Okinawa Events Calendar

Craft Fair Nanjo

“Craft Fair Nanjo” will be taking place in Nanjo City. Pottery, woodwork, lacquer, and dyeing artists will be gathering for this event. Participants can experience making artwork. Music performance by Ti-Ras (pop / ethnic / classic) is on the 28th & 29th, and hula performance is on the 27th. Food stands are also available. Please stop by and enjoy looking at heartfelt artworks.

Date: April 27th (Sat) – 29th (Mon)
Time: 10:00 – 17:00 *until 16:00 on the 29th
Venue: Chinen Gymnasium, Nanjo City (523 Chinen Kudeken, Nanjo City)
*Located inside of Cape Chinen Park

Map http://bit.ly/121rc1y
*By bus: take #38 bus at Naha Bus Terminal toward Shikiya, Nanjo City. About 1 hour later, please get off at “Se-fa Utaki Iriguchi” bus stop.

Okinawa Kids Clothing Swap

Okinawa Kids Clothing Swap is soon approaching...check it out!

Registration is now open to the first 200 people! https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dHJsRks4MlNjZFJ1VTRXemN0TWpJRHc6MA#gid=0

Please read the following two document as well:

How the Swap Works:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/150peTw1dUXyU9RkdxlLiVEESss32vF3QL1J36BcitRs/edit?usp=sharing

May 2013 Changes:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dHcvjSxBNI-E8XwzEg4r7t_aSAnWm0KK46c7VkcU_Bo/edit?usp=sharing

Please be patient with us until we get everything rolled out, including the swap photo contest. We will likely not be fielding questions until tomorrow, as once all our documents are posted, 99% of questions will be answered by reading :) Thank you!

Spice (synthetic Marijuana) Briefing

May 2nd 1800-1900
Keystone Theatre

Purpose:  To raise awareness about spice among parents, teachers, and students.

The fastest spreading drug in our military and schools.  36 cases of use and distribution during the past 12 months.

Parents, students and teachers are invited to attend a briefing on synthetic marijuana, also known as spice.  There will be a spice burn following the briefing to educate you on the look and smell of spice.

This briefing will be presented by the 18th security forces squadron and the Kadena Disciplinary action program.

Temiji no En

“Kumiodori” is a Ryukyu classical theatrical drama performed to the accompaniment of vocal music. As the dialog is spoken in old Ryukyu Shuri dialect, it is hard to understand for locals as well. It is recommended to know the story before you go like Opera.
“Temiji no En” will be performed at National Theatre Okinawa on April 28th. “Temiji no en” is based on a love folklore. It is unusual that love story is selected as the subject of Kumiodori. So it is good occasion to find a new attraction of Kumiodori.
“Temiji” is an old wont of Okinawa of marriage tie. A woman give a man a suck of water from her hand.
The story is as follows. A man called Yamato met a woman,Tamatsi who came to wash her hair at the well. Yamato took a shine to Tamatsi and ask her to give him “Temiji”. Tamatsi turned down the proposal at first, but Yamato threatened her that he will jump in the well. And Tamachi was moved by Yamato’s impassioned proposal and gave Yamato some water from her hand. Then they fell in love each other and promised to meet again. Yamato visited Tamatsi at the one dark night. However a gateman discovered the love tryst. Tamatshi’s parent ordered subordinates Tamatsi’s execution at Chinen beach as an intriguer. Yamato rushed over to Tamachi and persuaded subordinates to let Tamatsi go. Subordinates were moved by him and Yamato and Tamatsi ran off together.
The first part, traditional Ryukyu dances will be performed and Kumiodori be performed at the second part. Please enjoy both traditional dances and a drama performed in beautiful costumes.
Venue: National Theatre Okinawa ( 4-14-1, Jitchaku, Urasoe City)/
Date and time: April 28th 14:00 start /
Admission fee: 3000yen.

Kin Rice Field Festival

It is a definitely fabulous event for all kids. Who doesn’t like playing in the mud? Mothers doesn’t, include me. But let them play at this event.
The 5th Kin rice field festival offers kids the greatest opportunity to cover themselves from head to food with mud. They prepares 15 experience programs at reasonable prices such as running races in a 70 meters long and 40 meters wide rice field, obstacle races, canoeing, riding banana boats, making crafts, Nagashi somen（Flowing noodle）, and more. Also there will be local hero Ryujin Mabuya stage show. A big earthen slide will be placed in a muddy field. So be prepared for muddy kids!
Venue: Nature Future Center in Kin 11818-2, Kin, Kunigami /
Date and Time: May 5th　 9:00-18:00 /
★A day nursery will be available.
★A temporary parking space at Kin fishing port and shuttle buses will be provided for visitors.
A temporary parking, Kin fishing port. Map URL→ http://goo.gl/maps/S6dA1

Okinawa Gospel Academy Concert

Okinawa Gospel Academy is going to present a gospel musical concert titled, “Hear My Voice.” About 50 members of Japanese and American choir will show the dynamic performance. This is the musical that teaches what the real love is. Please enjoy the dynamic and emotional performance by talented performers! Tickets are available at Family Mart, Lawson (L code 85131), Co-op Aple, or call 090-6857-6163 for ticket information.


Date: April 28th (Sun)
Time: 17:00 (open) / 18:00 (start)
Venue: Okinawa Convention Center (4-3-1 Mashiki, Ginowan City)

Advance ticket: 2,500 yen (adult) *500 yen more for at-the-door
1,500 yen (elementary school student)
Free (kindergartener & under)


http://www.okinawagospel.com/hear-my-voice-gospel-musical

Ie Island Hibiscus Park

For those flower lovers visiting Ie Jima during the Lily Festival, you may want to stop at the Hibiscus Park. The outdoor park doesn't have its full array of Hibiscuses, but in the green house you will hundreds and hundreds of different varieties of Hibiscuses.

It's not too far from the Lily Field. It is plotted just southeast of the Lily Field (see map at http://www.mapitokinawa.com/2013/04/yuri-matsuri-ie-island.html). The balloon icon on the map will show this picture below if you click on it. It sits next to a Golf range center. Enjoy!

The Active Duty Fund Drive

The Active Duty Fund Drive (ADFD) to benefit the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) will hold an island-wide road show from 22-25 April 2013. The briefs are highly encouraged to be attended by Active Duty Sailors and Marines who would like to learn about services provided by the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society. This is also an excellent opportunity for commands to meet their 100% contact goals for the Active Duty Fund Drive. Briefs will be held at times and locations listed below. Questions can be addressed to the MCIPAC NMCRS ADFD Coordinator, Maj Thomas H. Koloski at DSN (315) 645-3760 or the MCIPAC NMCRS ADFD Assistant Coordinator, GySgt Sonny Medina at DSN (315) 645-9139.

Kadena USO Car Wash

There's nothing like driving a clean car! We'll be having a car wash at USO Kadena this Saturday between 12 and 3! All donations support our programs! - Kate

Kadena USO Free movie on the lawn

FREE Movie on the Lawn this Friday!!!

We are partnering with the USO and kicking off the Movie On The Lawn season this Friday, 26 April with an Earth Week Special showing of The Lorax! The fun kicks off at sunset/dusk in the USO Kadena Lawn by Gate 2. Grab your family, some friends, blankets and head on over for an evening of fun and goodies!

We will even be doing a VIP Bike Parking area in honor of Earth Week!!! If you walk or ride on over to the event you will get a special treat!

Don't worry if the weather decides not to cooperate we will move the event inside the USO.

Kogachiyaki Exhibit

Kogachiyaki is one of the oldest style of pottery in Okinawa, and it is produced in Kogachi, Nago City until the early 1800s. There is no documents about Kogachiyaki, so it is still a mystery and not many people knows about it. Currently, Nakasone-san (father & daughter) are the only artists who are making Kogachiyaki. They are going to hold a fair & exhibition of their artworks during Golden Week. Coffee will be served on April 29th & May 6th (14:00-18:00). Would you like to take a look at these mysterious pottery on your own?

Date: April 27th – May 6th
Time: 9:00-18:00
Venue: Kogachiyaki Studio (916 Gabusoka, Nago City)
Map http://bit.ly/ZIcZa9

Official blog (Japanese) http://blog.goo.ne.jp/mo-idoufu

Okinawa Events Calendar

Stork's Nest Driver Volunteers Needed

Friends of the Stork's Nest

Did you know it is a 980 Yen Taxi ride one way from the Stork's Nest on Lester to the USN Hospital on Foster?
That means it is almost $20 round trip!!!
Want to help our residents?
Join our team of Volunteer Drivers!
Benefits include : A smile at the end of the drive and a warm and fuzzy feeling!

 

http://www.storksnestfriendsokinawa.org

Closure - Lester Gate 2

Camp Lester's Gate 2 (closest to the Middle School) will be closed indefinitely starting Wednesday April 17th, 2013. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Camp Services at 645-7317.

TriKids & Women's triathlons

2013 Race Dates:
• TriKids Courtney 20 April 2013
• TriKids & MiniKids Kinser 08 June 2013
• TriKids, MiniKids, & Women's Only Foster 27 July 2013

TriKids – 7 through 14 years old
MiniKids – 10 & Younger
Women's Only – Female, 13 & Older
Age as of 01 Jan 2013
Registration for all races will be on-line 1-month prior to race date.

http://www.mccsokinawa.com/trikids

Bridge Station Rika Rika Warumi

Another tourist spot has open on Nakijin Village! “Bridge Station Rika Rika Warumi” has opened on April 13th. It was built as the home base of regional agricultural activity, so farm, animal, and seafood producers in Nakijin Village can promote their products there. Visitors can enjoy eating local food at a restaurant and watching the view in the yard. Bridge Station is located near Warumi Bridge which connects Nakijin Village and Yagaji Island. Would you like to stop by before/after you cross the bridge? A map is shown below.


Bridge Station Rika Rika Warumi
Address: 1124-5 Amesoko, Nakijin Village
Business hour: 9:00-18:00

Ie Island Lilly Festival

Who is going to attend Lily Festival in Ie Island? You can also visit another spot where you can enjoy flower viewing in Ie Island. Various types of flowers including poppy, sunflower, cosmos, and more are blooming at Furugen Farm in Higashieue district. Visitors can enjoy flower viewing until Golden Week, the holiday season in Japan. Also, the farm is close to the venue of Lily Festival, and this farm is a route of bus tour. Visitors are welcome to enjoy flower picking at the farm, and plants are also available there. Would you like to stop by while you are visiting Ie Island?


Furugen Farm
100 Nishieue, Ie Village

http://www.ne.jp/asahi/ie/flowergarden2527/

MARINE CORPS TUITION ASSISTANCE REINSTATED

MCCS Education Centers has great news for Marines! Marine Corps Tuition Assistance has been reinstated. Call your nearest MCCS Education Center to meet with an academic counselor today!

MARINE CORPS TUITION ASSISTANCE REINSTATED: The TA MARADMIN (203/13) authorizing the processing of Tuition Assistance applications for the Marine Corps has been released. Please meet with an academic counselor at your local MCCS Education Center.
Foster 645-7160
Courtney 622-9694
Futenma 636-3036
Hansen 623-4376
Kinser 637-1821
Schwab 625-2046

Foster Framing "Garage Sale"

Needing to frame something...but don't want to spend too much $$$? Well, Foster Framing has something just for you!! Stop by on April 20th, from 12pm-5pm for their Garage Sale of bundled frame sticks at great prices!

Family Resources

In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month throughout April, join Devin Drake and Jessie Benfield-Boik from our Behavioral Health Family Advocacy Program (and MCCS Community Connections host Kathy Millette) as they discuss the warning signs of child abuse and reporting policies, as well as the many parental resources available on Okinawa to help promote happy, healthy families that are more resilient to stress.

MCCS TV: Community Connections, Episode 194, Child Abuse Prevention Month

www.youtube.com

Earth Week Events

Did you know Earth Week kicks off this weekend? FSS is kicking off the celebration with our Annual Project HOPE this SATURDAY!

Bring the kids, friends, and co-workers out to do a clean-up on the Sunabe Seawall. We are looking for beach-co...mbers, snorkelers, and even divers (get a free tank of air). We kick off the event at 0800 at the big pavilion near Bella Napoli. PRE-REGISTRATION highly encouraged. Stop by the Schilling and sign-up today!

COAs and yummy goodies provided to all that attend!

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We will also be ending the week on Friday, 26 April with Movie On the Lawn and a special Earth Week Bike-in! Anyone who bikes or walks to the event gets a special treat! There will even be a special VIP Bike Parking area. We will be partnering with the USO and showing The Lorax at sunset (about 1900) in the USO Kadena Grass area by Gate 2!

Cars - Y Plate responsibilities and info

If you are an US military member and drive a Y-plate car in this island, you are required to follow some rules, such as buying both Japanese compulsory Insurance(JCI) and American Insurance, getting inspection every two years (most cars), and paying road tax every year.
And road tax season is comming this year. Road tax amount is determined by the number of your vehicle plate. Payment must be made by end of May in Japanese yen only. You can pay at some places on designated date and time on bases. Also, some insurance agency offices both on and off base offer a service to take care of your road tax. If you pay through an insurance agency, they pay your road tax at LTO and bring back your road tax receipt. You take the receipt to Vehicle Registration Office on Camp Foster near commissary gate, drive on Lane 2, they give you a Road Tax sticker. Without the sticker after road tax season ends, your car might be impounded at gate. So be careful. As for light vehicles or motorcycles, you are required to pay your road tax at a city hall near your place on your own.

To pay your road tax, you need these paper listed below.
★Japanese vehicle title
★Military vehicle registration
★2012 Road Tax receipt
★American insurance
★Japanese Compulsory Insurance (JCI)

●Road Tax amount.
･40/400 and 40/400, 50/500 77/78 plates: 7,500 yen
･33/300 plates (4.5 liter engines and below): 19,000 yen
･33/300 plates (4.6 liter engines and above): 22,000 yen
･11/100, 88/800 plates: 32,000 yen

-Mini-cars and motorcycles (Please pay at city halls)
･Mini-cars: 3,000 yen
･Motorcycles up to 125cc: 500 yen
･Motorcycles 126cc and above: 1,000 yen

The Road Tax collection schedule on bases is shown on this website →http://bit.ly/12htrz1

Far East Music Festival Concert 4/19

Looking for something to do Friday night? Come out to Kubasaki High School's auditorium on Camp Foster for the 2013 Far East Music Festival Concert, featuring band, choral and orchestral performances by 160 of the most accomplished student musicians across DoDEA Pacific's 12 high schools. It takes place at 7pm on Friday.

To help the students prepare, the III MEF Band will join rehearsals and offer special clinics throughout the week. The culminating concert is free and open to anyone with base access. For anyone unable to attend in person, the event will be available via a live webcast:

http://www.highschoolcube.com/event/2013-far-east-honor-music-festival-concert-308438 -or- http://bit.ly/10ZDCWz

Pacific Muscle Classic 2013

Sunday 2 June
Register NOW at www.kadenafss.com

Zumba Party 4/20

Come on out for a little Zumba this Saturday... check out the photo for more info on this fun event sponsored by the Kadena Panthers Baseball Team... the event is open to everyone... --GySgt Griffin

Saturday 20 April

Ryukyu Middle School Gym

1st class: 0830-0930

2nd class: 1000-1100

There is a fee.

For info contact Debra Sego at rdsego@juno.com

Hospital Pet Visitation Program Volunteers Needed

Does your pet have too much time on its hands? Is it looking to contribute to the overall good of the community? Well look no further. The hospital, in conjunction with our good friends at the American Red Cross, are looking for pets to participate in the Pet Visitation Program. Pets will also be allowed to bring their owners to participate in the program.

Do you have a friendly dog?

Would you like to brighten the day of both patients and staff of US Naval Hospital Okinawa?

Volunteer with out "Visiting Important People with Pets" program.

For details, contact:  Georgia Brown @ American Red Cross 645-3800 or LCDR Anne Hollis @ Us Naval Hospital 646-7897

Okinawa Events Calendar

Okinawa Events Calendar

III MEF Rock Band Concert 4/26

III MEF Rock Band

Come and enjoy the show. The III MEF Rock Band will be showing off their extreme and virtuosic skills playing Classic Rock, Pop, R&B/Hip Hop, Country and Hard Rock hits from the Billboard charts. Location: The Hansen Exchange Parking Lot Date: 26 April 2013 Time: 1900 Cost: Free Additionally: MCCS will be providing a concession stand for selling Beer. The Exchange Food Court will be open during the concert for any culinary delights.

Spouses Warrior Day (aka Jane Wayne day)

Registration forms are available via eMarine for Spouses' Warrior Day, but so far, we have only two people signed up.

If you can help spread the word on this event, I would appreciate it so much.

This includes MEF CE, SOTG, Band, MHG, LE BN, ANGLICO, Intel, and 7th Comm.

The date is 19 April on Hansen from 0730-1500.