Community Briefs

IMPORTANT DATES FOR FRG MEMBERS

The Family Readiness Group of the Echo Company 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry would like to inform all Reservists and families of the following important dates:

* Aug. 11, 6pm @ Mt. Carmel Cathedral—Special Mass for our reservists. Families and friends are welcome to attend this special Mass.

* Aug. 17-20 @ Reserve Center, Puerto Rico—New issue and/or renewal of military ID card. Families of active, Reserve or veteran soldier(s) should get a new or renew their military ID cards at the Reserve Center.

For more information, call Cil Blas/FRG Leader at 323-4675 (evenings). Show your support for our troops by turning on your headlights on Aug. 11.

ATTENTION TO ALL VETERANS ON TINIAN

A representative from the CNMI Office of Military and Veterans Affairs will visit Tinian on Aug. 11, 12, and 13. All veterans and family of veterans who are interested in applying for Veterans Administration benefits are encouraged to meet with Ruth Coleman, veteran representative from Saipan at the Retirement Office on Tinian from 9am to 4pm. Coleman will also give an overview of Veterans Administration programs and services, as well as conduct/assist disabled veterans open or follow up on their VA cases.

For more information, contact the Office of the Military and Veterans Affairs on Saipan at 664-2650 or Annie at the Tinian Retirement Office, 433-3863.

NMPASI PUBLIC FORUM SET

The Northern Mariana Islands Protection & Advocacy Systems Inc., which administers the Protection & Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness, Protection & Advocacy for Developmental Disabilities, Protection & Advocacy for Assistive Technology, Protection & Advocacy for Traumatic Brain Injury, Protection & Advocacy for Individual Rights, Client Assistance Program, and Protection & Advocacy for Beneficiaries for Social Security, wishes to invite all CNMI residents to a public forum for comments on its fiscal year 2005 Statement of Objectives and Priorities.

The public hearings are scheduled for the following dates:

Tinian—Aug. 11, Mayor’s Office Conference Room, 6pm
Rota—Aug. 12, Roundhouse Songsong Village, 6pm
Saipan—Aug. 13, NMPASI Conference Room, 6pm

AMERICORPS RECRUITING 34 MEMBERS

The Public School System’s AmeriCorps program—a federally funded program—is currently recruiting 34 members to participate in the community service and educational program.

AmeriCorps members will provide tutoring and mentoring services to CNMI youths between the ages of 6-17 at various youth centers. Members will assist students during structured youth center activities that may include homework assistance, arts/crafts, sports activities/events, computer trainings, etc.

“Committed and dedicated members will provide positive role modeling to students from various backgrounds,” the PSS statement said.

Members will be awarded a living stipend for 900 hours served; and educational award of $2,362 after successful completion of program; developmental trainings and workshops; and satisfaction of serving the youth and community in the CNMI.

The scope of work will include tutoring and mentoring assistance to the youth; assisting in youth program activities; and serving in non-profit community events.

Those who want to participate in the program should be U.S. citizens, at least 17 years old, a high school graduate, and is drug free and possesses a clean police clearance.

Application and proof of eligibility requirements must be submitted by Aug. 18, 2004.
For applications, contact AmeriCorps Program, CNMI Public School System Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment Office, Retirement Fund Building, 2nd Floor, Capitol Hill, Saipan; or call 664-3716/32; or email tenoriod@pss.cnmi.mp.

GTC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PTA MEETING TODAY

The Parents-Teachers Association president of the Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School is informing parents and guardians of its students that they will have their first PTA//Parents’ Night tomorrow, Aug. 11, at 6pm.

“We encourage all parents/guardians to come meet your children’s teachers and be informed of what your children are expected to learn for the school year at the grade level they’re in,” the school said in a statement.