Community Briefs – January 27, 2020

Whale research presentation on Saipan

The Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center has studied cetaceans (whales and dolphins) in the Marianas since 2010. In 2015, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration began studying humpback whales off Saipan in winter months (January–March) to determine if they are just passing through or actually mating and giving birth in the area. NOAA also wanted to learn where the whales go when they leave the Marianas, and how they are connected to other humpback whale populations within the North Pacific.
The Asia Pacific Academy of Science, Education and Environmental Management, or APASEEM, has invited Marie Hill to present a talk titled “Mariana Archipelago humpback whales: Links to other western North Pacific breeding and feeding grounds” at 6pm on Jan. 26 at the American Memorial Park on Saipan. This is an update to an ongoing project in the Marianas, which may provide a clue to solving a scientific mystery. (PR

Veterans Affairs Resource Fair set

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is having a Veterans Resource Fair hosted by VA Pacific Islands Health Care System acting director Kevin Amick and Honolulu Veterans Benefits Regional Office director Sergio S. Chao.
This is to share information and resources, hear feedback from veterans and to answer questions on VA health care and benefits.
The Veterans Resource Fair on Saipan will take place on Feb. 4, 2020, from 5pm to 6:30pm at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe near the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library.
The Listening Sessions on Tinian and Rota will be held on the following dates and time:
– Tinian: Feb. 5, 2020, from 10am to 12:30 pm at the Tinian Library.
– Rota: Feb. 6, 2020, from 10am to 12:30pm at the Mayor of Rota’s conference hall.
All veterans, their families, survivors and any organization(s) or individual(s) who works with or on behalf of veterans are encouraged to attend.
For more information, contact Ruth Coleman at 322-0035. (PR)

MHS PTSA meeting set

The Marianas High School will have a Parents Teachers Students Association meeting this Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020, at 6pm in the school cafeteria.

Ortizo named to dean’s list at University of Delaware

NEWARK, Delaware—Michael Roy Ortizo of Saipan has been named to the University of Delaware’s dean’s list for the fall 2018 semester.
To meet eligibility requirements for the dean’s list, a student must be enrolled full-time and earn a GPA of 3.5 or above (on a 4.0 scale) for the semester. (PR)

SHRM membership meeting set

The Society for Human Resource Management-NMI Chapter will have a general membership meeting and webinar training on Feb. 7, Friday, at the Charley’s Cabaret of the Pacific Islands Club Saipan. The meeting starts at 9am with the induction of the 2020 NMI SHRM board members.
The webinar trainer will be Fran Sepler, president of Sepler & Associates, who is known for her pioneering work in harassment prevention and workplace investigations.
Training topics:
– 9:30am – 12:30pm: “Respect in the Workplace.” Based on values of respect and fairness, this training focuses on skill building for employees such as: bystander intervention and giving and getting feedback

– 1:30pm – 5:3pm: “Leading for Respect.” Learn how to respond appropriately to concerns and complaints made by employees, focusing on the employee’s perceptions of fairness and the supervisor’s responsibility to respond with emotional intelligence
This training includes lunch and costs $50 for SHRM members and $60 for non-SHRM members. Reserve your seat by contacting Roman Tudela at tudela.roman@gmail.com or Denise Montenegro at denise.montenegro@hyatt.com
SHRM is the world’s largest association devoted to human resource management. The NMI Chapter is affiliated with the national organization. (PR)

Guam war claims processing center opens

HAGÅTÑA, Guam—The Guam War Claims Processing Center opened its doors last Friday, Jan. 24, 2020, at the old Hakubotan Building across the Tamuning Post Office. 
“We are so excited to finally have a center where our World War II survivors can come in so we can take care of them, just like we take care of our moms and dads, grandmothers and grandfathers,” said Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero. “Our staff are eager to help and we want everyone to know that we will work as quickly as possible to process every adjudicated claim so we can pay our war survivors the money they rightfully deserve.”
The Guam War Claims Processing Center will be open from 9am to 4pm. Mondays through Fridays. CHamoru-speaking staff are present to assist claimants. 
The center is ADA compliant and those needing homebound assistance can contact the center during its normal hours of operation.
For more information, contact the center at 482-0792 or visit its website at warclaims.guam.gov. (PR)

Alternative contact no. for MLSC

The Marianas office of Micronesian Legal Services Corp. is having trouble with its telephone lines. If you call and cannot reach the MLSC at its regular numbers, try 235-6102. Thank you for your patience and understanding. (PR)