COMMUNITY BRIEFS

HOURS TO CHANGE FOR FEMA-CNMI HELPLINE

OAKLAND, Calif.—The hours of operation for the Supertyphoon Chaba disaster helpline will change beginning today, Nov. 8.

The new hours will be from 7am to 3pm, Northern Marianas time, Monday through Friday, until further notice.

Those who sustained damage as a result of Chaba, and have already registered for assistance, can call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) and TTY 1-800-462-7585 to discuss their application and update information. The FEMA registration line will no longer accept any new applications for assistance.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA’s continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

CALL OUT FOR ARTWORKS

The Community and Cultural Affairs’ Office of the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture is seeking artworks from visual and contemporary artists to submit their work for the upcoming Island Artists and Christmas Crafts Exhibit scheduled to open on Nov. 12, 2004 at the CNMI Gallery for Arts and Culture, next to the Post Office in Capitol Hill.

The deadline for submission of artworks will be on Monday, Nov. 8, 2004.

The Arts Council is inviting all visual and contemporary artists to register and participate in the annual exhibit specifically highlighting the many arts and crafts in the CNMI.

Interested artists should submit their works at the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Cultures Office, Capitol Hill, from 8am to 4:30pm. Registration forms are available and participation is free.

For more information, contact Sinfo Pinaula or Janelle DL Guerrero at 322-9982 or 322-9983.

MAYOR’S OFFICE OFFERS UTILITY SUBSIDY

Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela announced last week the availability of funds under the Mayor’s Utility Assistance Program to help qualified residents pay for one month of their overdue power bill.

This is a federally funded program available to residents of the Municipality of Saipan who are unable to bring their power account current with the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.

Applications can be picked up at the Saipan Mayor’s Office at Afetnas Square in San Antonio during regular working hours, Monday to Friday, from 7:30am to 11:30am and from 12:30pm to 4pm.

For more information call the Saipan Mayor’s Office at 234-6208 or 234-6280 and ask for Florence Camacho-Stephens or Regina Torres.

VETERANS DAY PROCLAMATION SIGNING SET

Nov. 11, 2004, is Veterans Day—a time to honor those who served and are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Gov. Juan N. Babauta will be signing the Veterans Week proclamation at the Governor’s Conference Room on Nov. 8, 2004 at 11am.

“We will remember those who served our great nation so that we may enjoy the fruits of freedom of a democratic society. We ask that all veterans, active and reserve military members, their families, family members of those departed veterans, the local Marine Scouts and the general public to come and join us for the signing of this proclamation,” a statement from the Governor’s Office said.

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND SET

The Worldwide Marriage Encounter Organization has announced the upcoming ME Weekend scheduled from Nov. 19 through 21 for married couples who want to improve communication and strengthen their marriage.

The weekend is open to all married couples regardless of age. The special weekend will be held at the Hotel Riviera Saipan in Fina Sisu. The registration fee is only $50 per couple and includes room for the weekend, all meals and drinks.

The organization explained that the weekend is intended to focus “on your relationship between you and your spouse and on your relationship with God.”

For registration or more information, contact Ben & Lovey Salas at 235-2250; Russ & Kanae Quinn at 256-1058 or Sean & Ericka Frink at 322-9990.