Island Snapshots – June 2023

By Contributing Author

Posted on Jun 06 2023

: CUC’S FEMALE WORKFORCE-As Women’s International Month came to an end last March 31, Commonwealth Utilities Corp. board chair pro tem Janice A. Tenorio, centered, second row; acting executive director Dr. Dallas M. Peavey, Jr., seated front row, fourth from right; and the CUC management recognize their diverse women employees, who range from engineers to trades & tech workers, managers to administrative staff and customer service representatives. CUC recognizes the value and importance of their women employees who play a great contribution to the work force of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Other photos show CUC’s female employees on Rota and Tinian. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

: WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH-U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Glenda Francis, left, 51st Security Forces Squadron, NCO in-charge of armory and Senior Airman Amron Barcinas, 51st SFS armorer, pose for a photo in celebration of Women’s History Month at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, March 27, 2023. Francis hails from a Native American reservation in Maine and is the first in her family to serve in the military. Similarly, Barcinas represents her family from the island of Rota, which is part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Growing in small communities played a vital role in the women they are and they feel their diverse backgrounds and experiences contribute to what makes the Air Force great. (U.S. AIR FORCE/STAFF SGT. DWANE R. YOUNG)

: PALM SUNDAY-Sunday school children of Saipan Community Church present a brief number while waving palm branches during yesterday’s service at the Susupe church, marking Palm Sunday to signal the start of the Holy Week, when the world’s Christendom mark’s Lent. (MARK RABAGO)

: EPA SITE VISIT-Martha Guzman, regional administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Region 9) speaks prior to a tour of the Sadog Tasi wastewater treatment plant last March 30, 2023. Guzman requested the site visit to recognize the extraordinary work and efforts of the plant’s operators, who have worked wonders to keep the treatment plants running considering difficult circumstances. EPA commended the management in place and is happy with the great progress in all areas. (CUC)

: U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Micheal Schuette, 133rd Contingency Response Team, works with other contingency response members from Japan to offload a UTV in the CNMI last Feb. 13, 2023. (U.S. AIR FORCE/LT. COL. JASON CHRISTENSEN)

: U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Micheal Schuette, 133rd Contingency Response Team, offloads supplies from a Japanese UH-60 in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, Feb. 13, 2023. (U.S. AIR FORCE/LT. COL. JASON CHRISTENSEN)

: COPE NORTH 23-U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Micheal Schuette, 133rd Contingency Response Team, downloads a fire truck from a C-130 Hercules in the CNMI last Feb. 13, 2023. Cope North 23 enhances U.S. relationships with our regional allies and partners by fostering the exchange of information and refining shared tactics, techniques, and procedures to better integrate multinational defense capabilities. (U.S. AIR FORCE/LT. COL. JASON CHRISTENSEN)

: THANK YOU-The CNMI Women’s Association, Women’s Affairs Office under the Office of the Governor and our Partnering Agencies extend our heartfelt olomwaay, si yu’us ma’ase and thank you to our guests, emcee, panelists & sponsors for the success of this year’s 9th Annual CNMI Women’s WELLNESS Summit! Happy Easter CNMI! Photo shows attendees of the 9th Annual CNMI Women’s WELLNESS Summit at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center, Susupe on March 31, 2023 (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

: CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT PREVENTION-Acting Gov. David M. Apatang, joined by Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Mary S. Sablan, Division of Youth Services administrator Vivian T. Sablan, DCCA, DYS, local dignitaries, and members of the community, proclaimed the month of April as Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention & Awareness Month with this year’s theme “Building Together: Prevention in Partnership.” (OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR)

: INSTAGRAM COLLABORATION-Local Instagram influencers, @ayaka_maru.saipan, left, and @saipan_kaoru ended their Insta-live collaboration at the I Love Saipan store in Garapan on Monday. It was the first four-way collaboration with @lealeaguam_jp teams and @crowneplazaresortsaipan that began on Sunday, as a way to showcase the island to the Japan market with Japan’s Golden Week and summer vacation approaching. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

: WOMEN’S MONTH MEET-AND-MINGLE-A group of panelists composed of female judges, lawyers, and other members of the local and federal judiciaries speak at the first Women’s Month Meet-And-Mingle last March 21, 2022. The pan included attorney Janet H. King, U.S. Probation officer Juanette F. David- Atalig, Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona, magistrate judge/clerk of court Heather L. Kennedy, CNMI Superior Court Associate Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio, and assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Kost. The panelists shared their experiences and insights as women working in the legal profession. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

: GOOD FRIDAY PENANCE-A think blanket of fog and chilly rain smother the road going up Mt. Tapochau, as devotees carry a large wooden cross on their shoulders to the peak of the mountain—the highest point on the island of Saipan—during the traditional Good Friday pilgrimage up Mt. Tapochau. (CHRYSTAL MARINO)

: MEDEVAC FOR KEIKO-K9 Keiko, a 5-year-old Belgian Malinois drug detection dog from Palau, enjoys some play during a med call with Joint Region Marianas commander Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson at the U.S. Naval Base Guam. Keiko is one of eight working dogs provided by the United States to Palau under the Building Partner Capacity Program. Keiko had been working on Palau since 2021, but she was flown to Guam this March for a medical condition that required advanced veterinary care. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

: SITE VISIT-Martha Guzman, left, regional administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Region 9), together with other senior EPA dignitaries, are briefed during a tour of the Sadog Tasi wastewater treatment plant. Guzman requested the site visit to recognize the extraordinary work and efforts of the operators, who have worked wonders to keep the wastewater treatment plant running considering difficult circumstances. EPA commends the new management in place and is happy with the great progress in all areas. (CUC)

: ‘MEET AND GREET’-Northern Marianas College recently hosted a second “meet and greet” with Hollywood film producer and CEO of Motion Picture Corp. of America Brad Krevoy, right, at the Tapped Out bar in Garapan. Krevoy’s visit coincides with NMC’s ongoing work in developing a film program to educate the next generation of filmmakers and storytellers in the Marianas. In photo with Krevoy is NMC president Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero. (NMC)

: KAG-ES STUDENTS VISIT SOUTH KOREA-A group of Kagman Elementary School students traveled to South Korea last March 30 as part of the WPCA Korea Student Cultural Program. The students and chaperones were given the opportunity to experience the Korean culture (food and tours) that exposed the group to the country’s spectacular views and fast paced, modern lifestyles. The students were, from left, Blue Cruz, Nathan Susulin, Chanzo Rodriguez, Antonio Borja, Natalia Hermoso, and Carlia Tudela. Their chaperones were Lavena Babauta and Martin Dalsaso. The group returned to the CNMI on April 4, 2023. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

: NEW YOUTH CONGRESS-Members of the 19th CNMI Youth Congress pose for a group photo after their organizational session in the House of Representatives chamber on Capital Hill Saturday morning. From left are Aden Chonne Hocog Calvo, Ayden Sean Camacho Yumul, Filomenaleonisa Maratita Iakopo, Maili Ilareyo’l Borja Peter, Vinnie Juan Quitugua Sablan, Peaches Fiona Gruta Bayot, Ysabella Nikonia Rita Villagomez Palacios, and Mickyiel Josh Bedruz Cabrera. (FERDIE DE LA TORRE)

: AK SUPPORTS ACT-Atkins Kroll Inc. presents Tuesday, April 11, a $1,913 donation to Autism Community Together Guam in support of Autism Awareness Month. ACT is a non-profit support group for individuals with autism, their families, and supporters in Guam. From left, Ernie Galito, AK business development director; Trina Cruz, AK marketing and communications director; Josephine Blas, ACT president; Mye Ganan-Flores, ACT treasurer; and Athena Ramos, AK marketing manager.

: NEW ENLISTEES-From left, Marianas High School students Phil Sai Gases, Eitman Chowdhury, and Joshua Benedict are sworn in after enlisting in the Guam Army National Guard. The formal enlistment ceremony was held at the Guam Army National Guard Readiness Center in Barrigada, Guam, last April 13, 2023. Other photo shows them with some family members after their swearing in. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

: EXPANDED ACCESS TO SERVICES-The Sexual Assault Response Team held a news briefing yesterday at the Saipan World Resort in Susupe to talk about the services that are available for victims and survivors of sexual assault and abuse. The team also explained that they are seeking to not only expand, but also increase access to these services for all survivors and victims. (CHRYSTAL MARINO)

: HOPWOOD HONORS ITS ADMIN PROFESSIONALS- Administrative Professionals Week is celebrated annually every last full week of April. This year it will be observed from April 23, 2023, to April 29, 2023. This week is dedicated to recognizing and applauding the brilliant work of administrative personnel: receptionists, secretaries, administrative assistants, executive assistants, personal assistants, customer support, among other administrative support professionals. Admiral Herbert G. Hopwood Middle School would like to acknowledge and thank our wonderful, hardworking administrative professionals—Ronald Gabionza, Ruby Hocog, and Femie Rey—for their dedication and administrative support. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

: LIBRARIES IN THE SPOTLIGHT Community library workers, dignitaries, representatives of government departments and agencies, and partnering community organizations join Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, JKPL executive director Erlinda C. Naputi, and Women’s Affairs Office special assistant Barbara T. Sablan last Friday for the proclamation signing that designates the week of April 23-29, 2023 as National Library Week; April 25, 2023, as National Library Workers Day; and April 26, 2023, as National Library Outreach Day.. OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

: Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang sign Friday the proclamation. Palacios and Apatang encourage the community to celebrate the libraries of the Commonwealth and take advantage of the many resources available. They also call upon everyone to recognize and appreciate the contributions of our library workers who do their part in ensuring that information, books, and resources are made more accessible to everyone in the community.” OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

: ECLIPSE CHASERS- From left, Megan Barnes, Stephanie Dela Cruz, and Kristin Hofschneider catch a glimpse of the partial solar eclipse through their eclipse glasses last Thursday in front of the Hafabean coffee shop on Middle Road. (LEIGH GASES)

: VISITING DANCE GROUP-Sofia-6, a Bulgarian folk dance ensemble, performs during Fiesta Friday at the NMI Museum grounds in Garapan on Friday as part of a series of appearance the group will take part in their visit to the CNMI. They are on Saipan to help celebrate the Chamolinian Cultural Village Inc.’s 20th anniversary. The group arrived on Saipan last Thursday and will depart this Wednesday, April 26, for Guam. They will be performing at the Mariana Islands International Dance & Art Festival in Guam, which will take place on April 27 to 30. (CHRYSTAL MARINO)

: 500 SAILS BOARD OF DIRECTORS-In attendance at the 500 Sails board of directors meeting on April 19, 2023, were: (joining via videoconference) Mario Borja, director emeritus; (back row from left to right) Pete Perez, 500 Sails executive director; Salina Sapp, director; Tiana Reyes, director; Geraldine Sasamoto, treasurer; Nadine Deleon Guerrero, director; Jun Coleman, 500 Sails director of Sailing and Seamanship; (front row from right to left): Vicky Benavente, vice president; Dave Guerrero, president; Emma Perez, secretary. Not pictured: Cecilio Raiukiulipiy, director. (500 SAILS)

: ROTA OUTREACH Instructor James Bamba, in hat, conducts a coconut frond-weaving class with students of Sinapalo Elementary Chamorro class on May 15, 2023, on Rota. The class was organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority in celebration of Marianas Tourism Month and included teaching the significance of heritage tourism. (MVA)

MARIANAS TOURISM MONTH
Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang pose with the CNMI’s tourism industry stakeholders in front of the Office of the Governor last May 3, 2023, after proclaiming the month of May as Marianas Tourism Month. Joining Apatang were Marianas Visitors Authority acting chair Gloria Cavanagh, MVA managing director Christopher A. Concepcion, MVA board members, MVA management and staff, local dignitaries, and members of the Saipan Southern High School MyWAVE Club. (OFFIE OF THE GOVERNOR)

GIFT BASKETS
In anticipation of Mother’s Day and the spirit of bringing joy and awareness of the positive impact mothers have in our lives, the CNMI Office of the Governor, first lady Wella S. Palacios, and the CNMI Office of Women’s Affairs recently presented gift baskets to Karidat Social Services, Department of Corrections, and the Substance Abuse, Addiction, and Rehabilitation HOPE Recovery Center, for distribution to mothers who avail of the services of those respective departments and organizations. From left to right: Karidat Social Services staff, Karidat Social Services executive director Lauri Ogumoro, special assistant for Women’s Affairs Barbara T. Sablan, Karidat Social Services staff, special assistant for Administration Oscar M. Babauta, Department of Corrections Commissioner Anthony C. Torres, and Substance Abuse, Addiction, and Rehabilitation special assistant Diego M. Sablan.
(OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR)

Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, second from left, and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, rightmost, pose with Marianas Visitor Authority officials after swearing administering the oath of office to Jamika R. Taijeron and Sachiko N. Gerrard to serve on the MVA board of directors. (OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR)

ROTA OUTREACH
Instructor James Bamba, in hat, conducts a coconut frond-weaving class with students of Sinapalo Elementary Chamorro class on May 15, 2023, on Rota. The class was organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority in celebration of Marianas Tourism Month and included teaching the significance of heritage tourism. (MVA)

RAFFLE WINNER
Margarita DLG Camacho was the lucky winner of a 55” HiSense TV through the Pacifica Insurance Underwriters, Inc. Giveaway that ran during the months of April and May. Also in the photo is Camacho’s husband, Ricardo Camacho, and members of the staff and management of the company. Pacifica Insurance is a full line agency offering insurance coverage for homes, cars, businesses, and specialty lines on Saipan, Rota and Tinian. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Contributing Author

24th Taste of the Marianas

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