COMMUNITY BRIEFS – Sept. 6, 2017

Chamber meeting today

The Saipan Chamber of Commerce will have a general membership meeting today, Sept. 6, at the Seaside Hall of Kanoa Resort. The luncheon begins at 11:30am and the meeting starts promptly at noon.

Commerce Secretary Mark Rabauliman will talk about the Prevailing Wage Survey and update on the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategic Plan. Japan Consul Kinji Shinoda will share information about the Japan Exchange and Teaching program.

We will also launch a new project of the Saipan Young Professionals Committee, which will engage the entire community in enhancing the lives of the youth. (SCC)

Scholarship Office closed on Thursday

The CNMI Scholarship Office will be temporarily closed on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2017, for Staff Professional Development Day. Business will resume on Friday, Sept. 8, 2017. Email supporting documents to awards@cnmischolarship.net. (PR)

Military training at W-517, Guam waters

ASAN, Guam—The U.S. military will conduct training at Warning Area 517 and in waters near Guam within a five-mile nautical radius of the following coordinates 13° 10″ 48’N/144° 11″ 24’E today, Sept. 6, from 1pm to 4pm. 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 Bank are open for public use. (PR)

Military training at Agat Bay, W-517, Orote Point

ASAN, Guam—The U.S. military will conduct training in the vicinity of Agat Bay within the following coordinates: 13° 23″N/144° 35″E during the following dates and times:

Sept. 6, from 3pm to 8pm

Sept. 7, from 1pm to 6pm

The military will also conduct training at Warning Area 517 during the following dates and times:

Sept. 6, from 10:30am to 10pm

Sept. 8, from 9am to 3pm

Training will also take place at Orote Point on Sept. 6 from noon to 4pm. Residents in surrounding areas should not be alarmed if they see or hear increased activity associated with the training.

W-517 is activated south of latitude 12° 40’ 00″N. Santa Rosa Reef and Galvez Bank are open for public use. (PR)

Surviving suicide loss at Sept. grief support group

The Compassionate Friends of Saipan will be holding their monthly grief support meeting on Thursday, Sept. 7, from 6pm to 7:30pm, in the NMPASI conference room on Middle Road, in Gualo Rai.

In honor of Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, we will have a special presentation by a guest speaker on the topic of surviving suicide loss. Anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide is encouraged to attend.

For more information, e-mail tcfSaipan@gmail.com or call Donna Krum (783-1900). To learn more about The Compassionate Friends, visit their website at www.compassionatefriends.org. (TCF)

Veterans benefits outreach

The U.S. Department of Veterans Benefits Administration (non-health) will be conducting a veterans benefits outreach on Sept. 8, 2017, from 9am to 3pm, at the Saipan VA Outreach Clinic, MH II Bldg., Suite 206, Marina Heights Business Park in Garapan. This will be a one-on-one outreach. Kalani Echang, legal administrative specialist, will be available to answer questions and take your claims. For an appointment call Ruth Coleman at 322-0035. All veterans, family members, and veteran widowers are encouraged to avail to their services. (PR)

CNMI Scholarship deadline for NMC’s PLA Program extended

The CNMI Scholarship Office has extended the deadline to submit scholarship applications for the Prior Learning Assessment program to Sept. 8, 2017. Students who would like to apply for financial aid for NMC’s PLA program can submit a scholarship application to the CNMI Scholarship Office in Capitol Hill no later than Sept. 8, 2017. For more information, contact Raymond Muna by calling 237-6746 or emailing raymond.muna@marianas.edu. Additional information is also available at marianas.edu. (PR)

Philippine e-passports now ready for release

The Philippine Consulate General in Guam, in coordination with honorary consul Eli Arago in the CNMI, is now releasing new passports to those who renewed their passport last July 10,11,12 and 13, 2017. You can pick up your new passports at the Finasisu Terraces, Apartment Bldg. D, second floor, on top of the Mini-Mart Store, from Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm (12-1pm is break time). Bring your old passport and receipt. For any inquiry or details call Mel Santos at 233-6293. (PR)

PH consular outreach in September

The Philippine Consulate General in Guam will be holding a mobile outreach on Saipan on Sept. 8 to Sept. 11 at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe. It will accommodate 640 applicants who pre-registered for passport renewal.
If an individual wants to avail of one of the 640 slots available for the outreach program, they must call the office of Philippine honorary consul to the Commonwealth Glicerio Arago at 233-6293. The individual has to set up the renewal appointment with Mel Santos. (PR)

Class of 1987 gears up for reunion

The Class of 1987 will be having its 30th-year class reunion on Sept. 23. The reunion is open to any CNMI Class of 1987 graduate, regardless of which high school they graduated from. A Mass in honor of departed classmates will be held at the San Antonio Church on Sept. 23, 2017, at 4pm. The reunion will follow immediately after the Mass, from 5:30pm to 10pm, at the Surf Club (beach side) in Chalan Kanoa, the former Pacific Gardenia Sunset Bar and Grill. To purchase a reunion ticket or to get more information, send an email to cnmiclassof87@gmail.com or join the CNMI Class of ’87 Facebook for updates on the reunion event and/or to request for ticket. (PR)