The purpose of the meeting is to recruit new volunteers and save PAWS from permanently closing its operations.
Since the beginning of PAWS, the main focus of the organization has been to help animals in need of homes and medical care.
Over the years, the organization has offered the community help with veterinary costs, hosted low-cost spay and neuter clinics, found homes for unwanted animals, organized a humane education committee, hosted dog shows, and worked towards improving the lives of Saipan’s people and animals by lobbying for an anti-cruelty statute and a humane animal shelter.
PAWS is currently a working partner of the United States Humane Society and the World Society for the Protection of Animals, a United Nations Partner.
With the help of these organizations, PAWS has obtained dog safety and humane education materials for children K-8, dog catching cages, muzzles, leashes, and animal care items.
“Unfortunately, having these items or the money to purchase necessary items is not enough for us to be sustainable,” said PAWS president Katie Busenkell. “We need volunteers — manpower — to really help the community and the animals of Saipan.”
PAWS is currently reduced to three board members and fewer than 30 general members.
“We cannot continue to operate with so few active volunteers. The demand for help is too much for three people to handle alone. So, the board has decided that if fewer than 15 people attend the meeting on the 30th, we will be forced to dissolve the organization.”
All those interested in attending should RSVP no later than April 29 to [email protected] or call 483-9464. Alternatively, you may contact 285-PAWS.
Red Cross staffers undergo training in Japan
(American Red Cross) — The NMI chapter of the American Red Cross recently sent three staff members to Yokota Air Force base in Japan for advanced Red Cross military casework training.
Mary Ann Taman, Kennedy Benjamin and John Hirsh participated in a two-day workshop designed to improve casework that supports military service members and their families.
“This formal training is an essential part of improving our chapter’s ability to better support service members and their families” said John Hirsh, the chapter’s executive director.
“The NMI chapter is committed to assisting our military families when they need to relay urgent, time sensitive information 24/7,” said Hirsh.
The class included senior casework instructors from Ft. Bragg as well as 18 Red Cross caseworkers from around Japan.
The Department of Defense and the American Red Cross have a long standing agreement that the Red Cross will provide critical, verified and time sensitive messages to commanders so that they can relay messages and make leave decisions for service members.
This trip was funded through community support here in the CNMI, as well as a generous donation by Northwest Airlines.
(NMPASI) — Join us on May 2 at the Minachom Atdau Pavilion at Kilili Beach, 6 a.m. to 12 noon.
The walkathon begins at 6:30 a.m. while Barry Wicksman’s Tai Chi demonstration starts at 8:30 a.m.
All are encouraged to participate.
Other events on this day:
• Music by Ellena Sutton and cha-cha contest
• Essay contest winners will be announced
• Paddling — cheer on high school paddlers in the season’s opening race, and then try to paddle or just enjoy a canoe ride
There are many other activities and prizes.
These events are sponsored by CAMI-CNMI, the Mental Health Planning Council, NMPASI, the Community Guidance Center, and the Statewide Independent Living Council.
Cockfight board meeting
(Office of the Mayor) — Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela says there will be a special meeting of the Saipan Cockfight Board this Thursday, April 30, at 9 a.m. at his office in San Antonio below the Department of Labor at Afetnas Square.
The purpose of this meeting is to adopt the new proposed rules and regulations of the Saipan cockfight game and to conduct a protest hearing brought forth before the board.
All board members and the public are invited to attend.
Townhall meetings
(KKA) — TheKagman Komunidat Association is inviting the public to the first of many townhall meetings. Voters can get to know the Republican candidates who will face off in the primary this June.
Heinz and Arnold will be having their townhall meeting on Thursday, April 30, while Juan and Galvin’s townhall meeting has been recheduled for Thursday, May 7. Both meetings will be held at the Kagman Community Center at 7 p.m.
The purpose of the townhall meetings is for voters to stay informed and gather information from the candidates by asking questions and knowing more about their stand on the economy, Article 12, tourism, military buildup, crime, gambling and other issues.
Marianas High School schedule
• April 27-May 1 — SAT10 tests (grades 9 and 11)
• May 2 — MHS incoming freshmen orientation, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., MHS gym. Parents and students will participate in a campus tour. They will have an opportunity to meet with the teachers and follow their child’s class schedule. Lunch will be provided.
• May 4-15 — Advance placement exams
• May 18-22 — PSS SBA tests
• May 25 — No classes, Memorial Day
• June 11 — Graduation ceremony
• June 15 — End of fourth quarter
For questions and concerns contact 237-3206.
Live fire releases on FDM
(EMO) — The U.S. military will conduct live fire releases on Farallon de Mendenilla, on May 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Due to the danger imposed by this activity, Gov. Benigno R. Fitial is advising the general public, especially fishermen, commercial pilots and marine tour operators, to stay away from this area during the time and dates indicated.
For more information, call the Emergency Management Office at 322-9528 or 322-9529, VHF marine channel 16 or HF single sideband radio on 5.205.0.
Puengin Inetnon on Friday
PUENGIN Inetnon will resume again starting Friday, May 8, 4:30-10 p.m. in the parking lot of the Kagman Community Center.
Puengin Inetnon is Kagman’s Friday Night Market for food, drinks, snacks, clothing, arts and crafts. It is held every government payday Friday.
The Kagman Komunidat Association is looking for vendors to sell produce and fish. Other vendors are also invited.
Call the Kagman Post Office at 256-POST or e-mail [email protected] for more information.
Kagman flee market
THE Kagman Saturday Flea Market will resume again starting on Saturday, May 9, 8 a.m. in the parking lot of the Kagman Community Center.
It is held every government payday Saturday.
Individuals can sell their used items for only $5 and will be provided with a tent and table.
Interested individuals can call the Kagman Post Office at 256-POST or e-mail [email protected] for more information.
NURSING CLUB. Northern Marianas College’s Nursing Club offered free blood pressure and blood sugar checks at the NMC booth during the recently held Flame Tree Arts Festival. Photo shows Lovelle D’Lonsod checking the blood pressure of a festival participant. Contributed photo
NMC Charter Day next week
(NMC) — Celebrating its 28th year of helping people further their education, Northern Marianas College is inviting the community to its Charter Day festivities which will be held at the NMC Field on Friday, May 8, from 4 to 11 p.m.
Headlining the event will be the Marianas Idol Competition, which will feature some of the CNMI’s most talented singers.
Those who wish to participate must take part in the audition scheduled for Monday, May 4, at 5 p.m. at the NMC Student Center. Five finalists will be selected to perform at the Charter Day festivities.
Other competitions include the NMC Charter Day Dance Crew Competition, the Battle of the Bands, and the Miss Pugua Beauty Pageant.
In addition, there will be several vendors featuring island delicacies and specialty drinks for sale.
NMC’s Recruitment Committee will also be hosting a booth at Charter Day.
Students interested in applying for admission for Fall 2009 may pick up an application and get their application fee and placement test fees waived.
Interested individuals may still register for booth space by Friday, May 1.
For more information, call Perry Inos Jr. at 234-5498 ext. 1253 or e-mail [email protected].
