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Around Sigonella

Find out what is happening around

NAS Sigonella.

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Careers on Wheels

Students learn about a few career options.

PAGE 8

Spring Carnival

Students celebrate the end of the

school year.

PAGE 15

QUOTE OF THE WEEK"A mother's love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible."

- Marion C. Garretty

American Red Cross (ARC) Sigonella partnered with Morale, Welfare and Recreation, and Navy Federal Credit Union for the second annual Bike Rodeo held at the Marinai housing complex May 5. More than 40 Sigonellans and 50 volunteers participated in the event which was held in honor of National Bike Month.

The Sigonella Bike Rodeo came to fruition at the suggestion of Charles Schmidt, disaster services chairman at ARC Sigonella. Schmidt has more than 30 years of experience in organizing bike rodeos and knows the importance of teaching safety skills.

“We want the kids to learn good bike handling skills,” said Schmidt. “Rather than calling this a test or a school, we call it a rodeo to give it a fun connotation and to get the kids attention.”

The Bike Rodeo helped teach children through

a variety of courses that focused on different bike handling skills. Children were challenged through eight different chalk courses they had to pass in order to master the course. The courses included: mounting and dismounting the bicycle; changing direction and turning in circles; steering through tight spaces; weaving; having the ability to stop quickly; turning around; riding the bicycle very slowly while maintaining balance; and learning to maneuver tight turns.

"As the weather continues to improve in Sigonella, more and more people, including children, will be taking to the streets on their bikes," said Schmidt. "We wanted to make sure that the kids have the proper tools and training to ride safely all summer long."

It is important to remember that bike safety begins

with making sure that equipment is properly worn and maintained. To ensure attendees were made aware, Mario Sergi and Filippo Anza from the bike repair shop at the NEX Depot were on-hand to demonstrate how to perform simple bike maintenance techniques. Children were also instructed on how to properly wear a bike helmet.

The Bike Rodeo was prelude to National Bike Week, which is held in the States from May 13-17. In Sigonella it began with Bike to Work Day on May 10.

"The Bike Rodeo is a great event and one we hope to hold each year," said Schmidt. "I will be departing Sigonella by the end of the year and hope there is someone who is willing to take over as disaster services chairman and continue the Bike Rodeo tradition. I urge anyone interested to please contact the ARC."

Teaching the Importance of Bike Safety

by mr1 gary spenceNAS Sigonella Public Affairs

Service members from Naval Air Station Sigonella instruct kids on bike handling skills at the 2nd annual Bike Rodeo at Marinai Housing Complex May 5. (U.S. Navy photo by MR1 Gary Spence)

THe

sIgnaTUresIgOneLLa, sIcILy

May 10, 2013 cnic.navy.mil/sigonellaVol. 30. No. 18

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THe sIgnaTUreU.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLACommanding OfficerCapt. Scott ButlerExecutive OfficerCmdr. Eric VoslerCommand Master ChiefCMDCM David Graham

EDITORIAL

Public Affairs Officer Lt. Tim Page timothy.page@eu.navy.mil

Communtiy Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunettaalberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil

Editor Jackie Trembathjackie.trembath@eu.navy.mil

Staff Writers/PhotographersMR1 Gary Spencegary.spence@eu.navy.mil

MC3 Cameron Bramhamcameron.bramham@eu.navy.mil

CONTACT USNaval Air Station Sigonella, Sicilythesig@eu.navy.milDSN 624-5440; 095-86-5440PSC 812 Box 3020, FPO, AE 09627

PUBLISHERStampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher,Naval Support ActivityCapodichino (Naples), Italystampagenerale@tin.itTel. 081-568-7884Fax 081-568-7887

This civilian enterprise (CE) newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services overseas. Contents of The Signature are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense (DoD), or the U.S. Navy. The appearance of 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 later than the close of business on the Fri-day proceeding the expected publication date. All articles submitted by non-staff members will be considered contributing writers.

The Signature will not publish anyanonymous articles. All advertisements in this publication are the property of Stampa Generale S.r.l. Any reproduction of advertisements in The Signature is unauthorized without the written consent of the publisher.

cnic.navy.mil/sigonella

NASSIG WORSHIP SERVICESROMAN CATHOLICSunday■ 8:30 a.m. Catholic Mass (naS I Chapel)■ 11:30 a.m. Catholic Mass (naS II Chapel)Sacraments of Reconciliation/Penance precede each Mass

PROTESTANTnaS I Chapel SatuRday■ 6:30 p.m. Contemporary Worship Services Sunday■ 10 a.m. traditional Worship

OTHER SERVICES/ACTIVITIES

LATTER-DAY SAINTS Sunday at 3 p.m. (naS I Chapel)Contact: sigonellalds@gmail.com or 624-9049

CHURCH OF CHRIST LAY SERVICEnoon Bible Study (naS 1)12:30 p.m. Worship ServiceContact Virgil Strobridge at 624-4779 or Reginald Mcneil at 335-578-8519

■ aa Meetings: Monday, naS I at 5:30 p.m. and Wednesday, naS II at 11:30 a.m. Contact: 346-840-7745

Chapel Offices: naS I 095-56-3975, naS II 095-86-9049, dSn: 624-3975, CHAPLAIN DUTY: 335-831-4493 RP DUTY: 335-786-1950

NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer, Capt. Scott ButlerI want to start off this Direct Line by

wishing a Happy Mother’s Day to all of the moms in our community!! On Sunday, May 12, we should all take time to celebrate Mother’s Day and honor the incredible, everyday contributions moms make to enrich all of our lives. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our wives and mothers for what you do, every day.

Last week we aired our final edition of Feedback Live on AFN. Feedback Live was the longest running show on AFN Europe and I really enjoyed being a part of it. The show was really a great venue for you all to ask questions, and I know that AFN will work with the incoming Commanding Officer, Capt. Chris Dennis, to ensure that there is still a format to get your concerns addressed. If you weren’t able to tune in to the last edition, you can watch the show online at AFN Sigonella’s Facebook page. Until AFN comes up with the right format to replace Feedback Live, I’d encourage you all to visit the site and post your questions: www.facebook.com/nassigonella.

As summer is quickly approaching, it’s a good time to remind everyone to focus on reducing risks. Typically in April and May, accidents within the community tend to pick up as more people take to the streets and this year is no exception. All of us here in

Sicily know that extra vigilance is required – driving here is most certainly a change from that which all of us have been accustomed. Remember to be a defensive driver and always be aware of your surroundings while you drive.

Bike safety is equally important. Last weekend, the American Red Cross partnered with MWR and Navy Federal Credit Union to teach bike safety at the Bike Rodeo event in Marinai. Hopefully you were able to take advantage of the opportunity to learn bike safety skills.

May is also Motorcycle Safety Month and our volunteer motorcycle coaches have put together a great program for riders that includes a day of safety briefings followed by a group ride. The weather during the spring and summer in Sicily is amazing – which means there are more people out on all kinds of vehicles. The most important thing is to be attentive, whether you are driving a car or riding a motorcycle or bike.

Finally, I want to remind everyone of two events going on next weekend. The first is Re-lay For Life and it will kick-off on Saturday, May 18 at 10 a.m. and continue for 24 straight hours. Relay For Life is a fantastic event that celebrates the lives of those who have sur-vived cancer, remembers those who have lost that fight and encourages all of us to fight

back against this terrible dis-ease. The event here is similar to those held in communi-ties around the world and its impact will truly be world-wide.

On Sunday, May 19 at 2 p.m. the Filipino-American Association and Diveristy Committee of Sigonella will host its Annual Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM) Celebration in the Sigonella Middle/High School's Knights Hall. The event will feature cultural performances and a sampling of Asian-inspired cuisine. Admission to the event is free and I encourage everyone to come out and enjoy some of the great food and unique performances.

Whether you are supporting events like Relay For Life and APAH, or volunteering for events like the Bike Rodeo on base, I encourage everyone to get involved in this community. Find an organization that you believe in and make a difference by leaving a lasting impression for generations of Sigonellans to come.

Direct Line

DRIV

E SAFELY

On May 21, 1881, Clara Barton and a group of associates founded the American Red Cross (ARC) organization. She wanted to create the ARC after witnessing a similar organization while visiting Europe following the Civil War. When she returned home, she pushed for an ARC campaign to be ratified under the Geneva Convention, protecting

Take advantage of safety through American Red Cross

Mark your calendars: Relay For Life May 18

The Sigonella Relay For Life will be held on the DoDDS middle/high school track on May 18.

Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s largest event, where teams rotate their members in shifts to walk constantly around the track for a 24-hour period, representing a day in the life, and symbolically walking in the shoes, of a cancer patient.

The 24-hour event will kick-off at 10 a.m. with a celebration of the accomplishments and progress of cancer survivors in the Sigonella community. The Luminaria Ceremony will begin at 9 p.m. The Luminaria ceremony is a chance to remember and honor those lost to cancer.

It's not too late to get involved! If you're interested in forming a team, participating as a survivor or caregiver in the opening ceremony, dedicating/decorating a luminaria bag for the Luminaria Ceremony and/or helping set up/clean up, email Sigrelay4life@gmail.com, visit Relayforlife.org, or Facebook page/Sigonella Relay For Life.

Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella commanding officer, Capt. Scott Butler gives opening remarks during the NAS Sigonella Religious Ministries Department celebration of National Day of Prayer, May 1 at the NAS I Chapel. National Day of Prayer was established as an annual event in 1952, when President Harry S. Truman signed it into law. According to the official website, nationaldayofprayer.org, the observance is founded on the constitutional rights of freedom of speech and religion, being celebrated by all Americans. The theme for this year’s celebration was, “Investing in Hope … Transforming our Nation through Prayer.” (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Cameron Bramham/Released)

NAS I Chapel hosts National Day of Prayer

The Sigonella Animal Welfare Society (SAWS) hosted an adopt-athon in front of the commissary on NAS I, May 4. This event happens on the first Sunday of every month to raise funds and find homes for the homeless animals of Sigonella. If you missed out, but would like to find our more about adoption you can email sawsanimals@hotmail. com to arrange for a meeting or a trial run with a special pet. Stay current with news and volunteer opportunities via www.facebook.com/Sigonella.Animals. (Photo by Chelsea Humphrey)

THIS IS A NON-FEDERAL ENTITY. IT IS NOT A PART OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE OR ANY OF ITS COMPONENTS AND IT HAS NO GOVERNMENTAL STATUS.

SAWS helps animals find forever homes

the war-injured and becoming ratified in the United States in 1882.

Today the ARC is one of the nation’s leading humanitarian organizations devoted to aiding people in the United States, and in association with other Red Cross organizations around the globe.

The ARC Sigonella, among supporting military families, health and safety trainings, and international services, also offers something most Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella service and community members are not aware of.

“We have first aid kits for sale,” said ARC Sigonella Field Office Assistant Anna Callera-Faber. “Big, medium, and small kits are available but vary in price. The people who operate CDH’s [Child Development Home’s] in Marinai buy a lot of their kits from us.”

There are also kits specialized for smaller chil-dren, babies, emergency preparedness and guides as well. Callera-Faber thinks it’s very important for NAS Sigonella service and community members to know what ARC Sigonella can offer because being ready for an emergency can make all the difference when the emergency does occur.

“You always need to be ready for anything,” Callera-Faber said. “We have these items available for people so they can have it in their homes, cars, and workplaces.”

Purchasing any kind of first aid kit offered by ARC Sigonella is a very simple process.

“Anyone can just drop by while we’re open and purchase it from us,” Callera-Faber said. “It’s theirs to keep after that.”

For more information on available first aid kits and other services ARC Sigonella can offer to NAS Sigonella service and community members call 624-4900 or email at Sigonella@redcross.org.

During the Luminaria Ceremony, luminarias are lit to remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones lost to cancer. (U.S. Navy photo by MR1 Gary Spence/Released)

The American Red Cross Sigonella offers a variety of items for purchase including first aid kits. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Cameron Bramham/Released)

What’s Happening Around nAS SigonellA

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C o M M u n i T Y C A l e n d A r

MAY2 0 1 3

Friday

10

Golf TournamentAdult Sports

Saturday

11Palermo TripITT gear-N-go

Kayaking in Aci Castello

Liberty

Sunday

12Happy Mother's Day!

Day Spa at Taormina's

Hotel OlimpoITT gear-N-go

Sicilian Day in Compobello Di Licata

ITT gear-N-go

Monday13

$1 Bowling*Sparetime Bowling

*EVERY MONDAY

Tuesday14

Burger BurnConnections

5 p.m.

Wednesday15

Storytime*Library10 a.m.

Texas Hold'emJox Pub 6 p.m.

*EVERY WEDNESDAY

Thursday16

17

World's Largest Kid's Run

Middle/High School track3 p.m.

18

Relay for Life

Wellness FairNAS I Track

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Liberty Volunteer Opportunity

19

Asian-American and Pacific Islander Month celebration

Knight's Hall2 p.m.

20 21

22Storytime*

Library10 a.m.

Texas Hold'emJox Pub 6 p.m.

*EVERY WEDNESDAY

23 24 Family Night Out*

Sparetime Bowling5 - 8 p.m.

*EVERY WEDNESDAY

25 Water Aerobics

ClassSplasher's Pool

10 a.m.

26

Liberty/Connections/Take 5: x4246, x5602Outdoor Rec: x4777, x4396 Fitness: x4483, x5243

Midtown 2 Theaters: x4248 FFSC: x4291American Red Cross: x4900

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

iMPorTAnT eXTenSionS:

It happens every year. As the weather breaks, a number of groups across the base put the finishing touches on an event that has grown considerably in recent years.

The 2013 Wellness Fair officially kicks off on May 18, but there are a host of events planned during the week leading up to the official start. It’s a multi-fac-eted assault on promoting a healthy lifestyle for all that includes U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella; Morale, Welfare and Recreation; the Navy Exchange; and the Defense Commissary Agency (DECA).

“Our goal as always is to help people understand that this event is all about taking the correct actions that lead to a healthy lifestyle,” said Giuseppe Licari, Health Promotion Assistant and Tobacco Cessation Specialist. “We try to help people understand that having a healthy lifestyle can be fun. Sometimes it’s a challenge, but it’s not impossible.”

That’s one reason why this year’s theme is “Mis-sion Possible.” The event provides creative and healthy ways to promote a healthy lifestyle. Nota-bly, there will be a healthy eating clinic at the min-imart (May 13), free smoothies at the Commissary (May 14), free healthy barbecue (May 15) at NAS II

depot, a shoe-fitting and treadmill show (May 16) at the NEX, and America’s Kids Run (May 17) at the NAS I track.

All of this helps welcome the official start of the 2013 Wellness Fair on May 18. Last year, the event operated in conjunction with the Sigonella Relay for Life and found great success. This year, it will run the same, as the fair will operate from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 18 with a Zumba party, pilates fun, free chair massages, and a number of other activities.

“We are challenging the community to live a healthy lifestyle,” Licari said. “We asked different departments in the hospital and across the base to come up with fun activities and games for our event this year.”

The Wellness Fair is a base-wide effort that has made great strides in recent years. But the message has always been the same.

“This is a gathering to talk about wellness and health,” Licari said. “We used to be a collection of folding tables spread throughout various spots across base.”

Now, it’s so much more. And that effort results in a healthier community for all.

Mission Possible: Wellness Fair 2013 set to kick off

by Hm2(FmF) maTTHew cLUTTerU.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella

May is Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month – a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. A rather broad term, Asian-Pacific encompasses all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia) and Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island).

Like most commemorative months, Asian-Pacific Heritage Month originated in a congressional bill. In June 1977, Reps. Frank Horton of New York and Norman Y. Mineta of California introduced a House resolution that called upon the president to

proclaim the first ten days of May as Asian-Pacific Heritage Week. The following month, senators Daniel Inouye and Spark Matsunaga introduced a similar bill in the Senate. Both were passed. On October 5, 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed a Joint Resolution designating the annual celebration. Twelve years later, President George H.W. Bush signed an extension making the week-long celebration into a month-long celebration. In 1992, the official designation of May as Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month was signed into law.

The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants.

www.asIanpacIFIcHerITage.gOv

May is Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month

Please join Fil-Am and the Diversity Committee in the celebration of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month by attending a special event on May 19 at Knight's Hall beginning at 2 p.m. The theme of this year's event: Building Leadership: Embracing Cultural Values and Inclusion. Need an appointment

at the hospital? Call DSN 624-CARE (2273) or

commercial 095-56-2273, M-F: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

For non-emergent medical questions that arise over the weekend, holidays,

or after office hours, please call 335-578-8077

if you are normally seen at the hospital or 335-578-8150

if you are normally seen at the Flight Line Clinic.

THe sIgnaTUrepage 6 may 10, 2013 THe sIgnaTUre page 7may 10, 2013

ITaLIan HeaDLInes

POMPEII, Italy — Destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79, Pompeii survived excavation starting in the 18th century and has stoically borne the wear and tear of millions of modern-day tourists. But now, its deep-hued frescoes, brick walls and elegant tile mosaics appear to be at risk from an even greater threat: the bureaucracy of the Italian state.

In recent years, collapses at the site have alarmed conservationists, who warn that this ancient Roman city is dangerously exposed to the elements — and is poorly served by the red tape, the lack of strategic planning and the limited personnel of the site’s troubled management.

The site’s decline has captured the attention of the European Union, which began a $137 million effort in February that aims to balance preservation with accessibility to tourists. Called the Great Pompeii Project, the effort also seeks to foster a culture-driven economy in an area dominated by the Neapolitan Mafia.

In a telling juxtaposition, however, a day before the project was initiated in February, the police arrested the head of a construction company hired to modify an ancient theater at Pompeii on charges of inflating costs and violating the terms of an earlier preservation project. And last week, a team of law-enforcement officers and labor inspectors conducted a surprise inspection to make sure that the local Mafia had not strong-armed its way into the restoration work.

Pompeii’s problems stem from its status as “one of the biggest and most important sites in the world,” and its location “in one of the areas with the highest concentration of organized crime in all of Europe,” said Fabrizio Barca, the minister for territorial cohesion in the caretaker government of Prime Minister Mario Monti.

Nevertheless, Mr. Barca expressed confidence that the program would be successful, and that it would prove that the Italian government could get things done.

“The project is going to reshape the way things are dealt with,” he said. “If we don’t preserve Pompeii, then the state has failed.”

Since the 1990s, a series of special administra-tions have been put in charge of Pompeii. In 2008, the government of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusco-ni named a special commissioner for the site, giv-ing him powers to subvert routine bureaucracy. But the post was dissolved in 2010. This year, one commissioner was placed under judicial investiga-tion on suspicion of using state money for projects that went beyond maintenance, like renovating an ancient theater for performances.

Watchdogs also question why several new buildings were built at Pompeii at great expense and with unclear scope, and whether a 2010 project, now defunct, to allow visitors to adopt some of the many stray dogs at the site was the best way to use part of the emergency prevention financing.

The investigations have also blocked some tourist-friendly initiatives, including plans to convert a villa on the grounds into a restaurant and another building into a museum.

Pompeii has “always been an emergency” since it was first excavated in 1748, said Grete Stefani, the current archaeological director of the site. The most recent crisis phase began in November 2010, when the so-called Schola Armaturarum, which housed an ancient military order, crumbled into the street after a period of torrential rain.

At a time when the decadent Berlusconi government was in tumult, the collapse hit a nerve, capturing the general air of decline in Italy after decades of deferred political and economic maintenance. Magistrates are investigating the collapse.

In Pompeii, about 10 houses, out of dozens on the site, are always open to the public, with a handful of others on a rotating basis. Conservators are repeatedly forced to shore up crumbling walls and water-damaged frescoes rather than plan the systematic maintenance of the 163-acre site to prevent sudden collapses.

“Pompeii is an appropriate metaphor for this country,” said Sergio Rizzo, a journalist at Corriere della Sera and an author of a book on the mismanagement of Italy’s cultural heritage. “It’s a beautiful place, a marvelous place that every

country would like to have,” he added, “but it also reveals the workings of Italian chaos.”

Pompeii’s longstanding problems have stymied a succession of Culture Ministry archaeologists entrusted with its conservation. Stefano De Caro, who oversaw the archaeological work at Pompeii from 1977 to 1984, says the site’s woes stem from Italy’s shortsighted budget policies, which have kept it in a near-constant state of crisis.

“The fact is that Pompeii has been underfunded for 50 years, and gorging on funds every once in a while doesn’t help if you need to eat every day,” said Mr. De Caro, who is now director general of the International Center for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property, or Iccrom, based in Rome.

There are also rogue employees and wildcat strikes. In recent years, several of the about 150 custodians have been sanctioned for asking tourists for money to show them areas closed to the public, the site’s management said. Under the terms of a 10-year-old outsourcing bid, the private company that runs the ticket office does not allow the use of credit cards, creating headaches for tourists and raising concerns about fraud.

On a recent sunny afternoon, the volcanic peak of Mount Vesuvius rose in the distance. Crowds of school groups traipsed through the site, which draws more than 2.3 million tourists each year, many of them cruise ship passengers on day trips. Ms. Stefani, the site’s archaeological director, summed up the challenges as she showed off a recent, stunning renovation of the House of the Gilded Cupids, whose many frescoed rooms face a central courtyard in the classic Pompeian style. “This is a city without living inhabitants to carry out the day-to-day care that any home requires,” she said.

The new conservation strategy of Pompeii will be focused less on restoring individual monuments than on comprehensive maintenance, including improved water collection and disposal. Conservators say that many recent collapses were the result of bad drainage and the slow erosion of the ancient mortar.

Conservation has been hindered by a hiring freeze, particularly of skilled restorers but also of lower-level maintenance workers. “It’s been a situation with lots of generals but no troops,” said Valerio Papaccio, an architect currently overseeing preservation.

Under the new works project, the Culture Ministry has hired more archaeologists and architects with an eye toward the future.

“The E.U. funding is a good starting point to overcome this situation, but it’s not enough to save the site,” said Teresa Elena Cinquantaquattro, the site’s superintendent since 2010. “The new hires are vital, and by programming restorations year by year we can overcome the emergency.”

She says that critics have ignored the challenges in maintaining a vast, open-air site, and that many hard-working staff members toil in silence and anonymity to keep the site functioning. “I don’t deny that there are problems, but there’s also been a lot of hard work done here,” she said. “Pompeii is so vast that it requires enormous efforts.”

Officials say the Great Pompeii Project has a better chance of succeeding where other plans have failed because it is a comprehensive strategy involving three ministries: Culture, Interior and Territorial Cohesion. Economic development officials examine the investment potential of bids, while Interior Ministry officials make sure they are awarded to companies without ties to organized crime.

There are also timid advancements to introduce private sponsorship at the site, much in the same way that the Packard Humanities Institute has made the nearby Herculaneum, also buried by Vesuvius, a model site for archaeological preservation.

But some veteran observers doubt whether Italy will ever be able to finish the job. “The city has been excavated to an extent that it cannot be properly preserved, so we should just rebury parts of it,” said Mr. De Caro of Iccrom. “This way isn’t working, and to maintain things the way they are means certain death.”

Pompeii Falling From Grace: Pompeii’s ruins are a Unesco World Heritage site, but despite money from the European Union, the Italian government is struggling to maintain them. (Photo by http://www.meteoweb.eu)

The latest threat to Pompeii’s treasures: Italy’s red tape

by racHeL DOnaDIO anD eLIsabeTTa pOvOLeDOThe New York Times

Don’t forget to mark on your calendar for the 34th edition of the enchanting “Infiorata” flow-er festival which will take place from May 17 through 19th in Noto, a breathtaking Baroque city located on the southern slopes of the Iblei Mountains southwest of Syracuse.

“Infiorata,” (decoration with flowers) is an exciting flower fes-tival that turns Noto every year into a beautiful garden. Along the streets of the historic center, festival goers will get a chance to see, flower decorations that are absolutely astonishing and impressive in scale (decorations cover about 700 square meters).

The tradition of decorating the main streets of the city was originally imitated from the one that is annually organized in Genzano, a small village located in the center of Italy. In Genzano, petals were traditionally spread to decorate the itinerary of reli-gious processions honoring the Virgin Mary.

In 1980, Noto administrators decided to hold a similar festival in their town. And so they in-vited the Genzano decorators to “paint” with flowers the historic center of Noto.

Thus, Sicilian artists quickly learnt the techniques and the se-crets of this ancient art.

Since then, “Infiorata” be-came one of the most important annual cultural events in Noto.

Every year, the city admin-istration announces the theme of the year and then organizes a competition for the best sketch-es. An award is given to the best three drawers.

The theme for this year's fes-tival is “Homage to Japan”

Here are some of the must-see festival’s highlights. On the first day of the festival , at 4 p.m., Infioratori, (the ones who deco-rate with flowers) begin to fill the drawings with petal color-ful plants. Tons of flower petals (about 400,000 including carna-tions, gerberas, daisies, roses, wild flowers and more) are used to create big carpets that typi-cally reproduce holy images and modern topics.

Via Corrado Nicolaci, one among Noto’s main streets, will be covered by a mantel of flow-ers although there will be smaller decorations in some adjoining roads, courtyards and squares. The magnificent balconies of Palazzo Villadorata, the mesmer-izing Montevergini Church and the elegance of the aristocratic palaces of Modica and Giunta, form a unique Baroque backdrop for the event. Those skilled art-ists will work all night through dawn to create magnificent deco-rations.

Complementing the festival, art exhibits and food booths sell-ing local specialties are also set up in the town historic heart. A spectacular Baroque parade is held on May 20 in the town his-toric center as part of the spring celebrations.

If you want a good reason to visit Noto, you should know that this amazing Baroque town is so precious that it was chosen by UNESCO to be part of its World Heritage List.

UNESCO, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cul-

tural Organization, has indeed inscribed Noto and other seven towns in south-eastern Sic-ily (Caltagirone, Militello Val di Catania, Catania, Modica, Palazzolo, Ragusa and Scicli), on the World Heritage List, which consists of 563 cultural proper-ties throughout the world. Those cities were all rebuilt after the terrible earthquake that struck Sicily in 1693. UNESCO officials maintain that those cities rep-resent a considerable collective undertaking featuring a unique architectural and artistic style.

So while you visit the Infiora-ta, remember that you are in one of the most beautiful Baroque cities in the world. Did you also know that Noto is called “Garden of stone and gold” for the yellow-ish-rosy color of its buildings and

monuments? Once you are there you’ll figure out by yourself!

Noto is located about 20 miles south of Siracusa. The city was built next to the river Asin-aro in 1703 on the ruins of the ancient Roman City of Netum on the Alveria Mount, which was destroyed in the earthquake of 1693. As it happened pretty much everywhere around Sic-ily, Greeks, Romans, Byzan-tines, Arabs, Normans, Swabi-ans, Aragoneses, and Spaniards conquered Noto throughout the centuries. But unfortunately, few traces of the pre-Baroque civilizations got lost because of the earthquake. So, today’s Noto displays just the 18th century ba-roque layout.

Noto boasts a plethora of churches and palaces that are

among the most valuable ex-amples of the skills of talented artists of the time such as Ga-gliardi, Sinatra, Labisi. Graceful curves of floral interfacings, of foreshortened views of palaces, gardens, and capitals and of putts decorate the facades of churches and buildings like the Church of San Francesco, San Domenico, Immacolata. San Carlo, Santa Chiara, the Franciscan Convent and the Salvatore Benedictine Monastery. Among the aristo-cratic palaces, Palazzo Ducezio is definitely worth a visit. Archi-tect Vincenzo Sinagra designed it in 1748. Beautiful neo-classical style frescoes by Antonio Mazza decorate the interiors.

For more information and detailed schedules, call Noto Tourist office at 0931-835073.

Noto Flower Festival: May 17 - 19

(ANSA) Rome - As more and more Italians grapple with the ongoing

economic crisis, food shopping habits are changing, according to national statistics agency Istat.

Between 2007 and 2013 "the share of families which has made purchases at hard discount stores has almost doubled, reaching more than 21% in 2011," Enrico Giovannini, the president of the statistics agency, said Tuesday.

The trend is unlikely to change much even if incomes were to increase. "Even if we had the opportunity to increase families' incomes, a part of this increase would go to savings - for those who can afford it," Giovannini said, pointing out that there would be little left for more consumption.

(Italy Magazine) The battle between France and Italy for the luxury sparkling wine

market gained a new Italian contender with the launch of Divinity sparkling wine.

The brainchild of Roman entrepreneur Daniele Morena, Divinity wine is being marketed as an exclusive and prestigious product. Producer Gruppo Morena is advertising the wine with the slogan “Non è Champagne. È Divinity!” (It’s not Champagne. It’s Divinity!).

Divinity comes as a limited series and only 2,000 bottles a year are produced. The wine comes from the Franciacorta region, which is famous for its sparkling wines. In keeping with its upmarket branding, the wine comes in transparent bottles stamped with gold lettering and crowned with Swarovski crystal detailing.

The Divinity Supreme Golden Brut wine is made of 60% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Bianco and 20% Pinot Noir, and costs €135 a bottle. Yellow in colour, it is described as having an “intense and fragrant” bouquet “with delicate floral sensations”, and a “full-bodied, fresh and elegant” taste. The Divinity Supreme Golden Rosè wine costs €150 a bottle and is made from 85% Pinot Noir and 15% Chardonnay. Pink in colour, it is described as having a “delicate and persistent” bouquet “with notes of berries and citrus”, and a “rich and lingering” taste.

(Italy Magazine) A 20-year-old Italian, Leone

Coppola, has won the title of World Champion Pizza Maker at the Campionato Mondiale Della Pizza (World Pizza Champion-ship) 2013 held in Parma, Emilia-Romagna.

Coppola comes from Varese in Lombardy. He learned how to be a pizzaiolo (pizza maker) in the home of pizza, Naples. Cop-pola works at the Vecchia Otto-cento pizzeria in Gavirate, Varese.

The championship is in its 22nd year and was part of the Pizza World Show held at the Parma Food Fair. The event was organised by ‘Pizza e Pasta Itali-ana’ (Italian Pizza and Pasta) magazine.

Some 20,000 pizza profes-sionals from all over the world at-tended the show, including pizza makers from China, Japan, Af-rica, the Middle East, Australia, the United States and Canada. The pizza makers participated both individually and in national teams in races.

They were judged for their preparation skills, with sections for preparing classic margher-ita pizza, sliced pizza, pizza na-poletana (Neapolitan pizza) and gluten-free pizza. Other sections judge participants for their abil-ity in terms speed, acrobatic style and creating the largest pizza.

Two women from Milan, Laura Meyer and Mara Mancosu, came in second and third place.

Learn how to say these words in Italian!

English: Rome Italian: Roma

English: Paris Italian: Parigi

English: London Italian: Londra

English: Dublin Italian: Dublino

English: Berlin Italian: Berlino

English: Vienna Italian: Vienna

JUST SAY IT!Practice your Italian!

More Italians shopping at discount stores as crisis deepens; buyer numbers have 'almost doubled', statistics agency head

Italian Sparkling Wine Launches As Rival To Champagne

Parma Holds World Pizza Making Championship

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Careers N Wheels

May is Career Month at DoDDS Sigonella Elementary School. To help students at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella learn more about

different careers, the Sure Start and Kindergarten classes participated in the annual Careers on Wheels event, May 3 on NAS I.

The military community at NAS Sigonella supported the event by sending personnel and the different vehicles they use around base. These vehicles included a fire truck, ambulance, police car, weapons flatbed truck, a crane, and a recycling truck. The students spent time looking at each vehicle, learning about the equipment used for each job, and listening to event members describe their ca-reers and what kind of training is needed to do their jobs.

“The students are still pretty young to be deciding what they want to do when they grow up," Elementary School Counselor Judy Shannon said. “This event gives them a chance to be introduced to several careers in a

short period of time. They were so excited to see the different vehicles and learn about each career.”

Students were able to sit inside a police car with the lights on before moving to an ambulance where a few hospitalmen demonstrated what happens in the back of the vehicle during emergencies. Next, children listened carefully as the firemen showed them how equipment is used during a fire, including axes and other tools that might be used to aid the firemen in putting out a fire.

“They know their mom and dad 'go to work' and are in the Navy, but not always exactly what they do,” Shannon said. “At the ages of five and six, the students are just beginning to be aware of all the different careers around them.”

At one of the stations, students watched as the recycling truck was used to demonstrate how large dumpsters that separate recyclable paper, glass, metal and plastics are picked up. Students were able to take

turns sitting high up in the crane while learning how it is used to help lift large items. The students also climbed up into the cab of the weapons flatbed truck and one class even got up on the bed of the truck to have their class picture taken.

"At a younger age, they are introduced to different careers during events like this one,” Shannon said. “In the upper elementary grades, the students will take a career interest inventory and talk about what career might fit with their personal interests.”

When the Careers on Wheels event ended, teachers took their students back to the classrooms and discussed what they saw and learned from the event volunteers and the vehicles used around base.

Later in the month different grade levels will take walking field trips around NAS I to see other careers in action. These trips are all tied together with lessons to better educate students on career options.

by mc3 camerOn bramHamNAS Sigonella Public Affairs

DoDDS Sigonella Elementary school Kindergarten and Sure Start students participated in "Careers on Wheels," May 3. (U.S. Navy photos by MC3 Cameron Bramham/Released)

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ON THE GO WITH MWR

Friday, May 10 5:00 PM The Great Gatsby 3D PG-13 5:30 PM G. I. Joe 2 PG-137:30 PM 42 PG-138:00 PM Evil Dead R

Saturday, May 11 2:00 PM The Host PG-132:30 PM The Croods 3D PG4:30 PM Jurassic Park 3D PG-135:00 PM Iron Man 3 PG-137:30 PM Evil Dead R

Sunday, May 12 - Happy Mother’s Day 2:00 PM Jurassic Park 3D PG-132:30 PM Temptation PG-134:30 PM The Great Gatsby 3D PG-135:00 PM The Host PG-137:30 PM Iron Man 3 3D PG-13

Tuesday, May 14 5:00 PM The Croods 3D PG 5:30 PM Admission PG-137:30 PM Olympus Has Fallen R 8:00 PM Temptation PG-13

Wednesday, May 155:00 PM Iron Man 3 3D PG-135:30 PM G. I. Joe 2 PG-13 7:30 PM 42 PG-138:00 PM Jurassic Park 3D PG-13

Thursday, May 16 5:00 PM The Host PG-135:30 PM G. I. Joe 2 3D PG-137:30 PM The Great Gatsby 3D PG-138:00 PM Temptation PG-13

Friday, May 17 5:00 PM Star Trek: Darkness 3D PG-13 5:30 PM Evil Dead R7:30 PM Oblivion PG-138:00 PM Scary MoVie R

Saturday, May 18 2:00 PM Jurassic Park 3D PG-132:30 PM Scary MoVie R4:30 PM Iron Man 3 3D PG-135:00 PM The Great Gatsby PG-137:30 PM Star Trek: Darkness 3D PG-13

Sunday, May 192:00 PM Iron Man 3 PG-132:30 PM G. I. Joe 2 3D PG-134:30 PM Star Trek: Darkness 3D PG-135:00 PM Evil Dead R7:30 PM The Great Gatsby 3D PG-13

Movie Premiere

Same Day Release

Free Movie

Last Show

Midtown Movie TheatersSchedule & Descriptions

EVIL DEAD ... RSTARRING: Jane Levy, Shiloh Fernandez, Lou Taylor Pucci

Five friends head to a remote cabin, where the discovery of a Book of the Dead leads them to unwittingly summon up demons living in the nearby woods. The evil presence possesses them until only one is left to fight for survival. (91 m.)

THE GREAT GATSBY 2D & 3D ... PG13STARRING: Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton

SCARY MOVIE ... RSTARRING: Ashley Tisdale, Simon Rex, Charlie Sheen

A Midwestern war veteran finds himself drawn to the past and lifestyle of his millionaire neighbor. (142 m.)

A couple begin to experience some unusual activity after bringing their newborn son home from the hospital. With the help of home-surveillance cameras and a team of experts, they learn they're being stalked by a nefarious demon. (86 m.)

STAR TREK: INTO THE DARKNESS 2D & 3D ... PG-13STARRING: Benedict Cumberbatch, Chris Pine, Zoe Saldana

After the crew of the Enterprise find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction. (132 m.)

Movie schedule is subject to change. Please call to confirm.

Movie Hotline: 624-4248

Friday, 10 MAY 13 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Sausage Patties, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Pancake, Asstd Doughnuts.*Lunch: New England Clam Chowder, Lemon Baked Fish, Steamed Rice, Beef Stew, Asparagus, Garlic Roasted Potatoes, Cake.*Speed line: Grilled Hamburger/Cheeseburger, French Fries, Baked Beans.*Dinner: Vegetable Supreme Soup, Teriyaki Chicken, Baked Tuna Noodles, Fried Rice, Spinach, Oriental Stir Fry, Cake.

Saturday, 11 MAY 13 *Breakfast: Farina, Grilled Ham Slices, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, Asstd Doughnuts.*Brunch: Breakfast Items, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Roast Turkey, Steamed Rice, Roasted Potatoes, Steamed Broccoli, Glazed Carrots, Cookies.*Dinner: Broccoli Soup, Spaghetti Carbonara, Baked Fish Portion, Steamed Rice, Peas, Corn Whole Kernel, Cookies.

Sunday, 12 MAY 13 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Minute Steak, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Asstd Doughnuts.*Brunch: Breakfast Items, Bean & Bacon Soup, Oven Fried Chicken Nuggets, Steamed Rice, Steamed Brussels Sprouts, Squash, Cake.*Dinner: Pepper Pot Soup, Veal Parmesan, Rice Pilaf, Cauliflower Polonaise, Penne Alfredo , Seasoned Succotash, Cake.

Monday, 13 MAY 13 *Breakfast: Hominy Grits, Minced Beef w/ Toast, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, Asstd Doughnuts.*Lunch: Cream of potato Soup, Turkey Pot Pie, Yankee Pot Roast, Tossed Green Rice, Parsley Buttered Potatoes, Calico Cabbage, Sprouts Superba, Cake.*Speed line: Oven Roast Beef Slice Sandwich, French Fries.*Dinner: Beef Noodle Soup, Spaghetti Meat Sauce, Brown Rice, Chicken Patties, Collard Greens, Lyonnaise Green Beans, Cake.

Tuesday, 14 MAY 13 *Breakfast: Farina, Oven Fried Bacon, Baked Sausage Patties, Biscuits and Gravy, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Asstd Doughnuts, Butterfly Rolls. *Speed line: Italian Sausage W/ Pepper & Onion, Oven Fried Potatoes*Lunch: Cream of Asparagus Soup, Chicken Fajitas, Tacos, Burritos, Refried Beans, Mexican Rice, Hopping John, Corn on The Cob, Southern Style Greens,Jalapeno Corn Bread, Cake.*Dinner: Onion Soup, Lasagna, Cream Style Corn, Fishwich, Baked Hubbard Squash, Cookies.

Wednesday, 15 MAY 13 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Creamed Ground Beef, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Pancakes, Asstd Doughnuts, Danish Diamonds.*Lunch: Mulligatawny Soup, Roast Pork Tenderloin, Pasta al Forno, Steamed Rice, Mashed Potatoes, Chicken Gravy, Peas & Carrots, Steamed Cauliflower, Sweet Potato Pie.*Speed line: Grilled Cheese/Hamburger, Baked Beans, French Fried Potatoes.*Dinner: Chicken noodles soup, Fish Breaded, Steamed Rice, Pasta Siciliana, Carrots, Broccoli, Sweet Potato Pie.

Thursday, 16 MAY 13 *Breakfast: Hominy Grits, Corned Beef Hash, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, Asstd Doughnuts, Pineapple Carrot Muffin.*Lunch: Corn Chowder Soup, Baked Chicken, Meatloaf, Orange Rice, Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Asparagus, Summer Squash, Cake. *Speed line: Corn Dog, Onion Rings.*Dinner: Beef Noodle Soup, Beef Stew, Farfalle Alfredo, Steamed Rice, Steamed Broccoli, Seasoned Carrots, Cake.

Friday, 17 MAY 13 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Sausage Patties, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Asstd Doughnuts.*Lunch: New England Clam Chowder, Baked Fish w/cherry tomatoes, Pork Chop w/mushroom sauce, Mushroom Gravy, Steamed Rice, Roasted Garlic Potatoes, Steamed Asparagus, Cauliflower, Lemon Cookies.*Speed line: Grilled Cheese/Hamburger, Baked Beans, French Fried Potatoes.*Dinner: Cream Of Mushroom Soup, Cantonese Spareribs, Baked Tuna Noodles, Rice Pilaf, Steamed Whole Corn, Seasoned Spinach, Lemon Cookies.

Don't miss the fun ... Here's what's happening:

JURASSIC PARK 3D ... PG13STARRING: Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum

During a preview tour, a theme park suffers a major power breakdown that allows its cloned dinosaur exhibits to run amok. (127 m.)

Patrons at the Fit District last week were treated to three special Pilates workshops by Nicole White that proved why nearly every demographic could benefit from implementing a Pilates routine.

Pilates is a mat-based exercise routine that focuses on breath work and utilization of the trunk muscles to strengthen and tone, improve posture, provide flexibility and balance, unite body and mind, and create a more streamlined shape. It was developed by Joseph H. Pilates in the early 1900s and has been popular with the dance community ever since. Pilates has recently enjoyed a place in mainstream fitness as more and more people discover the role Pilates can play in obtaining the lean figure that so many individuals desire.

But a whittled waist is only one of the many benefits of a Pilates routine. At the Pilates for Athletes workshop, endurance athletes learned how Pilates can enhance their cross-training regimen. Swimming, running, and biking are all quad-dominant exercises, meaning that muscular emphasis is constantly put on the large quadriceps muscle on the front of the thigh. Pilates works to strengthen the opposing muscular systems – those of the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back – which is beneficial because maintaining this balance of muscular strength can help prevent overuse injuries. In addition, the Pilates emphasis on breath work strengthens the diaphragm, and a strong upper back allows the chest to be maintained open and upright throughout activity, both of which promote deeper, stronger, and more effortless breathing during exertion.

During the Pre/Postnatal Pilates workshop, moms and moms-to-be learned how trunk muscles strengthened by Pilates can lead to improved posture and less aches and pains during pregnancy, easier labor, and quicker post-delivery recovery. The mind-body connection in Pilates teaches women to be more in-tune with their constantly changing bodies, allowing them to listen to and accommodate what their bodies need at each new bend in the road. BOSU half-balls were used in the workshop to provide back support for pregnant women who were no longer able lie flat on their backs.

In the Intensive Pilates workshop, participants received detailed and in-depth instructions on the basic Pilates mat routine, as well as how to take the basics up a notch as they advance in skill level.

MWR’s Youth Programs NEED YOU!Have you ever wondered … what goes on at the Youth Complex? Here’s

your chance to come out and check it out for yourself. The Youth Complex is hosting a Youth Forum at the Youth Complex in Marinai on Friday, May 17 from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm for all youth 12 – 18 years old and their parents. We want to hear your program ideas, comments and feed back on current programs. This is our time to brainstorm together to program fresh new ideas and programming that will work for the youth and the parents. In addition, we have some great new opportunities for the youth where we need your opinions. Come out and meet the new Youth Program Director Warren Britton who is eager to gather new ideas and hear your input.

We have a goal of building a stronger youth program and being able to offer interesting programs to our youth. Let’s work together to create a program that is enticing and enriching to our local youth. Grab a friend and come out for this vital brainstorming session. Refreshments will be served. We welcome comments, ideas and concerns, so feel free to email to Warren ahead of time so that we can be sure to address as many as possible.

For more information email Warren at warren.britton@eu.navy.mil, or call the Youth Center at 624-1750 or 624-1747.

Youth Programs give Sigonellans a voice

The Youth Complex in Marinai offers a comfortable setting for 12-18 year olds. (Photo courtesy of MWR)

Why YOU should do Pilatesby erIn wOrkMWR Fitness

Pilates classes are Mondays and Wednesdays at the NAS I Fit District from 11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Call the Fit District at 624-4483 for details.

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THe sIgnaTUrepage 14 may 10, 2013 THe sIgnaTUre page 15may 10, 2013

IL mercaTO

NOTE: Ads run for two weeks on a space available basis and must be sponsored by active duty military members, family members or Italian/American base employees. AFTS/AFN decoders must be sold only to another authorized individual: active duty or retired U.S. military, DoD direct-hire employees or their spouse.

Ads that profit a business or individual, such as housekeeping or baby-sitting services considered commercial ads. Commercial ads are not accepted. Requests for commercial ads must be made to Stampa Generale: 081-568-7884 or stampagenerale@tin.it.

All classified ads are free to the community for advertising personal property for sale, trade or giveaway. Ads must be sent to thesig@eu.navy.mil no later than 5 p.m. of the Friday before the week of publication and must include POC name and phone number. For more information, call 624-5440, 624-2798 or 095-86-5440/2798 or stampagenerale@tin.it.

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

Students from Department of Defense De-pendents School (DoDDS) and their families gath-ered in the school courtyard on NAS I to celebrate another successful school year with the DoDDS annual Spring Carnival, May 3.

The annual carnival is organized by the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) and serves as the last big fundraising event of the year. The PTO Carni-val is a longstanding tradition at Sigonella Elemen-tary School and has been held for more than ten years (in May) to celebrate the end of the school year and the beginning of warm weather. Proceeds from the event go to support school programs, which include subscription-based online training such as IXL (which teaches math skills) and Brain-POP, which covers a variety of educational topics. Funds are also used to bring in various authors to visit with students and discuss the books that the kids are reading and interact with the authors through various writing skills clinics and group presentations. Proceeds also go to support Ms. Soeby’s musical productions and Ms. Hammond’s visiting artists.

Activities at the carnival included a cake walk, a book walk, a Plinko game, corn hole games, face painting, the ever-popular toilet paper toss, and the dunk tank. There was a silent auction set up with the lucky winner receiving one of several gift baskets available. The event was successful in raising funds to carry on the schools popular programs. The Sigonella high school girls' soccer team alone raised more than $500 from concessions (hot dogs, etc.).

Sallie Davis, kindergarten teacher and PTO teacher representative, was happy to see so many

kids and their families come out and enjoy the fun, food and wonderful weather.

"The carnival is an important event because it brings together different members of the commu-nity to celebrate and have a good time,” said Davis. “The elementary students always have a blast as they get to see their teachers in a setting other than a classroom. It is a chance for everyone to play, laugh, and enjoy the Sigonella community."

It wasn’t just the attendees that enjoyed the event. All the volunteers who manned the gam-ing booths and food tables seemed to really enjoy themselves as well.

“I absolutely love volunteering, and working with kids is my favorite!” said Tech Sergeant Jes-sica Pigott of Defense Courier Service. “They have so much life and excitement on their faces, espe-cially while playing games and winning prizes. It’s priceless.”

According to Davis, this event is successful year after year due to the tireless efforts of all the volun-teers, from students to military.

"The Sigonella elementary school PTO would like to thank the mass of volunteers who helped on May 3rd. The Sigonella Middle/High School Hon-or Society was a tremendous help and set a great example as future leaders of America. The military community worked extremely hard setting up and breaking down the carnival. They also enjoyed running the games, which provided a break from their daily grind. We are always thankful to have military volunteers in our school to work with our military children. Again, thanks to all of the teach-ers, parents, and community volunteers for mak-ing this year's carnival a huge success."

DoDDS celebrates the school year with annual Spring Carnival

by mr1 gary spenceNAS Sigonella Public Affairs

Students from Department of Defense Dependents School participated in the Spring Carnival, May 3, which consisted of a variety of activities including a cake walk. (U.S. Navy photo by MR1 Gary Spence/Released)

Students from Department of Defense Dependents School participated in the Spring Carnival, May 3, which consisted of a variety of activities including a Plinko game. (U.S. Navy photo by MR1 Gary Spence)

SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIM

ADVOCATE HOTLINES:

Sigonella SAPR VA Hotline: 335-642-8312.

DoD Safe Helpline: 001-877-995-5247

(From cell phones and off-base telephones)

Or: 19020 (toll-free access code)

1-877-995-5247 (From DSN lines)

1972 Fiat 500l in great condition. Must see! Asking 4,800 euro. Call Joe at 346-6082330.

2009 HD FDXF Dyna Fat Bob. Black, 5K miles. $10K. Call 348-629-8881 or 624-2941.

Adopt while stationed overseas International & fostercare adoptions, homestudies.

www.adopt-abroad.com

PAID ADAUTOMOBILES

THe sIgnaTUrepage 16 may 10, 2013