The agenda of the meeting was the improved status for contract workers who have been living and working in the CNMI for 20 years and the granting of immediate relative status to parents of U.S. citizen children, who will turn 18 by Nov. 2009.
Also discussed was the planned Christmas family-get together party on Dec. 27, 2008 at 4 p.m. at the Minatchom Atdao. It was agreed that it will be pot luck in nature. However, donations of whatever kind are also welcomed and accepted. There will be music and entertainment during the event. Friends, concerned ethnic minorities and their families are welcome to join the fun and festivity.
Congressional Delegate-elect Greg Kilili Sablan with his wife Andrea attended the meeting and were asked to join the CREAM Christmas party which they gladly and graciously accepted.
During the meeting, Sablan spoke and gave some insights on what he planned to do when the 111th U.S. Congress is inaugurated on Jan. 6, 2009.
CREAM appreciated and thanked Delegate and Mrs. Sablan for their presence, support and assistance to the group.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:10 p.m. The next meeting will be on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008 at 5 p.m.
Students complete computer and customer service classes
(NMC) — Northern Marianas College’s Community Development Institute recently recognized several individuals who completed the program’s computer literacy, customer service and administrative training courses.
These courses included “How to Use Word Processing Applications,” “Creating Digital Presentations,” “Time Management,” “Communication in the Workplace,” and other classes which are designed to improve individual knowledge and specific skills. The classes are also geared around actual workforce needs and experiences based on course surveys, community needs assessments, and interviews with employers.
“The classes provide direct, immediate benefits to students who are looking to improve their job skills,” said NMC acting President Felicitas Abraham. “At the same time, the classes also contribute to the commonwealth’s economic growth by enhancing the skill sets of our local workforce.”
The awardees included Rosario Camacho, Memorina Olopai, Jennifer Ada, David Apatang, Norlyn Cabrera, Crystal Lizama, Yolanda Muna and Ireksin Made.
The group is the second batch of individuals who have completed the skills-enhancing courses.
The Community Development Institute is offering another cycle of classes that is open to community members.
For more information, call 234-5498 ext. 1010, e-mail [email protected], or log on to www.nmcnet.edu to see a schedule of classes.
Troops-to-Teachers program thanks community
THE staff of the Troops-To-Teachers Program — Director Geri Willis, Fred Camacho and Jill Arenovski — would like to thank the entire community for coming together with generous donations for their CNMI OPERATION HOMEFRONT SUPPORT.
With the amazing help of the American Red Cross and MCV, the operation was a resounding success, sending more than 250 holiday gift boxes full of local treats to deployed military soldiers from the CNMI.
More specifically, we would like to thank the following individuals, companies and organizations for their support in this project.
• American Red Cross — John Hirsh & Kennedy Benjamin — logistics, organization, meeting center, mailing boxes and postage label printing — Also for purchasing additional cookies to ensure all soldiers get them!
• MCV — Mark Birmingham, Banners/Stickers/TV Advertisements
• Governor Fitial, First Lady, Lt. Governor, & Cabinet Members — Spam/Chicharon/CD Mangos
• Jon Bargfrede (Bank of Saipan) — Postage for 250+ boxes.
• School children from Marianas High School, Oleai Elementary, William S Reyes Elementary, San Vicente Elementary, Rota Jr & Elementary schools, Kagman Elementary, Tinian, Koblerville Elementary School, Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School, Saipan International School wrote letters and made drawings, as well as donated canned goods
• Knitting Club — hand knit beanie caps made by Sylvia Haywood, Janet Jensen, Jill Arenovski, Jane Kong, Ling Bei, Eve Deleon Guerrero, Melanie Daly, and Cynthia Guevarra. Yarn donations from Jim Faiella, Melanie Daly, and others.
• Beach Road Magazine
• Marianas Variety and Saipan Tribune — articles of support and media coverage
• PTI- Face-to-Face Communication between troopers and families — Kathryn Barry and Ed Manglona, volunteers for packing boxes
• Mr. Horiguchi — Six cases of Coconut Chips
• Senate President Pete Reyes- — Tuna/Other Canned Goods
• Rep. David Apatang — Spam/Corned Beef
• Angelo Villagomez — Indigenous T-shirts
• Drs. Ken & Crystal Pierson (Seventh Day Adventist Dental Clinic) — Toothbrushes, magazines
• Lori Serna — Dental floss
• VFW — phone cards
• Army Reserve Center — Storage, tables and chairs
• Armed Forces Committee, Chamber of Commerce — Judge David Wiseman, Doug Brennan
• Joeten Affiliates/Price Costco/Twins Market — In-store advertisements and donations
• Tinian Fleming’s Store — In-store advertisement & donations
• Legislative Bureau
• Herman’s Bakery
• Maria Quitaqua Babauta —doni, soba, tuna
• Hafa Adai Bakery — local baked goodies
• Northern Marianas College, Carmen Fernandez — pens
• Ruth Coleman, Executive Officer of Military & Veteran Affairs
(NMC) — Rota and Tinian students and parents who are interested in learning more about finding money for college will be able to participate in the upcoming free financial aid workshop sponsored by the College Access Challenge Project administered at Northern Marianas College.
The workshop will be broadcasted live through federal funding provided by the Administration for Native Americans.
Rota and Tinian residents who wish to watch the workshop live must arrive at the NMC instructional sites on Tinian and Rota before 4:45 p.m.
Scheduled for Dec. 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Fiesta Resort Hibiscus Hall, the workshop will feature presentations from current college students and prominent college graduates.
Financial aid experts will also walk participants through the process of filling out federal financial aid forms and scholarship applications.
Participants of the upcoming workshop will also receive a waiver of application and placement test fees for NMC’s Spring 2009 semester.
The College Access Challenge Project aims to increase college enrollment and retention among the CNMI’s public high school graduates.
The project will be awarding direct financial aid in the form of need-based grants and tuition and fees assistance to qualified participants.
The grant will be complemented by academic support services, which will include tutoring, personal counseling, and a variety of educational activities and workshops to prepare students for success in college.
Administered by NMC, the project will draw from the expertise of the college’s staff, other students, and local financial aid representatives. NMC staff will also assist students with admission and financial aid applications.
The CACP is funded by a federal grant under the U.S. Department of Education to increase the number of low-income students who enroll and succeed in college.
Sister Remedios schedule
SISTER Remedios Early Childhood Development Center has scheduled the following:
• Dec. 18 — The Christmas program starts at 9 a.m. at the school yard. The attire of the children will be casual with a Santa hat. Parents may take their children home after the program. Daycare is still available on this day.
• Dec. 19 — School Christmas Party and fun day. It will be a regular school day: 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Attire for this day will also be casual. Daycare is still available on this day.
Class will resume on Jan. 5, 2009.
(PAWS) — Apollo will be a great addition to your family this holiday season.
He is 1-2 years old with brown short hair and was given his annual vaccinations last September.
For more information, e-mail Maria at mdcowden@ gmail.com or call 256-0340. You may also call 285-PAWS.
LISS offers winter camp program
(LISS) — Ladera International School of Saipan would like to inform the general public about its education excellence winter programs.
LISS is offering students an opportunity to expand their academic achievement by participating in one of several programs.
Each program is devised to meet a certain outcome. With each program, LISS’ efforts are geared to ensuring that the children walk out of the program with useful knowledge that is in today’s common use.
1. Science Camps — Intensive program designed to challenge the minds through experimentations. Develop think tanks and brainstorming solutions to science problems or simply the study of various plants/animal species, and their environment.
2. Leadership (Quantum Learning) — This program is designed specifically to encourage, motivate, instill lifelong skills on the learner. Programs consist of games, thinking materials, testing through puzzles, cooperative in groups that can be used on a day to day basis.
3. Computer Program — The program is to provide knowledge on how computer programs can be used effectively with students today. Applications on excel programming, word documentation, Power point and other necessary computer skills and training to allow for a better understanding these units.
4. Library program and CNMI History — Reading short and long story programs with teacher, story telling, comprehension of books read, social grooming for presentations, possible book reporting. This will also enhance children to learn to love reading. Enhance on knowledge about the CNMI history and how we the islands are developing from past to present.
For more information, contact LISS at 288-2006 for details on how to register. Seats are limited for these one-month programs.
From N.C. with love
