The Feb. 4 issue of The Signature

Vol. 28 No. 5

february 4, 2011

Check us out online!

facebook.com/nassigonella

youtube.com/sigonellavids

cnic.navy.mil/sigonella

DVD machines arrive in Sigonella

By MCSA Cameron Bramham The Signature Staff The Sigonella Navy Exchange (NEX) has found a way to replace the video rental store located on NAS Sigonella Operations Side with a new ‘DV Matic 550’ DVD dropbox which has been put outside the NEX SevenDay shop.

“We did a short-term contract with Softland International to install the DVD drop machines in Sigonella and Naples called DV Matic 550,” said NEX Service Operations Supervisor Tracy Spencer. “This is more of a trial run to see how people react to the machine, but we’re hoping to have more on the base with-in a year.”

Spencer said that right now, the machine only holds about 170 DVDs but says that over time, he hopes to fill the machine to its maximum capabilities of 550 DVDs and will have video games available in the near future.

“Every Tuesday, the machine adds the new DVD releases for that week,” said Spencer. “Right now we’re thinking that we can get up to 15-20 new DVDs into the box every week.”

“Prices for the rentals are $1.50 for new movies (less than 180 days old) and $.75 for ‘catalog’ movies (more than 180 days old),” said Spencer.

DVD, continued on page 12

NAS Sigonella stands up DUI Task Force

By MC2 Gary Prill NPASE East Since day one of joining the Navy, every Sailor from E-1 to E-9 has heard what driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol can do to their life and career. Not only does a Sailors decision to drive after consuming alcohol affect them, but it also affects their family, their shipmates, and the families of whom they may injure while driving under the influence.

For Sailors the message is clear: The NASSIG CO will hold service members found g uilty of DUI accountable using all available tooks at his dispo-

Weather

top StorieS

Feb. 4 H: 61 update L: 41 Burn Prevention Week is Feb. 6 through the 12th.

Learn tips on how to avoid and prevent scalds and burns.

PAGE 2

iNSide

Direct Line 2

sal, ranging from NJP to administratively separate offenders from the Navy.

“If you receive an BCD or a OTH you can expect to forfeit some or all of your Navy benefits, including your Montgomery G.I. Bill,” said Naval Air Station Sigonella (NAS) Regional Legal Service Officer Department Leading Petty Officer Legalman Second Class Rowena Downing.

Since Jan. 1, 2011, NAS Sigonella Sailors have had three DUI incidents, two of them resulting in recommendation for administrative separations.

To proactively stem this tide, NASSIG leadership had stood up a DUI Task Force, led by NASSIG ComFeb. 5 H: 62 L: 40

Feb. 6 H: 64 L: 44

Four jets from Oceana Naval Air Station in Virginia Beach will perform a flyover prior to the start of Super Bowl XLV. Read more, and see who our panelists chose to win the big game.

PAGE 3 Navy News 3

mand Master Chief Leland Moore and comprised of selected members of the NAS Sigonella community and tenant commands.

“The ultimate goal for the task force is to reduce the total number of DUIs to zero,” said Moore. “With the help of the “Task Force” we intend to provide alternatives to drinking and driving.”

With only their second meeting completed, the task force has already come up with ideas to start fixing the problem.

“We’ve identified some areas of focus within programs currently imFORCE, continued on page 12

Feb. 7 H: 62 L: 44 Almond trees are in blossom in Agrigento. e city is currently hosting through Feb. 13 the amazing annual Almond Blossom Festival and the prestigious International Folklore Festival. It’s worth the trip!

PAGE 6 Community Calendar 4

Feb. 8 H: 60 L: 41

VITA Tax Center open for NAS Sigonella community

By MCSA Cameron Bramham The Signature Staff It’s the time of year that we all dread. That’s right Sigonellans, tax season is officially upon us and some of you may have many questions or concerns on how or where you should fill out your papers this year. That is why the Sigonella Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Center will be opening its doors Feb. 7 to any person who needs assistance filing their taxes.

The program offers free tax help to low-to –moderate-income people who cannot prepare their own tax returns.

The service is operated by the Navy Legal Service Office Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia Detachment Sigonella.

The Tax Center will be operating at the Fleet and Family Support Center (Building 319) on NAS I on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and at Naval Legal Service Office (building 564) on NAS II on Mondays and Wednesday. Both offices will be open from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Visits should be made by appointments, however walk-ins may be allowed depending on availability of a preparer. You will need a proof of identification, social security cards for

Feb. 9 H:62 L: 42

World Nutella Day is tomorrow! Celebrate the day by making one of the delicious Nutella recipes highlighted on pages eight and nine, plus an extra on page 10.

PAGE 8 MWR Corner 11

you, your spouse and any dependents and/or a social security number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration. Also, birth dates for you, spouse, and any dependents, wage and earning statements (W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, etc.) from all employers, interest and dividend statements from banks, a copy of last year’s federal return if available, bank routing numbers and/or account numbers from direct deposits, and total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider’s tax identification number.

To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.

For more information, or if you would like to set up an appointment, contact Gina Gesa at 6242991.

Ten Facts about VITA according to IRS.gov 1. The IRS sponsors both the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs.

2. The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program offers free tax help to people who earn less than $49,000.

3. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program offers free tax help to taxpayers who are 60 and older.

TAXES, continued on page 12

Traffic Numbers

Feb. 10 H: 65 L: 48 ITT is taking adventurous people up to Mt. Etna to snowshoe through the fields. If snowshoeing isn’t for you, check out the other tours they have coming up!

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!

page 2

feBruary 4, 2011

DirecT LiNe Many world-class organizations use mottos to help simplify a set of complex standards and missions into something simple and real that the whole organization can embrace.

VADM Mike Vitale, Commander Navy Installations Command (CNIC), the Navy leader to whom NAS Sigonella ultimately reports, has adopted the motto of “supporting the Fleet, Fighter and Family.” This simple phrase identifies the groups which Navy installations support and gives us all a clearly defined mission - it reflects a system which allows us to prioritize our efforts.

I am absolutely convinced that, as the “Hub of the Med,” NAS Sigonella executes VADM Vitale’s vision in a world class fashion; however, I feel just as strongly that the motto could be “supporting the Family, Fighter and Fleet.” As most recognize, the support that a family provides a serv-

NaS SigoNella CommaNdiNg offiCer, Capt. Butler

ice member can make or break that service member and often affects performance at the job. Strong family support helps ensure a focused service member at work and that means the fleet, and the fighter, will get the critical supplies and services faster and with less risk of distractions.

Conversely, issues at home may translate to a distracted service member who then underperforms at work, hurting his or her career and potentially putting other lives at risk due to the nature of our profession.

As most of you know by now, my family is a priority in my life, and it was the reason behind the string of 96-hour liberties I have granted over the past few months. Serving our Nation as members of the Navy means nearly all of us will be away from our families at some point, whether on deployment or IA. While on shore duty, however, I want to give each and

every one of us the chance to strengthen our ties at home, invest time in our loved ones, and create that support network that truly drives our Navy from behind the scenes. I highly encourage that you take every chance you get to spend quality time with your family - whether that means playing sports, traveling locally or abroad, or just developing and deepening common interests. Time spent with family is always time well-spent.

For those single service members who live and work at NAS Sigonella, I would encourage you to proactively build your own “extended family” here through friendships. When you get right down to it, a family is simply a group of people who love and support each other through thick and thin. I know that I have relied on good friends throughout my career to support me during difficulat times and I feel confident that you can find

Antiterrorism brief Do you know how to get one?

By Lt. J. Alan Vaught

Assistant Security Officer

Everyone knows the policy of getting a local Antiterrorism brief prior to going on leave, but do you know who is capable of giving you the brief that you need?

Anyone qualified as an ATO Level II is capable of giving the brief. Ask around at your command to find yours, or go see the Installation Antiterrorism Officer or Antiterrorism Representative at Bldg. 724 (MVRO).

While traveling, play it safe for the New Year by utilizing these simple steps to make it a fun filled trip: let someone know outside of your command (relative or friend), where you'll be traveling and your expected return 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

date. Notify the local consulate or embassy of your presence in that country, and if at all possible use the travel buddy system.

When riding a train, choose seats in the aisle, and choose window seats towards the wings of the aircraft when flying.

We have a unique opportunity to tour many wonderful and exciting places while stationed at Sigonella; using precautionary measures such as these may help to reduce the chances of becoming a victim -- Just make sure you're taking the steps to be safe while seeing the sites.

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

that same type of support network here.

Sometimes the stresses of working overseas may take its toll on you and your family, overwhelming even the strongest of support networks. During these times, I’d ask you to remember that we have a great group of Navy Chaplains and a full support team at Fleet and Family Support Center who are ready and willing to help you and your family at such times. These professionals are utterly committed to assisting everyone in the Sigonella Community to cope with the rough waters that will, invariably, strike each of us from time to time.

To all of the family members at NAS Sigonella: I want to personally thank you for the sacrifices you make to ensure this Base is one of the best in the entire Navy. Your efforts in supporting our wonderful service members are greatly appreciated,

invaluable, and I know the successes we will experience this year will be the direct result of your hard work behind the scenes.

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-Thursday 1200 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

Burn Prevention Burn Awareness Week - Feb. 6 - 12

By Brent Blasco NASSIG FES Battalion Chief Sarah and Tom sit in one of the rooms in the ER with tears streaming down their faces.

They have been there for only 30 minutes, but it seems like an eternity as they try and comfort their little girl, Christine.

Sarah was in the kitchen cooking and had only turned her back for a second. That second was long enough for 15month-old Christine to reach up and pull the pot of boiling water down from the stove.

Sarah is having difficulty holding Christine since the burns are on Christine’s chest, neck and arms. Christine cries every time the burned areas come into contact

by Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity, Capodichino (Naples), Italy - Tel. 081-568-7884, 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.

with anything and she is in so much pain even after her dose of pain medi-

cine. The nurse and doctor come into the room with another dose of pain medicine. Christine squints shut her big brown eyes and cries as she receives a second dose in her thigh. The doctor explains that this second dose should be enough that they will soon be able to clean the burned areas of skin.

Sarah is barely able to hear the words that the doctor is saying as she tries to

comfort Christine and the accident continues to replay in her head. She is able to hear bits and pieces as the doctor explains that they will remove the dead skin, wash the area, apply some cream and then bandage everything. The doctor is trying to explain that Sarah and Tom will have to watch as they will need to do the dressing twice a day at home. Sarah keeps thinking if only she had placed the pot on the back burner, none of this would have happened.

Tom asks the doctor if there will be any scarring. The doctor’s response is if there is scarring it will be minimal as the burns are not that deep.

The second dose of pain medicine is starting to work and Christine softly snores. The nurse has gathered all the supplies. As the doctor starts to clean the burned areas, Christine awakens and softly cries. The tears begin to roll down Sarah and Tom’s faces once again as they must watch and learn how to care for Christine’s injuries all the while knowing that she is hurting.

Christine is one of the lucky ones.

Each year there are approximately

BURNS, continued on page 12

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: 081-5682983 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.

page 3

feBruary 4, 2011

Oceana jets will perform Super Bowl flyover

By Newport News Daily Press

Four jets from Oceana Naval Air Station in Virginia Beach will perform a flyover prior to the start of Super Bowl XLV, the Navy announced last Thursday.

The aircraft and crews are assigned to Carrier Air Wing 7, which is attached to the Norfolk-based USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier.

The flight will be led

by Cmdr. Ben Hewlett, and four squadrons from the wing will participate. They will fly two F/A-18C Hornets, one F/A-18E Super Hornet, and one F/A-18F Super Hornet.

Flyover requests are vetted by the Navy’s Community Outreach Office, said Mike Maus, spokesman for Naval Air Force Atlantic. Once approved, they are sent out to the Atlantic and Pacific naval air forces and made available to squadrons on a first-come, first-served basis.

It wasn’t clear exactly when the flyover would occur, but it traditionally happens during the last few notes of the national anthem, which will be sung by Chri-

Bravo Zulu to the following Commands leading in Individual Medical Readiness: NCIS: 100% NLSO: 100% Navy Munitions: 97% Naval Hospital Sigonella: 91% NCTS: 87% (Percent of Staff Fully Medically Ready) Brought to you by your Flight Line Clinic, Medical Home Port

stina Aguilera.

The Super Bowl is on Feb. 6. Kick-off is at 6:30 p.m.

(12:30 a.m. Sigonella time)

It’s time for the big dance, and the last pick our panelists have to make.

It’s been fun! Who’s going to come out on top?

Vazana: This was fun, and I don’t think I can explain how the most knowledgeable football fan out of the bunch ends in last place; it baffles the mind. Everybody has to get lucky once in awhile, and it was all of your turns to get lucky.

Clifton: The Steelers started the first four games of the regular season without their QB and battled their way to the Super Bowl. The Packers lost their pro bowl running back in the opening game of the season, and fought their way to the big dance as well. Both teams are playing excellent defense, as most Super Bowl contenders usually do. However, the difference in this game is going to be the play of QB Aaron Rodgers. He has been by far the hottest player this post season. At the end of the evening, Aaron Rodgers will have two new pieces of hardware; the Vince Lombardi Trophy and the Super Bowl MVP award. It should Steelers vs. Packers be a very entertaining game Super Bowl MVP and at the end Point Spread of the night, the Packers will win by 10 points.

Thank you for allowing me to participate and be

part of the “dream team” of football analysts. Good luck to everyone in your future endeavors. My parting comment is for AC3 Vazana. You are clearly “not” the most knowledgeable football guy out there, nor am I. One piece piece of advice, don’t go to Vegas... the odds are not in your favor. : ) Beadles: I agree with Clifton on everything but the spread. Packers by 3.

Vazana: I said “out of the bunch,” not the world. A lot of misunderstanding going on here.

Packers: I think Aaron Rodgers will be too much for the Steelers to handle, continuing his ridiculous play in the biggest game of the year. It truly turned out to be a good Super Bowl match up.

MVP: Aaron Rodgers 3TDs, 250+ yards Point Spread: Packers 20 - Steelers 17 +3 Glasser: First of all, to clear up any miscon-

ception that our friend Vazana has, I think it is clear who the most knowledgeable football mind is in our bunch. All you have to do is simply check the scoreboard!

Second, it has been proven that experience wins over youth more times than not. This will be the case in Super Bowl XLV. Yes, Aaron Rodgers has been lights-out in the playoffs, but that’s because he has not faced a defense like the Steel Curtain! Not only will Big Ben showcase why he is, and should be, discussed with the elite QB’s in the league, but he will be double-fisted on the award stand at midfield holding the Vince Lombardi and the MVP trophies. Defense wins championships, as will be the case on Sunday. Aaron Rodgers will win a Super Bowl someday, just not Sunday! Steelers in, what some people will call an upset, a hard-fought deserved victory. Steelers 21, Packers 20.

Finally, thank you to everyone on our panel for a great season. I had a blast.

Hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I

did.

Clifton: If defense wins championships, why would Big Ben get the MVP award?

Just sayin’! Let’s not forget why he missed the first four games of the season... That guy is a bum and has no class. If there is a God out there, he will not be standing on the Steelers side line on Sunday. Go Packers! The trophy is named after Vince Lombardi. Couldn’t think of a more fitting team to win it.

Diem: I would really like to see the Green Bay Packers win, but does that mean it’s going to happen? Doubtful! So, I’m going with the Pittsburgh Steelers to win. I hate them but I think they’re ready for another Super Bowl ring. Not like they’re giving it much of a break in between, but hopefully this will be their last year in the Super Bowl for awhile! Super Bowl MVP is going to be Big Ben... hate his face so much!! But, I think he’s doing exactly what the Steelers want him to do, which is bring home another Championship.

ABH1 Ezekial Clifton, Emergency Management

Capt. Joe Beadles, NASSIG

Jeremy Glasser, MWR

AC3 Michael Vazana, NASSIG

Packers

Packers

Steelers

Packers

Steelers

Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers

Big Ben

Aaron Rodgers

Big Ben

Packers by 10

Packers by 3

Steelers by 1

Packers by 3

Record: W-L Overall Record: 62-45 Last week: 1-0

Record: W-L Overall Record: 65-41 Last week: 1-0

Record: W-L Overall Record:68-39 Last week: 0-1

Record: W-L Overall Record: 59-48 Last week: 0-1

LSSA Ashley Diem/Rivera, FISC

Record: W-L Overall Record: 61-46 Last week: 0-1

Calvary Picciolo

Spaghetti House

page 4

feBruary 4, 2011

Red Cross Volunteer Orientation 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Breastfeeding Basics Class 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

New Volunteer Orientation 10 a.m. x4551

Budget for Baby 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. x4551

Red Cross Special Events Meeting 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

Million Dollar Sailor 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Play Group 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

NMCRS Nearly New Store Open 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

CPR Certification 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Ricotta Cheese Workshop 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Play Group 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.

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

Ristorante Angela

feBruary 4, 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. What’s happening in February at the Center

By FFSC Sigonella

Days Inn

Dr, Riccardo Milici

Personal Financial Management Classes “Credit Management” Feb 8, 09001130 How do credit cards determine monthly finance charges?

What is a grace period, annual fee, APR? If you have always wanted to know and never had the time to investigate, this is the class for you.

Not only will we discuss the common fees associated with credit cards but also the hidden ones as well. We also discuss the importance of credit reports and scores, how to get and correct them, and where to go to get credit help.

“Thrift Saving Plan” Feb 1, 09001030 Learn how the military’s TSP program can help you not only reduce your taxable income but also grow tax deferred money for your retirement. This class provides an overview of he basic rules and investment options associated with the military’s TSP. “Million Dollar Sailor” Feb 15-16, 0730-1600 Million Dollar Sailor targets many of the current financial challenges that face our Navy personnel and their families including security clearance issues, credit management, identity theft, bankruptcy, mortgage and foreclosure issues, government credit card abuse and the multiple issues involving Internet buying and selling.

Million Dollar Sailor (MDS) is a two-day training designed to assist Sailors and their families to successfully navigate through the transitions of Navy life and the financial challenges that accompany them.

The Million Dollar Sailor Program provides a comprehensive overview of steps to enhance personal financial fitness.

“Home Buying Strategies” Feb 22, 0900-1200 This module is designed

Pentagon

to provide attendees basic information regarding understanding the home buying process to include associated cost, unfamiliar terms and things to consider prior to the purchase.

“Command Financial Specialist Training” Feb 28-Mar 4, 0800-1600 A little more knowledge doesn’t hurt. Become Your Command’s Financial Specialist. Learn the real deal about finances and pass the information on to your shipmates. Topics Include: TSP, Money Management, Basic Budgeting, How to buy a car, How to buy a house, Investments, How to Survive Debt, Checkbook Management, Transition Costs.

Intercultural Relations Classes “ICR for new comers” Feb 11-16 & 25– Mar 2 0800-1530 Provides understanding of Italian culture, language, culture adaptation and culture shock. Includes a field trip on the last day of the training and it’s offered every other week.

“Cooking Class” Feb 24, 0930-1530 This class is designed to be a total hands-on cooking experience.

The class helps the participants familiarize with the simple, yet exquisite Italian Cuisine with respect to Italian cooking traditions. Every month a different local restaurant to discover!

“Ricotta cheese workshop” Feb 3,09001400 This full immersion, handson cultural experience takes us off base giving participants the opportunity to follow the process of making the famous Sicilian Ricotta .

“ICR for Youth—TOPOLINO” Feb 8 and BENVENUTI Feb 9 This monthly program is to assist youth in providing factual information: culture specific; conceptual information in teaching tools for understanding and dealing with differences and in viewing behavior of their own culture and the other culture. It includes a visit to a local school in the economy.

Information & Referral Classes

“Survive & Thrive” Feb 17, 08001400 It’s always exciting to arrive at a new Duty Station. As you begin this new journey, you will have many questions. We have created this spouse orientation class to help you during this introductory period. We know that if we provide you information and helpful hints, your tour in Sigonella will be successful and rewarding. Our goal is to help you!

“Ombudsman Basic Training” Feb 2224, 0900-1600 The Training will include the required Basic Curriculum necessary for certification, as well as advanced training elements. The information will be “state of the art” and include all changes to date. In the Ombudsman Symposium (held in Norfolk this last June) the new manual was presented. This is also the reason why the course is relevant to both new and veteran ombudsman. The training is required for newly appointed Ombudsman, current Ombudsman, CO and XO spouses are also welcome, and Command Master Chiefs are encouraged to attend.

Life Skills Classes “Stress & Anger Management” Feb 17, 1300-1500 This class will offer effective ways of dealing with anger and how to manage stress at work or in the home.

“Effective Communication” Feb 14, 0900-1100 Do you constantly have difficulty resolving problems with others? The Conflict Resolution class will teach you how to handle conflict with others, what to do if the conflict get heated, and how to resolving the problem. This class will teach you how to maintain your composure when you feel like your 'button' are being pushed. Also the

CALENDAR, continued on page 13

page 6

feBruary 4, 2011 Alberto Lunetta The Signature Staff

Almond Blossom Festival in Agrigento this weekend Almond trees are already in full blossom in Agrigento spreading their delicious perfume in the air, all around the enchanting Valle dei Templi (Valley of the Temples). Agrigento, which according to Greek poet Pindar is the “most beautiful city of mortals,” is currently hosting through Feb. 13 the amazing annual “Sagra del Mandorlo in Fiore” (Almond Blossom Festival) and the prestigious International Folklore Festival.

The almond trees in full blossom dotting this enchanting Greek archeological site, which features traces of an ancient and proud civilization, provide a unique and breathtaking spectacle.

Agrigento annually celebrates the beauty of this ancient tree through a spectacular International Folklore Festival that draws thousands of tourists from all over the world.

The almond, which is considered as a symbol of rebirth and beauty, is the first tree to come into flower after the winter season. Almonds are native to central Asia and the Mediterranean, even though they are also cultivated in the Middle East, Italy, Spain, Greece, and California that produces over 70 per cent of the world crop.

According to legend, the origin of the almond tree is rooted in a Greek mythological story. It tells of the beautiful princess Phyllis who died of a broken heart for having been deserted

by Demophoon, a Greek king whom she loved. Demophoon had left Phyllis to return to Athens for a short visit but never came back for months.

Phyllis’s tragic death moved the goddess to turn her into a barren almond tree which when embraced by

the grieving Demophoon on his delayed arrival, burst forth into full bloom.

The tale is a true demonstration of undying love.

The Valley of the Greek Temples and the historic center of the town are the backdrop for a worldwide brotherhood celebration. About twenty folklore groups from around the world showcase their heritage through traditional dance, music, and costumes.

During the festival, city balconies and windows will be decorated with colored flowers.

The origins of the festival date back to the 1930s. Every year, at the beginning of February, the farmers of Naro, a small village in the Agrigento province, used to celebrate the early almond blooming with songs, dances and float parades. The festival also helped to promote local community produce. Through the years, the festival, which was moved to Agrigento, earned an international reputation as a celebration of peace and friendship that involves folklore groups from all over the world.

Here are some of the festival’s highlights. Nearly every night there will be a folklore show and parades in the city’s historic center.

Folklore parades will be held along via Atenea and in piazza Cavour at 11 a.m.

Don’t miss to see the spectacular shows featuring folklore groups from 16 countries (Italy, Greece, Russia, Portugal, Serbia, Colombia, Bulgaria, Georgia, Sierra Leone, Belarus, Korea, Moldova, Romania, Lithuania, Turkey and Mexico) that will be staged tonight and on Feb. 12 at 4 and 9 p.m. at

Photo by www.sagradelmandorlo.net

Every year, Agrigento celebrates the beauty of the early Almond trees’ flowering through a spectacular International Folklore Festival running through Sunday, Feb. 13. Under the amazing backdrop of the eternal Greek Temples and the historic center, Folklore groups from around the world showcase their heritage through traditional dance, music and costumes the Palacongressi, which is a convention center situated in Villaggio Mosè, a small town located just outside Agrigento.

The last day of the festival (Sunday, Feb. 13) will feature an amazing final show at 2:30 p.m. at the Valley of Temples.

Tickets are required at some events such as concerts and some folklore shows. For more information, detailed schedules visit http://www.sagradelmandorlo.net

Aricola Gambino

Not such a Tourist anymore: Johnny Depp splashes out on £8.5million Venice Palazzo Story and Photo by www.dailymail.co.uk Johnny Depp has bought a £8.58million palazzo in Venice after falling in love with the city last year.

The actor, 47, spent several months in the Italian tourist hotspot while filming The Tourist with costar Angelina Jolie last year.

And it appears he was so taken with the City of Bridges, he won a bidding war for the 17th century Palazzo Dona Sangiantoffetti.

According to local newAmerican Hollywood star Johnny Depp is believed spaper La Nuova Venezia, to have bought the Palazzo Donà Sangiantoffetti in the Hollywood star outbid Venice for £8.58million.The Palazzo overlooks the an Arab prince for the Grand Canal and is situated in the Santa Croce area empty building for 10million euros. of Venice. The 17th century building includes arThe Palazzo is one of the twork on the ceilings. Depp filmed The Tourist with only available buildings Angelina Jolie in Venice last spring. overlooking the Grand Canal and is situated in the Santa Croce area of Venice, not far from the Santa Maria Mater Domini Church.

While it needs some restoring, it includes high decorated ceilings, a roof platform and ornate columns.

The palazzo would be a holiday home for Depp, his French singer/actress partner Vanessa Paradis and their two children Lily-Rose, 11, and Jack, eight.

During his promotional tour for The Tourist, Depp spoke highly of his love for the City Of Bridges.

He admitted he loved walking through the quiet alleys late at night when the paparazzi who photographed him and Jolie filming during the day had gone home.

He enthused: 'My experience of Venice really happened between 10pm and 2am when the streets closed and I was able to walk around and experience the poetry of Venice, the ghosts of Venice, all those wonderful dark alleys.

For an actor being able to film within the confines of that magical city certainly helps... The city's magic shone through completely.'

The Venice home is just the latest addition to Depp's property portfolio.

Gelso Bianco

feBruary 4, 2011

Italy’s quiz king's body stolen, Shock over the of Mike Bongiorno's coffin

By ANSA Rome - The body of much-loved quiz show king Mike Bongiorno has been recently stolen from his tomb on Lake Maggiore, 16 months after he was buried there, police said last week. The cemetery custodian at Bongiorno's home town near Arona, 25km north of Milan, told police the tomb had been broken into. A police search established the coffin was missing. There have so far been no claims of responsibility or demands for payment to have the body back. "We are shocked and horrified," Bongiorno's son Michele Jr told ANSA. "Words cannot convey what we feel". Veteran singer and TV personality Iva Zanicchi was among the first to comment on the theft, saying: "It is monstrous". Showman Fiorello, who made a series of hit commercials with Bongiorno towards the end of his life, said: "I have no words to comment on such a cowardly act". Milan Mayor Letizia Moratti recalled that Bongiorno was a longtime resident in the city and said she was "struck by the cruelty" of the incident.

"People who don't respect others, living or dead, don't respect themselves," said the governor of the Lombardy region, Roberto Formigoni. Former singer and showgirl Ombretta Colli, now a member of Premier Silvio Berlusconi's People of Freedom party, said: "I hope it wasn't (done) to spite the premier". Bongiorno, who was credited with bringing the quiz show to Italy in the 1950s and became one of the country's most popular en-

mestic rival Rupert Murdoch, began an ad blitz for Buongiorno's upcoming return, a show called Riskytutto modelled on his old hit and billed as ''The quiz to beat all quizzes''. Buongiorno was born in New York on May 26, 1924 but soon returned to his mother's native Turin and was used during the Second World War as a courier between the Allies and the Resistance.

In Italy, grave robbers have stolen the body of Mike Bongiorno, who had been a Captured and set to be shot, he TV quiz show host there for more than 50 was spared when the Gestapo found his US papers but sent to years. concentration camps including tertainers, died of a heart attack on Matthausen. He returned to New York September 8, 2009 in Monte Carlo. to work briefly on an Italo-American After a pioneering career at state broradio show before arriving in Italy in adcaster RAI, Buongiorno became a 1953 to propose US-style entertainstalwart on media mogul Berlusconi's ment to RAI. His impact on Italian private Mediaset network, known for popular culture was explored by sehis trademark greeting 'Allegria!' miotician and philosopher Umberto (Cheers!). The entertainer was perEco, author of worldwide bestseller haps best-known for RAI's 1955-1959 the Name of the Rose, in a famous Lascia o Raddoppia, the Italian ver1963 essay called The Phenomonosion of The $64,000 Question, which logy of Mike Buongiorno. Buongiorno became one of the most popular Itahimself received an honorary degree lian shows ever. But he set a record from a Milan university in 2007. with Rischiatutto from 1970-'74, a Buongiorno had been in virtual retireversion of Jeopardy!, attracting a ment after his Mediaset contract lapnever-equalled 20-30 million viewers sed, apart from popular mobile phone every Thursday night. Starting in ads with Fiorello, more than half his 1963, Buongiorno hosted 11 editions age. Berlusconi denied he had fallen of the Sanremo song festival. He out with Buongiorno over the conmoved to the fledgling Berlusconi nettract renewal, saying it was ''a misunwork in 1980 and is credited with a derstanding with some people at key role in its success with a string of Mediaset''. The premier said Buonshows culminating in La Ruota della giorno had one remaining dream, to Fortuna (Wheel of Fortune) from become a Senator, and ''I had started 1989 to 2003. Just before his death working on (this)''.

Sky Italia, owned by Berlusconi's do-

Palermo Mobili

Mojito

Stella

Wife wants split aer hubby brings Mamma on honeymoon Paris trip with mother-in-law too much for Naples woman Story by ANSA

Rome An Italian woman has asked for a separation after her husband brought his mother with them on honeymoon.

Marianna C., 36, filed a petition with a Rome judge Wednesday, saying the problem began when she saw her mother-in-law turn up at Rome airport as the couple was set to fly off to Paris.

She "politely" tried to object but her husband Ste-

fano said he "couldn't leave his sick mother alone," according to court papers.

After the three-way honeymoon the mother-inlaw also spent the Christmas holidays with the newly-weds, prompting an exasperated Marianna to drive back home to her own parents in her native Naples.

Stefano's "excessive ties" to Mamma "made it impossible to establish a healthy conjugal relationship," the petition said.

Wild West

page 7

page 8

feBruary 4, 2011

By Tracie Barnthouse The Signature Editor I’ll fully admit: I wasn’t a huge fan of Nutella until we moved to Italy almost three years ago. I had a banana Nutella crepe at the Acireale Beer Festival in August 2008, and I was a goner. I knew Nutella was some kind of hazelnut spread, so I likened it to peanut butter. Let me just tell you – no, it’s not; it’s so much better.

A couple months ago, I lear-

ned that there’s this thing called World Nutella Day, an event created by a couple of popular bloggers to bring Nutella lovers together by sharing recipes and other way to fulfill their daily Nutella quota. I’m a baker (mostly of the cupcake variety, but I’ll make anything once!), so of course I was in. I set aside one Saturday to bake, and bake I did. I made three things: Crostata alla Nutella (this looks like a Nutella pie), Nutella cup-

cakes with Nutella frosting, and a Nutella Fudge Crumble. My house smelled delicious, but since my husband and I are watching our calories, I pawned all my baked goods away, but saved some for my ever-so-picky toddler, who after a first bite, promptly demanded more. She’s my ‘taste tester,’ if you will, and if she likes it, I know it has to be good. Give some of these a try… you’ll either thank me or curse me - for introducing such wonderful deliciousness into your life.

Crostata alla Nutella When I found this recipe, it was all in Italian, so I translated it and converted grams to cups (not as easy as it would seem!), and gave it a try. Oh my gosh.

It’s the best thing I made that Saturday. First things first. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (180 Celsius). If you’re not using a non-stick tart pan (sometimes called a quiche dish), you’ll need to butter and flour the pan you’re using. After that, you need to make the dough, which is called la pasta frolla.

In a mixing bowl, beat together two sticks (1 cup) of cold butter with a little over 2 cups of all-purpose flour. When the mixture looks like sand, it’s ready.

Pour the butter and flour mixture onto a large working surface and make it into a mound. Dump a little over 1 ½ cups (technically, 200 grams) of powdered sugar on top. Now, make a well in the middle. Into the well, add four egg yolks and a dash of vanilla (or lemon zest, your choice). Starting from one side, cover the yolks and vanilla and start folding everything together. I’m going to be honest here. It

took a long time for the dough to resemble dough, and I debated adding water to it, but trust me, as long as you knead it long enough, it WILL come together. I promise.

After your dough looks like dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and stick it in the fridge for up to two hours. I’m not a patient person, so an hour later, I took the dough out and rolled it out into a circle, saving a little bit of the dough to be used for the decorative strips that go on top of the Nutella.

Getting the dough into the pan is kind of tricky, but I think flouring the working surface before rolling the dough out would make it a lot easier.

After the dough is in the pan, poke it a bunch of times with a fork so that when you bake it, it doesn’t bubble. Take one huge jar (750 grams) of Nutella and pour the whole thing in. Fold the edges of the dough over top of the Nutella to form a bit of a crust. Roll out the dough that you set aside and transfer the strips to the dish, making what looks like a lattice. (and if any Italian is reading this and looking at the pictures, please don’t laugh at my sorry attempt. It was my first try!!) Stick it in the oven and bake for up to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges of the crust are brown and the Nutella is a deep, rich brown color. Let the crostata cool in the pan for a while and then turn out onto your serving plate. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Step back and pat yourself on the back: you’ve just made an authentic Italian pastry! As a sidenote: you can also replace the Nutella with any kind of marmalade.

Crostata alla Nutella

Alphio’s Garden

Pietro

New P

feBruary 4, 2011

Nutella Cupcakes with Nutella Frosting Cupcakes are kind of my specialty. I love making them, giving them away, and seeing people smile when they eat them.

So, of course I had to try a Nutella cupcake!

Here’s the recipe I used: 10 tablespoons butter, softened ¾ cups granulated sugar 3 eggs ½ teaspoon vanilla] 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour ¼ teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons baking powder ~1/3 cup Nutella Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line 12 muffin tins with paper liners. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, until fully incorporated. The batter will most likely look lumpy, which is fine.

Add vanilla. Stir in flour, salt and baking powder until batter is smooth and all flour is blended. Fill each liner with batter.

Cups should be about ¾ full. Top each with a little spoonful of Nutella. Using either a toothpick or knife, swirl Nutella, folding some of the batter up and over the Nutella. Bake for about 20 minutes. Cool completely.

You can go ahead and stop here, but to me, a cupcake is defined by the frosting. I kind of tweaked an icing recipe I had, and I think it turned out pretty darn delicious. Here it is: ¾ cups Nutella 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened ¾ cups powdered sugar ¼ cup heavy cream Cream the Nutella and butter together. Add heavy cream and powdered sugar. Beat for about 5 minutes. (just a tip: the longer you beat the icing, the smoother and fluffier it will be)

Place

Icing

Stampa

Magnolia

page 9

page 10

feBruary 4, 2011

Nutella Fudge Crumble 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups old-fashioned oats (rolled oats) 1 ½ cups brown sugar (I only had dark brown sugar and it turned out fine. I think either light or dark would work) 1 teaspoons baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt 1 cup butter, melted 21 oz. Nutella (I just eye-balled it. A few spoonfuls should work) Preheat oven to 350 degrees (180 Celsius) . Spray at 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Pour the melted butter into the mixture and stir. Set aside 2 cups of the mixture, then take the rest and press it into the baking pan.

Microwave the Nutella for 10 second or so, and pour it over the oatmeal crust. Use a spoon to make sure the oatmeal crust is covered. Top with the remaining oatmeal mixture. Bake 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown. Cool for an hour.

4

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

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

Choice hamburger or hotdog by order

5

Breakfast: Farina, Girlled Ham Slices, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Buttermilk Pancakes, Asstd Doughnuts, Crumb Cake Brunch: Breakfast items, Chicken Gumbo Soup, Roast Pork, Cottage Fried Potatoes, Tossed Green Rice, Peas w/ Carrots, Cauliflower Au Gratin, Brown Gravy, Velvet Pound Cake, Vanilla Cream Pie. Dinner: Zesty Bean Soup, Veal Steak, Steamed Rice, Home Fried Potatoes, Glazed Carrots, Savory Style Beans, Chicken Gravy, Velvet Pound Cake, Vanilla Cream Pie. Choice Hamburger or hotdog by order.

6

Breakfast: Rolled oats, grilled minute steak, oven fried bacon, asstd omelets, eggs to order, roasted potatoes, french toast puff, asstd doughnuts, italian croissant.

Brunch: Breakfast items, Knickerbockers soup, steamed rice, pork chops with mushroom gravy, corn o’brien, green beans, marble cake, sugar cookies Dinner: Nutty Split Pea Soup, Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Rice, Mixed vegetables, steamed asparagus, natural pan gravy, marble cake, sugar cookies. Choice hamburger or hot dog by order.

7

8

9

10

Breakfast: Rolled oats, grilled sausage links, oven fried bacon, asstd omelets, eggs to order, roasted postatoes, waffles, asstd doughnuts, cinnamon rolls.

Lunch: chicken gumbo soup, beef yakisoba, veal parmesan, steamed rice, oven browned potatoes, green peas, seasoned summer squash, spice cake w/frosting, vanilla cookies, fruit gelatin.

Speed Line: assorted pizza Dinner: Minestrone soup, savory baked chicken, pork fried rice, lima bbeans, broccoli parmesan, spice cake with frosting, vanilla cookies, fruit gelatin.

Choice hamburger or hot dog.

Breakfast: Farina, oven fried bacon, asstd omelets, eggs to order, roasted potatoes, french toast, biscuits and gravy, asstd doughnuts, blueberry muiffins.

Lunch: Egg drop soup, sweet & sou prok, chicken chop suey, egg food young, chinese fried rice, chow mein noodles, oriental fried cabbage, corn kernel, fruit cocktail, upside down cake, blueberry pie.

Speed line: Frankfurter on rolls, onion rings, macaroni & cheese Dinner: Cream of broccoli soup, beef stew, seasoned boiled pasta, Spanish style beans, carrot slices, fruit cocktail, upside down cake, blueberry pie.

Choice hamburger or hot dog by order.

Breakfast: Rolled oats, creamed ground beef, oven fried bacon, asstd omelets, eggs to order, roasted potatoes, french toast, asstd doughnuts, raisin muffin Lunch: Vegetable supreme soup, roast pork loin, baked chicken, steamed rice, roasted garlic potatoes, seasoned mix vegetables, club spanish, oatmeal raisin cookies, cherry cobbler.

Speed line: Assorted pizza Dinner: Tomato bouillon soup, spaghetti and meatballs, rice pilaf, natural pan gravy, green beans, corn kernel, oatmeal raisin cookies cherry cobbler.

Choice hamburger or hot dog by order.

Breakfast: Rolled oats, grilled sausage patties, oven fried bacon, asstd omelets, eggs to order, roasted potatoes, waffles, asstd doughnuts, cinnamon rolls Lunch: Chicken corn chowder, baked fish, meat loaf, paprika buttered potatoes, glazed carrots, fried okra, spice cake with frosting, crisp drop cookies.

Speed line: Grilled cheese/Hamburger, baked beans, french fried potatoes Dinner: Chicken noodle soup, baked fish with cherry tomato sauce, tossed green rice, corn o’brien, lima beans, spice cake with frosting, crisp drop cookies Choice hamburger or hot dog by order.

feBruary 4, 2011

oN

the

go

With

page 11

mWr

Outdoor adventure with ITT

MWR is seeking skilled and enthusiastic community members to teach others to bake, cook, sew, decorate, and more! If interested please call Token at x4941. midtoWN moVie theaterS SChedule & deSCriptioNS

BURLESQUE- Cher, Christina Aguilera, Eric Dane, Cam Gigandet, Julianne Hough

Friday, February 4 5:00pm Little Fockers PG-13 5:30pm Harry Potter: Deathly Hallows PG-13 7:30pm Due Date R 8:00pm Burlesque PG-13 Saturday, February 5 2:00pm Tron Legacy PG 2:30pm Harry Potter: Deathly Hallows PG-13 5:00pm Little Fockers PG-13 5:30pm Burlesque PG-13 7:30pm True Grit PG-13 8:00pm Love & Other Drugs R Sunday, February 6 2:00pm Tangled PG 2:30pm Green Hornet PG-13 4:30pm Burlesque PG-13 5:00pm The Next 3 Days PG-13 6:30pm Love & Other Drugs R Tuesday, February 8 5:00pm Tron Legacy PG 5:30pm The Green Hornet PG-13 7:30pm How Do You Know PG-13 8:00pm Love & Other Drugs R Wednesday, February 9 5:00pm Harry Potter: Deathly Hallows PG-13 LAST SHOWING 5:30pm Burlesque PG-13 7:30pm The Green Hornet PG-13 8:00pm The Tourist PG-13 Thursday, February 10 5:00pm Yogi Bear PG 5:30pm Tangled PG 7:30pm The Next Three Days PG-13 LAST SHOWING 8:00pm Love and Other Drugs R Friday, February 11 5:00pm Chronicles of Narnia: Dawn Treader PG-13 5:30pm Little Fockers PG-13 7:30pm Gulliver’s Travles PG PREMIERE 8:00pm Love & Other Drugs R

Ali is a small-town girl with a big voice who escapes hardship and an uncertain future to follow her dreams to LA. After stumbling upon The Burlesque Lounge, a majestic but ailing theater that is home to an inspired musical revue, Ali lands a job as a cocktail waitress from Tess, the club's proprietor and headliner. Burlesque's outrageous costumes and bold choreography enrapture the young ingenue, who vows to perform there one day. Soon enough, Ali builds a friendship with a featured dancer, finds an enemy in a troubled, jealous performer, and garners the affection of Jack, a bartender and fellow musician. With the help of a sharp-witted stage manager and gender-bending host, Ali makes her way from the bar to the stage. Her spectacular voice restores The Burlesque Lounge to its former glory, though not before a charismatic entrepreneur arrives with an enticing proposal. (119 min.)

DUE DATE- Zach Galifianakis, Robert Downey Jr, Michelle Monaghan, Jamie Foxx, Joel William Peter Highman is an expectant first-time father whose wife's due date is a mere five days away. As Peter hurries to catch a flight home from Atlanta to be at her side for the birth, his best intentions go completely awry when a chance encounter with aspiring actor Ethan Tremblay forces Peter to hitch a ride with Ethan on what turns out to be a cross-country road trip that will destroy several cars and numerous friendships. (95 min.)

LOVE & OTHER DRUGS- Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway, Josh Gad, Judy Greer, Hank Azaria Maggie is an alluring free spirit who won't let anything, including a formidable personal challenge, tie her down. But she meets her match in Jamie Randall, whose relentless and nearly infallible charm serve him well with the ladies and in the cutthroat world of pharmaceutical sales. Maggie and Jamie's evolving relationship takes them both by surprise, as they find themselves under the influence of the ultimate drug: love. (113 min.)

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

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 the circle of trust be broken for good? (98 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.)

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

Movie Hotline: 624-4248

Looking for something Adventurous to do this winter, check out the ITT! For the light hearted there is mountain biking or for the more extreme there is snowboarding on an active volcano.

Snowshoe Hiking on Mt. Etna, Saturday, February 5.

This is a great way to experience the winter trail on Mt. Etna.

The views are spectacular. We will provide all the gear and the know-how to safely explore Mt. Etna on snowshoes. It will be a great workout to be rewarded with a traditional Sicilian BBQ. For all the biking enthusiast in Sigonella, Mountain Bike in the Floristella Park Saturday, February 12. Ride 30 miles through the Floristella Park in the Enna province of Sicily. After you have worked up an appetite biking you will then have an Agriturismo lunch. ITT will provide the bike, guides, transportation, and of course the lunch.

For the more extreme, ITT offers Snowboarding on MT. Etna. Experience the ride of a life time on an active volcano.

Bring your own gear or rent gear from ITT. ITT has all the gear you could dream of pants, jackets, gloves, helmets, boots, and boards.

Snowboarding trips will be offered February, 2, 5, 12, 16, 19, & 26.

For all prices, departures, and return times, please contact ITT at 624-4777.

Love is in the air at MWR Love is in the Lanes. Sparetime Bowling center present Amore Bowl, Monday, February 14 at 7 pm. Looking for something different to do this Valentine’s Day! Look no further Spartime has you covered. There is room for 30 couples, call 624-4302 to reserve your spot today.

Jox Pub will be hosting a Valentine’s Dance on Saturday, February 12 from 10 – 2 am.

Volcanic Ash will be performing. Don’t worry gentlemen

Jox’s has gifts for the ladies.

For more information call 624-5603.

Haven’t found that special guy or lady to share Valentine’s with? Speed Dating is here to help. Speed Dating will be at Connections on February, 9 at 7 pm. Each date will last 5 minutes, and winning couple will receive a dinner out in town. For more information or to sign up call 624-4264.

Liberty Dinners in February The Liberty program is bringing back the ever popular, Liberty Dinners. Twice a month you will have the chance to visit different restaurants around Sicily! Dinners are limited to 13 participants, they must be active duty, or dependents 18 years and over.

This month the dinners will be on Friday, February 11, and Friday, February 25.

On Friday, February 11, Liberty will be going to Donna Fortunata. Donna Fortunata is located in Motta and is known for their great pizza. Departing at 19:00 from Take 5 and 19:20 from Connections. Registration deadline is February 9 at 23:00.

On Friday, February 25, Nero Di Cenere is the restaurant of choice. Nero Di Cenere is located in the mountain side town of Nicolosi and is a Mediterranean Steakhouse. Departing at 19:00 from Take 5 and 19:20 from Connections. Registration deadline is February 23 at 23:00.

The Liberty program is starting to offer many new and exciting programming, check out the PREVIEW and mwrsigonella facebook for what’s upcoming! For more information or to register for the dinners call 624-5602.

s

t,

h

n h

s a-

page 12

feBruary 4, 2011

DVD, continued from page 1 “The machine will charge prices per day and will only take credit cards which will feed through a specially installed internet server that the Basic Communications Office (BCO) helped us set up.”

Softland International Manager Cinzia Williams said she’s very excited about the new machine here and the two that have been placed in Naples.

“It’s very easy and self-explanatory, uses step-by-step instructions on the screen, and also will accept returns from other people,” Williams said.

“The machine does not give out receipts but customers can choose to be billed by email and can even reserve movies online - kind of like Netflix.”

Both Spencer and Williams said they believe these machines can be a success for NAS Sigonella and hope to have more ‘drop boxes’ on each Sigonella base very soon.

“With the addition of this product, we see it as providing an accessible 24hour service to the people on NAS II and if all goes well, we hope to install boxes on NAS I with-in a year,” Spencer said.

CALENDAR, continued from page 5 participant will learn to handle conflict in a safe and non-confrontational way.

“Navigating the social networking world” Feb 8, 1300-1500 This class will give you the in's and out's of how to navigate the social networking sites and how we can Increase our level of communication and sharing with friends and family from around the world.

Additional topics include security, safety, and how the Social Networking sites impact various generations.

“Successful Parenting (youth & teens)” Feb 24, 1500-1630 This class will focus in on tips for raising successful youths and teens. We will discuss the importance of having family meetings, choosing battles, making clear expectations to youths when rules are broken, setting reasonable goals, and being a good role model for your children. Come and learn some techniques that will benefit you and your child.

“Using Conflict for Positive change” Feb 10, 1330-1500 Do you constantly have difficulty resolving problems with others? The Conflict Resolution class will teach you how to handle conflict with others, what to do if the conflict get heated, and how to resolving the problem. This class will teach you how to maintain your composure when you feel like your 'button' are being pushed. Also the participant will learn to handle conflict in a safe and non-confrontational way.

Deployment Classes “IA Social” Feb 28, 1130-1300 Is a monthly Discussion Group for all personnel and their families. The group provides an opportunity for IAs and spouses to meet and discuss topics related to deployment. Various topics and speakers present information about resources and support services available to help manage the challenges that can occur during a deployment phase.

This group is open to all IAs, service members who have deployed or will deploy, as well as spouses and family members.

“Pre-deployment” Feb 15, 0900-1100 This class will cover all of the important aspects of preparing for an IA/Deployment. We will have representative from legal and the flight line clinic. Additional topics include finances, communication, stress, and local community resources. Spouses are welcomed to attend this class.

“Post-Deployment” Feb 15, 1300-1500 This class will focus on what to do be-

fore and after your spouse returns from an IA/Deployment. Topics of discussion will include expectations, preparations, changes, communication, reintegration, and Operational Stress. Spouses are welcomed to attend this class.

Relocation Classes “Arrivederci Class” Feb 11, 0800-1130 The class is mandatory for all personnel before they PCS. Attendees should be 3 months or more from their PCS to attend the class.

“Sponsor Training” Feb 8, 0900-1030 This class is to assist you in your role as a sponsor. At the training, you will learn all that you need to know from start to finish .

New Parent Support Classes “Playgroup 1-4 years old” Feb 9 & 16, 0930-1100 Make play fun and educational for your child. Learn creative and new ideas to bring you and your child closer together through play. Children up to 5 are welcome, but MUST be accompanied by an adult.

Playgroup is held at Marinai Community Center.

“Playgroup 0-12 months” Feb 10 & 17, 1000-1100 Make play fun and educational for your child. Learn creative and new ideas to bring you and your child closer together through play.

Playgroup is held at Marinai Community Center.

TAXES, continued from page 1 4. The IRS trains community volunteers so they can help eligible taxpayers with several special credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit and the Credit for the Elderly.

5. Many volunteer sites have language specialists to assist people with limited English skills.

6. More than 12,000 free tax preparation sites are open nationwide this year as the IRS continues to expand its partnerships with nonprofit and community organizations performing these vital tax preparation services.

7. As part of the TCE program, AARP offers the Tax-Aide counseling program at over 5,000 sites nationwide during the filing season. Trained and certified AARP Tax-Aide volunteer counselors provide assistance to lowto-moderate people, with special attention paid to those 60 and older.

8. The military also partners with the IRS to provide free tax assistance to military personnel and their families.

The Armed Forces Tax Council consists of the tax program coordinators for the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Volunteers are trained and equipped to address military-specific tax issues, such as combat zone tax benefits.

9. Locations and hours of operation are often available through city information hotlines and local community organizations.

10. Local volunteer tax preparation site information is also available by calling the IRS toll-free number 1800-906-9887. To locate the nearest AARP Tax-Aide site, call 1-888-2277669 (888-AARPNOW) or visit www aarp.org.

FORCE, continued from page 1 plemented on NAS Sigonella,” said Moore. “One being the Free Ride program, which we will increase advertising on in order to get Sailors to take full advantage of it.”

If you would like to provide input to the Task Force, please contact the CMC at leland.moore@eu.navy.mil.

BURNS, continued from page 2 25,000 burn injuries resulting from scalds. Scald injuries are very painful and require prolonged treatment. Patients sometimes require admission to the hospital, surgical procedures, and/or rehabilitation. Scald injuries can even result in death.

Majority of scald injuries are related to hot tap water and cooking accidents.

These are injuries where we have the most control, as they are completely preventable. * Please note the details of this story are based on situations that happen on a regular basis. The characters are fictional.

curious fingers. Babies like to grab things.

Consider replacing tablecloths with placemats to prevent your child from pulling everything on the table onto themself.

Don’t drink hot coffee/tea/chocolate while holding babies or toddlers.

Place children facing away from faucets in the tub.

Never leave children alone in the tub for a single instant.

Turn on cold water first then add the hot water.

If a burn does occur remember these important steps: Call 911 immediately for emergency assistance - from a base phone or 095-

861-911 from a cell.

Remove victim from the area of danger.

Cool a burn with cool water until the ambulance arrives.

Never use, grease, butter or ointments on a burn.

Don't remove clothing from the burn.

Burn Awareness Week, observed the first full week in February, is designed to provide an opportunity for burn, fire and life safety educators to unite in sharing a common burn awareness and prevention message in our communities. Burn Awareness Week, celebrated early in the year, is an excellent opportunity to “kick off ” a year full of burn awareness education.

Scalds have been the leading cause of burn injuries every year, especially to children under five.

Below are some tips to prevent scald burns: Remember to keep children away from the cooking area in a safe zone.

Turn pot handles inward in order to avoid knocking them over.

Use hot mitts to protect hands.

Place hot drinks and soups towards the center of the table away from

Kartodromo

Stampa

feBruary 4, 2011

page 13

Patrol Squadron Five recognized for exemplary workplace practices

Flexibility a win-win for ETD

By VP-5 Public Affairs

By ETD Public Affairs

The ‘Mad Foxes’ of Patrol Squadron Five announced that it has been named an Honorable Mention recipient of the 2010 Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility.

This prestigious award recognizes employers and worksites of all sizes and types across the country that are using flexibility as a strategy to increase workplace effectiveness and enhance business and employee success.

"The high demands that the military can place on personnel and families make it vital for our organization to pay special attention to our members' needs. We realize the importance of ensuring our men and women are able to take care of their families and personal matters, and we are extremely proud to be recognized for our efforts to be flexible and accommodating with our sailors," said Cmdr. Jason Jorgensen, Commanding Officer of Patrol Squadron Five.

The Alfred P. Sloan Awards for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility are part of the national When Work Works project, an ongoing initiative of the Families and Work Institute in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for a Competitive Workforce and the Twiga Foundation, with funding from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

The selection process is rigorous. First, employers’ flexibility programs and practices are measured against national norms from the Families and Work Institute’s National Study of Employers. Employees are then surveyed confidentially on their access to flexible work options, the supportiveness of the culture and on nationally tested measures of workplace effectiveness.

“As an honorable mention recipient of the 2010 Sloan Award, Patrol Squadron Five ranks in the top 20% of employers nationally in terms of its programs, policies and culture for creating an effective and flexible workplace,” states Ellen Galinsky, president of the Families and Work Institute (FWI). “In addition, what makes this honor so special is that employees have corroborated this, affirming that it is indeed an effective and flexible workplace.”

FWI’s nationally representative studies of employees and employers have found that flexibility is a key ingredient in creating effective workplaces that can yield important work-related outcomes. In fact, employees in effective and flexible workplaces report having greater engagement on the job, greater job satisfaction, greater desire to stay with the organization, better overall health, and lower stress levels.

Patrol Squadron Five, known as the ‘Mad Foxes,’ is a United States Navy P-3 Orion squadron out of Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida.

The squadron’s primary mission is long range maritime patrol and reconnaissance, to include anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and reconnaissance. This recognition comes as the ‘Mad Foxes’ prepare to depart on a six month, tri-site deployment in support of our country’s continuing worldwide goals. Working out of its main detachment site in Sigonella, Sicily, Patrol Squadron Five will work with our nation’s coalition partners in support of the Global War on Terror.

The squadron will also be flying anti-piracy missions off of the Horn of Africa and counter-drug surveillance flights in the Pacific and Gulf of Mexico reduce the flow of drugs into the United States.

Executive Transport Detachment (ETD) Sigonella was recently announced as a winner of the 2010 Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility. The award honors organizations that use flexibility as a strategy to make workplaces more effective for both the employer and employees. To win, organizations must rank in the top 20% of U.S. employers in terms of their programs and practices for creating flexible workplaces. ETD Sigonella is one of just seven commands in the entire Navy honored with the prestigious award.

ETD Sigonella’s primary responsibility is executive lift for Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF), Admiral Locklear. “We’re a small detachment that must maintain all the same programs as a squadron having nearly ten times our number of personnel,” explains ETD’s Lt. Cmdr.

Erik Baker. “Because we have a small number of people, and because at least four of those people are on the road at any one time, we have to incorporate flexibility in the workplace in order to allow our people to do the vast amount of work required of them.”

“We don’t have multiple people covering every job,” adds AMCS(AW) Michael Albert, the detachment’s Senior Enlisted Leader.

“Our airplane flies missions 22-26 days each month, and we’re onedeep for most jobs.”

Needless to say, maintaining administrative programs and fulfilling operational requirements presents a challenge. Operational readiness requires ETD personnel to assume individual ownership of multiple programs and maintain expertise across numerous fields. “We have to be able to change gears regularly,” says CS1(NAC/SS) Scott Kramer, a Transport Safety Specialist and the detachment’s Training Petty Officer. “Everybody multi-tasks, and many of those tasks fall outside one’s rating.” PR2 Kristen Glaser agrees.

“In this detachment, I can’t just focus on paraloft duties,” she says. “Among other responsibilities, I’m learning and executing maintenance administration, quality assurance, and coordinating with civilian contractors.”

While the manpower limitations could afflict daily work life and morale, ETD employs a formula to ensure they are anything but a burden. “We try not to hold the size of the detachment against the individual,” says AMCS (AW) Albert. “We don’t prevent a Sailor from taking leave or having a personal life just because he or she might be the sole person available with a particular qualification.”

On the contrary, rather than allowing operational and administrative requirements to create a restrictive work environment, detachment leadership philosophy emphasizes personal autonomy as much as personal accountability.

This mix enables ETD personnel to complete assigned duties on a flexible timeline, while also allowing

Eno

Stampa

them to fulfill responsibilities and pursue interests outside of work.

“We incorporate flexibility in the way we do business not only out of necessity, but also because it generates a better work atmosphere,” comments ETD Officer In Charge, Cmdr. Andrew Wegman. “Providing flexibility in the workplace actually makes us more effective at taking care of our people and, consequently, more effective at accomplishing our mission.”

Over the last year-and-ahalf, workplace flexibility at ETD has evolved from a command philosophy into a command culture. And far from inviting inefficiency, professional latitude proves a critical component of detachment success. “We give our Sailors room to operate, but that doesn’t mean they can hide from responsibility,” offers AMCS(AW) Albert. “We use unit inspection results as one measure of the effectiveness of our policies and business practices, and over the last year we’ve nailed our inspections.”

Along with strong organizational performance, high morale and increased personal engagement are among the benefits of a flexible workplace. “The autonomy we’re given plays to individual needs,” explains CS1 (NAC/SS) Kramer. “It makes us more like a small family than a command.” PR2 Glaser again agrees: “This detachment is very supportive of both professional and personal pursuits. That keeps morale and efficiency high because, when people feel supported this way, they want to work hard, they want to give back.”