COMMUNITY BRIEFS – Feb. 23, 2012

[B]2 Saipan beaches red-flagged[/B]

The Division of Environment Quality has red-flagged the Ladder Beach and Unai Dangkulo Beach and is advising the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of these locations for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.

DEQ said that samples collected from these locations had excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria (enterococci) that exceeded the CNMI Marine Water Quality Standards. These bacteria can indicate the presence of human and animal waste in the water. Water samples were taken from 38 locations along the Saipan coast on Wednesday. For more information, contact DEQ at 664-8500. (DEQ)

[B]Live fire training on Farallon de Mendenilla[/B]

The Emergency Management Office and the U.S. Naval Force Marianas Guam announced yesterday that the U.S military would be conducting live fire releases on the island of Farallon de Mendenilla on Feb. 28, 9am-4pm; March 1, 9am-4pm; and March 2, 8am-3pm.

The general location of this activity will be on the island of Farallon de Mendenilla Training (R7201) on a 10-nautical-mile radius on all quadrants.

Due to the danger imposed by this activity, EMO is strongly advising the public—especially fishermen, commercial pilots and marine tour operators—to stay away from this area during the time and date indicated.

For more information, contact the EMO Operations Section at 322-9528 and 322-9529, VHF Marine CHNL 16, and HF Single Side Band Radio on 5.205.0 or dial CNMI 211. (EMO)

[B]Kagman High School calendar[/B]

Kagman High School will have a half-day schedule on Thursday, Feb. 23. Students will be dismissed at 12:45pm. Parents and guardian are encouraged to attend the PTSA meeting that same day, Feb. 23, at 5:30-6:30pm. For more information, call the KHS office at 237-3840, (PR)

[B]SVES Annual Canary Walkathon[/B]

The Parent, Teacher, Students Association of San Vicente Elementary School will be hosting the Annual Canary Walkathon on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012, at the SVES baseball field, from 7am until noon. The public is invited to join to promote a healthier lifestyle for parents, students, and the community. PTSA members have been soliciting support for the event and welcome all donations both monetary and in-kind. For more information, call the school at (670) 237-3791/3 or 237-3761. (PR)

[B]As sweet as Candyland![/B]

TAGS, a turtle conservation non-profit group, will be hosting the Candyland Party at Godfather’s Bar on Feb. 24 at 7:30pm. The group is taking inspiration from the Hasbro classic Candyland for what’s sure to be the best party around! Enjoy prizes, silent auction, “crowd favorite” date auction and more as throngs of costumed merrymakers party the night away in blue, purple, and cotton candy! Five dollars gets you in the door for cheap drinks and good times. Come in costume (or not), bring cash for the auction, and prepare your liver for Candyland Saipan 2012! (PR)

[B]Manta Band selling raffle tickets[/B]

The Manta Ray Band is hosting a mega raffle ticket fundraiser for its trip to the 2012 Olympics in London. The group expects to sell 3,000 raffle tickets at $50 apiece. The grand price is $5,000 in cash. The raffle will be held on May 4. A ticket purchase entitles the buyer to meet and watch the band perform on May 4 with light refreshments provided. They don’t need to be present to win. (PR)

[B]Red Cross sets CPR/AED this Saturday[/B]

The American Red Cross-NMI Chapter will be conducting the Health & Safety training at its training room on Airport Road. Its Pediatric CPR/AED will be held this Saturday, Feb. 25, from 8am to 11:30am.

Pre-registration is required at least 24-hours prior to training date. A $70 course-fee is required to participate in these trainings. Two-year certification cards are issued at end of training. Register by calling 1-800-REDCROSS or visiting www.redcross.org/training. For more information contact the local chapter at 234-3459. (ARC)