Community Briefs – September 4, 2017

Military training at Agat Bay, W-517, Orote Point
ASAN, Guam—The U.S. military will conduct training in the vicinity of Agat Bay within the following coordinates: 13° 23”N/144° 35”E during the following dates and times:

• Sept. 5, from 4pm to 8pm
• Sept. 6, from 3pm to 8pm
• Sept. 7, from 1pm to 6pm

The military will also conduct training at Warning Area 517 (W-517) during the following dates and times:
• Sept. 5, from 6pm to 10pm
• Sept. 6, from 10:30am to 10pm
• Sept. 8, from 9am to 3pm

Training will also take place at Orote Point on Sept. 6 from noon to 4pm. Residents in surrounding areas should not be alarmed if they see or hear increased activity associated with the training.

It is recommended the public, fishermen and marine tour operators monitor the Coast Guard broadcast notice to mariners for advisories.
W-517 is activated south of latitude 12° 40’ 00”N. Santa Rosa Reef and Galvez Bank are open for public use. (PR)

Veterans benefits outreach
The U.S. Department of Veterans Benefits Administration (non-health) will be conducting a veterans benefits outreach on Sept. 8, 2017, 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. Kalani Echang, legal administrative specialist, will be available to answer questions and take your claims.

For an appointment call Ruth Coleman at 322-0035.

All veterans, family members, and veteran widowers are encouraged to avail to their services. (PR)

Public school closed today
All CNMI public schools will be closed today, Sept. 4, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. All schools, including Early Head Start, Head Start, elementary, middle and high schools on Saipan, Tinian and Rota will be closed.

Classes and services will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017, for all schools except for the Early Head Start and Head Start Programs, which have school-level Professional Development Day on Sept. 5, 2017. For Early Head Start and Head Start Programs, classes will resume on Sept. 6.

Contact the school or the Office of the Commissioner at (670) 237-3061 for any questions. (PR)

Chamber meeting on Wednesday
The Saipan Chamber of Commerce will have a general membership meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 6, at the Seaside Hall of Kanoa Resort. The luncheon begins at 11:30am and the meeting starts promptly at noon.
Commerce Secretary Mark Rabauliman will talk about the Prevailing Wage Survey and update on the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategic Plan. Japan Consul Kinji Shinoda will share information about the Japan Exchange and Teaching program.

We will also launch a new project of the Saipan Young Professionals Committee, which will engage the entire community in enhancing the lives of the youth. (SCC)

CNMI Scholarship deadline for NMC’s PLA Program extended
The CNMI Scholarship Office has extended the deadline to submit scholarship applications for the Prior Learning Assessment program to Sept. 8, 2017. Students who would like to apply for financial aid for NMC’s PLA program can submit a scholarship application to the CNMI Scholarship Office in Capitol Hill no later than Sept. 8, 2017. For more information, contact Raymond Muna by calling 237-6746 or emailing raymond.muna@marianas.edu. Additional information is also available at marianas.edu. (PR)

Naval Base Guam to test Giant Voice system
SANTA RITA, Guam—U.S. Naval Base Guam will conduct routine testing of the vital communication and advance warning system, “Giant Voice,” on Sept. 5 starting at 3pm. Residents in surrounding areas of the GV speakers should only hear short verbal tests of the system, including warning tones. This is a monthly test that typically falls on the first Monday of each month. (PR)

JKPL closed until Tuesday
The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library will resume normal hours on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017. It will be closed for Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4, 2017, and Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. (PR)