Community Briefs — Dec. 1, 2015

DPS sets sobriety checkpoints this weekend
The Department of Public Safety’s Traffic Section will be conducting sobriety checkpoint on Dec. 5 and 6, 2015.

On Saturday, Dec. 5, the first setup will be on Chalan Pale Arnold, Garapan by Taro Sue Store, on the northbound lane, from 8pm to 9:15pm. The second setup will be on Beach Road, Chalan Kanoa, in front of Triple J Wholesale, on the northbound lane, from 10:30pm to 11:45pm.

On Sunday, Dec. 6, the first setup will be on Beach Road, Chalan Lau Lau, adjacent to the residence of the late Dr. Benusto Kaipat, on the southbound lane, from 6pm to 7:45pm. The second setup will be on Chalan Monsignor Guerrero, Dandan, by Joeten Commercial Building, from 8pm to 9:15pm.

In addition, police will be conducting laser speed enforcement along various highways. (DPS)

Saipan chamber meeting on Wednesday
The Saipan Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly general membership meeting this Wednesday, Dec. 2, at the Royal Taga Hall of the Saipan World Resort.  Wednesday is also the Education Committee’s Career Exploration Day so there will be a lot of high school seniors in attendance. 

This month’s speakers will be members from Saipan Young Professionals and Pacific Century Fellows to share their experiences and provide inspiration to the membership and students.  Speakers include Tyrell Pauling from Hyatt Regency Saipan and Vince Seman from Century Insurance Group. (SCC)

BankGuam Holding declares Q4 dividends
HAGATNA, Guam—BankGuam Holding Company said yesterday that its board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share at its regular meeting on Monday, Nov. 23, 2015.  The dividend will be paid on Dec. 31, 2015, to shareholders of record as of Dec. 15, 2015. BankGuamHolding Company president Lou A. Leon Guerrero stated “I am happy to report that we have met our financial performance for this quarter, thus allowing us to once again provide a return on our shareholder’s investment.” (BoG)

DMS students shine at Thespian meet
Dandan Middle School congratulates its Tottots for their achievements during the Junior International Thespian Society November meet:

• Jonathan Wolf: 1st place, Monologue
• Jonathan Wolf and Rio Ayu Shadow: 3rd Place, Duet Acting
• Ramhae Awit: 5th place, Solo Musical

Military training at FDM, Warning Area 517
ASAN, Guam—The U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps will conduct training at the island of Farallon de Medinilla during the following dates and times:

• Dec. 2, from 10am to 11pm
• Dec. 3, from 2-11pm
• Dec. 4-5, from 2-9pm
• Dec. 6, from 2-10pm

The U.S. Navy will conduct training at Warning Area 517 on Dec. 2, from 7pm to 11pm.

The general public, especially fishermen, commercial pilots and marine tour operators are advised to stay clear of the areas during the dates and times indicated. (JRM)

SHEFA sets submission deadlines
For both new and returning applicants of the Saipan Higher Education Financial Assistance, the application deadline for spring 2016 semester is Dec. 1, 2015. Deadline for the submission of the memorandum of agreement and supporting documents is on Feb. 29, 2016. Applications can also be faxed to (670) 235-5996 or emailed to saipanshefa@gmail.com. Ongoing recipients do not need to reapply for this spring term. However, you must submit your official transcript and class schedule for spring 2016 before Feb. 29, 2016. For more information  and  inquiries about the SHEFA program, visit the SHEFA website, www.saipanshefa.net, or contact the office by e-mail at saipanshefa@gmail.com/contact@saipanshefa.net. (SHEFA)

Family grief support meeting on Dec. 3
The Compassionate Friends of Saipan will be holding their monthly grief support meeting on Thursday, Dec. 3, from 6pm to 7:30pm, in the NMPASI conference room on Middle Road, in Gualo Rai. For more information, e-mail tcfSaipan@gmail.com or call Jill Derickson (989-9821). To learn more about The Compassionate Friends, visit their website at www.compassionatefriends.org. (TCF)