Community Briefs – October 19, 2017

Renewed PH passports now being released
The Philippine Consulate General in Guam, in coordination with the Office of Honorary Consul Eli Arago, is releasing passports to those who renewed their passports last Sept. 8, 9, 10, and 11, 2017. You can pick up your new passports at Finasisu Terraces, Apartment Building D, second floor, at the top of the Mini-Mart Store, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm (12pm to 1pm is break time). Please bring your old passport and receipt. For more details, call Mel Santos at 233-6293. (PR)

Free seminar on marketing
The CNMI Small Business Development Center will be offering a free business seminar called “Marketing on a Budget” at the Commonwealth Development Authority boardroom today, Oct. 19, from 8:30am to 10am. It will be presented by Donna Krum, president of Friends First Marketing, Inc. To register, contact the SBDC office at 664-3018 or visit http://pisbdcn.ecenterdirect.com/events. (PR)

Military training at Farallon de Medinilla
The U.S. military will conduct training at the island of Farallon de Medinilla today, Oct. 19, from 8:30am to 12:30pm and 4pm to 8pm. It is recommended the public, fishermen and marine tour operators monitor the Coast Guard broadcast notice to mariners for advisories. For more information, contact the Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs Office at (671) 349-3209. (PR)

Kagman schools’ PTSA meeting

The Kagman cluster of schools will be having a PTSA meeting today, Oct. 19, 2017, at 5pm at the Kagman Elementary School cafeteria. We are encouraging all parents, and guardians to attend this meeting. Please call the school at 237-3921, 664-4100, or 664-3911 if you have any questions or concerns. (PR)

OVR to host Employer Forum
The State Rehabilitation Council and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, in partnership with San Diego State University Research Foundation’s Interwork Institute, will be conducting their triennial “Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment Project” with employers on Oct. 24 and 25, 2017 (select a date for participation only) from 1pm to 2:30pm at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe.

OVR highly encourages all employers to take advantage of the “Employer’s Forum” as it will be both informative and beneficial for their organization. Employers comprise a new category and dialogue with employers will center on their business needs and the opportunities for inclusion and innovation.

If you have any questions, email Joseph B. Roberto at jroberto@ovrgov.net or contact OVR at 322-6537 or 322-6538. (PR)

Casting call for FOA Christmas show
In a festive mood, the ladies of the Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society will stage Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. The auditions will be held at the Marianas High School on Wednesdays, Oct. 18 and Oct. 25, starting at 6pm. Show dates will be Dec. 15, 16, and 17. For more information, contact Marilou at 256-9540 or email saipanfoa@gmail.com, subject line: Christmas Show. (PR)

Kagman Community Church offers free rides to church
Kagman Community Church is offering free rides to church for anyone in the Kagman area. Rides are offered every Sunday for the 6pm worship service. The Sunday worship service includes music, a Bible study, a separate children’s Bible study, and a snack. Rides are also offered to the free, monthly Saturday community breakfast. This is held the last Saturday of the month at 9am. KCC also has a monthly potluck on the last Sunday of the month at 5pm. Please call Zack at 789-8071 if you would like a ride. All ages are welcome. (PR)

PH consulate to hold NMI outreach
The Philippine Consulate General in Guam, in coordination with the Office of Honorary Consul Eli Arago, will conduct a mobile consular outreach in the CNMI from Nov. 13 to 17, 2017 (Monday to Friday) at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe, from 9am to 6pm. Those who wish to renew their passport, submit your application at the Finasisu Terraces, Apartment Building D, second floor (top of the Mini-Mart Store), Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (12pm to 1pm, break time). For any inquiry about passport renewal. call Mel Santos at 233-6293. (PR)

FOA movie night to feature The BFG
Friends of the Arts will be hosting another Friday Night at the Movies this Oct. 20, starting at 7:30 pm, at the Navy Hill baseball field, featuring the movie The BFG. Bring your own chairs, relax and enjoy a night. You can bring food and we’ll also sell snacks. Entrance fee is $3 for children under 11 and $5 for adults and children aged 11 or older. FOA will reschedule for Saturday, Oct. 21, starting at 7:30pm, if it rains on Friday. (PR)

Limited tickets for ‘Ultimate Drag Queen’ on Nov. 4
In celebration of their 25th year anniversary in the CNMI, the Saipan Fil-American Lions Club will a host a fundraiser called “The Ultimate Drag Queen 2017” on Nov. 4, at the Royal Taga Hall of the Saipan World Resort. VIP tickets cost $25 and general admission is $15. Proceeds from the event will be used for the club’s community projects. For more details, call club president Annamae Adaza at 285-4388, vice president Lourdes Ortiz at 785-2306, VP Leony Mendoza at 287-7563, secretary Mario Mayuga at 285-1021, or Ernie Molina at 789-8212. (PR)

Riddle of the Exporter training
The CNMI Small Business Development Center will be offering a “Riddle of the Exporter” training on Tuesday, Oct. 24, from at 8am to 5pm, at the Pacific Islands Club, Napu Room. It will be presented by Elyse Eriksson, MBA, CGPA. This seminar is supported by the CNMI Department of Commerce and Commonwealth Development Authority. To register, contact the SBDC office at (670) 664-3018 or go to http://pisbdcn.ecenterdirect.com/events. To make a payment, contact Christy Kintol at CDA at 234-6245 Ext. 310. (PR)

Free entrepreneurship training
As part of its Entrepreneur Training Program, the Latte Training Academy is inviting aspiring entrepreneurs to attend their first free training on “Making Your Dream Into a Success,” on Oct. 25 at the Latte Training Academy Lab (third floor, Marianas Business Plaza). This training is being held as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Business Enterprise Grant program. Under this program, the Latte Training Academy, Inc. is providing specialized training and technical services to help new entrepreneurs navigate the CNMI’s unique business landscape, as well as tailor their businesses to the specific conditions of the economy. To register or for more information, visit www.lattetrainingacademy.com. (PR)

CNMI-OSHA outreach training on Saipan
The CNMI-OSHA Consultation Program will be conducting a free outreach training on Saipan on Oct. 24 (Tuesday) and Oct. 26, 2017 (Thursday), starting at 9am on both days, at the CNMI-OSHA Consultation Office training room.

Private sector employers interested in learning about OSHA injury and illness recordkeeping and reporting requirements are invited to participate. Seats are limited, so call Elaine Pangelinan at 664-3156 or email to Elaine.pangelinan@gmail.com to reserve your seats.

Outreach training for Rota and Tinian will be announced at a later date.

This program is voluntary, is not required by OSHA, and does not meet the training requirements of OSHA standards. (PR)

Employment expert here
Dr. Chaz Compton, Ed.D., CRC of the San Diego State University Research Foundation’s Interwork Institute will be in the CNMI on Oct. 23-27, 2017, will visit the islands, facilitate focus group meetings, and engage CNMI employers in meaningful conversations about their unique business needs. There will also be a discussion about the progress the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation is making in reaching out to employers regarding employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

On Saipan, Compton will be at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center on Oct. 24 and 25, from 1pm to 2:30pm.

On Tinian, Compton will be at the Northern Marianas College campus on Oct. 26 from 1pm to 3pm.

On Rota, Compton will be at the Sinapolo Youth Center on Oct. 27, from 1pm to 3pm. (PR)