FREE DENTAL SERVICES FOR KIDS IN THE WIC PROGRAM

From now until the end of July, all infants and children under the WIC Program can stop by the WIC Clinic in Utulei for free dental services.

What better way to check on the kids’ oral health—free of charge— in preparation for the upcoming school year, than to get them a free dental screening?

The dental services are collaboration between the WIC Program, under the Dept. of Human and Social Services, and the Dept. of Health’s Dental Clinic Division.

The services being offered include fluoride treatment and oral hygiene instructions from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.

In addition to free screenings, youngsters will also be given free toothbrushes and toothpaste at the completion of each dental checkup.

LEONE BRIDGE FINALLY OPENS

Motorists who have to cross Leone village to get to and from school and work are breathing a sigh of relief, as the long awaited Leone bridge is now open (both lanes), although more construction work is being carried out by McConnell Dowell in the adjacent area.

The Leone Bridge was damaged during the 2009 earthquake and tsunami and repair work started in late 2012.

The tentative completion date is set for the last week of July, at which time everything including the sidewalk, the final portion of the road, and waterline should be completed, in addition to the removal of the temporary bridge.

The Leone Bridge project is funded by the Federal Highway Administration and involves collaboration between the Civil Highway Division of Public Works and the US Army Corps of Engineers.

ARTS COUNCIL OFFERING CHILDREN’S CULTURE MAINTENANCE SUMMER PROGRAM

Keep the kids busy during the summer by signing them up for the Upeti Carving class being offered at the Jean P. Hayden Museum in Fagatogo from June 30 - July 25.

The American Samoa Council on Arts, Culture, and Humanities is sponsoring the Children’s Culture Maintenance Summer Program.

All boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 17 are encouraged to participate in the program, which only costs $5. Registration is open from June 16-20 and can only be made in person at the museum in Fagatogo.

In a telephone interview with the Samoa News yesterday, Arts Council Program Manager Rexx Yandall explained that their target number is 75 youngsters and everything is based on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.

He said local artists will be hired to teach the classes which aim to help kids preserve the Samoan culture. In addition to upeti carving, other Samoan culture art forms will also be taught. More information on the summer program, including details on how to register can be obtained by calling Rexx Yandall directly at 633-4347/4490/5613 or by visiting the Arts Council main office in Fagatogo across from the Lumana'i Building.