Community Briefs

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND SET

The Worldwide Marriage Encounter Organization has announced the upcoming ME Weekend scheduled from Nov. 19 though 21 for married couples who want to improve communication and strengthen their marriage.

The weekend is open to all married couples regardless of age. The special weekend will be held at the Hotel Rivera Saipan in Fina Sisu. The registration fee is only $50 per couple and includes room for the weekend, all meals and drinks.

The organization explained that the weekend is intended to focus “on your relationship between you and your spouse and on your relationship with God.

For registration or more information, contact Ben & Lovey Salas at 235-2250; Russ & Kanae Quinn at 256-1058 or Sean & Ericka Frink at 322-9990.

DUI CHECKPOINTS THIS SATURDAY

The Department of Public Safety Traffic Section said yesterday that it would hold two sobriety checkpoints this Saturday, Oct. 22 as part of efforts to deter and detect drunk and intoxicated drivers, as well as ensure that all vehicle occupants are protected.

According to the Traffic Section, each checkpoint will last an hour and 15 minutes at each location.

The first checkpoint will be conducted along Beach Road Garapan in front of the Garapan Fishing Base or across the Kristo Rai Church. The checkpoint is scheduled to begin at 7pm and end at 8:15pm.

The second setup will be along Beach Road Susupe in front of the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center between 9pm and 10:15pm.

The Traffic Section also said that officers will be performing highway criminal interdiction, saturation patrols, aggressive driver interdiction, and laser activities as well.

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 his office will distribute the checks today and tomorrow, Oct. 27-28, from 8:30am to 12 noon.

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

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.