Community Briefs – Nov. 2, 2011

3 Saipan beach sites red-flagged

The Division of Environment Quality has red-flagged the beaches adjacent to the Plumeria Hotel, Aqua Resort Hotel, and Tanapag Meeting Hall 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.

DEQ said that samples collected from these sites had 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. For more information, contact DEQ at 664-8500. (DEQ)

Veterans Week proclamation signing 

On Nov. 3, 2011, the CNMI will give thanks to those who have served in the armed forces, salute those who are still in service, and honor the men and women who left America’s shores but did not live to be thanked as veterans. A proclamation signing ceremony for Veterans Week-November 7-11-will be held at the Governor’s Conference Room at 9am.

On Nov. 11, Veterans Day, we will be celebrating Veterans Day at the American Memorial Park, Court of Honor at 11am. The keynote speaker will be Capt. John Russ, Commodore for Submarine Squadron 15, Joint Region Marianas. All veterans, active and reserve military members, their families, family members of departed veterans, the local Marine scouts, and the public are invited to join the celebration. (PR)

Pohnpei State election set

Pohnpei State election for the offices of governor, lieutenant governor, and the state senate is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, Nov. 8, at the Garapan Sugar King Park Round House. Polls will open from 7am to 7pm. All eligible Pohnpei State voters are encouraged to participate in this important election. For more information, contact your island leaders, or the election coordinators: Welson Saimon, Alkantro Sarapio, Arnold Route, Kohne Ramon, and Nick W. Benjamin. (PR)

DEQ brigade sets Obyan cleanup

The Division of Environmental Quality monthly cleanup brigade will be picking up trash at Obyan Beach on Saipan, on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011, at 8am. Volunteers will split into groups and clean until 10am, break for drinks, and then continue, if needed. This month, outstanding brigade volunteers who participated in at least 10 monthly cleanups will receive a brigade cap and those who participated in at least three cleanups will receive a green brigade t-shirt. For more information about volunteering, contact the DEQ office at 664-8500/1. (DEQ)

Military training on FDM

The U.S military would be conducting training at the island of Farallon De Mendenilla on Nov. 1-3, from 4pm to 10pm, and on Nov. 4, from 9am to 5pm. The general location of this activity will be on the island of Farallon de Mendenilla on a 10 nautical mile radius on all quadrants.

The Emergency Management Office is strongly advising the public-especially fishermen, commercial pilots and marine tour operators-to stay away from this area during the time and date indicated. For more information, contact the EMO Operations Section at 322-9528 and 322-9529, VHF Marine CHNL 16, and HF Single Side Band Radio on 5.205.0 or dial CNMI 211. (EMO)