Beach Road Magazine - March 2014

Women of the Moment BRM celebrates women’s history month

Walking for the cure

Marianas Walk for Cancer

Man on the street

What is the ideal gift for today’s woman?

March 2014

About the Cover:

Shown from left are Gloria C. Cavanagh, Oksana Chekoldina, Maria Luisa Dela Cruz Ernest, Sonya P. Dancoe and Carline B. Sablan. Photo taken at the Tapochau Restaurant, Saipan World Resort in Susupe.

Photo by: Bill Bezzant bill.bezzant@saipan.com

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Cover feature

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World Wide Walk

Women of the Moment

Iglesia Ni Cristo participates in worldwide walkathon for typhoon survivors

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Health & Fitness

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MISO continues to promote sports in the Marianas

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Stay healthy at the gym

Glimpses Publications include Guam Business Magazine, Marianas Business Journal, Beach Road Magazine and R&R Pacific

PUBLISHER Maureen N. Maratita ASSISTANT EDITOR Jacqueline Perry Guzman CREATIVE/PRODUCTION MANAGER Taliea Strohmeyer

Man on the street

PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Rosanna Dacanay

What should I get her?

SENIOR DESIGNER Vikki Fong DESIGN & PRODUCTION Conrad Calma Jr.

Marianas Walk

SALES MANAGER Annie San Nicolas

Taking steps towards the walk against cancer

ACCOUNT MANAGER Minda Castro MANAGING DIRECTOR Marcos W. Fong

We’re Online!

www.brmsaipan.com beachroadmagazine

Beach Road Magazine, March 2014. Entire contents copyrighted 2014

by Glimpses of Saipan, Inc. Beach Road Magazine is published monthly

by Glimpses of Saipan, Inc. P.O. Box 502080, Saipan, MP 96950 • 2/F Transpac Business Center Gualo Rai, Saipan • Tel: (670) 235-7645 • Fax: (670) 234-1801 • E-mail: saipan@glimpsesofguam.com. All rights reserved. No material may be printed in part or in whole without written permission from the publisher.

COVER FEATURE

Women of the Moment shown in photo with the staff of Tapochau Restaurant.

Women of the moment

By Jacqueline Perry Guzman • Photos by Bill Bezzant

In honor of CNMI women’s history month, BRM wanted to shine some light on some of our local women who give so much to our community and represent the women who have made contributions throughout the years in the CNMI. These are women who have made a difference and demonstrated a commitment to our island.

Sonya Pangelinan Dancoe

Sonya Pangelinan Dancoe is the highway administrator/professional civil engineer for the Department of Public Works and she has held this position since 2010. As the highway administrator, she leads a team of about 15 staff who are responsible for capital improvement highway projects throughout the NMI. She was born in Saipan.

As a young student, Dancoe was always fond of art and drawing floor plans of her dream house. She envisioned herself of

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becoming an architect one day. She was excited about the idea of going abroad to go to school and meet new people. In 1993, Dancoe applied to Michigan State University and was accepted.

During her first year of college, she interned at a civil engineering firm on Guam and discovered an interest in this field and decided to major in civil engineering. In 1997, Dancoe earned a bachelor’s of science degree in Civil Engineering.

Most people would not guess that Dancoe used to be a performer for the Polynesian dinner show at the Hyatt Regency, Saipan.

Her first job was the project engineer for the water division at the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation.

The most influential mentors in Dancoe’s life were her parents. When it comes to her career and business decisions, her father who is a professional land surveyor and business owner, gives her advice and is someone she can communicate with on a professional level when making big career decisions. As a young engineer, her mentors consisted of various professional engi-

COVER FEATURE

neers in the community.

Dancoe expressed that often times, “Young engineers are discouraged to enter the government workforce because of the negative impression and disadvantages compared to the private sector. On the contrary, there is a huge demand for young engineers or technical specialists to enter government to fill a lot of vacancies left by older retiring engineers. There is a generation gap and lack of professionals to deliver the level of products and services to the general public,” she says.

Dancoe currently serves as the president of the board for the Parent Teacher Student Association for William S. Reyes Elementary School, vice president of the Board of Directors for Stellar Marianas 2014, a volunteer for the Salvation Army and in 1998 she garnered the title of Miss Northern Marianas Islands International.

Dancoe says, “The engineering field is still a predominantly male dominated field. Today, there are a growing number of women in the workforce and statistics are showing that women are advancing into higher positions. As a young engineer just entering the workforce in such a small community here on Saipan, I received a lot of support from the community and the expectations were high. I felt a tremendous amount of pressure to succeed and hold up to those expectations as one of the few women in the field in the CNMI,” she says. “As a professional engineer, you develop a confidence based on years of experience and training.

As a professional engineer, at this level, most of the challenges that are external to me from a personal level that I face are going to be there whether I like it or not and they are typically manageable. Some of the more critical challenges we face as professional engineers are those situations that challenges our ethics. In these situations, we must not compromise our ethical responsibility to make decisions based on sound engineering judgment in order to protect the life, safety, and welfare of the general public.”

Dancoe is married to Curtis J. Dancoe and they have two children: Dalton, 14, and Vanessa, 8.

Oksana Chekoldina

Oksana Chekoldina is the owner of Soular Freedom Inc. and Tropical Blendz restaurant. She has been in the restaurant business for 10 years and was born in the Black Sea Region of Russia.

English is not Chekoldina’s first language.

As a young child she wanted to join the circus to perform with and train with animals.

While studying physical education at Kuban State University

her major was biathlon training.

Her very first job was being an extra in a cellular phone commercial shot in Toronto, Canada.

Chekoldina’s mentor is a Swami named Vishnudevananda and another named Osho.

Her favorite credo is “Health is Wealth, Peace of mind is Happiness. Through healing our own bodies and minds, we unfold the capacity to play our part in the healing and caring for the whole planet,” she says.

“My partner Jenelle Ethier and I own a vegetarian restaurant, Tropical Blendz, which serves healthy food for our community using whole natural ingredients, creating food that is beneficial for physical and mental health, showing our custumers a healthy way of eating and overcoming fast food habits, bringing awareness of your next meal and feeling healthy, energized and joyful,” Chekoldina says. “My interest in nutrition and health food started about 20 years ago when I working at a yoga ashram in the Bahamas. I learned ayurvedic principals and vegetarian cooking with healing spices and food combinations. Then I opened a vegetarian restaurant in Vancouver, B.C., Canada that is still growing and successful.”

She is a regular volunteer with the Red Cross.

Maria Luisa “Malou” Dela Cruz-Ernest SPHR, GPHR

Malou Ernest is the director of human resources for various strategic business units under Tan Holdings and has held this position for six years. She has been in the HR industry for more than 20 years. Ernest was born in Manila and when she was growing up, wanted to be a teacher.

She received her bachelor’s in Behavioral Science from the University of Santo Tomas.

Something most people wouldn’t guess about her is that she is a good cook, she would love to travel to Spain, she enjoys Chinese martial arts movies and comic books.

Immediately after graduating from college, Ernest was hired as a temporary worker to relieve an HR practitioner who was on maternity leave. This was with Makati Development Corporation, the construction arm of the Ayala Group, a big corporation in the Philippines.

Her former boss in training and development, Marisa Hervas was a mentor of Ernest. “[Hervas] used to work for San Miguel Corporation. She was the epitome of “cool and grace under pressure.” I believe those traits are very important for women espe-

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COVER FEATURE

cially when you face crises at work and in your personal life. She has this calm presence which I constantly try to emulate,” says Ernest. “And then there is Frank Gibson, he was the one who encouraged and inspired me to seek my professional accreditation. I truly respect him. His knowledge of HR was born not just out of studying but also from real hands-on experience. To my knowledge, we are the only two HR practitioners on-island with those double certifications. It makes me so proud and want to be a mentor to someone else’s HR certification.”

For community accomplishments, Ernest considers herself lucky to belong to an organization where volunteerism is recognized, promoted and encouraged. “Tan Holdings sponsors numerous clean-ups and service opportunities, which I participate in as often as I can,” she says.

Ernest has been a Society for Human Resource Management president and has also been elected to the board positions of secretary and twice as vice president for the Head Start Program’s Policy Council.

“Head Start is a federal program that promotes the school readiness of children. I was very active in my role as Parent Representative for the Garapan Headstart Program which is under our Public School System and promotes the cognitive, social and emotional development of children ages 3 to 5 years from low-income families diagnosed with special needs. The program provides nutrition, health, social and other identified services to enrolled children and their families,” she says. “I traveled to Rota and Tinian to visit the Head Start Centers and conduct community assessments. Both of my children are doing very well socially and academically now. I saw them transform because of the great job of Head Start. I am in awe of the dedicated and talented Head Start team we have here in Saipan.”

Carline B. Sablan

Carline B. Sablan is the economic development analyst for the Commonwealth Development Authority. She has held this position for 14 years. “As economic development analyst, I manage the Qualifying Certificate Program — a program that provides tax relief in the form of rebates and/or abatements for periods of up to 25 years to qualified investments,” Sablan says.

Sablan was born in Saipan. Growing up, she always wanted to be a shopkeeper or store owner. “Playing Store was my fa-

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vorite game as I liked handling money even if it was pretend money,” she says.

She attended University of San Diego and earned her bachelor’s in economics. She also attended University of Hawaii at Manoa and earned a master’s in applied economics.

With her analytical economic background, people would not guess that Sablan has a creative side. However, she enjoys stamping, card making and paper crafting. “What started as a hobby 10 years ago has turned into a small business opportunity,” she says. “In 2009, I began selling my hand-crafted greeting cards and other paper creations.”

Sablan’s favorite credo is, “The true measure of success is how many times you can bounce back from failure.” - Stephen Richards. “Developing a resilient mindset and attitude is important in order to bounce back from any mistakes or missteps in life,” Sablan says.

Her biggest careerrelated accomplishment was her role in helping the NMI receive an allocation of $13 million from the U.S. Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative. “The State Small Business Credit Initiative provides direct funding to States programs that expand access to capital for small businesses,” she says. “My next biggest accomplishment would be putting together a comprehensive guide for investors to the CNMI.” She is an advocate of entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy through the Junior Achievement Company Program as coordinator for NMI and the Junior Achievement Company Program under Junior Achievement of Guam; an advocate of early childhood education and development as a board member of the Sister Remedios Early Childhood Development Center; and an advocate of women’s empowerment as the secretary of Stellar Marianas.

Her advice to women who look up to her is to, “Take risks even if it means that you may trip along the way. Success requires that we learn from our mistakes or missteps rather than falling in despair and giving up.”

Gloria Cruz Cavanagh

Gloria Cruz Cavanagh is the general manager of Kan Pacific Saipan, Ltd. which does business as Mariana Resort & Spa. She has held this position since December 2010. She has worked in the tourism industry for almost 18 years. Cavanagh was born in

COVER FEATURE

Guam. When she was growing up, she wanted to simply be, a boss.

She graduated from Gonzaga University with a bachelor’s in mathematics.

“I have also taken all Accounting courses at the University of Guam but did not pursue another degree,” says Cavanagh.

Something others would not guess about her is that she is shy and sensitive.

Her first job was a high school math teacher at George Washington High

School on Guam.

Her grandmother was her mentor and chose to explain why she didn’t want to choose one credo as her favorite.

“Probably the biggest challenges all women have with having a professional life is the balance between family and career.

I have always believed that one can have both. Why choose? I want both,” says Cavanagh. “The mistake or misconception many women have is that there is a need to do everything on your own.

No man has ever done it without help, why would you think that you (as a women) wouldn’t need any?”

The biggest mistake in life, according to Cavanagh in both family and career is the preconception that asking for help is a weakness. “As far as I am concerned, it is the smartest thing you can do. You can weed out those that are supporters versus those that are users,” she says. “I was able to accomplish everything I have done so far with the support of my husband, my parents and my brother John who was always there for my kids’ science projects. I am also very proud of the women my children are becoming. They are very ambitious and strong.”

Cavanagh says, “I bring this saying/credo to the workplace: I am surrounded by my supporters, my management group, who sometimes have to put in a lot of work in order to live up to this credo. However, I will never ask of them what I am not willing to do myself.”

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COMMUNITY ON THE ROAD FEATURE

Iglesia Ni Cristo participates in worldwide walkathon for typhoon survivors

By Thomas Johnson

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n February 15, members of the CNMI’s Iglesia Ni Cristo church held a 5.8 km walkathon from Ada Gym to Micro Beach, to help raise funds for all of the victims of Supertyphoon Haiyan. The event, called the “Worldwide Walk for Those Affected by Typhoon Haiyan,” was organized by the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation ­— a socio-civic arm of Iglesia Ni Cristo — and is part of the church’s much larger fundraising efforts.

“The ‘Worldwide Walk for those Affected by Typhoon Haiyan’ is one of the major undertakings of the Church as we approach our centennial Celebration on July 27, 2014,” says Brother Ador Lubong, resident minister of the Saipan church. “The main purpose of this activity is to raise funds for the ongoing livelihood and housing projects.”

“The event was very successful since a number of the brethren have prepared and joined the walk,” says Lubong. “They showed their unity with the church administration and their love of brotherhood and the community. The participants seemed very fulfilled to be able to extend their help to the survivors of Typhoon Haiyan, and they were able to achieve physi-

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cal fitness and bond with their families as well.”

In addition to the 358 participants from Saipan and 44 participants from Tinian, participants from more than 50 different countries congregated around the world to participate in the event. The worldwide walk was so large, in fact, that it broke two separate Guinness world records. It broke one for “largest charity walk in 24 hours for multiple sites,” with 519,521 participants, beating Canada’s previous record of 231,635 participants. And then it broke another record for “largest single venue charity walk” with an official count of 175,000 participants in Manila alone, beating out a group in Singapore that had gathered 77,500 participants.

“I would like to thank all the participants and the brethren for their support,” Lubong says. “They all did a great job, I’m glad that everyone has finished the walk. From the Church administration, officers, and everyone else that supported this activity, I thank them all for the opportunity and am looking forward to another huge event. It feels so great to be a part of this historical event.”

HEALTH & FITNESS

Stay Healthy at the Gym

by Carmen Rojas

wo of the common reasons that people stop exercising is they T either get hurt or sick. A strain or a sprain can really cramp your workout style, and somehow a runny nose on the treadmill was not quite what you had in mind. I have always been a fan of prevention over treatment so here are some helpful tips that will keep you healthy and fit while at the gym.

Stay Hydrated – Make sure that you have plenty of water before going to the gym, while you are at the gym and after you leave the gym. Proper hydration helps your muscles recover from the workout and keeps your body’s systems running smoothly.

Get Plenty of Rest – The added energy expense demands compensation in the form of rest. Most people require 8-10 hours of rest each night. If you are working out up that by 30 minutes for every hour you work out – at least.

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HEALTH & FITNESS

Wash Your Hands – Every time you go to the bathroom, and before you leave the gym, WASH YOUR HANDS thoroughly, like you were scrubbing in for surgery. Gym surfaces are breading grounds for germs. Many gyms require you to disinfect the equipment but that won’t protect you from all germs. And we all know that not everyone does it. Use hand sanitizer and wash your hands.

Wear Gloves – Wearing gloves reduces the skin to skin contact opportunities in the gym. You will still need to wash your hands. And don’t forget to wash your gloves regularly.

Eat A Balanced Diet – If you are not taking in the proper nutrients your body will have a hard time fighting germs. It’s easy to get nutritionally depleted, particularly when exercising for weight loss. Make sure you are getting plenty of real vitamin C, Vitamin D, Iron, Zinc and other key immune nutrients to make sure your body stands ready to fight the germs.

Give Yourself Rest Days – Apart from getting plenty of rest each night, give yourself full days of rest. It is not neces-

sary or recommended for people to work out every day. For my clients an aggressive schedule would be workout on Monday and Tuesday, rest Wednesday, workout Thursday and Friday, and then take Saturday and Sunday off. I insist on maximum rest to allow for maximum efforts in the gym.

Take Shower Shoes – This should go without saying but if you are going to go to shower at the gym, wear shower shoes. You would be disgusted to learn how many germs and microbes are crawling around in the showers.

Change Your Clothes – It is not healthy for you to work up a sweat and then stay in wet damp clothes for an extended period of time. It can lower your body temperature, and is particularly harmful for women as it traps moisture near bacteria prone places.

Sweat, metal, leather, germs and rubber. That’s what’s in a gym. Use the common cold transmission protocol, including not going to the gym when you’re sick in the first place. Keep your results coming by staying in the gym, and out of the doctor’s office.

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SPORTS FEATURE

MISO continues to promote sports in the Marianas Contributed by Alan Duignan

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he Marianas Interscholastic Sports Organization is in the middle of its 7th year and has seen many improvements over the years. Established as a non-profit organization 2007 by Nick Gross, Glenn Smith, Andrew Golden and Joel Punzalan, basketball was the only sport offered. Since its inaugural year, the program has expanded to offer nine sports to both public and private schools to include basketball, volleyball, cross country, soccer, outrigger, golf, softball, track and field and a first ever this year, triathlon.

All participants are known as “student athletes.” To be eligible to compete all competitors must maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.25 with no failing grades in the most recent grading period. They must be a traditional four year student, 18 or younger by Sep. 1 of the school year, and must have a valid annual sports physical.

In 2012, the organization was awarded a sub grant through Project Brabu as an alternative drug-free activity for the youth of the CNMI with an emphasis on preventing underage drinking and drinking and driving. The funding comes from the Strategic Planning Framework – State Incentive Grant through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The organization and Brabu have partnered up for the second consecutive year to provide the CNMI’s youth with a quality sports program in a drug free environment. The theory is that by providing meaningful athletic opportunity to the CNMI’s youth in a safe, drug-free, afterschool setting, students will learn to appreciate healthy alternatives to drugs and drinking.

Through this grant the program has been able to include Tinian and Rota in the sports programs. School year 2012 – 2013 was the first time Rota has participated in interscholastic sports with the rest of the CNMI since 1998. The Tinian boys basketball team is currently preparing to defend the title it won last year as 12

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well. MISO is also proud to be an organization that has continued to grow since its inception, with total participants in school year 2012-13 eclipsing the 1,100 mark.

In 2010, MISO started to organize sports at the junior high level with the support once again of the Public School System.

Thus far the organization has grown to offer soccer, basketball, volleyball, cross country, track and field, and finally triathlon to both boys and girls, and is planning to add fast pitch softball for both the boys and girls in the near future. On top of these endeavors, organization is looking at the best strategy to implement programs at the elementary level as well.

Although the organization has had many successes, MISO struggles with funding and personnel. The bulk of the funding comes from the school system through federal programs with additional funding being provided through the Project Brabu grants, but neither of these sources is guaranteed year to year.

In order to sustain and grow programs, the organizations are always looking for additional funding sources to augment our current funding. As for personnel, MISO is currently being coordinated by two people at the high school level, one person at the junior high level, and overseen by an advisory board of directors, which includes Leila Staffler as president, Rob Epley as vice president, Dale Roberts as treasurer, and Gil Birnbrich who serves as secretary.

MISO has been providing meaningful interscholastic athletic opportunities in a safe, drug-free environment for the CNMI’s youth since 2007 and is continually working to improve the existing programs, as well as expand to offer more opportunity as an alternative to underage drinking and drinking and driving.

With your assistance we can create a healthier CNMI beginning with our youth.

GUIDE TO

March

Sunday

Tuesday

Monday

Sponsored by:

Thursday

Wednesday

Saturday

Friday

1 Marianas Cup Beach Volleyball Festival: Kids Cup 8 a.m. at Fiesta Resort & Spa, Beach Side Fee: $10 Friend’s of the Arts production of “Rent”

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Friend’s of the Arts production of “Rent” Time: 7 p.m. at PIC Charley’s Cabaret

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Grief Support Meeting Time: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at NMPASI Conference Room

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7 MOVIES • 300: Rise of an Empire • Mr. Peabody and Sherman premiere at Regal Cinemas

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Saipan Fishers Forum Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Fiesta Hotel and Spa Saipan

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MOVIES • Muppets Most Wanted • Divergent premiere at Regal Cinemas

The 14th Annual PIC Tennis Championships Time: 8 a.m. at Pacific Islands Club Saipan

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MOVIES • Need For Speed • Veronica Mars • Enemy premiere at Regal Cinemas

In March 1923, New Orleans, LA. began selling the first 6-box “Coca-Cola” cartons.

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8 Bergerman Triathlon Show time: 5 a.m.

Go Time: 6 a.m.

Location: Pau Pau Beach

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28 MOVIES • Noah • Sabotage premiere at Regal Cinemas

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The 14th Annual PIC Tennis Championships Time: 8 a.m. at Pacific Islands Club Saipan

22 Saipan Swim Club Annual 36th Annual Ocean Swim around the Tanks Registration: 7 a.m.

Go time: 8 a.m.

Location: Just north of Saipan World Resort Price: $20

29 American Red Cross Walkathon Location: Saipan, Rota, and Tinian Donation: $15 Includes 10 k and 5k walk, and 2k walk for children

“The Coke Side of Life” campaign is introduced in March 30, 2006.

FIND US IN THE DIGITAL WORLD AND STAY IN TOUCH! www.facebook.com/BEACHROADMAGAZINE

VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.BRMSAIPAN.COM

For showtimes: 234-9000 or visit www.regmovies.com Proudly serves refreshing

beverages.

*Event times and dates may change without notice.

“Coca-Cola” is a registered trademark of The Coca-Cola Company.

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ENVIRONMENT

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MAN ON THE STREET

What Should I Get Her?

By Bernard Rivera

is the perfect gift for today’s woman? BRM asked some of our local men what they considered the What perfect token of appreciation or affection for today’s woman and here is what some of you had to say.

Brian Flaherty

James Taylor

“Flowers are acceptable but I’m more of a surprising kind of guy. I would like to give her a really nice dinner at home or at a restaurant. And maybe throw in a mani & pedi certificate to let her know she can have a wonderful rest day all to herself.”

“I took my wife to Rota for Valentines Day as well as giving her a special piece of driftwood from there. I felt that considering that she’s never been to Rota, it would be a fun experience to see how beautiful it is and be part of the Rota Hash.”

Tom Sager

Renz Benghit

“I don’t know about all the choices, but I think a special, simple greeting is beautiful.”

“I got her a Special Valentines Day basket full of goodies. It had wine, cookies, flowers and other things. I think flowers never disappoint. It’s easy and the girls just like it. Especially when they smell it, they smile.”

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MAN ON THE STREET

Steven Johnson

Brady Hammond

“I didn’t give her flowers. She hates the idea of taking flowers not from when it’s still rooted to the plant. She would like it probably if it naturally just fell from the plant. And so I didn’t give her anything. She took over Valentines Day. But it was more like I did it last year and so this year was her. BUT, because we’re both traveling to different places this spring, I will make a special dinner for her in relation to Valentine’s Day.”

“A potted plant! But really, I think it depends on the person and probably a cool card, not one of those Hallmark cards. But I did get someone a card. It was special because when you throw it to the ground, it’ll grow and become a plant with flowers. So that was pretty cool. The card was a bunch seeds.”

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NON-PROFIT FEATURE

Taking steps toward the march against cancer

By Joy White

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he Commonwealth Cancer Association is gearing up for the largest annual cancer fundraising event in the Northern Marianas Islands. The 2014 Marianas March Against Cancer will be held from 6 p.m. May 2 to 6 a.m. May 3 at the Hopwood Junior High School field in Chalan Piao. The event is the association’s signature event and brings in thousands of participants, including teams representing families, businesses, non-profit organizations, schools and government agencies. “We raised a record amount last year and we hope to match or exceed that this year. With this being the 12th year of the MMAC, we are confident that the community will come out in full force in support of the battle against cancer,” says Manny Borja, 2014 overall committee chairman.

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“This is a very important part of the MMAC. Every one of us knows someone who has been affected by cancer and the survivor ceremony is our chance to celebrate their perseverance and strength.” ~ Manny Borja 2014 Committee Chairman

NON-PROFIT FEATURE 4739 or through email at jenypysambile@gmail.com or Krizia Mendoza at mariakrizia@gmail.com; the survivor committee chaired by Nora Sablan who can be contacted at 285-5124 or through email at norasablan@gmail.com; the sponsorship committee headed by Nola Hix, who can be contacted at 989-6652 or through email at nola.hix@gmail.com; the team recruitment committee for those wishing to form a team whose committee chairs are Catherine Attao-Toves who can be contacted at 2851828 or Tara T. White and Betty Kosam at mmacteams@gmail. com; and the entertainment committee chaired L.J. Castro or Celia Mercado who can be contacted at 483-1027 or emailljmamis@gmail.com. For more information in general about the event, contact Borja at 989-1987 or email emanuel.borja@ gmail.com or visit www.ccamarianas.org.

The Commonwealth Cancer Association is a volunteer-led non-profit organization dedicated to promoting cancer awareness and prevention, providing patient support services, and serving as the liaison and advocate for cancer issues in the CNMI. The 2014 MMAC committee members also include David Rosario heading accounting and registration; Rob Travilla and Christopher A. Concepcion conducting public relations; Gloriana Teuira heading Logistics; Catherine Attao-Toves; and Ashley Benavente and Krizia Mendoza, handling T-Shirts.

The 12 hour event will feature teams competing in four categories for the titles of best tent, best baton, most money raised in each category, most luminaries sold, most spirit and most laps. The categories included families (Pulan), schools (Napu), businesses (Puti’un), and non-profit or government agencies (Atdao). Combinations of any two categories are also allowed.

The registration fee is determined by the category or combination of categories.

The event is also a time for the community to pay their respects to all those who have been directly affected by cancer. All cancer survivors and those currently undergoing cancer treatments are invited to the annual survivor dinner held in their honor. Each survivor will be treated to a complimentary dinner buffet and will be awarded a unique medallion and t-shirt commemorating their fight against cancer. “This is a very important part of the MMAC. Every one of us knows someone who has been affected by cancer and the survivor ceremony is our chance to celebrate their perseverance and strength,� says Borja.

A luminary ceremony will also be held in honor and in memory of families, friends, and loved ones who have survived cancer, for those currently undergoing treatment, and for those who have lost the fight against this deadly affliction. Candles will be lit inside a white bag with each one bearing the name of someone who has been touched by cancer. The event will also feature live entertainment from musicians, bands, dancers and other performers.

The community is encouraged to participate in the event, as well as its planning. Individuals interested in assisting with planning n can contact the various committee chairs. The planning committees for the event includes the luminary committee, headed by Jenypy Sambile who can be reached at 483-

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ON THE ROAD

Department of Public Health’s Oral Health staff (from left) Shally Smith, Elizabeth Cruz, Dr. Omar Sudqi, and Agnes Nabetinan.

In Susupe, Feb. 15, Elijah Nekaifes (left) and David Babauta after football practice encourage the youth to “pick a sport they enjoy.”

A happy birthday shout out to Rick Brien who will be celebrating his birthday on March 3. Shown with daughter Lian and son Xavier.

Jenise Rideb from Xerox Company and Yolanda Cruz, administrative assistant, Saipan Chamber of Commerce at the Feb. 5 meeting at Kanoa Resort.

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CNMI Public School System Commissioner Dr. Rita Sablan (left); Jackie Quitugua, CNMI PSS Associate Commissioner (center) and Tim Thornburgh (right). Photo taken by BRM during the Saipan Chamber of Commerce meeting at Kanoa Resort on Feb 5.

Birthday wishes go to JP Pineda (left) with Lian Brien during his 7th birthday celebration at Saipan World Resort, Feb. 15. Photo contributed

by Rick Brien.

ON THE ROAD

The CNMI Public School System held a Parent Summit at the Fiesta Resort on Jan. 31 with the theme, “Strengthening Family & Community Involvement.�

Project Brabu members Rica Dela Cruz, social marketing officer and James Arriola, evaluator.

Marianas Island Football Association and Saipan Soccer School representatives. (From left:) Ruselle Zapanta, Mar Ito, Jershwin Angeles and Johann Noetzel.

The Division of Youth Services team led by Vivian Sablan, DYS administrator (third from left, front row).

Jonas Barcinas, principal, Hopwood Junior High School.

The CNMI State Library, also known as the Joeten Kiyu Public Library team: John Oliver Gonzales, executive director; Rey DeLeon Guerrero; Xerxes Mangarero; Rosalyn Ajoste, new technical assistant librarian; Beth Demapan, Motheread & Fatheread assistant coordinator; and Edita Naputi, new technical assistant librarian.

William S. Reyes Elementary School representatives include (second from left) Vincent Cabrera, vice president PTSA; DorinaSalavarria, teacher; Naomi Nishimura, principal; MarjiVillagomez, vice-principal; and some parents.

march 2014

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ON THE ROAD

A refreshing weekend break for best friends Ann and Janelle on Managaha island on Feb. 8. Contributed photo.

Kylie Alla celebrated his 6th birthday at McDonald’s Chalan Laulau on Feb. 16. Lots of love from Mom, Dad and older brothers Leonard and Matthew. Contributed photo.

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MARCH 2014

A happy birthday shout out goes to Tita Amie Dumpit of Gold Ribbon Bakery & Restaurant.

Subway’s Marcia Ogania with DPH-Immunization’s Arvin Deleon Guerrero, his wife Marissa, daughter Ha’Ane and son Arvin Jr. The photo was taken at a Foremost product sampling on Feb. 15th during the NMC Health Screening at the Multi-Purpose Center.