COMMUNITY BRIEFS

FRG MEETING TODAY

The Echo Company 100th Battalion 442nd Infantry Family Readiness Group (FRG) wishes to inform the spouses and family members of local soldiers that there will be a General FRG Meeting at the Reserve Center in Puerto Rico, Saipan today, Thursday, Nov. 18, at 7pm. Thanksgiving Mass, Thanksgiving Fruit Basket and other items will be discussed at the meeting. Your presence at this meeting is highly appreciated.

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.

HOURS CHANGE FOR FEMA-CNMI HELPLINE

The hours of operation for the Supertyphoon Chaba disaster helpline have changed.

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 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.

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.

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.