SIGNATURE THE
SIGONELLA, SICILY
Vol. 31. No. 10
March 14, 2014
cnic.navy.mil/sigonella
PWD director talks energy saving accomplishments as Seabees celebrate 72nd B-day by MC3 cameron Bramham NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
On March 8, the 2014 Seabee Ball helped celebrate the "Bees" 72nd birthday, giving the NAS Sigonella Public Works Department an opportunity to look back on milestones achieved by Public Works the last year. Repairs to the airfield, replacing plenty of base pipe, and finishing a solar-heated pool on NAS II are a few of the projects PWD head Cmdr. Bill Breckinridge and his team completed last year. Perhaps nothing has been as important - or at least as cost-effective - as PWD's focus to conserve base resources. Breckinridge said PWD energy initiatives likely saved the base more than $200,000 last year with plans to save more this next year. During times when budgets continue to tighten and a major focus has been placed on conserving energy, those kinds of savings are putting money where the mouth is. "We've significantly cut down on consumption of fuel, natural gas, and electricity," Breckinridge said. "That savings on government spending and the other ambitious projects we've completed underlines that our guys are great at what they do. And I think it also shows that as a community Sigonella is working hard to become considerate stewards of what he have been blessed with." Breckinridge said despite similar projected savings for the next fiscal year, his team will continue to push to discover new avenues for savings. Currently the PWD team is working on improvements to base water and accompanying treatment plants. There's also a push to advance water metering, and for workout enthusiasts, Breckinridge gave assurance that the NAS II gym should soon be finished. "I'm not brave enough to give you an exact date on the gym, but it should be completed soon," he said. Recycling and base cleanliness have also become one of PWD Sigonella's priorities. Environment Director Justin Lancaster and his team have been heading up the initiative on recycling, which has taken off the past year. "They just put in 59 new [recycling stations], which I believe gives us around 100 throughout the base, and we plan on adding more," Lancaster said. "We do a lot of recycling for our hazardous material as well, which saved our base $255,753 last year alone."
The Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Color Guard parades the colors during the National Anthem at the 72nd Seabee Ball ceremony, March 8 in Acireale. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cameron Bramham/Released)
Lt. Micheal McManus (left) and Builder Constructionman Apprentice Evan Lisano cut the ceremonial birthday cake as oldest and youngest Sailors in attendance for Sigonella Public Works Department March 8, at the 72nd Seabee Ball in Acireale, Sicily. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cameron Bramham/Released)
According to Breckinridge the command will without you guys. You guys are service providers." save the base approximately $2,207,156.61 (as of Dennis continued to explain how the Seabees March 14) from projects completed, underway, and contribute to NAS Sigonella's mission success. scheduled to begin in the future. "Seabees on this base are providing reliable gas, Future projects hoped for completion within electricity, recycling, transportation, repairs, water, the fiscal year include upgraded base chillers and contracting and all of these are critical enablers of boilers for more cost-efficient water temperatures; the functions that happen on this base," he said. installing LED street lights on NAS II; and more "Every day, day in and out, that's what you're natural gas and solar doing. Seabees are all hot water converone organization, and “It’s a great privilege to celebrate sions around base. this is one hard working During the cel- this occasion and the illustrious organization." ebration held at Villa Once Dennis finOasis in Acireale, legacy of the Seabees with all of ished, Master of CerBreckinridge paid you. Our Sigonella Seabees live up emonies, Lt. j.g. Greg tribute to the efforts Prioleau presented to this legacy displaying the ‘can of those he works awards from Seabee beside. "It's a great do’ attitude and spirit every day. Week, which takes privilege to celebrate place the week before I’m proud to serve with all of you.” this occasion and the the Seabee Ball when illustrious legacy of various Seabee rates Sigonella Public Works Officer Cmdr. Bill Breckinridge the Seabees with all split into teams and of you. Our Sigonella compete in a variety of Seabees live up to this legacy displaying the 'can events such as baseball and ultimate football. This do' attitude and spirit every day. I'm proud to serve year's winners were the Construction Electricians, with all of you," he said. while the Construction Mechanics and Equipment The evening began with a cocktail hour. Then Operators tied for second. The Builder's took third. NAS Sigonella Color Guard paraded the colors and After a cake-cutting, the ceremony concluded the Italian and American national anthems were with the singing of Song of the Seabees and sung. After the invocation and dinner, Breckinridge benediction. Breckinridge then handed out awards introduced the guest speaker, Capt. Chris Dennis, to his Seabees before inviting everyone to the dance NAS Sigonella's commanding officer, who shared floor. his feelings about the Seabees at NAS Sigonella. Before the night was danced away, Dennis had "The fact is that Seabees here at Sigonella are one more shout out for his Sigonella Seabees. doing things for National Security Policy every "You're going to keep marching forward every single day," Dennis said. "Seabees here support day," Dennis said. "Congratulations, and happy every single base function. We couldn't do any of it 72nd anniversary!"
Around Sigonella:
On Broadway!
Sigonella's Helping Hands!
Check out what's happening around Sigonella.
Check out your Sigonella neighbors on stage!
NAS Sigonella service members get recognized for multiple COMREL's
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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. Chris Dennis Executive Officer Cmdr. Eric Vosler Command Master Chief CMDCM David Graham
EDITORIAL Public Affairs Officer Lt. Paul Newell paul.newell@eu.navy.mil PAO - Leading Petty Officer MC2 Tony D. Curtis anthony.curtis@eu.navy.mil Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil Acting Editor-in-Chief MC3 Cameron Bramham cameron.bramham@eu.navy.mil Senior Print Editor MC2 Brian Glunt brian.glunt@eu.navy.mil
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MARCH 14, 2014
Direct Line Executive Officer Cmdr. Eric Vosler Bon Giorno to all! And Happy Spring ... well, almost. With Spring equinox less than a week away, we are reminded (sometimes by the hour) how unpredictable the weather is around here. For example, Monday started out nice, sunny and relatively warm, and all of a sudden there were reports of hail to the north of us and later flooding of the roads between NAS 1 and 2 while temps plunged. This brings life to the term Marzo pazzo, or "Crazy March." In fact, one of the Sailors I spoke to said he saw some pretty bad wrecks that same day on his daily trek home along the autostrade. I won't go on a super-long spiel about safe driving, but all of this is written to encourage everyone to use an extra
dose of common sense as you are traveling to and fro. Be conservative in the way you operate your vehicle, rallentare, think defensively as well. Speaking of conservation, continue to monitor the amount of water, electricity, and gas you are consuming. For those who live on base, you have been very blessed with resources you do not have to pay for every month. And for many of us who own a vehicle, we are very fortunate to receive benefits of gas coupons. While these resources appear to come and go easily, they are certainly not unlimited and absolutely not cheap. So please help us continue to help you. If you aren't using the room, shut the light off; if you're wheels aren't in motion, cut the engine; and please
be mindful of how long you are showering. We ALL want you to be clean, but if you have sung all lines to "Bohemian Rhapsody" plus "We Are the Champions," consider yourself oversaturated. Finally, March 8 was International Women's Day and March is Woman's History Month. I will take this opportunity to shamelessly thank my bride Michelle for being such an amazing wife and mom. If I have achieved anything praiseworthy it is because of her. Likewise, I would like to thank every one of the women here -- Italian and American, uniformed, civilian or stay-athome -- for all you do to enrich our Sigonella family. You are wonderful,
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.
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Air Ops hosts barbecue and USNH Sailors volunteer for Raffle Tickets at NEX Mini-Mart NMCRS car wash at Auto Port
invaluable, and very much appreciated! There are 17 days left in the month, plenty of time to celebrate the important women in your life. Men, get out there and ensure they have some flowers, sweets or beautiful jewelry. Ladies, be known for the beauty that comes from within. Have a Happy St. Patrick's Day, Sigonella!
DRIVE SAFELY, SIGONELLA
Electronics Technician 1st Class James Herring serves burgers and hot dogs to Sailors at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, March 8, during a barbecue hosted by air operations command as part of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society's (NMCRS) Active Duty Fund Drive. Chips and beverages were also served during the barbecue, where NAS Sigonella service members could also purchase tickets for the weekly raffle prize. There will be barbecues every Wednesday outside of the Navy Exchange Mini-Mart during the month of March in support of the fund drive. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cameron Bramham/Released)
Hospitalman Kelsey Brilakis, left, Hospitalman Sean Robison, center, and Hospitalman Timothy Halstead, attached to U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella, volunteer for the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) car wash March 7, at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella's Auto Port. Car washes are scheduled to take place every Tuesday and Friday in March as part of the NMCRS active duty fund drive. NAS Sigonella provides logistical support for Commander, U.S. 5th and 6th Fleets and NATO forces in the Mediterranean area. (U.S. Navy photo illustration by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian T. Glunt/Released)
Chiefs dine with 41st Stormo Air Wing Chapel hosts Ash Wednesday services
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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NMCRS Active Duty Fund Drive in Full Effect
CONTACT US Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily thesig@eu.navy.mil DSN 624-5440; 095-86-5440 PSC 812 Box 7, FPO, AE 09627-0001
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.
MARCH 14, 2014
NASSIG WORSHIP SERVICES ROMAN CATHOLIC Sunday ■ 8:30 a.m. Catholic Mass (NAS I Chapel)
TUESDAY - FRIDAY ■ 11:30 a.m. Catholic Mass (NAS II Chapel) Sacraments of Reconciliation/Penance precede each Mass PROTESTANT NAS I Chapel Saturday ■ 6:30 p.m. Contemporary Worship Services Sunday ■ 10:30 a.m. Traditional Worship NAS II Chapel SUNDAY ■ 5 p.m. Protestant Evening Service
OTHER SERVICES/ACTIVITIES
LATTER-DAY SAINTS SUNDAY at 1:30 p.m. (NAS I Chapel) Contact: sigonellalds@gmail.com or 624-9049 JEWISH SHABBAT LAY SERVICE FRIDAY at 5:30 p.m. (NAS I Chapel) NIGHT STUDY WEDNESDAY at 5 p.m. (NAS I Chapel) ■ AA Meetings: MONDAY at 5:30 p.m. (NAS I Chapel) second deck; THURSDAY at 7 p.m. (NAS II Chapel) NAS Sigonella Religious Ministries Department Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NavalAirStationSigonella Chapel
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
Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Command Master Chief David Graham, right, dines with U.S. Navy chiefs and their Italian 41st Stormo Air Wing counterparts March 6, to maintain good relations at the Ristorante Bella Etna galley. NAS Sigonella provides logistical support for Commander, U.S. 5th and 6th Fleets and NATO forces in the Mediterranean area. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian T. Glunt/Released)
Father Franklin Watts welcomes Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella mass attendees on Ash Wednesday, March 5, at the NAS II Chapel. NAS Sigonella Religious Ministries Department also hosted another Catholic Mass at the NAS I Chapel later in the day. The NAS II Chapel is open every day from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. for anyone to use. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cameron Bramham/Released)
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MARCH 14, 2014
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
MARCH 17
Monday
2014
HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!!!
Command Financial Specialist Training 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. FFSC St. Patrick's Day Kids Green Candy Climb 6 p.m. NAS I Gym Rockwall Outdoor Rec
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Breakfast Sales at NAS II Gate NMCRS ADFD 7 - 10 a.m.
ICR for Newcomers 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. FFSC
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Tuesday
Car wash at Auto Port NMCRS ADFD 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. PMK Training 12 - 1 p.m. MVRO Classroom Command Financial Specialist Training 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. FFSC IA Discussion Group 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. FFSC
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Car wash at Auto Port NMCRS ADFD 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. ICR for Newcomers 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. FFSC Resume Renovation 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. FFSC
19
Wednesday
Barbecue at NEX Mini-Mart NMCRS ADFD 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
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Thursday
Breakfast Sales at NAS II Gate NMCRS ADFD 7 - 10 a.m.
Command Financial Specialist Training 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. FFSC
Command Financial Specialist Training 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. FFSC
Almond Biscotti & Cassatelle di Agira 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. ITT
IA Fair 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. FFSC
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Barbecue at NEX Mini-Mart NMCRS ADFD 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
ICR for Newcomers 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. FFSC
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GYM-A-THON at NAS I Gymnasium NMCRS ADFD Sig Safe 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. FFSC
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Friday
Radiothon at AFN NMCRS ADFD ALL DAY!!!
Car wash at Auto Port NMCRS ADFD 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Inside Interviews 2 - 3:30 p.m. FFSC
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Arrivederci Class 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. FFSC
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Women's Only Bathing Beauties 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. ITT
Bowling Tournament at NAS I NMCRS ADFD
Taormina Stairs, Shopping & Dinner 4 - 11 p.m. Outdoor Rec
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Car wash at Auto Port NMCRS ADFD 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Relo Fair 1:30 - 3 p.m. FFSC Job Search 101 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. FFSC
IMPORTANT EXTENSIONS:
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Sunday
Siracusa & Seafood Restaurant ITT Half Price Bowling* Sparetime Bowling *EVERY SUNDAY
JEA Marinai Lawn Mowing NMCRS ADFD
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Bike on Mt. Etna Park 7 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Outdoor Rec
Command Financial Specialist Training 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. FFSC Car wash at Auto Port NMCRS ADFD 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Saturday
Golf Tournament NMCRS ADFD JEA Marinai Lawn Mowing NMCRS ADFD Naro, Chiaramonte Castle & Agriturismo ITT
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23
Randazzo Flea Market & Cantine Patria ITT Tandem Sky Diving 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Outdoor Rec Catania vs. Juventus Soccer Match Outdoor Rec
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JEA Marinai Lawn Mowing NMCRS ADFD Grocery Bagging at Commissary NMCRS ADFD 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Grocery Bagging at Commissary NMCRS ADFD 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
FFSC: x4291 ITT : x4777, x4396 Liberty/Connections/Take 5: x4246, x5602 Outdoor Rec: x4777, x4396 Fitness: x4483, x5243 Midtown 2 Theaters: x4248 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.
MARCH 14, 2014
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Let the CO Know ... Tools to Share Your Feedback The Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE) system is a webbased tool for collecting feedback to help determine customer satisfaction with services provided at NAS Sigonella. The customer-side of ICE is available to anyone with ONE-Net Internet access and does not require a username or password. The ICE home page, http://ice.disa.mil, is the starting point to navigate to an individual ICE site and to view general information about the ICE system. With easy to access links and descriptions, customers can locate an ICE site by branch, regions, geographic location, and by searching an alphabetical listing of all sites. All Sigonella services are found under the Navy Europe Listing in the scroll-down menu. On occasion, the command will anonymously publish comments and responses in The Signature for the benefit of the Sigonella community. You can also go to the link at the right to submit your suggestions. Please make sure your comments and suggestions are constructive. In other words, "BE NICE ON ICE."
CO
Suggestion Box Online
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Celebrating women of the Navy by Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs The Navy joins the nation in celebrating Women's that most of the personnel she led treated her with History Month during March. respect and professionalism. The few exceptions Currently more than 59,000 active duty women where her authority was challenged, she maintained and more than 9,000 Reserve women serve in the her professionalism with the saying, "Fall in and Navy. Women make numerous contributions to pipe down!" Upon her retirement after 21 years of our Navy's mission and readiness. Additionally, naval service, Der-Vartanian continued serving her more than 54,000 women serve in a wide range of country by joining the Central Intelligence Agency. specialties as Navy civilians. Darlene Iskra was one of the first female line In 1908, Congress established the U.S. Navy officers to graduate from the Naval School of Diving Nurse Corps. The first 20 Navy nurses were women, and Salvage. Looking back, Iskra said, "Dive school who became known as the "Sacred Twenty." As one was the most physically challenging thing I had of the "Sacred Twenty," Lenah S. Higbee was one of ever done to that point in my life. Had it not been the first women to serve formally as a member of for the support of my fellow classmates, especially the Navy. In 1909, Higbee was promoted to Chief my diving partner [present day] Rear Adm. Martha Nurse at Norfolk Naval Hospital, and in 1911 she Herb, I would have probably quit." As a lieutenant became the Superintendent of the Navy Nurse commander, Darlene Iskra became the first Navy Corps, serving throughout the duration of World woman to command a ship when she assumed War I. The Navy recognized Higbee's distinguished command of USS Opportune (ARS 41) in 1990. service as Superintendent of the Navy Nurse Corps, Iskra took her ship, a Bolster-class rescue and salvage awarding her the Navy Cross for service in the line ship, to patrol the Suez Canal during Operation of her profession and unusual and conspicuous Desert Storm. Reflecting upon her time as the first devotion to duty. In 1944, the Navy commemorated female commanding officer of a naval ship, she now Higbee's naval service, naming a ship in her honor. understands that being a trailblazer means opening USS Higbee (DD 806) was the first combatant ship new ground for others to follow. to be named after a woman. Most recently, Vice Adm. Michelle Howard was The Navy's first enlisted women, more commonly nominated for appointment to the rank of admiral known as yeomen (F) or yeomanettes, provided and assignment as vice chief of naval operations. clerical support during World War I. Capt. Joy Bright Upon confirmation, she will make history as the Hancock initially enlisted as a yeoman (F), serving Navy's first female four-star admiral, and first until the end of World War I, by which time she had African-American and first woman to serve as the risen to the rank of chief petty officer. In 1942, during vice chief. World War II, she was commissioned as a lieutenant Today, women in the Navy hold leadership in the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency positions aboard warships, of carrier air wings and Service (WAVES) program. Hancock rose to the squadrons, recruiting districts, training stations, rank of captain and led the WAVES through the and shipyards. As we continue to progress forward, 1940s and 1950s, facilitating the addition of women previously closed billets will open to women and as a permanent part of the Navy. the Navy will continue to witness women making Master Chief Yeoman Anna Der-Vartanian history and new "firsts." The National Women's entered the Navy through the WAVES. She was not History Month theme is "Celebrating Women of only the first woman to hold the rank of master Character, Courage, and Commitment," through chief in the Navy, but also across all armed services. programs, exhibits, publications, and participation Reflecting on her service, Der-Vartanian noted in military and community events.
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MARCH 14, 2014
Ride of St. Joseph festivals in Ragusa St. Joseph altars tradition in Ramacca and Enna province
(Photo provided by http://www.isolainfesta.net/) If you like cuttlefish, make sure you don’t miss out on attending the annual Sagra della Seppia or Cuttlefish Festival taking place this weekend (March 14 - 16) in Donnalucata, a picturesque fishing village located about two miles from Scicli in the Ragusa province. Visitors can enjoy plenty of cuttlefish-based dishes including spaghetti al nero di seppia (spaghetti with squid ink), stuffed cuttlefish, cuttlefish salad, arancini or rice balls filled with sepia ink and fried cuttlefish. This mouthwatering festival precedes the Festa di San Giuseppe (Saint Joseph Festival), the popular must-see religious festival annually held in the neighboring larger town of Scicli to honor Saint Joseph, the town’s beloved patron saint. With lots of enthusiasm, devotees bake typical sweets, attend holy mass and prepare to re-enact the famous Cavalcata di San Giuseppe or Saint Joseph’s Ride, one of the most spectacular highlights of the festival taking place from March 21 - 23. An ancient tradition dating back to medieval times, the “Ride” is a colorful parade featuring approximately 30 horses and ponies beautifully harnessed with violaciocche flowers (stocks) also nicknamed balicu in the local dialect. The parade reenacts the flight of the holy family to Egypt. Over the centuries, decoration techniques have been traditionally handed down from parents to children depicting religious motifs or town emblems. The parade begins in the evening and features dazzling harnessed horses that tour the historic center of Scicli through an itinerary dotted by pagghiari (special bonfires) around which people gather to barbecue steaks and sausages, drink vino and have a good time. At the end of the sfilata (parade), the best-harnessed horses are awarded. This tradition has been kept alive throughout the centuries with the exception of the two world wars during which there was a shortage of horses and all men were at the front. The devotion toward Saint Joseph that has been fueling these celebrations comes from the need for water that Scicli peasants had to irrigate their crops. Since there was no rain in March, many peasants would often go hungry. According to tradition, during the ride, peasants used to implore the saint to intercede for rain. Tradition has it that every house and stable had an image of the saint for protection. On Saint Joseph Day (March 19), a procession featuring the statue depicting the saint is held at 4 p.m. in town center.
JUS T SA Y IT !
Learn these words in Italian! Reading the News
English: newspaper Italian: il giornale
English: periodical Italian: il periodico
English: daily (paper) Italian: il quotidiano
English: press Italian: la stampa
English: weekly (paper) Italian: il settimanale
English: story Italian: l’articolo
English: monthly (paper) Italian: il mensile
English: column Italian: la rubrica
Have fun practicing your Italian! Buona Fortuna!
The St. Joseph's altars are at the heart of the religious tradition honoring San Giuseppe or Saint Joseph. On March 19, devotees thank their beloved patron saint by setting up decorated altars at their houses, which showcase an impressive variety of foods including elaborate loaves of bread baked in symbolic shapes. (Photo by Leonforte Tourist Office) If you have Italian roots, or if you grew up in a Catholic neighborhood, you probably know about the ancient custom of the Altari di S. Giuseppe or St. Joseph's altars. Every March 19, believers show their appreciation to their beloved patron saint by making an altar at their houses, showcasing an impressive assortment of foods including elaborate loaves of bread baked in symbolic shapes. San Giuseppe is one of the most popular saints of the Catholic tradition. No wonder why millions of Italians are named after him. San Giuseppe is indeed the patron saint of Ramacca and Nissoria, whose community annually holds a street festival to honor him. A solemn, heartfelt procession with the saint's statue, followed by thousands among believers and tourists, is held the evening of March 19 throughout the historic center of Ramacca, a picturesque town, nestled in the hills of the plain of Catania boasting a unique pane di casa home-baked bread making tradition, which goes back a long time. Pane (bread) is the most important staple food for farmers’ families. It traditionally brings good luck and keeps evil away. Pane is linked to St. Joseph, the patron saint of the fathers, the poor, the workmen, the sick and families. Every year, Ramacca honors him on March 19 with a spectacular religious festival featuring the traditional Tavole o Altari di San Giuseppe (St. Joseph's tables or altars) that are a sort of ritual potluck lunch hosted by devotees to publicly show gratitude to their celestial patron for a miracle received in time of need or illness, or just to thank him for a good harvest. There are several stories and traditions on the historic origins of this heartfelt community celebration and nearly all the legends refer toa request by the
people for St. Joseph to intercede to end a drought or famine. St. Joseph's tables, which are also set up in several Italian towns, are always meatless because it’s Lent, but I guarantee you that they are as mouthwatering to the eye as to the palate! There is literally everything but meat; tables display all sorts of Sicilian cakes, cookies and sweets (cannoli, fucacani, crostate, almond cookies, fig cakes, cucciddati), vegetarian omelets, artichokes, asparagus, fava beans, fruit, chickpeas, flowers, fish etc. The fresh bread on display on the altars is baked into distinctive and symbolic shapes including cuddura, (ring shaped), heart (Holy Family), cross (Jesus’ Martyrdom) and the saint’s walking stick, which according to legend, miraculously sprouted flowers. Those beautifully ornate altars also showcase images of St. Joseph, Jesus and the Holy Family as well as laurel branches adorned with citrus fruits to symbolize the fertility of the earth. The altars are basically set up in fulfillment of a believer’s vow to be displayed to the community and to perform the ritual meal, which is one of the highlights of the festival. Before the meal begins devotees in Ramacca traditionally pray loudly referring to the saint as St.
MARCH 14, 2014 Joseph the Patriarch. According to tradition on March 19, each devotee hosting a lunch invites three needy people representing the Holy Family (I tri pirsuni) and serve them the food displayed on the altars. On March 18, guides from the local tourist office (located in # 7 via Luigi Capuana) will offer tourists a free tour of the main altars that are set up in private houses scattered throughout the historic center as well as the Museo Archeologico (archeological museum) and Museo delle Bande Musicali di Sicilia (Sicily’s musical bands museum). All you have to do is show up at the tourist office at 5 p.m. They’ll take good care of you, free sweets will be offered to tourists. At 8 p.m. a sacred music concert will be held in piazza Umberto. Volunteers devote countless hours of preparation for this heartfelt festival as the altars have to ready by March 18. If you decide to go back to the festival the following day, (March 19) you can sample for free the traditional Pasta ccò Maccu (pasta with lentils and mashed fava beans) that will be offered to tourists at noon in piazza Umberto I (main square). It is one of the major attractions of the festival as it is shared by the entire community in the main square. Later in the afternoon at 4:30 p.m., foodstuff and offerings will be auctioned for charity in the main square. Festival goers willing to visit the band's museum and archeological museum can join the guided tour that will begin at 5 p.m. Stay until 7 p.m. and you will see the procession featuring the chalk statue depicting St. Joseph with child Jesus that will be carried shoulder high by devotees throughout the historic heart of Ramacca. Holy masses will be held at 10:30 a.m. and at 6 p.m. at the Matrice (Main Church). Before you leave the festival don’t forget to visit Ramacca’s churches and the local archeological sites. Due to its extensive and large fertile lands, Ramacca is a town of great farming tradition, which has been known as a melting pot of Sicilians, mainly farm laborers coming from all the provinces, since the 18th century. So, make sure you check the variety of local produce from the farmers’ market. For more detailed information, call the Pro Loco Tourist Information at 095 - 7931141. Votive altars decorated with local specialties are also the highlights of the celebrations honoring San Giuseppe (St. Joseph) in Nissoria and Leonforte. Just as it happens in other towns, devotees build these altars to show gratitude for a miracle received. Saint Joseph is also the Patron Saint of Nissoria, which is a small town in the Enna province that has a memorial monument dedicated to Sept. 11. Visitors are welcome to visit the small rural museum dedicated to the local traditions of farming from decades ago (special opening for Sigonella visitor can be arranged). The museum's official opening day is April 8. Continuing a local tradition of hundreds of years, on March 18 at noon there will be the blessing of the altar by the local priest. The highlight of this tradition is to visit each altar to discover the differences and artistic representations. Each person who visits the altar is given a small piece of bread and other local specialties, just a small taste for your visit. Altars are decorated with local fava beans, cardoons, homemade cookies, olives, glass of wine and always artisticallyshaped bread. For more information on the Nissoria, send an email to cavmchiara@yahoo.com The neighboring town of Leonforte will also showcase beautifully decorated altars. On March 18, the benediction of the St. Joseph will take place at the Corso umberto, Villa Bonsignore (Pro-Loco Tourist Office). Later at 3 p.m., Volunteer tourist guides will be available to show visitors throughout the evening the altars set up at several houses. Tourist will also get a chance to listen to the traditional Canto del Lamientu chant that will be sung by local singers throughout the streets of the historic center. On March 19 at noon, the Pranzo dei Santi (lunch hosting three needy people representing the Holy family who are invited to eat the offerings displayed on the altar) will be held at several houses which display the altars. Later, after the Holy Mass held at the San Giuseppe Parish the procession of the Saint Joseph’s statue will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the historic center of the town.
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H EADLINES American historian reveals secret of Mona Lisa's smile (AFP) It's taken him 12 years, but an amateur art historian from Texas reckons he's solved the mystery of the Mona Lisa's enigmatic smile, five centuries after it was immortalized by Leonardo da Vinci. In a just-published book, "The Lady Speaks: Uncovering the Secrets of the Mona Lisa," William Varvel argues that La Gioconda was a 16th-century feminist who favored a greater role for women in the Catholic church. "La Gioconda was trying to get people to see that the New Jerusalem would be here as soon as you recognize women's theological rights," Varvel, 53, a former mathematics professor, told AFP in a telephone interview. "La Gioconda may be a grand statement for women's rights," he added. His theory joins many others -- some serious, others fanciful - surrounding what is perhaps the world's most famous painting, which draws legions of tourists every day to the Louvre museum in Paris. History remembers the Mona Lisa as Lisa del Giocondo, a mother of five born into an aristocratic Florentine family whose husband, a cloth and silk merchant, commissioned the portrait. Da Vinci, who had already painted The Last Supper for a Dominican convent, toiled on the oilon-poplar painting from 1503 to 1506 and perhaps several years after. In his 180-page book that's not always an easy read, Varvel explains that, in the course of his career, Da Vinci had painted "each and every verse" of the final chapter of the Old Testament's book of Zechariah, which anticipates the rise of an ideal society within a New Jerusalem. He did so, Varvel contends, "in order to state that women's rights to the priesthood should be recognized." What's more, the author said, "Leonardo constructed and placed a total of 40 separate symbols taken from chapter 14 into the background, middle ground and foreground of the composition of the Mona Lisa." Thus, Calvary rises from behind the Mona Lisa's right shoulder, while the Mount of Olives is on the other side. And folds on the arms of her robe suggest a yoke - a reference to Biblical texts and women's oppression. "For Da Vinci, the idea of a New Jerusalem was based upon a universal recognition of both men and women of the laity to have recognized rights of the priesthood of Jesus Christ," Varvel said. "The perception of the New Jerusalem is the secret that her smile reflects." Fascination with the Mona Lisa endures: over the years, some viewers claim to have sensed mysterious signs in her eyes, her voice has been reconstructed by Japanese enthusiasts, and a doctor once diagnosed her as having an excess of cholesterol. "It's even been said that she's a man, even the portrait of Leonardo da Vinci himself," art historian Laure Fagnart told AFP.
"In my mind, there's nothing that's really hidden from us," added Fagnart, a specialist in Renaissance art at the University of Liege in Belgium who has not read Varvel's book. "This is the portrait of a bourgeois woman like dozens of others from that time, albeit perhaps more difficult to read than other works. Da Vinci was an artist who put thought into his painting, he did nothing in an innocent fashion." For all the years he's committed to studying the Mona Lisa, Varvel has never actually seen it up close. "I'm not going to fight the crowd to see La Gioconda," he said. "If I go to Paris, the Louvre is going to give me a private showing, and if they don't, I won't go."
Sicilian space program launches pastry into stratosphere (Telegraph.co.uk) Sicilian amateur scientists have launched a model cannolo, a cream-stuffed pastry roll symbolic of the Italian island, into the stratosphere, capturing bizarre images of the dessert flying far above the Earth. The 'Sicilian Space Program', which cost a rough total of 350 euros, had symbolic importance as well as being a scientific feat, the three natives of the island town of Enna behind it told Reuters. "Sicily has always been a place of negative connotations, mafia and unemployment. We wanted to lift up Sicily in our own way," said filmmaker Fabio Leone, 34, who recorded the project with Antonella Barbera, 38. Their heavily indebted island, long plagued by organized crime, was forced to impose a strict spending program by Rome in 2012 and has one of the highest unemployment rates in Italy. Attached to a large helium-filled balloon, a homemade spacecraft called the 'Cannolo Transporter' equipped with two cameras and a GPS tracker, captured stunning and comical images as the cannolo soared above the clouds towards space. It rose to at least 29,768 meters according to Paolo Capasso, 37, a computer technician responsible for the careful calculations behind the launch on Feb. 2. As a real cannolo would be unlikely to survive the voyage, the group made a model of the cherrystudded pastry with a polymer clay material hardened in an oven. The craft had to weigh under 2 kilos to qualify for the easiest official permits required to fly into high altitude.The body of the craft was made from an insulated ice cream box, which protected the camera batteries from temperatures that dropped below -50 degrees Celsius. Atmospheric pressure decreased as the Cannolo Transporter rose, causing the balloon to expand until it eventually burst. It then tumbled back to earth, slowed by a small parachute. It landed in hills near the village of Bompietro, 15 miles from where had been launched at the peak of the Rocca di Cerere nature park. It was recovered by the team who followed the GPS signal on a hunt through fields of sheep.
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MARCH 14, 2014 Photos by MC2 Tony D. Curtis and Lisa Ventera
Sigonella Middle/High School students, parents, teachers and community members came together for three performances of "On Broadway! A revue in 3 acts." The plays included excerpts from West Side Story, My Fair Lady and Matilda. The plays took place March 7 and March 8 at Knights Hall on NAS I. SMHS Music Teacher, Ms. Lynn Soeby, was the director for this community play. Soeby has been putting on plays for more than 38 years. She has performed throughout the United States in Indiana, Idaho, Nevada and Texas before working in the Department of Defense Dependents Schools in Korea, Okinawa and Sigonella. She has been in Sigonella for 16 years and has done at least one play a year. More than 80 people on the stage and behind the scenes helped make "On Broadway" come together.
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Sigonella service members Participate in COMRELs around Catania
Global Hawk volunteers clean Catania students recognize Sigonella Sailors Catania Nautical High School with a poster designed by entire class
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ON THE GO WITH MWR
March 17 - Pre-St. Patrick’s Day bash at Jox Pub
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the kids at the Cave Rock Wall located in the NAS I Gymnasium inside Midtown. Have the kids wear their brightest green outfits while climbing the wall in search of green candy from 4 - 6 p.m. We’ll also have someone on hand to paint the kids’ faces with green shamrocks and lucky pots of gold! Cost is $7.00 and includes climbing, candy, and face painting. See you there! *No climbing certification will be needed for this event as ODR staff will be there to provide safety to climbers.
UPCOMING EVENTS
March 23 - Randazzo Flea Market & Cantine Patria
Come with ITT to shop on the other side of Mt. Etna in the town of Randazzo. We’ll explore a flea market with a variety of clothing, shoes, local fresh cheeses and salamis. While it is similar to the Catania market in some ways, Randazzo offers a taste of the small mountain town atmosphere. After shopping, we’ll go for lunch and a wine tasting at the Patria Winery located in the famous Alcantara Valley of Mt. Etna. Many wines from this region are labeled with the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC). Cost for this trip is $65.00 and includes lunch and wine tasting. Departs : NAS II at 7:30 a.m., Marinai at 7:45 a.m. and NAS I at 8 a.m. Returns : 6 p.m.
Catania Istituto Battisti kindergarteners thanked the NAVSUP Sigonella Sailors and local volunteers who volunteered on Feb. 28 to smarten up their school as part of the ongoing Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Community Relations (COMREL) Program. Children made a special poster for the American volunteers which read, "Your example shows us the love you have for volunteering. You are always welcome. God bless you!" About 20 Sailors joined 12 high school students from the Eredia Fermi High School and two American interns from mechanical engineering company Meccanotecnica Riesi in pulling weeds and cleaning out the school’s courtyard and gardens. For more information on official NAS Sigonella COMRELs, please contact Dr. Alberto Lunetta, the base COMREL Officer: alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil. (Photo by Rosy Travato)
Sigonella PAO addresses Catania City Hall
Airmen from Sigonella U.S. Air force Global Hawk ACC 69 RG DET 2/SF stationed at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella participate in a community relations (COMREL) project March 3 at the Catania I.S.I.S. Politecnico del Mare “Duca degli Abruzzi” (Nautical High School). The project, which was sponsored by the Italian Seamen Association (ANMI), was carried out jointly with local students and included landscaping and cleaning the grounds of the school. This was the first time service members from NAS Sigonella have participated in a COMREL with students from the Nautical High School. (Photo by Antonella Cascino)
Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Community Relations (COMREL) Officer Alberto Lunetta (left) translates NAS Sigonella Public Affairs Officer, Lt. Paul Newell’s remarks during a presentation at the Catania City Hall of "Follow the Safe Route," an educational project established in 2012 by Prof. Giuseppe Conte, the secretary of the Italian Seamen Association (ANMI). The program is aimed at brining NAS Sigonella service members and local students together to carry out volunteer activities in the city of Catania and its province. Newell thanked the Catania Deputy Mayor Marco Consoli and City Council PresidentFrancesca Raciti for hosting the event and reiterated the Navy's volunteering partnership with ANMI and the City of Catania. (Photo by Antonella Cascino)
Friday, March 14 *Breakfast: Hot Oatmeal, Grilled Sausage Patties, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Hash Brown Potatoes, Waffles, Asstd. Doughnuts, Cinnamon Rolls. *Lunch: Cream of Potato Soup, Yankee Pot Roast, Baked Fish w/ Tomato Cherry, Oven Glo’ Potatoes, Seasoned Mix Vegetables, Summer Squash, Cookie. *Speed line: Grilled Hamburger / Cheeseburger, French Fried Potatoes, Baked Beans. *Dinner: French Onion Soup, Chicken Parmesan, Spaghetti w/ Fish Sauce, Steamed Rice, Cauliflower, Cake.
Tuesday, March 18 *Breakfast: Farina, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Hash Brown Potatoes, Pancake, Biscuits and Gravy, Grilled Sausage Patties. *Lunch: Spanish Soup, Beef Tacos, Burritos, Chicken Fajitas, Mexican Rice, Refried Beans, Calico Corn, Herbed Broccoli, Jalapeno Corn Bread, Oatmeal Cookie. *Speed line: Pasta Chef. *Dinner: Navy Bean Soup, Fish Sandwich, Beef Stew, Steamed Rice, Chicken Gravy, Cauliflower, Oatmeal Cookie.
Saturday, March 15 *Breakfast: Farina, Grilled Ham Slices, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Hash Browned Potatoes, Pancakes. *Brunch: Breakfast Items, Beef Rice Soup, Swedish meat balls, Steamed Rice, Brown Gravy, Carrots, Cookies. *Dinner: Pepper Pot Soup, Fish Sandwich, Asstd Pizza, French Fried Potatoes, Peas w/ Celery, Cookies.
Wednesday, March 19 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Home Fried Potatoes, French Toast. *Lunch: Puree Egg Drop Soup, Pasta al Forno, Barbecued Chicken, Chicken Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Spinach, Peas w/ Carrots, Vanilla Cookies. *Speed line: Grilled Hamburger / Cheeseburger, French Fries, Baked Beans. *Dinner: Beef Rice Soup, Penne w/ Fish Sauce, Roast Turkey, Steamed Rice, Steamed Broccoli, Vanilla Cookies.
Sunday, March 16 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Minute Steak, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Hash Brown Potatoes, French Toast. *Brunch: Breakfast items, Chicken Rice Soup, Baked Chicken, Carrots, White Cake. *Dinner: Minestrone Soup, Spaghetti W/Meat Sauce, Chicken Nuggets, Pork Fried Rice, Whole kernel Corn, White.
Thursday, March 20 *Breakfast: Hominy Grits, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd. Omelets, Eggs to Order, Hash Brown Potatoes, Waffles. *Lunch: Cream of Asparagus Soup, Yankee Pot Roast, Lasagna, Oven Brown Potatoes, Squash, Broccoli, Easy Chocolate Cake. *Speed line: Chili Dog, Onion Rings. *Dinner: Onion Soup, Chicken Adobo, Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce, Fried Rice, Carrots.
Monday, March 17 *Breakfast: Hot Grits, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Home Fried Potatoes, Waffles. *Lunch: Onion Soup, Penne Amatriciana, Meat Loaf, Steamed Rice, Green Beans, Cauliflower, Cookies. *Speed line: Asstd Pizza *Dinner: Carrot Soup, Baked Breaded Pork Steak, Chicken Tetrazzini, Steamed Rice, Brown Gravy, Mix Vegetable, Cookies.
Friday, March 21 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Sausage, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Pancake. *Lunch: New England Clam Chowder, Lemon Baked Fish, Meat Loaf, Mushroom Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Cauliflower, Carrots, Cake. Speed line: Grilled Chicken Breast, French Fries. *Dinner: Vegetable Supreme Soup, Chicken Parmesan, Baked Tuna Noodles, Fried Rice, Cabbage, Cake.
Midtown Movie Theaters Schedule & Descriptions Free Movie
Same Day Release
Last Show
Wednesday, March 19 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM
5:00 PM Winter's Tale 5:30 PM Mr. Peabody & Sherman 7:30 PM About Last Night 8:00 PM Rise of an Empire
Saturday, March 15 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 7:30 PM
Peabody & Sherman 3D Endless Love Rise of an Empire 3D About Last Night Winter's Tale
Sunday, March 16 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 7:30 PM
I, Frankenstein About Last Night Winter's Tale That Awkward Moment Vampire Academy
5:00 PM I, Frankenstein 5:30 PM Jack Ryan 7:30 PM Her 8:00 PM Endless Love
Mr. Peabody 3D Labor Day Rise of an Empire 3D Vampire Academy
Thursday, March 20
Friday, March 14
Tuesday, March 18
As a reminder, all dependents are always welcome at the galley! Please provide any negative or positive feedback. There is a suggestion box near the entrance to the galley, next to the serving line.
Movie Premiere
PG-13 PG R R PG PG-13 R R PG-13 PG-13 R PG-13 R PG-13 PG-13 PG-13 R PG-13
5:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM
The Monuments Men About Last Night Winter's Tale That Awkward Moment
Friday, March 21
2:00 PM Muppets Most Wanted 5:00 PM Pompeii 3D 5:30 PM Non-Stop 7:30 PM Divergent 8:00 PM Need for Speed
Saturday, March 22 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 7:30 PM
Pompeii Muppets Most Wanted Rise of an Empire 3D Mr. Peabody Non-Stop
Sunday, March 23 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 7:30 PM
Non-Stop Need for Speed Muppets Most Wanted Divergent Pompeii 3D
300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE 2D & 3D ... R STARRING: Sullivan Stapleton, Rodrigo Santro, Eva Green Greek general Themistokles leads the charge against invading Persian forces led by mortal-turned-god Xerxes and Artemisia, vengeful commander of Persian navy. (102 m.) ABOUT LAST NIGHT ... R STARRING: Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, Regina Hall Follow two couples as they journey from the bar to the bedroom and eventually put to test in the real world. (100 m.)
PG PG-13 R PG-13
DIVERGENT ... PG-13 STARRING: Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Kate Winslet Tris learns she's Divergent and won't fit in. When she discovers a plot to destroy Divergents, Tris and the mysterious Four must find what makes Divergents dangerous before it's too late. (140 m.)
PG-13 R PG-13 R
MUPPETS MOST WANTED ... PG-13 STARRING: Tina Fey, Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell While on a grand world tour, The Muppets find themselves wrapped into an European jewel-heist caper headed by a Kermit the Frog look-alike and his dastardly sidekick. (113 m.)
PG PG-13 PG-13 PG-13 PG-13 PG-13 PG R PG PG-13 PG-13 PG-13 PG PG-13 PG-13
NEED FOR SPEED ... PG-13 STARRING: Aaron Paul, Dominic Cooper, Scott 'Kid Cudi' Mescudi Fresh from prison, a street racer who was framed by a wealthy business associate joins a cross country race with revenge in mind. His ex-partner, learning of the plan, places a massive bounty on his head as the race begins. (124 m). NON-STOP ... PG-13 STARRING: Liam Neeson, Julianne Moore, Scoot McNairy An air marshal springs into action during a transatlantic flight after receiving a series of text messages that put his fellow passengers at risk unless the airline transfers $150 million into an off-shore account. (106 m.) POMPEII 2D & 3D ... PG13 STARRING: Sullivan Stapleton, Rodrigo Santro, Eva Green A slave-turned-gladiator finds himself in a race against time to save his true love, who has been betrothed to a corrupt Roman Senator. As Mount Vesuvius erupts, he must fight to save his beloved as Pompeii crumbles around him. (105 m.) WINTER’S TALE ... PG-13 STARRING: Colin Farrell, Jessica Findlay, Russell Crow A burglar falls for an heiress as she dies in his arms. When he learns that he has the gift of reincarnation, he sets out to save her. (118 m.)
Movie schedule is subject to change. Please call to confirm.
Movie Hotline: 624-4248
GAME ZONE Spring
Find and circle all of the words that are hidden in the grid. The remaining letters spell a message about Spring.
ALLERGIES APRIL BASEBALL BEES CROCUSES CYCLAMENS DAFFODILS DANDELIONS EASTER EQUINOX FLOWERS FROGS GOLF GRASS GREEN GROWTH IRISES
LILIES MARCH MAY NEW LEAVES PLANTING RAIN RENEWAL ROBINS SEASON SNOWMELT SOFTBALL SPRING BREAK SPRING CLEANING TULIPS WARMER WET
MARCH 14, 2014
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SUDOKU
DIFFICULT
MARCH 14, 2014
EASY
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M ERCATO
AUTOMOBILES 2003 Ford Focus, 1.8 diesel, manual trans, dark grey, 213,000 km, 5dr, exellent condition, asking $3,600.00 Call Mario at 624-2795/ Cell: 339-2984886 preferably during afternoon hours.
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)
MARCH 14, 2014 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.
PAID AD Adopt while stationed overseas International & fostercare adoptions, homestudies. www.adopt-abroad.com Renting furnished and unfurnished apartments, 2 or 3 bedrooms, 2 or 3 baths. Cell. 339-650-2283 or tel. 095-308639. 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 2.7L turbo diesel, automatic, silver, full optionals, leather seata, like new, € 4.200,00 negotiable. Cell. 333-3345-345 2008 Nissan Micra 1.2, automatic, gasoline, 5-dr, silver grey, full optionals, excellent condition, tel. 339-650-2283, 095-308-639 2009 Nissan Micra 1.2, automatic, gasoline, 5-dr, silver grey, full optionals, excellent condition, tel. 339-650-2283, 095-308-639
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Power strip product recall – Fire hazard from APC surge protectors by nas sigonella fire prevention
Schneider Electric has issued a recall of its APC Series 7 and Series 8 Surge Protectors (19952002). The recall notice may be found at cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2014/Schneider-Electric-Recalls-APCSurge-Protectors. However, the Designated Agency Contact (DAC) should be considered the liaison to submit paperwork for replacement of Government owned power strips. Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Fire Prevention Division is requesting that tenants check their suites for the presence of the recalled power strips and remove them immediately.
DETAILS OF THE RECALL: • Name of Product: APC Surge Arrest Power Strip. • Hazard: The surge protectors can overheat, smoke and melt, posing a fire hazard. • Incidents/Injuries: The manufacturer has received 700 reports of the surge protectors overheating and melting and 55 claims of property damage from smoke and fire, including $916,000 in fire damage to a home and $750,000 in fire damage to a medical facility. There are 13 reports of injuries, including smoke inhalation and contact burns from touching the overheated surge protectors. • Action: Tenants should immediately stop using the recalled surge protectors, unplug them, and notify their building manager to obtain appropriate replacements.
2008 Automatic Nissan, license plate # DP365 FW and Nissan license plate # DX329GV, silver grey, tel. 339-650-2283, 095-308-639 For rent near NAS 1, "Masseria Portiere Stella"rents small furnished villa, 2 rooms, 3 sleeping accommodations, € 700 per month, utilities included. Cell. 333-959-5604.
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
• Look at the bar code on the back to identify the model number and year of the APC unit to determine whether the power strip is part of the recall.
HOW TO CHECK
• The two numbers that follow the first two characters in the serial number sequence indicate the year of manufacture. The unit is included in the recall if the numbers are 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 00, 01, or 02. If you have any of these surge protectors, please remove them from use immediately and turn them into your building manager. If anyone has questions or concerns please, contact the NAS Sigonella Fire Prevention Office at 624-0564 (335-599-8559)
Sailors volunteer Sig Elementary School for World Read Aloud Day
Logistics Specialist Seaman Alex Black reads "The True Story of the Three Little Pigs" to Susan McCarthy’s Fifth Grade classroom March 5, as part of Sigonella Elementary school’s celebration of World Read Aloud Day. Black was one of many volunteers from the Naval Air Station (NAS) community who stopped by the school throughout the day toz read to different classrooms. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication 3rd Class Cameron Bramham/Released)
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Hospital celebrates Children’s Dental Health Month by HM3 Joseph Castro U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella February is not only a month of hearts; it’s also the month of a different body part: teeth. U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella celebrated National Children’s Dental Health Month throughout February, and the Dental Department spent several days at the DoDDS to educate children about maintaining good oral hygiene. They had some fun doing it, too. Pediatric Dentist Lt. Cdmr. Brook Jones challenged Sigonella’s Elementary and Middle School students in a beat-box competition while demonstrating proper brushing techniques using a stuffed toy and a giant toothbrush. It was all part of bringing attention to practicing proper oral hygiene. “Generally, I am impressed with the oral health of our pediatric patients in Sigonella,” Jones said. “Visits like these enforce what we do at the clinic and gives us a chance to have fun with the kids.” The American Dental Association sponsors the National Children’s Dental Health Month every February. Dentists across the country visit schools, daycare centers and other venues to talk about the importance of oral hygiene and teach proper techniques with age-appropriate educational materials. Throughout the month of February, Lt. Xiang Li visited the Children’s Day Care Center, as well as the DoDDS Elementary School and Middle School to educate kids about the importance of oral hygiene at an early age. “Brushing twice a day for at least two minutes coupled with flossing daily is essential to oral health,” Lt. Li said. “It’s important for good oral hygiene habits to be established in our youth at an early age.” Proper techniques and solid habits for oral hygiene will ensure that the smiles from the Sigonella’s young ones will not only be shiny but also healthy.
Sigonella still offering PMK training on NAS II Professional Military Knowledge (PMK) Training is being offered in preparation for the petty officer advancement exams. Don't miss this opportunity to get a leg up on studying for the upcoming advancement exams in March. the final PMK class will be held March 18 from 12 - 1 p.m. in the upstairs classroom at the MVRO Bldg. 724 on NAS II.
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THE SIGNATURE
MARCH 14, 2014