December 9, 2011Vol. 28 No. 46

Christmas inCaltagirone

From SicilianChristmas marketsto Nativity sceneexhibits, there’ssomething for

everyone.

HolidayHappenings

Around Sigonella

The holidays arearound the corner.

Find out how NAS Sigonella is celebrating!

Page 8

12 Days ofFestivus

Join Liberty at Take 5for 12 days of fun!Holiday games,treats and trivia

contests!

Page 11

http://www.cnic.navy.mil/sigonella

Scan for direct linksto NAS Sigonella

Page 6

ACI CASTELLO, Sicily – Morethan 20 Marines with SpecialPurpose Marine Air-GroundTask Force 12 (SPMAGTAF-12)from Naval Air Station (NAS)Sigonella kicked off the holidayseason by giving back to the Aci

Castello community during abeach clean-up project,December 3.

The Marine unit arrived inSigonella in late October and haswasted no time making theirpresence known, having animpact on the base as well as thelocal community. “The MarineCorps is going to have asustained presence here and

along with the Sailors andAirmen from Sigonella, we wantto make sure that we are beinggood citizens and neighbors inItaly, and this is one way that wecan show that,” said Lt. Col.David Morgan, commandingofficer, SPMAGTAF-12.

Aci Castello is a popularseaside resort in eastern Sicily,where visitors from all over the

world choose as their vacationdestination. Known for its richproduction of citrus fruits, olives,grapes, almonds, and cereals, AciCastello is located approximately9 kilometers from Catania and20 kilometers from NASSigonella and “is an area where alot of Americans live and spendtheir time,” said Mr. FilippoDrago, mayor of Aci Castello.

During the project, volunteersgathered and disposed of morethan 60 bags of trash along thecoastline. This is the third beachand natural reserve project in the

area this year, and the effort hasleft a lasting impression amongboth city officials, local residents,and the service members thathave donated their time in thecare and preservation of thisspectacular coastline. “It isimportant to start a project likethis to set an example. I wouldlike to thank the Marines and theNavy for their cooperation andsupport for this community rela-tions project,” said Drago. “Thereare dozens of people that arewatching right now and I thinkthis will motivate them to help inthe future.”

Marines from SPMAGTAF-12 at NAS Sigonella Kick Off the Season of GivingBy Lt. Tim Page NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

Demonstrating the spirit of giving, more than 20 Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force 12 from Naval Air Station Sigonella cleaned up the beach of Aci Castello. (U.S.Navy Photo by Lt. Tim Page)

Page 2 December 9, 2011

NAS Sigonella Executive officer, Eric Vosler

The

Sig

natu

re Commander

U.S. Naval Air Station Sigonella

Capt. Scott Butler

Executive Officer

Cmdr. Eric Vosler

Command Master Chief

CMDCM David Graham

Public Affairs Officer

Lt. Tim Page

timothy.page@eu.navy.mil

Deputy Public Affairs Officer

Dott. Alberto Lunetta

alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil

Writer/Editor

Jackie Trembath

jackie.trembath@eu.navy.mil

Staff Writers/ Photographers

MC1 Christopher Delano

MC2 Gary Prill

GM2 Kris Carmody

MCSN Cameron Bramham

MCSA Brian Glunt

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. 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 laterthan the close of business on the Friday proceeding the

expected publication date. All articles submittedby 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.

The Signature editorial office is located at: Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily PSC 812 Box 3020, FPO, AE 09627 Telephone: 095-86-5440 • DSN 624-5440

Email thesig@eu.navy.mil to place your classified advertisement or community announcement.

Wednesday marked the 70th

anniversary of the Japanese Attackon Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Duringthose early hours of December 7th,1941, 2403 American servicemembers and 68 civilians lost theirlives, 8 battleships and 9 warshipswere attacked with the USSArizona being damaged beyondrepair and sunk, and 188 aircraftwere destroyed.

Planning for the attack startedin early 1941 by Admiral IsorokuYamamoto, Commander-in-Chiefof the Japanese Imperial Navy. TheCarrier Task Force, led by ViceAdmiral Chuichi Nagumo,commanded 6 aircraft carriers, 14warships, 28 submarines, and over440 aircraft into battle off the coastof Hawaii. It was done toneutralize American naval forces inthe Pacific to buy time to conductfurther naval operations againstother countries in support ofJapanese interests. They realized

the United States would respondbut would take at least one year todo so. This attack was the accumula-tion of political strife between theUnited States and Japan and wastaken as a Declaration of Warbetween the two countries.

Remembering important dates inUS history is vital now more thanever as service members aredeployed around the world makinghistory each and every day.

I also want to thank all who haveboth volunteered their time andthose who have donated to any ofthe more than 2,400 charities duringthe 2011 Combined FederalCampaign-Overseas (CFC-O). Asof this week, the Sigonella commu-nity has donated more than$132,000. The CFC-Overseas hasdecided to extend the campaignuntil 15 December. The extensionwill allow anyone who didn’t havethe chance earlier or who may havebeen on leave or deployed.

As this will be my last Direct Linebefore the New Year, I want to wishall the Sigonella community MerryChristmas and happy holidays andencourage all of you to help mecheer on the Midshipmen againstthe Black Knights on their 112th

meeting this Saturday at 8:30 p.m.GO NAVY, BEAT ARMY!!

It came, it went, and it wasglorious. It was Thanksgiving; and Ican honestly say it was one of thebest Thanksgivings I have had inrecent years. NMCB 5 DetachmentSigonella has been here for almostfour months now supporting thebase through camp maintenanceand construction projects. With theHolidays upon us, the Det decided

to get creative to make the holi-days more like home.

Planning a holiday dinneralways starts in the kitchen, andcooking for 22 SEABEES is nosmall task. Thanks to O.I.C.LTJG Bueler for planning andpreparing the majority of thefood and festivities. She had

A Day to Give Thanks

The Sigonella Military HOGChapter has grown from its sixoriginal founders to 26 avid ridersand more than 60 official membersin just two years. From impromptuweekend rides to organized events,such as the 14th Annual EuropeanBike Week in Faaker See, Austria,the Sigonella Military HOGChapter looks for opportunities toenjoy the open road.

In September and October,members of the Sigonella MilitaryHOG Chapter took advantage of

some of the best riding weather insouthern Europe by riding aroundthe towns of towns of Pozzalo,Bronte (for the Pistachio Festival),Cefalu, Palermo and Buccheri,

In November, the chapterpartnered with Commonwealth WarCemetery Coordinator Alan Batty,Maj (Ret) to honor fallen veteransfrom the allied invasion of Sicily,code named “Operation Husky”.More than 2,000 allied veterans ofOperation Husky lay to rest at theCommonwealth War Cemetery,

including two Americans: LillianTrue, nursing corps and F. R. Vance,a fighter pilot. On Veterans Day, theSigonella Military HOG chapterplaced American Flags at theirburial sites in remembrance of theirultimate sacrifice.

What’s on the horizon? Look formore fantastic rides all over Sicilyand Europe and perhaps a chapterevent to European Bike Week inFaaker See, Austria in 2012.

On the Open Road: Sigonella Military HOG ChapterBy Mike KennedyNAS Sigonella Military HOG Chapter

Members of the Sigonella Military HOG Chapter remembers the fallen.(U.S. Navy Photo by Valerie Morris, chapter Secretary)

By EOCN Matthew BartonNAS Sigonella NMCB 5 Detachment

NMCB 5 Detachment members celebrated Thanksgiving Day together.

Thanks, continued on page 12

Service members at NAVSUP Fleet Logistics’ Center (FLC) celebratedNative American Heritage Month with a special event on Nov. 30. Servicemembers learned about Native Americans history, people and events andsampled cultural cuisine. A few NAVSUP FLC service members event actedout a Native American fable to entertain and educate the crowd. ((U.S. NavyPhoto by MCSN Cameron Bramham)

Page 3December 9, 2011

Tremor Dott. Stella

DEMBINSKINavy vs Army:

Let's face it, this is the ArmedForces bowl game; and whileneither of these teams arenational stand-outs, there issome potential for greatness onthe rushing offense side. Bothteams are averaging over 300ydsrushing per game, with Armyahead at 350.9. As impressive asthat may be, the passing gamesfor both teams is terribly weak.Navy easily doubles

Army's abilities in the airthough; I'm hoping this will bean edge Navy can utilize to comeout on top! As long as theMidshipmen defense can keepsneaky Black Knight QB,Steelman, from running, theyshould be able to outscore Armyand bring home the win. GoNavy, Beat Army!!!

NFL:

Houston @ Cincinnati: Houston reigns in the AFC

South and will face-off against #3(AFC North) Cincinnati inBengal territory. I see Houstonwith an easy win, their runninggame is on spot, with ArianFoster and Ben Tate leading theteam. The Bengals struggled intheir worst performance of theyear against Pittsburgh last weekand that, I think will leave themreeling. The Texans win thisone, no problem, moving to 10-3and keeping the hopes alive forall those fans! ; )

KC @ NY Jets: Another AFC match-up here

in NY. The Chiefs struggled inweeks 9-12, to no avail, butfinally got another W in week 13against a shoddy Chicago. Idon't see another victory for KC,especially since the Jets haveonly 1 loss on the books athome! Jets go 8-5.

Chicago @ Denver: Tebow mania continues.

There has been tons of specula-tion in his ability to lead a teamas starter. While he did have afew missteps, he seems to haveturned this around and has leadthe Broncos to a few come-from-behind wins, of course in closefashion. Then there are theBears, they are trying to makethe best of a bad situation,hoping that Hanie will be theanswer to their prayers, perhapsCutler was the source of the badjuju. However, losing to KC lastweek didn't make the case forHanie any stronger. I just seethat it's too little too late, and the

Overall Record: 50-27NFL: 22-14NCAA: 28-13

Overall Record: 49-28NFL: 22-14NCAA: 27-14

Lt. Tim PageNAS Sigonella PAO

LSSN Nathaniel SquallLSC Sigonella

GM2 Bryan SilveriCMAA Office

Ashley DembinskiWIC office admin. assistant

Lt. Chris McHenryNAS SigonellaAdmin Officer

Navy vs. Army

Houston @ Cincinnati

Kansas City @ NY Jets

Buffalo @ San Diego

Overall Record: 49-28NFL: 25-11NCAA: 24-17

Navy

Houston

NY Jets

Denver

San Diego

Overall Record: 39-38NFL: 19-17NCAA: 20-21

Broncos will win it at home.Denver has a glimmer of hope in thepost season, not to win it all neces-sarily, but to go farther than theyhave in over a decade!

Buffalo @ San Diego: This is a game of losers, no

offense. But literally, neither ofthese teams has won a game in atleast 5 weeks! While the Chargerscame close last week, with an OTloss to Denver, they still have toown the fact that they are in a hugeslump. Buffalo looked promisingearly in the season, with an unex-pected win over New England. But,they have since crumbled, losingtheir last 5 games (twice to the Jets).I'm giving this one to San Diegobecause the Bills are 1-5 on theroad, soon to be 1-6!

NY Giants @ Dallas: A divisional game between #1/#2

in NFC East. The Giants look tohave lost their momentum, losingtheir last 4 straight. Dallas appearsto be keeping their eye on the prize.Romo just hasn't been able to getthem there, and I'm not sure this isthe year. Regardless, the Cowboyshave lost just a single game at home,and the Giants won't be adding tothat. I see the Giants going under.500 after this game, while Dallasstays at #1 in the NFC East.

PAGEOk, how long has it been since

Army defeated Navy???? The Navyhas actually won the last 9 meetingsand 12 out of the last 14. Nothinghas changed.

While the Army is the "groundforce" per se, they need to ventureout and try something that worksbecause it obviously isn't workingfor them right now. Their QB haspassed for a total of 39 times, not agame, THIS SEASON! One dimen-sional gets you beat, that's whyNavy is going to go "under, over,and through" the Knights of Armyto a 24-10 victory! GO NAVY,BEAT ARMY!!

Houston @ CincinnatiSo TJ Yates wasn't anything

impressive this past week but hedidn't do anything to hurt his teameither. This team will continue towin by their defense, their easyschedule the remainder of theseason, and the best all-around RBin the league, Arian Foster (formerTennessee guy I might add!)

Kansas City @ NY JetsThe Jets have had a rough go at it

this year and even struggled beating

the Washington Redskins. I reallyhope they do get beat by KansasCity as there is nothing that makesme happier than to watch Rex Ryanto cry and whine! However, they areplaying the Chiefs and that in itselfspells W-I-N for the Jets.

Chicago @ DenverI admit I am on the "Tebow

Train." I could not stand him incollege because no matter how hedid, he always found a way to winincluding against my TennesseeVolunteers. Now that he's got theopportunity to start in the NFL,and all he has done is continued tofind a way to win! If Tebow is withyou, who could be against you!Now if that is not enough, here isthe kicker. Both Cutler AND RBMatt Forte are hurt. They have noother offense. Their point produc-tion will have to come fromUrlacher or Hester; it's all they haveleft man!!

Buffalo @ San DiegoBuffalo is falling apart. San Diego

isn't any better. I think this is goingto come down to home field advan-tage. With that said San Diego wins!

NY Giants @ DallasBefore last week, I would have

picked the Cowboys, hands downbut when you get beat by theCardinals and only beat theDolphins by 1, there is somethinggoing on. The defense isn't bad,however, they are really missingMiles Austin and the savior idea inMurray hasn't panned out afterteams are figuring him out. Ask theTitan's RB Chris Johnson aboutthat, he knows. Eli has a big day andthe New York Football Giants getback on the winning track.

SQUALLNavy vs Army:

Anchors aweigh my boys,anchors away. The Navy will takethis one and we all know it. I meanwhen was the last time Army actu-ally beat us? Like 6 years ago. Onlything I will say is:

Stand Navy down the field,sails set to the sky. We'll neverchange our course, so Army yousteer shy-y-y-y. Roll up the score,Navy, Anchors Aweigh. Sail Navydown the field and sink the Army,sink the Army Grey. Get underway,Navy, Decks cleared for the fray,we’ll hoist true Navy Blue. So Armydown your Grey-y-y-y. Full speedahead, Navy; Army heave to, FurlBlack and Grey and Gold and hoistthe Navy, hoist the Navy Blue of the

Seven Seas; Gold of God's great sunLet these our colors be Till all oftime be done-n-n-ne, By Severnshore we learn Navy's stern call:Faith, courage, service true Withhonor over, honor over all.

Houston @ CincinnatiBengals will take this with A.J.

Green and Jerome Simpson. CedricBenson is a workhorse and AndyDalton is the best rookie quarter-back so far. Bengals defense canhold up to the young Tyler Yatesbut I just hope they can hold BenTate because he and Foster will notgo down easily. Houston defense is4th in rushing and passing. Theyhave been dominating teams in andout. But the Bengals is a great teamand I feel they will take this oneeasily.

Kansas City @ NY JetsThis I guess is whoever grabs the

momentum first. I feel that Sanchezwill take this one for his jets team athome because KC does not haveenough fire power for me and theirdefense is not that great. So jets takethis one.

Chicago @ DenverTebow is playing like he did at

Florida. But don't give all the creditto Tebow, most of it needs to go tothat monster defense they have. TheBroncos will blitz you and hit youhard the whole game and won’t careif you like it or not. They have thefirst rushing offense in the NFLwith Tebow and McGhee. Theyhave a team that just knows how towin and they will win this one in aclose game. Tebow is back.

Buffalo @ San DiegoUmmmmmmmmm, I would like

to say San Diego but then I wouldlike to say Bills, too. I mean Billshave lost 5 straight and San Diego 6.So I guess the Bills in a toss-up.Stevie Johnson is a great receiverand Fitzpatrick can throw the ball.So I make the bold prediction andwill take the Bills. GOD please bewith Bills.

NY Giants @ DallasThis game will be a real good one

with the Giants and Dallas bothbeing hot right now. This will be abig division game and also adeciding playoff spot game. Dallaswill win because the Giants defenseis so vulnerable they just give upmultiple big plays. Dallas is a bigplay offense and Demarco Murray isrunning around everywhere. Dallasin a big win.

Navy

Houston

NY Jets

Denver

San Diego

Chicago @ Denver

Navy

HoustonNY Jets

Denver

San Diego

Cincinnati

Denver

Buffalo

Navy

CincinnatiNY Jets

Chicago

Buffalo

Navy

NY Giants @ Dallas NY GiantsDallasDallas Dallas

TRAFFICNUMBERS

Jan. 11 Jan. 10

Oct. 11 Oct. 10

Accidents 267 286

Injuries 36 49

DUIs 10 9

Traffic

Deaths 0 0

Please,

don’t become

a statistic!

NAS Sigonella Executive officer, Eric Vosler

Officials, continued on page 12

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) --The holiday season has arrived andas Sailors and families prepare tocelebrate, Navy officials haveprovided a standard operatingprocedure that can help keep theholidays merry and light.

"The holidays can be a hectictime for many," said Lt. Cmdr.Bonnie Chavez, Navy BehavioralHealth Program director. "A lack ofmoney, a lack of time, and the hypeand commercialism of the seasoncauses increased stress."

Surveys indicate people in theUnited States are more likely to feeltheir stress increase rather thandecreases during the holidays,according to Chavez, who offers thisadvice:

* Take advantage of leave periodsand relax for a few days by doingsomething you enjoy. Holidaystand-down periods provide flexi-bility for much needed rest torecover from the demands of Navylife.

* Be a good listener. Holidays areshort and demands from friends andfamily for your attention will behigh so try to give the gift of goodcompany.

* Keep to your shopping budget.When it comes to holiday gift-giving, find creative ways to savemoney and remain in your budget.Racking up credit-card debt over theholidays may only cause furtherstress when the bills come due.

* Plan ahead and allow for plentyof time for holiday travel. Expectlines and delays in airports as thenumber of travelers swell. Prepareyour car for road trips and knowyou'll be sharing the highway withhigher numbers of travelers. Gettingplenty of rest can make the journeyless stressful and help you arrivesafely.

* When tensions begin to rise,pause, take a deep breath, reflect and

Overall Record: 49-28NFL: 24-12NCAA: 25-16

NY Giants

NY Jets

Officials EmphasizePatience and Planning toReduce Holiday StressFrom Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs

ITT Lamponi’sCave on Mt. Etna

0700-1700

Jingle Bell Jog

WinterWonderland at

Midtown

Page 4 December 9, 2011

Piccolo

Oxidiana

FFSC can be reached at x4291American Red Cross at 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!

Happy Wok

Palermo

Santa LuciaFestival in

Siracusa0830-1930

OperationalStress ControlClass - FFSC

1300-1500

Survive andThrive Class

- FFSC0800-1400

Italian Class1400-1500

Meet Stars of theUFC

See page 11

Sicilian CountryDay in

Mazzarone0730-1900

Jammin JingleBall

See page 11

“Where isFrosty?”

See page 11

GingerbreadHouse

DecoratingContest

See page 11

Polar Bear Slip-N-Slide

and Holiday Party

See page 11

Christmas DayChristmas Eve

Ice Skating inCatania

1030-1400

Hanukkahbegins

Soccer MatchCatania vs.

Palermo

Page 5December 9, 2011

Pentagon

Fleet and FamilySupport CenterAdministrationBuilding Bldg. 319 (NAS I)

Monday–Friday7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. DSN 624-4291 Commercial095-56-4291

Tips for TAP Class

Oxidiana

Motta

Gambino

The Fleet & Family Support Center offers a series of workshops to help ease your transition:Intercultural Relations (ICR)

Survive & ThriveHistory of Sicily Seminar

Customs and Traditions Seminar

By Fleet & Family Support Center

If you are currently scheduledor planning on signing up for theTransition Assistance Program(TAP) offered through the Fleetand Family Support Center, here isa head start to prepare you forwhat to expect.

Many of you already know thatwe partner with the Departmentof Labor to bring the TAP classhere to Sigonella, but are youaware of what topics the DOLcovers during its portion of theworkshop? A presenter from theDOL headlines three days of theprogram, covering many criticaltopics that prepare you for civilianlife. On the first day, you willperform a personal appraisal andtake part in career explorationexercises, followed by a session onstrategies for an effective jobsearch. On day two, you willcreate an effective resume, draft acover letter and learn more aboutthe job interview process. On thethird day, you can engage in mockinterviews, review potential joboffers, and have the opportunity tolearn more about available

resources for additional support andassistance with the transitionprocess.

Because there is so much infor-mation to cover, the trainer assignsDOL homework during the TAPclass. No need to worry – it is not ahuge amount. This homework isbeneficial as it assists in your prepa-ration in getting a job as a civilian.You must find a job announcementfor a job in which you are interestedin applying, draft a resume, requesta copy of your military transcriptand print out your VMET:www.dmdc.osd.mil/vmet.Although it is not required, it can behelpful for you to bring your mostrecent evaluations for resumewriting assistance.

In addition to the informationprovided by the DOL, the TAP classalso provides you with informationregarding Tricare, NMCRS, andNavy College, financial planning,PSD, CARIT and personal property.We also include an informativesession with our VA representative,who will brief you on the benefitsavailable to you once they leave thearmed forces.

One-on-one, half-hour appoint-ments are open to everyone in thecommunity (you do not have tobe enrolled in TAP class) whowishes to speak with Pete Nastasi,your VA representative, while he isvisiting Sigonella. This is defi-nitely something you want to takeadvantage of, since his busy travelschedule allows him to be hereonly two days each month. Callthe Fleet and Family SupportCenter to set up your appoint-ment today: 624-4291.

As you prepare to take part inTAP class, make sure to check outTurboTAP (www.turbotap.org),the official transition websitesponsored by the Department ofDefense. This website offers avariety of resources including aCareer Decision Toolkit whichwill aid you in your transitionfrom military to civilian life.

Remember, The Fleet andFamily Support Center is here toassist you during this time ofchange and major decisions. It isour goal to help you be asprepared as possible as you beginthis new chapter of your life.

F.lli Chiechio Marchi

Page 6 December 9, 2011

Alberto LunettaThe Signature Staff

Mojito

ANGELA

Bring the whole family anddiscover Christmas (Natale inItalian) in Caltagirone. FromSicilian Christmas markets toconcerts and Nativity scene exhi-bits, there is something foreveryone.

For centuries, Nativity sceneexhibits (Presepi in Italian) havebeen at the heart of the island’straditions.

Hundreds of Presepi, featuringrichly colored figurines, mecha-nized figurines and even livingactors and animals recreating thebirth of Christ, are present innearly every home and townhistoric centers. These magnifi-cent figurines, which are carvedfrom wood, shaped from wax,papier- mâché, resin, clay, andother materials, play an impor-tant role in the traditionalSicilian Natale celebrations.

Representations of Nativitydate back to the Middle Ages.According to tradition, onChristmas Eve in 1223 on thehills surrounding the town ofGreggio (Center of Italy), SaintFrancis of Assisi set up the firstNativity scene which includedthe live animals.

In Sicily, four major centersboast a tradition for hand crafted

nativity scenes production:Palermo, Siracusa, Trapani andCaltagirone.

In Palermo and Siracusa,where beekeeping is widespread,wax has been used since the 17thcentury to mold “Bambinelli,”figurines depicting baby Jesus.The “Bambinelli” showcasehieratic expressions and areusually enriched with silver orgilded accessories and are oftendepicted holding a cross.Between the 17th and the 18thcentury, the area surrounding thechurch of San Domenico inPalermo was home to many“Bambina” (craftsmen specia-lized in shaping these figurines)and their shops. Wax sculptorGaetano Zumbo is among themost famous 17th centuryBambina. He carved an amazingNativity scene that is on perma-nent display at the VictorianAlbert Museum in London.

In Siracusa, the 18th century“Cerari” (wax workers) repre-sented infant Jesus with a joyfulor a sleeping expression, holdinga lambkin, a flower or a fruit.These fine figures are placedinside “Scarabattole” or glasscaskets.

Trapani’s craftsmen shape

precious figurines with valuablematerials such as coral is (usedalone or mixed with ivory) alaba-ster, shells, ivory and mother-of-pearl. Breathtaking examplesof these Nativity scenes are thoseexhibited at the “Pepoli”Museum in Trapani and“Cordici” Museum in Erice.

In eastern Sicily, Caltagirone isthe town that boasts a world-renowned Nativity scenestradition, dating back to the 17thcentury. These exceptional piecesof art consist of large or smallclay or wood figurines set on apainted background representingcountry life scenes.

According to tradition, kidsused to collect money in order tobuy small clay figurines to deco-rate their Nativity scenes.Pasturari and Santari, (craftsmenartisans whose job was to createshepherd or saint shaped claystatuettes) used to sell thesemagnificently carved figurinesduring fairs or inside theirworkshops. These craftsmenwere also commissioned byconvents and churches to carvefigurines copied from the onesdepicted in famous holy pain-tings.

In the 18th century, Nativity

scenes became popular ineveryday houses.

Families used to competeagainst each other for the mostbeautiful display. They invitedfriends and even people passingby to their home to evaluate thebest Nativity scene that typicallydepicted the rural world. Thecharacters represented in theNativity scenes included slee-ping shepherds, pipers, Ricottasellers, hunters and more. Today,more than 100 craftsmanworkshops in Caltagirone keepthe tradition alive.

Hundreds of Nativity sceneswill be showcased in the town’smain churches (Main Church,

Basilica of St. Giorgio, Basilica ofSanta Maria del Monte, Churchof St. Giuseppe, and Church ofSt. Pietro) and historic buildings.

This year’s Natale celebrationswill also feature concerts in chur-ches, photo exhibits, arts andcrafts and a living nativity sceneon December 28th and 29th inthe San Pietro neighborhood.

For detailed CaltagironeChristmas events’ schedule visithttp://www.comune.caltagi-rone.ct.it/turismo/images/stories/Programma_2011.docFor more information call theCaltagirone Tourist InformationOffice at 0933/41363-41364.

It’s Christmas Time in Caltagirone!

Nativity scenes are the highlight of the Caltagirone Christmas tradition as they combine devotion withcraftsmen’s skills.

Page 7December 9, 2011

Premier

Happy WokSEABEES, continued on page 12

Rome, continued on page 12

SEABEES Attend FIDAPA Gala DinnerAs part of the PAO ongoing

community relations with hostnation communities, Naval AirStation Sigonella outreaches withthe Catania Federation of Businessand Professional Women (FIDAPA), an international organizationcommitted to networking amongand empowering womenworldwide.

NAS Sigonella SEABEES, Lt.j.g.Lauren Bueler, the SEABEESNMCB 5 OIC Det Sigonella andCMCN Michelle Poloway attendeda FIDAPA gala dinner at the CataniaExcelsior Hotel which marked theofficial beginning of the organiza-tion's year of activities. During theevent, the new projects for the upco-

ming year were presented to bothclub members and non-FIDAPAaudiences, which included localmilitary and civilian authorities, aswell as Catania Mayor RaffaeleStancanelli.

“We are honored to host onceagain a delegation of motivated andtalented American women inuniform who share the same valuesof community service and equalopportunities,” said CataniaFIDAPA President Maria GraziaPalmeri Pappalardo.

LTJG Bueler was happy to haveattended the gala. "The FIDAPAgala night was an outstanding

NAS Sigonella SEABEES, LTJG Lauren Bueler and CMCN Michelle Polowayattended a FIDAPA gala dinner. (U.S. Navy Photo by Orietta Scardino)

Rome hosts Exhibit of Best Painters fromthe Caravaggio Era(Story by Romereports.com/Romeguide.it)

An extensive exhibition with artistsfrom the time of Caravaggio is ondisplay at Rome’s Palazzo Veneziathrough Feb. 5. The exhibit includesa total of 150 art pieces, paintedbetween 1595 and 1635, broughtfrom countries like the UnitedKingdom, Holland and Slovakia.Visitors can see the “San Agustín,”which was recently attributed toCaravaggio and will be shown for thefirst time to the public.

The exhibition reconstructs thefabric that held the Eternal City’s artscene together at the time when thegreat Caravaggio lived and workedin it. The exhibition examines whatmany have described as a crucialperiod in Italian painting, starting asthe sixteenth century drew to a closeand Rome was still reeling from thetrauma inflicted by the Lutheranschism, and developing, with ever-increasing vigour, through the reignsof four important Popes: ClementVIII Aldobrandini, Paul V Borghese,Gregory XIV Boncompagni andUrban VIII Barberini. Although thissingular period only lasted for ashort time, just forty years, fromabout 1595 to about 1635, it waswhat happened in those forty yearsthat determined so many of thedevelopments in European artisticpractices until the end of the seven-teenth century.

The direct, no-holds-barred clashbetween two of Italian painting’sgiants left its mark on the first years,as Annibale Carracci from Bologna,the unquestioned leader of classicistpainting, fought it out withLombardy’s Caravaggio, creator ofan evocative new representation ofreality that truly deserves theepithet of revolutionary. The twoartists died at a distance of almostprecisely one year from oneanother: Carracci on 15 July 1609,

Caravaggio on 18 July 1610.In the next two decades, the

stimulating foundations laid downby the two maestros were built onand developed, both by those whoadhered to Caravaggio’s dramaticnaturalism and by the classicist pain-ters of Bologna who had followedCarracci to the Papal capital.

These two approaches dominatedthe art scene in Rome in the seconddecade, as they were constantlybeing amended and enriched notonly by frequent reciprocalinfluences and cross-fertilization,but also by intense exchanges withthe numerous painters fromTuscany, Emilia, Genoa, Lombardyand above all from abroad (fromFrance, the Low Countries andSpain) who lived and worked inRome at that time. A crucial diffe-rence was made here by theexuberant array of European artistswho flocked to Rome, attracted notonly by prestigious commissionsfrom the Popes and Rome’s princelyfamilies, who were then in theprocess of building their collections,but also by the reputation beingmade by Caravaggio’s newapproach, which had spread likewildfire all over Europe in just ahandful of years.

Against a backdrop in which nosufficiently detailed studies have asyet been devoted to this particularartistic phenomenon – which can beconsidered the first that was trulyEuropean in nature – the presenta-tion of such a large number ofcontemporary paintings in this exhi-bition offers a unique opportunityfor arriving at a fuller understandingof this particular period of creativity,which was one of most stimulatingin the entire history of painting

'New Leonardo Found':'Self-portrait can also beDiscerned'(Story by ANSA)

ROME - A previously unattributedRenaissance painting showing ashepherd shearing a sheep is"probably" by Leonardo da Vinci, anItalian expert claims.

The painting "portrays the shepherdagainst a hilly backgroundpunctuated by architecture of thetype Leonardo often painted," saidthe expert, Luciano Buso.

A self-portrait of Leonardo can alsobe discerned in the painting, heclaimed. Buso, a painter and art histo-rian from the northern Italian city ofTreviso, said his discovery would beincluded in a forthcoming bookabout signatures hidden inside arti-stic works, "from the time ofLeonardo to the present day".Buso's claim has so far not elicited aresponse from more establishedLeonardo experts.

Notorious Mafia Boss'sDaughter Wins School-Board Seat(Story by ANSA)

PALERMO - The daughter ofnotorious Cosa Nostra boss Toto'Riina won a seat on an elementaryschool board in Corleone, Sicily onTuesday. In what the mayor called"inopportune" results, ConcettaRiina beat out two other candidatesvying for the vacant post in thegroup that oversees five localschools with over 900 pupils.

Her father, the eighty-year-oldboss known as 'The Beast', wasjailed in 1993 after a bloodycampaign against the Italian stateincluding the murders of anti-Mafiamagistrates Giovanni Falcone and

Notorious, continued on page 12

Page 8 December 9, 2011

Pietro Gelso Bianco New Place

As part of the holiday parade, Santa Claus rode across NAS I on theback of a motorcycle. (U.S. Navy Photo by MCSN CameronBramham)

After the parade, children did some Christmas shopping at the Nearly New Shop where volunteershelped them wrap their selected items. (U.S. Navy Photo by MCSN Cameron Bramham)

Sailors, Marines, Airman andtheir families at Naval Air StationSigonella embraced the holidayseason this past weekend with a visitfrom Santa Clause, as part of theNavy-Marine Corps Relief Society’s(NMCRS) ‘Santa’s Helper Sale’.

After the parade, Naval AirStation (NAS) Sigonella childrenwere given the chance to do theirholiday shopping at the Nearly NewShop where volunteers helped themwrap their selected items. Childrenwere even able to meet Santa todiscuss their Christmas wish list andhave their photo taken.

The NMCRS event was just oneof many community members got to

enjoy, including a Morale, Welfare,and Recreation (MWR) sponsoredtree-lighting ceremony in theMidtown Complex, and a ‘Soundsof the Holiday’ concert at the BaseChapel.

More exciting events are yet tocome this holiday season. There arethe ‘Where’s Frosty’ scavenger hunt(see page 11), the MissoulaChildren’s Theater production of‘Jungle Book’, as well as a variety ofChristmas themed tours aroundSicily from Sigonella’s ITT.

For the avid festival enthusiast,ITT will be sponsoring a visit to theArcheological area of Syracuse toparticipate in a local festival markingthe beginning of the Christmasfestivities. If you don’t mind the

cold, Christmas Eve skating inCatania may be right up your alley.And for the wine lover in all of us, awine tasting at Bagliesi Winery nearAgrigento will be held on December29th.

For those who would like towelcome the New Year in a typicalSicilian way, ITT will be hosting atour in Catania, focusing on thetown history and the ‘San Silvestro aMare’ swimming competitionmarking the inauguration of theNew Year.

For more information on whatholiday events are happening in thelocal area visit the MWR facebookpage or call ITT at 624-4777.

By MCN2 Gary PrillNPASE East Detachment Europe

NAS Sigonella Embraces the Holidays

Many families got their photos taken with Santa. (U.S. Navy Photo byMCSN Cameron Bramham)

New Place Magnolia Moroboshi

Page 9December 9, 2011

The Holiday Season is a time forfamilies and friends to get togetherand make new memories whilesharing old memories. VP-45’sinteraction with the PIO IXInstitute, a Catholic Children’sHome providing children withemergency or temporary foster careservices in Catania, has createdhappy long lasting memories thatwill have a lasting effect on the chil-dren and the staff.

During the command’s deploy-ment in Sicily, we had theopportunity to meet an amazinggroup of children. Members of thecommand participated in aCOMREL soccer game against thechildren. They displayed veryimpressive skills for such a youngage! Needless to say, the experience

and interaction with the childrenalso had a lasting effect on us.

VP-45 volunteers also carried outa painting project for the Institute. To show our appreciation for thewelcome we received, we presentedthe children with an early Christmasprior to our departure. We collectedmore than 50 presents for the chil-dren and also presented the Institutewith a special gift.

The day was a great success. AsSister Stella stated, “It was a heartfeltexperience!”

Our time in Sicily has come to anend but the memories we have willlast a lifetime.

“All these community relationsprojects have been a blessing for thesquadron’s crews who got theunique chance to bring joy to thosewonderful children,” said LCDRJane E. Benson, the VP-45 FlightSurgeon.

VP-45 Brings Christmas to Pio IX Institute’s Children

By HM3 Lataija DaysNAS Sigonella

Each fall, Department of Defense(DoD) uniformed and civilianpersonnel demonstrate their genero-sity by making contributionsthrough the Combined FederalCampaign-Overseas (CFC-O).

The 2011 campaign began onOctober 3rd, and in just nine weekssince the campaign’s launch,personnel in the five overseascombatant commands have pledgedmore than $11 million to helppeople in need in military commu-nities, across the nation and aroundthe world.

2011 Combined Federal Campaign Extended

NAS Sigonella service members and their families enjoyed the tree-lighting ceremony, which included a special concert. (Photo byMCN2 Gary Prill, NPASE East Det. Europe)

NAS Sigonella service members and their families enjoyed the tree-lighting ceremony, which included a special concert. (Photo byMCN2 Gary Prill, NPASE East Det. Europe)

Recognizing the need is greaterthan ever this year, the AFRICOM,CENTCOM, EUCOM andSOUTHCOM have extended theircampaigns for an additional 12 daysthrough December 15th, 2011.

The campaign, managed byGlobal Impact, comprises morethan 2,500 organizations working toaddress critical needs and aid reco-very efforts throughout the world.Many of the charities who benefitfrom the CFC-O resources supportreintegration programs for service

members overseas, as well as variousother programs for veterans, activeduty service members and theirfamilies.

CFC-O contributors have theoption of donating through tradi-tional paper pledge cards ore-Giving. Contributors can alsoelect to support their local overseasmilitary communities through theFamily Support and Youth Programs(FSYP). Donations to FSYP arereturned to the installation tosupport quality of life programs.

NAS Sigonella enjoyed listening to the talented choirs during the‘Sounds of the Holiday’ concert at theBase Chapel. (Photo by MCN2 Gary Prill, NPASE East Det. Europe)

‘Tis the Season

for Giving

Page 10 December 9, 2011

Friday, 09 DEC 11 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Sausage Links, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, RoastedPotatoes, Waffles, Asstd Doughnuts, Apple Fritters.*Lunch: New England Clam Chowder, Fried/Baked Pollok Fish, Pasta al Forno , Mushroom Gravy, SteamedRice, Roasted Garlic Potatoes, Steamed Asparagus, Fried Cauliflower, Lemon Cookies, Cheese Cake,Chocolate Cream Pudding.Speed line: Grilled Cheese/Hamburger, Baked Beans, French Fried Potatoes.*Dinner: Cream Of Mushroom Soup, Cantonese Spareribs, Sandwich, Pork Fried Rice, Steamed Whole Corn,Seasoned Spinach, Lemon Cookies, Cheese Cake, Chocolate Cream Pudding.

Saturday, 10 DEC 11 *Breakfast: Farina, Grilled Ham Slices, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes,Buttermilk Pancakes, Asstd Doughnuts, Butterhorns.*Brunch: Breakfast Items, Beef Vegetable Soup, Chicken Nuggets, French Fries, Mixed Vegetables, Broccoli,Sweet & Sour Sauce, Chocolate Drop Cookies, Apple Crisp.*Dinner: Manhattan Clam Chowder, El Rancho Stew, Mashed Potatoes, Chicken Gravy, Steamed Rice, GreenKale, Peas & Mushroom, Chocolate Drop Cookies, Apple Crisp

Sunday, 11 DEC 11 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Minute Steak, Oven Fried Bacon, French Toast Puff, Asstd Omelets, Eggsto Order, Roasted Potatoes, Asstd Doughnuts, Kolaches.*Brunch: Breakfast Items, Bean & Bacon Soup, Grilled Reuben Sandwiches, Italian Roasted Potatoes,Seasoned Green Beans, Glazed Carrots, Yellow Cake w/ Frosting, Hermits.*Dinner: Split Pea Soup, Turkey Ala King, Aztec Rice, Black-eye Peas, Fried Cauliflower, Yellow Cake w/Frosting, Hermits.

Monday, 12 DEC 11 *Breakfast: Hominy Grits, Minced Beef on Toast, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, RoastedPotatoes, French Toast, Asstd Doughnuts, Streusel Coffee Cake.*Lunch: Chicken Noodle Soup, Rosemary Roast Turkey, Pasta Chef, Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes,Seasoned Summer Squash, Steamed Peas, Turkey Gravy, Cranberry Sauce, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, BananaCake, Dutch Apple Pie.*Speed line: Baked Italian Sausage W/Pepper & Onion.*Dinner: Pepper Pot Soup, Steak w/ Onions, Baked Chicken Quartered , Baked Potatoes, Collard Greens,Calico Cabbage, Brown Gravy, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Banana Cake, Dutch Apple Pie .

Tuesday, 13 DEC 11 *Breakfast: Farina, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Biscuits andGravy, Asstd Doughnuts, Blueberry Muffins. *Lunch: Cream of Asparagus Soup, BBQ Spareribs, Southern Fried Chicken, Chicken Gravy, MashedPotatoes, Hopping John, Corn on the Cob, Southern Style Greens, Jalapeno Corn Bread, German ChocolateCake, Cherry Pie.*Speed line: Chicken Drum, Onion Rings.Dinner: Beef Rice Soup, Spaghetti w/ Meatballs, Lyonnaise Rice, Vegetable Stir Fry, Steamed Asparagus,Brown Gravy, German Chocolate Cake, Cherry Pie .

Wednesday, 14 DEC 11 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Creamed Ground Beef, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, RoastedPotatoes, Blueberry Pancakes, Asstd Doughnuts, Bear Claw.*Lunch: Beef Vegetable Soup, Breaded Pork Steaks, Savory Baked Chicken, Potatoes Au Gratin, Oriental Rice,Eggplant Parmesan, Tangy Spinach, Cherry Cheese Cake, Chewy Nut Bars, Cream Puffs.*Speed line: Grilled Cheese/Hamburger, Baked Beans, French Fried Potatoes.*Dinner: Minestrone Soup, Salisbury Steak, Steamed Rice, Brown Gravy, Peas & Carrots, Wax Beans, CherryCheese Cake, Chewy Nut Bars, Cream Puffs.

Thursday, 15 DEC 11 *Breakfast: Hominy Grits, Oven Fried Bacon, Corned Beef Hash, Asst Omelets, Eggs to Order, RoastedPotatoes, French Toast, Asstd Doughnuts, Raisin Muffin.*Lunch: Onion Soup, Asian Barbecue Turkey, Beef Stroganoff, Mashed Potatoes, Boiled Pasta, Chicken Gravy,Mix Vegetables, Simmered Cauliflower, Vanilla Cookies, Devil’s Food Cake.Speedline: Assorted Pizza, Chili Dog.Dinner: Chicken Noodle Soup, Meat Loaf, Oven Browned Potatoes, Corn O’ Brien, Simmered Carrots,Vanilla Cookies, Devil’s Food Cake.

Friday, 16 DEC 11 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Sausage Links, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, RoastedPotatoes, Waffles, Asstd Doughnuts, Cinnamon Rolls.*Lunch: Cream of Mushroom Soup, Lasagna, Tempura Fish, Baked Fish, Steamed Rice, Calico Cabbage,Herbed Broccoli, Strawberry Cake, Lemon Meringue Pie, Fruit Gelatin.Speed line: Grilled Cheese/Hamburger, Baked Beans, French Fried Potatoes.*Dinner: Egg Drop Soup, Chicken Cacciatore, Rice Pilaf, Southern Green Beans, Savory Squash, StrawberryCake, Lemon Meringue Pie, Fruit Gelatin.

Global Impact

Page 11December 9, 2011

miDtowN moVie theaterSScheDule & DeScriPtioNS

Tuesday, December 13th

5:00 PM Muppets, The PG

5:30 PM Big Year, The PG

7:30 PM Thing, The R

8:00 PM 50/50 R

Wednesday, December 14th

5:00 PM Hugo PG

5:30 PM Dream House PG-13

7:30 PM Twilight: BD PG-13

8:00 PM Ides of March R

Thursday, December 15th

5:00 PM Arthur Christmas PG

5:30 PM Big Year, The PG

7:30 PM Real Steel PG-13

8:00 PM What’s Your Number? R

Friday, December 16th

5:00 PM Happy Feet 2 PG

5:30 PM Twilight: BD PG-13

7:30 PM Thing, The R

8:00 PM 50/50 R

Saturday, December 17th

2:00 PM Arthur Christmas PG

2:30 PM Muppets, The PG

4:30 PM Three Musketeers PG-13

5:00 PM Dream House PG-13

7:30 PM New Year’s Eve R

Sunday, December 18th

2:00 PM Hugo PG

2:30 PM Johnny English Reborn PG

4:30 PM Twilight: BD PG-13

5:00 PM Three Musketeers PG-13

7:30 PM Paranormal Activity 3 R

HAPPY FEET 2 – Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, Hank Azaria, Alecia Moore,Sofia Vergara

Mumble, The Master of Tap, has a problem because his tiny son, Erik, is choreo-phobic. Reluctant to dance, Erik runs away and encounters The Mighty Sven – apenguin who can fly! Erik learns of his father’s “guts and grit” as Mumble bringstogether the penguin nations and all manner of fabulous creatures to put things right(100 m.)

Movie schedule is subject tochange.

Please call to confirm.

Movie Hotline: 624-4248

REAL STEEL – Hugh Jackman, Dakota Goyo, Kevin Durand, AnthonyMackie, Evangeline Lily

In the near-future, where the sport of boxing has gone hi-tech, Charlie Kenton is awashed-up fighter who lost his chance at a title when 2000-pound, 8-foot-tall steelrobots took over the ring. When Charlie hits rock bottom, he reluctantly teams upwith his estranged son Max to build and train a championship contender (127 m.)

THING, THE -- Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Joel Edgerton, Ulrich Thomsen,Eric Christian Olsen, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje

A remake of the 1951 and 1982 version of The Thing. Paleontologist Kate Lloyd joins aNorwegian scientific team to a desolate region that has stumbled across an extraterrestrial shipburied in the ice. She discovers an organism that seems to have died in the crash eons ago. Butit is about to wake up. When a simple experiment frees the alien from its frozen prison, Katemust join the crew's pilot, Carter, to keep it from killing them off one at a time. And in this vast,intense land, a parasite that can mimic anything it touches will pit human against human as ittries to survive and flourish (103 m.)

THREE MUSKETEERS, THE – Logan Lerman, Milla Jovovich, MathewMacfadyen, Ray Stevenson, Luke Evans

The hot-headed young D'Artagnan joins forces with three rogue Musketeers to stopRichlieu and face off with Buckingham and Milady (111 m)

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 & RallyPoints; Public Protection Strategies: Evacuation andShelter-in-Place; Web info: Ready.gov; Emergencyinfo: AFN 106.0 FM; Questions? Call the EM Office at624-2630, 8265 or 2621.

emergency management

office

Liberty is making merry thisholiday season at Take 5 with the 12Days of Festivus. There will be dailyholiday games, treats and triviacontests from December 13th – 18th

and December 20th – 25th. Checkout what’s going on!

December 13th at 11a.m.: The Hidden Puzzle Challenge Get a team together and see if youcan outsmart the competition. Theobjective is to use clues to findhidden pieces, and be the first toassemble your puzzle.

December 19th at 11a.m.: “Where is Frosty?”Find Frosty to win a prize!

December 21st at 11a.m.:Gingerbread House DecoratingContestBuild a house, decorate it and beatthe competition! Supplies areprovided.

December 22nd at 10 a.m.: Polar Bear Slip-N-Slide andHoliday Dinner Slip-n-slide in the middle ofDecember! There will be a prize forwhoever slides the farthest.

12 Days of FestivusBy Jamie AndrewsNAS Sigonella MWR

Join Liberty at Take 5 for these12 days of fun! Sign up at Take 5 toreserve your spot in the competi-tions. For more information on 12Days of Festivus, call Take 5 at 624-5602.

Note: The Liberty program specializes ingovernment-subsidized travel and adven-tures for single or unaccompanied military,E-6 and below.

Page 12 December 9, 2011

Stampa

SEABEES, continued from page 7

event that allowed me and CMCNPoloway to converse with women inbusiness from different parts ofSicily,” said Bueler. “I enjoyeddiscussing my military experiencesand learned a lot about themember's professions, interests, andchallenges they have faced as femaleleaders."

Rome, continued from page 7everywhere – and not just in Italy.

The works selected for the exhibi-tion were chosen to provide asextensive as possible a picture of thecomplex developments taking placeon the art scene in Rome in theearly seventeenth century. A specialpresence in this exhibition is thefirst-ever viewing in Italy of theSaint Augustine recently attributedto Caravaggio, which has generatedmuch lively discussion: the paintingwill be the subject of a day of study,to be held in partnership with theUniversity of Rome, featuring a face-to-face between the leading expertswho favor and oppose the attribu-tion.

The direct, no-holds-barred clashbetween two of Italian painting’sgiants left its mark on the first years,as Annibale Carracci from Bologna,the unquestioned leader of classicistpainting, fought it out withLombardy’s Caravaggio, creator ofan evocative new representation ofreality that truly deserves theepithet of revolutionary. The twoartists died at a distance of almostprecisely one year from oneanother: Carracci on 15 July 1609,Caravaggio on 18 July 1610.In the next two decades, the stimu-lating foundations laid down by thetwo maestros were built on anddeveloped, both by those whoadhered to Caravaggio’s dramaticnaturalism and by the classicist pain-ters of Bologna who had followedCarracci to the Papal capital.

These two approaches dominatedthe art scene in Rome in the seconddecade, as they were constantlybeing amended and enriched notonly by frequent reciprocalinfluences and cross-fertilization,but also by intense exchanges withthe numerous painters fromTuscany, Emilia, Genoa, Lombardyand above all from abroad (fromFrance, the Low Countries andSpain) who lived and worked inRome at that time. A crucial diffe-rence was made here by theexuberant array of European artistswho flocked to Rome, attracted notonly by prestigious commissionsfrom the Popes and Rome’s princelyfamilies, who were then in theprocess of building their collections,but also by the reputation beingmade by Caravaggio’s new

Paolo Borsellino.Last month a mafia informant

claimed that her brother, GiuseppeSalvatore Riina, planned an attack tokill the ex-justice minister, AngelinoAlfano.

Among the first orders of busi-ness for Riina and the board is todiscuss a proposed partnership withthe schools and Addiopizzo ('ByeBye Protection Money'), one ofSicily's leading anti-Mafia groups.

Notorious, continued from page 7

approach, which had spread likewildfire all over Europe in just ahandful of years.

Against a backdrop in which nosufficiently detailed studies have asyet been devoted to this particularartistic phenomenon – which can beconsidered the first that was trulyEuropean in nature – the presenta-tion of such a large number ofcontemporary paintings in this exhi-bition offers a unique opportunityfor arriving at a fuller understandingof this particular period of creativity,which was one of most stimulatingin the entire history of paintingeverywhere – and not just in Italy.

The works selected for the exhibi-tion were chosen to provide asextensive as possible a picture of thecomplex developments taking placeon the art scene in Rome in theearly seventeenth century. A specialpresence in this exhibition is thefirst-ever viewing in Italy of theSaint Augustine recently attributedto Caravaggio, which has generatedmuch lively discussion: the paintingwill be the subject of a day of study,to be held in partnership with theUniversity of Rome, featuring a face-to-face between the leading expertswho favor and oppose the attribu-tion.

help from our A.O.I.C. BUC Royand a team of motivated volunteers.The gratitude I and my fellow Beesfelt from this kind gesture is hard toput into words. It is easier toimagine the other possible ways ourholiday could have played out tofully grasp the magnitude of howthoughtful this dinner was. We wereblessed enough to have a trueThanksgiving Day feast cooked withlove while spending valuable timewith our Deployment family.

Turkey. Warm, moist, succulentwith mild and bold flavor was themain attraction at the dinner table.The side dishes consisted of sweetpotatoes, mashed potatoes, two types of vegetabledishes, and stuffing with delicioussausage. Even the appetizers werejust as amazing. “Lumpia” (aFilipino fried roll stuffed withgoodies) was prepared for the groupby CE2 Ulep and EACN Tandog,and was a huge hit. Stuffedmushrooms and BUC Roy’s fourlayered party dip were also niceways to stretch your tummy inpreparation for the main meal.

One of the most unique thingsabout the dinner was where we ateit. A royal table was set up in ourDet’s equipment garage, of allplaces. It was reminiscent of aMedieval feast or Kings table settingall 22 of us at one table. Grace wassaid, bread was broken, and thefood was enjoyed by all. What madethe day so special for me, and a truetreat were the post dinner festivities.Football and soccer were fun as wellas the hybrid volleyball game thegroup invented. There were nothingbut laughs and smiles, which was agreat way for Det SIG to end theirmagical Thanksgiving Day.

Thanks, continued from page 2

After 36 years working at NASSigonella, Giuseppe Sortino, NASSigonella Installation BusinessFinancial Manager has retired.

When asked what his favorite partof the job was, he replied, “[I loved]that this job was always challenging,like when tasked with funding forsome new emergency requirements,like for the coalition forces. It wasunexpected, but as a communityand thanks to our leadership wewere able to accommodate them.”

Sortino has seen a lot of change inhis 36 years working on base. “Themajor change has been in infrastruc-ture and the entire footprint andface of this installation,” saidSortino. He has worked for 16 or 17commanding officers and spokekindly of them all, adding “Capt.Scott Butler is by far one of the[friendliest], one of the most profes-sional and effective leaders I havehad the opportunity to work with.”

Sortino continued, “Under Capt.Butler’s superb leadership, we wereable to get funding for very signifi-cant projects such as the renovationfor building 623. That was quite atangible achievement.”

Offering advice to anyone comingto Sigonella, he added “Try andadjust [to living in Sicily], because ifyou adjust to it, you will find it is avery positive environment. Thequicker you adjust the better it is,the better you will feel and the moreyou will learn.”

Sortino will be missed and willmiss those he has worked with.“Success is possible when you aresurrounded by people better thanyou.” Humbly he credited his peers,“I have always been surrounded bypeople better than me. I’d like tothank all of them as a group andindividually because they have beenthe key to my success.”

Sortino Retires After 36 Years

By Jackie Trembath NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

Giuseppe Sortino served NAS Sigonella for 36 years as NAS SigonellaInstallation Business Financial Manager. (U.S. Navy Photo by MCSNCameron Bramham)

evaluate if the source of tension isreally something that should becausing stress.

* The holidays are a time ofexcitement and exhaustion foryoung children. Overtired, overstimulated children are ripe for astress inducing meltdown. Planaccordingly to anticipate disruptionsin children's routines and exercisepatience. The holidays are supposedto be merry.

* If deployment or geographicseparation will keep you away fromfamily and friends, plan your ownobservance upon your return or fora future date.

Chavez reminds Sailors to lookout for their shipmates, too.Deployments, work-ups and separa-tions are simply a fact of Navy life,and Sailors are good at welcomingshipmates into their homes andincluding them in celebrations.

"Don't underestimate the positivedifference you can make by taking alittle extra time to care," saidChavez. "The things you do everyday to make connections, toencourage, and show people howthey are valued and belong, can helpin small but important ways for thepeople around you."

Sailors and their families canlearn more methods of navigatingstress from their local Fleet andFamily Service Center, theircommand chaplain, and from navy-navstress.com.

SEABEES, continued from page 7

Officials, continued from page 3

Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics

Anonymous

meetings are back

in Sigonella.

For information on

Alcoholics

Anonymous

meetings, please

call 340-608-2140.

Page 13December 9, 2011

mojito

By Esther ScottNAS Sigonella NMCRS

mojito

mojito

The last month of the year is here,and it is an exciting time as we makepreparations to be with family andfriends to celebrate Christmas andthe New Year. It is also a time toreflect on what we have accompli-shed during the year and our hopesfor the New Year.

So let’s take a moment to lookback at some of the wonderfulthings we accomplished together in2011.

In 2011 NMCRS Sigonella wasable to assist 121 families in finan-cial crisis and serve over 3,879budget saving visit to our Thriftstore, thanks to your support andthe generous donation of your time.

You can be proud to know you havemade a difference when it wasneeded.

In 2011 we also welcomed a newChairman of Volunteers (COV), JoyHardin, who has established anumber of volunteer events andrecognition opportunities. In addi-tion to our COV, we welcome anactive group of new volunteers toinclude Miryam Costales, RetnaShaw, Heather Yeaw, … The energy,ideas and enthusiasm they havebrought to our office have beenvisible in our office front desk cove-rage, the Thrift Store, and newadvertising displays. Thank you forjoining us.

Our NMCRS office was quitebusy in 2011 and hosted a numberof our leaders from head quarters.In February we hosted our directorof Volunteer Support, BarbaraShaffer who provided us with thelatest philosophy in volunteerismand motivation. In March, we hadour area trainer, Evelyn Liberty-Toplift, visit our office for trainingwith our local volunteers and ourBahrain Representative. InSeptember we received ourNMCRS President, Admiral Abbotwho addressed our leadership teamand communicated the Society’sappreciation for their service. InNovember Wes Schmidt, VicePresident – Administrative Office,NMCRS, paid the final visit of theyear to our office. His mission wasto hire the new director.

As I look at the year in review, Isee that all our accomplishmentswere possible thanks to yoursupport and commitment toNMCRS. Thank you! With my timeas director coming to an end tomove to Japan, I want you to knowthat I appreciate all the support youprovided to our office and all youhave done to help our military fami-lies. Thank you from the bottom ofmy heart! I want to encourage youto continue to participate withNMCRS and continue to make adifference in our community.

Merry Christmas!