Vol. 27 No. 47 December 10, 2010

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Inside

Weather

update

Top S

torie

s

Direct Line

2

Navy News

3

Community Calendar

4

MWR Corner

11

Il Mercato

14

With the Holidays just

around the corner, it’s

time to think about

potential holiday haz-

ards for your pets.

Learn how to safe-

guard your animals

over the holidays.

PAGE 2

The CNO released a

video message dis-

cussing the DoD com-

prehensive review of

the issues associated

with the repeal of

'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

(DADT) policy follow-

ing his testimony

before the Senate

Armed Services

Committee, Dec. 3.

PAGE 3

It’s that time of the

year again, the town

of Caltagirone will

offer a plethora of

Christmas events

including Nativity

Scenes displays, con-

certs, Christmas mar-

kets and arts and

crafts fairs that will be

open throughout

December.

PAGE 6

The town of Modica is

famous for its choco-

late, but it has so

much more to offer

than just sweets. Tour

this town this week-

end!

PAGE 8

Looking for something

to do around Sicily

this Holiday Season!

Look no further ITT

has you covered! On

Saturday, December

18 in Acireale you

have an opportunity to

visit the famous 700th

century Nativity

Scene. A must see

while in Sicily.

PAGE 11

Traffic Numbers

Jan. 10- Jan. 09-

Nov. 10 Nov. 09

Accidents 317 251

Injuries 52 43

DUIs 11 6

Traffic

Deaths 0 0

Please,

don’t become

a statistic!

Dec. 10

H: 63L: 39

Dec. 11

H: 57L: 38

Dec. 12

H: 60L: 40

Dec. 13

H: 62L: 42

Dec. 14

H: 61L: 42

Dec. 15

H: 65L: 37

Dec. 16

H: 55L: 38

Harlem Globetrotters thrillSigonella crowd

NAS Sigonella awardsIDWO pins

By Tracie Barnthouse

The Signature Editor

Judging by the reaction of thecrowd, it’s hard to say who had morefun at the Harlem Globetrotter showon Nov. 30 in the NAS SigonellaMiddle/High School gymnasium: thekids or their parents. In town as a partof an Armed Forces Entertainment,Navy Entertainment, and MWRSigonella performance, the HarlemGlobetrotters dazzled the audiencewith their amazingly choreographedroutine, humor, and sheer basketballtalent.

The show opened with a rousinggame of musical chairs, and one by

one, the participants lost their seat bythe Globetrotters’ mascot, Globie,who was ultimately defeated by oneyoung competitor. Next up was amagic show featuring Globie withfour NAS Sigonella service mem-bers. The service members wereinterlocked and held themselves upwith only their legs. Following theopening act, the game got started, atfirst with an impressive show by theWashington Generals, but ultimately,the Globetrotters were victorious.

The show featured the humorthat the Globetrotters are known for,and had plenty of audience interac-tion, including a dance off betweenGlobetrotter “Handles” Franklin and

NAS Sigonella’s CommandingOfficer, Capt. Scott Butler. “It’s like adream come true,” said Franklin ofbeing a member of the team. “I feelblessed and happy to be here. I’vebeen driven to be a Trotter, studyingall of the famous dribblers, fromMarques Haynes, to Curly Neal, toCurly Boo Johnson and the greatshowmen like Showtime Gaffney,Showbiz Jackson, Goose Tatum,Geese Ausbie, Twiggy Sanders andSweet Lou Dunbar.”

Heather Cupp attended theshow with her husband and family,including her daughter, Tori, who was

GLOBETROTTERS,

continued on page 12

Photo by MC2 Gary Prill, NPASE East

Harlem Globetrotters Mascot "Globie" signs basketballs during an autograph session for military

members and their families on Nov. 30. The Harlem Globetrotters held a choreographed routine and

game with the Washington Generals as part of a European tour sponsored by Morale, Welfare and

Recreation, Navy Entertainment, and Armed Forces Entertainment.

By MC2 Gary Prill

NPASE East

Cmdr. Bruce J. Black,Commanding Officer U.S. NavalComputer and TelecommunicationStation, Sicily and three other officersreceived the Navy’s newest warfarepin- the Information DominanceWarfare Officer (IDWO)- during anaward ceremony held in a historicalGreek amphitheater in Taormina,Sicily on Dec 2.

Cmdr. Black, Cmdr. Michael B.Tanner, Lt. Cmdr. Martin J. Sabel,and Lt. Kirstein S. Lewis were pinnedby Senior Chief Operation SpecialistMichael Schurdell, one of the onlypeople attached to Naval Air StationSigonella currently wearing the pin.

The IDWO warfare pin pro-gram was approved in February byFleet Cyber Command, and a final-ized instruction on the program wasreleased Sept. 13 in OPNAV instruc-tion 1412.13 making it the newest pinthe Navy has put into effect forSailors.

“Receiving the InformationDominance Warfare Officer pin hasbeen one of the most tremendousaccomplishments in my navalcareer,” said Lt. Kirstein S. Lewis. “Iam honored to be part of the IDCcommunity and was excited when theNavy established this qualification.”

In order to obtain the IDWOdesignation, officers and enlistedhave to demonstrate a specificknowledge skill and experience,along with proficiency at the profes-sional level of competence to per-form satisfactory in their assignedduties within the communicationfield.

“Our computer networks areconsidered a weapon in today's waron terror. The enemy is becomingmore advanced in information tech-nology and constantly attempting tobreak into our networks to gainand/or destroy information remote-ly,” said Lewis. “With the creation of

IDWO, continued on

page 12

Four Officers from NCTS received the first Information Dominance

Warfare Officer (IDWO) pin awarded from Naval Air Station

Sigonella. The Pinning ceremony took place in a historical Greek

Amphitheater in Taormina, Sicily.

Page 2 December 10, 2010

NASSIG Executive Officer, Capt. Joe BeadlesDirect LineThe December 10 Feedback Livereceived so many questions via the webthat some of them couldn’t be coveredin the allotted time, so we devoted thisand the 17th December Direct Lines toanswer them. Please keep sendingyour questions via email but rememberthat it is a live call in show and you canget your question answered on the spotboth on the phone and now via ourFacebook Fan page live during theshow! Feedback Live is held on thefirst Thursday of each month, from6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. To call in live onthe show, please dial 624-4265 or 095-56-4265.Q1. Why is it that housing places paperfliers on the doors of units without pro-viding an email notification of a eventthat a resident must be at? I think that ifthey can notify you that you are in vio-lation of keeping the yard mowed orequipment not returned via email, anotification via email for maintenancewould be reasonable as well.A1. Housing communicates to our res-

idents through emails and fliers. Usingthis two pronged approach, ourHousing Inspectors can reach more ofthe population. In the event that anissue arises suddenly – the easier, alter-native is through fliers. Q2. I know that Marinai Housing has alimitation on how long you may begone before they ask you to vacate.However, what about spouses of thoseSailors who are IA that don't want tospend the entire deployment livingalone in Marinai? Would it be possibleto waive or extend the timeline so thatour spouses can spend some time backat home without having to worry aboutbeing evicted?A2. Thanks for the question. Just con-tact the Housing Office at Marinai andlet them have awareness of your situa-tion. We haven’t, nor would we everevict a spouse while sponsor is on anIA. You need to have someone care forthe lawn and a POC should some sortof maintenance work be performed inthe unit. We will work with you.

Q3: WHY doesn't housing replace thelight bulbs like MINEO did? WHY hasit taken 2 attempts to fix my FLOOD-ING back yard and my shed still flood-ed and I lost 3 boxes of stuff...but thecontractors said they WON'T do anymore?A3: Thanks for the opportunity toanswer this question. Unfortunately wedon’t have the funding to provide thatservice anymore. The light bulbs werepurchased in bulk a few years ago andHousing was issuing them as self help.Today, Navy policy dictates that lightbulbs are not an approved self helpitem. Occupants are asked to replacebulbs as they burn out. Q4: My question is in concern of theboots for the Navy Working Uniform.The uniform REGS clearly state thetype of boot to be used with the uni-form, but the Security Commandbelieves that they are exempt from theUniform REGS. The MA's continue touse various styles of boots, not the onesdirected for wear. I understand that it is

a small thing, but regs are regs -is there anything that can bedone?A4: This issue was addressedand corrected by Security leader-ship five months ago.Compliance monitoring is ongo-ing as you would expect withany regulation, regardless ofyour assigned department.However, if you do observe anydiscrepancy with regard to uni-form appearance or professional-ism by our security profession-als, please contact MACMSantiago (624-6279) or MACSBethea (624-2490) for immedi-ate redress. The questions, comments andconcerns stated in this columndo not constitute the officialposition of the U.S. Navy andare submitted by members of thecommunity.

Commanding Officer

Capt. Scott Butler

Public Affairs Officer

Lt. Matt Knight

Deputy Public Affairs Officer

Dott. Alberto Lunetta

Editor

Tracie Barnthouse

Staff Writers/ Photographers

MC1 Christopher DelanoMC2 Gary PrillMCSA Cameron Bramham

The Signature editorial office is

located at:

Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily PSC 812 Box 3020, FPO, AE 09627 Telephone: 095-86-5440: DSN 624-5440This civilian enterprise (CE) newspa-per is an authorized publication for

members of the military services over-seas. Contents of The Signature are notnecessarily the official views of, orendorsed by, the U.S. Government, theDepartment of Defense (DoD), or theU.S. Navy. The appearance of adver-tising in this newspaper, includinginserts or supplements, does not con-stitute endorsement by the DoD orStampa Generale S.r.l., of the productsor services advertised. Everythingadvertised in this publication shall bemade available for purchase, use orpatronage without regard to race,color, religion, sex, national origin,age, marital status, physical handicap,political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user orpatron. A confirmed violation or rejec-tion of this equal opportunity policy byan advertiser will result in the refusalto print advertising from that sourceuntil the violation is corrected. TheSignature is published weekly byStampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. BrunoBrandi, Publisher, Naval Support

Activity, Capodichino (Naples), Italy -Tel. 081-568-7884, Fax 081-568-7887.E-mail: stampagenerale@tin.it.Editorial submissions are welcomedfrom all Naval Air Station Sigonelladepartments, divisions and tenantcommands. Editorial submissionsshould be sent to the Public AffairsOffice via thesig@eu.navy.mil orhand-delivered to our office no laterthan the close of business on theFriday proceeding the expected publi-cation date. All articles submitted bynon-staff members will be consideredcontributing writers. The Signaturewill not publish any anonymous arti-cles. All advertisements in this publi-cation are the property of StampaGenerale S.r.l. Any reproduction ofadvertisements in The Signature isunauthorized without the written con-sent of the publisher.

Be prepared to be on your

own for at least three days.

Seven is better! The BASIC

FIVE: Water, Food, Heat,

Cash, Radio; Family

Communications Plan:

Phone Numbers & Rally

Points; Public Protection

Strategies: Evacuation and

Shelter-in-Place; Web info:

Ready.gov; Emergency

info: AFN 106.0 FM;

Questions? Call the EM

Office at 624-2630, 8265

or 2621.

Emergency

Management

Office

NASSIG WORSHIP SERVICES

Chapel Offices: NAS I 095-56-3975, NAS II 095-86-9049

ROMAN CATHOLIC

Sunday0900 Catholic Mass (NAS I Chapel)1200 Catholic Mass (NAS II Chapel)Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday1130 Catholic Mass (NAS II Chapel)

PROTESTANT

Sunday1045 Protestant Worship (NAS I)

JEWISH LAY SERVICES

First Friday1800 Shabbat Service (NAS I Chapel)sigshalom@yahoo.com

CHURCH OF CHRIST LAY SERVICE

Sunday1530 NAS I Chapel Call 624-5128 or 338-736-3061

OTHER SERVICES/ACTIVITIES POINTS OF CONTACT

Latter-day Saints: Sunday 1300 Catania Chapel, shefchik@hotmail.com; 624-1393AA Meetings: Monday,Wednesday, Friday – 1900, NAS II Chapel, 346-840-7745

Are wespeaking thesame language?

We’ve probably all heard thatcommunication is a major issue inrelationships. Many marital issuescenter on unspoken expectations andthe differences between genders. Oneof the leading experts in martialcounseling is Dr. Gary Chapman. Heis the author of the book titled, “The5 Love Languages: The Secret toLove That Lasts.” In his years ofcounseling couples, he has identifiedfive ways people express love to eachother. The problem is that oftentimesthey’re speaking different languages.This creates communicative prob-lems within the relationship.Chapman wrote “Your emotionallove language and the language ofyour spouse may be as different asChinese from English. No matterhow hard you try to express love inEnglish, if your spouse understandsonly Chinese, you will never under-stand how to love each other.” I havepersonally used Chapman’s researchto help countless couples sort throughmarital issues. This is also a signifi-cant portion of our MarriageEnrichment Weekends (MEW).

Couples are always very thankful forthis information. These are the fivelove languages that Chapman discov-ered: Words of affirmation, qualitytime, gifts, acts of service, and physi-cal touch. Chapman said“Psychologists have concluded thatthe need to feel loved is a primaryhuman emotional need. For love, wewill climb mountains, cross seas, tra-verse desert sands, and endure untoldhardships. Without love, mountainsbecome unclimbable, seas uncross-able, deserts unbearable, and hard-ships are our lot in life.” We all havea primary love language. Therefore,this information is relevant to all rela-tionships. Chapman believes eachperson has a “love tank.” When wespeak our partner’s love language thetank is filled. When we don’t speakour partner’s love language the tankis emptied. Some people really needwords of affirmation to sense love.Chapman created an assessment todiscover each individual’s love lan-guage. For example, my primary lovelanguage is physical touch, while mywife’s primary love language iswords of affirmation. My lowestscore was words of affirmation. Mywife’s lowest score was physicaltouch. Naturally, when I wanted toexpress love to my wife I’d walk upand hug her. That’s love. However,she needed me to express words ofaffirmation to her. Words of affirma-tion don’t naturally come to mymind. After reading Chapman’s bookand taking his assessment, it helpedus understand this dimension in ourrelationship. It helped us grow deep-er as a couple. The challenge is tocommunicate in your spouse’s lovelanguage. If you’d like to find outmore about the 5 Love Languages goto Chapman’s website and take a freeassessment: http://www.5lovelan-guages.com/assessments/love/. Healso has love languages for singlesand children. In my next article, I’lldiscuss the significance of words ofaffirmation in the relationship.

Holiday proofing your petsBy Capt. Sarah Cooper

With the Holidays justaround the corner, it’s time tothink aboutp o t e n t i a lholiday haz-ards foryour pets.Here are afew helpfultips toensure yourpets enjoy asafe holidayseason:

1.Avoid feed-ing your pets any chocolate treats,especially bakers chocolate.Chocolate contains the drug theo-bromine, a toxic substance to dogsand cats.

2. Ensure electrical cordsfor holiday lights are secured sopets can’t chew them and exposethemselves to an electrical shock.

3. Place Christmas treeornaments at least two feet highfrom the base of the tree.Ornaments placed lower offer aninviting toy for cats to play with.If swallowed, they can cause anintestinal obstruction requiringemergency surgery.

4. Avoid using string oryarn on packages or on ornaments.Special dangers to cats are tinseland garland, which many catscan't resist chewing. These can

saw back and forth in the intes-tines, potentially causing perfora-tions.

5. Avoid using lead tinselon Christmas trees or place it high

e n o u g hwhere petscannot reachit. Lead ispoisonous toanimals aswell ash u m a n swhen ingest-ed. Foil tin-sel is not poi-sonous, butlike string, is

dangerous if swallowed.6. Don’t allow pets to eat

pine needles or leaves fromPoinsettia, mistletoe, or hollyplants. These are poisonous toanimals.

Aside from holiday hazards,keep in mind the colder weatherduring this time of year and pro-tect your pets accordingly. Youcan accomplish this by ensuringyour pets have access to plenty offresh, clean water at all times,keeping them indoors when theoutdoor temperature is belowfreezing, and by keeping your petdry and clean.

For more information on petsafety or health issues, contact theSigonella Veterinary TreatmentFacility at 624-4258.

NAS Sigonella Vet

It’s Army vs. Navy week. Were

any of our panelist brave enough to

go against the Blue and Gold?

Clifton: It is this simple, if youpick Army, consider yourself in viola-tion of article 94 (Mutiny). Go NavyBeat Army!!

Die/Rivera:

As some of you might know, Ijust got back from my leave and am amarried woman... so it’s Mrs. Riveranow!! GOTW: Go Navy!!!! The Armystinks, it’s just that simple!

As for the Chiefs/Chargersgame, I just got back from San Diegoand that place stinks!

Clifton: Congratulations Mrs.Rivera. If you think San Diego stinks,you must have exited the 5 freeway atthe Barrio Logan exit. Try stayingnorth of the Coronado Bridge nexttime. :)

December 10, 2010 Page 3

Spaghetti House

Picciolo GolfNew Hope

Record: W-L

Overall Record: 39-32

Last week: 5-1

Record: W-L

Overall Record: 40-33

Last week: 4-2

Record: W-L

Overall Record: 42-29

Last week: 3-3

ABH1 EzekialClifton, EmergencyManagement

L S S A   A s h l e yDiem/Rivera, FISC

AC3 MichaelVazana, NASSIG

Capt. Joe Beadles,NASSIG

Jeremy Glasser,MWR

Army vs. Navy

Patriots vs. BearsChiefs vs. Chargers

Giants vs. Vikings

Record: W-L

Overall Record: 44-27

Last week: 4-2

Navy

PatriotsChargers

ColtsGiants

Record: W-L

Overall Record: 45-26

Last week: 6-0

Beadles: Any questions I had concerning

Diem-Rivera’s sanity have beenanswered by her assessment of SanDiego. Yeah - she is molto pazzo!

Back to the games...Patriots... Tom Brady... seChargers.... seColts.... Payton Manning can’t

continue to stink this bad... right?.... seGiantsRavensGOTW: GO Navy - Beat Army!!

Here are some lyrics that will come inhandy at the end of the game

Now college men from sea to sea

May sing of colors true,

But who has better right than we

To hoist a symbol hue?

For sailor men in battle fair

Since fighting days of old,

Have proved a Sailor’s right to

wear

The Navy Blue and Gold.

BEAT ARMY!!

Sing them LOUD and sing themPROUD! Or, if you prefer something alittle more low brow...

We’ve got the team,

We’ve got the guts,

We’ve got Army by the n**s...

Pull Team Pull!!!!

Glasser:

I just got back from leave, to findout over the past two weeks I’ve gottenmy butt handed to me! Time to get seri-ous and start kickin’ some tail! LOL!

Last week’s theme workedsooooo well (I hope anyway!), I’ll giveit another try. This week’s theme is“ROAD TEAM II.”

GOTW: I was born an Army brat

and married Navy, so I have ties to bothteams. Both teams have already lost toAir Force for the Commander and ChiefTrophy, so this game is strictly forbragging rights. I like watching thisgame just for the opening ceremonies,not to mention all of the funny AFNcommercials. I think after the dust set-tles on this hard-fought battle of theclassiest rivalry in football, NAVYWINS!!!

Vazana:GOTW: Army all the way... just

joshin’! Obviously I choose Navy towin. I would say it would be prettyridiculous for anybody in this panel tochoose the Army or ANYBODY in theNavy to choose the Army for that mat-ter. My reason for picking Navy is sim-ple; the Navy pays the bills.

Navy

ChiefsColts

Giants

Colts vs. Titans

Navy

Patriots

ChiefsTitans

Giants

PatriotsChargers

Colts

Giants

Navy

Patriots

ChargersColts

Giants

Navy

Ravens vs. Texans RavensRavens RavensRavensRavens

N e w s

BriefsThe Hospital

Pharmacy is under

construction

In order to maintain oper-ations and provide highquality customer service

during our renovation, thePharmacy Check-In loca-

tion has changed:-Monday through Friday7:30-4 p.m.Report to RadiologyDept. Check-In Desk-Monday through Friday4 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.Report to InterimPharmacy in theAmbulance BaySaturdays, Sundays andHolidays 7:30 a.m. - 7:30p.m.Report to InterimPharmacy in theAmbulance Bay

Thank you for your

patience, we look forward

to serving you!

Patriots

CNO releases ‘don’t ask, don’ttell’ message to the fleetBy MC2 Kyle P. Malloy

Chief of Naval Operations

Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Thechief of naval operations (CNO)released a video message discussingthe DoD comprehensive review ofthe issues associated with the repealof 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' (DADT)policy following his testimony beforethe Senate Armed ServicesCommittee, Dec. 3.

In his message, Adm. GaryRoughead discussed how he used theinput of the fleet to inform his posi-tion on the matter.

"…Your willingness to shareyour views has helped me as I wascalled upon to provide my best mili-

tary advice to the secretary of defenseand to the congress on this issue,"said Roughead.

Roughead thanked all of theSailors and their family memberswho participated in the survey andsaid he knows the Navy will continueto carry out the mission at hand withunwavering focus and professional-ism.

"I have no doubt that should thelaw be repealed, we as a Navy and asindividuals will continue to exhibitthe highest degree of professionalismand continue to treat one another withdignity and respect," said Roughead.

CNO reminded the fleet howmuch he appreciates each Sailor, theircontinued hard work and the support

of their loved ones."During the course of this

review, as in all you do, you havedemonstrated your thoughtfulness,your candor and your dedication tomaking our Navy the best the worldhas known," said Roughead.

To watch or download CNO'sDADT message, go towww.navy.mil.

For more news from Chief ofNaval Operations, visitwww.navy.mil/local/cno/. U.S. Navy photo by MCC Tiffini Jones Vanderwyst

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead testifies

before the Senate Armed Services Committee about the

Comprehensive Review Working Group report regarding the

"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.

Page 4 December 10, 2010

Do you have a passion for

writing or are you looking

for a little

experience in journalism?

The Signature is seeking

volunteers to help cover

base wide events as well

as feature stories. If this

sounds like an opportunity

for you please call the

Public Affairs Office at

624-5440

Sexual Assault Prevention and

Response

SAPR offers a Sexual

Assault Hotline

staffed with trained

advocates who man

the SAPR Hotlines

24/7. The number is

335-642-8312 or

335-606-6146.

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!

Tobacco Cesssation

9 a.m.FLC

x4950

Tobacco Cesssation

9 a.m.FLC

x4950

Ricotta Cheese

Workshop

9 a.m. -2 p.m.x4291

FFSC Cooking

Class

9:30 a.m.x4291

New PlaceAlphio Garden

Oxidiana K a r t o d r o m oDiana

DoDDS Winter

Break through

Jan. 3

Fleet and FamilySupport CenterAdministrationBuilding Bldg. 319 (NAS I)

Monday–Friday7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. DSN 624-4291 Commercial 095-56-4291

Marchi

December 10, 2010 Page 5

Cha-ching-a-ling!By Lavoshia McCrackenEno

If you were able to takeadvantage of all the great salesthe day after Thanksgiving andcontributed to any of the depart-ment stores getting in the “black”during the Black Friday, CyberMonday or online sells, good foryou! Hopefully you were able toplan ahead for what you weregoing to spend, set up a plan andstuck to it! So we would like tooffer you a few tips to help youset up your holiday spending planand be successful for the future.

The truth of the matter maybe that many people failed toplan for holiday spending or sim-ply did not know where to beginwhen trying to put together theirholiday spending plan.

According to the NationalRetail Federation (www.nrf.org)only five percent of Americanscomplete their holiday shoppingNovember. Americans havespent their holiday dollars aver-aging between $700 and $800 ongifts for family, friends and co-workers. So, when is it a goodtime to plan for the next holidayseason? TODAY!

• CREATE A SPEND-

ING PLAN: Creating a financialplan can help you control yourmoney and reach your goals – allyear! Think of Christmas as anexpense like any other such as newtires for the car or buying new furni-ture for the living room. The costshould be estimated, and planned forthroughout the year. (See yourCommand Financial Specialist forhelp with completing a financialplanning worksheet to get started).

• SAVE IN ADVANCE:Take a few dollars from each pay-check throughout the year and put itinto an interest paying holiday sav-ings club at your financial institu-tion.

o Example: If you spent$1,200 this year for holiday shop-ping you would need to save $100per month for 12 months.

• TAKE ADVANTAGE OFSEASONAL BARGAINS. Be onthe lookout for end of the year salesafter the holiday season.

• TALK ABOUT IT: Takesome time to sit down with yourfamily and discuss your holidayplans.

o Family Conferenceo To do listso Top prioritieso Dollar amounts per personSo what are the benefits of

financial planning? A good plan willhelp you:

• Reduce Stress• Live within your means.• Realize goals.• Maintain a good credit his-

tory.• Get more for your money.• Achieve financial free-

dom.If you are a savvy shopper

then you probably already knowhow to save money by finding thegreatest sales in stores, online andwaiting for those last minute bar-gains. But retailers are always try-ing to find ways to get you tospend more of your hard earneddollars.

Think about your last shop-ping trip to a departmentstore…The first thing a cashiermay ask when you approach theregister is, “will that be cash orcredit?” The second question isusually, “would you like to open acredit account with our storetoday? You could save 10 percentoff of your purchases today.”We’ve all heard this one…

Unless you are savvy or haveenough money to pay that creditcard off in full….don’t do it! Letthe cashier keep her high-interestdepartment store credit card anduse cash instead.

Since my shopping experi-ence last holiday season I useevery opportunity I can to turn thetables and ask if the cashier knowsthe interest rate on the card theyare offering. This often becomes ateaching point to some degree,because most are unaware of thepercentages or fees associated withthe store cards. The rates are usual-ly 21 percent or higher. “Save 10percent on your purchase today”and pay 21 percent interest tomor-row if you don’t pay the entire billin full by the billing period.

Here is an example for you:

Being a savvy holiday shopper

Work and Family Life Educator

MagnoliaSHOPPING, continued

on page 12

Old Wild West

Page 6 December 10, 2010

Alberto Lunetta

The Signature Staff

Montessori

Days Inn

Chiechio

Photo by Giuseppe Stimolo

The Christmas season has begun in Sicily. Each year, it includes concerts, Christmas markets, and

exhibits with hundreds of nativity scenes featuring highly detailed and richly colored figurines,

mechanized figurines, and even living actors and animals recreating the birth of Christ. Caltagirone,

the town of ceramics, boasts one of the world’s finest traditions of hand crafted nativity scenes.

During Christmas time, dozens of displays are typically set up all over the historic center.

Christmas events beginin Caltagirone

It’s that time of the year again,the town of Caltagirone, the hub ofEastern Sicily’s ceramic-makingindustry, will offer a plethora ofChristmas events including NativityScenes displays, concerts, Christmasmarkets and arts and crafts fairs thatwill be open throughout December.

After a year –long preparation,Presepi or Nativity Scenes will beshowcased in churches and BeautifulBaroque buildings located in the his-toric center.

A true display of faith andman’s creativity, Presepe tells thestory of the mystery of Jesus’ incar-nation. In the old times, Presepi wereused as an artistic and educationalway to teach the story of Christ’sbirth to the devotees in order to pro-tect and preserve Christian traditionsthroughout the centuries.

They are traditionally set up inalmost every Sicilian house featuringdecorated figurines, which are carvedfrom wood, shaped from ceramic,wax, papier-mâché, resin, clay, andother materials. Presepi depict bothdivine and human elements.

Representations of the Nativitydate back to the Middle age.According to tradition, Saint Francisof Assisi was the first Christian to setup an impressive Nativity scene in1223, on a Christmas Eve. The dis-play included the live animals andhad a breathtaking backdrop: the hillssurrounding the town of Greggio(Center of Italy).

In Sicily, four major centers canboast a tradition for hand craftednativity scenes production: Palermo,Siracusa, Trapani and Caltagirone.

In Palermo and Siracusa, wherebeekeeping is widespread, wax hasbeen used since the 17th century tomold Bambinelli that are figurinesdepicting infant Jesus. Between the17th and the 18th century, the areasurrounding the Church of SanDomenico in Palermo was home tomany Bambinai (craftsmen that usedto shape these figurines) and theirshops. Wax sculptor Gaetano Zumbois among the most famous 17th cen-tury craftsmen. He carved an amaz-ing Nativity scene that is on a perma-nent display at the Victorian AlbertMuseum in London. The Bambinelliwith their hieratic expressions areusually enriched with silver or gildedaccessories. They are often depictedholding a cross.

In Siracusa, 18th century Cerari(wax workers) represented infantJesus with a joyful or a sleepingexpression, holding a lambkin, aflower or a fruit. These fine figuresare placed inside Scarabattole orglass caskets.

In Trapani, craftsmen shapeprecious figurines with valuablematerials such as coral (used alone ormixed with ivory), alabaster, shells,ivory and mother-of-pearl.Breathtaking examples of theseNativity scenes are those exhibited atthe Pepoli Museum in Trapani andCordici Museum in Erice.

Caltagirone has world-renowned Presepi making reputation,dating back to the 17th century, ofNativity Scenes that are made withbig clay or wood figurines set on apainted background representingcountry life scenes.

According to tradition, kidsused to collect every month some lit-tle money in order to buy, underChristmas, little clay figurines to dec-orate their Nativity scenes. Pasturariand Santari, (craftsmen who madeshepherd or saint- shaped clay stat-uettes) used to sell these magnificent-ly carved figurines during town fairsor inside their workshops. These arti-sans were also commissioned by con-vents and churches to create figurinesthat were imitating the ones depictedin famous holy paintings.

In the 18th century, Nativityscenes became popular in everydayhouses. Families used to competeamong each other for the most beau-tiful display. They invited friendsand even people passing by to theirhome to judge the best Nativity scenethat would typically depict ruralworld scenes. The characters repre-sented in the Nativity scenes includedsleeping shepherds, pipers, Ricottaseller, hunters and more. Today, over100 craftsman workshops inCaltagirone still keep the traditionalive.

Nativity scenes are not the onlyattraction of the Caltagirone Nataleor (Christmas). Here are some otherhighlights of this year’s holiday sea-son.

A Christmas market will be setup in piazzale Falcone e Borsellinoon Dec. 12, 19 and 26. If you want tosatisfy your sweet tooth, make sureyou go to the Christmas SweetsMarket will be set up in the historiccenter on Dec. 18 and 19.

Concerts

Christmas Band Music Concert(Dec. 18- 8 p.m. - Basilica of SanGiorgio); Saint Lucy Concert (Dec.13- 6 p.m. - Politeama movie the-ater); Christmas Concerts (Dec. 19- 6p.m. -Church of Rosario); EpiphanyConcert featuring the polyphonicSaint Giuliano Choir (Jan. 6 – 8 p.m.Church of Sant’Anna).

Nativity Scenes

Here are some of the must-seeNativity scenes, recommended by theCaltagirone Tourist Office, that youcan visit through the end of the monthand the first week of January 2011(some of them are open all yearround).

“Il Presepe animato in terracot-ta” (The Mechanized Pottery NativityScene) - Church of Carmine (duringthe Christmas season it is open dailyfrom 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. / open all yearround: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.-7 p.m.); “Mostra Presepi –Presepenella storia siciliana con pupi inmovimento” (Mechanized NativityScene as featured in Sicily’s history)- # 71/75 via Testa, (open daily- 10a.m. - 1 p.m. and 3 - 8 p.m. / open

continuously during the holidaysuntil Jan.10, 2011); “La Storia dellaSalvezza” (Salvation Story NativityScene) - Capuchin Convent (open allyear round: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 3:30-7 p.m. / Sundays 10:30 a.m. - 12p.m. and 3:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.);“Presepe dei Jurnatari” (NativityScene of the Day Laborers) – MuseoCivico, Carcere Borbonico (townmuseum, # 10 via Roma, open untilJan. 30: 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.- 7 p.m.); “Il Presepe Biblico animatoin terracotta e stoffa”(MechanizedBiblical Pottery and cloth NativityScene) - # 105 via Luigi Sturzo –(open until May 31 – 9 a.m./ 1 p.m. –3-8 p.m.; Holidays: open continuous-ly); “Presepe Vivente nei carruggi”(Living Nativity Scenes in the pictur-esque narrow streets of the historiccenter, open on Dec. 29 and 30 in theSan Pietro neighborhood); “Presepemonumentale animato della pace”(Mechanized Nativity Scene ofPeace) - # 7/9 Via Vitt.Emanuele(open until Jan. 6, 2011 – 9 a.m. to 8p.m.); “La nascita di Gesù” (Birth ofJesus, ) - # 25 Via del Rosario –(open until Jan. 31, 2011- 10 a.m.- 1p.m. / 3-8 p.m.); “Presepe Cartoon:Omaggio a Walt Disney” (CartoonNativity Scene, a tribute to WaltDisney), Via Abate Meli –Reburdone Palace, (open until Jan.30, 2011- 10 a.m.- 8 p.m.).

Dozens of other public and pri-vate Nativity Scenes will also beshowcased in the town’s mainchurches and historic buildings.Almost all of these exhibitionsrequire a fee to be admitted.

Please note that events sched-ules may be subject to change with-out notice.

Special town historic center andNativity Scenes tours can be arrangedby calling 0933-26635 or 338-1126812. For more information,detailed event schedules and otherevents call Caltagione Tourist Officeat 0933-41111/41365 (open 9 a.m. 7p.m. Mon-Sat.; Sunday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.3-7 p.m. closed on Tuesday after-noon).

December 10, 2010 Page 7

Univ. of Maryland

Agip Tang Ovest

Dott. Stella

Living Nativity Scene in AgiraSigonellans can have

the unique opportunity toexperience the story ofJesus Christ’s birth in reallife by visiting the“Presepe Vivente” that willbe staged on Dec. 24 out-side the Santa MargheritaChurch in the northern partof Agira, a picturesquetown nestled on a moun-tain overlooking the Salsoand Simeto Valleys in theEnna province. The eventstarts at 7 p.m. with localcraftsmen displaying theirtraditional work. Later on,after the 10 p.m. holymass, the Living NativityScene display begins at 11p.m.

Agira is fairly easy toreach. Exit Agira on A-19Catania- Palermo highwayand drive for about 12miles following directionsfor Agira. For more infor-mation and detailed sched-ules, call the Agira TouristInformation Office at0935-961111.

‘No Italian, no permit’ Italy

tells migrants: Language test

obligatory for non-EU workers

from next weekBy ANSA

Rome - Migrant workerswanting to live in Italy will have toprove they can understand Italianbefore being able to apply for aresidence permit as of next week.

On Thursday December 9 agovernment decree approved inJune will come into force makingit obligatory for non-EuropeanUnion migrants to take a test oftheir language skills before start-ing the permit procedure.

Applicants must get 80% oftheir answers right in a test of theircomprehension of short texts andexpressions. Migrants will becalled to sit the test - performed ona computer or, on request, in writ-ing - within 60 days of making arequest via the interior ministry'ssite at www.testitaliano.interno.it.

Applicants who fail the testcan re-sit it and some categoriesare exempt.

These include people withrecognized certificates of theirItalian language skills, universityresearchers and people who havecome to work in Italy in high-ranking management positions.

The new test comes intoforce as Italy prepares to introducea new points-based residence-per-mit system next year in a bid tohelp the integration of young non-European Union citizens wantingto live here.

The new procedure, whichresembles the points systems forlong-term residence of Canadaand the United States, will comeinto force in January for applicantsaged 16 to 25.

With this system a migrant's

first permit can only be issued afterthe signing of a commitment to acharter of values of good citizen-ship and integration.

This permit is valid for twoyears and starts with 16 points.

To make it permanent themigrant must try to take their scoreup to 30 before it elapses.

They can achieve this bydoing a number of things, includ-ing attending vocational trainingcourses, signing contracts to rent orbuy accommodation, doing volun-tary work and registering with theNational Health Service.

Migrants lose points thoughif, for example, they skip one orboth of the free civic formationcourses they are requested toattend within a month of gettingthe first permit.

Points are also deducted ifpermit-holders are found guilty ofcrimes or tax offences.

If a holder loses all theirpoints, the authorities will be ableto expel them from the country.

People who fail to lift theirscore up to 30 points within thetwo years, meanwhile, can seek tohave their permit extended to givethem more time to cross the thresh-old.

''It's a pro-integration policythat has no rivals in Europe,''Interior Minister Roberto Maronisaid earlier this year.

''We have produced a systemof rules that enables those whowant to come to Italy and respectthe law to follow an excellent pathof integration''.

Victims of violence and peo-ple with handicaps that limit theirability to learn the language andItaly's culture are exempt from thepoints-system requirements.

Angela AgipMiliciMoroboshi

Page 8 December 10, 2010

By Tracie Barnthouse

The Signature Editor

What better way to get into theholiday spirit than to enjoy somefreshly made, authentic Sicilianchocolate? Participants in theInformation, Travel and Tours (ITT)trip to Modica did just that, and spenta day in this picturesque town in theprovince of Ragusa.

While Modica is famouslyknown for its chocolate, what somepeople might not realize is that thetown itself is gorgeous, with a hand-ful of beautiful churches, wonderfulviews, and many shops where youcan buy everything from producetypically found in Ragusa to potteryand other traditional Sicilian sou-venirs. The town was named aUNESCO World Heritage site for itsBaroque architecture. From aroundthe 15th century until the 1930s,Modica was the fourth largest city inSicily by population and politicallyimportance, due to the presence ofeducational institutions and the value

that the people saw in having an edu-cation.

In 1902, a flood devastated thecity, killing 111 people. It was decid-ed after the flood to fill in the riverthat ran down the center of town, andnow you’ll find in its place one of themain roads – Via Umberto. On top ofa cliff that overlooks the town satwhat was for many centuries the seatof political and administrative powerover Modica, the Castle of the Countsof Modica. You can walk up to thecastle, but it’s currently undergoingrenovations and is not open to thepublic.

It has been joked that there aremore churches than there are peoplein Modica. One of the main churchesis the Cathedral of San Giorgio, a typ-ical Baroque style cathedral found inModica. There are 250 steps to get tothe top, but the view from the top isgorgeous and the stairs are lined withjasmine flowers that, when in bloom,smell amazing. The Duomo di SanPietro is the church that honors thepatron saint of Modica, Saint Peter.

This church has been rebuilt severaltimes and features statues of the 12Apostles on the outside. The churchis located along the main street ofModica, Via Umberto.

Other not-to-miss sites includeTeatro Garibaldi, the town’s beautifulopera house that was constructed inan ellipse shape. The theater has 313seats and is a very popular place forboth the local residents and visitors togo catch a play or hear some music.The Grimaldi Palace Art Galley isanother site that you should check outif you’re into art. It holds many paint-ing and sculptures and has beautifulfrescos on the ceiling.

But, what Modica is known for,and the reason most of the ITT partic-ipants took this trip, was the choco-late. The technique was learned bythe Aztecs, and was introduced in the16th century by the Spaniards. Wevisited the pastry shop called Caffe’Dell’ Arte and saw first-hand howthis famous chocolate is made by theowner, Ignatius Iacono, who has beenworking with chocolate since 1954.

Starting with a huge block ofcocoa that the chocolatier importsfrom Ecuador, the chocolate is meltedand then mixed with sugar and some-times spices like vanilla or hot pep-pers. The chocolate is then laid out ona sheet of paper and separated intoblocks, which are then shook to formthe shape of a rectangle.

You always hear the benefits ofchocolate for heart disease and otherailments, but they are not talkingabout the chocolate we are used to inthe States. They mean the dark stuff,and that’s exactly what you’ll get inModica. The mixture of chocolatedoes not exceed 40 degrees Celsius,and because of that, the sugar crystalsdon’t dissolve, which makes thechocolate taste a little… crunchy, forlack of a better word. At Caffe’ Dell’Arte, a family owned and operatedchocolate shop, chocolate is every-where – from the traditional bars tochocolate liqueur and a pastry onlyfound in and around Modica, a cook-ie filled with a rich chocolate and lit-tle bits of meat that are hardly even

distinguishable. These cookies,called ‘Mpanatigghi are stuffed withbreadcrumbs, almonds, walnuts,chocolate, sugar, cinnamon, cloves,and beef steaks. They were most like-ly introduced by the Spanish duringtheir rule in the 18th century. Othertales say that the origin of the cookiecomes from nuns in a localmonastery. It is said that the meat andother sweets were hidden in the cook-ie because consumption was forbid-den during periods of fasting, andbecause food was scarce.

Modica is about a two hourdrive from base, and is down south inthe province of Ragusa. It is familyfriendly though if you have a smallchild, I would recommend leavingthe stroller at home, as getting tosome of the sites require a lot ofstairs. Bring plenty of euro for choco-late and other sweet treats only foundin this region of Sicily.

Check out the MWR Previewfor upcoming ITT trips and get outand see Sicily!

Angela Agip Gelso Bianco Peltom+Tomarchio

December 10, 2010 Page 9

Do you have a pas-sion for writing or

are you looking for a little

experience in jour-nalism? The

Signature is seekingvolunteers to helpcover base wide

events as well as fea-ture stories. If this

sounds like anopportunity for you

please call the PublicAffairs Office at

624-5440

Page 10 December 10, 2010

Breakfast: Hot Oatmeal, Grilled Sausage Links, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, AsstdDoughnuts, Cinnamon Rolls.Lunch: Cream of Potato Soup, Beef with Broccoli, Baked Fish, Penne alla Norma, Tempura Fish, Oven Glo Potatoes, Tossed GreenRice, Seasoned Mix Vegetables, Summer Squash, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Chocolate Cake, Vanilla Pudding.Speed Line: Grilled Hamburger/ Cheeseburger, French Fried Potatoes, Baked Beans, RIKPAK.Dinner: French Onion Soup, Grilled Chicken Breast, Steamed Rice, Spinach, Cauliflower Polonaise, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies,Chocolate Cake, Vanilla Pudding, RIKPAK.Choice hamburger or hotdog by order.

Breakfast: Farina, Grilled Ham Slices, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Buttermilk Pancakes, AsstdDoughnuts, Crumb Cake.Brunch: Breakfast Items, Beef Barley Soup, Swedish meat balls, Buttered Pasta, Brown Gravy, Sprouts Superba, Fried Cabbage w/Bacon, Snickerdoodle Cookies, Apple Crisp.Dinner: Pepper Pot Soup, Fishwhich, Rice Pilaf, O’Brien Potatoes, Peas w/ Celery, Okra Melange, Snickerdoodle Cookies, Apple Crisp.Choice hamburger or hotdog by order.

Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Minute Steak, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, AsstdDoughnuts, Italian Croissant.Brunch: Breakfast items, Chicken Gumbo Soup, Chili Macaroni, Oriental Stir Fry, Lima Beans, Peach Cobbler, White Cake w/ Frosting.Dinner: Manhattan Clam Chowder Soup, Teriyaki Chicken, Paprika Buttered Potatoes, Pork Fried Rice, Carrots, Whole kernel Corn,Peach Cobbler, White Cake w/ Frosting.Choice hamburger or hotdog by order.

Breakfast: Hot Grits, Minced Beef on Toast, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, AsstdDoughnuts, Butterfly Rolls.Lunch: Creole Soup, Turkey Curry, Baked Fish Fillet, Steamed Rice, Savory Style Beans, Cauliflower, Crisp Drop Cookies, CherryCrumble Pie, Strawberry Gelatin.Speed line: Assorted Pizza, RIKPAK.Dinner: Tomato Bouillon Soup, Baked Stuffed Pork Chops, Steamed Rice, Brown Gravy, Green Beans Nicoise, Carrot Slices, Crisp

Drop Cookies, Cherry Crumble Pie, Strawberry Gelatin, RIKPAK. Choice hamburger or hotdog by order.

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14Breakfast: Farina, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Biscuits and Gravy, Asstd Doughnuts,Bran Muffins. Lunch: Spanish Soup, Beef and Fish Tacos, Burritos, Chicken Fajita, Mexican Rice, Refried Beans, Calico Corn, Herbed Broccoli,Jalapeno Cornbread, Raspberry Filled Cake, Pecan Pie.Speed line: Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich, Onion Rings, RIKPAK.Dinner: Navy Bean Soup, Roast Turkey, Steamed Rice, Mashed Potatoes, Chicken Gravy, Seasoned Asparagus, Honey DijonVegetables, Raspberry Filled Cake, Pecan Pie, RIKPAK.Choice hamburger or hotdog by order.

Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Creamed Ground Beef, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, BlueberryPancakes, Asstd Doughnuts, Danish Diamonds.Lunch: Puree Mongole Soup, Fish Amandine, Country Style Steak, Brown Gravy, Potatoes Au Gratin, Steamed Rice, Turnips & Bacon,Peas w/Carrots, Vanilla Cookies, Strawberry Shortcake, Tapioca Pudding.Speed line: Grilled Hamburger/Cheeseburger, French Fries, Baked Beans, RIKPAK.Dinner: Beef Barley Soup, Baked Chicken, Steamed Rice, Savory Squash, Steamed Broccoli, Vanilla Cookies, Strawberry Shortcake,Tapioca Pudding, RIKPAK.Choice hamburger or hotdog by order.

Breakfast: Hominy Grits, Corned Beef Hash, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, AsstdDoughnuts, Danish Diamonds.Lunch: Velvet Corn Soup, Baked Chicken, Braised Beef & Onions, Oriental Rice, Oven Brown Potatoes, Steamed Cabbage,Cauliflower Au Gratin, Easy Chocolate Cake, Crisp Drop Cookies.Speed line: Assorted Pizza,Dinner: Cream of Asparagus Soup, Chicken Tetrazzini, Ratatouille Eggplant, Lyonnaise Rice, Mustard Greens, Easy Chocolate, CrispDrop Cookies, RIKPAK.Choice hamburger or hotdog by order.

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Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Sausage Links, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Asstd Doughnuts,Apple Fritters.Lunch: New England Clam Chowder, Lemon Baked Fish, Grilled Pork Chops w/ Mushroom Gravy, Steamed Rice, Garlic RoastedPotatoes, Asparagus, Creole Green Beans, Sugar Cookies, Cheese Cake, Vanilla Cream Pudding.Speed line: Grilled Hamburger/Cheeseburger, French Fries, Baked Beans, RIKPAK.Dinner: Vegetable Supreme Soup, Teriyaki Chicken, Oven Browned Potatoes, Spinach, Oriental Stir Fry, Sugar Cookies, Cheesecake,Vanilla Cream Pudding, RIKPAK.Choice hamburger or hotdog by order.

17

Go Green Sigonella!

Medusa

Alternative Transportation

No matter your motiva-tion, there are plenty of goodreasons to look into alternativemethods of transportation. Oneof these may be political, toreduce our nation’s dependen-cy upon foreign oil.Economics may be anothermotivation, with new technolo-gies emerging opportunities foreconomic growth may be open-ing up.

So what are we to do? Wein the Sigonella communityhave a good variety of options.First, take a look at your cur-rent vehicle. Is there anythingyou could do to reduce fuelconsumption and mileage?Ensuring it is properly main-tained and making sure the cor-rect air pressure is in the tireswill help. Adjusting your driv-ing habits may be necessary aswell, such as reducing the num-ber of trips between bases.

You may be weighing theoptions of buying a new car.Purchasing a brand new car hasmany environmental pros andcons. Manufacturing takes alot of raw materials, energy foroperating production lines anduse of toxic chemicals.However, learning about notonly the vehicle you are inter-ested in, but the environmentalefforts of the companies youwill be supporting through apurchase, and the latestresearch on the technologiesthey use will lead you to makethe best environmental choice.But your options don’t endwith your very own POV.

Carpooling, as we allknow, is a great way to savegas and emissions.Unfortunately, it can be aninconvenience and many of usdo not like to depend upon oth-ers to get from point A to pointB. Clear communication withyour carpooling buddy isimportant, as well as having aback up plan. Share the loadby taking turns driving orworking out a method to sharethe cost of gas. You can alsolook at the concept of carpool-ing as an opportunity to spendtime with friends, make newones, or to network.

The bus is a cost-freealternative to driving. Busschedules are located at eachstop, or you can pick up yourown copy at the Fleet andFamily Support Center. This isa vital asset to our communitywhich could be used more fre-quently.

Although not for every-one, riding a motorcycle, oreven a scooter is a great fuelsaving alternative. Not sold onthe idea? By riding a bike, onecould knock out both the trans-portation issue and a little extraPT in one shot. These optionshave limitations, for exampleyou won’t be able to pack aweek’s worth of groceries onthe back of a bike, but for thedaily commute they are great.

Whichever method youchoose, reducing fuel con-sumption is quickly becominga necessity for many people,regardless of location. It is agood step in the right directionwhile we endure this transition-al phase to alternative fuels.

Article courtesy

Debbie Hallahan,

The Signature Volunteer

December 10, 2010 Page 11

On the Go with MWR

For more information on

MWR’s

programs and services, call

624-3968.

Friday, December 10

5:00pm Legends of the Guardians PG

5:30pm The Social Network PG-13

7:30pm The Tourist PG-13 PREMIERE

8:00pm Case 39 R PREMIERE

Saturday, December 11

2:00pm Tangled PG PREMIERE

2:30pm Harry Potter: Deathly Hallows PG-13

5:00pm The Tourist PG-13

5:30pm The Social Network PG-13

7:30pm Case 39 R

8:00pm The Town R

Sunday, December 12

2:00pm Tangled PG

2:30pm You Again PG

4:30pm The Tourist PG-13

5:00pm Unstoppable PG-13

6:30pm Case 39 R

Tuesday, December 14

5:00pm Tangled PG

5:30pm Unstoppable PG-13

7:30pm Case 39 R

8:00pm The Town R

Wednesday, December 15

5:00pm Harry Potter: Deathly Hallows PG-

13

5:30pm The Tourist PG-13

7:30pm The Social Network PG-13

8:00pm My Soul to Take R

Thursday, December 16

5:00pm Tangled PG

5:30pm Secretariat PG

7:30pm Unstoppable PG-13

8:00pm Case 39 R

Friday, December 17

5:00pm You Again PG

5:30pm The Tourist PG-13

7:30pm Red PG-13

8:00pm Paranormal Activity 2 R PRE-

MIERE

In the sleepy town of Riverton, legend tells of a serial killer who swore hewould return to murder the seven children born the night he died. Now,16 years later, people are disappearing again. Has the psychopath been reincanated as one of the seven teens, or did he survive the night he was left for dead?Only one of the kids knows the answer. Adam "Bug" Heller was supposed todie on the bloody night his father went insane. Unaware of his dad's terrifyingcrimes, he has been plagued by nightmares since he was a baby. But if Bughopes to save his friends from the monster that's returned, he must face an evilthat won't rest... until it finishes the job it began the day he was born. (107min.)

MY SOUL TO TAKE: Max Thieriot, John Magaro, Denzel Whitaker,

Zena Grey, Nick Lashaway

Successful PR pro Marni heads home for her older brother's wedding and dis-cover that he's marrying her high school arch nemesis, who's conveniently for-gotten all the rotten things she did so many years ago. Then the bride's jet-set-ting aunt bursts in and Marni's not-so-jet-setting mom comes face to face withher own high school rival. (105 min.)

YOU AGAIN: Kristen Bell, Jamie Lee Curtis, Sigourney Weaver,

Odetta Yustmen, Victor Garber

HARRY POTTER: DEALTHLY HALLOWS: Daniel Radcliffe,Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, John Hurt, Helena Bonham Carter

Harry, Ron and Hermione set out on their perilous mission to track down anddestroy the secret to Voldemort's immortality and destruction -- the Horcruxes.On their own, without the guidance of their professors or the protection ofProfessor Dumbledore, the three friends must now rely on one another morethan ever. But there are Dark Forces in their midst that threaten to tear themapart. Meanwhile, the wizarding world has become a dangerous place for allenemies of the Dark Lord. The long-feared war has begun and Voldemort'sDeath Eaters seize control of the Ministry of Magic and even Hogwarts, ter-rorizing and arresting anyone who might oppose them. But the one prize theystill seek is the one most valuable to Voldemort: Harry Potter. The Chosen Onehas become the hunted one as the Death Eaters search for Harry with orders tobring him to Voldemort...alive. Harry's only hope is to find the Horcruxesbefore Voldemort finds him. But as he searches for clues, he uncovers an oldand almost forgotten tale -- the legend of the Deathly Hallows. And if the leg-end turns out to be true, it could give Voldemort the ultimate power he seeks.Little does Harry know that his future has already been decided by his pastwhen, on that fateful day, he became "the Boy Who Lived." No longer just aboy, Harry Potter is drawing ever closer to the task for which he has beenpreparing since the day he first stepped into Hogwarts: the ultimate battle withVoldemort. (145 min.)

THE TOURIST- Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp, Paul Bettany, Rufus

Sewell, Timothy Dalton

Family services social worker Emily Jenkins thinks she has seen it all until shemeets her newest, most mysterious case, troubled 10-year old LilithSullivan. Emily's worst fears are confirmed when the parents try to kill Lilith,their only daughter. Emily saves her and decides to take her in herselfuntil the right foster family comes along. (109 min.)

CASE 39- Renee Zellweger, Ian McShane, Bradley Cooper, Jodelle

Ferland, Adrian Lester

Midtown Movie Theaters

Schedule & Descriptions

Movie schedule is subject to change.Please call to

confirm. Movie Hotline: 624-4248

Frank is an American tourist visiting Italy to mend a broken heart. Elise is anextraordinary woman who deliberately crosses his path. Against thebreathtaking backdrop of Venice, Frank pursues a potential romance but soonfinds himself the pursued as he and Elise are caught in a whirlwindof intrigue and danger. (100 min.)

Winter activities around Sicily with ITTLooking for something to do

around Sicily this holiday season?Look no further! ITT has you cov-ered! On Saturday, Dec. 18 inAcireale you have an opportunity tovisit the famous 700th centuryNativity Scene. A must see while inSicily.

In the province of Ragusa onSunday, Dec. 26, the town ofManterosso Almo you will have achance to view a live nativity scene.The scenes are filled with costumedpeople acting out parts of the nativity.They often take place a few days

before and after Christmas day. If you are looking for some-

thing a little more active join us onThursday, Dec. 23, dinner and iceskating in Nicolosi. You will beginthe evening off with dinner at VillaAngelo Musco, then warm up with acup of hot chocolate and ice skating.

For the more adventurous“Adventures Unlimited, Saturday,Dec. 18, join us for a medium trek onthe northeast side of Mt. Etna. Theremay be the possibility of snow or atleast snow sightings along the wayuntil we reach the 1st Refugio,

known as Galvarina Refugio. Fearnot as ITT will have all the rightequipment to ensure a comfortabletrekking experience.

On Friday, Dec. 24, burn calo-ries to make room for Christmas din-ner…join us for a mountain bike onone of the many local trails in thefoothills of Mt. Etna. We provide thegear and transportation.

For more information on thesetrips and to see a complete Decembercalendar pick up a Preview, stop byITT or Call 624-4777.

New Years at JoxLooking for something cool and

memorable to do this New Years Eve.This will be one New Years Eve partyyou won’t want to miss! Jox Pub willbe hosting a Free New Years EveParty to say hello 2011 and good bye

2010. There will be a DJ to help youdance the night away, champagnetoasting at midnight, party favors foreveryone, and door prizes. For moreinformation stop by Jox Pub or call624-5603.

Check us out on facebook.com/mwrsigonella

Auto SkillsFor newcomers and those who

have been in Sigonella for awhile,you might not know about our greatAuto Skills Center. The Auto SkillsCenter is your one-stop, do-it-your-self auto shop, located next to theAutoport on NAS II, and is openTuesday-Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to5:30 p.m. We have a new managernamed Crystal Yancey, a mechanic onstaff, Pippo, Angelo the tow truckdriver and for customer service Ken& Ben. All the staffs combined, haveover 53 years of experience!

The center has 3 bay lifts,and a bay with a motorcycle lift. Theyhave a tire mounting machine, andtire balancing machine. Some of theother services they offer are tirerepair, mig welding, AC service, androtor turning service. There is month-ly “How to” classes ranging from hotto check fluids to balancing & rotat-ing tires.

The great folks at MWRAuto Skills Center are more thanwilling and able to help you! Stop byor call 624-5244.

Teen BeatThe definition of a hero

When you’re a kid, ‘super-hero’ and ‘hero’ are synonymous.You imagine superheroes thatzoom across the sky on their wayto save an innocent citizen fromthe worst villain in town.Sometimes, you wish that youwere one. As you grow older,‘hero’ slowly separates itself from‘superhero.’ You go see moviesabout superheroes, but youadmire your real heroes. Theseheroes could be anyone, from afavorite artist to a world-renowned scientist to someoneyou think has done somethingsimply spectacular with their life.

Hero Day was a day’s themefor the high school’s spirit week.While most kids dressed up likethe Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtlesor even made up superheroes of

their own, one boy came dresseda little different. He came dressedlike his dad. His dad serves in themilitary and the boy wanted toshow that he thinks what his daddoes deserves the ‘heroic’ adjec-tive. The pride that this studenttakes in what his father does isinspiring. It also displays thedegree of seriousness thatteenagers are able to understandand respect.

This boy’s lends confidenceto the notion that students are ablecomprehend how important themilitary is and how significant thework is that their parents do. Thedefinition of ‘hero’ completelydepends on the person beingasked so, sometimes, ‘hero’ and‘dad’ are synonymous.

Page 12 December 10, 2010

Stampa

Palermo

Gambino

GLOBETROTTERS,

continued from page 1

celebrating her third birthday. “Thiswas an amazing event! We had agreat time; it was a wonderful way tospend our daughter’s birthday. Welaughed, danced, and had a greattime,” she said. “We have never seenthe Harlem Globetrotters in person,so it was a lot of fun to finally be apart of one of their shows. I can seewhy they have been so popular for 85years.”

“The show offered a high ener-gy, word-class performance for thecommunity to be a part of and enjoy.After the show, the players comment-ed on how much they loved the ener-gy from the stands and interactionwith the lucky volunteers,” saidToken Barnthouse, MWRCommunity Activities Director.“With close to 500 fans in attendanceat the Sigonella High School “Jag”gymnasium, this was by far one ofthe best attended events that theSigonella community has hosted inrecent history.”

The Globetrotters had anappearance at NSA Naples and fromSigonella, are set to perform inAviano, Germany, Belgium, and theUnited Kingdom as a part of a holi-day Globetrotter tour.

“It’s impossible to fully expressour appreciation for the U.S. ArmedForces, but our players thoroughlyenjoy bringing the troops a slice ofhome each year, and they consider ita tremendous honor,” said HarlemGlobetrotters CEO Kurt Schneider.“The Harlem Globetrotters have thefreedom to entertain people world-wide because of the sacrifices thesebrave men and women make eachand every day.”

SHOPPING, continued

from page 5

If you were to buy $300 worthof clothes and take the 10 percentdiscount, your bill would be $270.But if you're unable to pay the bal-ance by the due date, you'd pay$56.70 in interest, which wouldtotally wipe out your $30 savings.And the interest charges would con-tinue at 21 percent until you pay itoff, which means that you could endup paying for the $270 purchaseover a few years.

A financial plan is one of thebest gifts you can give yourself. Itwill help you get more for yourmoney, lower stress, and show youhow to achieve your goals.

For more information on howto prepare your own financial spend-ing plan contact your CommandFinancial Specialist or the Fleet andFamily Support Center at 624-4291.

*some parts adapted fromPFM Curriculum: Surviving theHolidays Financially

NAS Sigonella gets in the holiday spiritIDWO, continued from

page 1

the Information Dominance Corpsand its warfare programs, we arepreparing ourselves for the fightagainst cyber terrorism and anyattacks against our networks.”

By Tracie Barnthouse

There was a certain chill inthe air on Friday, Dec. 3 atNaval Air Station (NAS)Sigonella's Midtown Complex,but it wasn't because of the cooltemperatures. Instead, the elec-trifying hum that filled the airwas due to the excitement ofeveryone gathered around towatch the lighting the baseChristmas tree at Navy Morale,Welfare and Recreation'sHoliday Reception.

The evening started withsome singing from theSigonella community choir, ledby Lynn Soeby and studentsfrom Stephen DecaturElementary School. Then, withthe help of the kids in the

crowd, NAS Sigonella’sCommanding Officer, Capt.Scott Butler led a countdownthat ended in the baseChristmas tree being lit. "Oohs"and "Aahs" were expressed, asMorale, Welfare and Recreation(MWR) unveiled the tree - onethat boasts over 10,000 whitelights. The highlight of theevent, at least for the kids, wasthe "snow" that fell on theMidtown Piazza and a surpriseappearance by Santa and Mrs.Claus.

"This year's HolidayReception, featuring the popu-lar tree lighting ceremony was aculmination of many effortsfrom MWR and communitymembers," said MWRCommunity Activities DirectorToken Barnthouse. “The event

The Signature Editor

Leading Units

Total donations: Hospital$20,620

Participation:DeCA: 100%

Donation per capita: Safety,$243

Week 9

Total Donors: 35Total Donations: $7,558

Unit of the week: Hospital,$3,352

To date total:

Total Donors: 624Total Donations: $117,264

Overall Participation: 347%

was a great success and MWRlooks forward to hosting theNASSIG community at manyother holiday events this year."

MWR welcomes the com-munity to the WinterWonderland, held this Saturday,Dec. 11 at the MidtownComplex. The event will fea-ture pictures with Santa (bringyour own camera to get a pic-ture of your child with SaintNick), holiday movies, freebowling for kids and holidaycrafts. The festivities start themorning of Dec. 11 with theMistletoe Mile for kids, withregistration starting at 9 a.m. atMidtown and the run beginningat 9:30 a.m. and the rest of thefestivities run from 10 a.m.until 1 p.m.