LOCAL BRIEFS U.S. astronaut to address graduates

One of the United States’ female astronauts is scheduled to visit the CNMI in June and Public School System officials are inviting her to speak before graduating high school students. According to Commissioner of Education Rita H. Inos, the Washington Representative’s office is working on the scheduled visit of Dr. Chiaki Mukai to the CNMI on the second week of June. “It’s a very significant visit and she will be able to address the students,” she said. By that time, PSS will host Hopwood Junior High School and Marianas High School graduation rites. She said Mukai will be the commencement speaker to either one of the school or for both graduation exercises. The astronaut, who made a historic milestone when she rode the Challenger years back, was also invited to grace the Pacific Educational Conference which will be hosted this year by the PSS and PREL. However, her busy schedule while on island will not allow her to speak before educators. Meanwhile, the PSS will have the University Choir Singers from the University of Guam end of this month. Two weekend concerts will be held at the American Memorial Park which will help PSS raise funds for its schools. Inos said there are about 60 singers flying in from Guam. “Music will be from Bach to Beatles. The public will be hearing opera music,” she said. The first night slated on April 30 is called as the family night to gather both parents and children together. The CHC Volunteer’s Association led by Susan Schwarz is also assisting PSS in bringing the group to Saipan. Inos said the volunteer group has promised to help education this year. (Sheila D. Amor)

Governor tracks
grants on housing

The Northern Marianas has received more than $12 million in federal grants from the US Department of Housing and Urban since a program on community infrastructure development was put in place in 1975, according to Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio. The governor said the money has helped CNMI in implementing a wide-ranging development activities over the years under the Community Development Block Grant Program after local entities became eligible for financial assistance during the Trust Territory government. Tenorio yesterday endorsed a nationwide effort to highlight the contribution of the program and declared March 29 through April 2, 1999 the Community Development Week. In a declaration he signed, Tenorio said, the grants provided needed funding for planning and construction of water supply and distribution systems, street and drainage improvements, housing for displaced families, construction and rehabilitation of multipurpose and recreational facilities, and construction of sewer collection and individual sanitary waste disposal systems. These community projects have amounted to $12.25 million since the Commonwealth became eligible for the grant funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act implemented in 1974. “The projects and activities which have been assisted under the Community Development Block Grant Program have contributed tremendously toward the betterment of our community, the general well-being of our residents, and our economy,” Tenorio said. (CBM)