Community Briefs – August 23, 2019

Club 200 theme is Latin Nights
The 30th American Red Cross Club 200 fundraising dinner is scheduled for Oct. 12, a Saturday, at the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan. This year’s theme will be “Latin Nights” and feature décor, dancing, costumes and food from throughout Latin America. There will be salsa dancing and costume contests, piñata special prizes, and lots of door prizes. Support the Red Cross humanitarian work by purchasing tickets. Tickets are $100 each or $150 for VIP and available from ticket sellers or by calling the Red Cross office at 234-3459. (PR)

School orientation at DMS
Dandan Middle School is inviting all students, parents, and guardians to attend the back-to-school orientation on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019.

• 6thGrade:  1:30pm–2:30pm
• 7thGrade:  2:30pm–3:30pm
• 8thGrade:  3:30pm–4:30pm 

The initial gathering will be held in the school’s cafeteria.  Soon after, students who have registered will receive their class schedules and meet the grade level team. The school team will discuss the rules of the school, share expectations, middle school grading policy, and other matters.  

Classes will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 8;30am–3:30pm.

Underwood to give talk on CHamoru self-determination
In late July this year, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit upheld the District Court of Guam’s ruling in Davis v. Guam. This has led to the government of Guam planning its next steps forward. The ruling has also brought forth many questions, arguments, and misconceptions surrounding decolonization and self-determination.

In light of this, two University of Guam student organizations—the Political Science Student Association and Mañe’lon Marianas—are hosting “Setting the Record Straight: The Recent Historical Basis of CHamoru Self-Determination,” a presentation by University of Guam president emeritus and former delegate Dr. Robert A. Underwood.

In his presentation, Underwood will trace the history of the CHamoru push for self-determination, from his time as the first CHamoru to testify at the United Nations in the 1980s up to the Davis v. Guam case today. While tracing this history, Underwood will also demystify many of the common misconceptions surrounding the issues and take questions during a subsequent Q&A session.

The presentation will be held from 5:30pm to 7:30pm on Tuesday, Aug. 27, at the University of Guam’s CLASS Lecture Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Underwood at 727-7715 or Natasha Suba, president of the Political Science Student Association, at 483-0398. (PR)

Guam govt releases more tax refunds
HAGATÑA, Guam—The Guam Department of Revenue and Taxation and Department of Administration mailed last Monday 964 tax refund checks totaling approximately $2.8 million, including refunds garnished to repay government debts, for error-free returns filed on or before Feb. 15, 2019.

For inquiries, contact Income Tax Branch, Department of Revenue and Taxation at 635-1840 or Edward Birn, Department of Administration, at 475-1250. (PR)

FEMA VALOR to kick off on Tinian tomorrow
The Tinian Mayor’s Office (together with the Tinian Legislative Delegation) is teaming up with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s VALOR Program and Commonwealth Advocates for Recovery Efforts, or C.A.R.E., starting tomorrow, Aug. 24, 2019 at 9am, to perform some roofing repairs on homes that have been approved by the FEMA VALOR program guidance. 

Volunteers are needed to help homeowners rebuild their roof so that their homes are safe places to reside. Volunteers are encouraged to bring tools such as a tape measure, hammer, handsaw, screwdrivers (Phillip and flathead), drill, and others. The FEMA Valor program will be providing some tools required to the project site.

Anyone interested in the volunteer opportunity should call 433-1800/1802 for Vanessa Manglona or email vanessamanglona.mot@gmail.com. (PR)

Auditions for the FOA production
The Friends of the Arts is scheduling its production of The Jungle Book for Oct. 18-19 and 25-26. All persons interested in being a part of this popular Broadway play are invited to an audition being held on Aug. 30, from 5:30pm to 8pm, at the HR Support CNMI office on the second floor or the JET Realty Building, right above J›s Restaurant in Gualo Rai. The play has many parts, including adult and young people’s roles.

No preparation for the audition is necessary. Readings will be from the script. We are looking for a cast of 20 and a backstage crew. If you are interested in either performing in the play or assisting as part of the stage crew come to the audition. Whether an experienced or aspiring actor or actress, come and audition for a role.  This is not a musical.

If you would like to be involved but cannot make this audition text/call Susan 287-2225. (PR)

Scheduled power interruption today
There will be a scheduled power interruption today, Aug. 23, from 9am to 11am, which will affect the Northern Marianas College, Joeten Dandan Supermarket, San Vicente Elementary School, Finasisu Lane, Chalan Tun Antonio Apa, Rasimu Lane, Rte. 307 (CMS Quarry), Tanduki Drive, Katupat Drive, Fatiguan Lane, Bentana Drive, Katbon Road, and Laulau Bay Drive.

Water services may be affected based on tank levels for the areas of Lower San Vicente, South San Vicente, Upper Dandan Homestead and Obyan. The W-8 wastewater lift station will be affected.

Traffic lights to be affected include the NMC traffic light, Shell Dandan gas station traffic light, Airport Road traffic light, and San Vicente traffic light.

For more information, contact the CUC Customer Call Center (664-4282) or monitor its Facebook page for the latest updates (https://www.facebook.com/Commonwealth UtilitiesCorporation/). (PR)