Community Briefs – July 13, 2018

NMHC voucher program list to open July 23

Pursuant to Section 5.1[1] of the Northern Marianas Housing Corp.’s Section 8 Administrative Plan, this is to inform the general public that NMHC is opening its Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program’s (HCVP) waiting list starting July 23, 2018. The waitlist will remain open until it reaches its maximum number of applicants. Interested families may pick up an application at the NMHC Main Office on Saipan or the Field Offices on Tinian and Rota, or visit our website at www.nmhcgov.net to download an application. Please submit your application in person at the NMHC Main Office on Saipan or the Field Offices on Tinian and Rota, from Monday through Friday (except holidays) between 8am and 4pm. NMHC is not accepting on-line submission of applications as of this time.

-NMHC Main Office Monday-Friday 8am-4pm
-Tinian Field Office Monday-Friday 8am-4pm
-Rota Field Office Monday-Friday 8am-4pm

NMHC Housing Specialists will review the applications and formally contact applicants to schedule an eligibility appointment. For more information, please contact NMHC at telephone numbers 234-6866 or 234-9446 (Saipan), 433-9213 (Tinian), or 532-9410 (Rota).

Int’l Festival of Cultures call for representatives

Representatives of all cultures in The Marianas are invited to a meeting today, July 13, to plan for this year’s International Festival of Cultures. Festival dates and other matters will be discussed. The meeting will be held at 2pm at the Marianas Visitors Authority office on Beach Road, San Jose. For more information, contact MVA Community Projects Coordinator Demalyn Pagarao at dpagarao@mymarianas.com or 664-3219. (PR)

VA direct loan program outreach on July 24

The Northern Marianas Housing Corp., in collaboration with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, will be conducting outreach services regarding VA Native American Direct Loan Program for all the CNMI veterans.

A representative from the Department of Veterans Office will be present to answer any questions regarding the program. The outreach will be held on July 24, 2018, at the NMHC Conference Room in Garapan, Saipan from 8am to 11:30am.

For more information you may contact the NMHC Mortgage and Credit Division staff at (670)234-6866/9447/7670 or you may email Cherie Castanares, VA representative, at cherie.castanares@va.gov or contact her at (808)433-0483. (PR)

Release of PH passports announced

The Philippine Consulate General in Guam, in coordination with the Office of Honorary Consul Eli Arago, has announced the release of Philippine passports to those who renewed their passports on May 21, 22, and 23, 2018. You can pick up your passports at Finasisu Terraces Apartment Bldg D, 2nd Floor, top of the Mini-Mart Store, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm (12pm-1pm break time).

Bring old passport and receipt. For any inquiries or details, call Mel Santos at 233-6293. (PR)

Saipan Agricultural Fair on Aug. 4

Saipan Agricultural Fair Association is pleased to inform the community that the 35th Saipan Agricultural Fair will take place on Aug. 4, 2018, 9am-2pm at the Civic Center, Susupe.

Rulebook and pre-registration forms (fees apply) for the adult plant and animal competitions are available at the Department of Lands Natural Resources offices in Kagman and Lower Base, Office of Animal Health Services, the Garapan Public Market, and Northern Marianas College-Cooperative Research and Extension Education Services, Building F. Rule Book and Pre-registration forms for the Youth Division are available at the NMC-CREES Main Office, Building F.

Deadline to submit the pre-registration forms is July 20, 2018. Proclamation signing for this event is on July 30, 2018 at 10am at the Governor’s Office Conference Room, Capital Hill. Farmers, ranchers, and the general public are encouraged to attend.

Please see below for contact information:

-Plant Division: Joshua Santos, 256-3319
-Animal Division: Juan Taman, 234-6169
-Youth Division: Lorenza Aldan, 237-6876
-Vendors Division: Tina DLG Camacho, 256-3319. (PR)

Witnesses host convention

The public is invited to attend a free annual event being hosted by Jehovah’s Witnesses on the weekend of July 13-15 at their Kingdom Hall in Gualo Rai. With the theme “Be Courageous!” this year’s convention will focus on practical ways to enjoy a happy life now and have a real hope for the future.

Among the convention’s 54 presentations will be Bible-based talks, audio dramas, interviews and short videos. A multimedia presentation will demonstrate what real people—and even five animals—can teach us about courage.

A Sunday morning public discourse will explain why Jesus told a grieving father: “Have no fear.” (Mark 5:36) And those in attendance Sunday Afternoon will see Jonah get Swallowed by a fish in the feature film: “The Story of Jonah—A Lesson in Courage and Mercy.”

Sessions begin each day at 9:20am. Admission is free and collections will not be taken.
For more information, visit the website: jw.org. (PR)