Community Briefs

FREE CONFERENCE ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

The Domestic Violence Conference Steering Committee will be hosting a Domestic Violence Conference on Dec. 2 and 3, 2004 (Thursday and Friday) at the Hyatt Regency SandCastle. Admission is free.

Some of the topics are Dynamics of Domestic Violence, Temporary Restraining Order Process, the new Domestic Violence Law, and the Criminal Justice System’s Response to Domestic Violence.

Seating is limited so call as soon as possible to register.

For more information contact Patrick Diaz at 236-9783, Ursula Aldan at 236-9868, or Esther Milne at 323-1954.

CALL FOR ENERGY CONSERVATION VENDORS

The Residential Energy Assistance Challenge of the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs is seeking vendors of energy conservation products to demonstrate their products at the REACh Energy Fair on Nov. 20, 2004. REACH invites the participation of vendors in the areas of lighting; refrigeration and air-conditioning; energy star label products; alternative power sources; energy-saving technology; glass windows; landscaping; and construction.

The goal of the Fair is to increase public awareness on ways to save energy and money. Food and entertainment vendors are also welcome. Interested vendors must register by Nov. 15, 2004. Registration forms are available at the DCCA Office, 1341 Ascension Drive, Capitol Hill. For more information contact REACh project voordinator Linda Concepcion-Torres at 670- 664-2576 or reachlctorres@yahoo.com.

CCLPC COMMISSIONERS MEETING NOTICE

The Chamorro/Carolinian Language Policy Commission will conduct its regular meeting on Friday, Dec. 3, 2004, at 1pm, at the Office on Aging Conference Room. The public is invited to attend this meeting.

For more information, contact the Language Commission Office at 288-5321/26/27.

CRAFT, SEASHELL SALE AT LIBRARY

The group Library Friends is holding a Christmas Craft and Seashell sale this Saturday, Nov. 13, from 10am to 4pm in the Library Conference Room.

The crafts and shells are donated by Elisa Berkey.

“You can use these beautiful decorations in your own home or give them as gifts. There are Christmas flower arrangements, wreaths, stuffed animals decorations, snowmen and much more,” the group said in a statement.

Some of the larger shells have flower or shell arrangements in them. A wide variety of single shells will also be for sale. “These make wonderful island gifts for friends and family far and near.”

Check it all out at the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library Conference Room this Saturday.

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.

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND SET

The Worldwide Marriage Encounter Organization has announced the upcoming ME Weekend scheduled from Nov. 19 though 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 Rivera 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.

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.