THE
SIGNATURE SIGONELLA, SICILY
NOVEMBER 23, 2012
VOL. 29 NO. 44
cnic.navy.mil/sigonella
Service members from Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF-13.1) 13.1 painted the railing outside of the San Giuseppe Church in the Pigno Parish community during a community relations (COMREL) project, November 17. (Photo by Sergeant Vanderbilt Gaditano)
SPMAGTF-13.1 volunteers in local community BY MAJ RAFAEL MILANES AND CAPT. NICHOLAS GRADER SPMAGTF-13.1
C
atania, Italy – Service members from Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF-13.1) 13.1 stationed at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella kicked off the holiday season by giving back to the local community during a community relations (COMREL) project, November 17. "This was no easy task," said Staff Sergeant Charles Mauldin, facilities staff non-commissioned officer-incharge. "But we were committed to getting the job done." During the COMREL, volunteers cleaned and painted areas of the San Giuseppe Church in the Pigno Parish community, getting rid of old construction material, weeds and unnecessary debris around the church yard where children gather to play after mass. They also sanded and painted the entire outside church rail.
“We thoroughly enjoyed the time spent working at the Catholic church and assisting the community," said Mauldin. "It gave us a chance for fellowship and we took pride and joy in our involvement.” The community was grateful for the volunteers efforts. Neighbors and passersby often stopped to thank the Service members for what they were doing to help their local church. The San Giuseppe church was inaugurated in 1968 in the “Pigno” village. The village itself was built in the late fifties to quarter immigrants coming largely from the center of Sicily. Today, the parish is led by Father Gilbert Mukanda. “We are grateful to [SPMAGTF-13.1] for your generosity and collaboration to our community,” said Mukanda.
QUOTE
Service members from Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF-13.1) 13.1 volunteered during a community relations (COMREL) project, November 17. (Photo by Sergeant Vanderbilt Gaditano)
OF THE WEEK
When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light. Give thanks for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. And if perchance you see no reason for giving thanks, rest assured the fault is in yourself. - Shawnee Chief Tecumseh
Around Sigonella
Festivals around Sicily
A stone’s throw from Sicily
Find out what’s been going on.
Mark your calendars for two upcoming festivals.
Paris is the city of love.
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Scan for direct links to NAS Sigonella
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THE SIGNATURE U.S. Naval Air Station Sigonella Capt. Scott Butler, Commanding Officer Cmdr. Eric Vosler, Executive Officer CMDCM David Graham, Command Master Chief
EDITORIAL Lt. Tim Page, Public Affairs Officer timothy.page@eu.navy.mil
Dott. Alberto Lunetta, Community Relations Officer alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil
Jackie Trembath, Editor jackie.trembath@eu.navy.mil
STAFF Writer/Photographer MCSN Cameron Bramham cameron.bramham@eu.navy.mil
CONTRIBUTING Writers/Photographers Margie Ascierto-Leblanc Catia Castelli Coco Faber Sergeant Vanderbilt Gaditano Capt. Nicholas Grader Giuseppe Licari Maj. Rafael Milanes
CONTACT US Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily thesig@eu.navy.mil DSN 624-5440; 095-86-5440 PSC 812 Box 3020, FPO, AE 09627
PUBLISHER Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity Capodichino (Naples), Italy stampagenerale@tin.it Tel. 081-568-7884 – Fax 081-568-7887
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 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.
cnic.navy.mil/sigonella
NOVEMBER
23, 2012
NAS Sigonella Executive Officer, Cmdr. Eric Vosler I hope everyone is enjoying Thanksgiving. I think the holiday season gets longer every year, only because the stores put holiday merchandise out earlier and earlier! I wanted to quote President Lincoln who established Thanksgiving as a National Holiday. “The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defense, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that
has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union."
Source: Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln (http:// quod.lib.umich.edu/l/lincoln/), edited by Roy P. Basler.
Take a look around you and take care of your Shipmates this holiday season. If you notice that a friend or co-worker has the holiday blues, include them in your routine. Intervene if you see someone about to make a mistake like drinking and driving or assault. With the generosity that this community shows everyday, there should never be a Shipmate, friend or neighbor alone or blue during this holiday season.
NAS SIGONELLA CFC CAMPAIGN TRACKER F INA L ToTal pledge card donors: 794 ToTal donaTions: $160,159
DRIVE SAFELY
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NOVEMBER
23, 2012
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Around NAS Sigonella ...
Sigonella middle and high school students learned about some of their choices after high school during special event on November 8. Photo by Tony Waldbillig
Students start planning for after high school BY MARGIE ASCIERTO-LEBLANC School Counselor
Sigonella Middle/High School hosted CHOICES: Planning after High School on November 8. This event was open to all middle and high school families. CHOICES night helped students and their families begin to identify and develop a plan of action for after graduation. This year’s keynote speaker was Brenda Coffield, European program manager for the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC). Ms. Coffield brings with her a wealth of experience as a counselor and transition specialist having worked with military families in Europe for over 15 years. Her presentation focused on “Total Career and College Options.” Participants learned how to prepare and research for “life after high school and beyond.” She also discussed education travel for college students and shared a list of approximately 75 overseas colleges and universities that offer two and four-year programs/degrees to American students. In addition to the keynote speaker, local community members shared information about Navy College Sigonella, college financial aid, the post-9/11 GI Bill and Aspen Gradebook. There was also a “College Expo” area where students could visit with university alumni and browse “grab and go” tables of college brochures and literature.
Sigonellans participate in “Turkey for Me, Turkey for You” 5K More than 125 runners and walkers took part in the “Turkey for Me, Turkey for You” 5K run at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella on November 17. The run was the third installment of the Base-2-Base series hosted by Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Sigonella. The next run in the series will be the Jingle Bell Rock 5 mile Run/Walk on Saturday December 15. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. on the NAS II flight line fitness center. Run/Walk begins at 8 a.m. The course is stroller friendly (not TAC certified). Participants are encouraged to wear their best holiday attire! Jingle bells will be given to all run/walkers! Call 624-4483 or 624-2712 for more information. (Photo by MWR, Sigonella)
Blitzing Beauties beat Hell on Heels The “Blitzing Beauties” (above) beat “Hell on Heels” in a 10-0 victory during MWR’s annual Powderpuff football game at the NAS 1 Land Annex Field on November 16. The sole touchdown of the game was made by “Blitzing Beauties” running back, Machinery Repairman 3rd Class Robin Guyton. “It felt great,” Guyton said. “Last year I played and didn’t score so it feels great to do it this time. I love football and to get a bunch of people together and come out for a game of football and get rough and dirty is just fun!”(Photo by MWR Sigonella) (U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Cameron Bramham/Released)
A twist on bowling (U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Cameron Bramham/Released)
Health Promotions holds Great American Smoke Out Health Promotion Assistant and Tobacco Cessation Class Coordinator Giuseppe Licari discusses the health risks of using tobacco with a NAS Sigonella Sailor during the annual Great American Smoke Out event at an information booth set up by U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella Health Promotions Office at the commissary on NAS I, November 15. “The Great American Smoke Out is an event created and organized by the American Cancer Society,” Licari said. “This is the 37th anniversary and a day to help people quit smoking.” According to the American Cancer Society’s webpage, the idea of the Great American Smoke Out is that if smokers can quit for just one day, they will be taking an important step towards a healthier lifestyle. For more information, read “For just a day” on page 10.
Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Sigonella held their annual “Turkey Bowling” event for Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella service members and their families on November 14 at the NAS I gym. “We do this every year before Thanksgiving,” MWR Athletic Director John Lenz said. “This year we added a small children’s lane where they’re throwing rubber chickens at plastic pins.” Lenz said regular turkeys were too big to use, so MWR compromised and used a smaller version of turkeys, frozen cornish game hens.
NAS Sigonella trains for the holidays Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Command Master Chief David Graham welcomed NAS Sigonella Sailors to the semi-annual Safety Stand Down (SSD) seminar a Midtown Theaters on November 13 – 15. This was the winter version of SSD prior to the holiday season to give Sailors information they need to stay safe. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Cameron Bramham/Released)
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NOVEMBER
23, 2012
COMMUNITY CALENDAR FRIDAY
November
23
TUESDAY 27
26 AA Meeting NAS I Chapel 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY 28
Youth Complex Digital Arts Club 4-4:30 p.m.
POC: Kevin, 347-495-6721
Parent Connection Noon Tobacco Cessation Class 2-3 p.m. Midtown Classroom
$1 Bowling
Books 2 Movies : Hansel and Gretal Witch Hunters Midtown Classroom 5-7 p.m. AA Meeting NAS I Chapel 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
5 Youth Complex Digital Arts Club 4-4:30 p.m.
THURSDAY 29 Outdoor Rec Sicilian Style Fishing in Marzamemi 4 a.m.-3 p.m.
ITT Godfather Tour Youth Complex Image Makers 2-3 p.m.
30
1
Christmas Tree Lighting Midtown 6 p.m.
2 Winter Wonderland NAS I Gym 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Holiday Concert Knights Hall 7 p.m.
ITT Messina and Tindari 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Youth Complex Image Makers 2-3 p.m. ITT Cefalu and Castelbuono 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
6
Tobacco Cessation Class 2-3 p.m. Midtown Classroom
25
Take 5 Dominos Game Night
Connections Bingo 6 p.m.
4
3
SUNDAY
ITT Principe di Corleone Winery & Novello Wine Tasting
Liberty : Take 5 Thanksgiving Leftovers 6 p.m.
2012
MONDAY
SATURDAY 24
7
8 ITT “La Traviata” by Guiseppe Verdi
9 Youth Complex Image Makers 2-3 p.m.
Connections Bingo 6 p.m
POC: Kevin, 347-495-6721
Liberty/Connections/Take 5: x4246, x5602 Outdoor Rec: x4777, x4396
Fitness: x4483, x5243 Midtown 2 Theaters: x4248
FFSC: x4291 American Red Cross: x4900
Does your command organizationhave havean anevent eventyou’d you’dlike liketo to see see on the Community and letlet us us know! Does your command oror organization CommunityCalendar? Calendar?Email Emailususatatthesig@eu.navy.mil thesig@eu.navy.mil and know!
Need an appointment at the hospital? Call DSN 624CARE (2273) or commercial 095-56-2273, M-F: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. For non-emergent medical questions that arise over the weekend, a holiday or after office hours, please call 335578-8077 if you are normally seen at the hospital or 335578-8150 if you are normally seen at the Flight Line Clinic.
NOVEMBER
23, 2012
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Long distance swimming Sigonella Swordfish travel to Belgium to compete in championships Congratulations to all the Sigonella Swordfish who qualified for the Long Distance Championships that will be held this weekend in Antwerp, Belgium. Good luck to the following swimmers who will be making the trip during the Thanksgiving weekend. Be safe, give it your all and good luck with this meet and throughout the remainder of the season. Ethan Bowling Michaela Bowling Riley Bowling Amelia Boyle Ellie Butler Megan Cagle Ramil Celones Hannah Davis Sammie McManus Tommy McManus Ethan Naaktgeboren Mia Naaktgeboren Maggie Salazar Andrew Vosler Katie Vosler
Also qualified for Long Distance Champs but are unable to make the trip:
Lauren McClintock Rocio Salazar Kolby Simpson Finn Youberg Mason Youberg
Good luck, Sigonella Swordfish! Fleet and Family Support Center Administration Building Bldg. 319 (NAS I)
Navy Gateway Inns and Suites offers stellar service BY CATIA CASTELLI Navy Gateway Inns and Suites
The Navy Gateway Inns and Suites (NGIS) team is ready to deliver “Stellar Service” to the guests who frequent Sigonella for their temporary duty and/or leisure time! In the month of October, NGIS staff members were immersed in a week of training of “YES!”. “YES!” is an acronym for “You’re Empowered to Succeed”: each employee learned how to idetify and use the right tools and resources to meet and exceed our guest expectations, delivering “Stellar Service”. Training was provided by Fresh Revenues, a company tasked by CNIC to create a new NGIS culture worldwide. This new culture is the next step in developing NGIS brand awareness. Our vision is to be the “Preferred Lodging Choice” for military and families worldwide. Developing loyal customers who want to return because of great people providing a “Stellar Experience” with great services.
Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. DSN 624-4291 Commercial 095-56-4291
Do you need assistance writing your resume for private sector or federal employment? Call the FFSC today and schedule a one-on-one appointment with Sarah Conlan to get started on a resume that works. FMI, call 624-4291 or email sarah.conlan@eu.navy.mil.
Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Hotlines Sigonella SAPR VA Hotline: 335-642-8312. DoD Safe Helpline: 001-877-995-5247 (From cell phones and off-base telephones) Or: 19020 (toll-free access code) 1-877-995-5247 (From DSN lines)
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NOVEMBER
23, 2012
Paternò honors Saint Barbara
The traditional Santa Barbara Festival, which draws thousands of pilgrims and tourists annually, will be held in Paternò, December 3 through 5 featuring religious processions, arts and crafts and music entertainment. (Photo by Parrocchia Santa Barbara of Paternò)
The annual Santa Barbara Festival will be held in Paternò from December 3 through 5 and will feature religious processions, arts and crafts and music entertainment. Santa Barbara is the patron saint of Paternò. Paternò’s devotion to Santa Barbara originated in 1576 when she saved the town from a terrible plague epidemic. Legend has it that Saint Barbara had appeared in a dream to a nun promising to save the town if townspeople would proclaim her as the patron saint. The nun disclosed the dream to the community, who hailed her as the santa patrona (patroness saint) right away. A few days later, the plague ended, so Santa Barbara became the official protector of the Pa-
IT!n Y A S ur Italia T S JUractice yo P
ternò community. Townspeople erected a cathedral to honor her. According to legend Santa Barbara also intervened to stop a terrible Etna eruption in 1780. The “miracle” occurred after Paternò townspeople carried her relics in procession near the town of Ragalna on the slopes of the volcano. Saint Barbara is still invoked to grant safety from lightning, thunderstorms, and fires. Since the Middle Age, she has been regarded as the patron saint of those who are in danger of fire or explosions. She is also associated with artillerymen, fire fighters and ordnance disposal personnel. Historically her image was placed on arsenals and powder magazines. In Italian, the ammunition magazine on a war ship is still called Santabarbara. Festival Schedule Highlights On December 3, blank cannon shots announce the beginning of the festival at 8 a.m. In the evening, the holy procession featuring the saint’s relics kicks off at 6:30 p.m. leaving from the Chiesa Matrice (the one located on the hill near the Norman castle) and reaching piazza. S. Barbara. Later, a children’s choir will sing traditional religious chants (Cantate delle corporazioni cittadine) in piazza Indipendenza at 9 p.m. A firework and music show will follow at the end of the celebrations. The highlight of the festival is on December 4. Celebrations will begin early in the morning with cannon shots and bell ringing at dawn. Later, the statue depicting the saint and her holy relics will be unveiled at 8:30 a.m. (Svelata del Simulacro di S. Barbara). Later at 10 a.m., the statue depicting the saint will be carried out
in procession throughout the town center, leaving from via S. Caterina and reaching the Church of Idria (Uscita del Simulacro e delle Reliquie di S. Barbara). A music show by the local city band will be performed at 10:15 a.m. in piazza Indipendenza (the concert will be repeated in the evening at 6:30 p.m.) At 12:30 p.m., the fercolo (carriage carrying the reliquary and the statue) will make its triumphant entry in piazza Vittorio Veneto. After that, an amazing firework show will be performed in piazza Vittorio Veneto. In the afternoon at 4:30 p.m., the holy relics of the saint will be brought in procession throughout the historic center for several hours. The procession will leave from the Church of Saint Antonio Abate and reaches piazza S. Barbara. A firework show will be performed at the end of this procession by the Church of Saint Biagio. On the last day of the festival (December 5), at 11 a.m., the Catania Archbishop will celebrate a solemn holy mass at the church of Saint Barbara. In the afternoon at 4:30 p.m., the saint relics will again be carried on the devotees’ shoulders throughout the town’s historic heart. A group of about ten varette (baroque styled carts containing a tall wax candle (cerei) decorated with lights, small flags and statues depicting angels, saints and flowers) will join the procession around 9:30 p.m. Around midnight, the afternoon procession will return to the Church of Saint Barbara and a breathtaking fireworks show by the medieval castle will then end the festival. For more information and detailed schedule visit http://www. comune.paterno.ct.it
English: tonight Italian: stasera
English: tomorrow Italian: domani
English: last night Italian: la notte scorsa
English: today Italian: oggi
Have fun practicing your Italian! English: next week Buona Fortuna Italian: la prossima settimana
English: recently Italian: recentemente
Attend the Wild Boar and Pork Festival in Antillo Bring the whole family to enjoy the 9th annual Sagra del Maiale e del Cinghiale Festival (Pork and Wild Boar ) which will be held in Antillo (Messina province) on December 1 and 2! The festival, running in the town historic center, will offer taste-tempting produce and specialties including salsiccia (sausage) and cured meats. Festival goers can also enjoy traditional local produce (mushrooms, olive oil, wine, honey, dried fruits, bread and cheese) as well as arts and crafts and visit the local rural life museum (Museo Agro-Pastorale). Festival hours are Saturday, December 1 from 4 p.m. to midnight and Sunday, December 2, 10 a.m. to midnight. Admission is free. Antillo is fairly easy to reach. Exit Roccalumera on A-18 (Catania-Messina highway), take State Road 114, drive through S. Alessio Siculo and follow directions towards Antillo. For more information, detailed schedules and more directions visit the Town of Antillo web site at http://www.comunediantillo.it
NOVEMBER
23, 2012
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Paris: the cit
ie Trembath Photos by Jack
BY JACKIE TREMBATH NAS Sigonella Public Affaiirs
Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris solidified my desire to visit the city of love. Our wedding anniversary provided the perfect opportunity. What better way to celebrate four years of marriage than to stroll hand-in-hand along the Siene? There is something about Paris that's magical, especially during the fall and winter seasons when tourists crowds are minimal, leaving the city humming with the locals. My husband and I picked up a travel book prior to our trip and highlighted things we wanted to do and see when we got to Paris. Through our travels, we've learned to keep the "to do" list short to allow ourselves time to really enjoy the cities we visit and not get to caught up in being tourists. We narrowed it down to a top five: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arch de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, and because I am a sucker for romance, the Pont de l'Archevêché. Like so many tourist couples, I wanted to write our names on a lock and throw away the key. Taking in Paris at a relaxed pace was ideal. We stayed at Hôtel Saint-Charles, a short walk from the metro, which made it convenient to tour the city. In addition to the sites, art and history, Paris offers a wide variety of food choices. Close to our hotel, we discovered a local market which offered a variety of culinary delights from freshly baked pastries to rich cheeses to organic produce. We bought some cheese, salami and bread along with a bottle of wine and carried them with us in a backpack. We visited the Eiffel Tower but were intimidated by the long lines so on an impulse took a boat tour of the
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ty love city. Over our wine and picnic food, we relaxed and cruised along the water enjoying the sights. When we returned to the dock, the sun had set and the tower was alive with lights. It took my breath away. On day two, we checked Notre Dame off of our list. The magnificence of the cathedral was more than I had anticipated. I could have spent the entire day admiring the architecture. As we stood in line to climb the 402 steps to the North Tower, rain began to fall. We found shelter at local cafe and peoplewatched instead. Later in the evening, we headed back to the cathedral, drawn by its beautiful illumination. There we met a university student who wanted to practice his English with a couple Americans. Two hours later not only had we learned more about the city but we met a new friend. At his recommendation, we also added Sacré Coeur to our list. By taking advantage of the hop-on-hop-off bus tour, which I affectionately named the HOHO, we were able to see more of the city than we had planned for. Day three included the Arc de Triomphe and a slew of other sights. We ended the evening by revisiting the Eiffel Tower and realized that though the lines were still long, they went rather quickly. In about half an hour we were riding the elevator up to the top of the tower. It was worth the wait. At the top we watched the sun set and the city took on a new enchanting life. We finished the evening by visiting the Sacré Coeur which we saw from the Eiffel Tower. It looked like a heavenly cloud amongst the rooftops.
Our time in the city went by fast. The weather had been intermittent with rain, which like Owen Wilson's character in Midnight in Paris, I thought made it even more romantic. We spent our evenings at local bistros people-watching and enjoying the variety of food. My husband played it safe, limiting his selections of French favorites to crepes, french onion soup and quiche. I tried the escargot and foi gras in the spirit of Andrew Zimmern. We both enjoyed the wine, particularly the Burgundy and Bordeaux. Our final day in Paris happened to be the first Sunday of the month when it's free to visit the Louvre, so the line was exceptionally long. Thankfully, my husband discovered that if you buy a ticket, you can go through another entrance. So we saved ourselves a couple hours and in no time we were in the museum. The amount of art and artifacts in the Louvre was overwhelming. We limited ourselves to the top displays, including the world famous Mona Lisa. Paris was everything I imagined it to be and then some. Even though we were only there a short while, I fell in love with the city and even a little more in love with my husband. French philosopher Alain Badiou says love implies constant risk. There is no safe everlasting love - It is inherently hazardous, always on the brink of failure and above all vulnerable. Maybe so. But on our last day in Paris, in the rain, we locked our love on the Pont de l'Archevêché and threw the keys into the Siene.
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NEX takes shoplifting seriously
For just a day ...
BY KRISTINE M. STURKIE NEXCOM Public Affairs
The Great American Smoke-out BY GIUSEPPE LICARI U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella
Most of us get a warm feeling when we think of our grandparents. That feeling would most likely change to apprehension or fear if we learned the amount of time they had left on this earth would be shortened by four years. We’d probably silently plead with whomever we believe to be a higher power to let them have those four more years to spend with us. What is sad is those four years represent the average amount of time pack-a-day smokers take away from how long they will be able to spend with their loved ones. Unfortunately, some of us ignore this reality because tobacco use seems to be such a "good friend." It seems to provide some degree of relief from stress and sometimes helps to deal with boredom. Yet, the temporary relief tobacco use provides masks the nasty stuff some of us don’t want to acknowledge as being part of our future: more days of sickness than non-smokers, increased chances for heart attacks, strokes, cancer, bronchitis, dental problems, etc. The Great American Smoke-out occurred on Thursday, November 15, to call attention to these realities. It’s a day when tobacco users are asked to consider quitting for just one day in the hope that if it can be done for a day, maybe it can be done for longer, maybe forever. U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella Health Promotions wants to help tobacco users make this effort: we
NOVEMBER 23, 2012
provide over-the-phone help, tobacco cessation classes, individual counseling, and presentations to commands and other organizations. Call 624-4710 for assistance. Our tobacco cessation program deals not only with the nagging that comes from the physical addiction to nicotine, but also with the conditioning to use tobacco caused by one’s habits and the reliance on tobacco use to meet emotional and social needs. A lot of folks considered the Great American Smokeout challenge. They let go of that false friend for a day. Once smokers quit permanently: lung functioning increases up to 30% within three months or less, there is less fatigue within one to nine months, excess risk of coronary heart disease drops by half within a year, stroke risk is reduced to that of a non-smoker within five to fifteen years, lung cancer death rate drops by half ten years later, and the risk of coronary heart disease will be that of a non-smoker’s in fifteen years. Letting go of tobacco takes a commitment and work. But then, I remember my grandmother put commitment and work into the melt-in-your-mouth fresh bread she used to make. Grandma didn’t smoke. She gave her family those extra years. We might not know how to make fresh bread, but we can give those extra years to our families and friends. I’m glad my grandma did.
Relationship Enrichment Seminar & A Cappella Concert! December 1 - 5, 2012 at the NAS I Chapel ■ Saturday, December 1: Noon - 5 p.m.: Seminar & a cappella concert! ■ Sunday, December 2: Noon - 3 p.m.: Worship & fellowship meal ■ Monday - Wednesday, December 3-5: 6 p.m.: Nightly workshops For more information call (335) 578-8107 or email: virgil.strobridge@med.navy.mil
The prevention and detection of theft at Navy Exchange (NEX) locations throughout the world is serious business. During 2011, NEX Loss Prevention/Safety associates investigated and resolved 1,320 shoplifting cases with a total dollar amount of $258,032. Of those 1,320 cases, 31 percent were juveniles and 19 percent were active duty military. The 2011 National Retail Security Survey, conducted by the University of Florida in conjunction with America’s top retail chains indicates for a second year in a row, stealing by shoppers cost American retailers a staggering $10.94 billion. “Our customers and associates continue to play a vital role in preventing theft from our stores,” said Tom Ruane, NEXCOM’s Corporate Loss Prevention/Safety Manager. “We encourage anyone to report suspicions of theft activity to NEX management, loss prevention/safety personnel or for our associates, through the anonymous Alertline program.” The top five departments for shoplifting at the NEX in 2011 were costume jewelry, mass cosmetics, prestige cosmetics, video games and fashion accessories. While the NEX continues to be proactive in apprehending shoplifters, NEX Loss Prevention/Safety associates work hard at preventing theft before it happens. NEXs worldwide use electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems for electronic and high value merchandise as well as extensive closed circuit surveillance systems (CCTV) to try and deter as well as catch shoplifters. The CCTV
systems, coupled with digital video recorders and remote viewing technology, gives the NEX the ability to see everything within the store and identify incidents of theft. If shoplifting is suspected, NEX Loss Prevention/Safety associates turn all incidents over to base police and /or local law enforcement. In addition to possible disciplinary action and criminal prosecution, the Federal Claims Collection Act allows NEXCOM to enact a flat administrative cost or Civil Recovery of $200 for each incident of theft. Shoplifting can account for about one-third of the total inventory shrink. Shrink is the retail industry term for the difference between the recorded book inventory and the actual physical inventory counted at the end of the year. Shrink is generally attributed to shoplifting, associate theft, administrative errors or vendor fraud. Over the past nine years, NEXCOM has seen its inventory shrink below one percent to sales compared to the national average of approximately 1.42 percent to sales. “Shoplifting from the NEX hurts everyone,” said Ruane. “People involved in shoplifting get caught, prosecuted and possibly banned from the NEX or end a military career. But the NEX and base lose out as well because 70 percent of our profits are given to Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) to support quality of life programs. In 2011, that contribution totaled over $43 million. If our profits decline, so do our contributions to MWR.”
Friday, 23 NOV 12 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Sausage Links, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Asstd Doughnuts, Apple Fritters. *Lunch: New England Clam Chowder, Fried/Baked Pollok Fish, Pork Chop , Mushroom Gravy, Steamed Rice, Roasted Garlic Potatoes, Steamed Asparagus, Fried Cauliflower, Lemon Cookies, Cheese Cake, Chocolate Cream Pudding. *Speed line: Grilled Cheese/Hamburger, Baked Beans, French Fried Potatoes. *Dinner: Cream Of Mushroom Soup, Cantonese Spareribs, Farfalle al Ragu, Pork Fried Rice, Steamed Whole Corn, Seasoned Spinach, Lemon Cookies, Cheese Cake, Chocolate Cream Pudding.
Tuesday, 27 NOV 12 *Breakfast: Farina, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Biscuits and Gravy, Asstd Doughnuts, Blueberry Muffins. *Lunch: Cream of Asparagus Soup, BBQ Spareribs, Southern Fried Chicken, Chicken Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Hopping John, Corn on the Cob, Southern Style Greens, Jalapeno Corn Bread, German Chocolate Cake, Cherry Pie. *Speed line: Salad Bar Pasta. Dinner: Beef Rice Soup, Sauerbraten, Lasagna, Lyonnaise Rice, Vegetable Stir Fry, Steamed Asparagus, Brown Gravy, German Chocolate Cake, Cherry Pie.
Saturday, 24 NOV 12 *Breakfast: Farina, Grilled Ham Slices, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Buttermilk Pancakes, Asstd Doughnuts, Butterhorns. *Brunch: Breakfast Items, Beef Vegetable Soup, Chicken Nuggets, French Fries, Mixed Vegetables, Broccoli, Sweet & Sour Sauce, Chocolate Drop Cookies, Apple Crisp. *Dinner: Manhattan Clam Chowder, El Rancho Stew, Spaghetti Carbonara, Mashed Potatoes, Chicken Gravy, Steamed Rice, Green Kale, Peas & Mushroom, Chocolate Drop Cookies, Apple Crisp.
Wednesday, 28 NOV 12 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Creamed Ground Beef, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Blueberry Pancakes, Asstd Doughnuts, Bear Claw. *Lunch: Beef Vegetable Soup, Breaded Pork Steaks, Savory Baked Chicken, Potatoes Au Gratin, Oriental Rice, Cauliflowers, Tangy Spinach, Cherry Cheese Cake, Chewy Nut Bars, Cream Puffs. *Speed line: Grilled Cheese/Hamburger, Baked Beans, French Fried Potatoes. *Dinner: Minestrone Soup, Fish Portion, Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce, Steamed Rice, Brown Gravy, Peas & Carrots, Wax Beans, Cherry Cheese Cake, Chewy Nut Bars, Cream Puffs.
Sunday, 25 NOV 12 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Minute Steak, Oven Fried Bacon, French Toast Puff, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Asstd Doughnuts, Kolaches. *Brunch: Breakfast Items, Bean & Bacon Soup, Breaded Pork Chop, Italian Roasted Potatoes, Seasoned Green Beans, Glazed Carrots, Yellow Cake w/ Frosting, Hermits. *Dinner: Split Pea Soup, Turkey Ala King, Aztec Rice, Fish Portion, Black-eye Peas, Fried Cauliflower, Yellow Cake w/ Frosting, Hermits.
Thursday, 29 NOV 12 *Breakfast: Hominy Grits, Oven Fried Bacon, Corned Beef Hash, Asst Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, Asstd Doughnuts, Raisin Muffin. *Lunch: Onion Soup, Asian Barbecue Turkey, Beef Stroganoff, Mashed Potatoes, Boiled Pasta, Chicken Gravy, Mix Vegetables, Simmered Cauliflower, Vanilla Cookies, Devil’s Food Cake. *Speed line: Assorted Pizza. Dinner: Chicken Noodle Soup, Meat Loaf, Breaded Pork Chop, Oven Browned Potatoes, Corn O’ Brien, Simmered Carrots, Vanilla Cookies, Devil’s Food Cake.
Monday, 26 NOV 12 *Breakfast: Hominy Grits, Minced Beef on Toast, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, Asstd Doughnuts, Streusel Coffee Cake. *Lunch: Chicken Noodle Soup, Rosemary Roast Turkey, Baked Fish, Mashed Potatoes, Seasoned Summer Squash, Steamed Peas, Turkey Gravy, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Banana Cake, Dutch Apple Pie. *Speed line: Pizza *Dinner: Pepper Pot Soup, Linguine Carbonara, Baked Chicken Quartered , Baked Potatoes, Collard Greens, Calico Cabbage, Brown Gravy, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Banana Cake, Dutch Apple Pie.
Friday, 30 NOV 12 *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, Meatloaf, Rice Pilaf, Southern Green Beans, Savory Squash, Strawberry Cake, Lemon Meringue Pie, Fruit Gelatin.
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ON THE GO WITH MWR
Sig’s the Season Morale, Welfare and Recreation wants to get you in the holiday spirit with a great weekend full of fun for the whole family! Sig’s the Season happens Friday, November 30 – Sunday, December 2, and it will be full of events you won’t want to miss! Come enjoy the sights, sounds and treats and spend time with the community in Midtown as we light our enormous Christmas tree for the first time this season. The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony kicks off the weekend on Friday, November 30 at 6 p.m. with music and the beautiful display. Free cocoa and cookies will be served in the Midtown Atrium. Saturday, December 1 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., the NAS I Gym will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland! Make sure your kids have their holiday wish lists and you’ve got your camera ready, because Santa will be there in person! There will be crafts for the kids, too. And, the American Red Cross will be there with Holiday for Heroes, a chance for you to help send cards to the troops. Midtown 2 Theaters will show a free holiday movie at noon, followed by the 2 p.m. premiere of Rise of the Guardians. Children can do their holiday shopping from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Compass Room with Santa’s Helpers from the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, and bowling will be free for kids from noon – 4 p.m. at SpareTime Bowling. The weekend will wind down with a special holiday concert from the U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band. This incredible ensemble will perform at Knights Hall on Sunday, December 2 beginning at 7 p.m. This concert will surely set the tone for the entire holiday season.
Midtown Movie theaters SCHEDULE & DESCRIPTIONS Wednesday, November 28 5:00 PM Frankenweenie 3D PG 5:30 PM Looper R 7:30 PM Lawless R 8:00 PM The Possession PG-13
Thursday, November 29 5:00 PM Skyfall 5:30 PM Wreck-It Ralph 3D 7:30 PM Argo 8:00 PM House at the End
No School! 2:00 PM Wreck-It Ralph 3D PG 5:00 PM Here Comes The Boom PG 5:30 PM Resident Evil 5 R 7:30 PM Sinister R 8:00 PM Taken 2 PG-13
Tree Lighting Ceremony 5:00 PM Resident Evil 5 3D 5:30 PM End of Watch 7:30 PM Rise of Guardians 3D 8:00 PM Dredd
Saturday, November 24
Winter Wonderland 12:00 PM Polar Express 2:00 PM Rise of Guardians 3D 2:30 PM Pitch Perfect 4:30 PM Alex Cross 5:00 PM Taken 2 7:30 PM Paranormal Activity 4
G PG PG-13 R R
Sunday, November 25 2:00 PM Hotel Transylvania 3D 2:30 PM Frankenweenie 4:30 PM Here Comes the Boom 5:00 PM Skyfall 7:30 PM Sinister
PG PG PG-13 PG-13 R
A homicide detective is pushed to the brink of his moral and physical limits as he tangles with a ferociously skilled serial killer who specializes in torture and pain. (101 m.) END OF WATCH………..……....…..R STARRING:Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Peña and Anna Kendrick
Two young officers are marked for death after confiscating a small cache of money and firearms from the members of a notorious cartel, during a routine traffic stop (109 m.).
Friday, November 30
Friday, November 23
2:00 PM Finding Nemo 3D 2:30 PM Wreck-It Ralph 4:30 PM Twilight 4, Pt. 2 5:00 PM Argo 7:30 PM Resident Evil 5 3D
PG-13 PG R PG-13
ALEX CROSS……………........…PG-13 STARRING:Tyler Perry, Matthew Fox
R R PG R
PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 4………….……R STARRING:Katie Featherston, Kathryn Newton and Sprague Grayden
It has been five years since the disappearance of Katie and Hunter, and a suburban family witness strange events in their neighborhood when a woman and a mysterious child move in. (88 m.)
Saturday, December 1 G PG PG-13 PG-13 R R
RISE OF THE GUARDIANS 2D & 3D……………..PG STARRING: Hugh Jackman, Alec Baldwin and Isla Fisher
When the evil spirit Pitch launches an assault on Earth, the Immortal Guardians team up to protect the innocence of children all around the world. (97 m.)
Sunday, December 2 2:00 PM Finding Nemo 3D 2:30 PM Here Comes the Boom 4:30 PM Breaking Dawn Pt 2 5:00 PM Alex Cross 7:30 PM Paranormal Activity 4
G PG-13 PG-13 PG-13 R
TWILIGHT: BREAKING DAWN PT. 2…………PG-13 STARRING: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner
After the birth of Renesmee, the Cullens gather other vampire clans in order to protect the child (123 m.).
Tuesday, November 27 5:00 PM Hotel Transylvania 3D 5:30 PM Sinister 7:30 PM Dredd 3D 8:00 PM Resident Evil 5
PG R R R
GREEN RED BLUE
PREMIER LAST SHOW FREE MOVIE
Coming soon ... Chasing Mavericks, Fun Size, Silent Hill: Revelation, Cloud Atlas, Flight, Man with Iron Fists
Movie schedule is subject to change. Please call to confirm. Movie Hotline: 624-4248
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GAME Find the words! ANNUAL AUTUMN CELEBRATION CORN CRANBERRY FAMILY FEAST FESTIVAL FOOD FOOTBALL FRIENDS GATHERING GRAVY HARVEST HOLIDAY LONG WEEKEND MASHED POTATOES
MEAL NOVEMBER PARADE PILGRIMS PLYMOUTH PUMPKIN PIE RELATIVES REUNION SQUASH STUFFING SWEET POTATO THURSDAY TRADITION TRAVEL TURKEY WAMPANOAG YAMS
NOVEMBER 23, 2012
NOVEMBER 23, 2012
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Sudoku!
Did you know? Americans eat roughly 535 million pounds of turkey on Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving football games began with Yale versus Princeton in 1876. Baby turkeys are called poults. Only male turkeys gobble and, therefore, are called gobblers. Thanksgiving can occur as early as November 22 and as late as November 28.
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Benefits Open Season For Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance Flexible Spending Account is November 12 - December 10, 2012
actions listed below for the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS), Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP), and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB). Enroll in a flexible spending account - a health care and/or dependent care account, under the FSAFEDS Program. Unlike with other programs, employees MUST reenroll in FSAFEDS each year to participate. Enrollments DO NOT carry over year to year. Enroll in, change, or cancel an existing enrollment in a dental plan under the FEDVIP Program. Enroll in, change, or cancel an existing enrollment in a vision plan under the FEDVIP Program. Enroll in, change, or cancel an existing enrollment in a health plan under the FEHB Program.
During the annual Benefits Open Season, employees can take the
When you have seen or heard about disasters, have you ever had
2001 Renault Laguna 1.9 Turbo Diesel DCI 120 HP. Get 20 km. with one liter of diesel. Perfect condition. Dual zone climate control, 6 Air Bag, power windows, stereo, etc. Perfect engine, ready for any test. Asking 2,500 euro. Call Salvo at 338-3225071. NOTICE
The Child Development Center (CDC) is hiring now for part-time flex positions! Make your own hours and make a difference! Call 624-0509 for more information.
the desire to respond and lend a hand? Do you want to to join a team that will give you the training you need to work with the Red Cross during disasters? Come to our Disaster Team meeting on Dec. 6 at 23:00, Red Cross classroom, Building 318, NAS I to received training and learn more about the Red Cross. The main purpose of this team is to give you training that will be useful in helping respond to disasters in the US, and occassionally, overseas. If you have any questions, please contact the Disaster Team Chairman, Charles Schmidt, at charles.schmidt@redcross.org. SAWS ANIMALS
Diesel, between six months to one year old, dog, rottweiler, medium, loves other animals and people, very smart, current on shots, microchipped.
NOVEMBER 23, 2012
Jenna, 3-year-old female, dog, medium, loves other animals and people, very calm, will do well with children, current on shots, microchipped, and spayed. Fideo, 7 months, medium, male, brown, dog, loves everyone and is a typical active puppy, current on shots, microchpped. Phillipo, 7 months, medium, male, black and white, dog, a very active and playful puppy, current on shots, microchipped. Mario & Luigi, male, est. medium, 5-months, puppies, will do well with any family, current on shots, microchipped. To volunteer, adopt or foster, visit facebook.com/Sigonella.Animals or http://sigonellaanimalwelfaresociety.webs.com/
PA I D A D S
You can adopt while posted overseas. International & fostercare adoptions, homestudies. www.adopt-abroad.com laptoptoshiba (satellite), 2007 model, dual 220v/110v. (market value - comes with own case and internet usb key that costs 50 euros, you just recharge it monthly and surf the web) US $250. Call 340926-4550, Email: giodegenna@yahoo.com For rent in Motta, 3 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + garage. For info call Salvo at 345-351-2135 or e-mail: francesca_grease@hotmail.com
The appearance of advertising in this newspaper, including inserts of supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Navy (or Marine Corps), (name of command) or (name of publisher) of the products and services advertised. "Everything advertised in this newspaper shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. Published by Stampa, a private firm in no way connected with DoD, the U.S. Navy (or Marine Corps), under exclusive contract with the U.S. Navy (or Marine Corps).
NOVEMBER 23, 2012
GAME
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! s u n bo
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NOVEMBER 23, 2012