Community Briefs – December 7, 2016

Join the annual Christmas Bird Count
On Monday, Dec. 19, birders are invited to participate in Saipan’s Annual Christmas Bird Count. The CNMI Division of Fish and Wildlife has organized local counts for over 25 years. Volunteers for the Saipan Count will meet at 6am at the American Memorial Park to divide into teams for roadside and walking surveys. Bring binoculars if you have them, but it’s okay if you don’t. For more information, contact Steve Mullin at 664-6011 or smullin.cnmi.dfw@gmail.com, or visit http://www.cnmidfw.com/. (PR)

Air Force training at Farallon de Medinilla
ASAN, Guam—The U.S. Air Force will conduct training at the island of Farallon de Medinilla on Dec. 6-8, from 8am to 8pm. The public—especially fishermen, commercial pilots and marine tour operators—are advised to stay clear of the areas during the dates and times indicated. The general location of the training on the island of Farallon de Medinilla will be on a 12-nautical mile radius on all quadrants. (PR)

CUC closed on Constitution Day
The Commonwealth Utilities Corp.’s offices will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016, in observance of Constitution Day. Regular business hours will resume on Friday, Dec.9, 2016. For emergencies, contact the CUC call center at 664-4282. (CUC)

VA benefits outreach
The U.S. Department of Veterans Benefits Administration (non-health) will be conducting a Veterans Benefits Outreach on Dec. 9, 2016, from 9am to 3pm at the Saipan VA Outreach Clinic, MH II Bldg., Suite 206, Marina Heights Business Park in Garapan. This will be a one-on-one outreach. Chris Duenas, legal administrative specialist, will be available to answer questions and take your claims. Points of contact are Ruth Coleman, 322-0035; Chris Duenas, 1-671-648-0090. (VA)

Notice to Tinian candidates, political parties
The staff of the Office of the Public Auditor will be on Tinian today, Dec. 7, 2016, to notarize and accept filings of campaign statement of account forms for the 2016 election candidates and political parties. Filers on Tinian may visit the Department of Commerce from 9am to 4pm. Proper identification with both the photo and signature of the candidate and treasurer must be provided. For any inquiries, contact OPA at 322-6481 or 6482. (PR)

Wage and salary statement workshop
The Division of Revenue and Taxation, Department of Finance will be conducting a workshop for the Annual Wage and Salary Statement, Form (W-2CM) for tax year 2016 and other 2016 yearend filing requirements. The workshop will be on Friday, Dec. 16, 2016. The first seminar will be from 8am to 11am and the second will be from 1pm to 4pm at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center. Businesses, employers and all payroll service companies are encouraged to attend. Please confirm your attendance by calling the Division of Revenue and Taxation at 664-1000 and 664-1098 or fax at 664-1015. (PR)

Holiday closures at Visitor Center
The American Memorial Park Visitor Center will be closed on Dec. 25, 2016, Christmas Day, and on Jan. 1, 2017, New Year’s Day. Park staff would also like to encourage the public to visit the Visitor Center. With the exception of the holidays closed, the VC is open every day from 9am to 5pm. If you have any questions, contact park ranger Brooke Nevitt at 234-7207 or 2020 or email brooke_nevitt@nps.gov. (NPS)