SIGNATURE THE
SIGONELLA, SICILY
March 29, 2013
Vol. 30. No. 12
cnic.navy.mil/sigonella
NAS Sigonella FES conducts special training
Firefighters from Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Fire and Emergency Services conduct a live fire training exercise in front of the fire station on NAS II, March 22. (U.S. Navy photo by MR1 Gary Spence/Released)
bY mC3 CAMERON BRAMHAM NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
F
irefighters from Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Fire and Emergency Services (FES) Department conducted a live fire training exercise in front of the fire station on NAS II, March 22. “Live-fire training presents the same types of hazards encountered during emergency response operations,” NAS Sigonella FES Assistant Fire Chief - Training Shane Rayfield said. “All Department of Defense FES fire fighters are required to demonstrate their proficiency skills on an annual basis and document them in Enterprise Safety Applications Management System. However, as a planned activity per National Fire Protection Association [NFPA]
1403/1410, this particular training requires a higher standard of care to ensure the safety of participants.” Specific training scenarios were developed using engine fires (inboard, outboard, high tail, or running fuel), exterior fires (pool fires involving fuselage, right or left wing), and interior fires (flight deck, cargo, or passenger compartments). “The Mobile Aircraft Firefighting Trainer (MAFT) provides an opportunity for our Airport Rescue Fire Fighters (ARFF) to train as they’ll fight,” Rayfield said. “It helps the fire fighters prepare for actual events that could occur on and off the flight line.”
FES regularly conducts training using their Mobile Aircraft Firefighting Training Device (MAFTD). MAFTD is a fire simulator that prepares Sailors for an actual flight deck casualty. The skills honed during this training are live-hose handling, ordnance cooling, wheel fire extinguishing techniques, proper donning of the firefighting ensemble, and use of the Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). “We are required to conduct live fire training throughout the year to maintain our skills,” Rayfield said. “If everything is on key, we try to burn three to four times a month.”
QUOTE OF THE WEEK The less people speak of their greatness, the more we think of it. - Francis Bacon, 1561-1626
Volunteers beautify area in Catania
Easter in Sicily
Sigonella Superstar
NAS Sigonella Navy and Air Force volunteers clean up historic area.
From festivals to traditions, find out how Sicily celebrates.
Meet Sigonella's March Superstar!
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Scan for direct links to NAS Sigonella
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THE SIGNATURE U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA Commanding Officer Capt. Scott Butler Executive Officer Cmdr. Eric Vosler Command Master Chief CMDCM David Graham
EDITORIAL Public Affairs Officer Lt. Tim Page
timothy.page@eu.navy.mil Communtiy Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil Editor Jackie Trembath jackie.trembath@eu.navy.mil Staff Writers/Photographers MR1 Gary Spence gary.spence@eu.navy.mil MC3 Cameron Bramham cameron.bramham@eu.navy.mil CONTACT US Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily thesig@eu.navy.mil DSN 624-5440; 095-86-5440 PSC 812 Box 3020, FPO, AE 09627
March 29, 2013
Direct Line Spring Break is just around the corner! Use this as a time to relax a bit and enjoy some much needed time off from your studies. I know many of you will be traveling around the island while the children are out of school. Think Safety first! Just do it responsibly. I’m sure you’ve heard this on a few occasions, but here it is again; “It’s not okay to drink and drive.” Enjoy your time off, but don’t let it cost you all the things you’ve worked so hard for. As the weather continues to improve, now is a perfect time to get outside for some exercise. I see many of you already out there hitting the streets or the weights. PFA season is right around the corner and it’s never too late to start getting ready. With all the changes the Navy is going
through in regards to retention, this is another area where something minor, like 30 seconds on the run or 5 push-ups can keep you from moving on to the next level of your career. So, keep up the hard work that I see you doing every day around the base. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. There are many activities that will be taking place all month long around the base, beginning with the Proclamation Signing on April 2 in the Compass Room at 0900. The month will culminate with our annual one-mile walk on April 24. Sexual assault is a serious problem. Not only does it break down unit cohesiveness and destroys trust, the trauma caused to victims can last a
lifetime, far removed from military service. As the motto states, “We Own It … We’ll Solve It … Together.” We need to be looking out for each other. Being so far away from home, we need to have folks here that we can count on to watch our backs. So, as another beautiful Sicilian spring rolls in, get out and take advantage of everything that Italy has to offer. There’s lots to see and do. Just be safe, use common sense, and watch out for one another.
DRIVE SAFELY
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 advertisingin this newspaper, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD orStampa Generale S.r.l., of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publications hall 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 factorof the purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policyby an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source until the violationis corrected.
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 anyanonymous 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
NASSIG EASTER SERVICES GOOD FRIDAY
EASTER SUNDAY
■ Noon: Protestant Worship (NAS II Chapel) ■ 5 p.m. Catholic Celebration of the Passion of the Lord and Confessions (NAS I Chapel)
■ 7 a.m.: Combined Protestant Sunrise Service (NAS I Chapel) ■ 7:30 a.m.: Breakfast in Fellowship Hall ■ 8:30 a.m. Catholic Mass and Confessions (NAS I Chapel) ■ 10 a.m.: Protestant Traditional Service (NAS I Chapel)
MARCH 29
EASTER VIGIL
RESURRECTION SUNDAY, MARCH 31
MARCH 30
■ 10 p.m. Roman Catholic Celebration of the Easter Vigil,
Rites of Initiation and Confessions (NAS I Chapel)
Advance clocks one hour, March 31 at 2 am
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What’s Happening Around NAS Sigonella ancient aqueduct in Catania
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
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.
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Grand Opening of Caffe Italia Sigonella volunteers and Italian at NAS I Food Court students beautify area around
NAS Sigonella Command Master Chief David Graham Buongiorno Sigonellans! As you may know, March has been celebrated as Women’s History Month. We take this time each year to celebrate the significant contributions women have made to our society throughout history. Some of our most influential Secretaries of State have been women, beginning with Madeleine Albright, then Condoleezza Rice, and most recently, Hillary Clinton as well as the . Our current Surgeon General of the United States is Vice Admiral Regina M. Benjamin. From a military standpoint, women have played a major role in every war, beginning with the Revolution, whether it be by taking care of the wounded as a nurse to more direct combat operations such as Iraq and Afghanistan.
March 29, 2013
For more information please contact the Religious Ministries Department at 624-3975 or 624-9049
Chapel Offices: NAS I 095-56-3975, NAS II 095-86-9049, DSN: 624-3975, CHAPLAIN DUTY: 335-831-4493 RP DUTY: 335-786-1950
Caffe Italia officially opened its doors during a grand opening ceremony at the Food Court on Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella's NAS I on March 21. Owner/operator Orazio Agosta (center) is thrilled to bring a taste of Sicily to Sigonella. Caffe Italia offers a variety of delicious Italian food and beverages. (U.S. Navy photo by MR1 Gary Spence/Released)
Sigonella Jaguars vs. Naples Wildcats Sigonella Navy and Air Force volunteers, along with Italian students from Istituto Tecnico Regionale in Catania, clear weeds, clean up and recycle accumulated litter and trash at the Timpa di Catania park and around the ruins of a 17th century aqueduct as part of a historic and environmental conservative community joint project by eight Catania Lions Clubs from District 108-YB, March 25. The cleanup effort was aimed at increasing public awareness on the need to protect the environment and beautify a beautiful green space in northern Catania for families and tourists to enjoy. (Photo courtesy of Orietta Scardino)
NMCRS Active Duty Fund Drive wraps up The Sigonella Jaguars took on the Naples Wildcats Saturday, March 23. Naples is a Division II school and Sigonella is Division III. Friday, March 29, the Sigonella Jaguars will travel to Naples to take on Vicenza and Aviano, Division II schools. (Photo by Jearlene Moore)
OHA SURVEY ENDS MARCH 31 Don't miss your chance to take the Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) Utility and Recurring Maintenance Survey! You have until March 31! The survey is conducted annually on behalf of the Department of Defense, by the Allowances Branch of the Defense Travel Management Office to collect utility and recurring maintenance expense data incurred by uniformed service members stationed overseas, who reside in private housing. Your data assists in determining the Utility/Recurring Maintenance Allowance paid to Service members in the country surveyed. the data you provide will directly impact the Utility/Recurring Maintenance Allowance paid to members. If you receive OHA and meet the following qualifications, you should participate in the survey: Will be stationed in the country where this survey is being conducted for six or more months; Reside in privately leased quarters (not a homeowner or home sharer); Receive an Overseas Housing Allowance. Take the survey at https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/marutil.cfm. If you have any questions or need further assistance, contact YNC Brickhouse at lewis.brickhouse@eu.navy.mil or 624-2072.
The Navy–Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) Active Duty Fund Drive (ADFD) wrapped up its fundraising events this week. NMCRS hosted fundraising events every weekday during the month of March. Mondays and Fridays were car-washes hosted by different commands. On Tuesdays, Seabee’s from Sigonella Public Works Department (above) sold breakfast burritos by the NAS II gate. Wednesdays were barbeque days in front of the NEX Mini Mart, and Thursdays was the Jail’N’Bail event, where service members could donate money to have friends or coworkers ‘locked up’ for a designated period of time. The NMCRS wishes to thank everyone who came out to support these events and appreciates the much needed donations. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Cameron Bramham/Released)
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March 29, 2013
C O M M UNI T Y C A LEND A R
april
MARCH 29
Tuesday
1 April Fool's Day
2
$1 bowling and shoe rental* Sparetime bowling Take 5 April Fool's Day Comedy Movie Marathon
Average Joe's Bowling* 6 - 9 p.m. Sparetime bowling
*EVERY TUESDAY
Wednesday 3
Youth Boot Camp* 3 - 5 p.m. NAS I Fit District
ITT "Holy Saturday" to Ferla
5
*EVERY FRIDAY
Bible Study* 7 p.m. NAS II Chapel
HAPPY EASTER NAS Sigonella!
7
Navy Entertainment Presents "Imagination Movers" NAS I Gym 2 p.m. ITT Circumetnea Antique Train Adventure
*EVERY WEDNESDAY
MARCH 31
ITT Catania-Palermo soccer match Liberty "Night out at the Movies" Midtown Theaters 8 p.m.
*EVERY MONDAY
8
9
10
Story Time* 10 - 11 a.m. NAS I Library Bingo* 6 p.m. NAS I Compass Room
11
12 Youth Complex Night out for Chinese Food
13
14 MWR Library National Library Week Begins
*EVERY WEDNESDAY
IMPORTANT EXTENSIONS:
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Fleet and Family Support Center Administration Bldg. Bldg. 319 (NAS I)
Monday–Friday: 7:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. DSN: 624-4291 Commercial: 095-56-4291
CELEBRATE OUR CHILDREN April is the Month of the Military Child and Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month from www.childwelfare.gov/preventing/preventionmonth/
6 Family Night Out* 5 - 8 p.m. Sparetime bowling
Sunday
Egg-Stravaganza NAS I Annex field 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
ITT Enna on "Good Friday"
Thursday 4
MARCH 30
NMCRS Active Duty Fund Drive car wash NAS II Autoport 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
2013 Monday
Saturday
Friday
March 29, 2013
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 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!
Need an appointment at the hospital? Call DSN 624-CARE (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, holidays, or after office hours, please call 335-578-8077 if you are normally seen at the hospital or 335-578-8150 if you are normally seen at the Flight Line Clinic.
On military installations all across the world, April is the Month of the Military Child and Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month. We set aside this time to recognize military children across the Armed Forces who spend their lives every three to four years leaving old friends, making new friends, changing schools and adjusting to new communities. Our military children spend a lot of time living the reality of having one parent at home, while the other is in harm’s way defending the liberty and freedom of our great nation onboard ship, deployed to various bases around the world or in war zones, or away on temporary duty. Children spend many birthdays, holidays, special school events and various milestones without the privilege of having one or both parents there to celebrate these achievements. What an honor it is to celebrate the lives of those unsung heroes who sacrifice so much during the military careers of their parents. We want our military children to know that they are special; they are loved and they are appreciated.
Child Abuse Prevention Awareness is recognized in the month of April through activities that educate parents on ways to prevent child abuse. “The Office on Child Abuse and Neglect (OCAN) with the Children’s Bureau coordinates Child Abuse Prevention Month activities at the Federal level, providing information and releasing updated national statistics about child abuse and neglect.” (Health and Human Service, N.D) In honor of Military Children and Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month, New Parent Support and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Sigonella will host “Month of the Military Child Community Fair” on April 1 from 3:30 6 p.m. It will be held at Marinai in front of the Teen Complex. There will be free food and games. "Cinderella," "Buzz Lightyear" and "Spiderman" will be there to help us celebrate our children. Please call the Fleet and Family Support Center at 624-4291 for more information. Bring your children and let’s show them that the Sigonella community appreciates our military children!
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March 29, 2013
March 29, 2013
BY Dott. ALBERTO LUNETTA Community Relations Officer
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ITALIAN
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H EADLINES Easter in Italy: 5 things you have to know (www.walksofitaly.com)
A Giunta, the touching re-enactment of the announcement of Jesus’ resurrection is annually held in Caltagirone on the afternoon of Easter Sunday. (Photo by http://www. satsicilia.com)
Easter celebrations in Caltagirone
Hundreds of worshippers and members of religious clubs, take part in the mournful Good Friday procession in Enna. (Photo by http://ennaflash.blogspot.it)
Easter celebrations in Enna
The Enna Settimana Santa or Easter week is about to reach its peak on Easter Sunday, March 31. In preparation, worshippers are getting ready for one of the saddest procession: Venerdì Santo or Good Friday, a day of penitence which remembers the death of Jesus on the cross. The Settimana Santa tradition comes from Sicily’s Spanish heritage. Every year, thousands of pilgrims swarm Enna to see hooded devotees, belonging to different city’s Confraternite (confraternities), walking slowly in procession through the streets of the historic center. City bands play mournful melodies to accompany them. Good Friday’s processions begin at 4:30 p.m. with the “Confraternity of the Passion” carrying the 24 symbols of Jesus martyrdom that are called “mysteries.” They include the cross, the purse with thirty silver coins, the crown, the lantern, the rooster, the nails, and the scourges. The procession, which leaves from the Church of Saint Leonardo, heads toward the Duomo or cathedral. The Confraternite proceeds in penitence along via Roma through the narrow streets of the city. The procession follows a definite order as Confraternite parade from the most recent to the oldest. More than 2,500 hooded penitents’ parade, in complete silence, until they reach the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows where a statue depicting the Virgin Mary is preserved. The statue is then taken to the cathedral where an Urna (urn) containing a statue of dead Christ was previously placed. At 7 p.m., the procession leaves from the cathedral and reaches the Church of St. Paolini near the cemetery, where a benediction is given with the Reliquary cross, which according to the tradition, encloses a thorn from the crown of Christ. Eventually, the procession returns to the Cathedral around midnight. On March 31 (Easter Sunday), Pasqua is celebrated at the church of S. Salvatore at 10 a.m. Later in evening, the Paci (peace), a ceremony symbolizing the encounter of resurrected Christ with the Virgin Mary begins at 6 p.m. Two statues depicting Jesus and his mother are carried on the shoulders of Confraternite members and taken from the churches of S. Salvatore and S. Giuseppe to piazza Mazzini where the Paci will be staged. As soon as Christ appears, the black veil covering the statue of the Lady of Sorrows comes down. The statues then run towards each other and are later are taken inside the Cathedral. For more information, detailed schedules and guided tours’ opportunities call Enna Tourist Office at 0935-40111.
JUST SAY Pr
IT!
actice your I talian !
Learn how to say these words in Italian just in time for Easter!
"Agneddu Pasquali" (which in Sicilian means Easter Lamb) is a popular Sicilian Easter cake. (Photo by http://sicilycuisine.blogspot.it)
Sicilian Easter Cakes
Knowing the importance of food in the Sicilian culture, it should be no surprise that home cooks and pastry chefs get very busy during Easter. The Sicilian saying goes "Aviri cchiu' chiffari di lu furnu di Pasqua," (being busier than an oven during Easter). During Easter, Sicilians bake a lot of scrumptious pastries many of which are still prepared according to secret ancient recipes handed down from Sicilian nuns and Moorish bakers. There are a wide variety of Sicilian treats including "Cuddura ccu l'ovu" - a cookie with hard-boiled eggs placed in the middle. Also popular is "Agneddu Pasquali" (which in Sicilian means Easter Lamb). It comes from a Jewish tradition, and it is made with sugar and clove paste. It is shaped as the "Agnus Dei" (Lamb of God), whose bronze prototype is in Palermo's National Museum. The lamb is always set in a grassy background with a banner placed in the back. The banner is a small reproduction of the medieval symbol of the French kings who ruled Sicily. The "Cassata" is one of the world's most famous Sicilian pastries. It is made with ricotta, coated with icing and decorated with candied fruit. Cassata is also available in smaller and differently shaped versions named "Cassateddi." Eating Cassata is a must for any good Sicilian as the saying goes, "Tintu cu nun mancia cassati la matina ri Pasqua," which in Sicilian means: "Bad is the one who doesn't eat Cassate on Easter morning." Cassata was first prepared in 998 at the palace of Emir Yussuf in Palermo during the Arab rule. Its name derives from "Quas'at," which in Arabic means: round bowl. Over the centuries, this cake became so popular that in 1575, the Ecclesiastical Council of Mazara (province of Trapani) banned its production in convents and monasteries to prevent the nuns, who were very skilled and popular confectioners, from being disturbed during the Holy Week's prayers.
Just as it happens in many other Sicilian towns, Good Friday in Caltagirone is a day of mourning that is marked by solemn observations in memory of Jesus’ crucifixion. On Friday, March 29 at 6:30 p.m. the procession of “Cristo Morto” (Dead Christ) is held through the streets of the center. During this solemn and gloomy procession, hundreds of devotees accompany the sculptures of Jesus Christ (the “Cataletto,” a wooden life-size sculpture depicting the dead Christ that is preserved inside a glass urn) and the grieving Virgin Mary dressed in mourning. Among the Good Friday processions usually held in Sicily, the Caltagirone’s processione (procession) is the only in which the statues are still carried on the shoulders of the devotees. This is not an easy task as the statues are incredibly heavy and holding them requires a continuous rotation of strong men. Typically, the “penitent” bearer is usually someone who has had a recent death in the family or wants to express his devotion to Jesus’ agony through his own physical suffering. On Easter Sunday, March 31, at 4:30 p.m., “A Giunta,” (The reunion) begins in via San Pietro. This spectacular religious play features three statues depicting Jesus, the Virgin Mary and St. Peter. It consists of a series of scenes illustrating Saint Peter’s announcement of the Jesus resurrection to the Virgin Mary, the following meeting between the Vergine Maria or Virgin Mary and Jesus, and their sorrowful final separation. The play begins with the huge papier-mâché statue of St. Peter (about ten feet tall) wandering around the crowd of devotees in search of the Virgin Mary to announce her the resurrection of her beloved son. After several unsuccessful attempts, Saint Peter eventually finds the Virgin Mary and tells her the good news. Thus, the meeting of the Virgin Mary and Christ takes place between piazza Loggia and via Luigi Strurzo. The black mantle that covers the Virgin Mary as sign of mourning falls after the meeting with her risen Son, and a blue and white dress replaces it to express joy. Meanwhile, two surprised Roman soldiers named “Cicchittu” and “Nancittu,” who surround Christ, witness the miracle. During the play, the crowd follows with attention and anxiety the events featured. When then meeting occurs, townspeople express their joy by shouting “Viva Maria” (Long live the Virgin Mary). After that, the procession moves to piazza Marconi, where the “Spartenza” (separation) takes place. Eventually, the Virgin Mary bows three times to Jesus and bids farewell to him. It’s Easter again! Christ is resurrected! Complementing the Easter celebrations, several art exhibitions will be hosted in the main historic buildings of the town center. For more detailed information and opening hours, call Caltagirone Tourist Office at 0933-41365 or visit www.comune.caltagirone.ct.it
Easter in Italy is a major holiday-in some ways, it's even more important than Christmas! Celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox (yes, we're confused too), Easter in 2013 falls on Sunday, March 31. (And if you want to sound like a local, don't call it Easter. call it Pasqua!). If you're going to be in Italy during the Easter holidays, here are 5 things to expect! 1) The cities will be full of tourists-but many Italians will be on vacation: Because it's a long weekend, lots of Italians take the opportunity to get out of town, heading to the countryside, the sea, or the mountains. Meanwhile, a lot of foreigners are doing exactly the same thing this week-vacationing!-so sights will be crowded. In most major cities and destinations, in fact, Easter week is the official start of "high" season (although don't worry, it's still less crowded than it will be at the season's peak, in June and July!). So plan your trip accordingly, and have a plan for how you'll tackle lines at places like the Colosseum! 2) Most major museums and sights will be open on Easter Sunday and Monday, but many shops and restaurants will be closed: The good news: Most major sights will be open on Easter. That includes the Colosseum in Rome, the Doge's Palace in Venice, and the Uffizi in Florence (although the Uffizi is closed every Monday, including Easter Monday). Of course, the big exception is the Vatican, whose museums (including the Sistine Chapel) will close both Sunday and Monday. That said, because so many Italians go on vacation during Easter weekend, many of the smaller, family-run shops and restaurants will be closed. So make sure you book your meals for Sunday and Monday as far in advance as possible, as the few (good) restaurants that are open will get booked up. 3) There will be lots of religious processions and festivals, including in the small towns: Easter is a great time to experience the culture of Italy, including not only some of its food traditions (more on that in a moment), but its religious traditions, too. You don't have to be Catholic yourself to enjoy the spectacle of a procession winding through a tiny town, with seemingly everyone participating! 4) Restaurant menus, and bakeries, will be full of traditional Easter dishes and sweets: When it comes to food, if there's any one major Easter tradition in Italy, it's lamb. And it comes in two forms. The first: grilled lamb (abbacchio), which will be on pretty much every menu in any restaurant in Italy worth its salt. The second form: almond paste! Yep, that's right. In Sicily (and Sicilian bakeries across the country), you can get a little lamb made out of marzipan. That said, a marzipan lamb is hardly the only Easter sweet you'll find. Chocolate eggs are popular here (especially when hollow, and with a prize inside!). So is a cake called colomba di Pasqua, a cake shaped like a dove. 5) Want to really Easter like an Italian? Then picnic on Pasquetta: Despite the common phrase "Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi" (Christmas with your family, Easter with whoever you want), Easter Sunday is usually spent with family, while Easter Monday, or "Pasquetta," is spent with friends. If they're not on vacation already, most Italians will try to get out of town at least for this day, often by having a picnic somewhere with a big group of friends!
English: Easter Italian: Pàsqua
English: Easter lamb Italian: Agnèllo di Pasqua
English: Easter Monday Italian: Pasqùetta
English: Crucifixion Italian: Crocifìssiòne
Six arrested in amateur cycling doping probe, 25 under investigation, raids from Tuscany to Calabria
English: Easter egg Italian: uòvo di Pasqua
English: Resurrection Italian: Resurreziòne
Florence, March 22 - Italian police on Friday arrested six people accused of involvement in illegal doping of amateur cyclists across Italy. Some
(ANSA)
25 people were placed under investigation and raids were carried out in Tuscany, Lazio, Campania, Basilicata, Puglia and Calabria. Doping, trafficking in illegal substances, abusing places in the medical profession and fraud against the State were among the possible charges, police said.
Acquittal of Amanda Knox in murder trial goes to appeal, prosecutors, ictim's family ask top court to reconsider case (ANSA)
Perugia - The acquittal of Amanda Knox in a notorious 2007 murder case in the Umbrian city of Perugia will be reviewed Monday by Italy's top appeals court. Prosecutors are challenging a lower court's acquittal of American Knox and her former Italian boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito, charged in the murder of British student Meredith Kercher, 21, on November 2, 2007. The victim's family is also participating in the appeal. A third man, Rudy Guede, was sentenced to 16 years in prison in the case. Knox and Sollecito were originally convicted of the murder in December 2009 and were respectively sentenced to 26 and 25 years in prison. However, two years later their guilty verdicts were overturned by a court of appeal.
Cheese bandits foiled in nighttime Parmigiano raid, group's attempt to steal from factory sets off alarm system (ANSA)
A group of bandits suspected of a series of thefts of world-renowned Parmigiano Reggiano cheese in the central region of Emilia Romagna risked capture late Wednesday night after gaining access to the warehouses of Emiliani Stagionatura Formaggi cheesemaker of Fabbrico. Warehouse alarms were set off by the intruders' unauthorised access, but the group managed to escape before security personnel arrived on the scene. The group has been active in stealing the costly cheeses around the Emilia area of central Italy. Parmigiano Reggiano cheese has had the European Union's Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) status, which the consortium has fought to defend in European courts. Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is currently being evaluated for its "Intangible World Heritage" by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Culture organization (UNESCO).
Archaeologists uncover colosseum's colours, Frescoes and graffiti (Italy Magazine)
After removing decades of grime, experts doing restoration on the Colosseum in Rome have discovered the ancient building's glorious colours. Archaeologists who have been painstakingly removing dust and dirt have been met with a reward that they long suspected: in its heyday, the Colosseum was not just all dull grey stone and parts of it were covered in a riot of colour. Experts found traces of bright red, light blue, white, black and green on the walls of one of the corridors used by Ancient Romans when they headed to their seats to watch the bloody gladiatorial games. The colours indicate that there were frescoes in the passageways that circle the arena and experts hope to be able to establish what they depict during the ongoing restoration work. The fragments appear to be of scenes illustrating the gladiatorial world including images of swords, victory wreaths, laurel and erotic scenes. Archaeologists have been working on the restoration since October 2012. They also found graffiti of palm fronds and crowns celebrating gladiatorial triumphs - and even scribbled drawings of phalluses on the plasterwork. Never before open to the public, the colourful passageway is expected to open to the public this summer once the restoration work is complete.
EASTER IN SICILY
Easter or Pasqua in Italy is full of rituals and celebrations. Beginning on Palm Sunday through La Pasquetta (the Monday following Easter) there are a variety of processions, masses and more. Enjoy the cultural experience!
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Palm Sunday Traditional Food Chocolate Easter Eggs Around Easter (“Pasqua” in Italian - pronounced PAHSS|kwah), one of the most popular creation is the giant chocolate Easter egg, which symbolizes birth and resurrection. A favorite among children and adults alike, the hollow Easter egg can be broken open and chunks of it enjoyed on warm bread or devoured as is. In Acireale, at the Antica Cioccolateria Acese, run by the Massimino family, chocolate eggs are in production beginning in September. (Photos by Jackie Trembath)
On Palm Sunday, palm fronds are for sale almost everywhere. People take them to a church to be blessed before using them to decorate their home. (Photo by Jackie Trembath)
Celebrations ...
"The Dance of the Devils” is a spectacular annual religious festival that draws thousands of tourists to Prizzi. “Devils” wear terrifying red iron masks and “death” wears a yellow mask. There are numerous celebrations around the island. See more on Page 6 and 7. (Photo by Carmelo Collura)
On Easter, the traditional secondo (or main course) is lamb which symbolizes the "sacrificial lamb". It can be marinated with lemon and rosemary and then roasted and served with artichokes and potatoes, slowly braised with onions and carrots - or even ground with scallions, parsley and rosemary and made into meatballs which are fried (called polpettine). (Photo by http://www.academiabarilla.com)
The Colomba Pasquale (meaning Easter Dove) is a buttery, brioche-like, dove shaped dessert traditionally served on Easter. Labor intensive to make from scratch - it can be purchased at any supermarket. (Photo by http://ciaochowlinda.blogspot.it)
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Assistant Fire Chief - Training Shane Rayfield is responsible for maintaining a training program for the most diverse workforce in Department of Defense: 356 firefighters on six geographically separated installations in five countries. Rayfield is a superstar! He created a 5-year annual region training plan, assisted in authoring region’s automatic external defibrillator program and renovated two training classrooms with new training aids. He also created lesson plans and power point presentation for training and certifying 124 firefighters in Naples and Sigonella. These materials are now used by numerous regions to certify firefighters. Rayfield is also the linchpin for the fire accreditation team. He wrote all chapters pertaining to training and certification - his work was praised as “best seen to date” and resulted in department CFAI Accreditation! In addition, Rayfield is the active liaison between Italian Air Force and the U.S. Navy, organizing combined training exercises and creating a seamless working relationship with a shared interest. For these reasons and more, Rayfield was selected as the Sigonella's Superstar for March. Bravo Zulu, Shane!
Get to know RAYFIELD Where are you from originally? Guam
Why did you to become a firefighter? As far back as I can recall, I've always been fascinated with the fire service, because I love the tradition and the brotherhood. I absolutely love running into a burning building when everyone else is running out.
ON THE JOB:
Assistant Chief - Training Shane Rayfield (left) explains the importance of proper ventilation during a training exercise. (Photos by Naval Air Station Sigonella Fire and Emergency Services.)
How long have you been a firefighter? For 23 years. What does your job entail? I train firefighters of all ranks so that they can work more safely, effectively, and efficiently.
What's your favorite thing about your job? I love being a positive mentor and the satisfaction of seeing all the firefighters faces when they demonstrate the confidence and ability to do the job correctly. What's your favorite thing about living in Sicily? I love working with the Italian Firefighters and learning the culture. What's the favorite place you have visited so far? I really like Giarra where I go surfing when it’s good.
RAYFIELD
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ON THE GO WITH MWR
Assistant Fire Chief - Training Shane A. Rayfield
SIGONELLA SUPERSTAR
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March 29, 2013
New upgrades at Take 5! gets pers
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Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella’s Take 5 Recreation Center on NAS II has undergone a transformation from new cabinets and paint to new glass partitions and a state-of-the-art kitchen facility. Additionally, Take 5 boasts a 12-station Internet center with new desktop computers and free Wi-Fi for accessing personal non-LAN email accounts and printing capabilities. Final upgrades should be completed by the end of May, but no need to wait. Come on over and check us out now. Upgrades include/will include: • 40” Flat screen TV’s. • Brand new video gaming featuring Wii, PS3 and XBOX 360’s, complete with all the latest games. • The latest model pool table. • Revamped theater area with surround sound. • Comfy new lounge seats to make every service member feel at home away from home. Located on NAS II, Take 5 Recreation Center is a non-smoking, alcohol free recreation center for all hands with a focus on single active duty members and
DID YOU KNOW? ... Assistant Fire Chief of Training Shane Rayfield was recently awarded the DoD Fire Services Instructor of the Year for Navy Region Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia AND the overall DoD Fire and Emergency Services Navy-wide award. He is now competing for the worldwide DoD award. These awards recognizes excellence as a fire service instructor for dedication, commitment and community involvement in the area of fire, safety and suppression training activities.
Coming soon ...
geographical bachelors. It is also home to the Liberty Single Sailor Program and offers information and signup for recreation services offered on the island. Contact: 6245602 (DSN). Off-base: 095-86-5602. Hours of Operation: • Monday - Friday: 11:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. • Weekends and holidays: 2:30 - 9 p.m. Upcoming April programs: • April 1: April Fool’s Day Comedy Movie Marathon – All day, free popcorn while supplies last. • April 5: Birthday Sundaes – All day, while supplies last. • April 9: Board Game Tournament 6 p.m. • April 10: 30-Minute Meals on a Budget - 6 p.m. • April 15: Patriot’s Day Trivia Challenge – All day. • April 17: Drink Responsibly Class sponsored by Fleet and Family Support Center - 11:30 a.m. • April 20: Horror Movie Marathon – All day. • April 26: Empty Wallet Lunch (Taco Bar ) – 11 a.m. - while supplies last.
Midtown Movie Theaters Schedule & Descriptions
Friday, 29 MAR 13 *Breakfast: Hot Oatmeal, Grilled Sausage Links, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Asstd Doughnuts, Cinnamon Rolls. *Lunch: Cream of Potato Soup, Yankee Pot Roast, Baked Fish w/Tomato Cherry, Tempura Fish, Oven Glo Potatoes, Tossed Green Rice, Seasoned Mix Vegetables, Summer Squash, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Chocolate Cake, Vanilla Pudding. *Speed Line: Grilled Hamburger/ Cheeseburger, French Fried Potatoes, Baked Beans. *Dinner: French Onion Soup, Five Spice Chicken, Steamed Rice, Tuna Sandwich, Spinach, Cauliflower Polonaise, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Chocolate Cake, Vanilla Pudding. Saturday, 30 MAR 13 *Breakfast: Farina, Grilled Ham Slices, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Buttermilk Pancakes, Asstd Doughnuts. *Brunch: Breakfast Items, Beef Noodle Soup, Veal Breaded w/Mushroom Gravy, Brown Gravy, Carrots, Fried Cabbage w/ Bacon, Cookies. *Dinner: Pepper Pot Soup, Spaghetti w/meat sauce, Fish Portion, O’Brien Potatoes, Peas w/ Celery, Squash, Cookies. Sunday, 31 MAR 13 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Minute Steak, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, Asstd Doughnuts. *Brunch: Breakfast items, Chicken Gumbo Soup, Sauerbraten, Mix Vegetable, Asparagus, Cake. *Dinner: Manhattan Clam Chowder Soup, Baked Chicken, Spaghetti Carbonara, Paprika Buttered Potatoes, Pork Fried Rice, Carrots, Whole kernel Corn, White Cake. Monday, 01 APR 13 *Breakfast: Hot Grits, Minced Beef on Toast, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, Asstd Doughnuts. *Lunch: Creole Soup, Turkey Roast, Veal Steak Parmesan, Steamed Rice, Peas, Cauliflower, Cookies, Cherry Crumble Pie. *Speed Line: Pizza. *Dinner: Tomato Bouillon Soup, Roast Pork, Penne Alfredo, Steamed Rice, Brown Gravy, Green Beans Nicoise, Carrot Slices, Cookies, Cherry Crumble Pie.
Wednesday, April 3
Tuesday, 02 APR 13 *Breakfast: Farina, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Biscuits and Gravy, Grilled Sausage Patties, Asstd Doughnuts. *Lunch: Spanish Soup, Beef Tacos, Burritos, Chicken Fajita, Mexican Rice, Refried Beans, Calico Corn, Carrots, Jalapeno Cornbread, Cake. *Speed Line: French Fries, Chicken Nuggets. *Dinner: Navy Bean Soup, Roast Beef, Baked Italian Sausage, Mashed Potatoes, Chicken Gravy, Seasoned Asparagus, Cauliflowers, Cake. Wednesday, 03 APR 13 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Creamed Ground Beef, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Pancakes, Asstd Doughnuts. *Lunch: Puree Mongole Soup, Baked Fish, Brown Gravy, Potatoes Oven Brown, Spaghetti Meat Sauce, Spinach, Peas w/Carrots, Vanilla Cookies. *Speed Line: Grilled Hamburger/Cheeseburger, French Fries, Baked Beans. *Dinner: Beef Rice Soup, Fried Chicken, Steamed Rice, Farfalle w/ Tomato Sauce, Savory Squash, Steamed Broccoli, Vanilla Cookies. Thursday, 04 APR 13 *Breakfast: Hominy Grits, Oven Fried Bacon, Creamed Beef, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, Asstd Doughnuts. *Lunch: Velvet Corn Soup, Grilled Pork Chops, Brown Gravy, Lasagna, Oriental Rice, Oven Brown Potatoes, Spinach, Cauliflower Au Gratin, Cake, Cookies. *Speed Line: Fishwich, Onion Rings. *Dinner: Cream of Asparagus Soup, Chicken Tetrazzini, Veal Steak, Corn, Lyonnaise Rice, Collard Greens, Cookies. Friday, 05 APR 13 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Sausage Patties, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Asstd Doughnuts. *Lunch: Potato Soup, Tempura Fish, Steamed Rice, Pasta al Forno, Asparagus, Carrots, Cake. *Speed Line: Grilled Hamburger/Cheeseburger, French Fries, Baked Beans. *Dinner: Vegetable Supreme Soup, Steamed Rice, Beef Stew, Pasta Alfredo, Spinach, Oriental Stir Fry, Cake, Vanilla Cream Pudding.
5:00 PM Croods 3D 5:30 PM Escape From Earth 7:30 PM Safe Haven 8:00 PM Identity Thief
Thursday, April 4 Friday, March 29 2:00 PM Croods 3D 5:00 PM G. I. Joe 2 3D 5:30 PM Escape From Earth 7:30 PM Snitch 8:00 PM A Good Day to Die
PG PG-13 PG PG-13 R
Saturday, March 30 12:00 PM Hop 2:00 PM Jack Giant Slayer 3D 2:30 PM The Croods, The 4:30 PM Dark Skies 5:00 PM Snitch 7:30 PM G. I. Joe 2 3D
PG PG-13 PG PG-13 PG-13 PG-13
Sunday, March 31 2:00 PM Oz 3D 2:30 PM Warm Bodies 4:30 PM Beautiful Creatures 5:00 PM Safe Haven 7:30 PM Dark Skies
PG PG-13 PG-13 PG-13 PG-13
Tuesday, April 2 5:00 PM Jack Giant Slayer 3D PG-13 5:30 PM Warm Bodies PG-13 7:30 PM Snitch PG-13 8:00 PM Bullet to the Head R
5:00 PM Dark Skies 5:30 PM Croods 7:30 PM G.I. Joe 2 3D 8:00 PM Jack Giant Slayer
CROODS 2D & 3D ... PG STARRING: Nicolas Cage, Ryan Reynolds, Emma Stone PG PG PG-13 R
The world's very first prehistoric family goes on a road trip to an uncharted and fantastical world. (98 m.)
PG-13 PG PG-13 PG-13
As the Barret family's peaceful suburban life is rocked by an escalating series of disturbing events, they come to learn that a terrifying and deadly force is after them. (97 m.)
Friday, April 5
2:00 PM Kernal Popcorn the Magician 5:00 PM Oz 3D G 5:30 PM G. I. Joe 2 PG-13 7:30 PM A Good Day to Die R 8:00 PM 21 and Over R
Saturday, April 6
2:00 PM Croods 3D 2:30 PM Beautiful Creatures 4:30 PM Safe Haven 5:00 PM 21 and Over 7:30 PM G. I. Joe 2 3D
PG PG-13 PG-13 R PG-13
Sunday, April 7
2:00 PM Oz PG 2:30 PM Escape From Earth 3D PG 4:30 PM Snitch PG-13 5:00 PM Dark Skies PG-13 7:30 PM Side Effects R 8:00 PM G. I. Joe 2 (Liberty) PG-13
Movie Premiere
Free Movie
Same Day Release
Last Show
DARK SKIES ... PG-13 STARRING: Keri Russell, Jake Brennan, Josh Hamilton
G. I. JOE RETALIATION 2D & 3D ... PG-13 STARRING: Channing Tatum, Dwayne Johnson, Ray Park
The G.I. Joes are not only fighting their mortal enemy Cobra; they are forced to contend with threats from within the government that jeopardize their very existence. (99 m.) SAFE HAVEN ... PG13 STARRING: Julianne Hough, Josh Duhamel, Cobie Smulders
A young woman with a mysterious past lands in Southport, North Carolina where her bond with a widower forces her to confront the dark secret that haunts her. (115 m.) SNITCH ... PG13 STARRING: Dwayne Johnson, Susan Sarandon, Jon Bernthal
A father goes undercover for the DEA in order to free his son who was imprisoned after being set up in drug deal. (112 m.)
Movie schedule is subject to change. Please call to confirm. Movie Hotline: 624-4248
Chocolate
ADDICTIVE BAKING BARS BITTERSWEET BROWNIES CAKES CANDY CHIPS CHOCOLATIERS COCOA CONFECTIONERY COOKIES CREAM PIE CUPCAKE DARK DECADENT DELICIOUS DESSERT DRINKS
FILLING FONDUE FOOD FUDGE ICE CREAM ICING INGREDIENT MILK MOUSSE PUDDING SEMISWEET SUGAR SWISS SYRUP TREAT TRUFFLES UNSWEETENED WHITE
March 29, 2013
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SUDOKU DIFFICULT
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March 29, 2013
MEDIUM
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M ERCATO
IL AUTOMOBILES
2010 Mini Cooper Clubman, Grey – 38K miles, excellent condition. Includes Sport and Premium packages, 6-speed, 16" alloy wheels, 5-star-blaster, sport seats, front and rear fog lights, Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Multi-function steering wheel, tire pressure monitor, comfort access keyless entry, sport button, rain sensor and auto headlights, Xenon headlights,
automatic climate control, Onboard computer, ambiance lighting, navigation system, Bluetooth and USB/iPod adapter, cold-climate version, all-season run flat tires. U.S. Spec. Blue Book value $18,500. Yours for $17,500!Contact Stacey at 327-902-5836.
FOR SALE Two bombola gas heaters: 1 w/ electric fan: $45EA. Rose wood dining room table with 6 chairs and bar: $2K. Two small 220V
PAID AD Bull Terrier puppies for sale, white and black & white, first and second deworming, and first vaccination. For info call +39 348 3289633. SIGONELLATREASYRES.COM. Online classifieds for Sigonella and surrounding areas. View us on YouTube and Sign up today!
electric heaters; great for bano: $15EA. Two medium 220V electric heaters: $20EA. Large Wardrobe w/ doors: $100. Love seat: $100. Two end tables & coffee table:$150. 220V coffee pot: $15. 220V iron: $15. 220V hand mixer: $10. 220V toaster: $10. 220V hair dryer: $10. 220V hair straightener: $10. Contact Stacey at 327-902-5836. Walnut Bed room for a boy/girl at 600euro including: Modern wardrobe three doors over and the bed under. Modern Desk with library. Modern sofa two seater which becomes a wide bed. Walnut bed room at 500euro including: Iron work bed, mattress, spring mattress. Two bedside tables. One chest of drawers. One mirror. Antique corner cabinet 150 euro. Walnut rectangular extending table with 6 chairs old style 500 euro. Two green classic style sofa 400 euro. Call Carmelo at 3927581047.
March 29, 2013 All classified ads are free to the community for advertising personal property for sale, trade or giveaway. Ads must be sent to thesig@eu.navy.mil no later than 5 p.m. of the Friday before the week of publication and must include POC name and phone number. For more information, call 624-5440, 624-2798 or 095-86-5440/2798 or stampagenerale@tin.it.
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)
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).
NOTE: Ads run for two weeks on a space available basis and must be sponsored by active duty military members, family members or Italian/ American base employees. AFTS/AFN decoders must be sold only to another authorized individual: active duty or retired U.S. military, DoD direct-hire employees or their spouse. Ads that profit a business or individual, such as housekeeping or baby-sitting services considered commercial ads. Commercial ads are not accepted. Requests for commercial ads must be made to Stampa Generale: 081-568-7884 or stampagenerale@tin.it.
March 29, 2013
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