Community Briefs

BOE NOVEMBER MEETING CANCELLED

The 9th NMI State Board of Education special meeting slated for Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2004, at 9am, has been cancelled until further notice. The BOE extends its apoligies for any inconvenience this may cause.

FAMILIES WITH DISABILITIES OFFICERS’ MEETING

The CNMI Association of Families with Disabilities meeting will be held on Nov. 4, 2004, 10am, at Skyway Restaurant, Airport Road. Should you have any questions call Lisa A. Aldan at 483-0395 or Vicky Tudela at 288-7676 for further information. All parents and community members are welcomed to attend this meeting.

MARIANAS HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE TOMORROW

To all parents and legal guardians of Marianas High School students, the Marianas High School will be hosting an Open House tomorrow, Nov. 3, 2004 from 4pm to 7pm. During the open house, report cards will be distributed for 1st quarter grades. We invite all parents/legal guardians to visit your student’s classrooms, meet the teachers, and pick up your student’s report card.

ADA TRAININGS TODAY, TOMORROW

The Development Disabilities TriAgency wants to inform the public that ADA Title I and the Section 508 of the Rehab. Act trainings initially scheduled for July will take place today and tomorrow, Nov. 2-3, at the Saipan World Resort (formally the Saipan Diamond Hotel). For more information or free registration, call CNMI Council on Developmental Disabilities at 664-7000.

PUBLIC LIBRARY CLOSED TODAY

The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library will be closed today Nov. 2, for technical repairs and upgrades. Library materials due on these dates may be renewed or returned on Thursday, Nov. 4.

MHS MY WAVERS SOLICIT HELP FROM ALUMNI

The Marianas High School’s MY WAVE club is soliciting help from all MHA alumni.

“We are requesting your help in donating novels, fiction books and magazines,” the group said in a statement.

Those who would like to make a donation or want more information may contact club adviser Tim Faska at 287-7550 or mhsmywave_2005@hotmail.com

SENATE PANELS TO HOLD HEARING ON ANDREW NOMINATION TOMORROW

The Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigation of Sen. Paterno Hocog and the Senate Committee on Resources, Economic Development and Programs of Sen. Luis P. Crisostimo will hold a joint committee public hearing on the Governor’s nominee for the Secretary of Commerce, Andrew S. Salas

“This is to inform all the members of our Committee(s) on EAGI and RED&P that we will be holding a public hearing on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2004, at 10:30am at the Senate Chamber on Mr. Andrew S. Salas,” the committees said in a statement.

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.

CHACHA PTSA MEETING SET

ChaCha Oceanview Junior High School will be having its monthly PTSA meeting on Nov. 3, 2004, Wednesday, at the school’s cafeteria beginning at 6pm. All are encouraged to attend this very important meeting.

Should you have any questions, call the school at 664-4100, 4103, 4105 and/or 4106.

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.

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).