USNH Sigonella:
ICE/CO Suggestions
RMD:
Celebrates Lab Professionals Week!
See YOUR accomplishments!
Community helps with spring cleaning!
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May 1, 2015
Vol. 32 No. 17
Get some 'green' for going 'green'
Public Works explains how Sigonella can earn ‘cash for trash’ By mc3 Ramon Go NAS Sigonella Public Affairs Staff
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Whether it’s participating in weekly community relation projects with local Italian municipalities, or being careful about water usage, with help from our local friends and neighbors Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella and its tenant commands strive to be outstanding U.S. ambassadors to this island. But just as it is with the meaningful personal relationships we cultivate, being good stewards of resources doesn’t happen by accident. In fact, it takes work. Often, lots of it. Throughout the past few years our installation has worked to be more conscientious agent of recycling. And though most people get the gist that it is good for the environment, Lt. Cmdr. Adam Kushner, Facilities, Engineering and Acquisition Division (FEAD) director with Sigonella’s Public Works Department (PWD), says ‘helping your environment’ by properly discarding trash is also helping Sigonella recoup money along the way. “People want to know how recycling benefits them personally,” said Kushner. “As we continue recycling, the hundreds of thousands of dollars
Base Operating Support Contract (BOSC) employees collect recyclables materials on Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella. Recyclables are routinely collected and delivered to a collection agency for processing in downtown Catania. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ramon Go/Released)
spent by this installation to dispose of unsorted waste would go back to the community and increase the quality of life while saving taxpayers
money. This could in turn be spent to keep NAS Sigonella clean by increasing the custodial, street sweeping, grounds maintenance, and other
services to provide a cleaner working environment for all.” To help us get there Kushner said "RECYCLE" continued on Page 4
Golden Swordsmen hold change of command By MC2 Joshua E. Walters Patrol Squadron 47 Public Affairs
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily (NNS) -- The Golden Swordsmen of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 held a change of command ceremony at the P-3 hangar on NAS 2, April 22. Cmdr. Matthew Rutherford, commanding officer of VP-47, was relieved by Cmdr. Erik L. Cyre. Capt. Steve Newlund, Commodore of Command Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing TWO (CPRW2), said that since he has been in command of the air wing, he has seen nothing but excellence from VP-47. “When Skipper Rutherford asked me to be here a month ago I had one word for him and that was 'absolutely,'” Said Capt. Steve Newlund, Commodore of Command Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing TWO (CPRW2). “I jumped up for the opportunity not because of how well I was impressed of VP-47’s performance during a difficult home cycle, but how strongly I knew about Rutherford’s performance with being VP-47’s commanding officer for the past year.” Rutherford deployed as the VP-47 executive officer to Sigonella in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperaCmdr. Matthew Rutherford, former commanding officer of the Golden Swordsmen of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47, salutes the tion efforts in the U.S. 4th and 6th Fleet areas of side boys during a change of command ceremony for VP-47, April 22. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua E. Walters/Released)
"CHANGE" continued on Page 4
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Direct Line
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als, detachments and units passing through and near Sicily ALL-THETIME. When I say Sigonella, I mean all of Sigonella, including our exceptional Naval Hospital, Defense Logistics Agency and Fleet Logistics Command, Department of Defense Schools, Commissary, Navy Exchange, Navy Criminal Investigative Service as well as the many limbs of our NASSIG unit-proper that make this base a remarkable services delivery/operational support agent. This last group coupled with our permanent operational forces and all our spouses and children comprise our Sigonella ‘Family.’ This Sigonella Family is the third priority, and must (and does) receive care and services so that we can meet the needs of our Fleet-Fighter customers. By my assessment, and the assessment of all those we support, NASSIG continues to exceed the many demands placed on our shoulders. The “Sigonella way” is as a community. To grow as a community, we have adopted the CO Suggestion/ICE process as a community. Since its inauguration in December 2013, Sig’ Citizens have thoughtfully voiced ideas, concerns, compliments, and criticisms via the CO Suggestion process. For our
Truthfully, I wish TNR was an authorized and funded option; alas it is not. A Chief of Naval Operations policy letter dated 10 January 2002 prohibits TNR programs. While that is unfortunate news for TNR proponents, the policy letter points out alternate measures germane to our community in how we can mitigate strays, many of which we use. Additional letter highlights include: - Prohibition of feeding feral animals on the installation (a rule reinforced by my May 2014 General Order) - The requirement for installation residents to feed their pets indoors or under close supervision while outdoors - Encouragement for pet owners to spay or neuter pets before they get to a reproductive age (unfortunately our veterinarian clinic is not resourced to provide these services however, they are available on the economy) - The requirement for pet owners to stay up-to-date regarding vaccinations for rabies and other diseases - Prohibition of animal abandonment by pet owners - Compliance of host-nation animal-control laws As noted in your comment the stray dog population on our installation sites has noticeably decreased since we wholeheartedly addressed this risk. Much of our success is due to our Security team and local Italian authorities humanely finding new areas of habitation for stray canines. Recently, we’ve had some success in disciplining offenders of the general order prohibiting the feeding of on-base strays. Thanks to a citizen tip, I issued 30-day suspension of driving privileges for one offender and reserve the right to issue more severe punishments as warranted. With your help, we will continue to prosecute wrongdoers for the safety of our community. With respect to cats, Italian law limits what may be done to cat ‘colonies,’ thus making the cat challenge harder to manage than stray dogs. Our best approach with cats remains the feeding prohibition. Finally, I ask all community members to report any dogs on the loose to our Security Desk Chief at 624-6063. Dogs have proven to be a menace and we will remove them from our base when we can. Thank you for your concern!
Comment regarding "Construction Safety at DODDS": part, base leadership has listened, learned, and acted. What follows are examples of your voices making our community grow while reassuring our Nation and allies that NAS Sigonella can be counted on to help achieve peace and security
24/7/365. Thank you Sig’ Citizens for your commitment to Security, Resource Conservation, and Health and Welfare; thank you for your commitment to this community and the many who rely on us every day.
There are two ways to submit feed back to Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Commanding Officer Capt. Chris Dennis: Visit The Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE) home page on a One-Net computer at: http://ice.disa.mil, All Sigonella services are found under the Navy Europe Listing in the scroll-down menu. Also, visit NAS Sigonella's website www.cnic.navy.mil/Sigonella, go to the "About" drop down menu and click on "CO Suggestion Box". The Signature will anonymously publish comments and responses for the benefit of the Sigonella community. If you are submitting a "BZ", we ask that you provide your name in order for us to properly recognize employee. Please make sure your comments and suggestions are constructive. In other words, "BE NICE ON ICE."
Interactive Customer Evaluation Good morning, sir. I was recently forwarded an e-mail from NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer, Capt. Dennis, who provided an update about the perils of mixing alcohol and driving. After reading this e-mail I felt compelled to say something about the NEX remodeling currently underway, which has situated alcoholic beverages in the center of the main floor – a highly-visible location that glorifies alcohol and encourages more purchases, not less. If we are serious about curbing alcohol-related incidents then move alcohol to a less-visible area.
Response:
Awesome observation! Clearly you get “health and welfare” and I am grateful to you for calling out this inconsistency and insisting we neither glamorize alcohol nor send a mixed message. Our NEX manager, Julie Herring, assures me that the display of alcohol currently in the store’s center is a temporary move to accommodate our space limits during our store’s remodeling. In fact, our first priority is to move all the alcohol to the back as you have suggested, and this stage of remodeling will be complete in approximately two months. In the meantime, we will shroud the alcohol as best we can and ensure it does not have a wholesale appearance. If you have additional NEX questions or concerns, please contact Julie Herring at 6245251 or e-mail her at: Julie.Herring@NEXWEB.org.
Comment regarding “Marinai Quiet Hours”:
Sir, now that summer is drawing near can you please post the policy for people hosting parties or barbecues? Last summer people regularly held parties late night/early mornings on weekends. As the weather is warming up, people are having house and block parties again. Can you kindly post the quiet hours so
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Response:
Commanding Officer's Suggestion Box
Comment regarding “Location of Alcohol in NEX”:
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the bases, and feral cats still pose a large health problem to every NAS Sigonella community member. Can we please look into enacting the humane and enduring veterinary program known as Trap-Neuter-Return, or “TNR?”
Commanding Officer Capt. Chris Dennis NAS SIGONELLA “The Hub of the Med,” Sicily – this base, a Naval Air Station in name but an allied joint expeditionary base in practice, exists to help underpin Italian, U.S., and NATO security. NAS Sigonella is precisely in the middle of the Mediterranean and on the southern flank of Europe looking south and east into troubled lands during these troubled times. Our geography and security responsibilities are why each of us and our predecessors have been assigned here since 1959. Our Boss’s Boss, Commander, Naval Installation Command, demands each Navy Installation provide support and services, in priority order, to three customer groups – Fleet; Fighter; Family; with Fleet and Fighter as co-#1, and Family the ever-important #3. Though geographically a European base, Sigonella supports efforts in Africa and Asia and numerous functional combatant commands, which means that for us the Fleet and Fighters come in a wide variety of flavors: Global Hawk, Predator, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force, Commander Task Force SIX SEVEN maritime patrol squadrons, Navy Computer Telecommunication Station Sicily, Defense Courier and our local Air Mobility Detachment, as well as the many individu-
May 1, 2015
we can keep the fun to a reasonable level and allow for non-revelers to enjoy quiet home life with our family?
Response:
Thank you for helping us get ahead of this issue. I appreciate the opportunity to remind people that Marinai quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. each day of the week. If neighbors are blaring music and causing unnecessary disturbances past those hours, please contact Dispatch at 624-5225 and they will respond appropriately. With that said, our community should approach this with a spirit of neighborliness, which means striking a reasonable balance between quiet types such as yourself, and those who enjoy getting together. None of us should tolerate disrespectful behavior, but it’s quite reasonable for some special events (graduations, promotions, holidays, beautiful summer evenings, etc.) to be safely enjoyed with friends and neighbors after established quiet hours. Those planning to host such gatherings must socialize your intentions WELL IN ADVANCE WITH ALL NEIGHBORS in the vicinity and agree upon a “cut-off ” time. At the end of the day Security will always enforce the posted hours when so requested, but I also hope neighbors can tolerate exceptions from time-to-time.
Comment regarding “Trap, Neuter, Release”:
Naval Air Station Sigonella has a problem that despite ongoing efforts won’t go away. We’ve written about strays in the base newspaper, published a general order prohibiting feeding them, and have even coordinated efforts with Security to have them rounded up and taken elsewhere. While these measures have reduced the amount of dogs on base, they have not provided a permanent solution to the wider issue. Many cats are still scattered across
"ICE" continued on Page 3
The elementary school recently had a bucket truck in the front of the school with no sign of safety precautions insight. I picked up my son this day and there was nobody directing the kids away from these operations. Can we get some more clarity on safety procedures during these evolutions?
Response:
Great catch, thank you! DODDS administrators have informed us that they used four-inch barrier tape to cordon off the affected area as well as a person on scene to reroute pedestrian and vehicle traffic. With that said our installation Safety Officer, Patrick Bolton, has spoken with DODDS administration and is helping them improve processes (to include assertive and visible safety monitors as well as a better barrier) to make sure similar evolutions are as safe as possible for our children. Community members with safety concerns or witness to blatant safety infractions should call Patrick Bolton at 335-747-5013. I am extremely grateful for your concern regarding our community's safety!
Comment regarding ”Unsafe Driving on NAS 2”:
My gripe deals with unsafe drivers on board NAS 2. I have seen local nationals and Americans speed and use their cell phones while driving on base. This is completely unsafe and against DoD rules! Please enforce safe driving rules on base. It’s not fair for some vehicle operators to obey the laws while others blatantly break them and put all of us at risk.
Response:
Thank you – I could not agree more! Unsafe driving puts us all at risk and is the height of thoughtlessness! Upfront – if you see something, say something. That includes providing a detailed description of the violation with location and vehicle plate to the Security Duty Chief at 624-6063. While this issue persists, our Security team and 41st STORMO Security do work side-by-side performing Joint Traffic Safety Enforcement (JTSE), in an attempt to curb reckless driving NAS 2. But, in the end, we rely greatly on community self-discipline and vigilance to limit reckless driving, both on and off the installation! Thank you for your comment and commitment to traffic safety as part of each Sig’ Citizens’ health and welfare.
Comment regarding “Tree trimming in Marinai”:
Could we have a moratorium on the tree-trimming on Marinai, at least until the base leadership has had an opportunity to review the aesthetic disaster underway? I understand that this is ostensible for safety reasons, but as a physician I think the greater threat to the health of the community will be the kids and parents sitting indoors all summer long for lack of shade and a pleasant place to play outside.
Response:
DONE! As soon as this came to my attention, I did just as you suggested and told Pizzarotti – basta! Thank you and all those that brought this to my attention. I am sorry to our housing community for the extreme trimming. I agree it’s not pretty. I assure you that we will keep you all updated soon as we arrive to a more tenable solution concerning Marinai’s treetrimming issue. Thank you again.
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THE SIGNATURE U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA Commanding Officer Capt. Chris Dennis Executive Officer Cmdr. Charles G. McKinney II Command Master Chief CMDCM Mike Kaszubowski
EDITORIAL Public Affairs Officer Lt. Paul Newell paul.newell@eu.navy.mil Editor M. Todd Butler michael.butler@eu.navy.mil Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil PAO Staff Writers \ Photographers MC1 Tony D. Curtis anthony.curtis@eu.navy.mil MC3 Ramon Go ramon.go@eu.navy.mil 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 PUBLISHER Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity Capodichino (Naples), Italy stampagenerale@tin.it Tel. 081-568-7884 Fax 081-568-7887 This civilian enterprise (CE) newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services overseas. Contents of The Signature are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense (DoD), or the U.S. Navy. The appearance of advertising in this newspaper, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD or Stampa Generale S.r.l., of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factorof the purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. The Signature is published weekly by Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity, Capodichino (Naples), Italy. Tel. 081-568-7884. Fax 081-568-7887. E-mail: stampagenerale@tin.it. Editorial submissions are welcomed from all Naval Air Station Sigonella departments, divisions and tenant commands. Editorial submissions should be sent to the Public Affairs Office via thesig@eu.navy.mil, guard mail stop #68 or hand-delivered to our office no later than the close of business on the Friday proceeding the expected publication date. All articles submitted by non-staff members will be considered contributing writers. The Signature will not publish 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
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"CHANGE" continued from Page 1 responsibilities (AOR) in 2013. He assumed command in 2014. He deployed again to Sigonella conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe in 2015. During his farewell address, Rutherford expressed how grateful he was to serve as the commanding officer of such an awesome bunch of Sailors. “Words can’t be expressed to how honored I am to serve as your commanding officer,” Said Rutherford. “You guys have inspired me each and every day with your pride, professionalism and performance.” During the ceremony, Newlund presented Rutherford with his Meritorious Service Medal for exceptional leadership during his tour as commanding officer. “I’ll miss the warm sun on a cool morning during foreign object damage (FOD) walk down, the sound of props turning as a mission is being launched,” said Rutherford. “But mostly I will miss all of you.” While Rutherford will be missed, Cyre will take the knowledge he learned from him and excel as VP-47’s new commanding officer. “It’s been a distinct pleasure for me to benefit from the mentorship and leadership from Cmdr. Rutherford, one of the finest naval officers you will ever meet,” said Cyre. “I can’t think a better person to have mentored me while being an executive officer. He has shown me the right way to do this job, the right way to inspire and motivate such a talented group of individuals standing before me.” VP-47 is currently deployed to Sigonella, Sicily; Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti; and Souda Bay, Greece, conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.
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"RECYCLE" continued from Page 1
if not downright easy, to the point where it’s almost getting hard not to separate trash. Each collection he and his Public Works colleagues have adopted a bin throughout installation sites is color-coded with new "weigh ahead" to bring money back to the base diagrams to help identify what belongs in which bin coffers. and goes as far as having a sorting container at your To know exactly how much trash the Sigonella desk so you don’t even have to get up and walk to the community collects for recycling, PWD has ordered nearest trash receptacle. On NAS 1 alone there are weight scales for trucks carrying recycled contain- 34 recycle containers and 103 urban refuse containers. Each truck is to be weighed at each collection ers with 20 collection points. NAS 2, Naval Transpoint. As these numbers are recorded, Kushner said mitter Radio Frequency–Niscemi and Navy Munithe goal is for the uptick in weighed recycled material tions Command (NMC) Sigonella have 44 recycle to provide a valuable bargaining chip for which the containers and 133 urban refuse containers with 35 base can negotiate future trash-disposal contracts at collection points collectively. a significantly lower cost to the U.S. government. But take away the ease of recycling today as well “Once we get the data for the five-year contract, as the financial incentive, and Kushner said recycling we can negotiate the price is still the right thing to do. from the numbers we re- "Since we’ve implemented the “The program is working, ceive from our weight but we need to continue to three phases of the recycling scales and determine our strive to do what is right for overall diversion rate,” program, we have seen a 10 the environment and our percent increase in recycling." Kushner said. community.” PWD’s Damage ConMauro Cacia, an envi-Lt. Cmdr. Adam Kushner, PWD trolman 1st Class Anthony ronmental engineer from Barrera said in the end what it means is instead of public works department, echoed Kushner’s paying for the disposal of unsorted wastes now ear- sentiment. marked for landfill disposal, much of that money “There are many benefits from recycling that can be spent elsewhere to help the base and commu- we don’t see and take it for granted,” said Cacia. “It nity as a whole. keeps the environment clean from trash and polluTo help the Sigonella community reach the mark, tion, while reducing the amount of trash going into Barrera said PWD is replacing unsorted trash con- the landfill.” tainers with recycling stations. “We are in the process Despite the future financial, aesthetic, and enof reducing the number of general refuse containers vironmental gains provided by recycling, there are and increasing the number of recycle containers to some within the Sigonella community who may regulate more recyclables throughout the base,” Bar- never come to their wits when it comes to separating rera said. “Since NAS Sigonella Commanding Of- plastics from cardboard, glass from batteries. But if ficer Capt. Christopher Dennis started the recycling those incentives aren’t enough, perhaps the stigma program back in January 2014, I’ve seen an increase associated with being the last man standing with in the amount of recyclables we turn in.” your bag of mixed trash in hand might. With the “Since we’ve implemented the three phases of the weight scales soon available, Kushner said it will be recycling program, we have seen a 10 percent in- easy to figure out which work centers are recycling, crease in recycling,” said Kushner. and those that aren’t meeting expectations. In other While 10 percent is indeed a significant number, words, if you haven’t been doing your part to recycle, Public Works has made recycling rather convenient, now’s the time to get it in gear!
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.
May 1, 2015
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Medical Laboratory Professionals Week at U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella
Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Steffan King can barely contain his excitement for receiving the overall championship from U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella Commanding Officer Capt. William Davidson. Several competitions and games were hosted by the laboratory department in celebration of National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, April 20 -24. (U.S. Navy photo by Hospitalman Joy Vailancourt/Released) By HM2 Joseph Castro U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella Public Affairs
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - Not all superheroes wear capes, some wear lab coats. This was the overarching theme in U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella’s celebration of Medical Laboratory Professionals week last April 20 – 24. More than 300,000 laboratory professionals perform and interpret more than 10 billion tests in the United States every year. Needless to say, the ancillary support they provide to clinicians is indispensable in the decision making process of modern medicine. “It all began in 1975 as National Medical Laboratory Week,” says Lt. Cmdr. David Rogers, Staff Pathologist and Laboratory Department Head. “The push recently has been to focus less on the laboratory and more on its people – the professionals who work behind the scenes in delivering results.” While the laboratory technical staff are key members of the healthcare team, they go largely unnoticed by the general public and sometimes even by the institutions that employ their services. Patients rarely see the laboratory aside from the phlebotomy area but there is definitely more than what meets the eye. Several sections from Chemistry to Microbiology, Transfusion Services to Urinalysis, the technical staff that operate the laboratory in U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella is a team that has received extensive and constant training. Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) in the military go through a 13 month “C” school that their civilian counterparts undergo in two years. Additionally, U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella is home to the largest blood storage depot in Europe. The frozen blood program team is composed of technical staff that have the capability to process frozen blood units for use in mass casualty situations and could spell the difference between life and death to our forward deployed assets. “This is definitely a challenging job and while we know that we play a big role in delivering healthcare, we seldom get to see our patients,” says HM2 Steffan King, Laboratory Assistant Leading Petty Officer, who has served in large military treatment facilities, including aboard a carrier on the Pacific and in combat in Iraq. “It is great to be given the opportunity to talk about our profession and hopefully encourage more young people to consider a career in the laboratory field,” he concludes. For more information about the laboratory and its professionals, please contact U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella’s laboratory department at 624-4670.
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U.S. Navy HEADLINES May 1, 2015
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Sailors to compete for GMT video honors
Ancient Greek drama festival makes its Siracusa debut May 15 SIRACUSA, Sicily - Imagine sitting down in a beautiful open-air Greek theater and enjoying the passion and drama of a Greek Tragedy. Just like has been happening for 2000 years, the Greek theater of Siracusa will hosts a new summer season of the Classic Greek Dramas. The 51st edition of the INDA Ancient Greek Drama Festival, a cultural event which boasts a worldrenowned tradition dating back to 1914 and thousands of spectators, will kick off on Friday, May 15 at 6.45 p.m. at the breathtaking Siracusa Greek Theater dating back to the 5th century B.C. gathering applauses from hundreds of spectators. This year’s festival will end on Sunday, June 28. Tragedy is one of the three dramatic genres of Ancient Greece dramas. The word tragedy comes from the term "tragedia" or "goat-song," named for the goatskins the chorus wore during the performance. It refers primarily to a tragic drama in which a central character, usually a king, queen or hero, suffers some serious ill-fated situation in which man seems to be deprived of all outward help and is forced to rely on himself. The man deals with external superior's forces, which appear to rule his life. Eventually, tragedies express the vulnerability of human beings whose suffering is caused by a combination of human and divine actions. This year the season, running from May 15 - June 28, features: "The Suppliants” by Aeschylus, “Iphigenia at Aulis” is the last extant tragedy by Euripides and “Medea” by Seneca the Younger. For more information and performances' schedules, visit www.indafondazione.org Tickets can be purchased at http://www.vivaticket.it As reported bt Zainoo.com, the Siracusa Greek Theatre, the largest theatre in the ancient world was built around 470 B.C. by Hiero I. With a capacity of 15,000 spectators and a diameter of almost 140 meters, it was the largest theatre in the ancient world. Famous plays such as "The Persians" and "The Women of Etna" by Aeschylus were premiered here. Besides tragedies of Sophocles and Euripides, the theatre also witnessed the birth of comedy. The Sicilian playwright Epicharmos, from the nearby Megara Hyblea, was the creator of comedy. Around 220 B.C., the theatre was expanded to its current size by Hiero II. Sixty-one rows of seats offered space for 15,000 spectators, making it the largest theatre of the entire ancient world. The Romans reduced the rows of seats to 46 to have a larger stage area for bloody gladiatorial games. The seats and the auditorium are remaining largely untouched. On the other hand, we can only guess as to how the stage and scenes were constructed on the basis of their foundations. In the summer months Greek tragedies are performed here that attract many enthusiastic spectators to Syracuse. Above the theatre there is an artificial grotto, the Nymphaeum. It was dedicated to the Muses and fresh spring water still flows from its holes through the ancient canals. On the left side of the Nymphaeum there is a small street of tombs dating from the Byzantine period. AESCHYLUS – “THE SUPPLIANTS” “The Suppliants” is a tragedy by the ancient Greek playwright Aeschylus. It is sometimes known as “The Suppliant Women” or “The Suppliant Maidens”. Along with his “The Persians”, it is one of the Western world’s oldest extant dramas. The myth of Danausand his fifty daughters, on which the story is based, is essentially a foundation legend (or rather a re-foundation legend) of Argos, one of the foremost Mycenaean cities of the Peloponnesus. It should not be confused with Euripides’ play, also called "The Suppliants", which deals with the struggle of Adrastus and the Argive mothers against Creon of Thebes to allow the bodies of the Argive invaders to receive a proper burial. The fifty daughters of Danaus, collectively known as the Danaides (who make up the Chorus of the play), are fleeing with their father in an attempt to escape a forced marriage to their Egyptian cousins, the fifty sons of the usurping King Aegyptus, Danaus’ twin brother. When they reach Argos, Danaus and his daughters ask the kind but timid King Pelasgus for his protection. At first, he refuses, pending the decision of the Argive people on the matter, but the people of Argos agree to protect the fugitives, to great rejoicing among the Danaides. Almost immediately, however, the fleet of Egyptian suitors is seen approaching, and a herald blusters and threatens the Danaides and attempts to force them to return to their cousins for marriage, finally resorting to attempts to physically drag them away. King Pelasgus intervenes and threatens the herald, interposing with an armed force to drive off the Egyptians and thereby save the suppliants. He entreats the Danaides to remain within the safety of the walls of the city. The play ends with the Danaides retreating into the safety of the Argive walls, as Danaus urges them to prayer and thanksgiving to the Greek gods, and to maidenly modesty. EURIPIDES – “IPHIGENIA AT AULIS” “Iphigenia at Aulis” is the last extant tragedy by the ancient Greek playwright Euripides. It was written sometime between 408 and 406 BC (the date of his death) and was first produced in the year following his death, where it won first place at the Athenian City Dionysia contest. The play revolves around Agamemnon, the leader of the Greek forces in the Trojan War, and his decision to sacrifice his own daughter, Iphigenia, in order to allow his troops to set sail and preserve their honor by doing battle against Troy. The Greek fleet, ready to sail for Troy, is becalmed at Aulis. The seer Calchas has advised that the lack of wind is due to the will of the goddess Artemis, whom Agamemnon has slighted, and that in order to placate her, Agamemnon must sacrifice his eldest daughter, Iphigenia . He must consider this seriously because his assembled troops may rebel if their honor is not appeased and their bloodlust not satisfied, so he has sent a message to his wife, Clytemnestra, telling her to bring Iphigenia to Aulis, on the pretext that the girl is to be married to the Greek warrior Achilles before he sets off to fight. At the start of the play, Agamemnon is having second thoughts about going through with the sacrifice and sends a second message to his wife, telling her to ignore the first. However, Clytemnestra never receives it, because it is intercepted by Agamemnon's brother, Menelaus, who is enraged that he should have changed his mind, seeing it as a personal slight (it is the retrieval of Menelaus’ wife, Helen, that is the main pretext for the war). He also realizes that it may lead to mutiny and the downfall of the Greek leaders if the troops were to discover the prophecy and realize that their general had put his family above their pride as soldiers. With Clytemnestra already on her way to Aulis with Iphigenia and her baby brother Orestes, the brothers Agamemnon and Menelaus debate the matter. Eventually, it appears that each has managed to change the other's mind: Agamemnon is now ready to carry out the sacrifice, but Menelaus is
"DRAMA" continued on Page 12
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From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs
A UH-1N Huey takes off from the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1) during sunset over the Pacific Ocean in this poster produced by the U.S. Navy to raise awareness about hazing in the service. Hazing is contrary to Navy Core Values of Honor, Courage and Commitment, the guiding principles for treating every Sailor with dignity and respect and as a valued member of the Navy team. (U.S. Navy photo illustration by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Daniel Barker/Released)
The 51st edition of the Ancient Greek Drama Festival officially begins Friday, May 15 on the breathtaking stage of the Siracusa Greek Theater with the 6:45 p.m. performance of Aeschylus’ “The Suppliants”. The festival runs through June 28. (Photo by http:// www.cosedafareinsicilia.it/)
PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- The Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) is sponsoring a competition for a new General Military Training (GMT) video on hazing beginning April 27. The contest is open to all active duty and reserve U.S Sailors. Contestants may submit multiple entries as an individual or as part of a team. The new Sailor-produced anti-hazing videos will allow the training effort to expand through the integration of realistic, scenario-based training videos created by Sailors for Sailors. "I have seen some incredibly creative videos made by Sailors and I believe that we can improve our GMT with Sailor-produced videos that encourage an honest and engaging discussion on hazing, specifically addressing the harm caused by such acts and why people participate in them," said Rear Adm. Mike White, NETC commander. "Hazing in any form is not acceptable and counter to the Navy's core values." Each video should convey a clear anti-hazing message using the core theme that hazing destroys a service members' confidence and trust in their shipmates and is destructive to unit cohesion and combat readiness. The videos can be any length up to a maximum of five minutes long. "Products reflecting the participant's unique artistic style are encouraged as long they convey a constructive message," said Bill Marvel, NETC GMT program manager. "Submissions will be judged on story telling ability, creativity, message clarity, content relevance, potential impact, and adherence to the competition rules." The winning video will be featured on official Navy websites and social media, and will be incorporated into Navy GMT lessons for FY 16. Awards will be given for first-through-third-place submissions. All entries must be submitted between April 27 and July 31. Entries may be submitted by mail to NETC or through the milsuite website. Detailed contest rules, submission instructions, information, format requirements, technical and legal requirements for entries can be found on the NETC website at http://www.netc.navy.mil/ All questions regarding contest rules can be addressed to the point of contact Bill Marvel by email at netc_gmt_contest@navy.mil. For more information on Naval Education and Training Command visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/. For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnet/.
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Your suggestions… Sigonella's improvements
May 1, 2015
Health and Welfare
May 1, 2015
Security
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Resource Conservation
ICE/CO’s Suggestion Box: December 2013 – Present Sigonella is a community of highly-talented individuals with insights, perspectives, and ideas that when shared significantly improves base effectiveness and efficiency and ultimately enrich our community. Learning from our citizenry is at the very heart of why the Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE)/CO’s Suggestion Box program was initiated in December 2013 – to give a reliable medium to your important voices for the benefit of all Sig’ Citizens. Since the program’s inception, 158 responses to the Sigonella community have been provided through The Signature and the NAS Sigonella command Facebook page. These replies have directly addressed your concerns, and have achieved real improvements to base services and community quality of life. Some of these improvements are pictured in this center spread to the right; what follows is an additional partial list of what’s been accomplished due to your inspiration through the CO’s Suggestion Box: Oil change appointments initiated at the Autoport; new structures to deter bird droppings throughout the base; several aspects of an improved and more reliable base shuttle service; bolstered traffic safety enforcement at Marinai; a new USO planned for a grand opening later this year/early next year; toiletry caddies for all fitness facility showers; an updated and truly representative National Anthem video for Sigonella base theaters; a second representative for "AFI" driver licenses issue at MVRO; an improved NEX beer selection; increased and improved security checks at the NAS 2 entry control point; streamlined notification for gas coupons, maintenance, and other customer service processes; new guidance on appropriate modes of dress, travel requirements, zone cleaning, and several others codified through base instruction, and scores of responses to individual concerns that help clarify programs, processes, and misperceptions for the benefit of the entire community. C opublished ve when iinstances mm responses there have been countless t In addition to c a address worries and rto command leadership directly reached e t ingout to commenters Inrather than in print. On or questions better-suited to be delivered personally O er from ffice Box has been stuffed with Bravo top of that the CO’s Suggestion Zulus m ’s impressive “CO Customer several patrons eager to relayrthe stoService” given by u S C employees. ug estithat Finally, it should begnoted Sigonella observed sharp decrease ion in vehicle on below). While itamay t a accidents in 2014 (See graph directly not be possible lu a B v to directly attribute that o drop E comments sent to x to the many traffic safety ICE/CO's Suggestion Box, there is little doubt the program has ushered in a heightened community awareness about the shared responsibility of driving safely. ICE/CO’s Suggestion Box may be run by our commanding officer, but Capt. Dennis would be the first to stress the successes achieved on our installation these last 17 months are born from the willingness of Sig’ Citizens to shine lights in dark areas, and equally to our dedicated CO Customer Service agents and directors devoted to delivering their best to our Fleet-Fighter-Family customers. Thank you Sig’ Citizens! You’re the best!
When commenters complained about smokers puffing away too close to store entrances, Command Master Chief Kaszubowski collaborated with Commissary and NEX leaders to come up with a designated smoking area solution.
When community members used ICE in early 2014 to inquire as to what could be done to curb the base stray issue, a general order soon followed prohibiting the feeding of feral animals on the installation. Additional control measures have since been enacted.
The Commissary purchased and promoted the use of reusable shopping bags after one community member openly wondered why shoppers insist on using less environmentally-friendly plastic bags. Great question, simple solution.
Expectant mothers and caretakers with children under 5-years-old were two benefactors of a base-wide survey conducted by Security that reprioritized parking by community and customer needs.
One safety-conscious Unaccompanied Housing resident wanted crosswalks closer to lighted areas on NAS 2. We thought it was a great idea, and within a few weeks Public Works had repositioned crosswalks under illuminated areas.
Several CO Suggestions have been submitted urging the community to be better stewards of resources. The base has responded. Today, installation sites have 78 recycle containers and 236 urban refuse receptacles that are clearly marked and easy to access.
A February 2015 suggestion asking that Unaccompanied Housing residents be provided additional bike racks led to their purchase and installation shortly after.
a benefit to the ICE program is clarifying information. One commenter wanted to know why we needed Security personnel directing morning traffic. The CO was able to explain how severe traffic buildup and dangerous blind spots near the NAS 2 entry control point make it necessary.
In March 2014 a comment was received about sprinklers overwatering some installation grounds. Within a week of receiving the submission NAVFAC, Housing, and the government housing lessor detected the deficiencies and adjusted the sprinklers, thus conserving water.
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Ristorante Bella Etna The Signature has established the "That's NOT What Right Looks Like" section in order to make the NAS Sigonella community aware of how the command is prosecuting improper behavior, along with the hope of deterring future bad decisions. In March, an E-7 was charged with Driving Under the Influence; driving privileges suspended 12 months. In March, a civilian was charged with feeding stray cats; driving privileges suspended for 30 days. In April, an E-3 was charged with Driving Under the Influence; driving privileges suspended 12 months. In April, a civilian was suspected of Shoplifting; NEX, Commissary, and 7-Day Store privileges suspended 12 months. In April, an E-5 was charged with Driving Under the Influence; driving privileges suspended 12 Months.
All Hands News Bulletin
To request publication of your message, please send it to thesig@eu.navy.mil Uniform Shift: On May 11, all commands within the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of responsibility (AOR) will shift to the summer uniform. Don't delay in making the necessary preparations! The Navy College Office in Sigonella is hosting the Graduation Recognition Ceremony on June 11 at the NAS 1 Chapel. Eligible participants include Service members, Veterans, DOD civilians, DOD contractors and family members who earned or will earn their certificates and/or degrees (GED, Certifications, Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's and Doctorate) from Dec. 2014 - Dec. 2015. A reception will be held following the ceremony. Please support our graduates on this very special day. To sign up, contact NCO Director William Garcia at william.r.garcia@eu.navy.mil or UMUC representative Patrizia Tedesco at patrizia.tedesco@umuc.edu. The last day to sign up will be May 29. Religious Ministries Department - Club Beyond is hosting an opportunity to serve others in Ostrava, Czech Republic, June 21-27. For more information or reservation packets, please contact the Club Beyond Sigonella Community Director, Michael King, at mking@clubbeyond.org or the NAS 1 Chapel at 624-3975. The Religious Ministries Department will sponsor the National Day of Prayer Breakfast, Thursday, May 7 at the NAS 2 Galley, beginning at 7 a.m..
NASSIG Worship Services ROMAN CATHOLIC • Sunday - 9 a.m. Catholic Mass at NAS 1 Chapel • TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY 11:30 a.m. - Catholic Mass at NAS 2 Chapel Sacraments of Reconciliation / Penance precede each Mass • FRIDAY - 11:30 a.m. Catholic Mass at NAS 1 Chapel LATTER-DAY SAINTS • SUNDAY - 1:30 p.m. at NAS 1 Chapel Contact: sigonellalds@gmail.com or 624-9049 JEWISH SHABBAT LAY SERVICE • FRIDAY - 5:30 p.m. at NAS 1 Chapel
BREAKFAST Mon-Fri 6:30-8 a.m. Weekend/Holiday 7 -9 a.m. LUNCH Mon-Fri 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Weekend/Holiday 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. DINNER Mon-Fri 4:30 - 6 p.m. Weekend/Holiday 4:30 - 6 p.m.
Friday, May 1 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Oven Fried Bacon, Oven Browned Corned Beef Hash, Lunch: Meat Loaf, Baked Fish Speed Line: Pizza Dinner: Chicken Parmesan, Fishwich Saturday, May 2 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Oven Fried Bacon, Corned Beef Hash Brunch: Eggs to Order, Oven Fried Bacon, Corned Beef Hash, Chili Dogs w/ French Fries Dinner: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Oven Fried Chicken Sandwich Sunday, May 3 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Grilled Turkey Sausage, Oven Fried Bacon Brunch: Eggs to Order, Grilled Turkey Sausage, Oven Fried Bacon, Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy Dinner: Savory Baked Chicken, Chef Melo’s Penne Amatriciana Monday, May 4 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Minced Beef, Oven Fried Bacon Lunch: Roast Turkey, Hamburger Yakisoba Speed Line: Chef Mauricio’s Freshly Made Pizza Dinner: Baked Chicken Nuggets, Chef Franco’s Alfredo w/ Penne Pasta
PROTESTANT - NAS 1 CHAPEL • Saturday - 6:30 p.m. Contemporary Worship Services • SundaY - 11 a.m. Traditional Worship; 12 p.m. Sunday School PROTESTANT / Non-Denominational - NAS 2 Chapel • SundaY - 6 p.m.
Tuesday, May 5 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Grilled Turkey Sausage, Oven Fried Bacon Lunch: Taco Tuesday Speed Line: Chicken Sandwich with French Fries Dinner: Baked Italian Sausage, Chef Franco’s Home Made Meatloaf
NIGHT STUDY • MONDAY - AA Meetings - 5:30 p.m., second deck at NAS 1 Chapel; Thursday - 7 p.m. at NAS 2 Chapel • Tuesday - Italian Class - 7 p.m. at Classroom at NAS 1 Chapel • Tuesday - Glee Club - 12 p.m. at NAS 1 Chapel • Tuesday - Awana Club - 4:45 p.m at NAS 1 Chapel
Wednesday, May 6 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Grilled Sausage Patties, Corned Beef Hash Lunch: Swiss Steak and Onions, Fried Catfish Speed Line: All American Grilled Burgers Dinner: Oven Baked Chicken, Chef Melo’s Pasta Al Forno
Chapel Offices: NAS 1 095-56-3975, NAS2I 095-86-9049, DSN: 624-3975, Chaplain Duty: 335-831-4493 RP Duty: 335-786-1950 NAS Sigonella Religious Ministries Department Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Naval Air Station Sigonella Chapel
DRIVE SAFELY SIGONELLA
Thursday, May 7 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Creamed Ground Beef on Toast, Grilled Sausage Patties Lunch: Chef Mimo’s Italian Breaded Pork Chops, Oven Roasted Turkey with Gravy, Speed Line: Pasta Bar with choice of Freshly Made Pasta Sauce Dinner: Veal Steaks, Grilled Chicken Breast Friday, May 8 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Oven Fried Bacon, Grilled Minute Steak Lunch: Herbed Baked Chicken, Lemon Baked Fish Speed Line: Chef Gigi’s Freshly Made Pizza Dinner: Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy, Fishwich Breakfast: $3.45
Lunch: $5.55
Dinner: $4.85
As a reminder to everyone: Reminder - there are no PTUs allowed at the Galley. Appropriate athletic gear is authorized at the discretion of the Galley staff. Please remember that for sanitation purposes and for the consideration of other customers, if you have been out for PT, been working out at the gym, or have just been engaged in any physical activity where you and or your clothing has become soiled or sweaty you will be asked to turn around.
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Suggestions from E-7 and above on future of Navy and Marine Corps officers sought By Naval Service Training Command Public Affairs GREAT LAKES, Ill. (NNS) -- Naval Service Training Command (NSTC) and the United States Naval Academy (USNA) will use crowd-sourcing to receive ideas and suggestions from the entire Navy Officer Corps and Chief 's Mess regarding the core competencies of our future Navy and Marine Corps officers, April 27- May 7. NSTC and USNA will launch the crowd-sourcing interactive website, MMOWGLI, which stands for "Massive Multi-player Online Wargame Leveraging the Internet," as a tool and initiative to seek input that will impact the future of the naval officer corps. The portal will be open from April 27 through May 7 for all officers and senior enlisted from every community to contribute at https://portal.mmowgli.nps.edu/pcc. The crowdsourcing site is an Office of Naval Research (ONR) and Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) product and has been utilized on over a dozen different projects to utilize input from a large community of people to generate ideas and proposed solutions to large complex problems. Past games include Piracy, Energy, and Electromagnetic Maneuver. NSTC and USNA will obtain fleet inputs from the officer and senior enlisted community throughout the Navy in a manner that will generate a comprehensive set of recommendations that will assist in validating and/or revising the Professional Core Competencies (PCC) Manual. Professional Core Competencies set the professional development curriculum at every officer accession command. The game allows players to choose core competencies, identify ideas of concern or revision and elaborate on them for refinement. There is no time commitment required for gameplay and your submissions will be anonymous. The game will be open 24-hours a day during the open period. This is an opportunity for everyone from senior enlisted and junior officers to command master chiefs and commanding officers to have an impact on the common core curriculum for the officers who are leading Sailors and contributing to the mission of the Navy. For more information about the game please visit the portal and log in https://portal.mmowgli.nps.edu/pcc.
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GAME ZONE
May 1, 2015
Animals 2
Find and circle all of the animals that are hidden in the grid. The remaining letters spell the name of an additional animal. ANTELOPE GORILLA PARAKEET BAT HEDGEHOG PARTRIDGE BEAVER HORSE PENGUIN BOBCAT HUMMINGBIRD PORPOISE BUFFALO IMPALA PUMA CHEETAH JAGUAR RABBIT CHICKEN KANGAROO RATTLESNAKE COYOTE KOALA RHINOCEROS CRANE LAMPREY ROBIN DEER LEMMING SHEEP DOLPHIN LYNX SHREW DUCK MARLIN STORK ELEPHANT MOCKINGBIRD TURTLE EMU MONKEY WALLABY FLAMINGO MOUSE WALRUS FROG OCTOPUS WEASEL GAZELLE ORANGUTAN WHALE GIRAFFE ORCA YAK GOOSE PANTHER ZEBRA
DIFFICULT
apparently convinced that it would be better to disband the Greek army than to have his niece killed. Innocent of the real reason for her summoning, the young Iphigenia is thrilled at the prospect of marrying one of the great heroes of the Greek army. But, when Achilles discovers the truth, he is furious at having been used as a prop in Agamemnon's plan, and he vows to defend Iphigenia, although more for the purposes of his own honor than to save the innocent girl. Clytemnestra and Iphigenia try in vain to persuade Agamemnon to change his mind, but the general believes that he has no choice. As Achilles prepares to defend the young woman by force, though, Iphigenia herself has a sudden change of heart, deciding that the heroic thing to do would be to let herself be sacrificed after all. She is led off to die, leaving her mother Clytemnestra distraught. At the end of the play, a messenger comes to tell Clytemnestra that Iphigenia’s body inexplicably disappeared just before the fatal blow from the knife. SENECA THE YOUNGER – “MEDEA” “Medea” is one of the best known of the tragedies of Roman playwright Seneca the Younger, completed around 50 BC or possibly earlier. It tells the story of the revenge of the enchantress Medea on her faithless husband Jason. Although it is generally agreed that Euripides’ earlier Greek version of the story (also called “Medea”) is superior in most respects, Seneca’s themes of bloodthirsty revenge and the supernatural were very influential in the revival of tragedy on the Renaissance stage, particularly French Neoclassical and Elizabethan English tragedy. As assumed background to the play, the “barbarian” princess and witch Medea met the Argonaut hero Jasonwhile he was in Colchis on his quest for the Golden Fleece. She fell in love with Jason and used her magical knowledge to aid him in the seemingly impossible tasks set by her father King Aeetes as the price for obtaining the Golden Fleece. She fled Colchis with Jason back to his home at Iolcus in Thessaly, but they were soon forced to flee once more to Corinth, where they lived in relative peace for some ten years, during which time they bore two sons. Jason, however, looking to better his political position, deserted Medea in favour of an advantageous marriage with Creusa (known as Glauce in Greek), the daughter of King Creon of Corinth, which is the point at which the play begins. Medea opens the play, cursing the situation and vowing her revenge on the faithless Jason, fantasizing a twisted revenge, some of which foreshadows the action to come. A passing Chorus sings a wedding song in anticipation of Jason and Creusa’s nuptials. Medea confides in her nurse, saying that whatever evil things she has done in the past, she did them for Jason. She does not completely blame her husband for her woes, but has nothing but contempt for Creusa and for King Creon, and threatens to bring his palace to utter desolation. When Creon decrees that Medea must go into exile immediately, she begs for mercy, and is granted a single day’s reprieve. Jason encourages her to take Creon’s offer of exile, claiming
that he has in no way sought to harm her, and that he himself bears no guilt. Medea calls him a liar, saying he is guilty of many crimes, and asks to be able to take her children with her in her flight.Jason refuses and his visit only serves to infuriate Medea still more. When Jason leaves, Medea finds a regal robe, which she enchants and poisons, and then orders her nurse to prepare it as a wedding gift for Jason and Creusa. The Chorus describes the fury of a woman scorned, and recounts the sad end of many of the Argonauts, including Hercules who ended his days accidentally poisoned by his jealous wife, Deianeira. The chorus prays that the gods will find these punishments enough, and that Jason, the leader of the Argonauts, will at least be spared. Medea’s terrified nurse enters and describes the dark magic spells of Medea, involving snake blood, obscure poisons and pestilent herbs, and her invocation of all the gods of the underworld to curse her deadly potion. Medea herself enters and speaks to the dark forces she has conjured, and gives the cursed gift to her sons for delivery to Jason’s wedding. The Chorus wonders just how far Medea’s fury will go. A messenger arrives to report to the Chorus the details of the catastrophe at Creon’s palace. He describes the magical fire which is fed by even the water intended to douse it, and the agonizing deaths of both Creusa and Creon due to Medea’s poisoned robe. Medea is gratified by what she hears, although she begins to feel her resolve weakening. However, she then flies into full-blown madness, as she imagines all the people she has killed in the thrall of Jason, and swings wildly between her plan to harm Jason and her love of her children, conflicted by the forces around her and driving her madness. She offers one of her sons as a sacrifice, her intention being to injure Jason in any way she can. Jason then spots her on the roof of the house and pleads for the life of their other boy, but Medea answers by slaying the boy immediately. A dragonpulled chariot appears and grants her escape, and she cries out in defiance as she hurls the bodies of the children down to Jason and flies off in the chariot. The final lines belong to the devastated Jason, as he concludes that there cannot be any gods if such deeds are allowed to happen.
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"DRAMA" continued from Page 6
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Spring cleaning at the Chapel By LCDR Edward Erwin NAS Sigonella Religious Ministries Department
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - On April 23, the Religious Ministries Department hosted a spring cleaning at the NAS 1 and NAS 2 Chapels. Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and their family members, 36 volunteers in all, participated in a massive cleaning and reconsolidation of Chapel spaces. Volunteers scrubbed the baptistery, polished pews, dusted hymnals, mopped and waxed floors, de-cluttered closets, and reorganized kitchen pantries. To recognize their efforts hard work the crew of were treated to pizza for lunch, and they received letters of appreciation for their volunteer service. Typically, service members volunteer to serve off base and develop stronger ties with the local community through a dynamic COMREL program. In this case, the Chapels like churches off base also serve to help the poor and needy, contribute to charities, and offer services of worship. Because the Chapel has fewer RPs now than a year ago the spring cleaning was a tremendous opportunity for service members to help those whose mission it is care for the command and community. Nearly all volunteers also regularly commit themselves to off-base COMRELs. Religious Program Specialist 3rd Class Katie Lynn Wilkins said the Chapel couldn’t have done it without
others giving up the resource they’ll never get back – time. “All the volunteers have made an incredible difference today,” Wilkins said. “It would have taken us many weeks to do what they accomplished in several hours.” Religious Program Specialist 2nd Class Sean Hancock also sang the praises of those who rolled up their sleeves and got their “clean on.” “These people did a fantastic job,” said Hancock, fighting back tears and biting his lip before continuing. “We are… very…grateful…” Appearing too overcome to finish his sentence, like a true leader Religious Ministries leading petty officer, Religious Program Specialist 1st Class Rene Luchalemus, was able to step in front of the quivering Hancock and finish his thought. “What RP2 couldn’t quite say is this: Given today’s success, now we know this is a best RMD practice to share with other Chapels throughout the Region. And certainly we will.” The Religious Ministries Department hopes to plan another Volunteer Service Day at the Chapel in the next several months. Chaplain Lt. Brian Myers said about the big day: "A servant’s heart is a powerful thing, and that is what I saw today from our Sailors, Marines, and Airmen as they selflessly served the NAS Sigonella community. A special thanks to all the commands who allowed their service members to volunteer today!"
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May 1, 2015
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Raising well-behaved kids: What parents should know From Fleet & Family Support Center Sigonella
Sarah Erwin does her part, cleaning the entryway to the NAS 1 Chapel as the Religious Ministries Department hosted a spring cleaning at the NAS 1 and NAS 2 Chapels. Thirty-six volunteers participated in a massive cleaning and reconsolidation of Chapel spaces on April 23. (U.S. Navy photo by Religious Program Specialist 1st Class Rene Luchalemus/Released)
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - My kids just won’t listen... I lose my temper with my children and feel terrible… Raising well-behaved kids is hard. There is no “right way” to do it, but there are some methods that work better than others. This handout is designed to provide some helpful hints, and set the tone for a peaceful and happy home. It’s important to remain calm when you discipline your children. It’s hard to think carefully about the best course of action to take once you’re mad. When you react out of anger, your response may be more a way of releasing your anger (by hitting and screaming) than an effective way of teaching your child to change a behavior. So first thing’s first, you need to know when you are angry. Each person expresses anger differently. Some signs that you might be angry include: • Clenching your teeth or fists • Breathing fast • Pounding heart • Hot face or ears • Not thinking clearly • Wanting to hit something • Cracking or loud voice. The time to try these activities is when you find yourself just beginning to get angry. These activities will give you time to Cool down before disciplining your children so that you can think through how you want to respond. • Exercise, move around, or go for a walk to get rid of some energy. • Imagine yourself in a beautiful, peaceful place like a quiet beach. • Remind yourself that it’s okay to be an imperfect parent and that this moment will pass. • Talk to a friend or someone you trust. • Remind yourself that your child may not be trying to make you angry on purpose. It can be frustrating when the punishment you use isn’t getting the response you want from your child. Sometimes parents find themselves using the
same punishment over and over again for the same misbehavior, even when it doesn’t seem to be effective, because they don’t know what else to do, or because other strategies have also failed. The next section lists tips that have been shown to help in changing children’s behavior. For these techniques to work, it’s important to use them consistently and give them a little time. Be ready for your kids to act out more at first. They may find the change threatening, and it is normal for them to test you to make sure you’re serious about your new approach. Improve your relationship. Show them your love, respect, and admiration in ways that feel comfortable to you. Play with them and let them take the lead— it’s how they learn and it will bring you closer. With older kids, try active listening. Active listening is when you give your children your full attention, summarize what they are saying, and listen without judging or telling them what to do State your case in ways that increase cooperation. Let your children know how they will be rewarded when they do what you want. For example, tell them they can watch TV when they are done with their homework. - Give them choices so they have a buy in to decision making but don’t ask a “yes” or “no” question if “no” isn’t an option Only give choices that you are really okay with. - Time your requests so that they are at a natural break point in your children’s activity. - Focus on the positive. Children learn best from praise and rewards. They naturally crave praise from the people who take care of them. Praise and reward behaviors you approve of, ignore the behaviors that are irritating or annoying Praise Praise is telling a child that she or he
did something well or something you liked. - Be positive, specific and consistent with your praise. That way, a child knows what to do the next time and can count on you to notice - Provide praise as soon as possible after a child does what you want the child to do. If your child’s behavior gets better over time, congratulations! If it doesn’t, you may want to keep up the good work and just give it more time. Also, think about whether you are being consistent. Consistency is the hardest part of parenting. Whether we are talking about discipline, or maintaining routines, such as those around bedtimes, lots of studies tell us that consistency is the healthiest approach for children. If you’re following all of the recommendations and your child’s behavior still isn’t improving, it may be time to get some help. The Fleet and Family Support Center offers counseling for individuals, couples and families to help develop healthy family relationships, positive coping strategies and the skills to navigate life stressors. FFSC will be offering a 6-week How to Talk So Kids Will Listen parenting class beginning May 7. To sign up or to learn more about our programs, contact the Fleet and Family Support Center at DSN: 624-4291, Commercial: 095-56-4291.
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