GPLS Summer Reading Program a Success!

GPLS Summer Reading Program participants wrap up with a celebration on July 25, 2015 at the Hagatna Public Library.

Kudos to the organizers of this year's GPLS Summer Reading Program!  It was a huge success!  Congratulations to all!

Happy 71st Liberation Day, Guam!

Tomorrow marks Guam's 71st Liberation Day! The island's annual liberation parade on July 21 is traditionally packed with crowds to celebrate Guam's freedom from Japan's cruel occupation. As part of our patriotism, we continue to celebrate and thank our Dear Uncle Sam - the United States and to those who serve in the Armed Forces who continue to fight for our freedom!

Happy 71st Liberation Day, Guahan! Biba Guahan!

IGP Presents Pulani Performance - July 16, 17, 18

Please join Island Girl Power for the Pulani performance at the Kurason Ysengsong Complex, Dededo on July 16 - 18, 2015. Saina Ma'ase'!

I Can Too! Summer Camp - July 27-31

Lunch plate fundraiser for Julia Naputi Rivera, Miss World Guam Contestant

Please support my daughter Julia in her quest to become the next Miss World Guam!  Thank you!  Si Yu’os Ma’ase’!  Mahalo nui loa!  Kalangan!  Kommoltata!  Kinissow!  Mesulang! Kammagar! Salamat!  DomoArigato!  Gracias!

ADA Anniversary Celebration

Schedule of activities in honor of the

25th AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)

Anniversary Celebration

1)   Proclamation Signing with Governor of Guam: “In celebration of the 25th ADA Anniversary”

Coordinator: Ben Servino, Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID)

June 29, 2015 (Mon) at 10 am at Governor’s Cabinet Conference Room, Adelup

2)   Pledging on to the ADA: “Promoting and becoming a part of the nationwide celebration and recommitment of the implementation of the ADA – with a goal of getting 2500 signatures for the 25th ADA Anniversary by logging onto: http://adaanniversary.org/ 

Encouraging Individuals with Disabilities to Sign the ADA Pledge; and Faith Based, Not for Profit Organizations and Government entities to Sign the ADA Proclamation

July 1 – 31, 2015

3)   Workshop: “Technical Requirements of providing Accessible Parking for People with Disabilities in your facility”

Presenter: Ben Servino, Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID)

July 6th, 2015 (Mon.) from 8:30am-12pm at DISID/DVR Conf. Rm., 6th floor, DNA Bldg

4)   Workshop: “The Rights of Individuals with Disabilities under the ADA” Presenter: Harold Parker, Guam Legal Services Corporation (GLSC)

July 9th, 2015 (Thurs.) from 2:30-5pm at DISID/DVR Conf. Rm., 6th floor, DNA Bldg

5)   Accessibility Site Assessments and Technical Assistance: “Local Businesses/Hotels/Restaurants”

Facilitated by Ben Servino and Individuals with Disabilities in the Community

July 10th, 17th, 24th2015 (Frid.) from 9am-12pm

6)   Workshop: “Effective Communication & Interaction Strategies for People with Disabilities”

Presented bySiNA Organization

July 14th, 2015 (Thurs.) from 8:30am-12pm at DISID/DVR Conf. Rm., 6th floor, DNA Bldg

7)   Workshop: “How to make your PDF Documents Accessible for People with Disabilities”

Presenter: Carla Torres, Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT)

July 16th, 2015 (Thurs.) from 10am-12pm at DISID/DVR Conf. Rm., 6th floor, DNA Bldg

8)      Workshop: “Developing ADA Self Evaluation Plans & Transition Plans” 

Presenter: Ben Servino, Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID)

July 20th, 2015 (Mon.) from 8:30am-12pm at DISID/DVR Conf. Rm., 6th floor, DNA Bldg

9)   Workshop: “How To Make Your Websites Accessible For People With Disabilities”

Presenter: Carla Torres, Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT)

July 23rd, 2015 (Thurs.) from 10am-12pm at DISID/DVR Conf. Rm., 6th floor, DNA Bldg

10)         Disability Simulation Event: "A Day in a Life" Participation of Government and Private Sector Leaders shadowed by an Individual with the same Disability

Coordinated by Ben Servino and Carla Torres

July 24th, 2015 (Frid.) from 8:30am-12pm at Participant’s worksite and experiences will be shared during a Luncheon hosted by the Nikko Hotel

11)  Inclusive Recreational Activity: “Integrated Bowling Tournament with Special Olympics Athletes and GovGuam/Military/Private/NPO Sector Entities”

Coordinator: Marlon Molinos and Ben Servino

July 25th, 2015 (Sat.) from 8:30am-12pm at Central lanes Bowling Center, Tamuning

12)  Workshop for Employers: “Providing Reasonable Accommodations for Applicants and Employees with Disabilities”

Presented by Ben Servino, Dept. of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID)

July 28th, 2015 (Tues.) from 8:30am-12pm at DISID/DVR Conf. Rm., 6th floor, DNA Bldg

13)  Acknowledgements and Certificates of Appreciation: “CAPE Volunteers and Hotels, Restaurants, and Businesses that have increased access to their goods and services”

Coordinated by Ben Servino, Dept. of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID)

July 31st, 2015 (Frid.) from 10am-12pm at DISID/DVR Conf. Rm., 6th floor, DNA Bldg

Holiday - July 4 ~ Happy Independence Day!

Happy 4th of July to one and all! We are grateful to all veterans & those who serve in the Armed Forces, for they are instrumental in the freedom we enjoy today.

Variously known as the Fourth of July and Independence Day, July 4th has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution (1775-83). In June 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies then fighting in the revolutionary struggle weighed a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain. On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 until the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with typical festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.

Source:  http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/july-4th
Image source: www.estateweddingsandevents.com

UOG Alumni & Founders Day Gala Sponsor Appreciation Reception - 7-2-15

Guam Council IRA in partnership with PIBBA Guam Chapter promotes literacy in Micronesia

GC-IRA-PIBBA Guam Chapter book donation to Kosrae DOE 

GC-IRA-PIBBA Guam Chapter book donation to CNMI PSS 

The Guam Council IRA-PIBBA Guam Literacy Project:  As part of GC-IRA's mission to promote literacy in Guam and Micronesian, they have partnered up with the Pacific Islands Bilingual Bicultural Association (PIBBA) Guam Chapter to donate books to children in the various islands in Micronesian.  This year, Okkodo High School students participated in a service learning project that provided books for GC-IRA and PIBBA Guam Chapter to give the students of Kosrae and CNMI the gift of literacy with a collection of children's and young adult books.  The book donation was presented at the 34th Annual International PIBBA Conference in Kosrae, FSM.  Si Yu'os Ma'ase'!  Kuloh!

Visit with Rosario & Neth Peneinei in Pohnpei

Guam Council IRA Donates Books to GMH Volunteers Association Program

The Guam Council International Reading Association continues to support service projects, such as the Guam Memorial Hospital Volunteers Association Reading Program.  Reading resources were provided which encourages and inspires literacy in the children and adults at Guam Memorial Hospital.  Pictured L-R: GMH Gordon Mizusawa; GMHAVA President Jenny Cruz; IRA 2015-2016 President Evangeline Chaco; Catriona Melyan, GMH Volunteer; Anna Pangelinan, GMH Volunteer; and IRA 2015-2016 President-Elect Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera.

Congratulations Newly-Elected PIBBA International Officers!

PIBBA Officers.  Pictured L-R:  Theresa "Ewy" Taitano, President-Elect; Alister Tolenoa, Historian; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Webmaster; Nik Willson, Co-Webmaster; Frances Sablan, Secretary; Rosa Salas Palomo, Treasurer; and Arwelson proxy for Senator Shelten G. Neth, President-Elect.   

34th PIBBA International Conference a Success!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day, and God Bless all fathers who make a difference in the lives of their children.

The following is a poem I wrote in dedication to my father.

My Tata

Tata

Tata*…
I love you more than words can say
For all that you are
And all that you do
To provide for us all.
And your stern, yet caring ways
Instill us with a stamina to succeed
To reach beyond the limits
And keep going for victory!
So Tata,
Just know that I care too…
I love you!
© mnrivera

Philippine Independence Ball - June 13

Guam Micronesia Island Fair - June 12, 13, 14

The Guam Micronesia Island Fair begins tomorrow.  In its 28th year, the annual festival will bring our neighboring islands together for a weekend of cultural sharing and preparation for the "Olympics of Pacific Arts."

"Bridging past, present and future — The Journey to FestPac" is this year's theme.

"The Guam Visitors Bureau and our Guam Micronesia Island Fair partners are looking forward to this weekend's celebration of culture, alongside our brothers and sisters from Micronesia," GVB General Manager Nathan Denight says.

"This GVB signature cultural event will also serve as a preview to the Festival of Pacific Arts, which Guam is hosting in 2016. We invite everyone to come to Gov. Joseph Flores (Beach) Park on June 12 to 14 to check out all the different vendors, cultural exhibitors, live art demonstrations and entertainment that are part of GMIF, " Denight says.

This weekend, expect delegations from Rota, Tinian, Saipan, The Federated States of Micronesia, and the republics of Kiribati, Nauru, Palau and the Marshall Islands represented at the fair, as well as a Guam delegation.

The island delegations will share their culture through dance, singing and chant performances, as well as through food, arts and crafts and other goods available at the fair.

There's plenty to do at the fair with different kinds of vendors, artisans, even live-art demonstrations scheduled for the three-day celebration.

This weekend's fair also has a strong musical entertainment line-up with award-winning island reggae group The Mana'o Company, known for the hit "Drop Baby Drop," ready to perform.

Also on tap to perform are local groups, including Marianas Homegrown, Love & Håfa Adai, Stay Tuned, R&R, The Mount Carmel Phoenix Stage Band and Rising Tides.

IF YOU GO

• What: 28th annual Guam Micronesia Island Fair
• Where: Gov. Joseph Flores Memorial Park at Ypao Beach, Tumon
• When: Noon to 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Schedule of events


Friday• Noon: Fairgrounds open
• 12:30 p.m.: Vicente S.A. Benavente Middle School
• 1 p.m.: Kulu Natibu Dance Squad (AIJMS)
• 1:30 p.m.: Inetnon Southern High Chapter
• 2 p.m.: Guma' Kinalamten I Tatao Tano
• 6 p.m.: Opening ceremony
• 7 p.m.: Marianas Homegrown
• 8 p.m.: Love and Håfa Adai
• 9 p.m:. Fairgrounds close


Saturday• Noon: Fairgrounds open
• 12:30 p.m.: Pa'a Taotao Tano'
• 1 p.m.: Pohnpei
• 1:30 p.m.: Kosrae
• 2 p.m.: Natibu Dance Academy
• 2:30 p.m.: Palau
• 3 p.m.: Yap
• 3:30 p.m.: Konfrence
• 4:30 p.m.: Toni Quitugua
• 5 p.m.: Phoenix Stage Band
• 6 p.m.: Stay Tuned
• 7:30 p.m.: The Mana'o Company
• 9 p.m.: Fairgrounds close


Sunday• Noon: Fairgrounds open
• 12:30 p.m.: Pa'a Taotao Tano'
• 1 p.m.: Yap
• 1:30 p.m.: Guma Irensian Taotao Tano
• 2 p.m.: Guma Anitin I Taotao Tano
• 2:30 p.m.: Pohnpei
• 3 p.m.: Palau
• 3:30 p.m.: DanzJazz Entertainment Company + SSHS Dance Team
• 4 p.m.: Guma Ininan I Saina-ta
• 4:30 p.m.: Rose Martinez
• 5 p.m.: Southern High School's Vocational Band "Rising Tide"
• 6 p.m.: R&R
• 7:30 p.m.: The Mana'o Company
• 9 p.m.: Fairgrounds close

Source:  PDN

GPLS Summer Reading Program - June 8 - July 16

Let us remember...

On this Memorial Day, let us remember all those soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines, who sacrificed their lives, so that we may be safe from harm. They will always be remembered!

Congratulations Spring 2015 UOG Graduates!

The University of Guam celebrated the accomplishments of the largest graduating class in its history. UOG conferred 328 degrees, of which, 270 were undergraduate degrees and 58 were graduate degrees during Spring 2015 Commencement at the UOG Calvo Field House today.

The largest number of graduates came from the UOG School of Business and Public Administration, which conferred 99 combined undergraduate degrees in Business Administration, Accounting, Public Administration and Criminal Justice and 31 combined graduate degrees from its Professional Master of Business Administration and Master of Public Administration programs.

The School of Education conferred 47 total degrees one of which belonged to the valedictorian. Special Education major Cassandra Dimla noted in her valedictorian speech the importance of working with others and learning how to succeed together. “Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one. None of us would be where we are today without our constant supporters pushing us,” she said.

During the ceremony, Frank Rabon received an honorary Master of Creative and Traditional Micronesian Knowledge for his lifetime of work in Chamorro dance. After brief remarks, his group Fafanaguen Pa'a Taotao Tano’ performed a chant which stirred the capacity crowd in the Calvo Field House.

Commencement speaker David Cruz, a cast member of Bravo TV’s The Millionaire Matchmaker, exhorted students to “Never let anyone tell you that your voice is not important or that your voice is ridiculous or too small. Each of your voices were carefully crafted and polished in these halls for you to take out into the world…Never apologize for using that voice either. Being able to challenge the status quo is the cornerstone of change in history.“

The second commencement speaker was Jim Obergefell, the named plaintiff in Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark marriage equality case currently before the U.S. Supreme Court. Recalling his remarkable journey beginning as a teacher of the German language to walking through the halls of the U.S. Supreme Court and presenting his testimony, Obergefell said, “My younger self would be surprised at what I've done, and the fact that I've had an impact far beyond a high school classroom. I’m pretty sure my younger self would be proud of the man I’ve become.” His hope for each student was they would be proud of the man or woman they become.

Enjoy the following snapshots!

DEAL Faculty with UOG President Robert A. Underwood.

DEAL Faculty are all smiles.

SOE Faculty pose for the camera.

A Celebration of Lasting Friendship

UOG's Dr. Rivera's!

Spring 2015 UOG Commencement Exercise 

UOG President Dr. Robert A. Underwood awards Master Frank Rabon with an honorary Master of Creative and Traditional Micronesian Knowledge for his lifetime of work in Chamorro dance.

TESOL graduates pose for the camera!

Source:  www.uog.edu

Biba Kumpleanos Eva Dior!