Oxidiana

Gelso Bianco

april 15, 2011

page 5

Fleet and Family Support Center Administration Building Bldg. 319 (NAS I) Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

DSN 624-4291 Commercial 095-56-4291

Mojito

Empower. Enrich. EDUCATE. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month Article from http://apps.mhf.dod.mil/mcfp/em ag

April marks Child Abuse Prevention Month and a proactive approach to prevention is the ultimate goal of this annual awareness campaign. The Strengthening Families Protective Factors Approach highlights five protective factors that have been associated with reducing the risk for child abuse and neglect and promoting the optimal development of all children.

Putting these protective factors into practice gives parents "tools" to fall back on when parenting stresses arise.

1. Nurturing and Attachment Research has shown that kind words and acts of affection, such as hugs, have a significant impact on the positive growth and development of infants and young children.

As children grow up, acts of affection may also include taking more time to listen to their worries or be involved with after school activities.

Nurturing children of any age encourages healthy physical and emotional development.

2. Knowledge of Parenting and of Child and Youth Develop-

Motta

Marchi

Pentagon

ment While parents are experts in understanding their children's personalities and unique behaviors, they do not always have expertise in correctly identifying typical developmental milestones. Lack of information can lead to frustration and incorrect interpretations of a child's behavior. There is always new information about parenting techniques and child development.

Having access to the latest researchbased information ensures parents have the skills necessary to successfully parent their children.

3. Parental Resilience Life comes with ups and downs and presents stressors that can impact a parent's ability to successfully cope with the daily challenges of raising children. All parents have inner strengths and support systems they can tap into to, such as their faith, sense of humor, or their relationships with friends and family. The ability to identify stressors and deal with them not only increases parental resiliency but models positive coping behavior for children.

4. Social Connections There is truth in the adage "it takes a village to raise a child." Having a solid social network of friends and family that can offer assistance and counsel can often make parenting chil-

dren a more positive experience.

5. Concrete Supports for Parents There are many factors that can greatly affect a parent's ability to successfully care for his or her children such as financial insecurity, lack of adequate housing, or employment issues. Ensuring adequate support measures are in place, both in the community and at home, can help parents overcome these challenges in ways that are healthy for them and their children.

Military families face some unique stressors: frequent relocations, repeated and extended deployments, and a parent serving in harm's way. These stressors can make parenting an even more challenging experience. Focusing on the five protective factors is not only a proactive approach to prevention but also leads to the positive physical and emotional development of children.

The Strengthening Families and Communities 2011 Resource Guide provides tools and resources to assist parents in effectively navigating the challenging world of parenting, even providing a tip sheet designed specifAWARENESS, continued on page 12

page 6

april 15, 2011 Alberto Lunetta The Signature Staff

Good Friday’s Enna procession keeps alive the ancient Spanish Easter celebrations The Settimana Santa or Easter week in Enna and its province (Aidone, Valguarnera, Barrafranca, Niscemi, Butera and Pietraperzia), is one of the most fascinating times of the year. Whether you are a believer or not, those festivities will definitely catch your interest.

The Settimana Santa tradition comes from Sicily's Spanish heritage. At first, during the Middle Ages, Easter celebrations were only held inside churches and mainly consisted of liturgical observances and ritual functions. Then, during the 16th and 17th centuries, the Catholic authorities decided to "advertise" those commemorations and religious dramas to the public, in order to teach believers, in a simple and understandable way, about the Passion of Christ and His Resurrection. Just as Medieval paintings were used to tell the stories of the saints' martyrdoms and episodes from the Old and New Testament, colorful, spectacular and solemn processions and religious dramas began to be performed in cities' historic centers.

Skilled artists and craftsmen of the time were asked to carve life-size wooden figures depicting Jesus, the Virgin Mary and saints, as well as religious objects that were displayed during the Palm Sunday and Good Friday processions.

The realism of those commemorations will make you travel back in time when the Spaniards ruled Sicily.

You will be impressed with the splendor of the traditional costumes, the decorations and the intensity of the devotees’ mysticism.

Every year, thousands of pilgrims swarm Enna on Good Friday to see hooded devotees, belonging to different city's Confraternite (confraternities), walking slowly in procession

through the streets of the historic center. City bands playing mournful melodies accompany them.

Confraternities are citizens’ associations resembling medieval guilds and dating back to the period of the Spanish rule that still perpetuate ancient Easter traditions. Over the centuries, these brotherhoods have been tasked with promoting and organizing the city's religious and charitable activities. In the past, they played a leading role in the social life of the town, providing spiritual and material assistance to the poor and the sick or yet to the ones sentenced to death. In 1740, there were 34 confraternities.

Today, there are only 15 and they include Confrati (members of the confraternities) belonging to all ranks and classes with the only exception of women's admittance. In the past, confraternities were mainly composed of sulphur miners and farmers. The color of the robes and the mantels worn during the processions has a particular meaning that can be either related to the cult of their own patron saint or to the role that they played in the past.

Good Friday's highlight is the long procession beginning on Friday, Apr. 22 at 4:15 p.m. The "Confraternity of the Passion" begins it by carrying the 24 symbols of Jesus’ martyrdom that are called "mysteries." They include: the cross, the purse with thirty silver coins, the crown, the lantern, the rooster, the nails, and the scourges.

The procession, which leaves from the Church of Saint Leonardo, is headed toward the Duomo or cathedral.

As the confraternity proceeds in penitence along via Roma through the narrow streets of the city, the other fourteen Confraternite join this mour-

Photo by Ennapress.it The mournful Venerdì Santo or Good Friday procession in Enna is a must-see religious event commemorating the death of Jesus Christ. It will be held in the city historic center on Apr. 22. nful religious parade. The procession follows a definite order as confraternities parade from the most recent to the oldest. Over 2,500 hooded penitents parade, in complete silence, until they reach the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows where a statue depicting the Virgin Mary is preserved. Then, this statue is taken to the cathedral where an Urna (urn) containing a statue of the dead Christ was previously placed.

At 7 p.m., the procession leaves from the cathedral and reaches the Church

of St. Paolini near the cemetery, where a benediction is given with the Reliquary cross, which according to the tradition encloses a thorn from the crown of Christ. Eventually, the procession returns to the Cathedral.

For more information, detailed schedules and guided tours' opportunities call Enna Tourist Office at 0935-528211 or 0935-500875 .

LA Reggia

Over eight million Italians drink dangerously, Young people binge boozing also during week, say experts Story by ANSA Rome - Over eight and a half million Italians engage in some form of dangerous drinking, Istat said Tuesday in its annual report on alcohol consumption.

The national statistics agency said 8.624 million people in Italy binge drink, drink quantities of alcohol on a daily basis that are hazardous for their health or drink before they should under the age of 16.

This means that 16.1% of over-11s in Italy have an unhealthy drinking habit of some form.

Istat said 392,000 11-to-15-year-olds, 13.6%, consume alcohol, a risk factor in itself for their age, although the problem is made worse by the fact that many of these children also drink excessive amounts.

The agency said, however, that Italians at the other extreme of the age scale were most guilty of drinking more than

the recommended daily quantities, an issue affecting 2.915 million over-65s (43.5% of men in this age group, 10.6% of women).

Experts said the findings and other indicators confirmed that binge drinking is increasingly a problem for young Italians and one that is no longer isolated to the weekend.

Emanuele Scafato of the Higher Health Institute's (ISS) National Alcohol Observatory said 14.4% of hospital admissions for excessive alcohol consumption regarded under-14s and 25.4% regarded 15-to-35-year-olds. ''This is an alarm bell because it shows BOOZE, continued on page 12

Eno Agricola Gambino

april 15, 2011

page 7

Easter Week to begin in Caltanissetta The “Settimana Santa” or Holy Week in Caltanissetta is a unique blend of folklore and religious devotion that has its origins in the ancient Spanish rule. This year, it will run from Sunday, Apr. 17 (Palm Sunday) through Apr. 23 (Easter Day). Similar processions will be held throughout the island to honor one of the most important holy days of the Christian Church.

On Palm Sunday, (Apr. 17), the “U Siguri ‘na la varca” (The lord on the boat) procession begins from the courtyard of Scarabelli Library (Corso Umberto I) around 7:30 p.m. and returns to the Church of Sant'Agata al Collegio around 9 p.m.

On Wednesday, Apr. 20, the Real Maestranza brotherhood, which has been around since 1806 when it offered a spectacular parade to King Ferdinand IV, will officially start this year’s Easter Week celebrations. The Capitano (Captain) of this ancient religious club will wear a black period costume just like all the other members of the brotherhood.

He will lead the parade, beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the historic center, by hol-

ding a crucifix veiled in black. The tone of this parade is mournful as it recalls the Passion of Jesus. Later, after a stop for prayers at the Cathedral, the parade will begin again, but this time it will be replaced by a gleeful celebration. All the members of the Real Maestranza will change clothes switching from black to white while the city bands will perform joyful marches.

In the evening, the traditional “Varicedde” procession will start at 8 p.m.

“Varicedde” are groups of small papiermâché statues, depicting the Passion of Christ, which date back to the 18th century.

A similar vibrant procession featuring bigger statues called “Vare,” depicting the same religious subjects and starting at the same time, will mark the second day (Thursday, Apr. 21) of the Easter Week. Believers carry those replicas depicting the Passion of Christ while chanting “lauda” religious songs.

On Friday, March 22, it will be penitence time. The mournful Good Friday “Processione del Cristo Nero” (Procession of the Black Christ) will feature devotees dressed in black, clergymen led

Palermo

by the local bishop and “Fugliamari,” (wild herbs pickers), who will all take part in this solemn and mournful procession starting around 7 p.m. in the most ancient part of the city (lower Caltanissetta). Fugliamari will sing sorrowful chants called “Lamintanze” and will carry on their shoulders a black wooden crucifix which is called “Signore della Città" (The Lord of the City” or “Cristo Nero” (Black Christ).

Before 1625, the “Black Christ” was venerated as the city patron. According to legend, Fugliamari found this wooden crucifix that was placed inside the Sabbucina cave between two lit candles.

On Easter Day, Sunday, Apr. 23, the Caltanissetta bishop celebrates a solemn Holy Mass which is officially attended by all the local religious clubs around 11 a.m. At the end of the mass, the bishop gives the traditional benedizione (blessing) to the city.

For more information and detailed schedules call the Caltanissetta Tourist Office at 0934- 74111.

Photo by Mike Scott

The Vare float procession depicting Christ’s Via Crucis (Path of the Cross), which is held on Holy Thursday, is one of the most heartfelt traditions of the upcoming Eastern Week’s celebrations in Caltanissetta running from Apr. 17 through 23.

Mona Lisa tomb hunt set to start Experts optimistic they'll find DNA at ex-convent in Florence Story by ANSA Florence - The hunt is set to start for the tomb and possible remains of the model for Leonardo's Mona Lisa in an ex-convent in her home town, Florence.

"I'm sure her tomb is in there," said Leonardo scholar Giuseppe Pallanti, who in 2007 said he had traced the burial place of merchant's wife Lisa Gherardini to the former Convent of St Ursula, in the heart of Florence.

Radar scans have located a crypt under one of the ex-convent's two churches

and the search will begin in earnest on April 27, experts said Tuesday.

Once the DNA of the woman thought to be Gherardini is found, they said, it will be compared with that of two of her children buried in Florence's Santissima Annunziata church.

Despite its central location, the ex-seat of the Ursulines is now an extremely run-down, almost dilapidated building.

The sprawling three-story Sant'Orsola building dates back to 1309 but ceased to be used as a convent in 1810, when it was turned into a tobacco factory.

It was used to shelter WWII refugees in the 1940s and '50s before housing university classrooms in the following decades and then falling into disuse and becoming a dump.

The site has stood semi-derelict with its windows bricked-up since building work to re-develop it as offices for Italy's Guardia di Finanza tax police were

abandoned in 1985.

Despite Pallanti's confidence, the chances of finding the tomb of merchant Francesco del Giocondo's wife are slim, according to British experts cited on the Internet.

"Hopes of tracing her tomb have been dashed after it emerged that building works at the site in the 1980s saw its crypts wantonly excavated and their contents destroyed," the experts said in October.

But Italian experts who are set to start combing the site think there is reason to believe the tomb might have survived "in natural rock cavities that may have housed a small graveyard on the margins of what were once the cloisters".

"This will be the prime focus of our search," they said.

Pallanti said the excavations were the

New Place

Wild West

TOMB, continued on page 12

page 8

april 15, 2011

Caltagirone

An artists impression of knights displayed in Maiolica styled ceramic plates on one of the Caltagirone Stairs.

Moroboshi

Pietro

By Lt. Matt Knight Sigonella Public Affairs Officer

Caltagirone can easily be called Sicily's city of ceramics. This quiet town situated only a short drive from Marinai housing down SS 417 boasts some of the finest ceramic pottery and plates in the region. The ceramics are so prolific that they adorn not only the shop windows, but many of the buildings, balconies, and the famous Scala di S. Maria del Monte also known as the Caltagirone Stairs.

Caltagirone pottery and later ceramics became part of the town's major industries throughout history mainly because of the vast amounts of clay deposits that exist in the region. According to Catania-sicilia.it, "The production (of pottery) improved becoming more efficient and more precise when the wheel was introduced (by the Cretans in about 1000 BC). The critical turning point, however, was the arrival of the Arabians in the 9th century, for, with them, practices were changed irrevocably. They introduced Eastern designs and also glazing techniques that rendered objects impermeable to water. The art became more sophisticated as exquisite geometric patterning and stylized decoration were modeled on plants and animals. Blue, green and yellow were the predominant colors." The style of ceramics that emerged became known as Maiolica pottery which refers to the tin glazed earthenware ceramics that can be seen

today.

The Caltagirone Stairs themselves offer an enticing look at the local mastery of Maiolica pottery and impressive construction techniques in building the 142 steps that connect the upper part of the city to the lower.

Each individual stair has a unique set of decorations and combined with the breathtaking view of the region from the top of the stairs there is little doubt why they are a local favorite.

On any given Sunday afternoon, the streets that spread out below the Caltagirone Stairs are filled with curious tourists, strolling locals and families who are having a quiet Sunday afternoon sitting and talking on the stairs. Several local gelato, pastry and espresso shops nearby offer mouthwatering treats to anyone who wants to enjoy them while taking in the ornately decorated stairs above and the view of the region below. Additionally, for anyone looking to do a little ceramics shopping, there are several ceramics shops lining the stairs themselves as well as all over the surrounding city.

The trip to Caltagirone is a simple 45-minute drive for anyone leaving from NAS II and offers a family friendly day trip. Just take the SS 417 toward Gela and as Caltagirone approaches take the second exit "Caltigirone Nord" and follow the "Centro" signs to reach the towns center and the stairs.

Angela

april 15, 2011

Magnolia

Alphio

page 9

page 10

15

17

19

21

april 15, 2011

*Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Sausage Links, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Asstd Doughnuts, Cinnamon Rolls. *Lunch: Cream of Mushroom Soup, Lasagna, Tempura Fish, Baked Fish, Steamed Rice, Calico Cabbage, Herbed Broccoli, Strawberry Cake, Lemon Meringue Pie, Fruit Gelatin.

Speed line: Grilled Cheese/Hamburger, Baked Beans, French Fried Potatoes. *Dinner: Egg Drop Soup, Chicken Cacciatore, Rice Pilaf, Southern Green Beans, Savory Squash, Strawberry Cake, Lemon Meringue Pie, Fruit Gelatin.

Choice hamburger or hotdog by order

*Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Minute Steak, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, Asstd Doughnuts, Italian Croissant. *Brunch: Breakfast Items, Knickerbockers Soup, Steamed Rice, Pork Chops W. Mushroom Gravy, Corn O’Brien, Green Beans, Marble Cake, Sugar Cookies. *Dinner: Nutty Split Pea Soup, Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Rice, Mixed Vegetables, Steamed Asparagus, Natural Pan Gravy, Marble Cake, Sugar Cookies.

Choice hamburger or hotdog by order

*Breakfast: Farina, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, Biscuits and Gravy, Asstd Doughnuts, Blueberry Muffins. *Lunch: Egg Drop Soup, Sweet & Sour Pork, Chicken Chop suey , Egg Foo Young, Chinese Fried Rice, Chow Mein Noodles, Oriental Fried Cabbage, Corn Kernel, Fruit Cocktail Upside Down Cake, Blueberry Pie. *Speed line: Frankfurter on rolls, Onion Rings, Macaroni & Cheese.

Dinner: Cream of Broccoli Soup, Beef Stew, Seasoned Boiled Pasta, Spanish Style Beans, Carrots Slices, Fruit Cocktail Upside Down Cake, Blueberry Pie. Choice hamburger or hotdog by order. *Breakfast: Hominy Grits, Corned Beef Hash, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, Asstd Doughnuts, Raisin Muffin. *Lunch: Vegetable Supreme Soup, Roast Pork loin, Baked Chicken, Steamed Rice, Roasted Garlic Potatoes, Seasoned Mix Vegetables, Club Spinach, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Cherry Cobbler.

Speedline: Italian Sausage W/Onion & Pepper. *Dinner: Tomato Bouillon Soup, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Rice Pilaf, Natural Pan Gravy, Green Beans, Corn Kernel, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Cherry Cobbler.

Choice hamburger or hotdog by order

Marina Palace

16

18

20

*Breakfast: Farina, Grilled Ham Slices, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Buttermilk Pancakes, Asstd Doughnuts, Crumb Cake. *Brunch: Breakfast Items, Chicken Gumbo Soup, Roast Pork, Cottage Fried Potatoes, Tossed Green Rice, Peas w/ Carrots, Cauliflower Au Gratin, Brown Gravy, Velvet Pound Cake, Vanilla Cream Pie. *Dinner: Zesty Bean Soup, Veal Steak W/Mushroom Gravy, Steamed Rice, Home Fried Potatoes, Glazed Carrots, Savory Style Beans, Chicken Gravy, Velvet Pound Cake, Vanilla Cream Pie. Choice hamburger or hotdog by order. *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Sausage Links, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Asstd Doughnuts, Cinnamon Rolls. *Lunch: Chicken Gumbo Soup, Beef Yakisoba, Veal Parmesan, Steamed Rice, Oven Browned Potatoes, Green Peas, Seasoned Summer Squash, Spice Cake w/ Frosting, Vanilla Cookies, Fruit Gelatin.. *Speed line: Pizza Ass, Chili Dog. *Dinner: Minestrone Soup, Savory Baked Chicken, Pork Fried Rice, Lima Beans, Broccoli Parmesan, Spice Sake w/ Frosting, Vanilla Cookies, Fruit Gelatin.

Choice hamburger or hotdog by order. *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Creamed Ground Beef, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Blueberry Pancakes, Biscuits, Asstd Doughnuts, Bear Claw. *Lunch: Beef Noodle Soup, Lasagna, Fish w/ Cherry Tomato Sauce, Steamed Rice, Franconia Potatoes, Cream Style Corn, Mix Vegetable, Almond Cookies, Carrot Cake, Chocolate Pudding. *Speed line: Grilled Cheese/Hamburger, Baked Beans, French Fried Potatoes. *Dinner: French Onion Soup, Baked Chicken, Steamed Rice, Potatoes Au Gratin, Club Spinach, Steamed Peas & Carrots, Almond Cookies, Carrot Cake, Chocolate Pudding.

Choice hamburger or hotdog by order.

Hours of Operation Mon-Fri: 6 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. (Breakfast), 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

(Lunch), 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. (Dinner) Sat, Sun, Holidays: 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. (Breakfast), 11 a.m.

- 1 p.m. (Brunch), 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. (Dinner)

april 15, 2011

oN

the

go

With

page 11

mWr

Check out ITT for Easter Armed Forces Entertainment and MWR are bringing you five comedians all rolled into one night of laughs. Performing for you will be Heather Marie Zagone, Nick Guerra, Eric Blake, Aurelio Miguel Bocanegra, Jefandi Cato. Between the comedians they have performed on Comedy Central, BET, Weeds, CSI, and HBO. Who better to perform for the troops then a prior veteran, Aurellio Miguel Bocanegra is a two time Air Force vet.

Don’t miss out on the laughs that are sure to be had. You can see all five comedians Sunday, April 17 at 8:30 p.m. inside of Jox’s Pub.

Run in the dirt!

Put on your trailblazer shoes and run with MWR Fitness on Saturday, April 30, at 10 a.m.

This 1.5 mile run traverses Motta’s rocky terrain and is great for both competitive runners and serious power walkers.

Sign up at Fit District. Monday thru Friday from 8:30am to 4pm. No entry fee and no dayof registration. First 100 to sign up and do the run will receive a free T-shirt. Bring euro for lunch at local Italian Restau-

rant. Transportation to and from Motta Hill is FREE. If driving, run begins at Donna Fortunata Restaurant. For more information call 624-4483.

midtoWN moVie theaterS SChedule & deSCriptioNS

JUSTIN BIEBER: NEVER SAY NEVER- Justin Bieber, Usher, Miley Cyrus, Boys II Men, Sean Kingston

Friday, April 15 1:00pm Tron: Legacy PG FREE 3:00pm Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules PG 5:00pm Big Momma’s: Like Father Like Son PG-13 PREMIERE 7:30pm Hall Pass R Saturday, April 16 2:00pm Hop PG 4:30pm Big Momma’s: Like Father Like Son PG-13 7:00pm I Am Number 4 PG-13 Sunday, April 17 2:00pm Gnomeo and Juliet G 4:00pm Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules PG 6:30pm Hall Pass R Tuesday, April 19 5:00pm Big Momma’s PG 7:30pm Hall Pass R Wednedsay, April 20 5:00pm Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2 PG 7:30pm I Am Number 4 PG-13 Thursday, April 21 5:00pm Justin Bieber G 7:30pm Sanctum R Friday, April 22 5:00pm Beastly PG-13 7:30pm Take Me Home Tonight R

Director Jon Chu's 3D fan cut is an exclusive, one-week limited release with 40 minutes of new Bieber footage! As he began the editing process several months ago, and upon realizing the significant amount of great footage he had obtained, Chu began to develop with the studio an idea for a second, and more fan centric, edition of the movie. While promoting the film's initial release, he spent dozens of hours on Twitter and Facebook engaging with fans to learn more about what they were most anxious to see. Some scenes contained in the new cut include: more of Justin’s friends and hometown life, new songs and performances, and special footage shot at fan premieres across the country. (105 min.)

GNOMEO AND JULIET- James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Maggie Smith, Michael Canie, Jason Statham

Two garden gnomes, Gnomeo and Juliet, try to avoid tragedy and find a happy ending to their star-crossed love affair when they are caught up in a feud between neighbors. (84 min.)

I AM NUMBER 4- Alex Pettyfer, Timmothy Olyphant, Teresa Palmer, Dianna Agron, Kevin Durand

An extraordinary young man, John Smith, is a fugitive on the run from ruthless enemies sent to destroy him. Changing his identity, moving from town to town with his guardian Henri, John is always the new kid with no ties to his past. In the small Ohio town he now calls home, John encounters unexpected, life-changing events -- his first love, powerful new abilities and a connection to the others who share his incredible destiny. (110 min.)

SANCTUM- Alice Parkinson, Richard Roxburgh, Rhys Wakefield, Loan Gruffudd

Master diver Frank McGuire has explored the South Pacific's Esa-ala Caves for months. But when his exit is cut off in a flash flood, Frank's team including 17-year-old son Josh and financier Carl are forced to alter plans. With dwindling supplies, the crew must navigate an underwater labyrinth to make it out. Soon, they are confronted with the unavoidable question: Can they survive, or will they be trapped forever? (109 min.)

JUSTIN BIEBER: NEVER SAY NEVER- Justin Bieber, Usher, Miley Cyrus, Boys II Men, Sean Kingston Director Jon Chu's 3D fan cut is an exclusive, one-week limited release with 40 minutes of new Bieber footage! As he began the editing process several months ago, and upon realizing the significant amount of great footage he had obtained, Chu began to develop with the studio an idea for a second, and more fan centric, edition of the movie. While promoting the film's initial release, he spent dozens of hours on Twitter and Facebook engaging with fans to learn more about what they were most anxious to see. Some scenes contained in the new cut include: more of Justin’s friends and hometown life, new songs and performances, and special footage shot at fan premieres across the country. (105 min.)

Movie schedule is subject to change. Please call to confirm.

Movie Hotline: 624-4248

ITT is bringing many trips to give you a taste of Sicilian Easter!! Sicily takes Easter very seriously. All over the island, in large towns and tiny villages alike, processions weave their way through narrow streets, and central piazzas until finally they arrive at the local church or cathedral.

On Sunday, April 17 experience what the town of Gangi has to offer. Gangi is located in the Madonie Mountains a beautiful drive, where you will be able to experience the most important day of the Easter calendar, Palm Sunday. There will be a procession through the streets, with drummers, and members of the various confraternities dressed in white tunics and colored cloaks, carrying specially created arrangements of palm fronds and flowers. Don’t miss this once a year opportunity to experience Ganghi’s unique Palm Procession followed by lunch in a typical Sicilian restaurant.

Come with us on Holy Thursday, April 21 to the world famous town of Caltanissetta.

The town is known world wide for Holy Thursday. There will be a procession, featuring 12 floats representing the 12 stations of the cross. Celebrate Good Friday on top of the world, or at least on top of Sicily. Sicily’s highest town has

one of the most unique traditions. The lady of the seven sorrows is carried in a procession to the Cathedral where the Um of the Dead Christ awaits.

The procession is led by thousands of hooded brethren wearing capes of different colors.

Don’t forget to bring you camera on this trip you will be very disappointed if you don’t.

On Saturday, April 23 “Holy Saturday”, come to the town of Ferla for the “Sciaccariata”. At 9 pm the town’s church bells will signal the beginning of the celebration starting with a fireworks display. Church’s are illuminated, the town band plays and the procession begins.

Those who dare continue through out the night carrying Christ’s body around the town in a torch-lit vigil.

Lastly we will celebrate Easter!

Sunday, April 24 two religious parties deck the town in colorful decorative arches made from all sorts of materials including vegetables and cereals.

Each groups work is prepared in absolute secrecy during the weeks leading up to Easter and each attempts to out-do the other. The competitive spirit is, however, just a back drop to the catholic celebration of Easter.

page 12

april 15, 2011

AWARENESS, continued from page 5 ically for military families.

April, Child Abuse Prevention Month, reminds everyone to pause and focus on child abuse prevention. It also provides an opportunity to put healthy parenting practices in place and to remind parents that there is always support available to help them.

ACCIDENT, continued from page 2 095-86-4522 (ALT) or 335-786-1948 Important phone numbers: Emergency Room: 095-86-3884 Security Dispatch: 095-86-1911/5487 NAS II Security Liaison: 095-86-2795 (Primary) or 335-841-2014 NAS I Security Liaison: 095-86-4522 (ALT) or 335-786-1948 Chiechio Towing Company: 095-463607 LESSONS, continued from page 2 Then they made a circle and asked us to pray for them. So, we started praying for them one by one. Soon, a few prostitutes joined the prayer circle and a few other homeless folks. It was amazing.

There were some policemen driving by carefully observing this event, they were confused. All of the sudden one of the drug dealers dropped to his knees and reached out and grabbed my hand. This was too much.

Anther started to pray that the Broncos would beat the Raiders (I’m a Raider fan, but I didn’t say anything). After the prayer was over; the leader of this group walked over, and I’ll never forget this, he reached out and hugged me. Remember, he’s not a “touchy-feely” chaplain, he’s a drug dealer.

I’ll never forget his words uttered that cold night, “I’ll never go to your church; I think you guys are crazy, but you showed me genuine respect—I’ll never forget this night.” I learned that night that in order to be respected you have to give respect. I never thought I’d take a life lesson like that from LoDo, but I did. The secret to getting respect is to give respect. This is a life principle that can be applied by anyone. Leaders, have you been showing your followers proper respect? Start today.

JAGUARS, continued from page 1 ding my son who use to play for Paterno before the Jaguars team even existed, so a lot of the Jaguar players know some of the Red Sox players and have built relationships with most of the kids on the team. I’ve actually had ties with the Red Sox for about seven to eight years now.”

Assistant Team Manager, Senior Chief Walter Summerfield, whose son is the starting catcher on the team, said he really enjoys coaching his son and the other kids and enjoys watching him grow and interact on the diamond.

“He’s been one of the kids from the beginning since the program started up four years ago with coach Berryhill so he’s one of our seniors that has helped build this program up since day one,” Summerfield said. “I enjoy watching him play every day ever since he was young boy. Like many of the kids on the team, he has a lot of friends on the Paterno team and I can tell he really enjoys every minute of being out on the field.”

Berryhill said it’s always a fun time when Paterno and the Jaguars get together for their weekly match-up.

“They play real aggressive baseball and have coaches who have coached in the World Baseball Classic, Berryhill said.

“So anytime we play them, we know we’re going to get a great game from them and playing them only helps us improve as a team mentally and physically. We always have to be on ours toes when we match up with Paterno.”

Berryhill also said that it doesn’t only help each team out, but also helps bring the two nationalities closer together on a field where everyone comes together with a swing of the bat.

“Baseball has taken off in Italy and more so down here on the island,” Berryhill said. “We have a local national named Riccardo Messina, who has been involved in the game in Italy for over 39 years, so we’re grateful for him volunteering his time to coach our kids, share his insight of the game, and help us get better. He’s our encyclopedia of baseball knowledge. It’s really cool being a part of something like this and it really goes beyond baseball. Anyone who has been associated with either team has built friendships, including myself and Coach Messina who I now have a lifetime friendship with.”

“I’ve grown up with baseball here in Italy, and I saw it go from a tiny object in Italian culture to Italy battling year in and out for the European Champions with the Dutch national team which has become Europe’s biggest baseball rivalry,” Messina said. “This is my second year helping the Jaguars and I really enjoy watching them improve from last year and coming out every day playing the best sport in the world.

It’s a great opportunity for teams to share their experiences and lifestyles while playing the game they all love to play.”

So far the Jags have an overall batting average right at .400 percent on the season which Berryhill said is great for an overall team average. Berryhill added he expects the team to get better and improve on their fundamentals and hopes to see more people in the stands this year supporting the Jags as they chase a Division III title this year at the European Championship Tournament held in Germany which begins in late May. The Jaguars are off for Spring Break, and then travel to Naples April 29-30 for two more double headers, after they went 3-1 in their first four games in Aviano and Vicenza two weekends ago.

TOMB, continued from page 7 "natural prosecution of my archival work".

"I've pored over thousands of archive pages and I'm convinced the remains of Lisa Gherardini were buried there".

IDENTITY NOW RECOGNISED Pallanti has said his research has wiped away all doubt about the identity of La Gioconda, as the Italians call the Mona Lisa because of the surname of her husband, Giocondo.

"It was her, Lisa, the wife of the merchant Francesco del Giocondo - and she lived right opposite Leonardo in Via Ghibellina," Pallanti said when he unveiled his findings in 2007.

Most modern scholars have now agreed with Pallanti that the Mona Lisa sitter was Lisa del Giocondo, who according to the Italian researcher became a nun after her husband's death and died in the convent on July 15, 1542, aged 63.

The couple were married in 1495 when the bride was 16 and the groom 35.

It has frequently been suggested that del Giocondo commissioned Leonardo to paint his Mona Lisa (mona is the standard Italian contraction for madonna, or "my lady,") to mark his wife's pregnancy or the recent birth of their second child in December 1502.

Although pregnancy or childbirth have frequently been put forward in the past as explanations for Mona Lisa's cryptic smile, other theories have not been lacking - some less plausible than others.

Some have argued that the painting is a self-portrait of the artist, or one of his favourite male lovers in disguise, citing the fact that Da Vinci never actually relinquished the painting and kept it with him up until his death in Amboise, France in 1519.

The most curious theories have been

provided by medical experts-cum-art lovers.

One group of medical researchers has maintained that the sitter's mouth is so firmly shut because she was undergoing mercury treatment for syphilis which turned her teeth black.

An American dentist has claimed that the tight-lipped expression was typical of people who have lost their front teeth, while a Danish doctor was convinced she suffered from congenital palsy which affected the left side of her face and this is why her hands are overly large.

A French surgeon has also put forth his view that she was semi-paralysed, perhaps as the result of a stroke, and that this explained why one hand looks relaxed and the other tense.

Leading American feminist Camille Paglia simply concluded that the cool, appraising smile showed that "what Mona Lisa is ultimately saying is that males are unnecessary".

BOOZE, continued from page 6 that those who drink don't wait for the weekend anymore,'' Scafato said. ''Now young people meet at bars near their homes or schools and start at 5pm with an aperitif and they continue with beer and spirits until late. And more and more are doing this. ''What's more, consumption of alcohol away from meals has increased both for younger and older people''. Some consumer groups have called on the government to raise the legal drinking age from 16 to 18 following the alarming results of previous studies.

In October the ISS released a report that said one in three Italians aged 1624 risk serious health problems because of the potentially dangerous way they drink.

The new problem drinkers were more likely to be from the north of Italy, have a high-school or even university education, and no money worries, at least for the moment, the ISS said.

In June the Eurispes research institute said Italian children start drinking alcohol earlier than minors anywhere else in Europe.

It said on average Italian children have their first contact with alcohol at about 12 and a half, two years earlier the European average.

Citta del domani

Stampa

Kartodromo

Alphio

april 15, 2011

page 13

Hospital Job Vacancy Contracting Office, FISC Sigonella, is soliciting for the following personalized healthcare contract positions at the US Naval Hospital, Sigonella: two full time "Certified Medical Assistants" and one full time "Registered Nurse".

Sources must be eligible for US employment. For further information please contact Mr. Giuffrida (DSN 624-5727) or Ms. Randazzo (DSN 624-3792).

Closing date 29 April 2011.

By Giovanna De Gennaro NAS Sigonella Housing Department Sicily may be just another Italian island overshadowed by Italy’s famed enological reputation, but the Island boasts a wine producing tradition worthy of mention. While Sicily’s wine production and market has gone through highs and low, it is finally coming out of the closet, or shall we say, the wine barrel.

Today Sicilian wines are receiving accolades from acclaimed enologists, connoisseurs and chefs worldwide.

Foodnetwork and chef extraordinaire Mario Batali offers a selection of Sicilian wines on his menus and Chef Jamie Oliver has also included a number of well known Sicilian wines on his wine lists in several of his restaurants.

Sicily’s mild Mediterranean climate is ideal for certain varieties of grapes and it is best known for such wines as Malvasia made from grapes grown on the sunny Aeolian Islands; Zibibbo, a sweet dessert wine whose history dates back to the Arab domain of the Island, and Marsala, named after the location in the Trapani region, it is a relative of Portuguese Port wine and it was first discovered by several of English

entrepreneurs travelling to Sicily who realized the market potential of Marsala.

Perhaps the most ancient reference to Sicily’s thriving vines is in Homer’s Odyssey, as it talks about vines growing wild everywhere on the “land of the Cyclops.” It was the Greeks in the 7th century B.C. that gave life to Sicily's fertile viticulture (vitis vinifera) tradition. The Arabs are credited with planting the Zibibbo (zabib in Arabic) vine, a wine with a liqueur quality that makes it the perfect accompaniment to Sicilian cannoli or other desserts. The Romans in the 3rd century B.C. exported Sicilian wine to mainland Italy when Sicily was under Roman Imperial rule.

The production of wine thrived throughout the 18th century especially thanks to three entrepreneurial English businessmen who “discovered” Marsala wine. Toward the end of the 19th century a parasite attacked European grape vines and compromised the rich variety of vines on the Island. After this agricultural disaster the production of Marsala wine made a quick recovery and regained its place within world markets. The wine production on the east coast, however, was not as lucky and the corpulent wine was exported for use as blending wine in France. Its production eventually improved and Sicily’s wines have been on the rise since the 1980s.

Sicily Wine Geography Sicily’s wine growing regions extend from the east coast to the west coast of the Island. Two main areas, however, stand out - the Etna region on the eastern coast and the areas surrounding Trapani on the western coast. The Aeolian islands and the island of Pantelleria also produce wines, the latter being home to the Zibibbo wine.

The west coast areas grow predominantly white grapes (73% of the Island’s surface) while the east coast is known for its production of red grapes (27% of the Island’s surface). Historically, having wine regions in coastal areas has facilitated the wine trade with neighboring Mediterranean and continental countries thanks to the presence of the island’s major ports: Marsala, Catania and Messina.

On the western portion of the Island the landscape offers acres of vines that alternate with the famed Trapani salt pans against the azure Mediterranean sea. The viticulture production on the eastern portion of Sicily has been carved out of Mount Etna. Rows of grape vines are contained inside black lava stone walls on the volcano 400 to 800 meters above the Mediterranean Sea. In this area the wine regions of Piedimonte Etneo, Linguaglossa, Castiglione and Randazzo extend from the north

Porka Vacca

to the east and then to the west of Mount Etna. Sicily ranks second on the list of Italian wine producing regions and it is one of the most important in Europe There are 21 Sicilian D.O.C. (denominazione di origine controllata) grape producing areas and wines. DOC is a legal appellation (instituted in Italy in 1963) of the wine producing Italian region thus guaranteeing the wine's origin, taste and quality. There are 13 varieties of grapes with whites being the predominant vine. The seven varieties of white grapes are: Moscato, Malvasia, Inzolia, Catarratto, Grillo, Carricante and Minnella. The red grape varieties are: Nero d’Avola, Frappato di Vittoria, Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio,

Nocera and Perricone.

One of the most appreciated Sicilian wines that graces top chef restaurant wine lists in North America and the United Kingdom is Nero d’Avola. Mario Batali’s and Jamie Oliver’s wine lists include an extensive list of Sicilian wines.

Fertile soil, favorable climate, patience and know-how have helped Sicilian wines rise to the top of international wine lists and receive accolades from wine critics and sommeliers. In 2010 eighteen Sicilian wines won the yearly wine review “three-glass” prize from Italian gastronomical and enological authority, Gambero Rosso.

New recycling procedure in Motta S. Anastasia Municipality

By Antonella Grillo & Mauro Cacia NAS Sigonella Environmental Department Starting on April 4 2011, the Motta Municipality has a new city trash pickup system.

In order to comply with this new procedure, recycling kits will be delivered by the Municipality to the houses landlords, who will be responsible for delivering them to their tenants. There is a month to complete the delivery of all the bags and no fines will be issued during this period.

The recycling kits consist of different colored plastic bags and Bio-garbage cans, to be used as following: Green Plastic bags: Glass

Yellow Plastic bags: Paper and Cardboard Blue Plastic bags: Plastic and Aluminum Brown bio-garbage cans: Organic Material Generic Plastic Bags: Unsorted urban waste (trash) Each colored plastic bag will be picked up according to the scheduled described in the flyer provided by the Motta Municipality and here attached, that will be delivered along with the kits.

If you're having problems, please contact Mr. Mauro Cacia at 624 2719, Mrs. Antonella Grillo at 624 6931, or the NASSIG Housing Office (if your house has been rented through them).