The conference was conducted at the new Okinawa Prefectural Museum.
The first day of the conference consisted of a panel discussion by three former residents of the islands.
Sakihama, former resident of Saipan, Hiromoto Kikuchi, former resident of Tinian, and Humiko Kingzio, current resident of Palau, all spoke on their experiences during the period of the pre-war Nan’yo-cho administration of Micronesia.
Following the presentations the panelists answered questions from an audience of 100 people, which included both researchers and other former residents of Micronesia
On the second day of the conference Long presented his paper entitled “Language Contact between Chamorro, Carolinians, and Japanese on Saipan and Tinian in the Prewar Period”.
Also speaking were Keiko Ono (Okinawa University) “Taiwan and Nan’yo Sugar Plantation Towns: Takao, Chalan Kanoa and Tinian,” Junko Konishi (Shizuoka University) “How March (Maas) Dances and Songs went from Saipan to Ogasawara and Okinawa,” Masato Arai (Tokyo Metropolitan University) “The Japanese Language retained by manamko’ speakers in the Mariana Islands,” Koju Chiwaki (Tokyo Metropolitan University) “Language Policy of Nan’yo as seen through the Language Life of Island Residents,” Hideko Tsushima (Juntendo University) “Why did Hachijo Islanders Go to Nan’yo?,” Toyomi Asano (Chukyo University) “The Repatriation from the Nan’yo Islands and the Postwar Re-emigration movement in Okinawa” and Don Farrell+“Life in Camp Chulu (Tinian) during World War II.”
Abstracts will be available online at the Tokyo Metropolitan University Department of Japanese Linguistics Nan’yo Oral History Web site from Jan. 15.
Funding for the conference was provided by a grant from the Heiwa-Nakajima Foundation.
Long had invited Tun Juan Blanco of Saipan who had reluctantly declined due to health reasons.
Conference participants were all looking forward to the participation of Tun Juan Borja King of Tinian, who had graciously accepted the invitation to participate before his untimely passing shortly before the conference.
The participants expressed their sorrow at the passing of King. His fluency in Japanese and understanding of life in the prewar Marianas would have contributed greatly to the conference. Participants pointed out the necessity for a similar conference in a venue where more Marianas manamko’ could participate.
Add value to your food
(NMC) — Northern Marianas College’s Cooperate Research, Extension and Education Service is inviting all CNMI farmers, homemakers, and other interested individuals to a free, two-day “Value Added Processing and Food Safety” workshop to be held at the Kagman Community Center, Dec. 2-3, 9:30 a.m. to until 4 p.m.
Dr. Jang H. Kim and Felix Calvo will facilitate the two-day workshop.
Participants will learn about food safety and preservation, processing of home-made food canning, and finally value added food processing on the first day of the workshop.
On the second day, Kim and Calvo will demonstrate the making of jams and pickles, and will provide time for a Q&A session, including consultation to interested participants.
“This workshop is designed to help the public achieve a better understanding of food safety, and understand the value in savings from processing foods at home,” said Kim, who points out that homemade jams and pickles help prevent the waste of food.
Farmers and producers especially profit from food processing, as this gives their produce an added value.
By using the processing method, farmers are not pressed to sell their fruits and vegetables picked fresh from the field, but can take advantage of the extended shelf life of jams and pickles and sell their produce long after it was harvested.
Kim is the food scientist at NMC-CREES, and his expertise is development of new food products and food safety. He received his Ph.D. from Mississippi State University and has worked in food science area for many years in the United States and Korea.
Felix Calvo is an agriculture consultant to NMC-CREES.
The same workshop will be offered on Tinian on Dec. 4 and 5, and on Rota on Dec. 10 and 11.
For more information, call NMC-CREES at 234-5498 ext. 1705/07/08.
Christmas lights to illuminate Saipan
(Office of the Governor) — The CNMI Christmas tree and light sculptures will be illuminated today, Nov. 28, 6 p.m. to officially usher in the holiday season in the islands.
The CNMI Christmas tree stands in front of the multi-purpose center in Susupe, while over 40 light sculptures stand alongside roadways throughout Saipan.
The project, spearheaded by the lt. governor’s wife Margaret Keene-Villagomez, aims to spread yuletide cheer for both residents and visitors, alike.
“A number of businesses have again contributed to make this year’s Christmas projects possible,” said Keene-Villagomez. “We invite the community to enjoy this tradition as we celebrate the holidays with this simple, yet meaningful, reminder of the hope that this time of the year traditionally brings.”
Ito completes Marine training
PRIVATE First Class Eva Alexis C. Ito, daughter of Alexander and Bernita Ito, has completed basic training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C., a media release stated.
PFC Ito successfully completed 12 weeks of training designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally.
Ito and her fellow recruits began their training each day at 4 a.m., by running three miles and performing calisthenics.
In addition to the physical conditioning program, Ito spent numerous hours in classroom and field assignments, which included learning first aid, uniform regulations, combat water survival, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat and assorted weapons training.
After graduation, she reported to Camp Geiger, N.C., last Nov. 25, for four weeks of military combat training.
Ito graduated from Saipan Southern High School in June 2008.
