Community Briefs – July 20, 2018

7 Saipan beaches red-flagged
The Division of Environmental Quality has red-flagged seven Saipan beaches 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.

Affected sites include Central Repair Shop, Hyatt Hotel, Imperial Pacific (Samoa Housing), Garapan Fishing Dock, Garapan Beach, Grotto Cave, and Hidden Beach.

Samples collected from these locations contained 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.

DEQ analyzes water samples collected from Saipan’s recreational beaches and storm drainage every Tuesday. For more information, contact DEQ at 664-8500. (PR)

Rota beach red-flagged
The Division of Environmental Quality has red-flagged West Harbor Marina on Rota 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.

Samples collected from these locations contained 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.

DEQ analyzes water samples collected from Rota’s recreational beaches and storm drainage every Tuesday. For more information, contact DEQ at 664-8500. (PR)

MLSC seeks donations for school supplies project
Micronesian Legal Services Corp. is accepting cash or in-kind donations as part of its annual project to provide school supplies to needy children in the CNMI.

New school supplies or cash donations may be dropped off at MLSC’s Marianas Office in the VS Sablan Building, Chalan Piao (same building as the Subway sandwich shop).

Checks may be dropped off or mailed to us at PO Box 500826, Saipan, MP 96950 or you may call MLSC at 234-7729 and they will pick-up donations.

MLSC hopes to deliver at least 100 new backpacks with supplies to children in low-income households. MLSC identifies needy children from its work and from referrals made by Karidat Social Services and others.
MLSC is a 501(c)(3) organization, so your generous donations are tax-deductible. (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 9am 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 Ms. Cherie Castanares, VA Representative, at cherie.castanares@va.gov or contact her at (808)433-0483. (PR)

Lower Base Transfer Station, Marpi Landfill closed on Saturday
In observance of the 2018 Liberation Day parade, the Lower Base Transfer Station and the Marpi Landfill will be closed at 1:30pm on Saturday, July 21, 2018. However, both facilities will open through lunch (11:30am-12:30pm). Normal operations will resume on Monday, July 23, 2018. (PR)

MHS SY 2019 student orientations schedule
Marianas High School will be conducting their school year 2018-2019 Student Orientations. Schedules are as follow:

• Incoming freshmen and new transfer students (all grade levels): Aug. 8, 2018, 9am-12pm – School Gym
• Ongoing Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors: August 9, 2018 . 9am-11am -School Gym

Registration is ongoing. Students will need to furnish a copy of their birth certificate, an updated health certificate, an updated student insurance, a copy of their 8th grade diploma (incoming freshmen), an official transcript (if transferring from another high school) along with a completed registration form. Last day to register will be on July 26, 2018. (PR)

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). (PR)