Community Briefs – November 20, 2020

4.9-magnitude quake on Saipan
At 5:05am on Nov. 19, 2020, a report of a 4.9-magnitude earthquake occurred at 164 miles north of Saipan in the Northern Marianas Islands. Currently, there are no tsunami warnings or advisories issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. For more information, please contact the CNMI EOC State Warning Point at 670-237-8000. (PR)

Wild about the Red Cross
Support continues to pour in for the 32nd American Red Cross Club 200. There are many exciting prizes in store for this year’s event, made possible by generous donors. ACE Hardware and the Joeten Group of Companies have again pledged their support to the American Red Cross with many great new additions to this year’s prize list.

“The American Red Cross’ success in the CNMI is truly indicative of the trust bestowed upon our organization from the many corporate and community partners that have supported us over the years” said ARC executive director John Hirsh.

This year’s fundraising event will be exclusively online this year due to COVID-19. This year’s theme will be “Wild About the Red Cross” and include fantastic door prizes, auction items and a live streaming event on Dec. 19, Saturday.

Help support the Red Cross’ humanitarian work by purchasing tickets. Tickets are only $50 each and available online at www.redcross.org/club200. Every $50 ticket purchase will have a chance to win door prizes. If buyers don’t have a credit or debit card, contact the Red Cross office at 234-3459 for more information. (PR)

Military trainings
ASAN, Guam—The U.S. Navy will conduct training in Asan Point on Nov. 20-23, from 6am to 11pm at the following coordinates: 13˚29’’N/144˚42’’E. The public is advised to be aware of military personnel training in the area.

The U.S. Navy will conduct training in Agat Bay and Outer Apra Harbor on Nov. 23-24 from noon to 11:55pm. Blank ammunition will be used for this training. Mariners and residents in surrounding areas should not be alarmed if they hear or see increased activity.

The U.S. Navy will conduct training in Radio Barrigada on Nov. 23-24, from noon to 11:55pm The use of blank ammunition is authorized for this training. Residents in surrounding areas should not be alarmed if they hear or see increased activity. 

The U.S. Navy will conduct live fire exercises in open ocean on Nov. 23-24, from noon to 11:55pm at coordinates: 13˚26’’N/145˚08’’E, 13˚42’’N/144˚36’’E. Marine vessels are advised to remain clear of the area for the duration of these events and to monitor the U.S. Coast Guard broadcast Notice to Mariners for advisories.

The U.S. Navy will conduct training in Hagatna Bay on Nov. 24-27, from 6am to 11pm at the following coordinates: 13˚29’’N/144˚45’’E. The public is advised to be aware of military personnel training in the area.

The U.S. Navy will conduct training in the vicinity of Agat Bay on Nov. 25, from 8am to 5pm. The public is advised to be aware of military personnel training in the area. 

The U.S. Navy will conduct training in Pago Bay on Nov. 28 to Dec. 1, from 6am to 11pm. The public is advised to be aware of military personnel training in the area.

These trainings support readiness and are critical to developing the skills needed to respond to operational missions throughout the region to ensure a stable, free, and open Indo-Pacific. (PR)

Muslim community to hold beach cleanup today
Members of the Muslim community on Saipan will conduct four hours of beach cleanup today, Nov. 20, 2020. The event will start at 7am. One group will gather at the back of the Carolinian Affairs Office in Garapan and the other group will gather at the back of Pacific Islands Club Saipan in San Antonio. Both groups will be picking up trash going toward Kilili Beach Park in San Jose. Other members of the public are invited to join this activity in any of the areas at their convenience. Interested members are requested to bring their own face masks. An ad hoc committee will provide hand gloves and trash bags, as well as food and drinks. (PR)