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Community Briefs

SSV ROBERT C. SEAMANS OPEN HOUSE

 

The National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa (NMSAS), in partnership with the Sea Education Association (SEA), is inviting the local community to an Open House on board the Sailing School Vessel (SSV) Robert C. Seamans, which arrived in the territory last month from Kanton Island in Kiribati for a six-week stay.

 

The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 19th from 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. at the Malaloa Dock (behind Tools Inc.)

 

The Open House is free of charge and "it is the opportune time to witness and acquire more information about the 'Semester at Sea' and marine science courses that are taught" while the ship is out at sea, says a statement from the NMSAS.

 

The SSV Robert C. Seamans is called the 'most sophisticated' vessel ever built in the United States and it serves as the 'classroom' and 'home' for college students who study marine science courses out in the open waters, as supposed to sitting behind a desk.

 

The vessel features a lab and has facilities fit for students interested in marine related fields of study.

 

Last year, according to a statement from the NMSAS, was the first (of hopefully many) in-ports by the SSV Seamans. "Collaborated efforts have accomplished the following: value-adding to the mission of the NMSAS and its partners; connecting and fostering a relationship with SEA to encourage future programs here in American Samoa; training the next generation's science leaders and future decision-makers on the importance of ocean protection and ocean science; and enlarging the campaign of outreach and awareness of ocean conservation to a broader audience here in American Samoa in a very unique setting."

 

The SSV Seamans will depart the territory on Wednesday, September 30th.

 

More information can be obtained by contacting the NMSAS at 633-6500.

 

LHS ALUMNI TO HOST ANOTHER REGISTRATION DRIVE

 

A second registration drive for the alumni of Leone High School will be held this weekend, Sept. 11-12

 

A 50th anniversary celebration for the Home of the Lions is set for next month, October 12-17 and the weeklong festivities will include fun and games for past and current students, as well as their families.

 

An initial registration drive was conducted last month, to encourage former Leone High School students to be active and stay informed on all activities being planned for not only the 50th anniversary celebration but also other projects and events for the school.

 

Dozens of alumni have turned up already but hundreds more are still out there.

 

WIC ADDS NEW ITEM TO FOOD LIST

 

As of July 1, white potatoes are now an eligible item under the WIC authorized food list.

 

For years, local mothers have complained and often wondered why white potatoes - a vegetable - was not an allowable item under the WIC program. Now they don't have to wonder any more.

 

WIC clients are now able to use their cash value vouchers to purchase white potatoes for their infants and toddlers.

 

Every month, eligible expectant and breastfeeding mothers, along with their little ones under five years old are issued vouchers from the American Samoa Women, Infants, and Children's (ASWIC) program. The vouchers are used to buy nutritious items including milk, eggs, juice, cereal, peanut butter, brown rice, wheat bread, vegetables and fruits. Allowances for fruits and vegetables are usually about $8 per month, per WIC recipient, and the coupon can be used to buy either fresh or canned fruits and vegetables.

 

The one item most mothers often wanted but couldn't buy with the WIC vouchers was potatoes, which most of them say is a vital ingredient in making healthy soups and stews for the kids. Thankfully, the ASWIC marketing team has announced that these mothers' wish has come true and now, white potatoes can be purchased with WIC checks.

 

More information can be obtained by calling 633-2610 during normal business hours.

 

LOW EVENING TEMPERATURES BRING SIGH OF RELIEF

 

Local residents are enjoying the nighttime hours more, as evening temperatures become cooler.

 

Over the past several nights, 'chilly' weather accompanied by a soft breeze was reported from residents all over the territory, especially those who reside in areas facing the ocean.

 

Yesterday, temperatures plummeted down to 71 degrees. And while this is cold compared to what local residents are used to, the record for Tuesday still stands at 70-degrees, which was recorded back in 1964. The daytime hours yesterday was a different story. The hottest point yesterday was 84-degrees but it was hotter back in 1998, when the record high of 90-degrees for September 8 was set.

 

According to <weather.gov> no rain has been recorded for this month as of yesterday, although the year-to-date numbers have already surpassed last year's figures.