COMMUNITY BRIEFS

PRIOR SERVICE CHECKS NOW OUT

The Prior Service Trust Fund has begun the distribution of benefit checks to its beneficiaries. The first batch of checks are for the year 2002. Distribution began Friday, Oct. 22.

“Please come to our office on Capitol Hill Quarter 1201 opposite Civil Service Commission with identification,” said Prior Service Trust Fund administrator Jerold F. Facey in a statement.

Facey said that today, Oct. 25, his office will distribute the checks from 8:30am to 12 noon. The same schedule will be for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

“If you are unable to come, please provide written authorization with your ID to your representative,” he said.

NMHC BOARD MEETING TODAY

The Northern Marianas Housing Corp. says that the Special Board meeting, originally scheduled for Oct. 20, 2:30pm, at the Commonwealth Development Authority’s Conference Room, will be held today, Oct. 26, 2:30pm, at the same venue. For more information, call the office at 234-6866.

CHUUKESE ELECTION TODAY

This is to inform all eligible Chuukese voters in the CNMI that the special election will be held today, Oct. 26, from 7am to 8pm, at Garapan Central Park (Round House).

For more information, call Mithasy Mark at 868-7030.

WANTED: DESIGNATED DRIVERS

The Department of Public Safety Traffic Section will again implement its Designated Driver program this December to promote road safety during the holiday season.

The program provides transportation for intoxicated individuals. Instead of driving while intoxicated, individuals may contact the Traffic Section and a driver will be provided for transportation home.

Those interested in taking part in the program are encouraged to contact Rose Ada-Hocog or Sgt. Sylvan Rangamar at 664-9084/5/6.

TAX FORMS FOR AMNESTY PROGRAM AVAILABLE

The Division of Customs Service is informing all consignees that special return forms are now available for delinquent taxpayers who would like to avail of the amnesty period.

“We would like to encourage you to take advantage of this program before it expires on Jan. 19, 2005,” the agency said in a statement.

Taxpayers who need help on delinquent excise tax payments or assistance to file a special tax return should contact Inspector Robert Reyes, acting OIC for the SCIT (Compliance) Branch at 664-1606 or 664-1617.

The Division of Customs Service CSIT Branch Office is located in the Saipan Stevedore Warehouse A, across the Mobil main office in Lower Base.

For those on Rota, they may contact Inspector Davian Manglona at 532-9448 or 532-3666; on Tinian, contact Lt. Elias Borja or Lt. Benedicto (Sonny) Decena, at 433-1610.

LEARN TO SCUBA DIVE FOR FREE

The Youth Alliance Dive Program announced that it is currently accepting applications for its Fall Open Water Dive Program.

The program is available for local residents between 15 and 24 years of age at no cost but only 12 slots are available and will be filled on first-come-first-serve basis.

Dive instructor Joe Paran said half of the slots are already filled, and registration will cease as soon as all slots are occupied.

Paran said participants in the program will learn to scuba dive, and those enrolled in college may get credit for their participation. Further, he said participants could earn certification for open water diving through the program.

The program started in March this year. Paran said the program would be available during each college semester of every school year. For more information, contact Paran at 287-4196.

ADA TRAININGS ON NOV. 2-3

The Americans with Disabilities Act trainings at the World Resort Hotel will be held on Nov. 2 and 3. The training is called “Symposium: Independence Day for People with Disabilities.”

HOUSE OF MANHOBEN OPENS REGISTRATION

The House of Manhoben Center is open for registration in the following areas: tutoring, mentoring and other sports team areas. Children from ages 5 to 18 who may need assistance with their school work, guidance or who doesn’t have the chance to participate in sports team at school are encouraged to participate.

Registration days and time are from Monday-Friday 2:30pm-5:30pm at the House of Manhoben Center in Chalan Kanoa. Parents or guardians are asked to provide prove of birth (birth certificate/passport) upon registering their child(ren).