This wouldn’t be possible, maia said, but for the generosity of business owners like the SM store, Mrs. Kim, U-Save, Long Feng, the Diaz family and the many individuals who have donated new toys, games and school supplies every year. Plus those maia helps with their writing by email, who send books all year round and gifts for the yearly event from the U.S. and other parts of the world.
Donations can be dropped off at the center, which is in the duplex behind the mayor’s office, any time of the day or night, any day of the week. If the center is closed, maia asks that you knock on the door, in case she’s there, as she’s only ever gone for a few minutes, to get groceries.
In the past four years of running this Christmas program, maia has provided gifts for over 120 children from almost 50 families every year and says she’s sad to have to say that this year she is expecting to exceed that total, due to the number of people out of work now. “So it’s more important than ever,” she adds, “for those who still have jobs, or who have businesses, to help me to make this Christmas a bit brighter for those who are not so fortunate. I have faith in the good hearts of my island neighbors, so I have no doubt this will be our best year ever. Bless you all!”
For additional information, maia can be reached by phone at 433-9993, or by email at maia3maia@hotmail.com. For donation pick-up, donors can call maia, or Donation Center volunteer Connie Manglona directly, at 287-3285.
Last call for submissions to island writing anthology
THE deadline to submit a piece for the upcoming anthology of local writers is fast approaching. The last day to submit original work to “Stories from Wild Bill’s Cafe: Life, Love and Spicy Tofu in the Northern Mariana Islands” is Dec. 15.
“We received a lot of interest when we announced the anthology back in September,” said Angelo O’Connor Villagomez. “The editors have received works from a dozen writers so far, but we’ve also heard from many others who expressed an intention to submit. We just want to remind everyone that there is about a month left before the deadline.”
Submitted work will be blind reviewed by a panel of editors. The lead editors are Jane Mack, Joe Race, Jaime Vergara, and Villagomez.
The inspiration for the name of the anthology comes from Wild Bills Café, a popular restaurant on Beach Road in Garapan.
Writers interested in submitting work for the anthology can contact the editors at WildBillStories@gmail.com.
Submission guidelines are available upon request. Writers whose work is chosen for submission will receive two copies of “Stories from Wild Bills Café.”
Freshmen Literacy Night
(KagHS) — Kagman High School is hosting the “Freshmen Literacy Night” in coordination with the Parent Teacher Student Association during the monthly meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 16, from 5 to 6 p.m. in the school cafeteria.
Important PTSA, school and Freshmen class matters will be discussed. The Freshmen class counselor will be available for inquiries as well.
Call 664-3780 for more information.
Mayor Flores on Marianas Agupa
THIS Saturday, Nov. 13, Marianas Agupa will feature Mayor Donald G. Flores of Saipan. The show starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 10:30 a.m. on Magic 100.3 FM.
Topic of discussion will be on the ongoing projects of the mayor’s office and the establishment of sister city relationship with Japan and South Korea.
The Chamorro talk show program is hosted by Glenn H. Manglona. It features world report from former Rota Mayor Joseph S. Inos, followed by a special report from Rota correspondent Thomas D. Mendiola and a report from Tinian correspondent former Sen. David M. Cing.
The program can also be heard on www.magic100radio.com.
Zombies are coming!
THE Thespians of the Western Pacific Islands will stage the musical comedy, ZOMBIE PROM by Dempsey and Rowe this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at Charley’s Cabaret, PIC.
Show time is 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday.
Tickets will be sold at the door for $8 adults and $5 students.
Veterans Day ceremony
(Military/Veterans Affairs) — The public is invited to join the Veterans Day ceremony at the American Memorial Park, Court of Honor, today, at 11 a.m.
The Pacific Winds Concert Band will begin with the pre-ceremonial music at 10:30 a.m.
The keynote speaker will be Capt. Ulysses Zalamea, chief of staff, Joint Region Marianas. The guest speaker is Lt. Cmdr. Felton Gilmore of the U.S. Coast Guard, Sector Guam. Cmdr. Darren McPherson and the crew of the USS Sterett will also join the ceremony.
Red flag at 9 Saipan sites
(DEQ) — The Division of Environmental Quality says water samples collected from Tanapag Meeting Hall, Central Repair Shop, DPW Channel Bridge, S. Puerto Rico Dump, Micro Beach, Hyatt Hotel, Garapan Fishing Dock, Grand Hotel and CK Dist #4 Drainage contained excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria that exceeded the CNMI’s marine water quality standards.
DEQ has given these locations a red flag and advises the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of the locations for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.
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