Dandan Neighborhood Watch and Village Revitalization Team

On Aug. 8, 2011, the Dandan Neighborhood Watch & Village Revitalization Team marked its second year of existence. Since its inception, the Team has been maintaining the Dandan Children’s Park and the roadsides throughout the village on Saturdays.

On July 20, 2011, the Team submitted its application to the Department of Commerce for a not-for-profit corporation. And on Aug. 1, 2011, just 14 days short of its second anniversary, the application was approved and now the group is named Dandan Village Civic Action Association. This will allow us to conduct, among many others, fundraising activities to fund the expansion of the Park’s facilities. The first two fundraising activities will take place in the next few weeks. Residents of Dandan are encouraged to join the Association.

As the Team marks its second year, it is very appropriate to express our most profound appreciation to individuals and businesses that have contributed to the success of the Team.

1. Mr. Joseph Torres, proprietor/general manager of Torres Refrigeration, for repairing our equipment, without charge, whenever they break down.

2. The Honorable Justice Ken Govendo for his monetary contribution for fuel and supplies.

3. Mr. (and Mrs.) Eric A. Cruz, proprietor/general manager of Erico, for volunteering his personal time, heavy equipment, and personnel.

4. Marianas Housing Corp.’s executive director, Mr. Josh Sasamoto, staff members, and its board for the grant award to rehabilitate the Dandan Children’s Park and for their untiring efforts throughout the award processes.

5. To the many individuals and businesses that have provided the Team with beverages on Saturdays.

6. To the residents of Dandan, and those who visit Dandan, who appreciate the efforts of the Team in keeping our village of Dandan clean, safe, and vibrant. They are our source of energy to continue what we are doing.

7. To our spouses and children who provide us the encouragement every Saturday morning before we set off to “work” and welcome us back with our soiled and tattered work clothes.

8. To our newest members: Mr. Gus C. Aguon, his son and brother Carlos Aguon (Bantam member) and Joe C. Aguon, respectively; Mrs. Rose C. White, association secretary; brothers Walter Santos and Julian Sablan, Benny C. Sablan, Tom S. Castro, and Ellery Cruz.

9. To the many folks who have joined us in the past and continue to work with us whenever they can. Your contributions to our village are well-noted.

10. To the drivers traveling the roads on Dandan on Saturdays, thank you for driving slow and keeping us safe.

It is very important to note, also, that the restoration of the Dandan Children’s Park is being undertaken and its completion is scheduled at the end of August 2011. This includes new backboards of the basketball court, repainting/lining of the basketball court, benches on the sides of the basketball court, transforming the former restroom into a meeting place and an extension of the same structure for the new restroom facility, repainting of the pavilions, and re-wiring and restoration of electrical power to the Park. Once again, residents and guests are welcome to use the facility.

Toward the end of August 2011, the children’s play area at the park will sport sets of slides, monkey bars, seesaws, and swings. Please join us in expressing our most sincere and profound appreciation to Mr. Jerry Tan of Tan Holdings for the monetary contribution given to the Team to make this possible. Our children will finally have a place for fun and enjoyment. Parents are asked to accompany their children to the Park to ensure their safety.

We are pleading for the cooperation of our residents and guests to help us maintain a clean, safe and healthy village. When visiting the Park, please help us in keeping it litter and graffiti-free. The Park is ours: residents and visitors alike.

For information about the Team/Association, please contact me (Frank B. Camacho, president) at 483-0764 or our vice president, Mr. Nunu Sanchez, at 789-9247.

We hope and look forward to you joining us to work harder to make our village of Dandan a clean, healthy, and safe village for ourselves and visitors.

[B]Frank B. Camacho[/B] [I]President[/I] [B] Rose C. White[/B] [I]Secretary[/I] [B] Members:[/B] [I]Ben Matagolai; Mitch Aaron, treasurer; House Speaker Eli Cabrera, Mr. John San Nicolas, Mr. Eric Cruz, Joe Kaipat (DEQ), Phil Mendiola, Benny Sablan, Jun (Boom) T. Camacho, Alex Palacios, Rep. Joseph Palacios, Manny Muña; Nunu Sanchez, vice president. Bantam members: Gino Aaron, 8; Ignacio Mendiola, 9; Vince (Bing) Nakamura, 7; Kaiyo (KK) Nakamura, 7.
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