Community Briefs – November 4, 2018

Labor chief to keynote SHRM meeting

The Society for Human Resource Management-NMI Chapter will have its general membership meeting this Thursday, Dec. 6, at Hyatt’s Regency Saipan’s ballroom beginning at 11:30am. Keynote speaker is Labor Secretary Vicky Benanvente, who will discuss the Disaster Unemployment Assistance program and other disaster-related issues relevant to labor.
This meeting is open to the public and will provide invaluable information for employers, ,anagers, and HR professionals and staff. The presentation includes the Hyatt buffet at the cost of $20 for SHRM members and $30 for non-members.  Seats are limited, so reserve your seat by contacting Penny Jones by e-mail at penelope.jones@hyatt.com or Denise Montenegro at denise.montenegro@hyatt.com or by telephone at 323-5867/68. 
SHRM is the world’s largest association devoted to human resource management. For more information about the NMI Chapter, you can visit their website at http://nmichapter.shrm.org. (PR)

Military training at Warning Area 517, FDM

ASAN, Guam—The U.S. military will conduct training at Warning Area 517 and at the island of Farallon de Medinilla from Dec. 3 up to Dec. 7, from 10am to 3pm. 
Training will also be conducted at W-517 on Dec. 6, from 3pm to 7pm. 
It is recommended the public, fishermen, and marine tour operators monitor the Coast Guard broadcast notice to mariners for advisories. 
W-517 is activated south of latitude 12° 40’ 00″N. Santa Rosa Reef and Galvez Banks are open for public use. W-517 begins south of Guam and extends south-southwest in international waters.
The general location of the training on the island of Farallon de Medinilla will be in a 12-nautical mile radius of the island.
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. (PR)

MVA meeting on Dec. 14

The Marianas Visitors Authority’s semi- annual general membership meeting originally scheduled for November has been rescheduled to Dec. 14, at 10am at Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan. Guest speakers from the MVA’s offshore offices will provide a recap of fiscal year 2018 projects and the MVA’s marketing plans for fiscal year 2019, including post-typhoon recovery plans. Admission is $20 for MVA members and $25 for non-members. RSVP by emailing MVA Community Projects Division at communityprojects@mymarianas.com or calling 664-3210. (PR)

Navy to conduct underwater training in Piti 

ASAN, Guam —U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 5 will conduct routine underwater detonation training at the Piti Floating Mine Neutralization Site on Dec. 5, from 8 am to 4pm. 
EODMU-5 will detonate 5-lb explosive at the designated location on a sandy area of the sea floor.  
For the safety of the public and participants involved, the Coast Guard will establish safety zones to restrict access in the vicinity of the training area. 
EODMU-5 performs routine underwater detonation training to develop the skills needed to be ready to rapidly respond to operational missions and unexploded ordnance support on Guam and the CNMI. 
The Navy conducted a multi-year environmental analysis, which the National Marine Fisheries Service, under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act, granted the Navy authorization to conduct underwater detonation training. The Navy is a committed environmental steward and employs protective measures to safeguard marine resources.
For the safety of personnel and marine life, the area will be visually cleared by divers and by lookouts on the surface before, during and after the exercise. All activity will cease temporarily if a person or marine life is seen in the area. (PR)

Year-end celebration on Dec. 29

On Dec. 29, the Marianas Visitors Authority and its tourism partners will host the Marianas Strong Year-end Celebration at Paseo de Marianas in Garapan, from 5pm to 10pm. The celebration will also be highlighted by the Mochitsuki Festival, featuring the Japan tradition of rice pounding in preparation for the new year. The Christmas in the Marianas celebration, previously scheduled for Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2018, is cancelled. For more information, visit www.mymarianas.com or contact the MVA at info@mymarianas.com or 1.670.664.3200/1. (PR)

Saipan chamber meeting this Dec.

The December membership meeting of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce will be at the Fiesta Resort and Spa Saipan on Wednesday, Dec. 5. Lunch will begin at 11:30am and the meeting will follow promptly at 12pm. Guest speakers are still being confirmed. (PR)

ROE deadline is Dec. 8

The CNMI is implementing this temporary emergency tent and roofing installation program, called Temporary Emergency Tent and Roofing Installation Support program. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is funding and coordinating the efforts of U.S. Department of Defense partners.
The CNMI is the sole entity determining who will receive tents. To apply for the program, residents must complete a Right of Entry form. ROEs may be obtained by visiting the FEMA Saipan Disaster Recovery Center at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe or Fire Station 4 in Koblerville. For questions, on Saipan, call: (670) 664-9083. The deadline for ROE submissions is Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. (PR)