Community Briefs

PALAU ELECTION COMMISSION MEETING TODAY

The Palau Election Commission staff will hold a meeting this evening at 7pm at the Minachom Atdao Pavilion in Susupe regarding the upcoming general election, scheduled for this Saturday.

The Palauan community is invited to the meeting, which will serve as a venue for questions, rules and regulations regarding the election.

TEMP EMPLOYEES WANTED

The National Emergency Grant program is currently on is applications intake process, accepting applications at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium between 8:30am and 3:30pm.

The grant will provide between 1,200-1,300 temporary jobs on Saipan, 350-400 on Rota, and 250-300 on Tinian.

Residents with last names beginning between N to S will be entertained today; T to Z tomorrow; and all others that missed their designated dates on Saturday, Oct. 30.

Approved applicants

SCC HALLOWEEN PARTY CANCELLED

The Saipan Chamber of Commerce has cancelled its planned costume Halloween party this Saturday, Oct. 30, in the Dai Ichi Hibiscus Hall.

According to Chamber executive director Christine Parke, the Bubba B Band, slated to play for the event, unexpectedly returned to Hawaii.

“The Chamber of Commerce regrets that they will have to cancel the party that was planned. Anyone who purchased a ticket for the party should contact the person who sold the ticket, in order to get a refund. Thank you for your understanding.”

PUBLIC LIBRARY CLOSED ON NOV. 1-2

The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library will be closed on Nov. 1-2, Monday and Tuesday, for technical repairs and upgrades. Library materials due on these dates may be renewed or returned on Thursday, Nov. 4.

DUI CHECKPOINTS THIS SATURDAY

The Department of Public Safety Traffic Section said yesterday that it would hold two sobriety checkpoints this Saturday, Oct. 30 as part of efforts to deter and detect drunk and intoxicated drivers, as well as ensure that all vehicle occupants are protected.

The first checkpoint will be conducted along Beach Road Garapan in front of the Garapan Fishing Base or across the Kristo Rai Church. The checkpoint is scheduled to begin at 7pm and end at 8:15pm.

The second setup will be along Beach Road Susupe in front of the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center between 9pm and 10:15pm.

The Traffic Section also said that officers will be performing highway criminal interdiction, saturation patrols, aggressive driver interdiction, and laser activities as well.

PRIOR SERVICE CHECKS NOW OUT

The Prior Service Trust Fund has begun the distribution of benefit checks to its beneficiaries. The first batch of checks are for the year 2002. Distribution began Friday, Oct. 22.

“Please come to our office on Capitol Hill Quarter 1201 opposite Civil Service Commission with identification,” said Prior Service Trust Fund administrator Jerold F. Facey in a statement.

Facey said that his office will distribute the checks today, Oct. 28, from 8:30am to 12 noon.

“If you are unable to come, please provide written authorization with your ID to your representative,” he said.

WANTED: DESIGNATED DRIVERS

The Department of Public Safety Traffic Section will again implement its Designated Driver program this December to promote road safety during the holiday season.

The program provides transportation for intoxicated individuals. Instead of driving while intoxicated, individuals may contact the Traffic Section and a driver will be provided for transportation home.

Those interested in taking part in the program are encouraged to contact Rose Ada-Hocog or Sgt. Sylvan Rangamar at 664-9084/5/6.

TAX FORMS FOR AMNESTY PROGRAM AVAILABLE

The Division of Customs Service is informing all consignees that special return forms are now available for delinquent taxpayers who would like to avail of the amnesty period.

“We would like to encourage you to take advantage of this program before it expires on Jan. 19, 2005,” the agency said in a statement.

Taxpayers who need help on delinquent excise tax payments or assistance to file a special tax return should contact Inspector Robert Reyes, acting OIC for the SCIT (Compliance) Branch at 664-1606 or 664-1617.

The Division of Customs Service CSIT Branch Office is located in the Saipan Stevedore Warehouse A, across the Mobil main office in Lower Base.

For those on Rota, they may contact Inspector Davian Manglona at 532-9448 or 532-3666; on Tinian, contact Lt. Elias Borja or Lt. Benedicto (Sonny) Decena, at 433-1610.

LEARN TO SCUBA DIVE FOR FREE

The Youth Alliance Dive Program announced that it is currently accepting applications for its Fall Open Water Dive Program.

The program is available for local residents between 15 and 24 years of age at no cost but only 12 slots are available and will be filled on first-come-first-serve basis.

Dive instructor Joe Paran said half of the slots are already filled, and registration will cease as soon as all slots are occupied.

Paran said participants in the program will learn to scuba dive, and those enrolled in college may get credit for their participation. Further, he said participants could earn certification for open water diving through the program.

The program started in March this year. Paran said the program would be available during each college semester of every school year. For more information, contact Paran at 287-4196.

ADA TRAININGS ON NOV. 2-3

The Americans with Disabilities Act trainings at the World Resort Hotel will be held on Nov. 2 and 3. The training is called “Symposium: Independence Day for People with Disabilities.”

HOUSE OF MANHOBEN OPENS REGISTRATION

The House of Manhoben Center is open for registration in the following areas: tutoring, mentoring and other sports team areas. Children from ages 5 to 18 who may need assistance with their school work, guidance or who doesn’t have the chance to participate in sports team at school are encouraged to participate.

Registration days and time are from Monday-Friday 2:30pm-5:30pm at the House of Manhoben Center in Chalan Kanoa. Parents or guardians are asked to provide prove of birth (birth certificate/passport) upon registering their child(ren).

PALAU VOTERS IN NMI URGED TO CAST VOTES

All Palauans who are registered voters in the Republic of Palau and are currently residing in the CNMI are encouraged to participate in their country’s presidential election on Nov. 2, 2004. The general election for Saipan will be held on Oct. 30, 2004.

For those needing more information or clarification about the primary and general elections, contact the consulate at 235-6804.