The Jan. 21 issue of The Signature

Vol. 28 No. 3

facebook.com/nassigonella

Do you know?

By MCSA Cameron Bramham, The Signature Staff

youtube.com/sigonellavids

Don’t let this happen to you

By Federico Martinez

-The main objective for a DAPA member is to serve as an advisor for any CO about all Navy Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program matters and incidents within the command.

-DAPA members also conduct administrative screenings of individuals referred to the Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program (SARP), coordinate and assist in alcohol and drug abuse awareness education, establish and monitor command prevention and intervention programs, and act as an authorized command selfreferral agent for the command.

-To become a DAPA member, you must go through a four-day training program, and you also cannot have any prior incidents involving alcohol within the past two years and must have at least one year remaining at your current command. Those interested in becoming primary DAPA members should be an E7 or above, and E5’s and below are encouraged to apply to become assistant DAPA’s.

-For more information on being a DAPA member for NAS Sigonella, contact 6246092 or email sarp_sig@med.navy.mil.

Weather

Jan. 21 H: 61 uPdate L: 40

toP StorieS

cnic.navy.mil/sigonella

A hard lesson: Drinking and driving scuttles Navy man's career

DAPA:

Sig is a place where people enjoy people and the beautiful nature that this country can offer us. People and nature can remind us what is said in the Holy Scriptures:” God looked at everything he had made, and he found it very good” Genesis 1:31 NAB

iNSide

JaNuary 21, 2011

Check us out online!

PAGE 2

Direct Line 2

Muskegon Chronicle His attacker’s body went limp. Dominic Phillips continued to squeeze his arms around the man’s neck as if his life depended on it.

“Dominic, let him go, you’re going to kill him,” warned Phillips’ prison cellmate at Deep Meadow Correctional Center in State Farm, Va. Phillips, who was born and raised in Muskegon, was serving up to 10 years in prison for involuntary, aggravated manslaughter. Another death on his hands likely would mean a much longer sentence.

But Phillips remembered the warning issued by an older prisoner when he first arrived at the penitentiary: “They’re going to pick on you. If you win that first fight you’ll be OK. If you lose, you’ll be fighting every day for the rest of your time here.”

At the time Phillips was 21 years old, 5 feet 4 inches tall, and 150 pounds. His attacker was 6 feet 3 inches tall and a muscular 240 pounds.

“I’m not going to let go. If I do he’ll kill me,” a terrified Phillips yelled to his cellmate. “Tell my mother I love her. But, I ain’t never getting out of here.”

Phillips eventually did let go. His attacker soon returned brandishing a crudely-crafted knife.

Phillips stood his ground, a pair of makeshift brass knuckles on his hands. The men warily agreed to make peace.

That night, Phillips laid in bed, his eyes wide open, afraid to go to sleep. At that moment, his oncepromising U.S. Naval career seemed like an ocean away.

Jan. 22 H: 53 L: 34

Jan. 23 H: 58 L: 34

There are only two weeks left of the NFL season. Last week’s games threw our panelists for a loop. Will they do better this week?

PAGE 3 Navy News 3

Ten years later Phillips, now 30, is out of prison and living once again in Muskegon. As he recounts the prison fight, he shudders.

A night to remember In the early evening of Dec. 31, 1999, Phillips, who was in the U.S. Navy and stationed in Norfolk, Va., stopped by a friend’s house to have “two to three drinks.” At about 11 p.m., Phillips headed to his girlfriend’s nearby home because he wanted to usher in the New Year with his newborn daughter cradled in his arms.

Four blocks away from his destination Phillips’ car collided with another vehicle at an intersection. Phillips suffered minor injuries.

The driver of the other vehicle was killed.

He began that night as a proud member of the U.S. Navy, a boatswain, third mate. On April 26, 2000, he was just another name in the state of Virginia’s prison system.

Initially, Phillips faced a 20- to 25-year prison term. He accepted a plea bargain, which resulted in a lighter sentence — up to 10 years — for involuntary, aggravated manslaughter.

The accident itself is still a blur.

“All I remember is headlights coming from my passenger side,” Phillips said. “And, that’s when it happened.

The NAS Sigonella community came together on Jan. 15 to listen to Anita Renfroe’s comedic performance. Renfroe gained popularity on YouTube after her “Momism” song was posted.

Comedian Anita Renfroe visits NAS Sigonella

By MCSA Cameron Bramham up with my comedy is by living and taking notes,” Renfroe said.

The Signature Staff

Men, women and children gathered Jan. 15 at Knights Hall located on Naval Air Station (NAS) Support Side to watch comedian and author Anita Renfroe perform a Christian comedy act for the Sigonella community.

“I took a chance a few months back, and as soon as I sent Anita an email we got a response almost like that,” said Protestant Women of the Chapel Programs Second Vice President and coordinator for the event, Jamie Andrews.

Renfroe appears regularly as a commentator on the hit morning show, “Good Morning America,” tours with the largest Christian women's conference, “Women of Faith” and is widely known across America for her YouTube sensation song “Momisms,” a comic rendition of everything that a mother would say to her own children.

“Mainly the way I come

“I became a murderer on four wheels.”

“I couldn’t avoid it.”

Phillips said he is not convinced that he was totally at fault for DUI, continued on page 12 Jan. 24 H: 56 L: 35

Over 2,000 participating restaurants in roughly 40 countries honored real Genovese pesto on January 17th, marking the fourth annual International Day of Italian Cuisine (IDIC).

PAGE 6 Community Calendar 4

Jan. 25 H: 54 L: 35

Jan. 26 H:55 L: 36

The town of Nicolosi comes alive during the winter months and serves as a place for weary skiers and ice skaters to relax after a day of fun. Check it out this weekend!

PAGE 8 MWR Corner 11

“I was on a national tour with Women of Faith when the mom song went viral on YouTube which got the attention of “Good Morning America,” which kind of put me on more of a national audience.”

“People always ask me if I need to get in a frame of mind to do it and I’m like, ‘No I can’t wait to get up there to my happy place to do my therapy,’” Renfroe said. “I love it, I love to see people smile and it’s really one of the greatest joys of my life.”

Andrews said she was very pleased with meeting Renfroe and watching her perform and also hopes she can get a chance to have more performers come to the island.

“It was a great show for families, I think it’s important to get family events out here and I think everybody won tonight,” said Andrews.

Traffic Numbers

Jan. 27 H: 58 L: 42

Command Fitness Leaders and fitness enthusiasts looking for that competitive edge look no further. Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) has the tools for you. Learn more by visiting MWR today.

PAGE 11 Il Mercato 14

Jan. 11

Jan. 10

Accidents

12

16

Injuries

4

3

DUIs

3

1

Traffic Deaths

0

0

Please, don’t become a statistic!

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JaNuary 21, 2011

DirecT LiNe I received a lot of questions over the past few weeks and I couldn’t get to all of them during the January Feedback Live. I’ll use the next two columns here to address these questions, but given the events that have occurred since the beginning of 2011, I wanted to take time this week to talk directly to the Community about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. Still, I want you to keep the questions coming – they will get answered!! As a reminder, Feedback Live is generally held on the first Thursday of each month, from 6:30 – 7:00 p.m. on AFN Decoder Channel 20. To call in live on the show, please dial 6244265 or 095-56-4265, or send it live via Facebook. No matter how you choose to do so, please keep sending your questions!

As I write this column early in 2011, the Sigonella Community has already experienced 3 DUIs Each one of these events is tragic in its own right, and I re-

NaS SigoNella CommaNdiNg offiCer, CaPt. Butler

main extremely concerned about every member of the community – military, civilian, family member, American and Italian – until we find a way to figure out why some of our Shipmates are making such terrible, personal decisions.

The decisions these Sailors made simply can’t be because they don’t understand what the Navy’s policies concerning drug use – or alcohol abuse – are. My policies are in complete alignment with the Navy’s, and I am absolutely convinced that every person knows that. The Navy does not tolerate any form of drug or alcohol abuse, and driving while under the influence of any substance is not just irresponsible and stupid, but illegal. Everybody knows that, right?

I’ve never been a fan of public humiliation, so why did I feel the need to punish 3 Sailors in front of the entire Community, and why did I decide to process 2 of them for separation from

Health

Watch

Skin cancer prevention for Sigonella

By John Paul Trafeli, M.D. Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, and Dermatologist for NH Rota Spain, NH Naples, Italy, and NH Sigonella, Italy We all know how great the beaches of Sicily are…and the endless summer sun. While the sunshine and Mediterranean life are great; there are some downsides to overindulging in the sunshine…

Premature Aging, and Skin Cancer.

Skin cancer consists of three types, primarily: Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma, which are by far the most common of all the skin cancers diagnosed in the United States; and of course, Melanoma, a less common, but far more deadly form of skin cancer that comes from the cells that make pigment, freckles, and moles. Melanoma, if undetected, can spread and kill fast. It is what killed reggae star, Bob Marley.

We’ll talk more about melanoma next week in part II of this article.

Today we’ll discuss Basal 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 MCSA 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

Cell and Squamous Cell Cancer (BCC and SCC).

Inherited risk factors for both BCC and SCC include having fair features such as light skin, blond or red hair, and blue or hazel eyes. Also, having a history of excessive sun exposure or sunburns, or a history of tanning bed use are important risk factors. It is becoming more evident that sun exposure and sunburns as a child greatly increase the risk of developing these cancers (and melanoma) later in life. Unfortunately, it is difficult to convince someone that the sunburn they are getting today will have any impact in the future. These are the cancers directly related to how much sun you have gotten over your lifetime.

BASAL CELL AND SQUAMOUS CELL CANCERS: These (non-melanoma type) skin cancers typically first appear as a non-healing bump on the skin. They are often scaly and red.

Sometimes they are hard bumps or small nodules. They may also bleed SKIN, 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

the Navy? I can’t understand why this message isn’t sinking in and I need your help in figuring this out.

At my request, CMDCM Moore has initiated a DUI Task Force that will have held its first meeting by the time this paper goes to print. The intent of the Task Force is to take a fresh look at the DUI issue. This Task Force is chartered to look at the entire picture and provide me not only with ideas for punishment, but with suggestions that will help people make the right choice. He will lead a diverse group, representative of the entire Community, to provide me with actionable items that I may implement.

I will welcome their recommendations.

As I stated publically at the recent Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP), I consider DUIs to be a serious offense and will use every tool at my disposal to punish the offenders. I don’t want it to get to that – I take no joy in ending military careers and sending Sailors back to

a Stateside economy that continues to struggle with a high unemployment rate – but I cannot, I will not, tolerate any more of this irresponsible and destructive behavior.

Drunk Driving has already touched too many of our lives, as indicated by the number of Shipmates who raised their hands to indicate as such when I asked during the NJP. These are all terrible stories. All of us need to take a moment to evaluate what’s important in our lives: family; a career; friends; the respect of our peers. Recognize that the use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol negatively impacts all of those things, potentially in a catastrophic way.

You need only to think about the drunk driver of the car who recently killed an entire family in Trapani to realize how terrible the consequences of a poor decision might be. That young driver will live with the fact that he killed a woman and two young children for the rest of

his life.

Sigonella, Don’t be That Guy…or That Girl. There’s much more to lose than just some pay and some time in the restricted barracks. Do the right thing, please.

NASSIG WORSHIP SERVICES Chapel Offices: NAS I 095-56-3975, NAS II 095-86-9049 ROMAN CATHOLIC Sunday 0900 Catholic Mass (NAS I Chapel) 1200 Catholic Mass (NAS II Chapel) Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 1130 Catholic Mass (NAS II Chapel) JEWISH LAY SERVICES First Friday 1800 Shabbat Service (NAS I Chapel) sigshalom@yahoo.com

PROTESTANT Sunday 1045 Protestant Worship (NAS I) Wednesday 1700 Fellowship Meal 1800 Adult Bible Study Youth Group Children’s Class CHURCH OF CHRIST LAY SERVICE Sunday 1530 NAS I Chapel Call 624-5128 or 338-736-3061

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

People and Nature

Sigonella is a place where people enjoy people and the beautiful nature that this country can offer us. Mount Etna can be seen almost everyday. Sometimes she is well covered with snow. Other times, she looks plain. People and nature can remind us what the Lord said in the Holy Scriptures:” God looked at everything he had made, and he found it very good” Genesis 1:31 NAB. 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.

People and nature seem to remind us how the good Lord takes care of us. The following story is of a US Marine during World War II. He was separated from his unit on a Pacific island.

As you can imagine, the fighting had been intense, and in the smoke and the crossfire he had lost touch with his comrades.

Alone in the jungle, he could hear enemy soldiers coming in his direction. Scrambling for cover, he found his way up a high ridge to several small caves in the rock. Quickly he crawled inside one of the caves. Although safe for the moment, he realized that once the enemy soldiers looking for him swept up the ridge, they would quickly search all the caves and he would be killed.

As he waited, he prayed, "Lord, if it be your will, please protect me. Whatever your will though, I love you and trust you.

Amen." After praying, he lay quietly listening to the enemy begin to draw close. He thought, "Well, I guess the Lord isn't going to help me out of this one." Then he saw a spider begin to build a web over the front of his cave.

As he watched, listening to the enemy searching for him all the while, the spider layered

strand after strand of web across the opening of the cave.

"Hah, he thought.”What I need is a brick wall and what the Lord has sent me is a spider web.

God does have a sense of humor." As the enemy drew closer he watched from the darkness of his hideout and could see them searching one cave after another. As they came to his, he got ready to make his last stand.

To his amazement, however, after glancing in the direction of his cave, they moved on. Suddenly, he realized that with the spider web over the entrance, his cave looked as if no one had entered for quite a while.

"Lord, forgive me," prayed the young man. "I had forgotten that in you a spider's web is stronger than a brick wall." We all face times of great trouble.

When we do, it is so easy to forget what the Lord can work in our lives, sometimes in the most surprising ways. And remember with Him, a mere spider's web becomes a brick wall of protection.

People and nature remind us of something special. The Lord takes care of us in a wonderful and mysterious ways. Enjoy Sigonella, its people and nature!

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: 081-568-2964 Email: ighotline@eu.navy.mil Website: www.cnic.navy.mil/europe/index.htm You can choose to remain anonymous or confidential.

JaNuary 21, 2011

Page 3

Senior enlisted trainers sought for Officer Candidate School

By Scott A. Thornbloom Naval Service Training Command Public Affairs NAVAL STATION NEWPORT, R. I. (NNS) -- As Officer Training Command (OTC) began a new year of training tomorrow's Navy leaders Jan. 1, the command is looking to attract a few more senior enlisted trainers to Officer Candidate School (OCS) and several other OTC schools.

Since the Navy established OCS in 1951, officer candidates have been trained by Navy officers and Marine Corps Drill Instructors (DIs). Senior enlisted, or chief petty officers (CPOs), have also played a role in officer training for a number of years. In the 90s, Navy senior enlisted Recruit Division Commanders (RDCs), or "red ropers," were added to the OCS training team.

More like officer candidate commanders instead of recruit commanders, the chiefs, senior chiefs and master chiefs who wear the red shoulder aiguillettes work with the Marine Corps drill instructors to train and mentor the candidates. OCS would now like to increase its number of senior enlisted trainers.

"We are looking for chiefs and senior chiefs who are physically fit and motivated and want to make a difference in shaping the future of the Navy," said Master Chief Electronics Technician (SW/AW) Matt Anuci, the senior enlisted advisor and OCS red roper at OTC. Anuci said it is not wellknown around the fleet that RDCs, who many people associate with the Navy's only boot camp, Recruit Training Command (RTC), aboard Naval Station Great Lakes, Ill., are also being assigned to OTC. "We're such a small command (OTC in Newport), and when you think 40,000 recruits go through RTC each year and you are always seeing the red rope of an RDC (more than 600) there, the natural assumption is that's the only place where there are RDCs," Anuci said. "The Navy also sends E-5 and E-6 RDCs to Great Lakes. Newport is totally different because we only have a select few (currently 12) senior enlisted RDCs." Anuci said that OCS needs senior enlisted RDCs because of "the opportunity to mentor and mold and develop the division-officer-to-chief relationship that is a constant in the fleet."

He also said there is a need for more senior enlisted RDCs at OTC

because many of the current 12 will transfer within the next couple of years. As with most commands, the turnover of Sailors, especially chiefs, is constant and continuous. So OTC is always on the lookout for qualified and motivated senior enlisted members to accept orders to OTC. OTC has also been talking with the Navy Personnel Command (NPC) about detailing chiefs and senior chief petty officers who have previously been an RDC early in their careers. OTC would like to see senior enlisted return from the fleet to a shore duty billet at OTC as second tour RDCs. But this isn't a requirement.

The Shore Special Program Detailer (PERS-4010D) at NPC in Millington, Tenn., periodically sends out message traffic and announcements recruiting for RDCs at OTC. In a recent RDC recruiting

The playoffs aren’t treating our panelists very nicely! Last week, ABH1 Clifton and LSSA Diem/Rivera had the best records, going 2-2. Maybe this week will be better?

Glasser: Not too much talk this week, looks like everyone took a hit. At least I was able to pull out ONE win, nice good egg, gents! I am almost as sad to see the Ravens go as I was the Colts! Ciao, ciao, Ray-Ray!!

As long as Polamalu is playing, the Steelers will win. Defense prevails in this low scoring affair. The Terrible Towels will certainly be flying fast and furious in another close win by the Steelers!

The Packers have shown me a lot throughout the past few weeks. In fact, they have shown me enough to think they will make the Big Bowl in Dallas this year. No Super Bowl Shuffle for the Bears this time, Steelers vs. Jets maybe next Bears vs. Packers year. Packers win in a hard fought battle on the frozen tundra of... Soldier Field. Good luck!

Beadles: Only because

notice, NPC announced the need for hard-charging Navy professionals to provide RDC (NEC 9508) support at OTC. The announcement described the position as one that prepares OCS graduates for service in the fleet as naval officers.

The announcement (made periodically in LINK Magazine or on the NPC website, http://www.persnet.navy.mil/ReferenceLibrary/Publications/LinkOnline/),"l ooks for E-7 RDCs for OTC to function as senior enlisted technical experts and be responsible for the training, administration, good order and discipline and general welfare of assigned students throughout all phases of training."

"This is absolutely the most rewarding job I've ever had, and at the same time is the most demanding job that I've ever had," Anuci said.

OCS is one of five officer training schools located aboard Naval Stathey now have LT - I pick the Jets. Can’t really go the pretty boy QB route because of Ben R. Have you seen him?

Eww. The Pack is back!

Diem/Rivera: Football ended for me Saturday night... so, I’m done. :( And that was a very fixed game! Paid off Ref’s, CHEATERS! But, since I am tied into this, I’m going to stand by my husband’s team, NY JETS! I would love to see them take the Super Bowl away from the Steelers (not like I really think the Jets are going to win, but it’s worth hoping for). And, Green Bay Packers. Hoping it’s a GREEN Super Bowl!

Clifton: You know it’s a bad week when I had the best record at 2-2. This week is going to be just as difficult to

ABH1 Ezekial Clifton, Emergency Management

U. S. Navy photo by Scott A. Thornbloom Chief Aviation Warfare Systems Operator Steve Smith, a recruit division commander at Officer Candidate School, yells out a cadence to new officer candidates during a physical fitness session at Officer Training Command at Naval Station Newport. Smith is one of 12 recruit division commanders who train and mentor officer candidates in military bearing, discipline, physical fitness and Navy heritage and tradition. tion Newport, Rhode Island. There is also the Officer Development School (ODS), Direct Commission Officer Indoctrination School (DCOIC), Limited Duty Officer and Chief Warrant Officer (LDO/CWO) school and Seaman-topredict. Looking into my crystal ball, I have seen the Super Bowl and it will be the Steelers vs. Packers. The Steelers and Jets are well matched, but the home field advantage and the terrible towels will be the deciding factor in that game. Steelers win! The Packers will out class the Bears, who are beneficiaries of a first round bye and a second round match up with the NFC West Champion Seahawks. Did I mention Aaron Rodgers is looking more and more like a young Joe Montana? Packers win!

Vazana: Steerlers: I am still saying Jets don’t belong. Colts and Pats are basically one trick offenses that lack a serious run threat. Enter Steelers, a balanced attack that will have the Jets D, the ONLY reason they win game may I add, guessing the entire 60 minutes.

LSSA Ashley Diem/Rivera, FISC

Jeremy Glasser, MWR

Admiral (STA-21) school. The staff officers, RDCs and DIs also provide training assistance for these schools, especially with the physical training of OCS, continued on page 10 Are they going to pass? Are they going to throw? It was an easy answer when playing the Pats and Colts, who only throw, but this game will leave the Jets flabbergasted. I see Mendenhall running for over 100 and I see that garbage Sanchez on his back the entire game. I don’t care for either team, but definitely dislike the Jets more.

Packers: Aaron Rodgers made Atlanta’s D look like it belonged in a Pee Wee league. He is definitely, without a doubt, the most talented QB left in the playoffs and will continue his absurdly ridiculous play against a Bears D who, in retrospect, have been playing really well. Throw in GB’s defense, who shut down Atlanta, and you have a definite contender for Super Bowl champion.

Good game either way.

Capt. Joe Beadles, NASSIG

AC3 Michael Vazana, NASSIG

Steelers

Jets

Steelers

Jets

Steelers

Packers

Packers

Packers

Packers

Packers

Record: W-L Overall Record: 60-44 Last week: 2-2

Record: W-L Overall Record: 66-38 Last week: 1-3

Record: W-L Overall Record: 59-45 Last week: 2-2

Record: W-L Overall Record: 63-41 Last week: 0-4

Record: W-L Overall Record: 57-47 Last week: 0-4

New Hope Picciolo

Spaghetti House

Page 4

JaNuary 21, 2011

FFSC TAP Class 0800-1600

Tobacco Cessation Class 9 a.m. FLC x4710

Tobacco Cessation Class 9 a.m. FLC x4710

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

Magnolia

JaNuary 21, 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

Motta

Empower. Enrich. EDUCATE. Coping with Loneliness

Days Inn

Article by Military OneSource Almost everyone feels lonely at times. Whether you are single or married, you may miss someone who has died or moved away. Or, you may wish that you knew someone who you could talk with or do things with on a regular basis.

Feelings like these are very common in a mobile world where people often live far from where they grew up. About one out of every three adults sometimes feels lonely, according to the Journal of Clinical Nursing.

Whether you are lonely a lot of the time or just once in a while, you can do many things to feel less isolated and more connected to other people.

The difference between loneliness and being alone Loneliness isn’t the same as being alone. Everybody needs time alone to think and enjoy quiet activities such as reading, listening to music, or taking a walk. It’s healthy to learn to feel comfortable being alone.

Quiet moments like these can be extremely pleasant and rewarding. But loneliness is different from this kind of voluntary solitude. It is a feeling of emptiness or isolation that occurs when you want to be with others but can’t, or have too many thoughts and

feelings that you can’t share with others.

1. Common types of loneliness Loneliness is sometimes very mild, resembling a dull ache in the heart that you feel only at certain times, such as on holidays or Saturday nights. Or, it can be so severe that it frequently causes intense emotional pain and even physical symptoms such as crying. Loneliness may result from: • being physically isolated from other people -- for example, because you work at home or on a different shift from others in your organization.

• feeling that you can’t relate in meaningful ways or share thoughts and feelings that are important to you with the people close to you, such as a spouse or most of your friends.

• living in a new place where you are separated from your network of friends or family.

• the absence of a specific person or group, such as someone you used to date or the people you saw every day when you were in the military or at your last job.

Overview Ways to cope when you feel lonely.

• The difference between loneliness and being alone • Common types of loneliness • Ways to cope with loneliness • Signs of loneliness 2 Coping with Loneliness

Alphio

Kartodromo

If you feel lonely at times, it’s a good idea to identify the situations that make you feel this way. You may want to keep a log or journal for a week or two and note the times when you feel lonely and when you feel strongly connected to others. This may give you ideas on how you could reduce the number of times when you feel isolated and increase those times when you feel connected. If you are single and feel lonely on Sunday afternoons, a time many people spend with their families, consider getting a group of friends together on a regular basis for brunch or a hike. You might join a sports club that sponsors Sunday afternoon hikes or volleyball games. Or, you could look for a volunteer project that you could do then, such as leading tours at a museum or working in a hospital.

If you are married and feel lonely on business trips, you might develop stronger contacts in places you visit by getting to know clients and their families better or attending meetings of the local chapter of an organization you belong to at home. Or, you might invest in a camera phone or Web camera so that your family can send you pictures of their activities while you’re away. You may feel less lonely if you can see the people close to you in “real time,” not just talk to them.

Signs of loneliness Loneliness is often hard to recognize because it may be masked by other emotions. For example, many people feel “depressed” when a romance or close friendship ends. But they may not be suffering from clinical depression as experts define it. Instead, they may be lonely and may find it easier to overcome the feeling once they have acknowledged it directly. You may be experiencing loneliness if you frequently: • wish you didn’t have to spend so much time alone.

• get together with people you don’t like just so you’ll have company.

• feel that you have nobody to talk to

LONELINESS, continued on page 13

Pentagon

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JaNuary 21, 2011 Alberto Lunetta The Signature Staff

Italy celebrates Pesto Day

Pesto Genovese: an Ageless Benchmark of Great Italian Cuisine

By ITCHEFS-gvci.com There’s no doubt, it’s the most loved raw sauce of the world and, as such, it’s just as famous as mayonnaise, if not, even more so. We’re talking about Pesto, about the only genuine one; the Genoese one (not ‘alla genovese’). Basil, garlic, pine nuts, Grana Padano or Parmigiano Reggiano and Pecorino cheeses, extra virgin oil and a few granules of sea salt. All the other diverse variations floating around the world are nothing more than unsuccessful bogus or aberrations of the original.

Pesto is an ageless benchmark and a contemporary symbol of Italian cooking around the world. It’s enough to think that for dressing pasta only tomato sauce is used more.

In the name of Mortar & Pestle Already in 1876, ‘pesto’ was entered by Giovanni Casaccia in his Genoese Italian dictionary as a word autochthonous of Genoa. The word comes from ‘pestare’, to crush something with a pestle to reduce it to powder, a mash or to the thinnest of layers. Therefore, pesto is also known as ‘battuto genovese’ (Genoese mince or mash). From ‘pestare’ also comes the word ‘pestle’ (‘pestillium’ in Latin) that together with the mortar is the utensil used for making this sauce; a wooden pestle, that is, of hard, compact wood, such as boxwood or pear and a mortar of white marble, of Carrara, unpolished inside. The word ‘mortar’ is derived from the Latin ‘mortarium’, a recipient in which ingredients are minced or mashed, historically not only used in kitchens but also in traditional pharmacies. In the proto-kitchens of many people of the Earth, similar utensils are found, although made out of different materials, such as the ‘molcajete’ and the ‘metate’ of Central America and the Japanese ‘suribachi’.

The ancestors: moretum and agliata Genoese pesto probably descends from the ‘moretum’ of the ancient Romans, a green paste obtained from cheese, garlic and herbs, the preparation of which is described, moreover, in a verse attributed to Virgil. Pesto, as we know it today, was not well known in

the times of Cristoforo Colombo (1451 1506), the world’s best known Ligurian.

But in the Middle Ages, there was a sauce, defined plebeian by some authors, which can be considered, in some manner, to be the predecessor of pesto. It was called ‘agliata’, simply a mash of walnuts and garlic. For centuries, the latter ingredient has occupied a crucial place in the nutrition of the Ligurians, especially for those who went to sea. And there were many who did, for Genoa and Liguria have had ancient maritime traditions.

These seafarers ingested great quantities of it since they believed it warded off illnesses and infections during the long voyages in conditions of extreme hygienic precariousness.

The first recipes Mashed garlic is mentioned in the documents of the City of Genoa of the 17th century, while the recipe for true pesto starts to appear only in the 19th century. During the first half of the latter appear recipes that do not contemplate pine nuts and in 1863 Giovanni Battista Ratto published La Cuciniera Genovese, considered to be the first and most complete book on the gastronomy of the Region of Liguria and in which the recipe for pesto, with pine nuts, is the following: “Take a clove of garlic, basil (‘baxaicö’) or, when that is lacking, marjoram and parsley, grated Dutch and Parmigiano cheese and mix them with pine nuts and crush it all together in a mortar with a little butter until reduced to a paste. Then dissolve it with good and abundant oil. Lasagne and troffie [Liguria kind of gnocchi] are dressed with this mash, made more liquid by adding a little hot water without salt.”

The presence of Dutch cheese instead of pecorino should be of no surprise; first of all, various recipes of that time mention a generic ‘cacio’ (cheese), and then because Gouda was plentiful in Genoa since the city’s maritime commerce with Northern Europe. Furthermore, the differentiation between Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana Padano cheese is a recent one, it is very probable that until the institution of the respective consortia of protection (in the 1950’s), grana types of cheeses were used in pesto

without distinguishing one from the other. Parsley or marjoram as alternatives to basil is a concession resulting from the fact that, then in Liguria, where this plant originating from India was abundant, but only when in season.

Pesto Genovese is for pasta!

Ratto’s recipe for Pesto states unmistakably that it is a sauce for dressing pasta, for lasagne, and for ‘troffie’ or ‘trofie’ that in Liguria are elongated and twisted gnocchi, with pointed extremities and fatter waists. These are not to be confused with ‘trofiette’ that are smaller and in fact are more used with Pesto.

Trofie, kneaded out of white flour are a speciality of the town of Recco in the Province of Genoa, the same town that gave birth to the famous focaccia. Trofie and trofiette, there’s even a version made out of chestnut flour, are, therefore, fresh, handmade pasta. Genoa however is also an Italian capital of the production of dried pasta. Already in 1279, when Marco Polo was still in China, the Genoese Ponzio Bastone left a basket of dried pasta, in inheritance to his sons.

Genoese Pesto honours this great tradition, so the dried pasta variation of the dish is ‘trenette’ (or ‘trinette’), with a shape similar to ‘mafalde’ but thinner than linguine or fettuccine.

In the 1800’s, the pasta al pesto was considered to be a working class dish and nowadays the recipe of that time has remained substantially the same. There was and there is still in Liguria the habit of adding potatoes, broad beans or French beans, and sometimes zucchini cut into small pieces and boiled together with the pasta. Especially in Genoa, potatoes and French beans are added to classic or improved (avvantaggiate) trenette, that is, ones made out of whole wheat flour, or to trofiette. Rules are not always fixed.

For some, “avvantaggiate” are trenette to which vegetables have been added and there is, furthermore, a purist school that categorically excludes potatoes from trofie. In general it is said that in Liguria it’s difficult to find two equal versions of pesto, because of the variations, sometimes within the same family, such as the PESTO, continued on page 13

Genoa - Over 2,000 participating restaurants in roughly 40 countries honored real Genovese pesto on January 17th, marking the fourth annual International Day of Italian Cuisine (IDIC).

Genovese pesto was chosen as the official dish of IDIC 2011, a worldwide celebration of authentic Italian food that will even see pestobased Ligurian specialties served on 14 ships of the Italian cruise company Costa Crociere.

"Pesto Day is an important showcase for our manufacturers to publicize, promote, and distinguish real Genovese pesto from false imitations," agricultural councilor Giovanni Barbagallo told reporters in Genoa.

"Defending the traditional pesto recipe from imitations is a priority for Liguria."

To that end, the oily green sauce beloved by Italian food fans the world over may also soon have its own certification.

The Liguria region is seeking a European Union "STG" (Guaranteed Traditional Specialty) mark for pesto meeting strict criteria for genuine, Ligurian ingredients.

"With the STG designation we want to protect the seven ingredients of true pesto: PDO Genovese

basil, garlic, olive oil Riviera Ligure PDO, salt, pine nuts, pecorino and grana padano cheese," added Barbagallo.

PDO stands for Protected Designation of Origin, a European certification the Liguria region has already secured for locally produced basil and extra-virgin olive oil.

"We want to unite the name of Liguria with the territory's quality products, like pesto, as a fundamental strategy for tourism development through (Ligurian) culinary specialties," declared Genoa's tourism councilor Angelo Berlangieri.

The word "pesto" comes from "pestare", or to crush with a pestle and mortar, a reference to the original method for creating the Genovese sauce.

Hence pesto is also known as "battuto genovese" or Genovese mince or mash. The pasta condiment was still rare in the days of legendary Genovese explorer Christopher Columbus, but had become well established by the 19th century.

IDIC's Pesto Day is officially sponsored by the Liguria Region, Grana Padano cheese, Genova Pasta and a consortium of olive oil makers, among others.

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Symphonic Concerts at Bellini House The Catania Bellini Opera House has reopened its gates to return to a full season of performances. Throughout the symphonic season there will be prestigious guest artists and soloists of international, national acclaim. The following concerts will be performed in January.

Jan. 22, 2011 - 9 p.m. / Jan. 23- 5:30 p.m. Stefano Ranzani (conductor) and Gioacchino Giuliano (trumpet). Music by Hummel, Mendelssohn and Brahms.

Born in Milan, where he started his musical studies, Stefano Ranzani is recognized as one of his generation’s most compelling conductors.

From 2007 to 2008 he was the Music Director of the Teatro Massimo “V. Bellini” in Catania where he conducted various symphonic concerts and opera productions. Graduated in violin in 1979, he continued to study piano and composition in Milan. In 1980 he became one of the principal violinists of the Orchestra of Teatro alla Scala and of the Filarmonica. In 1983 he started his career as a conductor. He studied with Leonard Bernstein and worked as assistant to Gianandrea Gavazzeni (Dallasopera.com).

Jan. 28- 9 p.m. and Jan 295:30 p.m. 2011 – Hubert Soudant (conductor) and Mariana Pentcheva (mezzo-soprano). Music by Berlioz, Schubert and Schumann.

Born in Maastricht in 1946, Hubert Soudant conducts the most prestigious European orchestras. Her operatic repertoire includes Ulrica in Un ballo in maschera, Preziossila in La forza del destino, Azucena in Il trovatore, Eboli in Don Carlo, Amneris in Aida, Mrs. Quickly in Falstaff, Maddalena in Rigoletto, Cuniza in Oberto (Verdi), Santuzza in Cavalleria rusticana (Mascagni), Laura in La Gioconda (Ponchielli), Adalgisa in Norma (Bellini), Venus in Tannhauser, Ortrud in Lohengrin

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Photo by Bellini Opera House Press Office Dutch Conductor Hubert Soudant returns to lead the Catania Bellini Opera Orchestra in a captivating program featuring music by Berlioz, Schubert and Schumann on Friday, January 28 and Saturday, January 29. Soudant will be sharing the stage with Bulgarian mezzo-soprano Mariana Pentcheva.

(Wagner), Principessa di Bouillon in Adriana Lecouvreur (Cilea) and many other roles. She performs regularly at La Scala, the Arena di Verona, the Royal Opera House Covent Garden and the opera houses of Florence, Naples, Rome, Bologna, Trieste, Palermo, Turin, Parma,

Catania, Venice, Wexford, Berlin, Brussels, Buenos Aires, Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Zurich, Dresden, Leipzig, Tokyo, San Diego and others.

For more information and tickets visit http://www.teatromassimobellini.it

Italian working make progress Story by ANSA

(ANSA) - Rome - Italian men are more inclined to lend a hand in the domestic sphere than they were 20 years ago, but women have a very long way to go to reach gender parity, a government survey found.

In two-income couples with children, where women were between 25 and 44 years old, women still handled 78% of domestic duties as of 2009.

The women worked for pay nearly two hours less per day than men, yet the working mother's overall workday, between paid and domestic tasks, was 71 minutes longer than the working father, according to the annual Report on Social Cohesion issued by the Labor Ministry, the Italian pension agency INPS, and the Italian government statistics office (ISTAT).

In 1989, Italian working mothers with male partners handled a greater share of domestic duties, or 86.5%, and they worked 2.5 hours more per day than men between paid and unpaid domestic tasks.

Italian men are willing to shop and, to a lesser degree, to clean and cook, although they still will not touch the laundry.

Men handled 41.7% of purchases of goods and services in 2009, versus 36.2% twenty years earlier.

They took on 16.4% of household cleaning compared to 8.4% in 1989.

Their willingness to cook stood at 19% as of 2009.

Women still tackled 98.2% of laundry tasks in 2009 versus 99%

mothers

20 years earlier, in a country where few households use automated driers and ironing is a regular, timeconsuming chore.

Working mothers devote an average of 5 hours and 9 minutes per day to the family, whereas working fathers dedicate 2 hours and 4 minutes.

Men have increased their participation in family life by 30 minutes per day since 1989, as women reduced theirs by 38 minutes.

Working mothers clocked an average of 9 hours 28 minutes per day on family and paid work in 2009, whereas their male partners devoted a total of 8 hours and 17 minutes.

Working fathers toiled a total of 53 minutes longer per day than their counterparts 20 years ago, however, while working mothers gained 26 minutes of free time over the same period.

But in southern Italy, both working parents are working longer hours than they did in 1989.

Fathers increased their total workday by an average of 63 minutes, to 7 hours 57 minutes in 2009.

Nevertheless, working mothers saw their toils lengthen by 12 minutes to 9 hours 55 minutes over the same period.

Non-working mothers in Italy have not seen much change in the distribution of domestic tasks over the last two decades.

They shoulder 90% of the domestic workload compared to 93% in 1989.

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JaNuary 21, 2011

Nicolosi - gateway to Mt. Etna

By Tracie Barnthouse The Signature Editor

With its tree-lined, quiet streets, cafes serving thick, rich hot chocolate, the laid-back, cool vibe, and close proximity to Mt. Etna, Nicolosi is as close as you're going to get to a ski town in Sicily.

Site: Nicolosi rates five out of five stars. The town is small but bustling, and Via Etnea, Nicolosi's main street that cuts through the city, is the main route to get up to Mt. Etna, which means that you'll find plenty of restaurants and things to do.

For the Sigonella shopper, you'll be happy to know that there is a large variety of shopping to be had in Nicolosi. From fresh produce straight from the fields surrounding Etna to clothing, shoes, ceramics, home furnishings and souvenirs, there's something for everyone.

There are also many restau-

rants, and you can't go wrong with where you end up choosing to eat. Most of the restaurants keep that "ski town" feel by lighting a wood fire in the fireplace and having storage for weary skiers and sledding fans to store their gear. Do keep in mind that Nicolosi virtually shuts down during the hours of 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. During this time, Via Etnea is practically deserted and most of the stores and restaurants are closed, so plan your trip accordingly. It is recommended to tour the city in the morning before making your way up to Mt. Etna's south side, since Nicolosi is the last city you go through before heading up onto the mountain.

Benvenuti A Nicolosi - Welcome to Nicolosi, GateAs Nicolosi is the way to Etna

"Gateway to Etna," it's only natural that it houses Sicily's Volcanological Museum and Observatory. For a one Euro entrance fee, you receive an audio tour through Mt. Etna's past eruptions, what insects and mammals can be found around the volcano, and other educational information.

Make sure that the employee giving you the audio player knows that you need the tour in English. After the MP3 tour, you will be guided to a room to watch a short film about Mt. Etna's past and more specifically, about the eruption from 2002. An interesting fact about Nicolosi is that officials used a new tactic to divert the flow of lava away from the city by placing strategically located explosives to tempt the lava to flow in another direc-

tion. This ingenuity may have saved Nicolosi from Mt. Etna's wrath.

After the 15-minute film, tour the Volcano museum and see the various lava rocks that came from the mountain, the heat suits used when gathering lava samples, and photos from past eruptions, even going back to the 1800s! The museum is open on Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. On Tuesday and Thursday, it is also open in the afternoon, from 3:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. It is closed on Monday.

Nicolosi is home to a number of cathedrals. There is the Cathedral church, with a wooden Crucifix from the 16th century, the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, which is a 17th century church that was rebuilt in 1884 and whose unique characteristic is that there are no side aisles, the simple and elegant San Giuseppe church, which is embellished by canvases dating from

(Left) The Volcanological Museum and Observatory offers a 360degree view of Mt. Etna and the surrounding cities and their proximity to the lava flow. (Above) The museum gives tour-goers a look at the various rocks formed from Mt. Etna’s eruptions, as well as historical photos of past eruptions.

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the end of the 18th century, and the Church of SS Cosmas and Damian or "Souls in Purgatory," which was ruined in 1669 and rebuilt in the same place in the 18th century.

Other churches include the Church of the Madonna del Carmelo, which is located in the oldest part of town, and inside includes numerous paintings, and the San Nicola Monastery, which was founded in the 12th century and has a storied past. In 1558, the monks abandoned the monastery after the eruptions of 1536, 1537 and 1542 earthquake destroyed the village. Afterward, Nicolosi was rebuilt further down the valley to its present site, but in 1669, the eruptive mouths of Monti Rossi opened a few hundred meters from the village and the monastery was invaded by lava. The eruption of 1669 is by far the largest eruption in Mt. Etna's past, with lava flowing as far as Catania and to the coast. The people of Nicolosi refused to move elsewhere and started to rebuild, only to once again be knocked down by an earthquake in 1693. The Monastery has since been completely rebuilt and renovated and is located only a few kilometers from the city center.

If you are looking for a place to do some ice skating this season, Nicolosi is the place to be. To organize the crowds, the officials of the rink have set up three sessions for skaters. The first session is from 5:15 p.m. until 6:15 p.m., the second from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. and the third from 7:45 p.m. until 8:45 p.m. The rink is open everyday except Wednesday and admission for those with their own skates is two Euro, for those who need skate rental, four Euro, and they even sell disposable socks for 0.50 Euro. After all of that skating, head to one of the many ristorantes or pizzarias for a late dinner, as most places open around 7:30 p.m. or so.

Helpful hints: Since Nicolosi is located high on Mt. Etna, the weather is a bit chillier than you'd normally find down on base. Because of that, be sure to bring a heavy coat, gloves and scarf in the winter, as the temperature goes down at night. During the day, a light coat is advisable. In the summer, a trip to Nicolosi is highly recommended, as it is a few degrees cooler than the cities located further down the mountain.

Accessibility: Four out of five

There are a few parks and open spaces in Nicolosi for kids to run and play. Also, Nicolosi is very dog-friendly, so if you have a furry four-legged friend, bring him/her along. Enjoy the fresh air and cool mountain breeze while sitting on a bench people-watching, or bring a book along to enjoy the day.

Moroboshi

stars. Reaching Nicolosi is fairly simple. As with most locations, there are dozens of ways to get to them, but if you don't own a GPS unit, the easiest way to get to Nicolosi is: get on the A19 toward Catania, merge onto A18 toward Messina and take the exit toward SP10/Gravina/Etna. Stay right where the road forks to go on Via Etnea. Enter the next roundabout and take the first exit onto Via Antonio Gramsci/SP10. Go straight through one roundabout. Enter the next roundabout and take the second exit onto Via Alcide de Gasperi/SP10. Go straight through one roundabout. Enter the next roundabout and take the second exit onto SP10. Enter the next roundabout and take the first exit onto Via Bosco/SP10. Via Bosco/SP10 becomes Via Glavagno. Stay straight to go onto Via Etnea. Or, to make it easier, get off on the Gravina exit and follow the brown ‘Etna Sud’ signs to Nicolosi. Parking in Nicolosi is a cinch. Simply find a spot along one of the tree-lined streets and pull in. The town is fairly small and quite walk-able, so you will never be too far away from your vehicle.

Travel time: Four out of five stars. The trip to Nicolosi rates four out of five stars because it takes 4045 minutes to get there.

Family Friendly: Five out of five stars. Nicolosi is an ideal town for families with kids of all ages.

Small toddlers will enjoy wandering around the public parks, playing on the numerous outdoor jungle gyms, and enjoying the fresh, crisp air.

There is a slight incline along the way, but nothing that's not too difficult for children. The older kids will enjoy learning about Mt. Enta's past eruptions, touring the various mountain climbing stores, and enjoying a fresh slice of pizza. A great day would be to venture out to Nicolosi in the afternoon, wander around the stores and museums, go ice skating, and then grab a bite to eat at one of the many familyfriendly restaurants. Your kids will be fast asleep long before you hit the road to head back down to base.

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One of the not-to-miss activities during the winter season in Nicolosi is ice skating. Located at the very tip of the main road in town, Via Etnea the ice skating rink offers skating every night of the week, excluding Wednesdays. The rink offers skate rental for a small fee, as well as an admission fee.

Review Summary

Site: Family Friendly:

Accessibility: Travel Time:

These ratings are out of five stars, and are the opinion of the Signature staff and in no way constitute a professional travel review. If you have comments or questions on this review contact: thesig@nassig.sicily.navy.mil

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OCS, continued from page 3 the students.

Capt. Kenneth Gray, OTC commanding officer, said because the command provides accession training to 65 percent of the Navy's new officers, "the RDCs at OTC have a tremendously positive influence on the newest generations of naval officers; an influence that lasts for decades."

"My challenge, and my vision for the RDCs is that they will model the very best division officer/chief petty officer relationship that our students should expect to experience in the fleet," Gray said.

Gray said that during the initial stages of OCS training, the RDCs focus on the militarization of the students and developing their discipline.

But over time the focus shifts, and by the end of training the RDCs concentrate on mentoring the students and instilling the confidence and competence in them that they will need as leaders.

"Being an RDC at OTC is a challenging yet extremely rewarding assignment, Gray said. "Our RDCs routinely get letters and e-mails from former students that thank them for their training and for being a positive role model.

Sometimes these letters can make your eyes water."

Many of the current senior enlisted RDCs agree with their commanding officer and senior enlisted advisor about the job at OCS being very rewarding.

"These candidates are the future of the Navy, and I wanted to come here to be able to make a difference in making sure these future officers are ready to join the fleet," said Chief Machinist's Mate (SW) Jamie Hebert. "It's a chance to mold a competent, confident and disciplined junior officer to send out to the fleet."

Hebert called being an RDC at OTC challenging but a great opportunity to have an impact on the future of the Navy.

"It also gives me sense of pride to carry on the traditions of the Navy and being able to instill some of those traditions, naval heritage or leadership to these individuals coming off the street and joining the Navy," Hebert said.

He also said one of the main jobs of any chief in the Navy, especially in fleet, is to train the newly-commissioned ensigns and junior officers to be a division officer and future leader.

"Here at Officer Training Command, we have that opportunity everyday to train the candidates in a multitude of different facets," Hebert said. "This is definitely a more influential way to get the JOs (junior officers) ready for the fleet."

Senior Chief Yeoman (SW) Patricia Arnold, presently the only female RDC at OTC, called it great duty for any female chief.

"This is an amazing tour and by far the best of my 22 years," Arnold said. "I would encourage female and male chiefs to come here. This is where you can share your experiences. This is where these young men and women are looking for guidance and direction in their lives. And this is where the chiefs that come here as RDCs are able to share those experiences and give that guidance to start these future officers out on the right foot."

Whether a first-time RDC at OTC or a second-tour RDC, all senior enlisted coming to OTC to train and mentor officer candidates need to attend RDC school at RTC. Even if the chiefs had been to the "C" school before, they need to refresh and be updated on any changes to the training of both recruits and officer candidates.

All Sailors looking to wear the "red rope" attend RDC School at RTC prior to duty. However, for RDC chiefs going to Newport, the few weeks of shadowing RDCs with recruit divisions at RTC isn't required. These chiefs go directly to OTC and receive a couple weeks of the training that is needed for OCS.

Arnold said there have also been discussions at OTC on adding OCS curriculum to RDC School, but she feels the hands-on training senior enlisted RDCs receive upon first arriving to OTC is effective.

"I think what we learn here when we arrive at OTC is tailored perfectly to the job we need to do," she said.

"There is nothing better than to have the hands-on training of shadowing an OCS class, and then everything else comes with time. The great thing about the program here is we're allowed to make changes, to tailor it to our own teaching styles and be the chief."

OTC is overseen by Naval Service Training Command (NSTC), headquartered aboard Naval Station Great Lakes, Ill. NSTC manages all initial Navy officer and enlisted accessions training except for the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA).

Navy OCS was established in 1951. The Navy previously operated two officer candidate programs, OCS in Newport and Aviation Officer Candidate School (AOCS) at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Fla. AOCS trained prospective naval aviators, naval flight officers, aviation maintenance duty officers, and air intelligence officers, while OCS trained all other officer communities.

The original Navy OCS in Newport was closed in April 1994 when the programs were merged as a single OCS aboard NAS Pensacola. Subsequently, in 2007 the consolidated Navy OCS curriculum was relocated back to Newport by direction of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission of 2005.

For more information on OTC and OCS, visit http://www.ocs.navy.mil/.

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*Breakfast: Farina, Grilled Ham Slices, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Buttermilk Pancakes, Asstd Doughnuts, Butterhorns. *Brunch: Breakfast Items, Logging Soup, Baked Tuna and Noodles, Pork Fried Rice, Cajun Oven Fries, Steamed Broccoli, Glazed Carrots, Almond Cookies, Blueberry Pie. *Dinner: Cream of Mushroom Soup, Beef Stir Fry, Steamed Rice, Fried Okra, Corn Whole Kernel, Almond Cookies, Blueberry Pie. Choice hamburger or hotdog by order

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*Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Minute Steak, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, Asstd Doughnuts, Kolaches. *Brunch: Breakfast Items, Bean & Bacon Soup, Cheddar and Chicken Broccoli, Rosemary Potato Wedges, Steamed Brussels Sprouts, Glazed Carrots, Hermits, Velvet Pound Cake. *Dinner: Pepper Pot Soup, Jaegerschnitzel, Rice Pilaf, Cauliflower Polonaise, Seasoned Succotash, Garlic Bread, Hermits, Velvet Pound Cake.

Choice hamburger or hotdog by order

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For more information on RDC School, visit http://www.bootcamp.navy.mil/staff/rdc _school.asp/.

For more news from Naval Service Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/greatlakes/.

*Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Sausage Links, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Asstd Doughnuts, Apple Fritters. *Lunch: New England Clam Chowder, Lemon Pepper Pollock, Grilled Pork Chops, Steamed Rice, Garlic Roasted Potatoes, Asparagus, Creole Green Beans, Sugar Cookies, Cheese Cake, Vanilla Cream Pudding.

Speed line: Grilled Hamburger/Cheeseburger, French Fries, Baked Beans. *Dinner: Vegetable Supreme Soup, Teriyaki Chicken Breast, Oven Browned Potatoes, Spinach, Stir Fry Vegetables, Sugar Cookies, Cheesecake, Vanilla Cream Pudding.

Choice hamburger or hotdog by order

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*Breakfast: Hominy Grits, Minced Beef w/ Toast, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, Asstd Doughnuts, Butterfly Rolls. *Lunch: Beef Noodle Soup, Pasta Carbonara, Yankee Pot Roast, Southwestern Rice, Parsley Buttered Potatoes, Calico Cabbage, Sprouts Superba, Almond Cake, Peach Crunch, Butterscotch Pudding. *Speed line: Assorted Pizza. *Dinner: Cream of Potato Soup, Salisbury Steak, Brown Rice w/ Tomatoes, Collard Greens, Lyonnaise Wax Beans, Almond Cake, Peach Crunch, Butterscotch Pudding.

Choice hamburger or hotdog by order *Breakfast: Farina, Oven Fried Bacon, Baked Sausage Patties, Biscuits and Gravy, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Asstd Doughnuts, Butterfly Rolls. *Lunch: Arroz Caldo Soup, Chicken Adobo, Beef Caldereta, Steamed Rice, Cut Green Beans, Steamed Carrots, Fruit Cocktail Upside Down Cake, Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Speed line: Philly Cheese Steak, Onion Rings. *Dinner: Manhattan Clam Chowder, Lasagna, Cream Style Corn, Baked Hubbard Squash, Fruit Cocktail Upside Down Cake, Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Choice hamburger or hotdog by order

*Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Creamed Ground Beef, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Blueberry Pancakes, Asstd Doughnuts, Danish Diamonds. *Lunch: Mulligatawny Soup, Roast Turkey, Meatloaf, Steamed Rice, Mashed Potatoes, Chicken Gravy, Peas & Carrots, Steamed Cauliflower, Sweet Potato Pie, Shortbread Cookies, Peach Gelatin. *Speed line: Grilled Cheese/Hamburger, Baked Beans, French Fried Potatoes. *Dinner: Chicken noodles soup, Fishwich, Steamed Rice, Lima Beans, Vegetable Stir Fry, Sweet Potato Pie, Shortbread Cookies.

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, Pineapple Carrot Muffin. *Lunch: Corn Chowder Soup, Pineapple Chicken, Beef Sauerbraten, Orange Rice, Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Asparagus, Summer Squash, Devils Food Cake, Fruit Nut Bar. *Speed line: Assorted Pizza. *Dinner: Beef Noodle Soup, Chicken Parmesan, Steamed Rice, Steamed Broccoli, Seasoned Carrots, Devils Food Cake, Fruit Nut Bar. Choice hamburger or hotdog by order

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Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) comes to Sigonella Command Fitness Leaders and fitness enthusiasts looking for that competitive edge look no further.

Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) has the tools for you. AFAA is an opportunity for you to expand your future knowledge on the latest fitness information.

By expanding your fitness awareness you will be able to offer more to sailors and dependents. AFAA is bringing Sigonella four classes this year Military Fitness Specialist Certification, Indoor Cycling Instructor Training, Primary Group Exercise Certification, Practical Yoga Instructor Training.

Military Fitness Specialist Certification is a new

class. It is a unique class that combines the knowledge and

skills of personal fitness trainers and group exercise instructors.

This course is designed to assist active duty military members and civilians working with military members. It is designed to increase participants fitness knowledge and programming skills and will be beneficial for anyone who plans, imple-

ments, and/or leads physical training sessions and programs for military members.

The course includes supplemental training concepts for Fitness Improvement (or remedial) Programs and enhanced fitness programs.

The Certified Military Fitness Specialist will be able to instruct specific group fitness classes, unit physical training sessions, and provide appropriate orientations and program designs for member groups and individuals.

Classes will be offered Feb. 25-27, Monday – Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Please register at the Fit District x4951. Remember to register early as it takes time to ship the books.

midtoWN moVie theaterS SChedule & deSCriPtioNS

LITTLE FOCKERS- Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Teri Polo, Blythe Danner

Friday, January 21 5:00pm Harry Potter: Deathly Hallows PG-13 5:30pm Little Fockers PG-13 7:30pm Burlesque PG-13 8:00pm Due Date R Saturday, January 22 2:00pm Megamind PG 2:30pm Tangled PG 5:00pm Little Fockers PG-13 5:30pm Burlesque PG-13 7:30pm Love & Other Drugs R 8:00pm The Generals Daughter R FREE Sunday, January 23 2:00pm Tangled PG 2:30pm True Grit PG-13 4:30pm Burlesque PG-13 5:00pm The Next 3 Days PG-13 6:30pm Love & Other Drugs R Tuesday, January 25 5:00pm Megamind PG 5:30pm The Green Hornet PG-13 7:30pm Burlesque PG-13 8:00pm Love & Other Drugs R Wednesday, January 26 5:00pm Harry Potter: Deathly Hallows PG-13 5:30pm Burlesque PG-13 7:30pm True Grit PG-13 8:00pm For Colored Girls R Thursday, January 27 5:00pm Megamind PG 5:30pm Little Fockers PG-13 7:30pm Unstoppable PG-13 8:00pm Due Date R Friday, January 28 2:00pm Ice Age: Dawn of Dinosaurs PG FREE 2:30pm Nanny McPhee returns PG FREE 5:00pm Chronicles of Narnia: Dawn Treader PG-13 5:30pm The Green Hornet PG-13 7:30pm Burlesque PG-13 8:00pm Love & Other Drugs R

The test of wills between Jack Byrnes and Greg Focker escalates to new heights. It has taken 10 years, two little Fockers with wife Pam and countless hurdles for Greg to finally get "in" with his tightly wound father-in-law, Jack. After the cash-strapped dad takes a job moonlighting for a drug company, however, Jack's suspicions about his favorite male nurse come roaring back. When Greg and Pam's entire clan -- including Pam's lovelorn ex, Kevin -- descends for the twins' birthday party, Greg must prove to the skeptical Jack that he's fully capable as the man of the house. But with all the misunderstandings, spying and covert missions, will Greg pass Jack's final test and become the family's next patriarch -- or will thecircle of trust be broken for good? (98 min.)

MEGAMIND- Will Farrell, Brad Pitt, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill, David Cross

Megamind is the most brilliant super-villain the world has ever known... and the least successful. Over the years, he has tried to conquer Metro City in every imaginable way -- Each attempt, a colossal failure thanks to the caped superhero known as "Metro Man," until the day Megamind actually defeats him in the throes of one of his botched evil plans. Suddenly, the fate of Metro City is threatened when a new villain arrives and chaos runs rampant, leaving everyone to wonder: Can the world's biggest "mind" actually be the one to save the day? (96 min.)

TRUE GRIT- Matt Damon, Jeff Bridges, Josh Brolin, Hailee Steinfield, Barry Pepper A spunky 14-year-old girl sets out to avenge her father’s death with the help of an aging, drunken, one-eyed marshal. (110 min.)

FOR COLORED GIRLS- Janet Jackson, Loretta Devine, Michael Ealy, Kimberly Elise, Omari Hardwick

"For Colored Girls" brings to the screen Ntozake Shange's Obie Award-winning play, a poetic exploration of what is to be of color and a female in this world. (134 min.)

HARRY POTTER: DEATHLY HALLOWS- Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, John Hurt, Helena Bonham Carter

Harry, Ron and Hermione set out on their perilous mission to track down and destroy the secret to Voldemort's immortality and destruction -- the Horcruxes. On their own, without the guidance of their professors or the protection of Professor Dumbledore, the three friends must now rely on one another more than ever. But there are Dark Forces in their midst that threaten to tear them apart. Meanwhile, the wizarding world has become a dangerous place for all enemies of the Dark Lord. The long-feared war has begun and Voldemort's Death Eaters seize control of the Ministry of Magic and even Hogwarts, terrorizing and arresting anyone who might oppose them. But the one prize they still seek is the one most valuable to Voldemort: Harry Potter. The Chosen One has become the hunted one as the Death Eaters search for Harry with orders to bring him to Voldemort...alive. Harry's only hope is to find the Horcruxes before Voldemort finds him. But as he searches for clues, he uncovers an old and almost forgotten tale -- the legend of the Deathly Hallows. And if the legend turns out to be true, it could give Voldemort the ultimate power he seeks. Little does Harry know that his future has already been decided by his past when, on that fateful day, he became "the Boy Who Lived." No longer just a boy, Harry Potter is drawing ever closer to the task for which he has been preparing since the day he first stepped into Hogwarts: the ultimate battle with Voldemort. (145 min.)

Page 11

mWr

Don’t be that guy or girl Living overseas is a great experience for young sailors.

The Liberty program offers single sailors, many activities to enhance living abroad.

The Management of Take 5 and Liberty program wants sailors and the Sigonella community to know that there are many services offered besides a night of drinking.

Everyone loves a little competition right?!? So, here is your chance to prove to yourself, to your shipmates, and the rest of Naval Air Sta-

tion Sigonella that your command has the right spirit and responsible drinking way of life. "Operation That Guy Challenge" kicks off this Monday, January 17, 2011 so mark your calendars. The challenge sponsored by the Liberty program of Sigonella targets your commands single sailors, E5, and below. All you have to do is make it 6 months without a DUI/ARI and the Liberty program will throw a party for your command plus bragging rights. So "Don't be That Guy" and let the competition begin!

Come out and Play with us at MWR MWR is currently hiring. The Child Development Center, Fitness & Sports, Community Activities, and Auto Skills Center. The CDC is looking for child youth assistants, and a cook. Sports and Fitness has flexible positions as a recrea-

tion assistant and recreation aid. Auto Skills Center is looking for a recreation aid. To join the MWR Team come by the MWR Administration building Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4 pm.

Teen Beat by Robyn What to do?

With exams right around the corner, no one is quite sure what to do with themselves. Fresh from winter break, everyone is holding onto the mentality of ‘I have lots of free-time.’ But school is back and, very unkindly, brings semester exams with it.

Now the students are trying to balance the required studying with the desired activity, whether it be reading, playing sports, or sleeping. A lucky few manage to concentrate while all the others are left in the struggle of balancing everything.

Exams mean that the year is half over. Students are halfway between another school year, halfway to being a year wiser, and halfway between summers. Semester exams are the turning point in

the year, promising a completely fresh start and the bonus of a few days off. Except exams promise these things on the condition of being taken.

It’s a sweet deal, right?

About half of the students really worry about their exams, taking lots of time to study and worry. The other half do as little as possible in preparation and hope to pass and, as always, there are those caught in the middle who do something to get ready but not everything they could do.

Right now, the students are holding their breath, waiting for this ordeal to be over.

Once it is, a large but quiet exhale will be heard over the afternoon breeze.

Page 12

JaNuary 21, 2011

DUI, continued from page 1 the accident, but that’s not the point.

“I’m not going to say I was innocent,” he said. “I thought I was being respectful of the law. But, that wasn’t the case. I acted without thinking. I was drinking. I became a murderer on four wheels.”

Phillips learned there are consequences for his actions.

“The things that you did to hurt people, that’s what they do to you,” said Phillips, referring to the justice system. “I separated a man from his family; so they separated me from everyone I loved.

“We call it ‘dead time’ because prison preserves you,” Phillips said. “If you go in at 22, 10 years later you’re still 22, but the rest of the world has changed 10 years.”

A mothers’ son Ida Jackson was six months pregnant when she gave birth to 2-pound Dominic Phillips in 1978.

“He came into this world fighting,” is how Jackson describes her prematurely-born son.

One of eight children, Dominic was a precocious youth. He was always trying to make people laugh and make his mother happy, she said.

“We were poor,” Jackson said. “It was very difficult. I couldn’t afford to give my children an allowance or a lot of material things.”

Dominic seemed to realize this at a young age. When he was 5 years old, Phillips collected a large ball of lint and proudly gave it to his mother for her birthday.

A couple of years later, he was embarrassed that he couldn’t buy his mother a Christmas present.

So, “he snuck into my bedroom, took some of my old jewelry, wrapped it up and gave it to me for Christmas,” Jackson recalls. “I had to try and pretend to be surprised.”

Jackson raised her family on Jefferson Street — “on the edge of the hood,” is how she describes the location of the home, which is nestled near Mason and Wood streets. Those neighborhoods have a history of youth gang activity, Jackson said.

To keep her young children off the streets, she bought them table games and books. She said she spent as much time with her children as a single mother could.

“I tried to be a good mother,” Jackson said. “But, sometimes the pull of the streets can become stronger than family values. Dominic started hanging out with the wrong crowd.”

By the time he turned 16, Jackson said she was worried about her son’s behavior. He was rebelling, smoking marijuana and hanging out with friends who “made him feel important,” Jackson said.

Jackson recalled her son telling her he had found “real love” on the streets because people “have your back. ... You can be somebody big on the streets.”

“I remember sitting on the floor and having a talk with Dominic,” Jackson said. “I told him there’s a fine line between you just hanging on the street and getting shot, or shooting someone. Something has to change.”

Jackson tried to send Dominic to live with her brother, a corrections officer in Manistee, but her son refused. He briefly went to live

with his father in Muskegon Heights, but his troubles continued.

He was arrested for selling marijuana in school.

“If I’d had somewhere to send him, I’d have sent him,” Jackson said. “He needed to get away from here.”

When Dominic turned 17, Jackson strongly encouraged her son to join the Navy.

“I didn’t want to see my son go away,” Jackson said. “But, he needed to get away from here. He needed to get away from some bad influences.”

Mending a broken heart Every New Year’s Eve, Jackson waits for her children to call and wish her a happy birthday. Even when Phillips was aboard a Navy ship, he would phone his mother.

Ten years ago Phillips’ call never came.

Several days later Jackson learned about her son’s car accident.

She shuttled between Muskegon and Virginia to attend her son’s trial.

She still grieves about what happened.

“I went through a whole gamut of emotions,” Jackson confesses during a recent interview. “I tried to raise my children to be good, productive citizens. What happened to Dominic was devastating, it wasn’t just a speeding ticket.

When I heard what happened, I just fell apart. I cried and cried.”

During Phillips imprisonment, Jackson tried to make sure that her son knew how much he was loved. Jackson and other family members visited, called or wrote letters to him every week.

“He made a terrible, terrible mistake,” Jackson said. “But, you don’t just leave them there and forget about them.

“Every day I pray to God: ‘Use that bad situation to teach him something.’ God can take a bad thing and do something good with it.”

Trying to make good Phillips was released Feb. 5, 2009.

Since his release, Phillips said he’s discovered why so many ex-convicts return to prison. As of 1994, approximately 70 percent of released prisoners are re-arrested within three years, according to statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Justice.

“Nobody wants to hire a felon,” Phillips said. He said his efforts to find a job have been fruitless and frustrating. Before he was sent to prison, Phillips received an honorable discharge from the Navy, so his benefits have allowed him to enroll in classes at Muskegon Community College.

His said his dream would be to start his own business and hire ex-convicts who need a job. In February the military will consider his request to re-enlist in the Navy. He said rejoining the Navy is probably the most realistic option he has.

Phillips said he hopes sharing his story discourages others from drinking and driving, and encourages them to make better decisions than he has.

Phillips said he hopes sharing his story discourages others from drinking and driving, and encourages them to make better decisions than he has.

“You never think something like this can happen to you,” Phillips said. “I want to tell my story

because it could easily become their story.”

For the past 10 months Phillips has been getting to know his now 9-year-old daughter, Tre’ Janie.

She currently is living with him in Muskegon.

Phillips said he knows the odds of success are not in his favor.

One in nine black men ages 20 to 34 is behind bars, according to a 2008 study conducted by The Pew Center on The States, a research center based in Washington, D.C. “I know people who prison has become a revolving door for them,” Philips said. “They can’t survive out here.”

Phillips says he couldn’t survive going back to prison.

“I have too much to lose,” he said. “I have a lot of people who love me and who I love. I have a daughter — I’ve missed most of her life. I’m not going to let this happen again.

“If not for myself, for her.”

SKIN, continued from page 2 easily when touched, scratched, or shaved. They may be a bit painful to the touch. These skin cancers typically appear on the cheeks, forehead, temples, bald scalps, and the backs of the hands. They also can occur on the ears and lips, where they are somewhat more dangerous. They are very much related to sun exposure, so obviously, they most often appear where the sun shines. They can appear as early as age 25, though they are much more common in the 40’s and beyond. These are also the skin cancers that are most easily prevented by proper sun protection; including clothing, hats, and liberal sunscreen use.

The earliest form of Squamous cell carcinoma, called Actinic Keratosis, is very common. These typically appear as flat red scaly spots on the face…especially the temples, forehead, and cheeks.

Skin cancers are diagnosed by biopsy. Biopsies are small pieces of skin that are taken and sent to the pathologist for microscopic examination.

Remember…..The key is moderation. Some sun is great, but too much sun exposure could have consequences later in life…both early aging, and skin cancer. Of course, if you are concerned about any lesion on yourself, or your loved ones….see a health care professional for a thorough skin examination.

Next time we’ll discuss Melanoma and Sun Protection.

Melanoma is the skin cancer that, while being rarer than either squamous cell cancer or basal cell cancer, spreads rapidly. It is a killer.

alone, especially if you would prefer to share these with others. The more of these feelings you have, the more likely it is that you feel lonely and might benefit from strengthening your ties to others.

Ways to cope with loneliness The best way to deal with loneliness may depend on its cause.

Situational loneliness -- the kind that results from missing a specific person or group -- may last only a short time and will go away on its own. If you feel lonely because your partner is away on a business trip, you may know you’ll feel less lonely when the person returns.

Until then, it may help to distract yourself with enjoyable activities, including some you can’t share with your partner. If you like action movies and your partner prefers romantic comedies, rent videos or DVDs you know your partner wouldn’t enjoy. Make popcorn and have a party for one, or invite a few friends over to join you.

Frequent or long-term loneliness requires a more active approach.

Research has shown that this type of loneliness can have serious health consequences. Long term loneliness can increase your risk of many mental and physical conditions, from depression to heart disease. And researchers have found that people who have strong connections to others live longer. Even if you beat the odds, you’ll enjoy life more if you don’t always feel lonely. Remember, loneliness, like other feelings, is not permanent; you can do something about it.

Here are some tips on how to reduce or avoid feelings of loneliness.

• Know that it’s okay to feel lonely at times. Remember that loneliness does not indicate personal weakness or a shortcoming; it’s just part of being human. Giving yourself negative messages about loneliness will only make it worse. Instead, try to look at feelings of loneliness as a wake-up call that can help encourage you to make positive changes in you life.

• Acknowledge your loneliness. Consider writing about your feelings in a journal, poem, song, or an unsent letter. This will provide an outlet

Palermo

LONELINESS, continued from page 5 about things that are important to you.

• worry about who would help you in an emergency.

• feel that nobody really understands or cares about you.

• have trouble making or keeping friends who share your interests and values.

• feel isolated from people or excluded from activities you would like to join.

• wait for people to call or write to you, or extend invitations, instead of taking the initiative and getting in touch with them.

• stay at work longer than you need to because you don’t know people outside the workplace or don’t want to return to an empty home.

Coping with Loneliness • spend holidays or other special days

for your feelings and may help you see things you could do to ease your loneliness.

• Learn to enjoy your time alone. Think about the kinds of things you might like to do alone, such a reading a good book or listening to music you love. Perhaps you want to start a hobby you’ve meant to make time for, or develop your creativity with painting or drawing. You might start with short periods alone that may gradually increase as you feel more comfortable and enjoy your activities.

• Reach out to others. Many people are lonely because they wait for others to call, send e-mail, or extend invitations. You may have to learn how to reach out to others in order to feel less lonely. The first step is always the hardest and can be especially difficult for shy people. But be willing to take even a small step to make new acquaintances or strengthen ties to old friends.

• Set realistic goals. If you have few close friends, don’t try to become the most popular person at work or on your block. Instead, set goals you can achieve, such as inviting a co-worker out for coffee or calling a friend or relative you know will want to hear from you every Sunday.

• Get involved in community activities. Try to find at least one shared activity you can enjoy every week, so you will always be able to look forward to spending enjoyable time with others.

You might take a class, join a house of worship, or get involved with a team, club, or volunteer activity.

• Aim to have more than one close friend. Many people are lonely because they expect too much of one or two close friends, such as a partner or best friend, who may not always share their interests or be able to meet their emotional needs. A good way to avoid this situation is to develop a diverse group of friends from different areas of your life, such as school, work, and other activities.

• Make time for in-person conversations. Sending e-mail or text messages and making quick “check-in” calls can be a great way to keep in touch with old friends or reach out to new

Stampa

JaNuary 21, 2011 ones. But everybody needs face-to-face conversations to feel strongly connected to others, so be sure to make time for these, too.

• Be willing to overlook small flaws or differences. Loneliness can sometimes result from expecting perfection. Accept other people’s small flaws or differences as readily as you would like them to accept yours. Every friend doesn’t have to share all your views or be your “soul mate.” Having a diverse group of friends will allow you to get to know people who have different strengths than you do.

• Avoid relying too heavily on the Internet. Many reputable Web sites have message boards, forums, or interactive features that let you talk online with people who share your interests. But spending too much time on the Internet can lead to isolation. Limit your time online, so the Internet doesn’t become the sole focus of your social life. And always take safety precautions. Never give out personal information that could compromise your identity and, if you want to get together with someone you’ve met online, meet in a public place and let someone know where you’re going.

• Remember that you can be lonely if you are in a relationship or have a lot of friends.

Loneliness has more to do with your feelings than with how long you’ve been married or how many friends you have.

You can be lonely in a marriage if you can’t talk to your spouse about the things that are important to you. And you can have an active social life and feel lonely if your relationships seem superficial to you or don’t meet your needs.

• Think about getting a pet.

Research has shown that having a pet can help to ease feeling of loneliness in a variety of ways.

In addition to providing companionship, pets can make it easier to connect with people you might like to know. For example, if you get a dog and walk it at

the same times each day, you may find easier to get to know your neighbors -not just because you’ll see each other regularly but because you’ll know you have a shared interest in dogs.

• Be patient. Friendships don’t happen overnight. It takes time to build caring and trust. Take advantage of opportunities to build new relationships, but don’t be disappointed if they don’t develop as quickly as you’d like.

• Consider talking to a therapist or another counselor if you can’t seem to connect with the people in your life. Loneliness may be sign of a deeper problem that would benefit from the help of a professional who can suggest ways to form stronger connections or bring people into your life who would meet more of your needs.

Your employee assistance program (EAP) may be able to help you find a therapist or counselor in your community.

Overcoming loneliness can have many physical and emotional benefits. The best way to feel less lonely is to take a proactive approach to reaching out and developing stronger connections to people you know or would like to know.

The program that provided this publication has additional resources on making and keeping strong friendships.

For more information on how to copy with loneliness contact your Fleet and Family Support Center at 6244291.

PESTO, continued from page 6 addition of walnuts, ricotta or other cheeses. This has happened with various typical Italian dishes, many of which have ‘terminated’ their evolution only within the most recent decades. In Italian cooking, the variations of a dish not only represent the wealth of diversity, but also an indirect legitimisation of its generally accepted version.

Uncouth Pesto It’s very possible that, as

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Giuseppe Gavotti wrote in 1973 in his Cucina e vini di Liguria, the original pesto was ‘uncouth’, that is, it contained a lot of garlic. In 1965, even the great gastronomist Massimo Alberini, in his I Liguri a Tavola. Itinerario gastronomico da Nizza a Lerici (The Ligurians at the table, a Gastronomic Itinerary from Nice to Lerici) made a similar commentary, letting us understand that the pesto recipes of the 1800’s were somewhat stingy with the basil, using only a couple of leaves, and abounding in garlic, using three or four cloves of it. Certainly the Arab-Persian taste, which dominated the sauces of Genoa from the Middle Ages until the 1800’s, had a lot to do with this. As well as the predilection for and the ‘need’ of garlic by the Ligurian seafarers, who considered it as almost medicinal. Invariably, today’s Pesto is far more lady-and-gentleman-like and balanced, with a far more noticeable presence of basil, preferably Ligurian basil and ideally basil from the Genoese hills of Pra, with a long, thin leaf.

PDO ingredients. When possible In the same text, Alberini underlined the role of the olive oil in the recipe; it should neither be too fruity nor too bitter. The Ligurian extra-virgin olive oils are ideal. Just as Genoese basil, the extra-virgin olive oil of the Riviera Ligure has obtained the D.O.P. granted by the European Union in recognition of its quality and typicality. Furthermore, for a pesto that does honour to the territory of origin are to be used: a) the garlic of Vessalico, in the Province of Imperia, of delicate flavour and particular digestibility, b) Italian pine nuts and c) the coarse salt of the Cervia salt flats.

It’s obvious that outside Italy it’s not always possible to find all these autochthonous ingredients. The production of Italian pine nuts, for example, has noticeably dropped in recent years due to the Pine Processionary, a parasitic devastation for the pine nut pine. Therefore, in order to prepare an authentic pesto, the minimum necessary requirement is to have quality ingredients and to follow

the original recipe.

It’s easier to find Grana Padano and Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses on the international market, and especially advisable are those that are good and mature. It’s relatively easy to find pecorini, ewe cheeses, from Romano cheese that is judged by some to be a little aggressive to Fiore Sardo cheese, ideal when seasoned six months.

Consorzio del Pesto Genovese and Pesto Championship The Genoese Pesto Consortium has been formed by the Region of Liguria and associations of producers.

Its mission, as its president, Andrea Della Gatta, chef and owner of Trattoria Andrea un Genoa, explains is “to safeguard the traditional recipe for pesto, along with all its quality ingredients and first and foremost, obviously to use Liguria basil.” The Consortium has presented a request for the recognition of quality STG (Specialità Tradizionale Garantita, Guaranteed Traditional Speciality) for pesto. The Genoese Associazione Palatifini, led by Sergio and Sara di Paolo and by Roberto Panizza, organises the World Championship of Mortar-made Genoese Pesto every two years in Genoa, to confirm its Ligurian imprint and its universality as a foodstuff of quality and taste. The Palatifini initiative deserves particular praise because the mortar and pestle, both at domestic as well as professional level, have given way to the processor. From the gastronomic point of view, as pointed out by the chef Enrico Tournier: “When we prepare pesto alla genovese with the classic mortar and pestle, we subject the instrument to the product while respecting the right proportions of the ingredients because we are the ones to decide the proportions of the doses. While when using a mixer, in order to succeed in cutting the basil we have to add more oil than otherwise necessary, thus altering the doses and in such manner we subject the product to the instrument.”

Genoese Pesto in the world Pesto has reached great popularity in the world, also thanks to the crews of the mercantile ships and the passengers that set sail from the Port of Genoa to most diverse of destinations.

Pesto found itself at home in La Boca, the ‘Genoese’ district of Buenos Aires, and started to spread out in the main ports of the USA Immediately after the Second World War, some companies began exporting pesto in jars to the US. And at the same moment, the first recipes appeared in American newspapers.

According to many sources, pesto reached its greatest popularity is the United States in the ‘80’s of the last century. At the beginning of the ‘90’s its popularity grew even more when Frank Sinatra started to commercialize a pesto sauce that carried his face on the label. Also its counterfeiting began, with the supermarkets invaded by approximate copies

Page 13

of the original. In the meantime, pesto became to be really successful in the Italian restaurants around the world. A new breed of Italians, Ligurians chefs and restaurateur placed it on the menus and made the dish according to the original recipe. Zeffirino was, without a doubt, the pioneer of this generation.

These days pasta, be it trenette, trofie, gnocchi or lasagne, with pesto is amongst the best known Italian dishes in the contemporary world.

New Places

New Briefs Protestant Women of the Chapel Spring Kickoff Event!

Tuesday, January 25 at 9:15 a.m.

NAS I Chapel Fellowship Hall Refreshments and childcare will be provided For more information, visit our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/pwoc sigonella or contact the Chapel office at DSN 6243975.

Health Promotions Great American Spit Out, February 24 Crews into Shape 2010 challenge, 1-28 March For more information, call 624-4710.