the november 23 issue, "the signature"

AroundSigonella

Page 3 Page 6

Festivals aroundSicily

Mark your calendarsfor two upcoming

festivals.

Page 8

A stone’s throwfrom Sicily

Paris is the city of love.Find out what’s beengoing on.

NOVEMBER 23, 2012VOL. 29 NO. 44 cnic.navy.mil/sigonella

SIGNATURETHE

SIGONELLA, SICILY

Scan for direct linksto NAS Sigonella

NOVEMBER 23, 2012

SPMAGTF-13.1 volunteers in local communityBY MAJ RAFAEL MILANES AND CAPT. NICHOLAS GRADERSPMAGTF-13.1

Service members from Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF-13.1) 13.1 painted the railing outside of the San Giuseppe Church in the Pigno Parish community during a community relations(COMREL) project, November 17. (Photo by Sergeant Vanderbilt Gaditano)

Catania, Italy – Service members from Special Pur-pose Marine Air-Ground Task Force(SPMAGTF-13.1) 13.1 stationed at Naval Air

Station (NAS) Sigonella kicked off the holiday season bygiving back to the local community during a communityrelations (COMREL) project, November 17.

"This was no easy task," said Staff Sergeant CharlesMauldin, facilities staff non-commissioned officer-in-charge. "But we were committed to getting the job done."

During the COMREL, volunteers cleaned and paintedareas of the San Giuseppe Church in the Pigno Parish com-munity, getting rid of old construction material, weeds andunnecessary debris around the church yard where childrengather to play after mass. They also sanded and painted theentire outside church rail.

“We thoroughly enjoyed the time spent working at theCatholic church and assisting the community," said Maul-din. "It gave us a chance for fellowship and we took prideand joy in our involvement.”

The community was grateful for the volunteers efforts.Neighbors and passersby often stopped to thank the Ser-vice members for what they were doing to help their localchurch.

The San Giuseppe church was inaugurated in 1968 inthe “Pigno” village. The village itself was built in the late fif-ties to quarter immigrants coming largely from the centerof Sicily. Today, the parish is led by Father Gilbert Mu-kanda.

“We are grateful to [SPMAGTF-13.1] for your genero-sity and collaboration to our community,” said Mukanda.

Service members from Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force(SPMAGTF-13.1) 13.1 volunteered during a community relations (COM-REL) project, November 17. (Photo by Sergeant Vanderbilt Gaditano)

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light. Give thanks for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. And if perchance you see no reason for giving thanks, rest assured the fault is in yourself.

- Shawnee Chief Tecumseh

THE SIGNATURETHE SIGNATURE NOVEMBER 23, 2012PAGE 2

THE SIGNATUREU.S. Naval Air Station Sigonella

Capt. Scott Butler, Commanding Officer

Cmdr. Eric Vosler, Executive Officer

CMDCM David Graham, Command Master Chief

EDITORIALLt. Tim Page, Public Affairs Officer

[email protected]

Dott. Alberto Lunetta, Community Relations Officer

[email protected]

Jackie Trembath, Editor

[email protected]

STAFFWriter/Photographer

MCSN Cameron Bramham

[email protected]

CONTRIBUTING

Writers/Photographers

Margie Ascierto-Leblanc

Catia Castelli

Coco Faber

Sergeant Vanderbilt Gaditano

Capt. Nicholas Grader

Giuseppe Licari

Maj. Rafael Milanes

CONTACT US

Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily

[email protected] 624-5440; 095-86-5440

PSC 812 Box 3020, FPO, AE 09627

PUBLISHER

Stampa Generale S.r.l.,

Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher,

Naval Support Activity Capodichino (Naples), Italy

[email protected]

Tel. 081-568-7884 – Fax 081-568-7887

This civilian enterprise (CE) newspaper is anauthorized publication for members of themilitary services overseas. Contents ofThe Signature are not necessarily the officialviews of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government,the Department of Defense (DoD), or theU.S. Navy. The appearance of advertising in thisnewspaper, including inserts or supplements,does not constitute endorsement by the DoDor Stampa Generale S.r.l., of the products orservices advertised. Everything advertised inthis publication shall be made available forpurchase, use or patronage without regard torace, 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 thisequal opportunity policy by an advertiser willresult in the refusal to print advertising from thatsource until the violation is corrected.The Signature is published weekly by StampaGenerale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher,Naval Support Activity, Capodichino (Naples),Italy - Tel. 081-568-7884, Fax 081-568-7887.E-mail: [email protected].

Editorial submissions are welcomed from allNaval Air Station Sigonella departments,divisions and tenant commands. Editorialsubmissions should be sent to the Public AffairsOffice via [email protected], guard mail stop#68 or hand-delivered to our office no later thanthe close of business on the Friday proceedingthe expected publication date. All articlessubmitted by non-staff members will beconsidered contributing writers.

The Signature will not publish any anonymousarticles. All advertisements in this publication arethe property of Stampa Generale S.r.l. Anyreproduction of advertisements in The Signatureis unauthorized without the written consent ofthe publisher.

cnic.navy.mil/sigonella

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I hope everyone is enjoying Thanksgi-ving. I think the holiday season gets longerevery year, only because the stores put holi-day merchandise out earlier and earlier! Iwanted to quote President Lincoln who esta-blished Thanksgiving as a National Holiday.

“The year that is drawing towards its close,has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fieldsand healthful skies. To these bounties, which areso constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forgetthe source from which they come, others have beenadded, which are of so extraordinary a nature,that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften eventhe heart which is habitually insensible to the everwatchful providence of Almighty God. In themidst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude andseverity, which has sometimes seemed to foreignStates to invite and to provoke their aggression,peace has been preserved with all nations, orderhas been maintained, the laws have been respec-ted and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed eve-rywhere except in the theatre of military conflict;while that theatre has been greatly contracted bythe advancing armies and navies of the Union.Needful diversions of wealth and of strength fromthe fields of peaceful industry to the national de-fense, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle orthe ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of oursettlements, and the mines, as well of iron andcoal as of the precious metals, have yielded evenmore abundantly than heretofore. Population hassteadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that

has been made in the camp, the siege and the bat-tle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the con-sciousness of augmented strength and vigor, ispermitted to expect continuance of years withlarge increase of freedom. No human counsel hathdevised nor hath any mortal hand worked outthese great things. They are the gracious gifts ofthe Most High God, who, while dealing with usin anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembe-red mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper thatthey should be solemnly, reverently and gratefullyacknowledged as with one heart and one voice bythe whole American People. I do therefore invitemy fellow citizens in every part of the United Sta-tes, and also those who are at sea and those whoare sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart andobserve the last Thursday of November next, asa day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our benefi-cent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And Irecommend to them that while offering up theascriptions justly due to Him for such singular de-liverances and blessings, they do also, with hum-ble penitence for our national perverseness anddisobedience, commend to His tender care allthose who have become widows, orphans, mour-ners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife inwhich we are unavoidably engaged, and ferventlyimplore the interposition of the Almighty Handto heal the wounds of the nation and to restore itas soon as may be consistent with the Divine pur-poses to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony,tranquility and Union."

Source: Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln (http://quod.lib.umich.edu/l/lincoln/), edited by Roy P. Basler.

Take a look around you and take care ofyour Shipmates this holiday season. If younotice that a friend or co-worker has the ho-liday blues, include them in your routine. In-tervene if you see someone about to make amistake like drinking and driving or assault.With the generosity that this communityshows everyday, there should never be a Ship-mate, friend or neighbor alone or blue duringthis holiday season.

NAS Sigonella Executive Officer, Cmdr. Eric Vosler

FINALToTal pledge card donors: 794ToTal donaTions: $160,159

NAS SIGONELLA CFC CAMPAIGN TRACKER

THE SIGNATURETHE SIGNATURE PAGE 3NOVEMBER 23, 2012

Around NAS Sigonella ...

Sigonella Middle/High School hosted CHOICES: Planning after HighSchool on November 8. This event was open to all middle and high schoolfamilies.

CHOICES night helped students and their families begin to identify anddevelop a plan of action for after graduation. This year’s keynote speaker wasBrenda Coffield, European program manager for the Military Child Educa-tion Coalition (MCEC). Ms. Coffield brings with her a wealth of experienceas a counselor and transition specialist having worked with military familiesin Europe for over 15 years. Her presentation focused on “Total Career andCollege Options.” Participants learned how to prepare and research for “lifeafter high school and beyond.” She also discussed education travel for collegestudents and shared a list of approximately 75 overseas colleges and univer-sities that offer two and four-year programs/degrees to American students.

In addition to the keynote speaker, local community members shared in-formation about Navy College Sigonella, college financial aid, the post-9/11GI Bill and Aspen Gradebook. There was also a “College Expo” area wherestudents could visit with university alumni and browse “grab and go” tablesof college brochures and literature.

BY MARGIE ASCIERTO-LEBLANCSchool Counselor

Students start planning for after high school

Sigonella middle and high school students learned about some of their choicesafter high school during special event on November 8. Photo by Tony Waldbillig

Health Promotion Assistant and Tobacco Cessation Class CoordinatorGiuseppe Licari discusses the health risks of using tobacco with a NAS Sigo-nella Sailor during the annual Great American Smoke Out event at an infor-mation booth set up by U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella Health PromotionsOffice at the commissary on NAS I, November 15.

“The Great American Smoke Out is an event created and organized by theAmerican Cancer Society,” Licari said. “This is the 37th anniversary and a dayto help people quit smoking.”

According to the American Cancer Society’s webpage, the idea of the GreatAmerican Smoke Out is that if smokers can quit for just one day, they will betaking an important step towards a healthier lifestyle.

For more information, read “For just a day” on page 10.

Health Promotions holds GreatAmerican Smoke Out

(U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Cameron Bramham/Released)

More than 125 runners and walkers took part in the “Turkey for Me, Turkey for You” 5K run at Naval Air Station (NAS) Si-gonella on November 17. The run was the third installment of the Base-2-Base series hosted by Morale, Welfare and Recrea-tion (MWR) Sigonella. The next run in the series will be the Jingle Bell Rock 5 mile Run/Walk on Saturday December 15.Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. on the NAS II flight line fitness center. Run/Walk begins at 8 a.m. The course is stroller frien-dly (not TAC certified). Participants are encouraged to wear their best holiday attire! Jingle bells will be given to all run/wal-kers! Call 624-4483 or 624-2712 for more information. (Photo by MWR, Sigonella)

Sigonellans participate in “Turkey for Me, Turkey for You” 5K

Morale, Welfare, and Recreation(MWR) Sigonella held their annual“Turkey Bowling” event for Naval AirStation (NAS) Sigonella servicemembers and their families on No-vember 14 at the NAS I gym.

“We do this every year beforeThanksgiving,” MWR Athletic Direc-tor John Lenz said. “This year weadded a small children’s lane wherethey’re throwing rubber chickens atplastic pins.”

Lenz said regular turkeys weretoo big to use, so MWR compromi-sed and used a smaller version of tur-keys, frozen cornish game hens.

A twist on bowling

(U.S. Navy photo by MCSN CameronBramham/Released)

Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Command Master Chief David Graham wel-comed NAS Sigonella Sailors to the semi-annual Safety Stand Down (SSD) semi-nar a Midtown Theaters on November 13 – 15. This was the winter version of SSDprior to the holiday season to give Sailors information they need to stay safe. (U.S.Navy photo by MCSN Cameron Bramham/Released)

NAS Sigonella trains for the holidays

Blitzing Beauties beat Hell on HeelsThe “Blitzing Beauties” (above) beat “Hell on Heels” in a 10-0 victory duringMWR’s annual Powderpuff football game at the NAS 1 Land Annex Field on November 16. The sole touchdown of the game was made by “Blitzing Beauties”running back, Machinery Repairman 3rd Class Robin Guyton. “It felt great,” Guy-ton said. “Last year I played and didn’t score so it feels great to do it this time. I love football and to get a bunch of people together and come out for a game offootball and get rough and dirty is just fun!”(Photo by MWR Sigonella)

Need an appointment at thehospital? Call DSN 624-CARE (2273) or commercial095-56-2273, M-F: 7:30 a.m.- 4 p.m.

For non-emergent medicalquestions that arise over theweekend, a holiday or afteroffice hours, please call 335-578-8077 if you are normallyseen at the hospital or 335-578-8150 if you are normallyseen at the Flight Line Clinic.

THE SIGNATURE NOVEMBER 23, 2012PAGE 4

Does your command or organization have an event you’d like to see on the Community Calendar? Email us at [email protected] and let us know!

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 [email protected] and let us know!

C O M M U N I T Y C A L E N D A RFRIDAY

23

ITTPrincipe di Corleone

Winery & NovelloWine Tasting

Take 5Dominos Game Night

ITTGodfather Tour

Youth ComplexImage Makers

2-3 p.m.

Liberty : Take 5Thanksgiving Leftovers

6 p.m.

24 25

SATURDAY SUNDAY

Christmas Tree LightingMidtown6 p.m.

Holiday ConcertKnights Hall

7 p.m.


2-3 p.m.

ITT Cefalu and Castelbuono

8 a.m.-8 p.m.

1 2

7

ITT“La Traviata” byGuiseppe Verdi

65

Tobacco Cessation Class2-3 p.m.

Midtown Classroom

Connections Bingo6 p.m

4

Youth ComplexDigital Arts Club

4-4:30 p.m.

3

Books 2 Movies : Hansel and Gretal

Witch HuntersMidtown Classroom

5-7 p.m.

AA MeetingNAS I Chapel

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.POC: Kevin, 347-495-6721

Parent ConnectionNoon

Tobacco Cessation Class2-3 p.m.

Midtown Classroom

Connections Bingo6 p.m.


2-3 p.m.

8 9

MONDAY

26AA Meeting

NAS I Chapel5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

POC: Kevin, 347-495-6721

$1 Bowling

Youth ComplexDigital Arts Club

4-4:30 p.m.

27 28

TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

Outdoor Rec

Sicilian Style Fishing in

Marzamemi4 a.m.-3 p.m.

29

THURSDAY

November

2012

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

Fitness: x4483, x5243Midtown 2 Theaters: x4248

30Winter Wonderland

NAS I Gym10 a.m.-1 p.m.

ITTMessina and Tindari

8 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

THE SIGNATURENOVEMBER 23, 2012 PAGE 5

Fleet and FamilySupport Center

Administration Building Bldg. 319 (NAS I)

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

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)

Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Hotlines

The Navy Gateway Inns and Sui-tes (NGIS) team is ready to deliver“Stellar Service” to the guests whofrequent Sigonella for their tempo-rary duty and/or leisure time!

In the month of October, NGISstaff members were immersed in aweek of training of “YES!”. “YES!” isan acronym for “You’re Empoweredto Succeed”: each employee learnedhow to idetify and use the right toolsand resources to meet and exceed ourguest expectations, delivering “StellarService”. Training was provided byFresh Revenues, a company taskedby CNIC to create a new NGIS cul-ture worldwide. This new culture isthe next step in developing NGISbrand awareness. Our vision is to bethe “Preferred Lodging Choice” formilitary and families worldwide.

Developing loyal customerswho want to return because of greatpeople providing a “Stellar Expe-rience” with great services.

Do you need assistance writing your resume for private sector or federal employment?Call the FFSC today and schedule a one-on-one appointment with Sarah Conlan to getstarted on a resume that works. FMI, call 624-4291 or email [email protected].

Navy Gateway Innsand Suites offersstellar serviceBY CATIA CASTELLINavy Gateway Inns and Suites

Long distance swimmingCongratulations to all the Sigonella Swordfish who qualified for the LongDistance Championships that will be held this weekend in Antwerp, Bel-gium. Good luck to the following swimmers who will be making the tripduring the Thanksgiving weekend. Be safe, give it your all and good luckwith this meet and throughout the remainder of the season.

Sigonella Swordfish travel to Belgiumto compete in championships

Good luck, Sigonella Swordfish!

Ethan BowlingMichaela BowlingRiley BowlingAmelia BoyleEllie ButlerMegan CagleRamil CelonesHannah DavisSammie McManusTommy McManusEthan NaaktgeborenMia NaaktgeborenMaggie SalazarAndrew VoslerKatie Vosler

Also qualified for Long Distance Champsbut are unable to make the trip:

Lauren McClintockRocio SalazarKolby SimpsonFinn YoubergMason Youberg


Paternò honors Saint Barbara

Bring the whole family to enjoy the 9th annual Sagra del Maiale e del Cin-ghiale Festival (Pork and Wild Boar ) which will be held in Antillo (Messinaprovince) on December 1 and 2! The festival, running in the town historiccenter, will offer taste-tempting produce and specialties including salsiccia(sausage) and cured meats. Festival goers can also enjoy traditional local pro-duce (mushrooms, olive oil, wine, honey, dried fruits, bread and cheese) aswell as arts and crafts and visit the local rural life museum (Museo Agro-Pa-storale). Festival hours are Saturday, December 1 from 4 p.m. to midnight andSunday, December 2, 10 a.m. to midnight. Admission is free.

Antillo is fairly easy to reach. Exit Roccalumera on A-18 (Catania-Messinahighway), take State Road 114, drive through S. Alessio Siculo and follow di-rections towards Antillo. For more information, detailed schedules and moredirections visit the Town of Antillo web site at http://www.comunediantillo.it

Attend the Wild Boar andPork Festival in Antillo

JUST SAY IT!

Practice your Italian

English: tonightItalian: stasera

English: last nightItalian: la notte scorsa

English: next weekItalian: la prossima settimana

English: tomorrowItalian: domani

English: todayItalian: oggi

English: recentlyItalian: recentemente

Have fun practicingyour Italian!

Buona Fortuna

The annual Santa Barbara Festivalwill be held in Paternò from Decem-ber 3 through 5 and will feature reli-gious processions, arts and crafts andmusic entertainment.

Santa Barbara is the patron saint ofPaternò. Paternò’s devotion to SantaBarbara originated in 1576 when shesaved the town from a terrible plagueepidemic. Legend has it that Saint Bar-bara had appeared in a dream to a nunpromising to save the town if tow-nspeople would proclaim her as thepatron saint. The nun disclosed thedream to the community, who hailedher as the santa patrona (patronesssaint) right away. A few days later, theplague ended, so Santa Barbara be-came the official protector of the Pa-

ternò community. Townspeople erec-ted a cathedral to honor her.

According to legend Santa Barbaraalso intervened to stop a terrible Etnaeruption in 1780. The “miracle” occur-red after Paternò townspeople carriedher relics in procession near the townof Ragalna on the slopes of the vol-cano.

Saint Barbara is still invoked togrant safety from lightning, thunder-storms, and fires. Since the MiddleAge, she has been regarded as the pa-tron saint of those who are in dangerof fire or explosions. She is also asso-ciated with artillerymen, fire fightersand ordnance disposal personnel. Hi-storically her image was placed on ar-senals and powder magazines. InItalian, the ammunition magazine ona war ship is still called Santabarbara.

Festival Schedule HighlightsOn December 3, blank cannon

shots announce the beginning of thefestival at 8 a.m.

In the evening, the holy proces-sion featuring the saint’s relics kicksoff at 6:30 p.m. leaving from theChiesa Matrice (the one located onthe hill near the Norman castle) andreaching piazza. S. Barbara.

Later, a children’s choir will singtraditional religious chants (Cantatedelle corporazioni cittadine) in piazzaIndipendenza at 9 p.m. A firework andmusic show will follow at the end ofthe celebrations.

The highlight of the festival is onDecember 4. Celebrations will beginearly in the morning with cannonshots and bell ringing at dawn. Later,the statue depicting the saint and herholy relics will be unveiled at8:30 a.m. (Svelata del Simulacro di S.Barbara). Later at 10 a.m., the statuedepicting the saint will be carried out

in procession throughout the towncenter, leaving from via S. Caterinaand reaching the Church of Idria(Uscita del Simulacro e delle Reliquiedi S. Barbara). A music show by thelocal city band will be performed at10:15 a.m. in piazza Indipendenza(the concert will be repeated in theevening at 6:30 p.m.)

At 12:30 p.m., the fercolo (car-riage carrying the reliquary and thestatue) will make its triumphant entryin piazza Vittorio Veneto. After that,an amazing firework show will be per-formed in piazza Vittorio Veneto. Inthe afternoon at 4:30 p.m., the holyrelics of the saint will be brought inprocession throughout the historiccenter for several hours. The proces-sion will leave from the Church ofSaint Antonio Abate and reachespiazza S. Barbara. A firework showwill be performed at the end of thisprocession by the Church of SaintBiagio.

On the last day of the festival (De-cember 5), at 11 a.m., the Catania Ar-chbishop will celebrate a solemn holymass at the church of Saint Barbara. Inthe afternoon at 4:30 p.m., the saint re-lics will again be carried on the devo-tees’ shoulders throughout the town’shistoric heart. A group of about ten va-rette (baroque styled carts containinga tall wax candle (cerei) decoratedwith lights, small flags and statues de-picting angels, saints and flowers) willjoin the procession around 9:30 p.m.

Around midnight, the afternoonprocession will return to the Churchof Saint Barbara and a breathtaking fi-reworks show by the medieval castlewill then end the festival.

For more information and detai-led schedule visit http://www.comune.paterno.ct.it

The traditional Santa Barbara Festival,which draws thousands of pilgrims andtourists annually, will be held in Pa-ternò, December 3 through 5 featuringreligious processions, arts and craftsand music entertainment. (Photo byParrocchia Santa Barbara of Paternò)

BY JACKIE TREMBATHNAS Sigonella Public Affaiirs

Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris solidified my desire to visit the city of love. Our wedding anniversary providedthe perfect opportunity. What better way to celebrate four years of marriage than to stroll hand-in-hand alongthe Siene?

There is something about Paris that's magical, especially during the fall and winter seasons when touristscrowds are minimal, leaving the city humming with the locals.

My husband and I picked up a travel book prior to our trip and highlighted things we wanted to do and see whenwe got to Paris. Through our travels, we've learned to keep the "to do" list short to allow ourselves time to reallyenjoy the cities we visit and not get to caught up in being tourists. We narrowed it down to a top five: the EiffelTower, the Louvre, the Arch de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, and because I am a sucker for romance, the Pontde l'Archevêché. Like so many tourist couples, I wanted to write our names on a lock and throw away the key.

Taking in Paris at a relaxed pace was ideal. We stayed at Hôtel Saint-Charles, a short walk from the metro,which made it convenient to tour the city. In addition to the sites, art and history, Paris offers a wide variety offood choices. Close to our hotel, we discovered a local market which offered a variety of culinary delights fromfreshly baked pastries to rich cheeses to organic produce. We bought some cheese, salami and bread along witha bottle of wine and carried them with us in a backpack.

We visited the Eiffel Tower but were intimidated by the long lines so on an impulse took a boat tour of the

Paris: the city love

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BY JACKIE TREMBATHNAS Sigonella Public Affaiirs

city. Over our wine and picnic food, we relaxed and cruised along the water enjoying the sights. When wereturned to the dock, the sun had set and the tower was alive with lights. It took my breath away.

On day two, we checked Notre Dame off of our list. The magnificence of the cathedral was morethan I had anticipated. I could have spent the entire day admiring the architecture. As we stood in lineto climb the 402 steps to the North Tower, rain began to fall. We found shelter at local cafe and people-watched instead. Later in the evening, we headed back to the cathedral, drawn by its beautiful illumina-tion. There we met a university student who wanted to practice his English with a couple Americans.Two hours later not only had we learned more about the city but we met a new friend. At his recom-mendation, we also added Sacré Coeur to our list.

By taking advantage of the hop-on-hop-off bus tour, which I affectionately named the HOHO, wewere able to see more of the city than we had planned for. Day three included the Arc de Triomphe anda slew of other sights. We ended the evening by revisiting the Eiffel Tower and realized that though thelines were still long, they went rather quickly. In about half an hour we were riding the elevator up to thetop of the tower. It was worth the wait. At the top we watched the sun set and the city took on a new en-chanting life. We finished the evening by visiting the Sacré Coeur which we saw from the Eiffel Tower.It looked like a heavenly cloud amongst the rooftops.

Our time in the city went by fast. The weather had been intermittent with rain, which like Owen Wil-son's character in Midnight in Paris, I thought made it even more romantic. We spent our evenings atlocal bistros people-watching and enjoying the variety of food. My husband played it safe, limiting hisselections of French favorites to crepes, french onion soup and quiche. I tried the escargot and foi grasin the spirit of Andrew Zimmern. We both enjoyed the wine, particularly the Burgundy and Bordeaux.

Our final day in Paris happened to be the first Sunday of the month when it's free to visit the Louvre,so the line was exceptionally long. Thankfully, my husband discovered that if you buy a ticket, you cango through another entrance. So we saved ourselves a couple hours and in no time we were in the mu-seum. The amount of art and artifacts in the Louvre was overwhelming. We limited ourselves to the topdisplays, including the world famous Mona Lisa.

Paris was everything I imagined it to be and then some. Even though we were only there a shortwhile, I fell in love with the city and even a little more in love with my husband.

French philosopher Alain Badiou says love implies constant risk. There is no safe everlastinglove - It is inherently hazardous, always on the brink of failure and above all vulnerable. Maybe so. But on our last day in Paris, in the rain, we locked our love on the Pont de l'Archevêché and threw thekeys into the Siene.

Paris: the city love


Friday, 23 NOV 12

*Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Sausage Links, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order,

Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Asstd Doughnuts, Apple Fritters.

*Lunch: New England Clam Chowder, Fried/Baked Pollok Fish, Pork Chop , Mushroom Gravy,

Steamed Rice, 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, Farfalle al Ragu, Pork Fried Rice,

Steamed Whole Corn, Seasoned Spinach, Lemon Cookies, Cheese Cake, Chocolate Cream Pudding.

Saturday, 24 NOV 12

*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, Spaghetti Carbonara, Mashed Potatoes,

Chicken Gravy, Steamed Rice, Green Kale, Peas & Mushroom, Chocolate Drop Cookies, Apple Crisp.

Sunday, 25 NOV 12

*Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Minute Steak, Oven Fried Bacon, French Toast Puff, Asstd Omelets,

Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Asstd Doughnuts, Kolaches.

*Brunch: Breakfast Items, Bean & Bacon Soup, Breaded Pork Chop, Italian Roasted Potatoes,

Seasoned Green Beans, Glazed Carrots, Yellow Cake w/ Frosting, Hermits.

*Dinner: Split Pea Soup, Turkey Ala King, Aztec Rice, Fish Portion, Black-eye Peas, Fried Cauliflower,

Yellow Cake w/ Frosting, Hermits.

Monday, 26 NOV 12

*Breakfast: Hominy Grits, Minced Beef on Toast, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order,

Roasted Potatoes, French Toast, Asstd Doughnuts, Streusel Coffee Cake.

*Lunch: Chicken Noodle Soup, Rosemary Roast Turkey, Baked Fish, Mashed Potatoes, Seasoned

Summer Squash, Steamed Peas, Turkey Gravy, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Banana Cake, Dutch Apple Pie.

*Speed line: Pizza

*Dinner: Pepper Pot Soup, Linguine Carbonara, Baked Chicken Quartered , Baked Potatoes, Collard

Greens, Calico Cabbage, Brown Gravy, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Banana Cake, Dutch Apple Pie.

Tuesday, 27 NOV 12

*Breakfast: Farina, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, Waffles,

Biscuits and Gravy, Asstd Doughnuts, Blueberry Muffins.

*Lunch: Cream of Asparagus Soup, BBQ Spareribs, Southern Fried Chicken, Chicken Gravy, Mashed

Potatoes, Hopping John, Corn on the Cob, Southern Style Greens, Jalapeno Corn Bread, German

Chocolate Cake, Cherry Pie.

*Speed line: Salad Bar Pasta.

Dinner: Beef Rice Soup, Sauerbraten, Lasagna, Lyonnaise Rice, Vegetable Stir Fry, Steamed

Asparagus, Brown Gravy, German Chocolate Cake, Cherry Pie.

Wednesday, 28 NOV 12

*Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Creamed Ground Beef, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order,

Roasted Potatoes, Blueberry Pancakes, Asstd Doughnuts, Bear Claw.

*Lunch: Beef Vegetable Soup, Breaded Pork Steaks, Savory Baked Chicken, Potatoes Au Gratin,

Oriental Rice, Cauliflowers, Tangy Spinach, Cherry Cheese Cake, Chewy Nut Bars, Cream Puffs.


*Dinner: Minestrone Soup, Fish Portion, Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce, Steamed Rice, Brown Gravy,

Peas & Carrots, Wax Beans, Cherry Cheese Cake, Chewy Nut Bars, Cream Puffs.

Thursday, 29 NOV 12

*Breakfast: Hominy Grits, Oven Fried Bacon, Corned Beef Hash, Asst Omelets, Eggs to Order,

Roasted Potatoes, 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.

*Speed line: Assorted Pizza.

Dinner: Chicken Noodle Soup, Meat Loaf, Breaded Pork Chop, Oven Browned Potatoes, Corn

O’ Brien, Simmered Carrots, Vanilla Cookies, Devil’s Food Cake.

Friday, 30 NOV 12

*Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Sausage Links, Oven Fried Bacon, Asstd Omelets, Eggs to Order,

Roasted Potatoes, 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.


*Dinner: Egg Drop Soup, Chicken Cacciatore, Meatloaf, Rice Pilaf, Southern Green Beans, Savory

Squash, Strawberry Cake, Lemon Meringue Pie, Fruit Gelatin.


The prevention and detection oftheft at Navy Exchange (NEX) loca-tions throughout the world is seriousbusiness. During 2011, NEX LossPrevention/Safety associates investi-gated and resolved 1,320 shopliftingcases with a total dollar amount of$258,032. Of those 1,320 cases, 31percent were juveniles and 19 per-cent were active duty military.

The 2011 National Retail Secu-rity Survey, conducted by the Uni-versity of Florida in conjunction withAmerica’s top retail chains indicatesfor a second year in a row, stealing byshoppers cost American retailers astaggering $10.94 billion.

“Our customers and associatescontinue to play a vital role in preven-ting theft from our stores,” said TomRuane, NEXCOM’s Corporate LossPrevention/Safety Manager. “We en-courage anyone to report suspicionsof theft activity to NEX manage-ment, loss prevention/safety person-nel or for our associates, through theanonymous Alertline program.”

The top five departments for sho-plifting at the NEX in 2011 were co-stume jewelry, mass cosmetics,prestige cosmetics, video games andfashion accessories.

While the NEX continues to beproactive in apprehending shoplif-ters, NEX Loss Prevention/Safety as-sociates work hard at preventing theftbefore it happens. NEXs worldwideuse electronic article surveillance(EAS) systems for electronic andhigh value merchandise as well as ex-tensive closed circuit surveillance sy-stems (CCTV) to try and deter aswell as catch shoplifters. The CCTV

systems, coupled with digital videorecorders and remote viewing te-chnology, gives the NEX the abilityto see everything within the storeand identify incidents of theft.

If shoplifting is suspected, NEXLoss Prevention/Safety associatesturn all incidents over to base policeand /or local law enforcement. In ad-dition to possible disciplinary actionand criminal prosecution, the Fede-ral Claims Collection Act allowsNEXCOM to enact a flat administra-tive cost or Civil Recovery of $200for each incident of theft.

Shoplifting can account for aboutone-third of the total inventoryshrink. Shrink is the retail industryterm for the difference between therecorded book inventory and the ac-tual physical inventory counted atthe end of the year. Shrink is gene-rally attributed to shoplifting, asso-ciate theft, administrative errors orvendor fraud. Over the past nineyears, NEXCOM has seen its inven-tory shrink below one percent tosales compared to the national ave-rage of approximately 1.42 percent tosales.

“Shoplifting from the NEX hurtseveryone,” said Ruane. “People invol-ved in shoplifting get caught, prose-cuted and possibly banned from theNEX or end a military career. But theNEX and base lose out as well be-cause 70 percent of our profits aregiven to Navy Morale, Welfare andRecreation (MWR) to support qua-lity of life programs. In 2011, thatcontribution totaled over $43 mil-lion. If our profits decline, so do ourcontributions to MWR.”

NEX takes shoplifting seriously

Most of us get a warm feeling when we think of ourgrandparents. That feeling would most likely changeto apprehension or fear if we learned the amount oftime they had left on this earth would be shortened byfour years. We’d probably silently plead with whome-ver we believe to be a higher power to let them havethose four more years to spend with us. What is sad isthose four years represent the average amount of timepack-a-day smokers take away from how long they willbe able to spend with their loved ones. Unfortunately,some of us ignore this reality because tobacco useseems to be such a "good friend." It seems to providesome degree of relief from stress and sometimes helpsto deal with boredom. Yet, the temporary relief to-bacco use provides masks the nasty stuff some of usdon’t want to acknowledge as being part of our future:more days of sickness than non-smokers, increasedchances for heart attacks, strokes, cancer, bronchitis,dental problems, etc.

The Great American Smoke-out occurred on Thur-sday, November 15, to call attention to these realities.It’s a day when tobacco users are asked to considerquitting for just one day in the hope that if it can bedone for a day, maybe it can be done for longer, maybeforever. U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella Health Promo-tions wants to help tobacco users make this effort: we

provide over-the-phone help, tobacco cessation clas-ses, individual counseling, and presentations to com-mands and other organizations. Call 624-4710 forassistance. Our tobacco cessation program deals notonly with the nagging that comes from the physical ad-diction to nicotine, but also with the conditioning touse tobacco caused by one’s habits and the reliance ontobacco use to meet emotional and social needs.

A lot of folks considered the Great American Smo-keout challenge. They let go of that false friend for aday. Once smokers quit permanently: lung functio-ning increases up to 30% within three months or less,there is less fatigue within one to nine months, excessrisk of coronary heart disease drops by half within ayear, stroke risk is reduced to that of a non-smoker wi-thin five to fifteen years, lung cancer death rate dropsby half ten years later, and the risk of coronary heartdisease will be that of a non-smoker’s in fifteen years.

Letting go of tobacco takes a commitment andwork. But then, I remember my grandmother putcommitment and work into the melt-in-your-mouthfresh bread she used to make. Grandma didn’t smoke.She gave her family those extra years.

We might not know how to make fresh bread, butwe can give those extra years to our families andfriends. I’m glad my grandma did.

For just a day ...The Great American Smoke-out

BY GIUSEPPE LICARIU.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella

Relationship Enrichment Seminar & A Cappella Concert! December 1 - 5, 2012 at the NAS I Chapel■ Saturday, December 1: Noon - 5 p.m.: Seminar & a cappella concert! ■ Sunday, December 2: Noon - 3 p.m.: Worship & fellowship meal ■ Monday - Wednesday, December 3-5: 6 p.m.: Nightly workshops

For more information call (335) 578-8107 or email: [email protected]

BY KRISTINE M. STURKIENEXCOM Public Affairs


Friday, November 23 No School!2:00 PM Wreck-It Ralph 3D PG5:00 PM Here Comes The Boom PG 5:30 PM Resident Evil 5 R7:30 PM Sinister R 8:00 PM Taken 2 PG-13

Saturday, November 24 2:00 PM Finding Nemo 3D G 2:30 PM Wreck-It Ralph PG 4:30 PM Twilight 4, Pt. 2 PG-135:00 PM Argo R7:30 PM Resident Evil 5 3D R

Sunday, November 25 2:00 PM Hotel Transylvania 3D PG2:30 PM Frankenweenie PG4:30 PM Here Comes the Boom PG-135:00 PM Skyfall PG-137:30 PM Sinister R

Tuesday, November 275:00 PM Hotel Transylvania 3D PG 5:30 PM Sinister R7:30 PM Dredd 3D R 8:00 PM Resident Evil 5 R

Wednesday, November 28 5:00 PM Frankenweenie 3D PG5:30 PM Looper R 7:30 PM Lawless R 8:00 PM The Possession PG-13

Thursday, November 29 5:00 PM Skyfall PG-135:30 PM Wreck-It Ralph 3D PG7:30 PM Argo R 8:00 PM House at the End PG-13

Friday, November 30Tree Lighting Ceremony5:00 PM Resident Evil 5 3D R 5:30 PM End of Watch R7:30 PM Rise of Guardians 3D PG 8:00 PM Dredd R

Saturday, December 1Winter Wonderland12:00 PM Polar Express G 2:00 PM Rise of Guardians 3D PG2:30 PM Pitch Perfect PG-134:30 PM Alex Cross PG-13 5:00 PM Taken 2 R7:30 PM Paranormal Activity 4 R

Sunday, December 2 2:00 PM Finding Nemo 3D G2:30 PM Here Comes the Boom PG-134:30 PM Breaking Dawn Pt 2 PG-135:00 PM Alex Cross PG-137:30 PM Paranormal Activity 4 R

GREEN PREMIERRED LAST SHOWBLUE FREE MOVIE

Midtown Movie theatersSCHEDULE & DESCRIPTIONS

Coming soon ...

Chasing Mavericks, Fun Size, Silent Hill: Revelation, CloudAtlas, Flight, Man with Iron Fists

ON THE GO WITH MWR

Morale, Welfare and Recreation wants to get you in the holiday spirit with a great weekend full of

fun for the whole family! Sig’s the Season happens Friday, November 30 – Sunday, December 2,

and it will be full of events you won’t want to miss!

Come enjoy the sights, sounds and treats and spend time with the community in Midtown as

we light our enormous Christmas tree for the first time this season. The annual Tree Lighting

Ceremony kicks off the weekend on Friday, November 30 at 6 p.m. with music and the beautiful

display. Free cocoa and cookies will be served in the Midtown Atrium.

Saturday, December 1 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., the NAS I Gym will be transformed into a Winter

Wonderland! Make sure your kids have their holiday wish lists and you’ve got your camera ready,

because Santa will be there in person! There will be crafts for the kids, too. And, the American

Red Cross will be there with Holiday for Heroes, a chance for you to help send cards to the troops.

Midtown 2 Theaters will show a free holiday movie at noon, followed by the 2 p.m. premiere of Rise

of the Guardians. Children can do their holiday shopping from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Compass

Room with Santa’s Helpers from the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, and bowling will be free

for kids from noon – 4 p.m. at SpareTime Bowling.

The weekend will wind down with a special holiday concert from the U.S. Naval Forces Europe

Band. This incredible ensemble will perform at Knights Hall on Sunday, December 2 beginning at

7 p.m. This concert will surely set the tone for the entire holiday season.

Sig’s the Season

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

Movie Hotline: 624-4248

ALEX CROSS……………........…PG-13STARRING:Tyler Perry, Matthew Fox

A homicide detective is pushed to the brink of his moral and physical limits as he tangles with a ferociously skilledserial killer who specializes in torture and pain. (101 m.)

RISE OF THE GUARDIANS 2D & 3D……………..PGSTARRING: Hugh Jackman, Alec Baldwin and Isla Fisher

When the evil spirit Pitch launches an assault on Earth, the Immortal Guardians team up to protect the innocenceof children all around the world. (97 m.)

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 4………….……RSTARRING:Katie Featherston, Kathryn Newton and Sprague Grayden

It has been five years since the disappearance of Katie and Hunter, and a suburban family witness strange eventsin their neighborhood when a woman and a mysterious child move in. (88 m.)

END OF WATCH………..……....…..RSTARRING:Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Peña and Anna Kendrick

Two young officers are marked for death after confiscating a small cache of money and firearms from the mem-bers of a notorious cartel, during a routine traffic stop (109 m.).

TWILIGHT: BREAKING DAWN PT. 2…………PG-13STARRING: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner

After the birth of Renesmee, the Cullens gather other vampire clans in order to protect the child (123 m.).


GAMEFind the words!

ANNUALAUTUMNCELEBRATIONCORNCRANBERRYFAMILYFEASTFESTIVALFOODFOOTBALLFRIENDSGATHERING GRAVYHARVESTHOLIDAYLONG WEEKENDMASHED POTATOES

MEALNOVEMBERPARADEPILGRIMSPLYMOUTHPUMPKIN PIERELATIVESREUNIONSQUASHSTUFFINGSWEET POTATOTHURSDAYTRADITIONTRAVELTURKEYWAMPANOAGYAMS


Sudoku!

Did you know?

Americans eat roughly 535 million pounds of turkey on Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving football games began withYale versus Princeton in 1876.

Baby turkeys are called poults.Only male turkeys gobble and, therefore,

are called gobblers.

Thanksgiving can occur as early as November22 and as late as November 28.

2001 Renault Laguna 1.9 TurboDiesel DCI 120 HP. Get 20 km. withone liter of diesel. Perfect condi-tion. Dual zone climate control, 6Air Bag, power windows, stereo,etc. Perfect engine, ready for anytest. Asking 2,500 euro. Call Salvoat 338-3225071.

The Child Development Center(CDC) is hiring now for part-timeflex positions! Make your ownhours and make a difference! Call624-0509 for more information.

Benefits Open Season For Health,Dental, & Vision Insurance FlexibleSpending Account is November 12- December 10, 2012

During the annual Benefits OpenSeason, employees can take the

actions listed below for the FederalFlexible Spending Account Pro-gram (FSAFEDS), Federal Emplo-yees Dental and Vision InsuranceProgram (FEDVIP), and the FederalEmployees Health Benefits Pro-gram (FEHB). Enroll in a flexiblespending account - a health careand/or dependent care account,under the FSAFEDS Program. Un-like with other programs, emplo-yees MUST reenroll in FSAFEDSeach year to participate. Enrol-lments DO NOT carry over year toyear. Enroll in, change, or cancel anexisting enrollment in a dentalplan under the FEDVIP Program.Enroll in, change, or cancel an exi-sting enrollment in a vision planunder the FEDVIP Program. Enrollin, change, or cancel an existingenrollment in a health plan underthe FEHB Program.

When you have seen or heardabout disasters, have you ever had

the desire to respond and lend ahand? Do you want to to join ateam that will give you the trainingyou need to work with the RedCross during disasters? Come toour Disaster Team meeting on Dec.6 at 23:00, Red Cross classroom,Building 318, NAS I to received trai-ning and learn more about the RedCross. The main purpose of thisteam is to give you training thatwill be useful in helping respond todisasters in the US, and occassio-nally, overseas. If you have anyquestions, please contact the Disa-ster Team Chairman, CharlesSchmidt, at [email protected].

Diesel, between six months to oneyear old, dog, rottweiler, medium,loves other animals and people,very smart, current on shots, mi-crochipped.

Jenna, 3-year-old female, dog, me-dium, loves other animals and peo-ple, very calm, will do well withchildren, current on shots, micro-chipped, and spayed.

Fideo, 7 months, medium, male,brown, dog, loves everyone and isa typical active puppy, current onshots, microchpped.

Phillipo, 7 months, medium, male,black and white, dog, a very activeand playful puppy, current onshots, microchipped.

Mario & Luigi, male, est. medium,5-months, puppies, will do wellwith any family, current on shots,microchipped.

To volunteer, adopt or foster, visitfacebook.com/Sigonella.Animalsor http://sigonellaanimalwelfare-society.webs.com/

AUTOMOB I L E S

S AWS AN IMA L S

NOT I C E


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 policyby 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).

You can adopt whileposted overseas. In-ternational & fostercareadoptions, homestudies.www.adopt-abroad.com

laptop- toshiba(satellite), 2007 model,dual 220v/110v. (marketvalue - comes with owncase and internet usb keythat costs 50 euros, you justrecharge it monthly and surfthe web) US $250. Call 340-926-4550, Email: [email protected]

For rent in Motta, 3bedrooms + 2 bathrooms +garage. For info call Salvoat 345-351-2135 or e-mail:[email protected]

PA I D A D S


GAMEbonus!

the november 23 issue, "the signature"

Documents

pigno parish community

san giuseppe church

church yard

church rail

thecatholic church

italy service members

easy task

tim page