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!

Another busy weekend

The Marianas Class of 1983 took advantage of "Austerity Friday" to plant a Flame Tree at their old stomping grounds. This Flame Tree was #101 of the Beautify CNMI Adopt-a-Flame Tree Program.

I brought along a second tree and dedicated it to the MHS Class of 2011. That was Flame Tree #102.

On Saturday morning we helped Jeff Turbitt, an English teacher at Saipan Southern High School, paint his classroom. Jeff provided the paint and we provided the man power.

Java Joes provided the volunteers with a box full of cookies. Thanks, Rick Jones!

Tomorrow we have a cleanup of Isa Drive from the Botanical Garden down to San Vicente Elementary. We'll start at about 8 AM. Hope to see you there!

Day 2 of the Marianas High School Painting Project. Maraming Salamat Po Friends of the Mariana Islands (FMI)!

Saturday, July 14, 2007.
Back row: Rene & Robert. Front row: FMI President Tess Castillo, Mele, Precy, Rep. Cinta Kaipat & Radino. FMI has earned the title "Beautify CNMI's Supervolunteer Group" for their outstanding volunteer work in the CNMI. This Group epitomizes the Beautify CNMI! spirit of "volunteering from the heart." Beautify CNMI! is proud to partner with FMI.
Mele wipes the sweat off her brows while Tess paints behind her.
FMI President Tess Castillo making it look easy, though it wasn't.
Dennis looks in on Rene.
Robert stirs the paint.
Rene sweated hard, but he did a great job!
Precy carefully paints the wall.

See? Even these guys are really trying their best to beautify the MHS!

Si Yu'us Ma'ase Sablan Family Volunteers!

The Sablans -- Mike, Juanita, and Adam -- Beautify CNMI!'s Supervolunteer Family, joined Rep. Cinta Kaipat and other Beautify CNMI! coalition partners on Saturday, July 14, 2007, to help paint some classrooms at MHS. This was Day 2 of the painting project.

A family that volunteers together, well . . . paints together!
Mike miticulously trying to get the tough corners.
Young Enviornmental Warrior Adam Sablan showing why he is also a winner of the 2007 Beautify CNMI! Governor's Environmental Steward recipient.

Adam's ever-present co-volunteer, Mom Juanita, with Rep. Cinta Kaipat in the background.
Dennis Cabrera of Rep. Kaipat's Office prepares the paint. Adam looks on as Juanita and Rep. Cinta Kaipat discuss the best and fastest way to get the ceiling painted.

Troops To Teachers' Eugene (in blue) looks on as Adam tries hard to reach the ceiling. Dennis pours more paint for Mike.
Juanita and Adam take a drink and breather, while Mike, Gus Kaipat & Tony Benavente, President of MHS' PTA, work those muscles.
Lei Kaipat looks on as Uncle Gus paints with his shades on to avoid dripping paint in his eyes. Meanwhile, Mike and Adam do their part, too.
Mike, Tony, Adam, Juanita, and Gus busy ignoring the camera.

Members of the fabulous Saturday crew: Beautify CNMI!, Office of Rep. Cinta Kaipat, Troops To Teachers, Adam Sablan and family, Kaipat family, and Beautify CNMI!'s Supervolunteer partners FMI (not pictured here).

Thank You Troops To Teachers!

The painting of the MHS classrooms is the second project that Troops To Teachers has undertaken with Beautify CNMI!, and I am sure it won't be the last. The Troops To Teachers Program is a unique program that Director Geri Willis started with four troops last year to give our returning servicemen and women an opportunity to earn a BA in Education and get paid a decent wage while studying and assisting in the classrooms The Pentagon is looking at our Program as a pilot program for the rest of the U.S. and elsewhere. Some intense concentration by Fred.
Roman worked up quite a sweat.
Gene worked with quiet strength. He can tie Adam for "quietest volunteer."
Gene takes a much-need breather as Adam paints, Dennis pours, and Mike readies to re-load the paint.
Roman back in action.
Fred showing he can get up high, too.
Fred and Gene work quietly in the background.
Roman Benavente, Jr. showing he's a chip off the ol' block.
THANKS, TROOPS TO TEACHERS FOR A JOB WELL DONE!

Olomwaay Office of Rep. Cinta Kaipat & Kaipat Family Volunteers

Dennis pours the paint for the team.
Lei paints the ceiling with Tony Benavente.
She paints the wall, too.
Rep. Cinta coming in the give Juanita a spell.
"Okay, Sister. Hand me that pole."
Dennis peeks in on Rene.
Gus (in yellow) doing his part.

Lei looks on as Gus gets some upper-body exercise.

Lei, in far corner, is joined by Roman Benavente, Jr. and Fred.

Gus (right) helps Juanita.
Rep. Cinta Kaipat tries to reach those hard-to-get corners. . .
. . . and ends up getting some on her face!
Olomwaay Gang for the SPLENDID JOB!
Yes, I did say Salamat Po, FMI!

Fri., 7/13--Day 1: Painting of Marianas High School Classrooms

Thanks to all who volunteered to help paint 15 classrooms at Marianas High School. The painting project began on Wednesday, July 11, but we began a two-day painting project on Friday, the 13th. The Office of Cinta Kaipat and Friends of the Mariana Islands (FMI) donated paint brushes. Other Beautify CNMI coalition partners who provided the manpower included Gus Kaipat and the Kaipat Family Volunteers, and Team Chura Talo. Others who were there also included Beth Nepaial and Sam, who were joined by Patty Mendoza and other young volunteers. The MHS Class of '83 also painted two classrooms on this day. Thanks also to PTI for providing the paint rollers and pans and a big thank you goes to First Hawaii Bank for the donation of thousands of dollars to help paint the classrooms and also to purchase brand-new tables and chairs. Today's lunch was donated by Rep. Cinta Kaipat's Family. Special thanks to Chefs Del and Lee Lieto. Thanks, Olomwaay, Si Yu'us Ma'ase, and Salamat Po, Everyone!Rep. Cinta Kaipat huddles with the volunteers. Okay, ready team? Let's Go!

We painted and took out a gazillion staples tacked to the doors.

We moved the desks and chairs to the side so we could paint the ceiling.

Ditto.

We checked our paint supplies.

Ditto.

We prepared our paint.

Swept the walls to prepare them for painting.

And got busy painting...

...and painting...

...and painting...

...and painting...
...and painting! Gasp! It sure was hot in the classrooms and the smell of the paint was overwhelming at times.
But, at the end of Day 1, the mission was accomplished and it was all worth it.

Then it would be these guys and gal's turn to lead the painting party!