Six Puppies Up for Adoption

Our partner PAWS is looking for your help in finding homes for six abandoned puppies.

One little lady was found in Puerto Rico. She is thought to be about 6-7 weeks old. She has been de-wormed, bathed, and treated for fleas. If you are interested in meeting this little gal, please contact Rose at italiarose@hotmail.com or call PAWS at 285-PAWS.

The others were abandoned at a government building on Thursday during the lunch hour. These beautiful pups have been de-wormed, bathed, and treated for fleas and ticks. They are thought to be about 6 weeks of age. If you are interested in meeting a member of this crew, please contact PAWS at 285-PAWS or email Katie at busenkell@gmail.com.

Planting Flame Trees With Kanagawa Truckers Association of Japan

Our friends from Isa CNMI, led by Aya-san Matsumoto and Horiguchi-san, led some members of the Kanagawa Truckers Association of Japan to this afternoon's flame tree planting at American Memorial Park. Beautify CNMI's Cinta Kaipat, Angelo Villagomez, Gus Kaipat, and the Kaipat boys (Marvin, AJ, Jun, and Dusty) along with my other nephew Peter Angui, joined the group. Brad Doerr of MINA was also there and brought the flame trees that were planted.

The flame trees that Herminia Fuscho donated, which had been growing under the Ylang Ylang tree at my Mom's house were loaded into the Beautify CNMI! trailer that Gus and the boys hauled to American Memorial Park. The rest of the flame trees will be planted as soon as the Park staff decide the most appropriate places to plant them. Ranger Nancy is off island, so we got to meet Ranger Rianna (I hope I spelled her name right). I was going to shake her hand when I introduced myself, until I saw how muddy her hand was (you'll see it in the slideshow), so...never mind. :) Anyway, thank you, good folks at American Memorial Park and Park Rangers Nancy and Rianna!

The Kanagawa Group makes a living driving trucks. It is remarkable and commendable that they came to Saipan to plant trees to do their part to help reduce the carbon footprint we humans have left on Earth. Thank you SO much! Arigato gozaimasu!

120 on 10/20 IS TODAY!!!!

Caption: Cinta Kaipat places a mwaar on the head of CEQ chairman James Connaughton while 65 other Friends of the Monument members look on. Inset, James Connaughton greets the line of Monument supporters at the entrance to the Hyatt Regency Saipan yesterday afternoon. (Contributed Photos)


Don't forget to wear your Orange t-shirts and come on out to the Hibiscus Hall, Fiesta Resort, for the 5:30 p.m. workshop meeting today! Your presence matters!

Angelo has a great post and pictures of the warm welcome reception we gave the White House officials who arrived at the Hyatt yesterday. Visit The Saipan Blog - Saipan, CNMI's most popular blog since ever since
http://www.thesaipanblogger.com

While you're at it, visit the other blogs that Angelo contributes to --

--
Angelo O'Connor Villagomez

Saipan Coordinator - Ocean Legacy
PMB 360 BOX 10001
Saipan, MP 96950

(670) 234 2665
http://www.globaloceanlegacy.org

Volunteer
Beautify CNMI
(670) 285-6462
http://www.beautifycnmi.com

Link to the Friends of the Monument blog

Would you like to help spread the word about the Friends of the Monument blog? Just copy and paste the following code into your blog template!

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The federal workshops on Saipan are just over one week away! There are ways that you can help to support the monument. Click HERE for more information.

URGENT ACTION NEEDED!

In order to make Saipan a better place to live and visit, we must have laws enacted that protect property from harm and taking. To date, no law has been passed by the CNMI Legislature making it illegal to steal or kill another person's animal.

Together, we can change that.

PAWS received the following email and asked that Beautify CNMI! pass it along to the community. Together, we are requesting IMMEDIATE action by the community. The email was sent out by two teachers that have served this community as leaders in our schools and in community sports.

"Dear friends, Sorry for the generic mass email, but I have some rather sad news and I only want to type it once. Unfortunately, Luna died last night. Even more upsetting than that is that she didn't die because of her illness; she was shot in the back of the head with a 22. When we came home and found her a little after midnight, her body was still warm and the blood was still fresh. We are certain of who did it - our neighbor was awake and hanging out with a friend on his porch 20 yards from her body, but claimed to know nothing, hear nothing, see nothing. Glenn went and questioned them and their story kept changing. We called the police. They came and wrote a report and said that they would be contacting our neighbor and his friend. I doubt there will be much follow-up and even if there is, I doubt there will be much resolution. Luna was the sweetest dog in the world, and as you all know she was like a child to us. Thank you for all your help, concern and support. Sadly, someone had other plans for her. Lindsay and Glenn"

If you find this email as outrageous as we did, please contact the media at:

• Saipan Tribune: Jayvee Vallejera Editor at editor@saipantribune.com
• Mariana Variety: Zaldy at mvariety@pticom.com
• KSPN: Chris Nelson at nelson@kspn2.com and chris.nelson@saipan.com


We would also ask that you contact our leading legislators at:

• Senate President Pete Reyes: sen.reyesp@cnmileg.gov.mp
• Senator Maria Frica T. Pangelinan: sen.pangelinanm@cnmileg.gov.mp
• Speaker Arnold Palacios: speaker.palaciosa@cnmileg.gov.mp
• Representative Tina Sablan: rep.sablanc@cnmileg.gov.mp and/or tinasablan@gmail.com

Something must be done about this. This is wrong. This is absolutely wrong.

Make our community a better place by demanding something of our legislature and law enforcement officials.

Stop Turtle Poaching in the Marianas

I received this message from MINA today:

NOAA needs your help. NOAA is offering Rewards for Information on Sea Turtle Poaching!!!!

NOAA’s Fisheries Service Office of Law Enforcement is offering up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of persons poaching endangered sea turtles in the Territory of Guam and in the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas Islands.

Turtle poaching is an ongoing problem in the Guam area. In recent months, NOAA special agents have investigated cases involving the sale and consumption of meat and eggs of protected sea turtles.

Turtle experts believe that turtle poaching is a significant contributing factor to the reduction of indigenous sea turtle populations around the Pacific islands.

The Endangered Species Act of 1973 protects all six species of sea turtles in the United States. Endangered species include the indigenous Green Sea Turtle and the Hawksbill Sea Turtle, which are commonly found in and around Guam and the Northern Marianas Islands. Under the ESA and its corresponding regulations, it is illegal to take, possess, sell, deliver, receive, import, export, carry, transport, or ship any endangered species. A violation of the Endangered Species Act can result in civil penalties of up to $25,000, and criminal fines of up to $100,000 and imprisonment up to one year.

Anyone with information is asked to call one of the following numbers:

Special Agent Charles Raterman (Guam) 671-472-7200
Pacific Islands Division (Honolulu, HI) 808-541-2727
Office for Law Enforcement - National Hotline: 800-853-1964
Guam Customs & Quarantine Service - MITF: 671-475-6331
Guam Division of Aquatics and Wildlife – DAWR: 671-735-3991
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Guam 671-647-6064
NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources.

go to:
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2008/20080729_seaturtle.html

The Master List Redux

The Master List of Saipan bloggers has been updated over on The Saipan Blog.

There are currently over 140 Saipan bloggers along with almost 20 Coconuts Abroad.

Bloggers are requested to add a link to the Master List as it is the most comprehensive list of Saipan (and Tinian and Rota) blogs.

Carnival of the Blue XVI

Carnival of the Blue XVI will be hosted on The Saipan Blog next month. If you have a post on your blog about the ocean, whether it be fishing, conservation, or something that is just cool, please email me the link and I will include it in a special CNMI section of this month's carnival.

Garapan Cleanup

We had a good showing for last week's monthly cleanup of the Garapan Tourist District. Thanks to everyone who pitched in!

Mission Accomplished

Cinta and some of the volunteers (including me!) were invited to a concert at the Hyatt the other day. The name placard on the table read "Beautiful CNMI."

Does that mean we're done beautifying?

Of course not!

The next volunteer cleanup in July 20 at the Koblerville substation at 8 AM.

Thank you for Making it Possible

PAWS and Beautify CNMI! would like to thank the sponsors and supporters of this year’s “Best of the Worst Dog Show.” With community support, we were able to put together a great show and give away some great prizes. Thank you.

More specifically, we would like to thank our sponsors and donors: Representative Diego Benavente, Mayor Juan B. Tudela, Costco, The PEW Charitable Trust, Beautify CNMI!, Angil Design, Inc., Friends of the Mariana Islands (FMI), PTI, Expressions, Photography by Jack Hardy, Pacific Trading Company, Dr. Ignacio Dela Cruz, Judge Alex and Kathy Munson, and Tania David.

We would also like to thank the many volunteers that donated their precious time. Thank you George Hassleback, Judge Alex Munson, Brad Ruszula, Angelo Villagomez, Cinta Kaipat, Gus Kaipat, Francine Coulture, Ann Brazel, Mary McGee, Marja Onni, Melissa Simms, Adam and Rachell Miles, Judy Kim, Madison Smith, Ron and Moon Smith, Ken and Monique Kramer, Deane Jesse-Jones, Ciara B. Dela Cruz, Kiana Villagomez, Jay Santos, and Joe Przyuski.

Lastly, we could not have reached to the public without our friends in the media. Thank you Marianas Variety, Saipan Tribune, KZMI, Beach Road Magazine, and KSPN.

You all did a wonderful job! Thank you.

If you attended the event and would like to view and/or purchase pictures, please visit Photography by Jack Hardy http://saipanjack.smugmug.com/gallery/5093092_N3YdK/. Pictures of the event are available for purchase, as are mouse pads, t-shirts, mugs, and anything else you can put a picture on! Purchases can be placed on on-line and 30% of profits will be donated to PAWS for the education program and rescues.

We look forward to seeing you all next year.

Katie Busenkell
PAWS President
Chair of the Beautify CNMI! Animal Welfare Committee

Help PAWS Find Homes for Unwanted Animals!

On Friday, May 30, 2008, a Saipan resident found a box taped shut on the side of the road in Navy Hill. The box contained four (4) kittens that are estimated to be around 5-6 weeks old.

“We know people are desperate to find homes for animals, but to go to this extreme is cruel. Call PAWS at 285-PAWS and we will help you find a home for unwanted animals,” said PAWS President and Chair of the Beautify CNMI! Animal Welfare Committee Busenkell.

"Dumping animals like this does nothing to benefit our island. If the animals die - they will stink. If they live - they will feed off of our native birds and raid trash cans in an effort to survive. The best solution is to find a responsible home where the animals will properly looked after and cared for."

The kittens appear to be healthy and happy at their foster home. If you are interested in fostering and/or adopting one of these playful and loving kittens, please contact Rachell via email at rachell.miles@gmail.com or at 322-2104 or 286-7909.

Also available for adoption is a male kitten that is thought to be about 6-8 weeks old. “He has beautiful markings and would be a perfect cat for a family with no other animals,” said PAWS Vice President Melissa Simms who is fostering the animal. If you are interested in adopting this kitten, please contact Melissa at melissasimms56@hotmail.com, 234-1253 or 285-PAWS. (PR-PAWS)

Community Supports PAWS/BC Dog Show

Thanks to numerous community leaders, PAWS and Beautify CNMI! will be awarding great pet-care items at this year’s dog show scheduled for June 7, 2008 from 4-6 p.m.

Costco donated nearly $800.00 in pet-care items for the dog show and PAWS rescues. Such items include Advantage for flea control, dog biscuits, dog treats, a pet pillow, puppy training pads, cat food, cat litter, and education books for children and adults.

Other community leaders, like the PEW Charitable Trust, Angil Design, Inc., and numerous CNMI residents, made monetary donations. The monetary donations were used to purchase prizes such as large bags of dog food, Frontline for flea and tick control, dog toys, and Adams shampoo and dip for flea and tick control, just to name a few.

“We have had an amazing amount of support from the community,” said PAWS Vice-President Melissa Simms. “And thanks to these generous donations, we will be able to award people for loving their pets. Our main objective in hosting the Dog Show is foster the human-animal bond.”

The Dog Show is a free event that will be held this Saturday from 4-6 p.m. at the CPA Airport Field, underneath the Flame Trees at the southern end of the field.

Participants are encouraged to sign up early by downloading an application on-line at http://www.paws-saipan.org/dogshowsignup2008.pdf and submitting the applicaiton to Katie at busenkell@gmail.com no later than Thursday, June 5.

People can sign up at the show between 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. There will be absolutely no entries accepted after 3:30 p.m. The show will start promptly at 4:00 p.m.

If people have questions about the show, contact Katie on the PAWS PTI Hotline at 285-PAWS.

2nd Annual PAWS-Beautify CNMI Boonie Dog Show!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

The much anticipated, twice postponed, PAWS and Beautify CNMI! annual dog show is scheduled for June 7, 2008 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the CPA Airport Field. The exact location of the show will be at the southern end of the field underneath the Flame Trees.

The dog show was originally scheduled for May 17, 2008, but was postponed when PAWS President Katie Busenkell was invited to attend the United States Humane Society’s Animal Care Expo, a convention on animal care and welfare. “It was an opportunity for networking that we could not pass up,” said Busenkell.

Everyone is invited to attend and participate in the dog show, which is a free event. It is a fun activity for the entire family, including boonie dogs. All dogs entered in the show, or present at the show, must wear a collar and have a leash.

“If your dog has mange, a condition that causes the dog to loose hair, we ask that you not enroll your pet in the show,” said PAWS Vice President Melissa Simms. “Instead, we urge you to take your pet to a veterinarian for treatment.”

For those dogs that are able to attend the show, owners may enter their dog(s) to win prizes in the following categories: (1) The Fattest; (2) The Most Disobedient; (3) The Best Belly Dragger (for smaller breeds); (4) The Best Geriatric (for those older dogs); (5) The Most Like a Movie Star; and (6) The Booniest. A prize will also be awarded to the dog that wins the title, “The Best of the Worst,” otherwise known as the best of show.

Prizes include Frontline for fleas and ticks, flea and tick shampoo and dip, dog toys, dog food, and a dog bed, just to name a few of the items that have been generously donated by Costco and/or purchased with funds donated by Beautify CNMI!, Angil Designs, Inc., and the PEW Charitable Trust. “And, if you have a cat, or many, you are invited to enter our $1.00 raffle for cat-care items,” said Simms.

Registration is free and pre-registration is strongly encouraged due to an expected high turnout. When asked if she was excited about the dog show, Bernie Dela Cruz said, “Yes! Because I love dogs. I love animals.”

Forms can be downloaded at www.paws-saipan.org and emailed to Katie at busenkell@gmail.com. If you have questions about the dog show, call the PAWS PTI hotline for more information at 285-PAWS.

Kramis Eco-Exercise

It's never too late to say Thank you, so Thank You, Ron & Nancy!

Ron Kramis at Wing Beach

Hi Gus and Cinta:

I'm sending a picture from our Sunday, February 24th Wing Beach excursion as you requested. Most of the obvious litter was around the parking area and the picnic areas nearby, but the rest of the beach looked very good in general. It was clear that people have been taking very good care of Wing Beach.

We covered a great length of the beach and into the picnic and shaded areas adjacent to most of the beach so obviously we got a lot of old stuff along with some new. Personally I left a small bit of stuff that was being guarded by those large spiders I don't like. After two hours of hiking we only got about two large garbage bags full. Very nice to have the garbage container there.

We highly recommend this as a nice early morning weekend activity for folks------eco-exercise. Who knows where we'll strike next weekend! :)

See you soon,

Nancy

Young Environmentalists Making A Difference

In May, I was fortunate enough to be invited to and attend TWO international animal welfare conferences in the United States.

The first was hosted by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) in Boston, Massachusetts from May 8-9. In attendance were select delegates from Bahrain, India, Mexico, Columbia, Africa, Brazil, and Saipan.

The second, Animal Expo 2008, was hosted by the United States Humane Society in Orlando, Florida from May 14-17. In attendance were numerous delegates from India, Columbia, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Chile, Italy, Belize, Peru, Kuwait, China, Australia, and Saipan, just to name a few.

Both conferences exposed me to amazing people doing amazing things for animals throughout the world. This was inspiring, and perhaps much needed to re-energize our efforts here at home.

The conferences were an opportunity for experts and donors to share advice, knowledge and experience on animal care/welfare issues. So, in order to better serve our community and animals, I attended numerous workshops, including but not limited to: (1) how to recognize and combat compassion fatigue; (2) how to lobby for anti-cruelty legislation; (3) how to count and recognize cruelty cases in our community; and perhaps most importantly to our success, (4) effective methods of animal control. Copies of the presentations, and more, are available for your review per your request. I invite all of you to review these materials and to educate yourself about the importance and possibility of helping Saipan’s animals and/or our community.

In addition to attending numerous workshops, I want you to know that I did my best to draw attention to our situation here in Saipan. I spoke to representatives from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), WSPS, United States Humane Society (USHS), Humane Society International (HIS), the American Humane Association (AHA), the Pegasus Foundation, Maddie’s Fund, the Petco Foundation, and many more. I also made a point of talking directly to Wayne Pacelle, the President of the Humane Society and an internationally well-respected humanitarian.

What was the result? A renewed feeling of hope. I firmly believe that if we follow-up on the networking that was accomplished at these conferences, that change may be on the horizon for our animals and communities. But, PAWS and Beautify CNMI! desperately need your help in order to make these changes possible.

We need volunteers. We need people who love animals to help us foster homeless animals. We need people who are interested in honing professional skills to write letters and/or lobby on behalf of Saipan’s animals. We need people to go into schools and give 30-minute presentations to children about the importance of responsible pet ownership, compassion, and understanding animal behavior.

We don’t want all of your time. Just what you can give. And, if these tasks scare you, or you think you don’t know enough to jump in and help – not to worry!!! We are more than happy to either train in what we know or look for answers together.

If there is one base-line lesson that I learned by attending these conferences it is this – if people living in the deserts of Peru and Kuwait or the bush of Africa can muster up the strength and resources to combat animal control and cruelty, then we can do it too and we have little excuse not to.

Sincerely,
Katie Busenkell
PAWS President (www.paws-saipan.org or www.paws-saipan.blogspot.com)
Chair of Beautify CNMI! Animal Welfare Committee

The Beautify CNMI "Beauty Virus" Is Alive And Well

Thanks to Aya-san and Willy-san of Isa CNMI for keeping the Beautify CNMI "Beauty Virus" alive and well!

Gus and I got our niece and nephews together and headed up to the Last Command Post in Marpi, Saipan, this bright Sunday morning for a cleanup with Isa CNMI and 200 visitors from Japan. They are members of the Nenpoushinkyou group in Japan. They say they have 800,000 members. WOW!

I put together this slide show of the day's events. The first 100 or so pictures were taken of the cleanup.

The last pictures are of the first blooming flame tree of the group we planted on lower Dandan Road (the road leading up to Dandan from the Welcome/Adios Sign). We planted these trees last year, and now one of them is already blooming!

The last pictures are of the road sign on Tun Kiyoshi Road.

Thanks to everyone who pitched in to help. Isa CNMI's Aya-san and Willy-san Matsumoto led the effort with Beautify CNMI and her coalition partners MVA, PDI, Tasi Tours, RC&D, PEW, and community members. In addition to Gus and I and our niece Sheena Saures and nephews Peter Saures, Franklin, Josiah and Jun Lizama, other community members who were there included Juanita Fajardo and her niece Breana and nephew Vince.

Once, again, thanks to everyone for a fine job! Arigato-gozaimasu!

Marpi Cleanup

This morning Isa CNMI and other Beautify CNMI volunteers cleaned up several of the Japanese memorials in Marpi with MVA, some of the Japanese tour companies, and over 200 Japanese tourists. Go us!

FMI gets Earth Team Volunteer award

Marites Aquino Castillo, president/chairwomen of the volunteer group known as Friends of the Mariana Islands (FMI), and Angelo O'Connor Villagomez were recently presented the Earth Team Volunteer Award and Certificates for their environmental efforts.

Castillo received two awards, one for herself and the other one for the FMI Group's activities.

Villagomez's's genius is as a grass roots organizer, while Castillo's Group, the FMI, provided the muscle and backbone for the Earth Team Volunteer activities with over 6,000 volunteer hours so far in 2008.

Castillo and the FMI Group performed miracles by volunteering to clean up the roads and beaches of Saipan. Their goal is to maintain the environment for the benefit of everyone in the CNMI. Their motto is: “Do it whole heartedly and expect nothing in return except from your self.”

According to Castillo, the FMI group began consistently cleaning up of roads and beaches in June 2006. Since then they have cleaned up Lau Lau Beach every third Sunday of the month, which now amounts to 23 consecutive months of activity.

During these same months on every second Sunday they were also cleaning up ISA Drive Rd. from the Saipan Botanical Gardens to the stoplight Intersection that leads to Northern Marianas Colleges.

The FMI has also worked other weekends beautifying other parts of Saipan.

When asked, “How can your group possibly do this much work?” Castillo replied: “The Friends of the Mariana Islands Earth Team Volunteers get a great feeling of pride for the work they do for the environment of Saipan.”

She cited the help of other individuals and groups who have contributed to FMI's cause. “Thanks to former Rep. Jacinta M. Kaipat, Angelo, and Mr. Ken [Kramer] for their motivation and assistance in helping us keep Saipan beautiful.”

“I hope that people will know, appreciate, and remember that it was and will be the hard work of Friends of the Mariana Islands Earth Team Volunteers that helps make Saipan a cleaner and more beautiful place to live! Let's all work together and keep this island even more beautiful!”

Underwater Archaeological Survey Presentation

Underwater Archaeological Survey of the Saipan Invasion Beaches:
The Latest News from the Field

A Free Public Lecture
Monday, May 5, 2008
6:00 p.m.
Visitors Center Theater
American Memorial Park

Archaeologists Jason Burns and Michael Krivor of Southeastern Archaeological Research, Inc. will present the preliminary results of an underwater survey they recently completed under contract with the CNMI Division of Historic Preservation.
The survey targeted the waters off the western coast of Saipan including those adjacent to the World War II invasion beaches stretching from Agingan Point to Quartermaster Road.

These beaches and the adjacent lagoon and offshore waters were designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. National Park Service in 1985.

Burns and Krivor will show photographs of the various historic resources that were located during their survey including World War II-era ships and airplanes. They will also answer questions from the audience.

The lecture, co-sponsored by the NMI Council for the Humanities and the Division of Historic Preservation, is open to the public and free of charge.

For more information about the project and the team visit the Museum of Underwater Archeology web site and my previous post on Saipans Underwater Historical Trail following the lecture by Jennifer McKinnon at Porky's.

New BCNMI Commercial

The people behind the Beautify CNMI coalition wish to let everyone know they are tired of picking up trash. They're not going to stop because keeping the Commonwealth looking clean and pristine is our only hope for attracting tourists. It also makes for a better place to live and work! So for all of you out there that still think it's OK to litter or that all these beach clean ups are fun - think again.



We're tired of picking up trash. If no one litters we can turn our efforts to something more rewarding like painting over the graffiti! Hmmmmm another PSA perhaps!

1st in a Ron and Nancy Kramis Eco-cise Series--Bird Island

It is people like Nancy Kramis and her husband Ron who help make Beautify CNMI! what it is today. Nancy travels to work in the CNMI periodically to help our people learn to better assist and serve those citizens in our community who are deaf and/or hard of hearing. Depending on the need, Nancy stays for weeks, and sometimes several months at a time, and her husband Ron has made some of these trips out here with her several times. Their invaluable contributions as Beautify CNMI! community volunteers deserve to be recognized, so here begins the first posting of the Ron & Nancy Kramis Eco-cise series right here. After some begging, Nancy was kind enough to give me permission to post these photos and accompanying eco-cise journal that she shared with Beautify CNMI's Kaipat family (that would be my family and her adopted Island family).

The series starts here....

A couple of pics of Ron's and my Sunday a.m. eco-exercise program for your collection. Sunday, March 9 we did a round trip from the Bird Island lookout past entry to Kalabera to the end of the road. About 3 hours and not too much junk. Looked fairly good.We then hiked down to the beach and noted that the ocean has left way too many "presents" for us at the high tide line. So we high tailed it outta there with plans to return another day with many big bags.Gettin' outta there!

STAY TUNED NEXT TIME FOR MORE.

********************
Nancy and Ron have contributed in so many other ways, from adopting a flame tree. . .L-R: Chuck Sayon of MINA; Nancy Kramis of Beautify CNMI Bellingham, Washington; Cinta Kaipat; and Doreen Jesus of Beautify CNMI Guam at the 2007 Flame Tree Arts Festival.

. . . to making a $500 donation at the 1st Anniversary Dinner for Beautify CNMI held at the Aqua Resort last year. They were there again this year at the Jake Shimabukuro Benefit Concert for Beautify CNMI and HANMI.

In addition to their own Eco-cise, they've also participated in numerous Beautify CNMI! activities, including the monthly clean-up of the Paseo de Marianas, which is the heart of the Garapan Tourist District, and they've attended some Beautify CNMI General and Committee meetings. Ron is a member of Beautify CNMI!'s Parks & Trails Committee headed by Ken Kramer of RCD.

Even when they're back in Bellingham, Washington, they still participate from afar in spreading the Beautify CNMI "beauty virus" in the mainland. Their dog, Molly Kramis, even planted a tree in honor of Arbor Day as we in the CNMI celebrated it here.

Thanks, Nancy and Ron! Congratulations again on being winners of the 2007 Beautify CNMI! Spirit Award. You are quite an inspiration to many of us.

Beautify CNMI!'s Blooming Flame Tree

Although the Flame Tree Arts Festival has come and gone, it's a good thing the blooming flame trees are going to last us for several more months. This is the season in the CNMI, and Saipan in particular, when Mother Nature paints our islands a magnificent red and orange as far as the eye could see.

Angelo has a nice post here about the first flame tree that Beautify CNMI ever planted blooming nicely this year. We first observed this proud moment after one of our lighthouse cleanups last year and I blogged about it here. This is what makes getting out of bed early Saturday morning and toiling under the hot sun worth it.

Thanks Beautify CNMI! volunteers for beautifying the CNMI, indeed.

Speaking of beautifying, thanks to Beautify CNMI! coalition partners DEQ and FMI and others for recycling at the Flame Tree Arts Festival. Thanks to Cecilia Celes and the Arts Council for giving us our same good location again this year.

DFS is 'Keen on Green'

Duty Free Shoppers has a new environmental campaign called 'Keen on Green.' There was an article about the campaign in today's Saipan Tribune.

By Rianne Pangelinan-Brown
Reporter

The Duty Free Shoppers Galleria on Saipan is joining its DFS partners worldwide in becoming “Keen on Green” for as long as the place is in business.

DFS Saipan president Marian Aldan-Pierce said the company has the first-ever companywide forum in which all employees were encouraged to participate in the company's effort to ensure that they are living “green.”

Aldan-Pierce said the company has also formed a committee that meets via teleconference once a month to discuss progress on each division's “Keen on Green” initiatives.

Aldan-Pierce explained that each division submitted a matrix on what type of recycling program is being done locally and what their plans are for future projects.

“Ongoing programs may include simple and easy to do things like recycling paper by printing on both sides, recycling cans, newspapers, pallets, furniture, etc.; reducing energy consumption by turning off lights when leaving offices or building; encouraging employees to bring or use ceramic cups for drinks to reduce or eliminate usage of paper and styrofoam cups; participating in community cleanups; and lots more,” Aldan-Pierce said.

She said that DFS Saipan has a huge display of 100 ways to reduce one's carbon footprint and that each employee wrote his or her commitment on their own footprint.

In observance of yesterday's Earth Day, 30 employees of DFS Saipan picked up trash from Smiling Cove down to the seaport following the pathway on both sides of the road.

At the DFS corporate level, an Environment Strategic Task Force was formed to focus on reducing the use of energy at DFS worldwide.

I have some pictures from their cleanup yesterday morning. I'll post them...soon.

Presentations About the Sea

MARIANAS DIVE’S MARITIME DOUBLE HEADER

When: Wednesday April 23, 2008

Where: Porky’s Beach Bar (behind McDonald’s on Beach Road)
Smoke Free on Wednesdays
Time: 6:45PM

ACT ONE: The 1733 Spanish Galleon Trail

Scattered over eighty miles of the Florida Keys, the thirteen 1733 Spanish Plate Fleet wrecks present a unique opportunity for public interpretation of historic shipwrecks. During the summer of 2004 archaeologists from the Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research conducted a survey of these shipwrecks to determine their condition and their potential for inclusion in a proposed shipwreck trail. Presenter Jennifer McKinnon provides an overview of the project and the shipwreck trail.

Jennifer McKinnon is a Lecturer of Maritime Archaeology at Flinders University in South Australia and was a senior underwater archaeologist for the Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research on the 1733 Spanish Galleon Trail.

The waters around Saipan Tinian and Rota are littered with WWII artifacts, many of them easily accessible for divers and even snorkelers. Could we take steps similar to those in Florida in an effort to better preserve, protect and market what we have? Come, find out first hand from the expert and someone who’s done the work!


ACT TWO: The National Park of the Sea

Angelo O’Connor Villagomez is one of the co-founders of Beautify CNMI and the former Executive Director of MINA. He is an indigenous environmentalist and has been working on conservation issues in the CNMI for two years.

Villagomez is currently the Saipan Coordinator for Ocean Legacy, a project of the Pew Environment Group. He is coordinating local support for a proposed “National Park of the Sea” encompassing a portion of the Mariana Trench and the islands of Ascuncion, Maug, and Uracas.

His presentation will discuss certain unique aspects of the area and the benefits of a globally significant protected area.

Currently a unique opportunity exists for the CNMI. Support for and against exists and people are weighing in on the proposal. Come and see for yourself what it’s all about. Ask questions and make yours an informed opinion!

Marianas Dive is a growing group of individuals with a passion for everything underwater and specifically what Saipan Tinian & Rota have to offer as dive destinations. The group welcomes community members to join and help the CNMI build a truly world class dive destination while promoting our excellent diving locally and globally. Members meet the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 6:30 PM. To join the email list, visit www.marianasdive.com.

For More information please contact
Mike Tripp

President

Marianas Dive

670-288-DIVE (3483)

scubatrip@mac.com

Beautify CNMI gets a trash trailer

Sometimes things in the islands move a little slow. It took us a year to build it, but we finally have a trash trailer.

A huge thank you to Bank of Guam and Shirley's Coffee Shop for donating the funds to build it.

National Pet Week May 4th - 10th!

This year, PAWS and Beautify CNMI! will be celebrating National Pet Week from May 4th until May 10th. During this week, volunteers will be giving humane education presentations to various schools around the island and promoting the humane treatment of animals.

If you are interested in learning more about our volunteer efforts, please contact Rose Callier at italiarose@hotmail.com.

And, on May 17th, PAWS and Beautify CNMI! will be hosting our Second Annual Best of the Worst Dog Show! Categories include:

1. The Fattest;
2. The Most Uneven Ears;
3. The Best Belly Dragger (shortest legs);
4. The Most Disobedient;
5. The Booniest;
6. The Most Like a Movie Star; and
   
7. The Best of Show.

Participating in the event is free, though all participants must have on a collar and leash. And, if your dog has mange, we ask that you not bring the animal to the dog show. Rather, we urge you to take your pet to either one of the island's veterinarians for treatment.

Entry forms and waivers can be downloaded at http://paws-saipan.org/. Please submit your entry form to Katie Busenkell at busenkell@gmail.com. The waiver must be signed at the event in the presence of one of our volunteers.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact PAWS at busenkell@gmail.com or at 285-PAWS.

PAWS and Beautify CNMI! would like to thank our 2008 National Pet Week Sponsors: Costco, PEW, Beautify CNMI!, DLNR, and Angil Design, Inc. Thank you for your generous donations and making this year's celebration possible!

Marianas Dive to Host Wyland Presentation

Chambre Bar Fiesta Resort
Tuesday April 15th 2008 @ 7PM

It has been reported here in the Variety that Wyland will be coming to Saipan to paint a one of his famous murals on the walls of CHC. It is unclear if this is a done deal or not as it will take about 60, 000 dollars to get him here.
The effort is being spearheaded by MINA with the help of other island agencies including Marianas Dive which will host an information meeting tonight at 7PM, Chambre Bar in the Fiesta Hotel.
Anyone interested in hearing more about this opportunity to bring additional press to the islands diving as well as something nice to look at for everyone including patients of the hospital are more than welcome to attend. Appetizers will be available and happy hour prices are in effect!

Jake Shimabukuro plants a Flame Tree

Yesterday's Beautify CNMI anniversary concert with Jake Shimabukuro was an all day affair. The concert took up the entire evening, but even before that we were setting up and going on the radio to promote the show.

We even took some time to plant a tree with Jake.

Beautify CNMI Awards To Be Presented On March 27

CNMI News
Thursday March 20, 2008


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Beautify CNMI! to award environmental champions next week

By Raquel C. Bagnol
Variety News Staff



THE winners of this year’s Beautify CNMI! Steward and Champion awards will be announced at the Saipan World Resort on March 27.

Beautify CNMI! volunteer Angelo Villagomez said the two recipients of the awards will be recognized for their contribution as exceptional environmental leaders during the last 12 months.

“Beautify CNMI! is celebrating its second anniversary and we will be giving out two award categories: the Environmental Steward and the Environmental Champion,” Villagomez said.

The Steward Award is given to an individual or an organization who has demonstrated real concern for the islands of the CNMI.

The Champion Award is given to a person or group who shows the true spirit of Beautify CNMI!

Among the criteria used for picking the winners are volunteerism, innovation, cooperation, creativity and the ability to spread the “beauty virus” all over the island.

As part of their anniversary celebration, Villagomez is also inviting the public to get their tickets now for the world renowned ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro’s concert which will be held on the same night.

“VIP tickets for the concert are already sold out and we are urging everyone to buy their tickets now before everything is sold out,” Villagomez said. He said the doors will open at 6:30 p.m. as the concert will start at 7 p.m.

“We are inviting one and all to come to the concert. This is a real treat for the people of CNMI,” he added.

The proceeds of the concert will benefit the Beautify CNMI! and the Hotel Association of the Northern Marianas Islands.

Villagomez said the local audience will surely be entertained by the Shimabukuro’s revolutionary musical playing which ranges from jazz, blues, funk, and classical, bluegrass, folk, flamenco and rock.

Villagomez said the tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children less than 12 years in age. Tickets are available at the Century Hotel, the Marianas Eye Institute or you may call Beautify CNMI! volunteer line at 285-6462.

Join National Trails Day!

Wednesday March 19, 2008


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Residents encouraged to join National Trails Day

By Raquel C. Bagnol
Variety News Staff



BEAUTIFY CNMI!’s parks and trails committee is planning to join National Trails Day, an annual event hosted by the American Hiking Society on June 7.

Kenneth E. Kramer, Marianas Resource Conservation and Development Council coordinator and chairman of the committee, yesterday said joining the event is one way to put Saipan on the global map.

“Just for joining, we can get free advertising on their Web site, and people all over the world will know where Saipan is when they visit the American Hiking Society Web site,” Kramer said.

He said in addition to the free advertising on the Web site, they can also avail of banners and posters.

“It would be very nice to have each island come up with its own trail and people can go out to hike on different trails during that day,” Kramer said.

He added that this will be the first time for the CNMI to join National Trails Day.

He said in the past, they have worked closely with the Boys Scout in their hiking activities.

Information from the Beautify CNMI! Web site disclosed that this year, its parks and trails committee will continue to push for the creation of a commonwealth parks system.

The goal is to create a system of hiking trails that links the different parks and conservation areas on Saipan and will stretch from Suicide Cliff to Susupe Lake.

Kramer said the first day of June is designated as National Trails Day in the United States.

This is an event which draws millions of hikers and bikers go out to the different trails in the United States.

It is organized nationwide by the American Hiking Society, a national nonprofit trail advocacy group based in Washington, D.C. Currently, it has more than 3,000 events organized in each locality.

Kramer is also inviting community members to join Beautify CNMI!’s ongoing campaigns.

The group, he said, is involved in all kinds of activities to keep the islands clean and attractive — picking up trash from the roadsides and beaches and planting trees.

Beautify CNMI! works closely the Coral Reef Management Office, the Public School System, the Department of Public Works, the Marianas Resource Conservation & Development Council, the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance, Isa CNMI, Marianas Dive, and Pet Assistance and Welfare Services

Jake Shimabukuro Concert Info

The Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands and environment advocate Beautify CNMI will be hosting a fundraising concert this month featuring world renowned ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro

The concert, held in conjunction with Beautify CNMI's two-year anniversary, will be held on March 27, 2008, at the Saipan World Resort.

Known for his lightning-fast fingers and revolutionary playing, Shimabukuro's musical styling ranges from jazz, blues, funk, and classical, to bluegrass, folk, flamenco and rock.

“Jake's last concert on Saipan was a sold out event and we are thrilled to bring him back on island for a second time,” said HANMI chairwoman Lynn A. Knight.

Proceeds from the charity concert will be divided between HANMI and Beautify CNMI, both non-profit organizations.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children less than 12 years in age. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $50.

Tickets are available for purchase at Century Hotel and Marianas Eye Institute. For additional ticket information or to purchase VIP tickets, call the PTI-sponsored Beautify CNMI volunteer line at 285-6462.

HANMI was established in August 29, 1985, after a group of hotel operators came together and saw the need to form an organization representing the hospitality industry in the CNMI.

Beautify CNMI is a coalition of various government agencies, businesses, non-profit organizations, private citizens and visitors. Its mission is to foster community pride through a beautification campaign aimed at enhancing the beauty of the island environments and quality of life through public education on recycling, restoration, waste management, and enforcement of laws.

THANKS, MAX AGUON AND CREW!

Thursday March 13, 2008

Volunteers clean up Sugar Dock, Aquarius Beach
By Emmanuel T. Erediano
Variety News Staff

FIVE individuals volunteered to “transform” the stretch of the beach area from Sugar Dock all the way to Aquarius Beach as part of their ongoing cleanup efforts.

Led by Max Aguon, who used to work in a private company, about five to six local residents also put up barriers to prevent people from driving on the beach.

Coastal Resource Management Office Director John Joyner said the area is now totally different from how it looked like two months ago, and the residents who cleaned it up should be commended.

This shows that the spirit of Beautify CNMI! is still alive among members of the community, he added.

The small structure at the end of Sugar Dock which was badly littered before is now clean.

Joyner said volunteers continue to pick any litter they find in the area.

CRMO wants to highlight the activities of volunteers because the agency is also in the business of “catching people for doing right and not only for doing wrong,” he added.

CRMO at the same time will work with the Department of Public Lands, the Marianas Visitors Authority and the Department of Public Works in getting rid of the concrete structure at the end of Sugar Dock, Joyner said.

This structure is being used by children as a “playground” and sometimes a “diving board” even tough it poses danger to them, he added.

“We don’t want to see children diving from that structure. People should dive under safe conditions,” he said.

HANMI and Beautify CNMI team up for concert fundraiser

The Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands and environment advocate Beautify CNMI will be hosting a fundraising concert this month featuring world renowned ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro

The concert, held in conjunction with Beautify CNMI's two-year anniversary, will be held on March 27, 2008, at the Saipan World Resort.

Known for his lightning-fast fingers and revolutionary playing, Shimabukuro's musical styling ranges from jazz, blues, funk, and classical, to bluegrass, folk, flamenco and rock.

“Jake's last concert on Saipan was a sold out event and we are thrilled to bring him back on island for a second time,” said HANMI chairwoman Lynn A. Knight.

Proceeds from the charity concert will be divided between HANMI and Beautify CNMI, both non-profit organizations.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children less than 12 years in age. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $50.

Tickets are available for purchase at Century Hotel and Marianas Eye Institute. For additional ticket information or to purchase VIP tickets, call the PTI-sponsored Beautify CNMI volunteer line at 285-6462.

HANMI was established in August 29, 1985, after a group of hotel operators came together and saw the need to form an organization representing the hospitality industry in the CNMI.

Beautify CNMI is a coalition of various government agencies, businesses, non-profit organizations, private citizens and visitors. Its mission is to foster community pride through a beautification campaign aimed at enhancing the beauty of the island environments and quality of life through public education on recycling, restoration, waste management, and enforcement of laws.

2007 MVA Financial Report

Marianas Visitors Authority donated $10,000 to Beautify CNMI in 2007. The financial report on how the money was spent can be downloaded here.

Beautify CNMI Award Nominations Deadline

The committee chairs of Beautify CNMI are seeking nominations for their annual Beautify CNMI Steward and Beautify CNMI Champion awards. The two awards will be given out at the annual Beautify CNMI anniversary dinner to take place on March 27.

The awards are given out to recognize the individuals or groups who have been environmental leaders during the past 12 months.

There are two award categories: the Environmental Steward and the Environmental Champion.

The Steward award recognizes a person or group that leads the community in activities that help protect the environment in a variety of ways. This individual or group has demonstrated the need to take pride in the islands and to take care of the place we all call home. They serve as an example for others, especially the next generation, to follow.

The Champion award recognizes a person or group that exemplifies the Beautify CNMI spirit. Those qualities include volunteerism, cooperation, innovation, creativity and the ability to infect others with the Beauty Virus. The Environmental Champion is a role model for others to follow. They bring environmental issues to the forefront of public consciousness. They make things happen and effect change.

Last year's Environmental Champion winners were PSS teacher Bree Reynolds, MINA board member Kathy Yuknavage, and local activist Captain Carl Brachear. The winners of the Environmental Steward award were elementary school student Adam Sablan and volunteer group Friends of the Mariana Islands.

To nominate an individual or group, submit a written nomination explaining why that person or group deserves recognition. You can make as many nominations as you like, but individuals and groups can only be nominated for one award category. Nominations must include the award category the nominee is being considered for, a well written argument detailing the reasons why this nominee should be considered, and contact information for the nominee and for the person making the nomination.

Send nominations to Angelo Villagomez at angelovillagomez@gmail.com or mail them to PO BOX 505149; Saipan, MP 96950 or call the PTI sponsored Beautify CNMI volunteer line at 285-6462 for more information. The deadline for nominations is this Friday, March 7 2008.

FMI Schedule for March 2008

First Sunday of the month Cleanup.
Garapan Tourist District -- March 2, 2008
Start at 8:00am to 10:00am

Second Sunday of the month Cleanup.
ISA DRIVE to NMC -- March 9, 2008
Start at 8:00am to 11:00am

Good Friday FMI will be at the Mount Tapotchao doing volunteers.

3rd Sunday of the month Cleanup.
Lao-Lao Beach -- March 16, 2008
Start at 8:00am to 10:00am

Fourth Sunday of the month FMI monthly meeting (03-23-08)
Venue: San Vicente Village FMI Office.
Start at 1:00pm

Beautify CNMI Looking For Award Nominations

Local
Sunday, February 17, 2008


Beautify CNMI looking for award nominations


The Committee Chairs of Beautify CNMI are seeking nominations for their annual Beautify CNMI Steward and Beautify CNMI Champion awards. The two awards will be given out at the annual Beautify CNMI anniversary dinner to take place on March 27.

The awards are given out to recognize the individuals or groups who have been environmental leaders during the past 12 months.

There are two award categories, the Environmental Steward and the Environmental Champion.

The Environmental Steward award recognizes a person or group that leads the community in activities that help protect our environment in a variety of ways. This individual or group has demonstrated the need to take pride in our islands and to take care of the place we all call home. They serve as an example for others, especially the next generation, to follow.

The Environmental Champion award recognizes a person or group that exemplifies the Beautify CNMI spirit. Those qualities include volunteerism, cooperation, innovation, creativity and the ability to infect others with the Beauty Virus. The Environmental Champion is a role model for others to follow. They bring environmental issues to the forefront of public consciousness. They make things happen and effect change.

Last year's Environmental Champion winners were PSS teacher Bree Reynolds, MINA board member Kathy Yuknavage, and local activist Captain Carl Brachear. The winners of the Environmental Steward award were elementary school student Adam Sablan and volunteer group Friends of the Mariana Islands.

To nominate an individual or group, submit a written nomination explaining why that person or group deserves recognition. You can make as many nominations as you like, but individuals and groups can only be nominated for one award category. Nominations must include the award category the nominee is being considered for, a well written argument detailing the reasons why this nominee should be considered, and contact information for the nominee and for the person making the nomination.

Send nominations to Angelo Villagomez at angelovillagomez@gmail.com or mail them to PO BOX 505149; Saipan, MP 96950 or call the PTI sponsored Beautify CNMI volunteer line at 285-6462 for more information. (PR)

Marianas Dive to expand its reach to Tinian during Hot Pepper Festival.

When: Saturday and Sunday February 16th & 17th.
Where: Tinian

* Exploratory dives - Saturday and Sunday morning.
* Taga Beach underwater clean up – Saturday @ 4PM
* Discover SCUBA – Sunday from 2-4PM at the Dynasty pool
* Marianas Dive information booth - open during festival hours.

Against the backdrop of Tinian's annual pepper festival, members of the local dive group will conduct a series of events designed to increase Tinian's appeal to divers while creating a foundation of new divers with a greater understanding of what lies beneath some of the most inviting water in the world!

On Saturday and Sunday morning group members will make exploratory dives with Tinian Fun Diving a local dive operation. Owner Mr. Shine states the area around Tinian’s South Western tip is “untouched and full of possible dive sites” including relics from WWII.

As described by Marians Dive President Mike Tripp, “the ultimate goal is to put Tinian on the diving map with multiple dive sites that are short, easy boat rides from the harbor. This will help make Tinian a destination where divers spend a few days or more taking in all the sites the island has to offer both above and below the surface”.

In addition to these morning dives Marianas Dive will lead an underwater clean up of Taga Beach on Saturday at 4PM. This will be the group's fifth clean up of this kind and the first on Tinian. “We’re excited to do one of our ‘treasure hunts’ at Taga beach. The water is so clear I can’t wait to jump in” said member Mark James. Tanks and mesh bags will be provided. All certified divers wishing to participate are encouraged to do so.

The final dive event of the weekend will take place at the Dynasty Hotel pool from 2 to 4PM on Sunday afternoon. Marianas Dive instructors will offer free Discover SCUBA lessons to interested individuals over the age of 12. Discover SCUBA participants will have the opportunity to try diving in a controlled environment including using full SCUBA gear and breathing under water. An adult must accompany participants under the age of 18.

Discover Scuba sign up forms and additional information about these and other events will be available from members at the Marians Dive booth on the festival grounds during festival hours. Those interested in hearing a dive tale or two as well as learning more about the group’s goals and objectives are encouraged to stop by and jump in!

“We are really excited about this weekend. Not only do we get to experience the best of Tinian hospitality with the pepper festival but we also get to make a positive contribution to Tinian’s tourism industry. Of course it would not be possible without the help from those making it all happen including Debra Fleming of the Fleming Hotel, Kiri Jackson from the Dynasty and local boat captain John Barcinas as well as the staff at the mayors office” said Tripp.

Marianas Dive is a growing group of individuals with a passion for everything underwater and specifically what Saipan Tinian & Rota have to offer as dive destinations. The group welcomes community members to join and help the CNMI build a truly world class dive destination while promoting our excellent diving locally and globally. Members meet twice monthly. Visit www.marianasdive.com for more information.


Mike Tripp

President
Mike Tripp Productions
Marianas Dive

http://www.marianasdive.com

Own a piece of paradise today visit

http://www.theunderwaterworldof.com

One mans perspective on diving and living in the Marianas

http://www.saipanscuba.blogspot.com

'Pass anti-animal cruelty law'

The following letter was hand-delivered to the Legislature and is available at http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=76668&cat=15.

Come on! If a 6th grader can do it, so can you!!

To Senate President Pete Reyes:

My name is Aprilleen Sablan. I am in 6th grade. I attend school at William S. Reyes. My homeroom teacher is Ms. Phyllis Ain. I am writing to you because I think the CNMI Legislature should pass the Anti- Animal Cruelty Law because the people of the CNMI aren't treating animals the way they should be treated. Most of the villages I go to, I see abandoned animals, animals with diseases and that isn't right. This law will prevent animals from being neglected, abandoned, and injured.

A few nights ago you said that you weren't going to pass the law because the CNMI has a budget. It doesn't really matter if the CNMI has a budget or not. The law wouldn't need that much money. If you pass this law the CNMI would be a better place. There wouldn't be any neglected or injured animals. The CNMI would be an even more beautiful place. Now the CNMI isn't that beautiful because there are animals going around with diseases and animals that are injured, and that might scare away the tourists. The CNMI Legislature wants more tourists to come to the islands, right? So I think the Legislature should pass the Law. I hope you and the rest of the representatives pass this law. Thank you for your time.

Aprilleen Sablan
William S. Reyes Elementary School

Beautify CNMI in Hawaii

Dr. David Khorram wore his Beautify CNMI Volunteer shirt during a recent trip to Hawaii. Thanks for the promotion, David!

CAMI CNMI

There will be a CAMI CNMI meeting tonight at the BenCam Building in Garapan at 6 PM. Contact Jeanne Rayphand at jeanneesq@yahoo.com for more information.

Sugar Dock Group

Sugar Dock Group Cleanup Leaders: (left to right) Joe Cabrera, Ben Barcinas and Max Aguon at Sugar Dock before a cleanup.

Last week a number of the Sugar Dock Group members cleaned the entire area from Sugar Dock to Aquarius Beach Tower Hotel. According to Aquarius Beach Tower Hotel manager, Will Hunter, it looked fantastic after they were done.

According to Hunter, Max Aguon is out on the beach almost daily cleaning the area. Hunter provides them with bags and drinks.

This is a great example of businesses and the community working together. I hope to see more of this in the coming months.

FOUND DOG

Are you missing someone?

This long-haired wonder was found near Java Joe's in DanDan. If you or someone you is missing a dog, please contact Katie at 286-0970 or busenkell@gmail.com.

CAP - Conservation Action Planning

Angelo wrote an artical about this program today in the Saipan Tribune here.
Who's at the table. DFW, CRM, DEQ, NOAA, John Gonzales, Marians Dive, The Zoning department, The Nature Conservancy and RC&D.
That's Vanna Fran looking for a vowel!

As Angelo has pointed out, thankfully, the Coral Reef Initiative Policy Committee has chosen Laulau Bay as the highest priority conservation site on Saipan. This is a huge undertaking. Planning (and some action) has been going on for this site at various times in the 5 plus years I've called Saipan home. Unfortunately, there has been little success or movement in the right direction.

BCNMI and RC&D have done re-vegetation projects in the highlands aimed at reducing run off and sediment on the reef below. The bottom line is this project will take a lot of money, effort and creative solutions to solve the problems that exist. The overall importance of the Bay to everyone can not be overstated. For divers, fisherman, tourists, local medicinal products and endangered species (among others) the successful implementation of a solid plan is essential for survival. It's that simple! The plan and getting it done is not so simple.

A working mission / vision
Lau Lau Bay provides unique cultural, historical and environmental benefits and values: therefore, we pledge to restore and sustain its aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and resources above and below the waves

After the first morning alone I am very happy that I've attended this working group. Without a divers perspective this process would be much more difficult to get it right. At least that's how this diver sees it. Lau Lau Bay to the dive industry here is very important and the dive industry provides one of the biggest revenues to the tourism industry the current economic engine. Having said that it is also a very important fishing and traditional cultural area so balance is the key. That's why this must be a group effort that brings together ideas and efforts from everyone.

It has been a fun morning working and listening to others who are devoted, for one reason or another, to the success of Lau Lau Bay.

For a taste of what Lau Lau offers underwater check out this and this video!

Help Whispering Palms Make Saipan a Better Place!

UPDATE: Whispering Palms raised over $700.00 at their garage sale this weekend. All proceeds will go towards spaying and neutering the schools numerous stray cats.

PAWS and Beautify CNMI! would like to commend the students and teachers of Whispering Palms for acting responsibly and compassionate - and doing the right thing! Thank you for working so hard to give these animals a better life.

If you are interested in helping Whispering Palms, or adopting one of these cats, please contact PAWS at 286-0970.

Whispering Palms School (Navy Hill) is seeking your help in making Saipan a better place!

Over the last few months, the teachers and students of Whispering Palms have worked hard to raise money to spay and neuter 3 stray cats. The school would now like to spay or neuter the remaining cats and find homes for the kittens that are soon to be born.

Middle School Student President Crosby Kaid Schultz said:

"It has been hard keeping up though because the cats are adopting us and they just keep coming and to top it all off one of our cats named Ginger, got sick and her hair is falling out. We need help so we are having a garage sale at our school on January 19th this Saturday from 8-12. At our garage sale we will have everything from furniture to bikes to toys. We will have almost everything you can imagine. So please Saipan help us make our community the best it can be."

The teachers and students of Whispering Palms are to be commended for acting responsibility and compassinately towards animals, and for working so hard to make Saipan a better place.

So, please join Whispering Palms this Saturday for their garage sale. Alternatively, make a donation to the school for this very worthy cause and lesson!

For more information, contact Brenda Schultz at brendaschultz70@yahoo.com.

Korean Restaurant Rescue - WOW is she Lucky!

Are you a responsible home looking for a new addition to the family? Well, meet our friend here, Lucky (as we here at PAWS like to call her).

In Mid-December, a woman reported seeing a Korean restaurant owner pay $20.00 for a dog. She said she witnessed this man purchase numerous dogs in the same manner. She also reported having heard dog cries from the restaurant, where she believed the dogs were being killed for their meat.

Disturbed by what the woman was saying, a man heroically entered the restaurant and marched straight back to the kitchen, where he found Lucky tied to a kitchen table, cowering over a drain in the floor.

The rescuer called DPS, but DPS said there was nothing they could do. The rescuer then called DPH, who came out to the scene, confiscated some chopped up bones, and took the dog. The dog was then transported to Paradise Island Animal Hospital, where she remains today - waiting for someone to foster her or permanently adopt her.

Over the last few weeks, PIAH has worked with this dog to socialize her with other animals and humans. Yesterday, January 15th, Lucky was spayed. She has received all of her shots and is ready to be adopted by a responsible and loving home.

If you have room in your heart for Lucky, please contact Paradise Island Animal Hospital at 234-9669. Alternatively, you may contact Katie at 286-0970 or busenkell@gmail.com.