Pages

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Thank You CNMI & Guam for a Super Successful 2007 CNMI Arbor Day Celebration!

Vincent Fajardo, 6, plants a coconut tree with [his] sister Brianna, 10, on the side of the road near the entrance to the CNMI Veterans Cemetery in Marpi during the celebration of CNMI Arbor Day Saturday morning. The event is spearheaded by Beautify CNMI!'s Arbor Day Committee. (Jacqueline Hernandez). We made front page of the Tribune. Click here. Click on the photos below to enlarge them.
The group was too large for our photog, so a second picture was necessary to capture us all.
Even so, these are most of us but NOT all of us who were there. There were a bunch more of us who arrived about an hour later, so they missed the group picture.One of two flame trees that the family of the late Jesse Castro planted. His mother, Doreen DeJesus, and sister Lisa Castro-Pocaigue, flew up from Guam to join family in Saipan for the planting.


Here's the story that appeared in the Tribune.


Sunday, October 28, 2007


NMI honors fallen heroes with Marpi tree planting


By Marconi Calindas
Reporter


Families of the CNMI's fallen heroes came together yesterday morning and remembered their departed loved ones with the planting of hundreds of trees at the CNMI Veterans Cemetery in Marpi as part of celebrations for CNMI's Arbor Day.

The families of the late SSgt. Wilgene Lieto, Cpl. Derence Jack, Lance Cpl. Adam Quitugua Emul, and Cpl. Joe Junior Gogue Charfauros joined at least a hundred community members for the tree planting ceremony.

Military Veterans Affairs Office executive director Ruth Coleman said the Charfauros family in Rota even flew in for the event. Families of the late Jesse Castro also flew in from Guam, while the family of the late war veteran Gregorio Cabrera were also present.

Coleman said many CNMI soldiers on active duty also planted some trees. The family of the late Sgt. Yihjyh “Eddie” Chen called Coleman from Guam to acknowledge the event.

Beautify CNMI founder and Arbor Day Committee officer Rep. Cinta Kaipat expressed her gratitude to the participants, saying it was another successful tree planting event. “I am delighted and grateful for the response from the community once again. I am touched and honored to have all the three islands participating in the event,” she said.

CNMI forester and Arbor Day Committee officer Vic Guerrero said Arbor Day has been an annual tradition in the CNMI. Arbor Day is also being observed across the US.

“The increased observance and emphasis given by the CNMI demonstrates our deep appreciation for the beauty of trees and their many benefits,” reads part of the proclamation letter declaring Arbor Day.

Guerrero said at least 45 flame tree seedlings were planted yesterday. The flame tree is the state tree of the CNMI.

Two Golden Showers trees were also planted at the entrance to the veterans memorial park. Guerrero said these two trees would later produce chandelier-like yellow flowers that are appropriate to honor the CNMI war heroes.

Participants

Public School System's Troops-to-Teachers participants led by coordinator Geri Willis also participated. Thirty former servicemen and women-turned-teacher aides said the event is very significant for them. Troops-to-Teachers pioneer member Winfred Camacho said they participated to honor the CNMI's fallen heroes.

Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3457 led by Commander Mariano Fajardo, the U.S. Coast Guard, Division of Agriculture, ISA CNMI, Friends of the Mariana Islands, Youth Center of the Church of the Latter Day Saints, CNMI Boy Scouts, Team Chura Talo, RC & D, Northern Marianas College, Office of the Governor, among many others, were also present.

Families and community members who also shared their time yesterday were Dr. James Hofschneider and family, Mike and Juanita Sablan family, Ed and Lupe Flores family, Jerry Facey, Rep. Cinta Kaipat's Office and family, Tom Gibson, Ray Mafnas and many more.

*********************
I will post more 2007 CNMI Arbor Day Celebration pictures later.

Rep. Cinta M. Kaipat
www.cnmiblog.com

Thursday, October 25, 2007

CNMI ARBOR DAY, MINA "MOONLIGHT CRUISE" And MISC EVENTS

Hafa Adai CNMI Beautifyers!

Here are several activities for this weekend to choose from.


INVITATION TO JOIN CNMI ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION THIS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27


Beautify CNMI!'s Arbor Day Committee invites the public to join in the fun by helping plant some coconut trees and flame trees in celebration of CNMI Arbor Day! The Committee is also happy to announce that Beautify CNMI!'s wildly successful Adopt-A-Flame Tree for $20 Program will also be offered. You may plant a flame tree, but why not add that personal touch by adopting a flame tree in honor of your loved one, school, organization, or for yourself? You're worth it!

Rain or shine, meet us at the entrance to the CNMI Veterans Cemetary at 8 a.m. this Saturday, October 27. (Take the road to Banzai Cliff; the Cemetary should be on your right.) We will have a brief ceremony before the planting.

The planting will be led by DLNR-Forestry's Vic Guerrero and staff; Brad Doerr of MINA; and Ken Kramer of RC&D.

Joining this planting effort will be:

Rep. Cinta Kaipat's Office
Veterans Affairs Office
Friends of the Mariana Islands (FMI)
VFW
Troops-To-Teachers
Youth of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Families of our Fallen Heroes from the CNMI & Guam
Kaipat Family
Team Chura Talo
Coach Donny Fejeran and Team Zalaka and Family

For those who can't make it out to Marpi for the planting, but who would like to plant somewhere, either at your house or at school, you may pick up a plant or two (limit two plants per household) from DLNR-Forestry in Kagman. Plants are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

So, don't miss out on the fun. See you all at 8 a.m. this Saturday! For more information, call 664-8974 or 898-4490.


# # #


MINA TO HOST 'MOONLIGHT CRUISE" ON OCTOBER 27

MINA will be hosting a "Moonlight Cruise" on the Jade Lady III, October 27, 7:30-9:30 pm.

This includes appetizers, soft drinks, beer and wine for the low-cost of $20 per person. All proceeds will benefit MINA's Environmental Education Camp for teachers.

What a great way to kick off your Halloween.

Tickets are available from board members or meet us at the Outer Cove Marina at 7:00 pm to purchase yours.

Cheers

Visit us on the web at http://www.minapacific.org

***** You have received this message because you are subscribed to the MINA member's mailing list. To unsubscribe, reply to this message with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject line *****

# # #

SAVE THESE DATES --

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Come join members of Marianas Dive as we descend upon the sandy shores of Obyan beach in an effort to keep one of our most beautiful dive spots pristine! We'll begin by working up a slight sweat tackling the topside litterbugs then, with a refreshing plunge, we'll rid the waters of all! unwanted debris. Everyone is welcome to pitch in on the surface but underwater the effort is reserved for certified scuba divers only! Come on out and enjoy the sun, sand and morning surf with a bunch of divers!

First annual Marianas Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest

When: Sunday October 28th 2007
Where: Obyan Beach
Time: 10:00 AM Check in.
Time: 11:00 AM Underwater Carving
Time: 12:30 PM Judging & Prizes
Who is this for: Anyone interested in taking this time-honored tradition to a new level.

A what? That's right bring your pumpkin and carving utensil and prepare to get wet as we kick off the Halloween season like never before! Meet at the beach for a day of fun and laughs and of course some diving too! Is carving a pumpkin underwater really any different than on land? Come on down and find out for yourself!

Marianas Dive is a growing group of individuals with a passion for everything underwater and speci! fically what the Marianas (Saipan Tinian & Rota) have to offer as a dive destination. We encourage all members of the community to join and help us reach our goal to build a truly world class dive destination while promoting what we have, locally and on a global level.

Marianas Dive members meet twice a month on the first and third Wednesday at 6:30 PM. Locations TBA. For more information visit our web site and forum at www.marianasdive.com

For More information please contact

Mike Tripp, President
Marianas DIVE

670-288-DIVE (3483)
scubatrip@mac.com

# # #

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31st -- HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

You'll have several trick-or-treat venues to choose from:

1) American Memorial Park presents "Trunk or Treat." Bring your kids to the AMP parking lot and have them trick or treat by going from car trunk to car trunk for treats. For more info, contact Ranger Nancy at nancy_kelchner@nps.gov

2) First Lady's Vision Foundation and Power 99 at the Chamolinian Village -- Bring your kids to Chamolinian Village in Garapan where the First Lady and Power 99 will be passing out candies! For more info, contact Remy Buniag at the Governor's Office.

3) Trick-or-Treating at Tottotville -- It's a popular tradition. For those living closer to the southern part of our island of Saipan, our generous home owners in Tottotville will, once again, open their generous hearts to the gouls and goblins that grace their doorsteps.

4) From Tottotville, just come on over to the SAVE Club Environmental Haunted House and Recycled Costume Contest at the Koblerville Youth Center. Super Science teacher Bree Reynolds leads her young environmental warriors and warriorettes in frightening and delighting visitors to the Koblerville Youth Center with their combination Haunted House and Recycled Costume Contest. Hopwood's SAVE is a youth environmental club (chapter of Beautify CNMI!). For more info, contact " BREE REYNOLDS" or "Ken Concepcion" < lancheru@hotmail.com>

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Boy Scouts Troop 910 from Tanapag Beautified Banaderu Trail

Below is a slide show and a personal narrative from Ken Kramer (RC&D), Chair of Beautify CNMI's Parks & Trails Committee--with additional contribution from Tom Gipson (Safety 1st)-- regarding the awesome job the Boy Scouts Troop 910 from Tanapag did to clear the Banaderu Trail. Tom, Ken and Oscar Camacho led the Scouts.



Hi Cinta,

I met up with the Boy Scouts, led by Tom Gipson and Oscar Camacho on Friday night. I brought my two dogs: Playdough (known as Sunshine by Oscar) and Lucky (the black dog). We watched the stars and then went to sleep at around 9 PM in anticipation of a hard day of work the next day. Other than the stick poking me through the bottom of the tent, I slept fairly well.

The next day, we set out to work on the trail after a breakfast of cereal and milk. Tom rallied the boys, gave them a safety talk, and we made plans for the day. Around 7:45 AM, we headed towards the trail, loaded with picks, machetes (carried by the adults), shovels, a saw, and the two dogs.

After an hour or so, just as we were getting warmed up, clearing brush alongside the trail, moving dead logs out of the way, it started pouring buckets of rain onto us. It was a bit unsettling. We were a bit discouraged and several of us had thoughts of taking a break and going back to dryness at the camp. Lucky was so miserable from the rain that she drew everyone’s attention by moaning, belly up, in a forlorn look that we all felt, but did not express. After Tom said: “We are going to stick it out and slog through this rain,” we renewed our efforts, working to stay warm. Eventually, the sun came out and it was a beautiful day, again.

We all broke for lunch and had a good rest. Tom thought we had made better progress than he thought we were going to do. I was happy to have dry socks and a dry shirt to change into. Oscar Camacho joined us on Saturday afternoon

This was not easy and was often dangerous work. Tom, our fearless leader, seemed to get most of the injuries. First, he got a splinter from one of the iron rebars holding the concrete slab steps. Then, he tried to catch a rock rolling down the hill and received a souvenir scratch on his shins where it hit him. I narrowly escaped falling by doing a back flip down the steepest part of the trail, when the log I was pulling gave way. Instead, I threw the log as hard as I could down the hill, which kept me from falling. It pays to study physics. Boonie bees also attacked some of us: I got stung twice.

On the return to camp, I was so physically exhausted I could barely put one foot in front of the other. We were all exhausted. According to Tom, Oscar went to sleep around 6 PM. I went on a critical supplies run and returned with water, ice cream, and chocolates.

Tom and the Boy Scouts, who were working on their *BSA Historic Trails Award, stayed another night and were scheduled to continue working on Sunday morning to finish the trail. (The BSA Historic Trails Award is given to scouts who camp two nights on a BSA recognized trail of historical significance, perform community service work on the trail, and learn about it's role in history.) I had other commitments on Sunday.


The Banaderu Trail is now far superior to what it was before. It is a fabulous trail with great scenery along the way. Thanks to the Boy Scouts, it is now ready for travel.


The members of the Boy Scouts Troop 910 were: Sam Park, Jay Britt, Jotham & Joshua Camacho, and Garrett Gipson. Well done, Boys! Thank you!

***************

YIKES! Looks like Ken and the Boy Scouts had quite an adventure! Happy there were no serious injuries. THANKS, fellas! We're all mighty proud of the excellent exhaustive work you've done. Reminds me of the Lau Lau Revegitation Project. FUN! :)

Rep. Cinta Kaipat
http://www.cnmiblog.com/

Friday, October 12, 2007

Reminder: Beautify Monthly Meeting at 6 p.m. at Cafe at the Park Tonight (10/12)

Gang:

Just a reminder that we will have our October monthly meeting of Beautify CNMI at 6 p.m. at the Cafe at the Park this evening. For those who already sent me your Agenda items, thank you. For those BC chairs who haven't, please do so ASAP.

Thanks.

Hope to see you all there!

Rep. Cinta
www.cnmiblog.com

Sunday, October 07, 2007

SAVE Club, WAVE Club and Beautify CNMI Team Up to Beautify Susupe Park

Super science teacher/professor Bree Reynolds brought her Hopwood and NMC students out to Susupe Park Saturday to give Susupe Park some much-needed tender loving care. Student, faculty, and staff members who belong to the SAVE Club, WAVE Club teamed up with other Beautify CNMI! volunteers, such as Rep. Cinta Kaipat's family, and RC&D's Ken Kramer teamed up. Some of us picked up trash while the rest of us pained over ugly gaffiti. We're not finished yet with this huge project, so be on the lookout for future announcements to join us, won't you?

Thanks to everyone who participated.

By the way, I believe the paint we used was part of the paint we purchased to paint the lighouse. The funding for that came from MVA, so thank you, MVA!



Rep. Cinta Kaipat
www.cnmiblog.com

Thursday, October 04, 2007

Beautify CNMI in Bangkok

The Restoration Chair, Angelo Villagomez (that's me), gave his first Thai tour guide a Beautify CNMI! button. Peter (not his real name), told us that we were the first people he had met from the Marianas...but that a few weeks ago he had toured with a group from Palau.

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Beautify CNMI & Others Beautify MHS

I came across this newsletter that was recently published by Marianas High School (MHS) acknowledging all the hard work that Beautify CNMI! volunteers and others put in to paint the classrooms at MHS. Click here to view the pictures and read the articles. Way to Go, volunteers!

Susupe Park Facelift

COME OUT AND HELP HOPWOOD'S S.A.V.E. (Student Action for a Viable Environment) and Hopwood's My WAVE Club, as they paint over graffiti, pick up trash and spruce up Susupe Park.

Saturday
OCTOBER 6, 2007
8:00-2:00 P.M.

Between Saipan Grand and Saipan Community Church.

Bring your paint brushes, trays, rollers, scrapers, and brooms! We also need newspaper or drop cloths.

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

UPDATE - SANDY IS FOUND!


Name: Sandy
Age: 9 mos old
Lost: American Park
When: Friday, Sept 28.
Reward: A Reward is being offered for Sandy’s safe return.


If you or someone you know has seen Sandy, please contact Jeri Hallman at ManningHallman@aol.com, or (214) 725-9530, or leave message at 234-8950 with the operator or leave message at 233-1010.
UPDATE:
"Sandy was found. Thanks to the picture in the paper. [A gentleman], who has a constructioncompany, found her at the marina last evening, felt she was a lost dog, and took her to his construction company site near the airport where he keeps a number of dogs. He saw her picturein the paper this morning, called me, and I picked her up at 8. She is back at the condos--drank3 bowls of fresh water, ate 2 bowls of dry dogfood, and helped polish off a cheeese omelette.[The gentleman] took the reward which [the owner has] paid him."

Monday, October 01, 2007

Start Your October with PAWS and Beautify CNMI AWC

In an effort to reach out to the general public, and educate adults and children about responsible pet ownership and compassion for animals, PAWS and the Beautify CNMI! Animal Welfare Committee are making a real effort to hold more events that involve YOU, the general public.

So, join us this October for our Open Meeting, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, and/or Kids' Night Out. Or, if you have some time, volunteer to give a responsible pet ownership presentation to elementary school children. At the very least, ask one of our board members for an animal-care brochure and hand them out to someone you know.

The point is - we want YOU to make a difference, and we need YOU to volunteer and contribute. It all starts with YOU.


Date: October 5, 2007
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: Fiesta Resort's Chambre Bar
What: Open Meeting

PAWS is hosting a meeting for those that would like to discuss and learn more about animal-related issues and projects.

PAWS members, lawmakers, and members of the general public that are in attendance will have an opportunity to learn about the PAWS education program, pick up informational brochures on animal care, ask questions about the Animal Protection Act of 2007 and the Mayor's Shelter, or share ideas, comments and concerns with lawmakers and PAWS Board Members in attendance. Those in attendance can enjoy free appetizers and a no-host bar, courtesy of Fiesta Resort.


Date: October 7, 2007
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Where: Mt. Carmel Catholic Church's Fountain
What: Blessing of the Animals – Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

PAWS and Mt. Carmel Church will be celebrating the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment.

Around the world, the Catholic Churches recognizes the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi on October 4th by offering a Blessing of the Animals. Traditionally, people bring their animals to the church for a blessing by a priest, pastor, or bishop.

This year, Saipan will celebrate its first Blessing of the Animals at the Mt. Carmel Catholic Church Fountain. All community members, Catholics and non-Catholics, are invited to bring their animals to the Mt. Carmel Fountain and receive a blessing at 8:00 a.m. on October 7th.

PAWS and Mt. Carmel Church would like to remind participants to have their animals on a leash. And perhaps more importantly, participants are asked to make arrangements for the direct transportation to and from the Blessing. No animals should be kept waiting in a car before, during, or after a Mass or service.


Date: October 12, 2007
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Where: Fiesta Resort Game Room
What: PAWS – Kids' Night Out
Cost: $10.00 for the first child and $5.00 for each additional child in an immediate family.

Looking for a few hours to yourself? Want to enjoy a quiet dinner with someone special? Well, PAWS is here and able to help!

Starting in October, PAWS and Fiesta Resort have teamed up to host a fundraiser called Kids' Night Out (KNO). Children ages 3-12 are welcome to participate in our fun program while parents take a few hours off. During this four-hour period, the children will play video games for a half hour, be engaged in arts and crafts, story reading, and an educational movie. Fiesta Resort has generously offered to provide snacks and caffeine-free drinks.

Check-in will be between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m. Parents must pick up their children no later than 10:00 p.m.

If you are interested in learning more about this great escape, please contact Melissa Simms at
melissasimms56@hotmail.com.


Also, don't forget to turn in on Monday mornings to Power 99 at 9:00 for the PAWS Pet Stop with PAWS Board Member Rose Callier.For more information on these events, and more, please visit our website at
www.paws-saipan.org or www.paws-saipan.blogspot.com.

I also must take this opportunity to thank Fiesta Resort and the Saipan Grand - both of which are Tan Holding Companies - for their incredible generosity. They came to us and offered us the use of their facilities to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership and compassion for animals. We are incredibly grateful for this kind act and their support of community efforts. Thank you.