September 2017 Guam Council ILA Newsletter

Click here to view the September 2017 Guam Council ILA newsletter.                

Biba Kumpleanos Mom and Dad!

Biba Kumpleanos to the most amazing parents in the whole world!  I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for both of you.  Thank you for your unconditional love and support.  God bless you always, not only on your birthday, but every day.  Hu guaiya hao! ❤️🎂🌺

Lantern Ceremony Snapshots - Sept. 16

Coastal Cleanup Snapshots

Thank you to all of you who took the time to help us in our annual coastal cleanup on Sept. 16.  Enjoy the following snapshots.

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Certificate received for the 46th NABE Conference

Pictured above is the appreciation certificate I received in February 2017 for presenting at the 46th Annual National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE) Conference in Dallas, Texas. My presentation was titled, Exploring Storytelling in the Pacific.

It is important that we, as educators, continue to share the resources and knowledge that we have, so that we may empower our colleagues and ultimately our students!

ILA Certificates

Attending the ILA 2017 Conference in Orlando, Florida was a meaningful one filled with memories to last a lifetime.  Prior to the main conference, the Guam Council of the International Reading Association received the Honor Council Award.  Thereafter, we had the opportunity to attend the various sessions.  I look forward to sharing the literacy ideas I've learned at our next Guam ILA general membership meeting.

Certificate of Appreciation - PCLES

Service and dedication to make a difference is undoubtedly important.  Si Yu'os Ma'ase' to all those who continue to go beyond the call of duty!

REALIZING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WORLD WAR II UNDERWATER CULTURAL HERITAGE IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION MARITIME ARCHAEOLOGY SYMPOSIUM

The Guam Museum, Guam Preservation Trust, UOG Anthropology, and UOG Sea Grant programs invite you to

REALIZING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WORLD WAR II UNDERWATER CULTURAL HERITAGE IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION MARITIME ARCHAEOLOGY SYMPOSIUM.

Date: Saturday, July 22
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: Guam Museum, Hagåtna
Fee: Free!

The Pacific Ocean contains a wealth of unique heritage. Beneath the depths of these waters are traces of human existence that span thousands of years and testify to the special human interaction with the coast and sea. This heritage includes ancient sunken villages, fish traps, sacred cultural sites, historical shipwrecks and aircraft, and "intangible" heritage related to voyaging, navigation, and utilization of the marine environment.

World War underwater cultural heritage in Asia-Pacific includes 3,800+ shipwrecks and aircraft, many of which tourists dive. These sites can also be "sacred" given that they can include human remains. They can also contain oil and munitions that may cause concern, particularly if sites are deteriorating.

This seminar includes a panel and specialized talks about the wonderful world of diving World War shipwrecks in the Asia-Pacific region and issues related to research and management.

For more information contact Marie Auyong (UOG Sea Grant) at auyongm@triton.uog.edu.

SCHEDULE DETAILS

10:00-11:00am: Introduction to Maritime Archaeology Panel. Nine presenters (eight listed below and a field school student) will provide a 5-min summary of his/her topic and answer questions .

11-11:30 am: Refreshments

11:30 am: "Underwater cultural heritage in the Philippines, including World War II shipwrecks." Bobby Orillaneda (Maritime Archaeologist, National Museum of the Philippines)

11:55 am: "Managing World War II underwater cultural heritage in Indonesia: Progress, challenges and opportunities." Zainab Tahir (Maritime Archaeologist, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Republic of Indonesia)

12:20 pm: "Underwater cultural heritage management in the Republic of Palau." Sunny Ngirmang (State Historic Preservation Officer, Republic of Palau)

12:45-1:45 pm: Lunch

1:45 pm: "Three-dimensional interpretation of World War II sites in Saipan."
Dr. Kotaro Yamafune (Maritime Archaeologist, President of APPARATUS, Japan)

2:10 pm: "Management strategies for underwater cultural heritage sites." Vicki Richards (Manager for Materials Conservation, Western Australian Museum)

2:35 pm: "Cast iron shipwreck cannon: Recovery and conservation." Jon Carpenter (Conservator, Western Australian Museum)

3:00 pm: Refreshments

3:20 pm: "Assessing artificial reefs and the natural environment." Kalle Applegate Palmer (High Tech High, California)

3:45 pm: "World War underwater cultural heritage in Chuuk and Guam." Dr. Bill Jeffery (Assistant Professor, UOG)

Happy 73rd Liberation Day, Guam!

Tomorrow marks Guam's 73rd 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 those who have served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces to fight for the freedom that we enjoy today!

Happy 73rd Liberation Day, Guahan! Biba Guahan!

Guam ILA Receives ILA Honor Council Award for 2016-2017 at the ILA Conference in Orlando, Florida

The Guam Council ILA has been instrumental in promoting literacy on Guam since 1968 and was recognized as an HONOR COUNCIL of the International Literacy Association for its achievements in programs, membership, promotion, and community service.  Pictured L-R:  Manda Tenorio, Guam ILA Recording Secretary; Annette Leon Guerrero, Guam ILA Board Member; Tiffany Sears, ILA Florida; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, 2016-2017 Guam ILA President; Rose Cruz Castro, 2017-2018 Guam ILA President; Martha Sudo, Guam ILA Board; Lori DiGisi, ILA Board; and Elvina Johnson, Guam ILA Board Member.

Julia Naputi Rivera Wins Miss Fire Guam Title!

Congratulations, Julia Naputi Rivera, for winning the Miss Fire Guam title, Environmental Warrior Award, and 2nd Runner Up in the Native Costume! Si Yu'os Ma'ase' to all family and friends for all your love and support during her journey.

Julia Naputi Rivera, Miss Fire Guam, is all smiles with her family and friends during the 2017 Miss Earth Guam Pageant on June 21, 2017 at the Sheraton Hotel.

Julia Naputi Rivera, Miss Fire Guam, is surrounded by family and friends during the 2017 Miss Earth Guam Pageant.

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…
Hu guaiya hao!
© mnrivera

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!

Biba Ha'ånen Nåna Siha!

GPLS Summer Reading Program

May 2017 Guam Council IRA Newsletter

Click here to view the May 2017 Guam Council IRA newsletter.                

PC Lujan G.A.T.E. Science Fair Certificate

It is wonderful to be able to volunteer to be a judge for education events, such as the G.A.T.E. Science Fair held at the Pedro C. Lujan Elementary School on April 28, 2017. 

Guam Public Library System Certificate of Appreciation

It is always a pleasure to be able to promote literacy in our community.  Reading to the children and sharing cultural arts & crafts with them during Chamorro Month 2017 was a meaningful experience.  Kudos to all who continue to make a difference!

WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Do your best
In all that you say
In all that you do
To make your life worth living
To make a difference in the lives of others.

Realize that you're important to someone
And your genuine help from the kindness of your heart
To pick up others when the odds are stacked up against them
Gives them hope when they have none.

Remember…
If you help out others with no expectations in return
Then your life will be enriched with abundant goodness
And perhaps one day someone will be there for you too.

Living life right
Sacrificing even it hurts so much
Taking on meaningful challenges that may stab your heart a bit at times
All the while striving to be on the side with one's angel
Whom absorbs the goodness of your beautiful soul
Enables you to live a life that matters.

Keeping up the faith
Working as brothers and sisters
To make this world a better place
Moves a nation and heals our souls -
Tis the power of unity!

Remember that beauty is not dependent on your looks or wealth
But who you are deep within -
A remarkable and beautiful person filled with so much love to spread
Filled with inspirational momentum
To help others because you truly do care
Because you know it's the right thing to do
To make a difference!

And though you're hurting
Though your life is filled with strife that strikes your gentle soul
Sometimes you have to let things go even if you’re hurting deep inside.
You have to release your hold
And let things be
Because maybe it was never meant to be.

Sometimes you have to realize that you can’t take things for granted
Because when you least expect it
What you thought you had can be suddenly stolen
As if someone pulled the carpet fast from under your feet.

You have to hold your head up high even if you would rather cry.
You see, life can be very cruel
And it won’t get any better
Unless you move on with your life
Cut your losses
Invest in hope and faith
And with each day you’ll get stronger, and stronger, and stronger…

Grasp and gain the strength from deep within and trust in God
To live a life that makes a difference -
Tis the wonderful gift of life!
So join me, if you will and
Let's live a life that matters
Because together…
We can make a difference!
©mnrivera
Tamuning, Guam

INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE: Together, We Can Make A Difference!!

My Poetry

My imagination runs wild,
As I grab a pen and write away.

The emotions linger about,

Pushing me to set it free.

It shall be set free in the words that I write.

It shall be set free in the feelings that I express.

It shall be set free, just by knowing it is mine.

My own thoughts,

My own words,

My own feelings --

That in itself is poetry,

Whether it is liked by others or not;

I know this to be true,

That as long as it is dear to my heart,

It's as special as can be,

And no one can deny that it is poetry!

©mnrivera
Yona, Guam

INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE: Poetry comes naturally from thy heart.