COMMUNITY BRIEFS

KARIDAT TO ISSUE FOOD ASSISTANCE TODAY

This is to inform victims of Typhoon Chaba who were not recipient of food assistance issued on Aug. 26-30, 2004 that Karidat will be issuing food assistance beginning today, Sept. 24, 2004 from 9am-12noon and 1pm-4pm, until supplies last.

SOCIAL SECURITY REP VISITS ROTA TODAY

Social Security representative Alfredo Quiroz will visit Rota today, Sept. 24, 2004. He will be available to receive applications for Social Security numbers, to discuss Social Security benefits and SSI payments and to provide information about programs administered by Social Security.

Quiroz will be available from 8am to noon at the Aging Office in Sinapalo Village.

For more information, Rota residents can call toll free at 532-9421. The local number on Saipan is 234-6203.

ASVAB TEST TODAY TOMORROW

The U.S. Army Reserve will be administering the Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery examinations, or ASVAB today and tomorrow.

Individuals 17-34 years of age, a citizen of the United States, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau or have an I-551 (permanent resident) are urged to take the exam.

The ASVAB test will be administered today at 4pm, at the U.S. Army Reserve Center; and tomorrow, Sept. 25, 8am, also at the U.S. Army Reserve Center

Interested people must bring a picture I.D. to process. If there are any question call collect (671) 477-7666 and ask for SFC Carnate (cell 671-687-3640) or SSG Fernandez (cell 671-687-3940)

LOCAL ARTISTS SOUGHT FOR CNMI DIRECTORY

The Department of Community and Cultural Affairs-Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture will be creating a publication of CNMI visual and performing (folks and contemporary) artists.

The publication will provide one page per artist for a photo of the artist(s), and up to two photos of artwork or performance. Additionally, each page will include a short biography of the artist(s) and their work and contact information.

“If you would like to be included in this publication, you will need to submit a clear photo of yourself or your group, two photos of your artwork or performance, short biography and contact information to Sinforosa Pinaula at the Arts Council Office no later than Oct. 8, 2004,” DCCA said in a statement.

One copy of the publication will be provided to every artist included in the publication. The publication will be disseminated to the public and private sectors, and will be made available to individuals and entities seeking artwork or arts services.

For more information, contact Pinaula at the Arts Council at 322-9982/3.

SNISWCD MEETING IN OCTOBER

The Saipan & Northern Islands Soil and Water Conservation District would like to inform the public of their monthly meeting on Oct. 6, 2004 at 1:30pm at the Natural Resources Conservation Service Office. For more information, contact 234-6170.

CHUUKESE ELECTIONS IN OCTOBER

This is to inform all Chuukese who are eligible voters in the CNMI that there will be a special election on Oct. 14, 2004 from 7am to 7pm, at the Garapan Central Park (Round House).

Please contact your regional leaders for more information.

SEPTEMBER EVENTS AT THE WSR

Events to remember for Sept. 2004 at the William S. Reyes Elementary School:

Sept. 28 WSR STUCO Election
Sept. 29 Final examinations begin

One of the major events for the month of September is the Annual WSR STUCO (Student Council) Election. WSR will hold its STUCO election for school year 2004-2005 on Sept. 28. All students from 3rd to 6th grade will choose their leaders on that day. The official candidates will be presented to the student body on Sept. 13 during the flag ceremony, followed by a weeklong campaign period, followed by the STUCO election on Sept. 28. The STUCO officers will then be sworn in to office by the Judge Alex Castro of the Supreme Court at an induction ceremony on Oct. 4.

For more information, contact the school at 664-3971 or 664-3976.

SEPTEMBER EVENTS AT GES

Cultural Heritage Month ends with Cultural Day at the Garapan Elementary School. If parents would like to prepare booths or presentations, call GES at 664-3955.

* Sept. 30, 2004 is PTA Night at 6pm in the school cafeteria.

More information regarding these activities will be disseminated as the month progresses, the school said in a statement.

The school also extended its gratitude to 99 Cent Supermarket, which donated rakes to teachers for the campus clean up after Supertyphoon Chaba, and to the Saipan Mayor’s Office for property disposing of debris from the typhoon.

FEMA ADVISES PATIENCE WHEN TELEREGISTERING

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Commonwealth government advise those who sustained damage as a result of Supertyphoon Chaba to be patient when attempting to register for assistance.

The agency said that teleregistration is still the best and quickest way to register but due to the many disasters in the U.S. mainland, “the wait may be longer than normal, but we will get to you.”

FEMA recommended that those affected by the typhoon should call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) and TTY 1-800-462-7585 between 5pm and 8pm local time to register for assistance.

Attempting to register at the Disaster Recovery Centers will result in a longer waiting period and less efficient service. Registrants may still call between 7am and 8pm, seven days a week.

INTERPRETERS NEEDED

The Emergency Operations Center is seeking volunteer interpreters to assist individuals seeking typhoon assistance at the Disaster Recovery Centers. Interpreters for Chinese, Korean, Tagalog and Japanese are needed. Hours are flexible. To volunteer, call Juan T. Camacho at the Emergency Management Office at 322-8001/2.