In addition to a promotional brochure that will be disseminated this month, the college will be hosting workshops to showcase CREES’s bio-secure wet laboratory, which houses its shrimp tanks, and demonstrate the use of the wet lab’s equipment and other procedures.
The enhanced activities, through funds provided by the Smith-Lever Act Formula grant, are being conducted in response to an increase in prospective aquatic farmers seeking entry into the shrimp industry. Since the development of the local shrimp industry in 2005, NMC-CREES staff have undergone extensive training on shrimp disease control and bio-security measures.
NMC-CREES aquaculture extension agent and CREES acting director Michael Ogo, along with summer interns Cheska Salen and Naomi Cabrera, compiled the brochure, which is currently being reviewed by off-island bio-security professionals.
“The CNMI is considered by many bio-security experts abroad as an ideal, virus-free location for shrimp farms,” said Ogo. “We are implementing any measures necessary to maintain the health of local shrimp stocks.”
Last year, CREES hosted an “Opportunities in Aquaculture” symposium that featured a presentation by University of Guam professor Dr. Hui Gong.
Gong outlined the potential of a shrimp industry in the CNMI and explained measures to prevent the spread of diseases and contamination. Earlier workshops were held in July of 2007.
“We will be hosting mini-workshops on bio-security in late November in anticipation of the 2010 farm season,” Ogo said,
“The increase in awareness activities conducted by CREES exemplifies the college’s commitment to providing customized services in response to the community’s needs,” said Dean of Community Programs and Services Tee Abraham. “We will continue to offer guidance and assistance to the community through workshops, conferences, and other activities.”
Donations for LISS humanitarian cause soar
LISS — After eight weeks of building the Humanitarian project at LISS, the students take a look at their project and see what has come to fruition.
Through the kindness and generosity of a community pulling together for those in need, the LISS Humanitarian Class expresses their appreciation to all businesses and people who see this as a worthy cause for the community.
Donations and contributions received are from businesses such as PCC Corporation-Mobil Middle Road Service Station, Bridge Capital, National Office Supply, the Pacific Islands Club, and Price Costco.
Additionally, individual donations have come in from Senate President Pete P. Reyes, Speaker Representative Arnold I. Palacios, and Rep. Edward Salas.
Personal donations received came from Dr. Esther Kanayjorn, Ms. Lulu and Ms. Soll-Fiesta Resort & Spa, Mr/Mrs. Stephen Sablan of Plumas Lake, California, Pastor Cliff and Denise Shoemake of Turning Point Ministries and Mr/Mrs. Joel Smith.
The LISS Humanitarian class was astonished of the results which will allow them to at least offer approximately school supplies to 500 students as they start school next week.
A humanitarian group from Guam will also support the cause and may be on island to assist LISS in its distribution of the supplies next week.
The Humanitarian Class of LISS has embarked on a back to school charity program to help community children who are less fortunate.
“We are ecstatic that supporters from our business community and persons who care whether on island or abroad came forward to provide assistance for those in need, especially during these difficult times. On behalf of the Ladera International School of Saipan Humanitarian Group, we say thanks to thanks to all contributors for their generous support for our children in the Commonwealth,” stated Wayne Pangelinan, LISS director.
“This program would not have been possible without the support and expertise of instructors, special presenters, supporters, and the leadership qualities of Mrs. Rose Smith. These individuals have instilled great knowledge in the minds of our students. On behalf of LISS, we thank Brook Nevitt from CRM, Steve Havey from Solid Waste Management, Lee Bowen from NMC CREES, Ms. Kathy from MINA, Joel Kaipat, Angelo Villagomez Beautify CNMI, Eric Cruz from Ericco/Maeda, Mr. Bras from the Saipan landfill, and Mr. John Hirsh from Red Cross for their untiring and endless support for the LISS Humanitarian Class,” Pangelinan added.
(WSR) — The following is the bell/class schedule of William S. Reyes Elementary School for school year 2009-2010:
Kindergarten – A.M. session
7 a.m. – breakfast (cafeteria)
7:30 a.m. – class begin
10:45 a.m. – dismissal/lunch (supervised by their parents)
Kindergarten – P.M. session
10:45 a.m. – lunch (supervised by their parents)
11:30 a.m. – class begin
2:45 p.m. – dismissal
1st-2nd grade
7-7:25 a.m. – breakfast
7:25 a.m. – warning bell
7:30 a.m. – class begins
10:55-11:25 a.m. – lunch
2:45 p.m. – dismissal
3rd-4th grade
7-7:25 a.m. – breakfast
7:25 a.m. – warning bell
7:30 a.m. – class begins
11:20-11:50 a.m. – lunch
2:45 p.m. – dismissal
5th-6th grade
7-7:25 a.m. –breakfast
7:25 a.m. – warning bell
7:30 a.m. – class begins
12-12:30 p.m. – lunch
2:45 p.m. – dismissal
Half day schedule
Kindergarten: Alternate A.M./P.M. sessions
1st-2nd grade
7-7:25 a.m. – breakfast
7:25 a.m. – warning bell
7:30 a.m. – class begins
10:40 a.m. – 11:10 a.m. – lunch
12 p.m. – dismissal
3rd-4th grade
7-7:25 a.m. – breakfast
7:25 a.m. – warning bell
7:30 a.m. – class begins
11:20-11:50 a.m. – lunch
12 p.m. – dismissal
5th-6th grade
7-7:25 a.m. – breakfast
7:25 a.m. – warning bell
7:30 a.m. – class begins
11:20-11:50 a.m. – lunch
12 p.m. – dismissal
September events
• Sept. 7, Monday – Labor day holiday
• Sept. 8, Tuesday – First day of school, parent advisory council meeting, WSR library, 6 p.m.
• Sept. 11, Friday – RFA/BRI testing (no classes)
• Sept. 14, Wednesday – Student registratrion resumes
• Sept. 16, Tuesday – PTSA meeting/open house, 5:30 p.m., WSR cafeteria
• Sept. 29, Tuesday – WSR spelling bee #1, 2:45 p.m., WSR cafeteria
• Sept. 30, Wednesday – Half day (students released at 12 p.m.) Teacher Professional Development Day
The WSR school uniforms are for sale for $10 a piece. Please come by the office to purchase the uniforms.
WSR elementary school personalized single subject notebooks are also for sale for $2 each (the school receives fifty-cents for every notebook purchased).
Student supply lists are available at the school office. Parents are encouraged to pick up the list before school begins.
September is alcohol and drug addiction recovery month
(Mayor’s Office) — Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela will sign a proclamation today, Sept. 4, to designate September as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.
The theme for this year’s observance is, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Together We Learn, Together We Heal.”
Tudela reminds residents of the risks of drinking and taking illicit drugs in this small community.
“It is critical that we educate everyone that substance use disorders are treatable, and by treating them like other chronic diseases, we can improve the quality of life here in our municipality,” he said.
The proclamation signing ceremony will be at 10 a.m. in the conference room of the Saipan Mayor’s Office in San Antonio.
(DEQ) — The Division of Environmental Quality says water samples collected from Aqua Resort Hotel, Tanapag Meeting Hall, DPW Channel Bridge, S. Puerto Rico Dump, American Memorial Park, Dai-Ichi Hotel, Hafa Adai Hotel, Hafa Adai Drainage, Garapan Fishing Dock, Garapan Beach, Garapan Beach Drainage, Chalan Laulau Beach, Diamond Hotel, Grand Hotel, Comm. School Beach and CK Dist. #2 Drainage contained excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria — enterococci — that exceeded the CNMI’s marine water quality standards.
These bacteria can indicate the presence of human and animal waste in the water.
To adequately address public health concerns, DEQ has given these locations a red flag and advises the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of these locations for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.
(CEC) — In preparation for the general elections, the Commonwealth Election Commission finds that it is in the best interest of all candidates and parties to answer pertinent election questions in an open forum.
If any candidate or party has a question pertaining to the upcoming election please submit your questions to the commission.
Pertinent questions without reference to its author will be posted on the Web site at www.votecnmi.gov.mp.
For more information, call CEC Executive Director Robert Guerrero at 664-8683.
Sobriety/DUI checkpoints
(DPS) — The Department of Public Safety will conduct DUI checkpoints on the day and times listed below.
• Sept. 6
Near the intersection of Beach Road, and the late Dr. Kaipat’s residence, Chalan Laulau, 7:30-8:45 p.m.
Chalan Monsignor Guerrero Road by the CUC Waterloo Station, Chalan Kiya, 10:30 p.m.-11:45 p.m.
Checkpoints will be terminated it begins to rain.
In addition, police officers will conduct highway criminal interdictions, saturation patrol, aggressive driver interdictions and laser activities.
For more information, call Sgt. Anthony Macaranas at 664-9084 or 664-9085.
Marine advisory
(EMO) — Based on the information received from the National Weather Service on Guam, Gov. Benigno R. Fitial would like to inform the general public that a large west swell will produce hazardous surf on west facing reefs through Saturday.
A high surf advisory is in effect until 6 p.m., Saturday. Expect hazardous surf of 7 to 9 feet on west facing reefs, along with dangerous rip currents.
The governor is strongly advising the general public to avoid venturing near exposed reefs and beaches, especially those along west facing reefs where rip currents will be life-threatening.
