Community Briefs

CALL OUT FOR ARTWORKS

The Community and Cultural Affairs’ Office of the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture is seeking artworks from visual and contemporary artists to submit for the upcoming Island Artists and Christmas Crafts Exhibit scheduled to open on Nov. 12, 2004 at the CNMI Gallery for Arts and Culture, next to the Post Office in Capitol Hill.

The deadline for submission of artworks will be on Monday, Nov. 8, 2004.

The Arts Council is inviting all visual and contemporary artists to register and participate in the annual exhibit specifically highlighting the many arts and crafts in the CNMI.

Interested artists should submit their works at the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Cultures Office, Capitol Hill, from 8am to 4:30pm. Registration forms are available and participation is free.

For more information, contact Sinfo Pinaula or Janelle DL Guerrero at 322-9982 or 322-9983.

MAYOR’S OFFICE OFFERS UTILITY SUBSIDY

Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela announced last week the availability of funds under the Mayor’s Utility Assistance Program to help qualified residents pay for one month of their overdue power bill.

This is a federally funded program available to residents of the Municipality of Saipan who are unable to bring their power account current with the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.

Applications can be picked up at the Saipan Mayor’s Office at Afetnas Square in San Antonio during regular working hours, Monday to Friday, from 7:30am to 11:30am and from 12:30pm to 4pm.

For more information call the Saipan Mayor’s Office at 234-6208 or 234-6280 and ask for Florence Camacho-Stephens or Regina Torres.

OWWA HEALTH SCREENING PROGRAM FOR OFWS

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration is reminding the Filipino community of the Health Screening Program to be conducted this Nov. 7, 2004, 9am to 12noon, at the Nauru Building, Susupe. We would like to advise the members of the Filipino community who wish to be tested for blood sugar levels to fast (no food or water) from midnight of Nov. 6, 2004 up to the time of testing.

VETERANS DAY PROCLAMATION SIGNING SET

Nov. 11, 2004, is Veterans Day—a time to honor those who served and are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Gov. Juan N. Babauta will be signing the Veterans Week proclamation at the Governor’s Conference Room on Nov. 8, 2004 at 11am.

“We will remember those who served our great nation so that we may enjoy the fruits of freedom of a democratic society. We ask that all veterans, active and reserve military members, their families, family members of those departed veterans, the local Marine Scouts and the general public to come and join us for the signing of this proclamation,” a statement from the Governor’s Office said.

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.

OES PTSA MEETING SET

The PTSA Officers of Oleai Elementary School would like to inform the parents and guardians of Oleai Elementary School that the PTSA meeting will be on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 6pm, in the school cafeteria. Everyone is encouraged to attend.

BARTENDERS’ COMPETITION SET

The Northern Marianas Bartenders Association will be hosting another cocktail competition dubbed the Bartender Cocktail Competition Grand Marnier Challenge on Nov. 9, 2004 at the Madonna Disco of the Saipan Grand Hotel.

NMBA president Lito Espino said the event will have an entrance fee of $10 per participant.

The competition, slated to begin at 8:30pm, includes over $400 in total cash prizes, to go along with other prizes for winners.

Espino said each company will be limited to two representatives in the competition. Presentations will be judged 20 percent on originality, 30 percent on taste, 30 percent on showmanship, 10 percent on neatness, and 10 percent on audience impact.

The champion will receive $150 plus a round trip from Saipan to Manila and a cellular phone, while first and second runners up will receive $100 and $50. Best in Show earns $100 plus a cellular phone.

For more information, contact Espino at 286-9982 or email nmba_Saipan@yahoo.com.

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.