Okinawa Living Weekly

September 29, 2016 • mccsokinawa.com

O

ctober is shaded in pink. Because of successful and popular awareness campaigns, including ones by the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the majority of Americans are aware that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This began in 1985 and has continued as an effort to encourage and empower women to take control of their breast health including regular self-breast examinations, mammograms and doctor visits. Breast Cancer Awareness Month also helps to raise money for research for better treatments and a cure. It serves as a reminder to not wait because while many may know about prevention like self-examinations, it may fall by the wayside—put off for another day.

October also serves as a time to encourage those currently fighting the disease and remem-

inside

ber those who fought but were claimed by it. This month MCCS is hosting a 5K walk and a zumbathon. Details on page 3.

In October you may also see purple ribbons.

Slightly less known, October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Take the time to read about misconceptions regarding domestic violence and its victims and survivors. Help make it less taboo. If you or a friend is currently living with or survived domestic violence, Behavioral Health has a safe place. Read more on page 9.

To honor, remember and encourage the survivors and the fighters and families of both of these causes, we have dedicated this issue to providing information about communities and resources that are available here.

Breast Cancer Awareness 5K Walk | 3 Breast Cancer Awareness Zumbathon | 3 Culture Corner: The Amami Islands | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5

October is Breast Cancer & Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Find communities and resources in this issue.

Clockwise from the top: ArtemVarnitsin/bigstock.com, Dragon Images/bigstock.com, prudkov/bigstock.com, Daxiao Productions/bigstock.com, CleoMiu/bigstock.com

Pick of the Week: Chinen Castle Ruins | 7 Domestic Violence Resources | 9 Off-Base Events | 11 Semper Fit Events | 11

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livingatlarge

Breast Cancer Awareness 5K Walk

B

reast cancer accounts for 23% of cancers in women and 18% of cancer deaths worldwide—including males and females. The majority of those with breast cancer usually do not have a family history of this devastating disease. Understanding the risks and symptoms of breast cancer is

vital to every single person. Both women and men are vulnerable to this cancer, which claims nearly 40,000 lives annually.

For that reason, in honor of all those who lost the battle to breast cancer, and for those who have survived, join us in promoting awareness of this life-threatening disease.

This FREE event will be on October 1 at 8:10 a.m. Register from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. on the day of the event.

It is open to all SOFA personnel. Participants will meet at the parking lot of the old Naval Hospital on Camp Lester. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/wellness.

events&happenings

CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER | Jim Kassebaum MANAGING EDITOR | Caylee Reid ART DIRECTOR | Catherine Newquist CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALIST | Ayako Kawamitsu GRAPHIC ARTS MANAGER | Henry Ortega GRAPHIC DESIGNERS | Margie Shimabukuro, Lisa Miyagi, Hector Nieves EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | Mike Daley EDITOR | Ryan Anastoplus PHOTOGRAPHER | Thomas Alan Smilie AD/SPONSORSHIP MANAGER | Roy Forster AD SALES | Yoshihiro Shinzato, Aya Chilcote, Yoriko Yamashiro, Tomoko Taylor, Lisa Hicks, Carina Fils-Julien DISTRIBUTION | Gideon Juko, Kelli Kreider MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER | Andrew Menges ACCOUNTS & RESEARCH | Marissa DeSmet, Ashley Herring, Kristen Wong, Katherine Melrose, Jenessa Reutov, Allison Dixon BROADCAST | Kathlene Millette, Gabriel Archer, Emi Komiya

Questions? Comments? Please e-mail OLW@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.

To advertise in Okinawa LivingWeekly, call 645-2245, fax 645-0975, or email sales@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. MCCS is not responsible for designing and editing outside ads.

No Department of Defense, U.S. Marine Corps or Marine Corps Community Services endorsement of commercial advertisers or sponsors implied.

From top to bottom: Wavebreak Media Ltd/bigstock.com, Thomas Alan Smilie

Breast Cancer Awareness Zumbathon

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ant to get your Zumba on while bringing critical awareness to breast cancer? Then meet up for the Breast Cancer Awareness Zumbathon on October 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Community Center Auditorium on Camp Foster.

Understanding breast cancer and raising awareness is the first step in saving lives, and if you can do so

through Zumba, that’s a win-win.

Join the Zumba party and dance your way to a fitter, leaner body and support the prevention and fight against breast cancer. Zumba mixes body sculpting movements with easy-to-follow dance steps mainly derived from Latin backgrounds.

The routines feature aerobic interval training with a combination of fast

and slow rhythms to tone and sculpt the body. It targets the glutes, legs, arms, abdominals and, of course, the heart. Dancing skills aren’t a prerequisite, just the desire to get a great workout for a good cause.

Please bring a towel and water to this FREE event. For more details, visit MCCS Health Promotion online at mccsokinawa.com /wellness.

This publication printed with

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japanese phrase

culturecorner

of the week

T

Daijobu desuka?

Is everything okay?

Clockwise from the top left: soupstock/bigstock.com, elenathewise/bigstock.com

For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs-Resources at 645-2104/2106.

The Amami Islands

he Amami Island group is made up of Amami Island (also called Amami Ōshima), Kikaiga Jima, Kakeroma Jima, Yoro Shima, Uke Shima, Tokuno Shima, Okinoerabu Jima and Yoron Jima. Yoron Jima is the furthest south of the islands, being less than 15 miles from Cape Hedo in northern Okinawa Island. You can get to the main island by plane, and all of the islands can be reached by ferry.

There are two reasons that people go to the Amamis: the perfect diving and untouched forests. Less populated than the other Ryukyu Island groups, the Amamis have crystal clear waters and pristine coral reefs.

Because there is less industry and tourism there, the beaches and waters have remained pure. The ocean surrounding the main island is designated as the Amami Gunto QuasiNational Park, boasting some of the

least-visited—but best-preserved— marine habitats in Japan.

About 95 percent of the Amami Islands are covered in forest. This includes inland forest as well as coastal and riparian mangroves, home to some of Japan’s rarest animals. One such animal is the Amami Rabbit, a medium-sized, tailless nocturnal rabbit with shorter ears and longer nails than other rabbits. The Amami Thrush, another rare species, is a shy bird that can be difficult to find

unless you are awake before dawn.

Perhaps the most spectacular is the Lidth’s Jay, a large bird with distinct black, purplish-blue and chestnutmaroon feathers.

Nature lovers and folks looking to get off the beaten track will soon develop a deep love for the Amami Islands. Take the time to explore the islands to the north— you might be surprised at how much you enjoy unplugging from the bustle of civilization.

If you have any burning questions about Japanese culture, please send them to OLW@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.

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getting there

pickoftheweek

T Chinen Castle

To find Chinen Castle start driving south on Highway 331—you will eventually start to see signs. From there, make your way up a steep and narrow winding road through a housing area to the castle grounds.

Chinen Castle Ruins

here are more than 200 castle ruins across Okinawa, five of them are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The castles were originally built on high ground, serving as military outposts or homes to the rich and powerful. Of all the castle ruins in the southern part of the island, Chinen Castle is the best preserved—yet little is known about it. What we do know is that Chinen Castle was the home of Lord Chinen, and it was where wet rice cultivation was introduced to Okinawa. The rest of the history of Chinen Castle lies buried among its layers of limestone and rock.

The castle has been restored, offering visitors a view of the towns, ocean and beaches below the ruins. It’s a chance to step back in time to see what Okinawa was like in the time of kings.

The castle divides the eastern and western halves of the island, and there are two castle structures: an older one made from natural rock and a newer one made from brick.

From top to bottom: Mike Daley, Thomas Alan Smilie

photooftheweek

Coral and limestone rocks dot the shoreline of a small beach located in Onna Village.

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more details MCCS Behavioral Health Camp Foster Bldg. 439 Monday–Friday 8–11 a.m. & 1–4 p.m.

645-2915 Camp Hansen Bldg. 2631 Monday–Friday 8–11 a.m. & 1–4 p.m.

623-1458 If you are experiencing an emergency situation, or know of a domestic violence incident, please call 911 (098-911-9111) or local law enforcement.

Clockwise: dolgachov/bigstock.com, oysy/bigstock.com

If you have been sexually assaulted, please contact the Sexual Assault Response Program (SAPR) at 645-HOPE (4673).

If you need Crisis Counseling, call the Distress Line at 1-877-476-7734.

spotlight

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Domestic Violence Resources

ictim Advocates (VAs) are available 24 hours a day to provide ongoing support services to victims of domestic violence and the non-offending parent in child abuse.

In some cases, victims have the option of making a restricted report of domestic violence. Restricted reporting is not available in all situations, so please speak to a VA before making a report to learn all the options available. VAs connect victims and survivors of domestic abuse to on and off base resources including counseling, shelters, legal and financial services. To speak with a Victim Advocate, call the 24/7 helpline 645SAFE (7233), or call the main DSN line at 645-2915.

If you or a friend has experienced domestic violence, find your safe place at Strength for Life. This group meets in a confidential and safe space on Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m. This women’s support group

breaks down the social isolation and information barriers associated with living with domestic violence, whether in the past or present. Preregistration is not required.

For more information, please call the Family Advocacy Program at 645-2915 or 098-970-2915 or visit Behavioral Health in Bldg. 439 on Camp Foster.

Behavioral Health is also open

to confidential walk-in screenings at Camps Foster and Hansen. Licensed and experienced counselors are available to help with the challenges of military life including relationship challenges, anger, anxiety, depression, job stress and grief and loss. Individual, couple, family and group counseling sessions are also available.

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tours+

adventure begins here Battle Sites Tour* October 1, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Adults $28, Children (3–11) $18 (under 3) FREE Visit the Japanese Naval Underground headquarters and Peace Memorial Park.

Kerama Islands Snorkeling October 2, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Adults $78, Children (4–11) $41 Grab your fins and get ready for some fun. This tour includes a boat ride to two snorkeling spots in the Kerama Islands.

Neo Park & Pineapple Park* October 1, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Adults $26, Children (3–11) $17 (under 3) FREE Visit Neo Park and feed birds, monkeys, llamas and other animals. After lunch, enjoy the rest of the tour at Pineapple Park.

Expo Park Aquarium* October 2, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Adults $39, Children (16–17) $33 (12–15) $27, (6–11) $22, (under 6) FREE Visit Expo Park and Churaumi Aquarium.

Watch a FREE dolphin show, visit an Okinawan village or relax on Emerald Beach.

*Bring yen for additional food, drinks and/or purchases. For more information, contact MCCS Tours+: Camp Foster 646-3502 | Camp Hansen 623-6344 | Camp Kinser 637-2744

off-baseevents get out and explore

Naha Giant Tug of War Festival October 8–10, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.

Kokusai Street & Onoyama Park, Naha City

Proud sponsor of MCCS Youth Sports

Athletics/Adult Sports

Thomas Alan Smilie

645-3521/3522

Aquatics 645-3180 Courtney Ironworks 622-9261/7297 Futenma Semper Fit 636-2672 Gunners Fitness Center 645-3985/2235 Hansen House of Pain 623-5558/4831 Health Promotion 645-3484/3910 Kinser Fitness Center 637-1869/1114 Schwab Power Dome 625-2654/2442 Taiyo Golf Club 622-2004 Tsunami SCUBA 645-9500 Youth Sports 645-3533/3534

Yanbaru Industrial Festival October 8–9, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.

21st Century Forest Park, Nago City FREE

B League Basketball Tournament Ryukyu Golden Kings vs.

Sea Horse Mikawa October 8, 3 p.m. & October 9, 2 p.m.

Okinawa City Gym, Okinawa City Call Tours+ at 646-3502 for tickets.

upcoming semperfitevents Open Flag Football Tournament October 7–9 Camp Courtney Semper Fit Register at any MCCS Fitness Center by 1 p.m. on October 3 for $105. This event is open to participants island-wide. Tournament schedule and rules will be emailed to each participant. Awards will be given to the top three teams. Details: 622-7297.

Open Dual Bracket 2 + 2 Softball October 14–16 Camp Hansen House of Pain Register at any MCCS Fitness Center by 1 p.m. on October 10 for $120. This event is open to participants island-wide. Tournament schedule and rules will be emailed to each participant. Awards will be given to top three teams. Details: 623-5569/5558.

classof theweek Turbo Kickboxing Kick start your day with this high intensity, invigorating class. Shadow box and kick your stress away!

Camp Courtney Thursdays, 9–10 a.m.

Visit mccsokinawa.com/groupfitness for a full schedule.