COMMUNITY BRIEF – Feb. 24, 2012

2 Saipan beaches red-flagged

The Division of Environment Quality has red-flagged the DPW Channel Bridge and Sugar Dock 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 may indicate the presence of human and animal waste in the water. For more information, contact DEQ at 664-8500. (DEQ)

Retirees’ meeting

There will be a meeting for all CNMI retirees and beneficiaries on Saipan to discuss the Retirement Fund’s current status and legislations regarding retirement. The meeting will be held on Feb. 28, at Kagman Community Center, and March 1 at the Multi-Purpose Center, both starting at 6pm. (PR)

TES PTSA meeting set

Tanapag Elementary School will have a PTSA meeting on Feb. 27, at the school cafeteria, starting at 5:30pm. For more information, contact the main office at 664-3425/26/27.

Veterans outreach

Tina San Agustin, the federal Department of Veterans Affairs’ legal administrative specialist from Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, will be on Tinian and Saipan for an outreach on veterans’ federal benefits. She will also be entertaining questions and assisting with claims.

– Tinian: Monday, Feb, 27, 8:30am-4:30pm, at the Tinian Municipal Council’s office.

-Saipan: Feb. 28-29 and March 1, Office of Military/Veterans Affairs, Building 1364, Capital Hill.

For more information, contact Bernie B. Dela Cruz at 664-2650. (PR)

Cultural center activities

The Inetnon Åmot yan Kutturan Natibu/Mwiischil Safey me Kkoor Aramasal Falúw is offering free lessons to Chamorros and Carolinians on the making of amot tatkalum, titiyas, atuli, and iskoba at the Saipan Chamorro-Carolinian Village Cultural Centers Headquarters (1213 Capitol Hill Road, across from the Workforce Investment Agency and next to the CNMI Board of Parole Office) this Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. The lessons are from 9:30am to about 12pm. (PR)

Saipan mayor on Marianas Agupa

This Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012, Marianas Agupa will feature Saipan Mayor Donald Flores to talk about his plans to create a stadium like facility on Saipan, thereby promoting Saipan as a venue for professional sport teams’ training camp. He will go on the air between 10am and 10:30am. The show itself is from 9am to 11am on Magic 100.3 FM.

The Chamorro radio talk show program is hosted by Glenn H. Manglona and features a world report and program review by former mayor Joseph S. Inos and a report from Rota by Thomas D. Mendiola, a special segment called Hafa Mohon with Juanita Mendiola and a report from Tinian by David M. Cing. Simultaneous Internet streaming via www.magic100radio.com will be available. (PR)

Live fire training on Farallon de Mendenilla

The U.S military will 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, the Emergency Management Office 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)

Kagman High School calendar

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)

SVES Annual Canary Walkathon

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)

As sweet as Candyland!

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)

Manta Band selling raffle tickets

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)

Red Cross sets CPR/AED this Saturday

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)