Community Briefs – June 24, 2019

Precinct 2 reps call for tree planting volunteers

Precinct 2 representatives Christina Sablan and John Paul Sablan invite members of the community to help plant trees along the coast this Saturday, June 29, at Sugar Dock Beach, from 9am to 11am.  

The representatives are teaming up in support of the “Bring Back Our Trees” project led by Micronesia Islands Nature Alliance in collaboration with CNMI Division of Forestry, Northern Marianas College-Cooperative Research Extension and Educational Services, Bureau of Coastal and Environmental Quality, the Saipan Mayor’s Office, and other community partners.

Native trees will be planted along the shoreline to replace trees lost in Super Typhoon Yutu and to promote a more resilient coastal environment and healthier coral reefs. Water, gloves, and tools will be provided, though volunteers are welcome to bring their own.

For more information, contact MINA at 233-7333 (REEF) or email minaoutreach@gmail.com. Or call the Office of Rep. Tina Sablan at 664-8829 or the Office of Rep. John Paul Sablan at 664-8965. (PR)

Zhen Yu Su lands on SUNY dean’s list

NEW PALTZ, NY—The State University of New York New Paltz congratulates Zhen Yu Su of Saipan for being named to the dean’s list for the spring 2019 semester.
Dean’s list designation is reserved for students who excel academically and earn at least a 3.3 grade-point average in a semester with a full-time course load. (PR)

USDOL funding to support employee policy development for youth with disabilities

WASHINGTON, D.C—The U.S. Department of Labor has announced the availability of approximately $4 million for a four-year cooperative agreement for a youth-focused disability policy development center. The solicitation is a re-competition of an existing cooperative agreement. The deadline to apply is July 23, 2019.

Administered by the department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, the funding will support continued work on ODEP’s National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth. This youth policy development center will conduct research, engage with the workforce system and its partners, identify effective policies and practices that support youth with disabilities, and provide resources and training to help support the transition of youth with disabilities to employment. 

“Like their peers, youth with disabilities should grow up expecting to work and succeed. We must ensure they are supported in meeting this expectation at every turn,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Office of Disability Employment Policy, Jennifer Sheehy. “Our youth-focused disability policy development center will play a key role in helping educators, service providers, family members, employers, and others support youth with disabilities as they transition from school to adulthood and the world of work.”

The full announcement will be available at www.grants.gov. Visit ODEP’s website for more information. (PR)

IEDC experts consult NMI businesses

Economic development experts from the International Economic Development Council will be visiting island this week to do an initial intake visit to plan their business recovery technical assistance plan over the next two years. 

Today, June 24, the Saipan Chamber of Coimmerce will be hosting a Super Typhoon Yutu Business Recovery Discussion at the SCC office, from 3:30pm to 4:30pm so that businesses can give direct feedback to IEDC. (PR)

Military training in Dandan, FDM, open ocean

ASAN, Guam—Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 will conduct training on June 25-27, from 11am to 11:55pm at the Dandan-Malojloj training site in Inarajan.

These types of trainings are designed to enhance the readiness of military personnel. Residents in surrounding areas should not be alarmed if they see or hear increased activity associated with the training. The public should be advised that routine helicopter training often accompanied with the use of blanks can occur during these trainings.

The U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps will conduct training at the island of Farallon de Medinilla during the following dates and times:

• June 24, 26, and 27, from 10:30am to 9pm

• June 25, from 8-10am and 3:30-5:30pm

• June 28, 1:30-9pm

This training supports aircrew combat readiness and is critical to developing the skills needed to respond to operational missions throughout the region to ensure a stable, free and open Indo-Pacific.

The location of the training on the island of Farallon de Medinilla will be within a 12-nautical-mile radius of the island.

The U.S. Navy will conduct open-ocean exercises within a 10-nautical-mile radius of the following coordinates: 13˚26”N/145˚08”E and 13˚42”N/144˚36”E during the following dates and times:

• June 24, from 3pm to 9pm

• June 25, from 5pm to 9pm

• June 26, from 6pm to 10pm

It is recommended the public, fishermen, and marine tour operators monitor the Coast Guard broadcast notice to mariners for advisories. (PR)