January 11 issue "The Signature" by NAS Sigonella Signature

SIGNATURE THE

SIGONELLA, SICILY

January 11, 2013

Vol. 30. No. 1

cnic.navy.mil/sigonella

Children from Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella performed Missoula Children’s Theatre’s (MCT) “Robin Hood” on January 5, 2013. (Photo by Ed Lucio)

NASSIG children perform “Robin Hood” BY MC3 CAMERON BRAMHAM NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

n just four days, the children of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, led by Chelle Robinson and Dory Lerew of Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT), put on a production of the classic story of “Robin Hood.” Auditions were held on Monday, December 31, 2012. As soon as characters were cast, the children began learning their lines, songs and choreography in hours-long sessions throughout the week. Theatre serves as a morale-builder, especially on U.S. military bases. Over the past two decades MCT, based out of Missoula, Montana, has conducted an annual international tour visiting Army and Navy bases and those populated by NATO Forces. The non-profit organization is the largest touring children’s theatre in the United States. “MCT helps kids develop life skills through their participation in the performing arts,” said Robinson. “It’s a

great program for kids, especially military kids. It’s a way to meet new people.” On Saturday, January 5, the NAS Sigonella children performed “Robin Hood.” They received a standing ovation at the close of the show, a reward for all of the hard work from everyone involved. The performance helped boost the confidence of the children who performed and brought the Sigonella community together. “[My kids] were so excited about this, and it was great to see them come out of their shell a little bit on stage,” said parent Michael Boyle, whose three kids performed in the play. “[Sigonella] is a small community, a close community. I enjoyed seeing the people in the community who didn’t even have children in the play come out and show their support.”

The cast of “Robin Hood” performed to a standing ovation on January 5, 2013. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Cameron Bramham)

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

”Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” - Will Rogers Sigonella Animal Welfare Society

Festival in Acireale

New Years Resolutions

Learn about Adopt-a-thons and volunteer opportunities.

Find out what is happening.

Make your resolutions a reality!

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Scan for direct links to NAS Sigonella

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THE SIGNATURE U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA Commanding Officer Capt. Scott Butler Executive Officer Cmdr. Eric Vosler Command Master Chief CMDCM David Graham

EDITORIAL Public Affairs Officer Lt. Tim Page timothy.page@eu.navy.mil Communtiy Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil Editor Jackie Trembath jackie.trembath@eu.navy.mil Staff Writers/Photographers MR1 Gary Spence gary.spence@eu.navy.mil GM2 Meghan Schnurr meghan.schnurr@eu.navy.mil MC3 Cameron Bramham cameron.bramham@eu.navy.mil CONTRIBUTING Writers/Photographers Lt. Cmdr. Josh Arthur, MD HM3 Matthew Clutter Lt. j.g. Talor Combs Coco Faber Chelsea Humphrey Ed Lucio Lt. Mike McManus MCSA Devin Menhardt Carla Reaves Teri Seidorf BUC Sean Walters

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January 11, 2013

Direct Line part of our armed forces and we appreciate everything they are doing for our country. As for those of us here at NAS Sigonella, we’ll keep doing what we do best: provide logistical support to the fleet and forces abroad. Being stationed on a military installation overseas brings with it a set of challenges not faced regularly by our stateside counterparts. In emergency situations, our success and very survival will likely be based on how well each of us react to the crisis, not just on our emergency responders. This requires a level of individual preparation which would probably be considered absurd and overbearing in the States. Over the last year, we’ve watched devastating tornadoes in Kentucky and Indiana, earthquakes in Northern Italy, floods in New Jersey, and continuing acts of terrorism and unrest in Syria and other parts of the region. These incidents underscore the nature of the unpredictable world we live in. They serve as a clear reminder as to why we need to be constantly prepared for the challenges that may come. As always, communication is KEY. As long as we are able to maintain constant communication between us, we will be able to successfully deal with any potential problems. The NASSIG Community

is spread throughout the island, so there’s no single way I can ensure that each of you receives the critical information you might need; however, if disaster strikes, I will use all available methods to communicate and increase our odds of reaching as many of you as possible. These will include notifying your chain of command, employing AFN Radio and Television, sending messages through the Computer Desktop Notification System (CDNS), All Hands Mass Emails, our fan page at facebook.com/nassigonella, and Command Ombudsmen. The bottom line is that if you are unsure what is going on or have a question, please actively search for information from one of these sources in addition to checking with your chain of command. I can’t overemphasize the importance of being properly prepared ahead of time. The time to do that preparation is NOT once the crisis emerges. Part of that preparation is making sure you can provide for your family in the event of an emergency: you must understand what is required if an emergency requires that you Shelter in Place. Know what you need to have in order to survive in an emergency. It is recommended that you keep a five-day emergency supply of food and water, as well as an emergency kit which should include a battery-powered radio, flash-

CONTACT US Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily thesig@eu.navy.mil DSN 624-5440; 095-86-5440 PSC 812 Box 3020, FPO, AE 09627

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 consentof the publisher.

cnic.navy.mil/sigonella

DON’T EVER DRINK AND DRIVE

DRIVE SAFELY

This civilian enterprise (CE) newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services overseas. Contents of The Signature are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense (DoD), or the U.S. Navy. The appearance of advertisingin this newspaper, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD orStampa Generale S.r.l., of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publications hall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex,national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factorof the purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policyby an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source until the violationis corrected.

lights and other important safety measures available at all times in your homes. Check with our worldclass Emergency Management team here or consult the Red Cross for more detailed lists of emergency supplies that everyone should maintain. Beautiful Sicily presents its own challenges, including an active volcano, several seismically active regions, heavy rains, and very challenging driving conditions, even in good weather. The Navy has invested considerable time and resources to ensure that the NASSIG Community is as prepared as humanly possible for whatever may come; however, all of our planning and preparation will only succeed if each of you is informed and actively prepared to act on your plans when the need arises. Please: help me help you. Prepare now so that we can avoid becoming just another lesson learned on how not to do things in the event of a real crisis. Please take care of yourselves, your families, and your Shipmates. Let’s all have a great year in 2013!

Drinking and driving endangers the safety of everyone on the roads and throughout our community. Local Law Enforcement agencies have significantly increased DUI/sobriety check points. They’re taking the issue seriously just as we are. Sigonella’s Security Force members will also perform increased Alcoblows and sobriety checkpoints on all of our installations throughout the holiday season. Don’t become a statistic and don’t think that because you’re out in town you won’t get caught. It’s simple: DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE. Please remember: Be Smart. Be Safe. Have a solid plan.

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

NASSIG WORSHIP SERVICES ROMAN CATHOLIC

PROTESTANT

■ 8:30 a.m. Catholic Mass (NAS I Chapel) ■ 11:30 a.m. Catholic Mass (NAS II Chapel)

■ 6:30 p.m. Contemporary Worship Services (NAS I Chapel)

Sunday

Monday - Thursday

■ 7 a.m. Catholic Mass (NAS I Chapel) ■ 11:30 a.m. Catholic Mass (NAS II Chapel)

Saturday

■ 5 p.m. Catholic Mass (NAS I Chapel) Sacraments of Reconciliation/Penance precede each Mass

LATTER-DAY SAINTS

Sunday at 3 p.m. (NAS I Chapel) Contact: myjingles2@yahoo.com or 624-9049 Muslim Prayer Room, open daily for prayers, NAS II Chapel, x9049

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What’s Happening Around NAS Sigonella Patrol Squadron FOUR serves holiday cheer

NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer, Capt. Scott Butler Auguri di Buon Anno and Happy New Year, Sigonella! I hope that everyone had the opportunity to spend some quality time with family and friends and I’m glad to welcome you all back “home” to Sigonella after the holiday break. Like many of you, I made some New Year’s resolutions. One of them is that I’m going to try to improve my physical fitness. As embarrassing as this is to admit, I have to be honest: I’ve been taped to pass my last few semi-annual PFAs. Although I’ve done it legitimately, and I’m grateful to MAC Haywood, NC1 Murphy and other command fitness coordinators for their support, it’s not the way I want to continue and I’m sure that there are many in the Community who feel the same way. Physical fitness is an important component of mission readiness and we owe it to ourselves, our families and our Shipmates to take our physical condition seriously. So, here’s to welcoming the new year and saying goodbye to some old pounds! As the New Year begins, we must all remember that we have Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen, and Marines still deployed in various regions of the world. Whether they are serving in Operation Enduring Freedom, providing Humanitarian Assistance/ Disaster Relief or one of many routine deployments, they are a vital

January 11, 2013

Saturday: Sunday:

■ 10 a.m. Traditional Worship (NAS I Chapel) ■ 1 p.m. Bible Study (NAS I Chapel) ■ 1:30 p.m. Worship Service Contact 624-5128 or 338-736-3061

OTHER SERVICES/ACTIVITIES/POINTS OF CONTACT CHURCH OF CHRIST LAY SERVICE Contact Virgil Stobridge at 624-4779 JEWISH LAY SERVICES Contact Pam Cooper at 624-3877/4536 ■ AA Meetings: Monday, NAS I at 5:30 p.m. and Wednesday, NAS II at 11:30 a.m. Contact: 346-840-7745

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

Luigi, a 6-month-old SAWS puppy, sits patiently with Paul Blanco, his foster parent and one of SAWS most active volunteers at the SAWS adopt-a-thon on Sunday, January 6 . (Photo by Chelsea Humphrey)

VP-4 personnel, (from left to right) Lt. Cmdr. Davis Drake, Lt. Cmdr. Jamy Brassfield, Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Meinert, Lt. Cmdr. Mike Kamas, Lt. Cmdr. Jon Horn, Lt. Cmdr. Ryan Davis and Lt. Cmdr. Scott Beaty manned the food line at the Naval Air Station Sigonella galley on Christmas Day, December 25, 2012. (Photo by MCSA Devin Menhardt)

BY LTJG Taylor Combs Patrol Squadron FOUR The “Skinny Dragons” of Patrol Squadron FOUR (VP-4) served up big dishes of holiday cheer on Christmas day at Naval Air Station Sigonella’s galley, December 25, 2012. VP-4 is a Hawaii-based maritime patrol squadron on deployment in the sixth fleet area of responsibility. More than six thousand miles always from family and friends, the officers and chiefs of VP-4 came together and volunteered to serve a full spread Christmas dinner to each galley patron. Whether Sailors came to eat a delicious Christmas dinner or they jumped at the opportunity to see their senior leadership in full apron, the Skinny Dragon Sailor turnout was high. “It reminded me of home cooking,” said Petty Officer Tyrel Unsell. “Mom looked a little different, but the love was still there!” More than two hundred dishes were served and

Children and adults from orphanages in Giarre enjoyed a special meal provided by PWD Sigonella on December 22, 2012. (Photo by Carla Reaves)

PWD Sigonella adopts orphanage in Giarre BY LT Mike McManus and BUC Sean Walters

PWD Sigonella

This Christmas, Public Works Department (PWD) Sigonella adopted the Santa Chiara Orphanage in Giarre whose residents include 10 children and handicapped adults. When BUC Sean Walters distributed the word and asked for support, he found that the PWD Seabees and

every seat in the galley was taken. The department heads manned the food line while the chief petty officers worked the dining room. “It was an opportunity for us to serve our Sailors and show our appreciation for the amount of hard work and effort they have put forth so far this deployment,” said Lt. Cmdr. Dave Drake, a VP-4 department head and acting chef. Sailors were given five star service. The maintenance master chief, Master Chief Barnes, greeted Sailors as they arrived and took drink orders, and Command Master Chief Smedley returned used dishes and trays to the kitchen. “Its great to know that the officers and chiefs care so much about the Skinny Dragon family,” said Senior Chief Stanley Lenover. “I know the skipper puts a lot of focus on family. I’m glad he does, and I really felt a part of a big family today.” civilian employees wanted to do more. Working with Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta of the Public Affairs Office, the PWD expanded their reach to an additional 25 children and adults from two other orphanages. On December 22, 2012, the PWD held a special party at the Santa Chiara Orphanage where they presented 35 residents and parents of the orphanages with a gift and a good ol’fashioned American meal which included grilled burgers, boiled hotdogs, and crinkly fries. After dinner, Santa (BUC Danny Redman) arrived with gifts. “I was really honored to be a part of this event,” said BU2 Eric Clark. “Growing up I would have never done things like this, to this degree anyway, but now that I’m growing up more in the military, I’m wanting to be a better Sailor for my Navy and my country. It’s kind of addicting to make others feel so special.” At the end of the evening, everyone enjoyed homemade cookies provided by the PWD spouses. Mario, the father of the orphanage, said it was the most wonderful Christmas that they have had in a long time. “It was a great experience for everyone,” said DC2 Jose Barrera. “My oldest son watched one of the boys his age open a present and couldn’t believe how happy that boy was to get a gift. The two of them played with each other aside from the language barrier and afterward my son was asking when we can go back to do more.”

SAWS hosts adopt-a-thon BY Chelsea Humphrey SAWS To kick-off the new year, Sigonella and white 8-month-old puppy went Animal Welfare Society (SAWS) held home with potential new families for an adopt-a-thon in front of the Coma trial run. If it is the right fit, both missary of NAS I, Sunday, January 6. animals will be adopted as well. Relying solely on the efforts of SAWS will be holding adopt-avolunteers, SAWS, a nonprofit orthons on the first Sunday of each ganization, provides animals, primonth throughout 2013. marily cats and dogs, with foster If you want to become a part of homes until they can find permanent SAWS, the next board meeting will ones. Rules, regulations and laws are be on January 15 at the Midtown set into place to protect the owner Classroom at 5:30 p.m. Elections for as well as the pets that are adopted board positions will take place on or fostered. Each new owner signs a February 19 at 5:30 p.m. in the MidSAWS adoption form or foster agreetown Classroom. ment that lists a breakdown of rules To find out more information on for the pet. how to volunteer, adopt or foster a pet During the adopt-a-thon event, with SAWS, visit their facebook page a cat named JAX found a forever at www.facebook.com/Sigonella.anihome. Jax had been a SAWS animals. Featured animals available for mal for more than a year. Eliot, a adoption can also be found in the Il black kitten, and Phillipo, a black Mercato section of The Signature. “THIS IS A NON-FEDERAL ENTITY. IT IS NOT A PART OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE OR ANY OF ITS COMPONENTS AND IT HAS NO GOVERNMENTAL STATUS.”

Sigonella Military HOG Chapter participates in local parade Dressed in Santa costumes, the Sigonella Military Harley Owners Group (HOG) Chapter participated in a special holiday parade in the town of Giarre, December 23. The Sigonella Military Chapter is the first ever official military chapter sanctioned by HOG. HOG is the officially sanctioned motorcycle club of Harley Davidson which has more than 1,400 chapters in 130 countries worldwide. (Photo by Teri Seidorf)

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January 11, 2013 JANUARY 11, 2013

January

Jox Pub closed and NAS II Gym, Big Al’s and Take 5 will close at 7 p.m. due to scheduled power outage.

2013

Monday 14

$1 bowling and shoe rental Sparetime bowling

Tuesday 15

$1 bowling and shoe rental Sparetime bowling

Youth Boot Camp 3 - 5 p.m. NAS I Fit District 2 for 1 Bowling Sparetime bowling

National Popcorn Day 10:30 a.m. Take 5

Wednesday

Thursday 17

E-7 Advancement Exam Doors open 6:45 a.m. NAS I Gym

Saturday

Sunday

Let’s Go! New Year’s Resolution 6 mile Run/Walk 7:30 a.m. Registration

Family Night Out 5 - 8 p.m. Sparetime bowling

ITT Siracusa & Seafood

Weekend Dance Party 10 p.m. at Jox

ITT Agrigento: Valley of the Temples & Wine

Weekend Dance Party 10 p.m. at Jox

Texas Hold’Em 6 p.m. at Jox

Youth Boot Camp 3 - 5 p.m. NAS I Fit District

2 for 1 Bowling Sparetime bowling

Family Night Out 5 - 8 p.m. Sparetime bowling Step Afrika 6 p.m. at Knight’s Hall

Texas Hold’Em 6 p.m. at Jox

Racquetball Tournament

ITT Pizza on Mt. Etna in Nicolosi

Weekend Dance Party 10 p.m. at Jox

IMPORTANT EXTENSIONS:

Liberty/Connections/Take 5: x4246, x5602 Outdoor Rec: x4777, x4396 Fitness: x4483, x5243 Midtown 2 Theaters: x4248 FFSC: x4291 American Red Cross: x4900

Does your command or organization have an event you’d like to see on the Community Calendar? Email us at thesig@eu.navy.mil and let us know!

AD Need an appointment at the hospital? Call Need DSN 624-CARE (2273) or an appointment commercial at 095-56-2273, M-F: 7:30DSN a.m. the hospital? Call - 4 p.m.

624-CARE (2273) or commercial 095-56-2273, For non-emergent medical questions M-F: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. that arise over the weekend, holidays, or

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Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

CO M M U N I T Y CA L E N DA R Friday

January 11, 2013

after office hours, please call 335-578-8077 ifFor younon-emergent are normally seen medical at the hospital or 335-578-8150 questions that arise over the if you are normally seen at the Flight weekend, holidays, or after Line Clinic.

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.

The gift that keeps on giving by lcdr josh arthur, md U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella

LCDR Josh Arthur, MD is an experienced pediatrician and parent, having taken care of his three children and yours since coming to Sigonella in 2010. Between newborn deliveries, a busy clinic, and exciting collateral duties at the hospital, he has found a unique way to meld his two passions - making education fun and playing rock music. To enjoy his informative articles, fun videos and catchy songs, please check out www.singingdrjosh.com! Hand, foot and what? Isn’t that the virus that infected all of those cows in England? Is that the reason everyone in my playgroup looks like they have chicken pox? Should we move into an underground bunker? Are we all going to turn into zombies? AAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!! (Answers below!) Greetings, Sigonella friends! You may have heard rumors of a recent cluster of hand, foot and mouth (HFM) disease cases in Sigonella. I wanted to give you a little more information about the disease - so hopefully, you can feel comfortable crawling out of your bunkers! Hand, foot and mouth disease (or syndrome) is a common viral infection, usually affecting kids (but can affect adults). I suppose a more accurate name for the condition would be “hand, foot, mouth and buttock disease” because those are the most common places that I see the rash. In addition to a fever, children will get ulcers on the lips and mouth, in addition to whitish blisters or red bumps on the hands and feet. The condition is classically caused by viruses such as coxsackievirus, echovirus or enterovirus. The most common is coxsackievirus – scary name, usually not so scary of an illness. These viruses can cause a variety of rashes –some people may have red bumps eve-

rywhere, some may seem to have bruises on their feet, others are covered with little blisters – usually on the areas described above, but often everywhere. And if some of you are saying – “hey, that’s what my rash looked like!,” that’s probably because you saw me recently. All the rashes that I just listed, I have seen in the past two days. The good news is that other than possibly ruining your holiday portrait with a face-full of little blisters, this is generally a pretty mild disease. The fever usually goes away on its own in 2-3 days. The rash will generally peak in the same time frame. After that, your kid will be happy and back to bouncing off your walls. However, often the rash can take a week or two to heal; ulcers in the mouth should heal more quickly. There are a few kids that can get a little sicker – most commonly if sores in the mouth make it difficult to drink, leading to dehydration. Some of the viruses listed above can also cause meningitis, encephalitis or myocarditis (infections of the nervous system or heart). However, these are rare, usually caused by different strains of virus than those that cause HFM, and especially in the case of nervous system infections, almost always resolve in a week or so. If you think your child is dehydrated, in a lot of discomfort, or more sick

than you would expect (expect your child to act like a fussy but normal version of him or herself), you should bring them to the hospital to be seen. Treatment is generally just keeping kids comfortable while their bodies heal themselves. If swallowing is uncomfortable, some Tylenol or Motrin might help the pain and/ or fever, and cold or soft foods (like popsicles and ice cream – yum!) will always be well received. Prevention is difficult. Most transmission is via stool (wash your hands after using the bathroom or changing a diaper!), but it can also be transmitted via nasal discharge, blister fluid or saliva. It’s easy enough for me to say “wash your hands,” but unfortunately, the ones spreading the most viruses aren’t very good at that yet! The virus is most infectious in the first few days of illness; it’s reasonable to keep your kid away from other children if they still have open blisters on the mouth or skin. Regarding the answers to the questions at the beginning of this article: 1: Mouth 2: Foot and mouth disease (not HFM) is a highly contagious disease that results in big outbreaks every few years; fortunately, unless you are a farm animal (i.e. cow, elephant, hedgehog) you are not susceptible. 3: Yes 4: If you want to, but not because of HFM. 5: Maybe.

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January 11, 2013

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! T I SAY

T n! a i S l a t I U J ractice your P

Acireale honors Saint Sebastian

Salad

English: lettuce English: rocket English: spinach English: endive English: valerian English: radicchio

Italian: lattùga Italian: rùcola Italian: spinàci Italian: indìvia Italian: valeriàna Italian: radicchio

Have fun practicing your Italian! Buona Fortuna

Census finds Italian residents are 43 years old on average, people are younger in south (ANSA) Rome, December 19 - Italian residents are, on average, 43 years old, Italian statistics agency ISTAT recently announced, citing findings of the 2011 Italian census. Aging of the population is particularly noticeable in the Liguria region, which includes Genoa, and in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, the Italian region located next to the Slovenian border. The average age of residents in these two regions is 48 and 46, respectively. People are younger - an average of 42 years old - in the southern regions of Calabria, Puglia and Sicily, as well as in the northeastern region of Trentino-Alto Adige. The youngest average age is found in the southern region of Campania, which includes Naples and has an average age of 40. In Tuscany, Umbria, Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna, the average age is 45 years old.

Migrants take Italy’s population up to 59.4 million; over four million foreigners living in Italy (ANSA) Rome - Italy’s population has grown 4.3% over the last decade to climb to 59,433,744 thanks to arrival of migrants, ISTAT recently said as it presented the definitive figures from the nation’s last census. The rise from a population of 56,995,744 in 2001 is exclusively down to migrants, the national statistics agency said. Indeed, the number of foreigners in Italy has trebled, increasing 201.8% from 1,334,889 to 4,029,145. The number of native Italians fell in the same period by 250,000, a drop of 0.5%. Two out of three foreigners live in Italy’s wealthier northern regions, with almost a quarter of the total concentrated in the Lombardy region around Milan, while 24% live in the centre and 13.5% are based in the south. Women make up 53.3% of Italy’s foreign population. ISTAT said Rome is still Italy’s biggest city with a population of 2,617,175, followed by Milan (1,242,123), Naples (962,003), Turin (872,367) and Palermo (657,561).

The annual Saint Sebastian festival returns to Acireale on January 20 featuring religious processions, celebrations and fireworks paying homage to the town’s co-patron saint. (Photo by www.basinet.it)

very year, in January, thousands of pilgrims and tourists swarm the streets of the historic center to show love and respect to their celestial patron San Sebastiano. Despite being just the town’s compatrono (co-patron saint) along with Santa Venera, whose festival is celebrated on July 26, Sebastiano still gets most of the attention by the Acireale religious community. The festival honoring him, which will be held on Sunday, January 20, is undoubtedly a prominent religious event filled with emotional involvement. San Sebastiano is probably one of the most famous martyrs in the Christian tradition. His martyrdom was a favorite subject of Renaissance painters who depicted him as a handsome young man who kept his dignity and beauty through the pain of the terrible arrow wounds and eventually triumphed over physical suffering. Sebastiano was born in northern France around 300 AD. He served as an officer in the Roman army under Diocletian, the Emperor who issued an edict in which he prohibited Christianity. As Sebastiano was discovered to be a Christian, he was martyred in 288 AD. He was tied, pierced with arrows and left for dead; but tradition holds that he survived the arrows, which miraculously failed to pierce any vital organ. Thus, the arrow, a symbol of the plague, became his identifying attribute as well as his wounds that resemble plague boils. Tradition holds that he was eventually beaten to death. A true hero of Catholicism, San Sebastiano is also worshipped almost everywhere in Sicily, but particularly in the province of Siracusa and in Maniace. Acireale townspeople consider him a protector against the plague, as he reportedly saved the city in times of trouble several times, especially during plague epidemics. According to one tradition, the city was spared by the plague in 1466, and therefore, devotees built a church to thank him. However, the church was heavily damaged as a result of a catastrophic earthquake that struck the Catania province in 1693.

But the Acireale devotees did not give up and erected a new magnificent basilica dedicated to San Sebastiano in the 17th century. The Basilica Collegiata di San Sebastiano is among the most beautiful Baroque buildings in Acireale, as well as the most requested church for wedding ceremonies. Gian Battista Marino, a sculptor from Catania, decorated its façade in the second half of the 17th century in a Baroque style. The church’s interior was frescoed with some paintings by Paolo Vasta depicting scenes from the life of the saint and other masterpieces telling the story of Christ by Venerando Costanzo. San Sebastiano is still being invoked by pilgrims to help people heal from illnesses and thanked for surviving a natural disaster or accident. If a miracle is worked, devotees would offer tall waxes, money and small golden objects. Sometimes, they would tape these objects on red ribbons that are tied on the branches of the stump against which the statue depicting San Sebastiano is placed. Tradition also holds that, in the past, one who would miraculously survive plague epidemics would offer white linens to the saint. At that time, an infected person was required to wear white linen around their neck to show that they carried the disease. Once the epidemic was over, these linens were taped on the pillars that support the carriage on which the statue of the saint is carried in procession. Even today, devotees wear the linen around their chest and head. The festival starts at 7:30 a.m. with the opening of the little chapel located inside the Saint Sebastian church where the statue of the Christian martyr and the relics are kept. Holy mass is performed at 9:30 a.m. Later at 11 a.m., the statue of San Sebastian begins its procession through the streets of the town’s historic heart. The “fercolo” or float, on top of which the

statue depicting the saint is placed, will be taken around by a group of 60 “divoti” (devotees) who perform spectacular maneuvers even running and going up steep climbs. The divoti who carry the float around the city belong to a confraternity boasting an ancient tradition handed down for centuries from father to son. The procession lasts all day and ends at midnight when the statue is brought back to the San Sebastiano church. Firework shows and ringing church bells are performed all day long and throughout the city. The San Sebastiano church is located in piazza Leonardo Vigo next to the Acireale Cathedral. For more information and detailed schedules contact the San Sebastiano Church at 095-601313.

Prehistoric Skeletons Reveal First Sicilians AvoideSeafood (http://www.livescience.com ) Despite a seaside home overlooking the Mediterranean, the very first human settlers of Sicily weren’t seafood lovers, new research finds. In an analysis recently published in the journal PLOS ONE, skeletal remains of the people who occupied the site around 10,000 years ago show no telltale signs of seafood eating. Instead, researchers say, these hunter-gatherers chowed down on game such as deer and boar. These first settlers, found on the modern-day island of Favignana, which was once connected to Sicily by a land bridge, probably ate little seafood for two reasons, said study researcher Marcello Mannino, a scientist at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany. First of all, the Mediterranean is relatively nutrient-poor — there just aren’t that many fish in the sea. Second, these Mesolithic people likely didn’t have the technology to do much fishing. “The fact that these hunter-gatherers did not develop sophisticated fishing technologies in re-

sponse to sea-level rise suggests that the potential returns of doing so were insufficient and that their population numbers were probably low,” Mannino told LiveScience. The skeletal remains were first found in 1972 by Giovanni Mannino; they’re now kept in museum collections around Italy. Mannino found the remains in a cave called Grotta d’Oriente on Favignana. Many of the remains are just scattered bone fragments, but at least three distinct individuals have been discovered: an adult male, represented only by a few skull fragments, an incomplete jawbone and a line of perforated shells that may have been a necklace; an adult female, nearly a complete skeleton, also wearing a necklace; and a second adult female, represented by the upper half of a skeleton. Mannino and his colleagues analyzed these remains in order to date them and uncover their origin and diets. They extracted DNA from the bones — often an unsuccessful proposition, Mannino said — and tested the bones for isotopes, or molecular variations that can record the types of food a person ate in life. The researchers were able to successfully extract and analyze mitochondrial DNA from the remains. Mitochondrial DNA is located in the cells’ energy-making structures called mitochondria and is passed directly from mother to child. Thus, mitochondrial DNA samples reveal an organism’s maternal line. “It showed us that our species only reached Sicily probably around, at the earliest, about 24,000 years ago, which is the time of the last glacial maximum, a time when probably for a very short period, Sicily was actually connected to the mainland through a land bridge exposed by the fact that sea levels were lower,” Mannino said. The DNA further suggested these early Homo Sapien settlers likely had ancestry in the Near East and Caucasus regions, the researchers wrote. The isotope analysis revealed these Sicilian settlers ate mostly terrestrial meals, with less than 10 or 20 percent of their diets made up of seafood. Other research on early Mediterranean humans suggests this diet was typical for the region, Mannino said. Humans living along the Atlantic coast of Europe during the same time period, on the other hand, often had diets made up of 80 to 90 percent seafood, he said. “In prehistory, marine resources were never really exploited intensively by humans living in the Mediterranean basin,” Mannino said.

World’s oldest woman, Italian-born, dies in United States, Dina Manfredini held title of world’s oldest for just two weeks (ANSA) New York - Italian-born Dina Manfredini held the title of world’s oldest woman for just two weeks before dying in a nursing home in Iowa at age 115 on Dec.17. Dina Guerri was born in Pievepelago, in Italy’s central Emilia Romagna region, on April 4, 1897 and moved to the United States in 1920 with her husband Riccardo Manfredini. Dina Manfredini worked in a munitions factory during the Second World War and later, as a cleaner, an occupation she continued until she was 90. The title of world’s oldest person now goes to Jiroemon Kimura a Japanese man 15 days younger than Manfredini, who died Monday. According to officials at Guinness World Records, Manfredini - who had four children - is the only verified Italian to reach age 115 in documented history.

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January 11, 2013

Ringing in the New Year Making

resolutions reality a

Did you resolve to

this new year?

Kick the habit

by jackie trembath

According to the American Lung Association, every year in the U.S. more than 392,000 people die from tobacco-caused disease, making it the leading cause of preventable death. Another 50,000 people die from exposure to secondhand smoke.

NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

rom a rooftop terrace in Marsala, the westernmost part of Sicily, surrounded by some of my closest friends, I counted down in Italian, cinque, quattro, tre, due, uno. When the hands on the clock of the old city center tower reached midnight, I bid farewell to the old and welcomed 2013 with a kiss from my husband and a champagne toast. As the dark sky filled with bright colors, each explosion reminded me of all the things I have to be thankful for and filled me with hope for what’s to come. Living in Italy has been an adventure, full of challenges - like learning how to drive without having an anxiety attack. Southern Italy is like New York meets Tijuana in terms of its drivers. It has also been full of rewards. I’ve met some lifelong friends here. I have been blessed to travel around Europe. I’ve grown as a person in ways I may not have if we had always lived stateside. For these things, I’m so very thankful. I’m also hopeful. For the possibilities. Not wanting to leave everything to chance, I made resolutions. To hold myself accountable. I kept them simple. I resolve to be a better person. To be a better wife. To be a better friend. To take risks. To nurture my creativity. And to dream bigger. On Day One of 2013 I took my first step toward making my resolutions a reality. I drove a portion of the way home – two hours from Cefalu to Acireale. Those that know me well know that’s a small miracle. I like driving as much as I like spiders. But my husband deserved a break, so he leaned back in what may have been his first time in the passenger’s seat. He watched a movie on his iPad while I braved the traffic, periodically touching my shoulder to offer comfort. I drove as the sun set giving myself a proverbial gold star for taking a step toward being a better wife, and for taking risks … driving in Italy during rush hour.

Did you resolve to

this new year?

Do you want to quit tobacco but don’t want to do it alone? Join Health Promotion’s 4-week Tobacco Cessation Class and learn how to kick the habit for good.

Photo by Jackie Trembath

Wednesday’s January 9-30 2 - 3 p.m. in the NAS I Midtown Classroom

To register or for more information about one-on-one appointments call 624-4710.

get out and see sicily and europe

Discover Sicily and Europe while you are stationed at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella. It’s simple to fly just about anywhere in Europe from Catania. Or - take a ferry from Messina to the mainland. There is so much to see while you are living abroad! Take advantage of ITT!Whether you want to chase Etna’s lava flow, snorkel the Med or wander amongst ancient ruins, ITT will get you there with an expert local guide and comfortable transportation. Sicily’s diverse geography and rich cosmopolitan heritage makes this island a European treasure that is as close to north Africa as it is to mainland Italy. Conquerors from the Spaniards and Normans to the Greeks and Arabs have left their distinctive mark on the culture, cuisine and people of the island. ITT is your ticket to more fun including scuba lessons, paintball, Italian language and cooking classes, as well as concert and opera tickets.

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Did you resolve to

this new year?

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get fit

Group Exercise Classes can help you make your resolution a reality! Make a gym buddy and try something new. Getting fit can be fun! Want nutrition and weight management support and education? Join ShipShape, Health Promotion’s program to learn the healthy way to lose weight. Thursday’s, January 24 - March 14 (8-week class), from 2-3:30 p.m. in the Midtown Classroom on NAS I. Active duty have priority and need CFL referral. For more info and to sign up call 624-4710.

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January 11, 2013

Take the Cost of Living Allowance Living Pattern Survey

In the realm of medical care, quality is paramount. So it stands to reason that reviewing that quality becomes an important job, one that is taken quite seriously in hospitals throughout the Navy. The National Center for Quality Assurance is responsible for evaluating this quality. And they recently reviewed U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella. After long days and nights (and most weekends), the hospital scored 89 out of a possible 100 and was awarded Level 3 status, the highest rating possible. “This is quite an accomplishment for all the medical home port teams, including MHP Sigonella, Flight Line Clinic, and Bahrain,” said Lieutenant Commander Kimberly Broom, U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella Medical Home Port Department Head. “I’m very pleased with the results, as everyone worked really hard.” That hard work came after many long nights and weekends for a number of people, with most nights not ending until 2100 or 2200. And the hard work now shows. According to the NCQA website,

Level 3 status is for organizations that demonstrate strong performance or significant improvement in measures across cost, quality and patient experience. Organizations may demonstrate this through performance in state/regional measurement collaborative in the short term, and through national performance benchmarking in the longer term. Level 3 status lasts for three years. The importance of this success cannot be underscored. NCQA accreditation is the most comprehensive evaluation of health plans in the Navy and is the only assessment program whose accreditation scores are based on actual results achieved on a set of clinical measures and consumer experience measures. NCQA accreditation measures five areas of performance: staying healthy, getting better, living with illness, access and service, and qualified providers. Further evaluations include quality management, utilization management, credentialing, members’ rights and responsibilities, and member connections.

The Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) Living Pattern Survey (LPS) for Aviano, Gaeta, Ghedi, Livorno, Naples, Sigonella, and Vicenza (Italy) is now available online until January 31, 2013. * WHO CAN TAKE THE SURVEY? Uniformed Members with dependents only, assigned to locations above, as their Permanent Duty Station for at least three months or longer should take the survey.

* WHAT IS THIS SURVEY?

This is a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) survey that ask military members and their families to identify which local economy outlets they use when shopping for items such as, food, clothing and many other goods and services (i.e. restaurant meals, hair care, and auto repair). It also asks for a cost associated with their shopping on the local economy and how much is done at the Commissary, Exchange or on the Internet.

* THIS SURVEY IS IMPORTANT!

The data reported in this survey will be used to adjust the Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) for the locations above. The LPS is one of the “building blocks” of COLA. Every three years an LPS is conducted to determine the names of the local economy outlets where Mili-

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ON THE GO WITH MWR

U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella receives high marks for quality care Now through January 31, 2013 BY hm3 matthew clutter U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella

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tary families shop. The annual Retail Price Survey (Market Basket Survey) collects the prices of 120 goods and services that are collected from outlets identified in the LPS. After DTMO’s Allowances Branch compares the prices of our areas above to those in average CONUS, a cost of living index is computed that reflects the difference. To take the survey, go to: http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/lps-italy.cfm

IMPORTANT!

The following steps need to be taken to save an incomplete survey: Step 1 - Once an individual has started the survey, click the “save” button at bottom of the survey page on the website. Step 2 - Once the next screen appears with the URL Link, save this page as an HTML file. Step 3 - Open HTML file to continue the survey. Remember, these steps need to be taken each time an individual desires to save the survey for completion at a later time. If the survey is not FULLY completed, no data is recorded.

Midtown Movie Theaters Schedule & Descriptions

Friday, 11 JAN 13 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Sausage Patties, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Asstd Doughnuts, Cinnamon Rolls. *Lunch: Chicken Corn Chowder, Baked Fish, Meat Loaf, Paprika Buttered Potatoes, Glazed Carrots, Fried Okra, Spiced Cake w/ Frosting, Crisp Drop Cookies. *Speed Line: Grilled Cheese/Hamburger, Baked Beans, French Fried Potatoes. *Dinner: Chicken Noodle Soup, Chicken Parmesan, Sandwich, Tossed Green Rice, Corn O’Brien, Lima Beans, Spiced Cake w/ Frosting, Crisp Drop Cookies.

Tuesday, 15 JAN 13 *Breakfast: Hot Farina, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Grilled Sausage Patties, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Biscuits and Gravy, Asstd Doughnuts, Blueberry Muffins. * Lunch: Chicken Vegetable Soup, Roast Turkey, Pasta al Forno, Steamed Rice, Mashed Potatoes, Turkey Gravy, Carrots and Orange Amandine, Club Spinach, Fruit Cocktail Upside Down Cake, Oatmeal Cookies. *Speed Line: Ham Cheese Sandwich, French Fried Potatoes. Dinner: Zesty Bean Soup, Fishwich , Spaghetti Carbonara, Orange Rice, Southern Greens, Seasoned Mixed Vegetables, Fruit Cocktail Upside Down Cake, Oatmeal Cookies.

Saturday, 12 JAN 13 *Breakfast: Farina, Grilled Ham Slices, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Buttermilk Pancakes, Asstd Doughnuts, Crumb Cake. *Brunch: Breakfast Items, Creole Soup, Chicken Nuggets, Steamed Rice, Asparagus, Kernel Corn, Cherry Pie, Abracadabra Bars. *Dinner: Vegetable Soup, Veal w/ Mushroom gravy, Tuna Sandwich, Steamed Rice, Seasoned Asparagus, Steamed Cauliflower, Garlic Bread, Cherry Pie, and Abracadabra Bars.

Wednesday, 16 JAN 13 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Creamed Ground Beef, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Blueberry Pancakes, Asstd Doughnuts, Bear Claws. *Lunch: Beef Rice Soup, Baked Fish w/ Cherry Tomato Sauce, Baked Chicken, Garlic Cheese Potatoes, Rice Pilaf, Cauliflower, Carrot, Cheese Cake, Chocolate Pudding. *Speed Line: Grilled Cheese/Hamburger, Baked Beans, French Fried Potatoes. *Dinner: Cream of Chicken Soup, St. Louis BBQ Pork Ribs, Cheese Sandwich, Steamed Rice, Greens Beans Nicoise, Steamed Peas, Cheese Cake, Chocolate Pudding.

Sunday, 13 JAN 13 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Minute Steak, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast Puff, Asstd Doughnuts. *Brunch: Breakfast Items, Cream of Broccoli Soup, Meat Loaf, Onion Rings, Eggplant Ratatouille, Rice Pilaf, Club Spinach, Almond Cake, Crisp Toffee Bars. *Dinner: Chicken Vegetable Soup, Sauerbraten, Ham Cheese Cold Sandwich, Spring Garden Rice, Mashed Potatoes, Natural Pan Gravy, Steamed Cut Green Beans, Seasoned Carrots, Almond Cake, Crisp Toffee Bars.

Thursday, 17 JAN 13 *Breakfast: Hominy Grits, , Oven Fried Bacon, Corned Beef Hash, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, Asstd Doughnuts, Raisin Muffins. *Lunch: Corn Chowder Soup, Roast Pork, Pasta al Forno, Mashed Potatoes, Brown Gravy, Steamed Rice, Seasoned Carrots, Asparagus, Peanut Butter Cookies, Cherry Pie. *Speed Line: Fishwich *Dinner: Minestrone Soup, Salisbury Steak, Corn Dog, Ginger Rice, Mexican Corn, Steamed Carrots, Cherry Pie, Peanut Butter Cookies.

Monday, 14 JAN 13 *Breakfast: Hot Hominy Grits, Minced Beef on Toast, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, Asstd Doughnuts, Streusel Coffee Cake. *Lunch: Creamed of Broccoli Soup, Roast Beef, Lemon Baked Fish, Steamed Rice, Mixed Vegetables, Squash, Brownies, Yellow Cake w/ Icing, Fruit Ambrosia. *Speed Line: Asstd. Pizza. *Dinner: Vegetable Supreme Soup, Chili Dog, Chicken Breast, Rice Pilaf, Brown Gravy, Peas & Onions, Corn on the Cob, Brownies, Yellow Cake w/ Icing, Fruit Ambrosia.

Friday, 18 JAN 13 *Breakfast: Hot Oatmeal, Grilled Sausage Patties, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Asstd Doughnuts, Cinnamon Rolls. *Lunch: Cream of Potato Soup, Yankee Pot Roast, Baked Fish w/Tomato Cherry, Tempura Fish, Oven Glo Potatoes, Tossed Green Rice, Seasoned Mix Vegetables, Summer Squash, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Chocolate Cake, Vanilla Pudding. *Speed Line: Grilled Hamburger/ Cheeseburger, French Fried Potatoes, Baked Beans. *Dinner: French Onion Soup, Baked Chicken, Tuna Sandwich, Steamed Rice, Spinach, Cauliflower Polonaise, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Chocolate Cake, Vanilla Pudding.

Thursday, January 17 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM

Life of Pi 3D Red Dawn Killing Them Softly Les Misérables

Friday, January 18 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM

Friday, January 11 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM

Playing For Keeps Red Dawn Gangster Squad Killing Them Softly

Saturday, January 12

2:00 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 7:30 PM

Monsters Inc. 3D Life of Pi Playing For Keeps Killing Them Softly Gangster Squad

Sunday, January 13 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM

Les Misérables Monsters Inc. 3D Life of Pi 3D Skyfall Red Dawn

Tuesday, January 15 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM

Rise of Guardians 3D Gangster Squad Jack Reacher Man with the Iron Fists

5:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM

Monsters Inc. 3D Playing For Keeps Skyfall Killing Them Softly

Wednesday, January 16

PG-13 PG-13 R R G PG PG-13 R R PG-13 G PG PG-13 PG-13 PG R PG-13 R G PG-13 PG-13 R

Playing For Keeps Breaking Dawn, Pt. 2 The Hobbit 3D Gangster Squad

Saturday, January 19 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 7:30 PM

Cirque De Soliel 3D Life of Pi Playing For Keeps Les Misérables Red Dawn

Sunday, January 20 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM

Monsters Inc. 3D Breaking Dawn, Pt. 2 Cirque De Soliel 3D The Hobbit Gangster Squad

PG PG-13 R PG-13 PG-13 PG-13 PG-13 R PG PG PG-13 PG-13 PG-13 G PG-13 PG PG-13 R

CIRQUE DE SOLEIL: WORLD’S AWAY 2D & 3D…….PG STARRING: Erica Linz, Igor Zaripov and Lutz Halbhubner A young woman is entranced by an Aerialist. When they fall into the dreamlike world of Cirque du Soleil and are separated, they travel through the different tent worlds trying to find each other. (91 m.)

LES MISÉRABLES …………………………PG-13 STARRING: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway In 19th-century France, Jean Valjean, a fugitive, agrees to care for factory worker’s daughter, Cosette. (157 m.)

MONSTERS INC. 3D………………………….…G STARRING: Billy Crystal, John Goodman and Mary Gibbs Monsters generate their city’s power by scaring children, but they are terribly afraid themselves of being contaminated by children, so when one enters Monstropolis, top scarer Sulley finds his world disrupted. (92 m.)

PLAYING FOR KEEPS……………………PG-13 STARRING: Gerard Butler, Jessica Biel and Dennis Quaid A former sports star who’s fallen on hard times starts coaching his son’s soccer team as a way to get his life together. (105 m.)

Movie Premiere Same Day Release Free Movie Last Show

COMING SOON:

Chasing Mavericks, Silver Linings Playbook, The Guilt Trip, This is 40, Django Unchainted, Parental Guidence

Movie schedule is subject to change. Please call to confirm. Movie Hotline: 624-4248

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GAME ZONE

January 11, 2013

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Page 13

Sudoku

Word Search

Find and circle all of the words that are hidden in the grid. The remaining letters spell the name of a popular location for celebrating New Years Eve.

APPETIZERS BABIES BALLOONS BANNERS BUFFET CELEBRATE CHAMPAGNE CONFETTI DANCE DAY ONE DECORATIONS END OF DECEMBER EVENTS FAMILY FATHER TIME FEAST FESTIVITIES FIREWORKS FIRST OF JANUARY FRIENDS

HATS HOLIDAY HORNS KISS MIDNIGHT MUSIC NEW YEARS DAY NEW YEARS EVE NOISEMAKERS OCCASION PARADES PARTY PUNCH RESOLUTIONS SINGING STREAMERS THIRTY FIRST TIARAS WINE YEAR IN REVIEW

Did you know? John Madden is an accomplished ballroom dancer. Moisture, not air, causes super glue to dry. Bullet proof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers and laser printers were all invented by women. Cats can hear ultrasound.

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January 11, 2013

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Are You Ready For Winter?

by Commander, Navy Installations Command

AUTOMOBILES AUTOMATIC 2000 Audi A6 4-door Diesel. NEW engine: turbo, fuel pump, timing belt, A/C, radiator, fan, water pump, hoses, brakes, CV boots. Good tires. New oil/filters. Runs strong. 120K miles. Asking $6,500 OBO. Call Bryan 335-702-3265. ‘99 BMW 520i, 172K km, AC/ Heat,CD player, radio, abs, airbags, manual trans in good condition. Asking $4,500, OBO. Call 342-182-7027.

NOTICE Are you interested in becoming your Command Financial Specialist? Next training will be offered

by the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) on March 18-22, 2013. Call 624-4291 for more details on the requirements you need to sign up.

SAWS AMIMALS Mario & Luigi, 6 months, medium, male, brown, dog, current on shots, microchipped, may due better with older children. Fideo, 7 months, medium, male, brown, dog, loves everyone and is a typical active puppy, current on shots, microchpped. Jenna, 3 years, medium, female, tan and black, dog, very mild mannered and loving, great with dogs, children, and people, cur-

rent on shots, microchipped, and spayed. She has a few 3 month old puppies left. Diesel, 8 months, medium to large, male, black and brown, rottweiler, very smart and loving dog, loves cats, dogs, and children, current on shots, microchipped. To volunteer, adopt or foster, visit facebook.com/Sigonella.Animals or http://sigonellaanimalwelfaresociety.webs.com/

PAID ADS

YOU CAN ADOPT WHILE POSTED OVERSEAS. International & fostercare adoptions, homestudies. www.adopt-abroad.com

The appearance of advertising in this newspaper, including inserts of supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Navy (or Marine Corps), (name of command) or (name of publisher) of the products and services advertised. “Everything advertised in this newspaper shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. Published by Stampa, a private firm in no way connected with DoD, the U.S. Navy (or Marine Corps), under exclusive contract with the U.S. Navy (or Marine Corps).

he arrival of January and winter means that we are bound for colder temperatures in the coming months. Visions of skiing, curling up by the fire, snowflakes as they fall gracefully to the ground, and all their preparations create eager anticipation, but the winter’s frigid temperatures, blizzards, and storms make emergency preparedness especially crucial at this time of year. With advanced planning in three key areas, you can be ready for any unexpected hazard that surfaces amidst winter’s delight. Ready Navy is here to help. Visit www. ready.navy.mil. Be and Stay Informed: Learn about hazards that are common in winter months and most likely to happen in your area, such as winter storms and power outages. The Ready Navy website “Be and Stay Informed” tabs offer specific instructions, information, and resources you may need to know regarding winter storms, power outages and home fires. Make a Plan: As a family, make an emergency plan so that everyone in the family understands what to do, where to go, and what to take in the event of a fire or any emergency. Additionally, winter fire hazards, ice and winter winds can bring down power lines, making traditional communication difficult. Your emergency plan should include how your family will communicate with each other, particularly if normal communication methods, such as phone lines or cell towers, are out. Road conditions and other hazards can limit ease of movement. Have a contact person outside the area that each member of the family can notify that they are safe, if separated. The Ready Navy website provides printable forms and contact cards to guide you in your planning. Lastly, learn about the mustering requirements

at your command and become familiar with the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS) (https://navyfamily.navy.mil). Build a Kit: The best way to prepare for the unexpected is to create one or more emergency kits that include enough water and non-perishable supplies for every family member to survive at least three days. Keep a kit prepared at home, and consider having kits in your car, at work, and a portable version in your home ready to take with you. These kits will enable you and your family to respond to a winter (or any emergency) more effectively. Your various emergency kits will be useful whether you have to shelter-in-place, are stranded at work or on the road, or move to another location. Be sure your kits address the needs of small children, individuals with special needs, and your pets. In winter months, be sure to include blankets in your kits to bundle and warm family members should power outages knock out heat sources or should you get stranded in a car. Additional winter items to consider are salt to melt ice on walkways; sand to increase traction; a broom and snow shovel to remove snow; plastic sheeting to keep winter winds from biting through windows; and hand warmers, hats, gloves, and seasoned wood for a source of warmth; as well as fire extinguishers for safety. You can find a suggested list of other kit items under the Ready Navy website “Make a Plan” tab. Be Winter Ready Navy! I am. Are You? For information about Ready Navy and tips, forms, and guidance to be prepared for and stay informed about all hazards, visit www.ready.navy. mil. Ready Navy is a CNIC- sponsored emergency preparedness program.

FREEZE WINTER FIRES Did you know that heating sources are the second leading cause of home fires every year, especially during winter months? Kerosene heaters, candles, and wood burning fireplaces are big culprits.

Freeze winter fires by using these items safely: • Keep anything combustible at least three feet away from any heat source. • Use kerosene heaters only where approved by authorities, and refuel outside and only after the heater has cooled. • Never leave a burning candle unattended or abandoned. • Use fire screens to keep the fire in the fireplace and have your chimney cleaned every year. • Make sure that your home has at least one smoke detector.

SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIM ADVOCATE HOTLINES Sigonella SAPR VA Hotline: 335-642-8312. DoD Safe Helpline: 001-877-995-5247 (From cell phones and off-base telephones) Or: 19020 (toll-free access code) 1-877-995-5247 (From DSN lines)

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January 11, 2013