contents december 2011

4 ON THE COVER BRM is 10!

8 TALK OF THE TOWN Red Cross gets huge community support

10 WAY OFF BROADWAY Glushko’s Academy sets another Swan Lake Production

12 CRUISIN’ ON BEACH ROAD

14 SPORTS PAGE Johann Noetzel channels devastating injury

into positive mission

16 SPORTS PAGE Golfers throw support to Make-A-Wish Foundation

18 FEATURE Celebrating Sengebau’s poetry

20 HEALTH WATCH Get ‘green’ this holiday season

22 OUR ENVIRONMENT 24 HOROSCOPE / TIDE CHART

ABOUT THE COVERTen years ago this month, Beach Road Magazine was born in an eight-page maiden edition with then 21-year-old teacher Kristina Springer gracing the cover in a two-piece bathing suit. Though still in its infancy, BRM was well received in this multi-racial community with its lifestyle features that are entertaining, informative and easy to read. Over the past decade, BRM had featured talented and attractive women models with varied interests and jobs proving that beauty is just one of their many good attributes. The magazine also underwent other major changes as it evolved with time. The road ahead to BRM’s second decade may be rough and bumpy amid an extremely economically challenging environment — but we hope to weather the storm — with your continued support. Thank you!

Shot on location at Pacific Islands Club.

Cake courtesy of PIC and Executive Chef Habib Akbar.

Hair and make-up provided by Jed of Nila’s Salon.

Vol. X No. 14

Beach Road Magazine, Vol. X, No. 14 December 2011.Entire contents copyrighted 2011 by Glimpses of Saipan, Inc.

Beach Road Magazine is published monthly byGlimpses of Saipan, Inc.

P.O. Box 502080, Saipan, MP 969502/F Transpac Business Center Gualo Rai, Saipan

Tel: (670) 235-7645 | Fax: (670) 234-1801E-mail: saipan@glimpsesofguam.com

Visit: www.glimpses2011.blogspot.com All rights reserved. No material may be printed in part orin whole without written permission from the publisher.

Publisher Maureen N. Maratita

BRM Manager Gemma Q. Casas

Production SupervisorNerita F. Enderes

Senior Design ManagerTaliea Strohmeyer

Graphic ArtistsRudy L. ArmentaElla S. BeheshtiMonie B. Erasga

Account ManagerSusan Marchitti

Sales Manager Annie San Nicolas

Managing DirectorMarcos Fong

Glimpses Publications include Guam Business Magazine, Marianas Business Journal, Marine Drive Magazine,

Beach Road Magazine and R&R Pacific.

2 DECEMBER 2011

DECEMBER 2011 3

ON THE COVER

TEN YEARS AGO THIS MONTH,

Beach Road Magazine was

born in an eight-page maiden

edition with then 21-year-old

teacher Kristina Springer gracing the

cover in a two-piece bathing suit.

Though still in its infancy, BRM

was well received in this multi-racial

community with its lifestyle features

that are entertaining, informative and

easy to read.

Beyond publication, BRM also organized

and hosted different community events and

cause-oriented activities every year.

BRM is also credited for holding the

first-ever car rally on Saipan in 2006

and last year, it pioneered in hosting the

first major videogame show on the island

dubbed Gamecon. A health and wellness

fair was another first as are the Jungle

Bell bike race on Sunday, Dec. 18 — our

anniversary event.

BY Gemma Q. Casas

In no time, the publication

became a household name with

beautiful and talented women from

different ethnic backgrounds eager

to pose as cover each month.

Over the past decade, BRM had

featured talented and attractive

women models with varied

interests and jobs proving that

beauty is just one of their many

good attributes.

2011 Miss Liberation Queen Joni C. Castro with BRM well wishers--the Ichihara and Sablan families.

4 DECEMBER 2011

DECEMBER 2011 5

Former Miss Marianas Universe 2005

Shequita Bennett, Miss Marianas Universe

2003 Kimberlyn Reyes, among other

beauty titlists, graced past covers of BRM.

BRM also had the privilege of having

as models a policewoman, accountants,

office workers, teachers, musicians,

artists, lawyer Barrett Ristoph, nurses

like Sheila Comaingking, dentist Jasmin

May Cordova, professional singer Jelyn

Aquino, Dr. Chad Lowe and family, KSPN

reporters and anchors Jeanette Rocher

and Liz Wahl, former House lawmaker Tina

Sablan now also a broadcast journalist for

KSPN, athletes, chefs, outstanding and

model students, John Edward Elenzano

—the CNMI’s first NFL winner, Saipan’s

pioneering female entrepreneur Escolastica

Cabrera and family and the list goes on.

{continued from page 4}

ON THE COVER

In this issue, we have 2011

Liberation Queen Joni C. Castro as

our cover model.

The 15-year-old beauty queen

embodies youthfulness and a quest to

face head-on the challenges ahead —

just like BRM as it enters its second

decade in the Northern Mariana

Islands publication industry.

Joni, a 9th grader at the Saipan

Southern High School, says she

posed for the cover because she

enjoys reading BRM.

An aspiring teacher, Joni hopes

to contribute in educating the local

community when she grows up.

She says she reads BRM because

it’s informative and easy to read and

caters to people from all walks of life.

BRM is indebted to Joni and

thousands of others in the

community, all of whom read and

support the magazine and its events

in many ways every month.

The road ahead to BRM’s second

decade may be rough and bumpy

amid an extremely economically

challenging environment — but we

hope to weather the storm — with

your continued support.

Thank you!

Miss Liberation Queen Joni C. Castro with the the food and beverage staff of the Pacific Islands Club.

6 DECEMBER 2011

DECEMBER 2011 7

TALK OF THE TOWN

Red Cross gets huge community support

THE AMERICAN RED CROSS Northern Mariana Islands Chapter once again received outstanding support from

the community, despite the commonwealth’s economic challenges.

About 1,300 patrons bought Club 200 tickets at $100 each to help the charitable group raise funds for its projects.

John Hirsh, executive director of the ARC NMI Chapter, says the group is thankful that the community never fails to help them carry out their mission, especially in times of disaster.

More than a thousand people gathered at the 23rd annual American Red Cross Club 200 fundraising event on Oct. 29 held at the beach area of the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan.

Food and drinks were plentiful as patrons spent the fun filled evening waiting for the winning numbers to be announced during the gala.

The Afetnas Regime and Latte Vibes entertained the crowd throughout the night with live music.

This year’s event theme is Fantasy Island and many came in creative and colorful costumes.

storY and Photos BY Gemma Q. Casas

a huge crowd gather around the center stage grooving to the music of the island beats during the arC nmI Chapter’s 23rd annual Club 200 fundraising event.

tiberius mocanu happily waves his Club 200 winning ticket that makes him $15,000 richer.

But only two — Gary Sword and Soledad Tenorio — were judged the best dressed male and female guests that evening.

The happiest guest that night, however, was Assistant Attorney General Tiberius Mocanu, who won the grand prize of $15,000.

The young attorney from San Francisco, California says he bought only one ticket from Docomo Pacific Marketing Coordinator Nola Hix and didn’t expect that his number 1384 would be picked for the coveted grand prize.

Mocanu, who rushed to the center stage ecstatically, says he will treat his wife to a trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Red Cross supporter Susan Cabrera also took home the coveted first prize — a 2011 Ford Fiesta from Joeten Motors & the Joeten Charitable Foundation.

The $5,000 2nd prize went to Esther Barr of Tinian. Two economy class tickets to any U.S. destination on Delta Airlines went to Merle Hudkins as 3rd prize.

Mike Fazzino will get a one year supply of fuel from Mobil Oil Micronesia, valued at $2,025 after his ticket was picked for the 4th prize.

Carmen T. Cabrera went home $2,000 richer as the winner of the 5th prize.

Sixth prize winner Carleen Desebel won $500 and two economy tickets to any destination in Asia, courtesy of United Continental Airlines.

Hiruuk Saiki, who won the 7th prize, received two Club Elan annual memberships from the Hyatt Regency Saipan and dinner buffet for two at the Kili Café and Terrace.

Island Training Solutions was picked for the 8th prize and won a Samsung Galaxy android phone with one year unlimited service from IT&E, dinner buffet for two at World Resort, a one night stay at LaoLao Bay Golf Resort and two golf coupons from LaoLao Bay Resort.

David J. Burger won the 9th prize of two economy tickets to any Asian destination from United Continental Airlines as well as a lunch buffet for two at Hyatt Regency Saipan’s Miyako Restaurant and two golf coupons from LaoLao Bay Resort.

Rothwell “Rock” Ahulau, Red Cross Representa-tive for FEMA Region IX office, who the NMI Chap-ter presented with an award for his dedication and support, won the 10th prize — a round-trip ticket to Hong Kong via Fly Guam and brunch for two at the Hyatt Regency Saipan’s Giovanni’s.

The American Red Cross NMI Chapter was founded on Oct. 8, 1978.

8 DECEMBER 2011

DECEMBER 2011 9

Glushko’s Academysets another Swan Lake production

two of russia’s premier ballet dancers with young ballerinas gracefully

interpret a swan Lake production.

THE GLUSHKO’S BALLET ACADEMY will once again spearhead the production of Swan Lake on Saipan this month.

Each performance includes both professional international stars and the talents of over 45 aspiring young stars from the island, all masterfully choreographed in performances that feature excerpts from world famous ballets.

These annual productions held every December is designed to constantly improve the quality of ballet productions on the island as well as provide the only opportunity for residents to experience ballet for themselves.

On Dec. 9 and 10, 2011, Russian prima ballerina Anna Glushko will arrange a spectacular holiday performance of Swan Lake, one of the world’s most popular and

beautiful ballet classics, featuring the musical compositions of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

Performances are scheduled at 7 p.m. on both Dec. 9 and 10 at the Amphitheater of the American Memorial Park. Primas or stars from both Korea and Russia will again perform.

Tickets—only $15 for adults and $10 for under 12 years old—can be purchased at all Shell gas stations on Saipan, Gourmet Restaurant, Shenanigans in Garapan, 360 Restaurant, Manic Inn in Susupe, and Kevin’s Department Store in Chalan Kanoa.

The production cost alone to stage this wonderful event is more than what the Ballet Academy earns in a full year from tuition but, thanks to generous sponsors and donors, what would only be a dream will again become a wonderful reality.

Some of sponsors and donors include: Lao Lao Bay Golf Resort, Shell Marianas, Tan Holdings Foundation, Sasha Co. Ltd, First Hawaiian Bank, Bank of Guam, Bank of Hawaii, Bank of Saipan, Pacific Saipan Distribution, Burger & Comer CPAs, DFS Galleria Saipan, Coconut Computer Services, Saipan Aquaculture Inc., Triple J, Gourmet Restaurant, Marianas Business Plaza, Dental Care, Hyatt Saipan, Manic Inn, Delta Air Lines, Asiana Airlines, and attorneys Joshua Berger, O’Connor & Dotts, Bruce Mailman and Maya Kara, Douglas Cushnie, and Stephen Nutting.

Contact Glushko regarding “The International Ballet of Stars” at 235-6900 or 483-6271 or email her at glushkosacademy@yahoo.com.

WAY OFF BROADWAY

10 DECEMBER 2011

DECEMBER 2011 11

CRUISIN’ ON BEACH ROAD

Beach Road Magazine is accepting photo contributions from the community for FREE. Kindly e-mail the photos with captions identifying the people in the photo from left to right position,to reporter2@glimpsesofguam.com. For photos to appear in the coming issue, due to limited slots, we encourage submissions on or before the 15th of every month.

THE BEST! Green meadow school third graders under teacher ellen alejo won first place during their halloween competition.

YOUNG CONSTITUENTS. northern marianas Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho sablan, 5th left, gladly join the invitation of the aviation students of the marianas high school for a souvenir photo during the Veterans day ceremony held at the american memorial Park, nov. 11.

JEWEL IS 7! Julie and Bert Combinido, the proud parents of Jewel monique, pose with their daughter during her 7th birthday party held at the Pacific Islands Club.

MODEL STUDENT. hera Princess Kikuchi who graduated in elementary with honors from st. Jerome academy in Laguna, Philippines, poses with friend mary rose rubinos after their graduation ceremony.

KHALIL IS 3!Loida and son Khalil who turned three last month smile for the camera before cutting into pieces his delicious cake.

DOUBLE CELEBRATION! Clarissa, left, and moneth marked their separate birthdays last month with a double celebration at the Capriciosa restaurant with friends.

HULA GIRL! Forte allison Fortaleza dances with her hula grass skirt much to the delight of her parents emerson and analin.

12 DECEMBER 2011

I AM 7 SOON! marion John r. sayas is turning seven on dec. 31. his parents Chielo & mar and the rest of the family wish him a very happy birthday!

ANOTHER GREAT PERFORMANCE. saipan southern high school’s manta ray Band wowed the crowd with another great musical performance during the american memorial Park’s trunk or treat halloween event.

TRUNK OR TREAT. smiles were all over at the american memorial Park during its trunk or treat halloween event as children garbed in fantasy and spooky costumes line up for free candies and treats.

VETERANS DAY! Governor Benigno r. Fitial and the Commander of submarine squadron Fifteen Capt. John K. russ led dignitaries and local officials in honoring the fallen soldiers and others who fought for the country in different wars during the Veterans day ceremony held at american memorial Park, nov. 11.

ROTARY SPIRIT. rotary Club of saipan members led by alex sablan were among the many organiza-tions that gave away candies to children and adults at the american memorial Park’s trunk or treat halloween event.

LEAN IS 3! Post-birthday greetings go to Leandrei Leonardo who turned three last nov. 5. she is the daughter of nurse Charlotte hagberg Leonardo and dental student Leo Leonardo.

DECEMBER 2011 13

GERMAN-AMERICAN JOHANN NOETzEL had played soccer professionally before

loyal fans at FC Dallas in the United States and Aston Villa in Britain.

He has met and played with famous athletes including British soccer player David Beckham while in England.

Noetzel has traveled around the world, lived the life of a well-paid athlete and rubbed elbows with people we could only imagine to meet.

But that all changed in an instant after a devastating injury hit him while practicing as a player for Aston Villa Football Club in the English Premier League.

That incident rendered Johann unfit to play professionally and left him with two screws in a knee to secure the broken piece of bone back on to his femur.

“My knee has healed but not 100%,” Johann tells Beach Road Magazine.

The fourth and youngest child of an American homemaker and German immigrant, Johann grew

Johann Noetzel channels devastating injury into a positive mission

up in Germany before moving to Seattle in Washington.

His love for soccer was nurtured at the tender age of four, and he was involved in the sport before he reached adulthood.

He obtained his college degree through a soccer scholarship at Seattle Pacific University and in 1999 was named as the All-American, Pacific West Conference Player of the Year.

After the senior soccer season, Johann was drafted to play professionally for FC Dallas.

A year later, and after the rookie season ended, he moved to England and played for Aston Villa until he sustained the knee injury.

Devastating as it is, Johann moved on to become one of the most sought after goalkeeper coaches in California and even ventured into opening his own soccer school, the Shot Stoppers Goalkeeping Academy.

Johann first learned about Saipan through a neighbor while living in Dana Point in California.

In 2006, Johann moved to Saipan and worked for a year at the Pacific Islands Club as a clubmate before moving to Seoul, Korea where he

storY and Photos BY Gemma Q. Casas

(continued to page 24)

SPORTS PAGE

taught English for a year then moved back again to California.

On November 1st, Johann returned to Saipan and accepted a teaching job in the Public School System. He is also volunteering his time with the NMI Football Association or NMIFA to help the local teams gain more grounds in the soccer world.

“My dream is to have the CNMI known around the Asian Football Federation as the region with the best goalkeepers and having our youth GKs and other players sought after from U.S. colleges to go earn a degree through soccer scholarships,” says Johann, who recalled that soccer was almost nonexistent when he first came here.

“Great supporters and volunteers like Jerry Tan, Vicki Izuka and Ed Salas have helped grow the sport on the island and continue to do great work. Now, the football association

Former professional soccer player Johann noetzel dives for the ball during a demo game at the ada field.

Johann noetzel at the ada field.

has six member clubs and still growing. Many more youth and locals on the island are playing soccer thanks to great programs and efforts of all volunteers, parents and coaches,” he adds.

The six-foot tall Johann says he feels that Saipan needs his expertise more than its more affluent neighboring territory of Guam.

“Soccer has given me such great life experiences. I want other CNMI youth to be able to enjoy similar great experiences. Especially being a goalie, it is a position most often lacking a knowledgeable coach,” he says.

“I had a dream to play professional soccer and see the world doing it. I hope to make this possible for CNMI youth who share the same dreams and ambitions,” he adds.

14 DECEMBER 2011

SPORTS PAGE

MORE THAN 100 GOLFERS and enthusiasts gave their time and energies to support the 16th Annual

Club at the Hyatt Golf Classic held on Nov. 12 at LaoLao Bay Golf Resort for the benefit of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Victor Camacho, executive director of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, says this is the second year in a row that Hyatt named the group the major beneficiary of its annual golf classic tournament.

Camacho says Hyatt’s gesture will go a long way to “help children realize their dreams.”

Hyatt has generated close to $70,000 over the past six years through fundraising tournaments and each year a number of charitable groups benefit.

Golfers throw support toMake-A-Wish FoundationstorY and Photo BY Gemma Q. Casas

Founded in 1980 and inspired by a 10-year-old boy stricken with leukemia’s wish to become a police officer, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has evolved into a major group that help children with life-threatening illnesses to realize their dreams.

The Foundation had granted 214,829 wishes thus far and counting.

Hyatt’s golf tournament was a four-person scramble format with a double Peoria handicap system that gives every player the chance to take home the grand prize.

Participants may choose to enter individually and be assigned to a team or can form their own four-player team.

Sgt. Joe Suares, one of the four members of the Last Minute Team, that won the grand

hyatt regency saipan General manager nick nishikawa, left, with make-a-Wish Foundation executive director Victor Camacho, right, and some golfers who won at the16th annual Club at the hyatt Golf Classic held on nov. 12 at LaoLao Bay Golf resort.

prize, says he joined the tournament to help the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Second place winner was Team 18A made up of J.J. Atalig, Dennis Cruz, Joey Dela Cruz and Ned Norita.

Norita who is also a police officer says he’s glad to be of help to the Foundation.

At the banquet ceremony, fabulous prizes which included hotel accommodations at five-star hotels and round-trip air tickets to Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, the Philippines, Macau and the U.S. were raffled.

Other major prizes in kind were also distributed through the raffle.

16 DECEMBER 2011

FEATURE

Students recite one of Sengebau’s poems during a competition honoring his

contributions to Literature in Micronesia.

Celebrating Sengebau’s poetry

PALAUAN POET VALENTINE SENGEBAU has been dead 11 years ago but

his poetry remains alive and immortalized year after year by dozens of students all over Micronesia, especially in Saipan, his adopted home.

An educator, writer and poet, Sengebau’s unique views about the small island nations in the Pacific are vividly expressed in his poetry.

One of the few islanders of his time privileged to study in the U.S. in the 1960s, Sengebau’s poems speak about his beloved island-nation of Palau, the travails of islanders in an era characterized by a

growing civil rights movement, his love and passion, cultural identity and politics.

Just like his work, Sengebau’s real life is filled with mystery and rich experiences that shaped his character.

He never knew his father, who was lost at sea along with 22 other Palauans, who sailed between the islands of Peleliu and Angaur in 1941.

Sengebau and his mother were supposed to join the group on the trip, but his father insisted that they stay behind because the water was rough and the weather was bad.

And the group drifted away somewhere in the Pacific Ocean,

never reaching their destination.Sengebau, the youngest in

a brood of 12, continued his search for his lost father in his adult life.

In 1954, Sengebau crossed paths with fellow Palauan student, Bonifacio Basilius, at Mindszenty School.

Basilius would later become the chief of public information office of the Trust Territory government and was the man who introduced Sengebau to Saipan.

Basilius says it was at Midszenty – the school initially run by the Catholic Maryknoll Sisters—that Sengebau got his first taste for poetry.

“He went through the required reading materials, which included books that contained the works of many well-known British and American poets, in no time. Val liked to read Shakespeare’s tragedies, especially Macbeth, whose bewitched atmosphere appealed to his active imagination,” explains Basilius in “Microchild,” an anthology of Sengebau’s poems published in 2004.

It was Basilius who coaxed Sengebau to move to Saipan and work with him in the Trust Territory government.

Sengebau, who worked for the Trust Territory quarterly magazine known as the Micronesian Reporter, published most of his work in that publication and later in the weekly CNMI newspaper, the Marianas Variety.

“The latter half of the 1970s was a period of great change in Micronesia. This was the period when the Northern Marianas formally set out on its separate course. Palau and the Marshall Islands were not far behind. It was, therefore, not accidental that many of the subjects Val dealt with in his poems were the burning issues of the day — the break-up of the Trust Territory into four parts, the opening up of the islands, especially the CNMI and Palau, to tourism and foreign investment and the return of many educated island youths who began questioning and challenging the established orders,” says Basilius.

During his 25 years on Saipan, Sengebau established his family and taught at public schools.

Tragedy, however, struck when the family residence was burned down, including many of his works.

“Microchild” embodies 41 of Sengebau’s poems salvaged from the ruins of his home.

In 2000, Sengebau died and according to his wishes, his remains were buried on Saipan, his beloved adopted home.

This year, the NMI Humanities Council celebrated once again Sengebau’s literary contributions to Micronesia by holding the 8th Annual Valentine Sengebau Poetry Competition.

On Oct. 25, students from 19 public and private junior and high schools read Sengebau’s poems — bringing to life once again the times and challenges of his era.

storY and Photo BY Gemma Q. Casas

18 DECEMBER 2011

DECEMBER 2011 19

HEALTH WATCH

Go green this holiday season to save energy and costsM

AKE “GREEN” HOLIDAY choices when you are shopping,

traveling, decorating, sending cards, and choosing gifts.

When you save energy and resources, you protect the

environment and safeguard health both now and for the future.

Some of us are ready for the festivities, but many of us are still

planning and shopping for decorations and gifts and organizing

holiday gatherings. We want to enjoy the fun and spirit of the

season, but we don’t want to spend too much money or use too

many resources in the process.

And most of all, we want to enjoy quality time with those we love.

Whether we are traveling, sending holiday cards, decorating our

homes, or choosing gifts, all of us can have “green” celebrations.

Even if you already reduce, reuse and recycle, browse through the

suggestions below for more ways to bring those practices into your

holiday activities. If all of us make even a few eco-friendly choices,

we will save energy and resources and send less trash to the landfill

during this busy time of year.

Decorate with items that are energy-efficient and durable.

Research the most energy efficient choice for your holiday tree. The

choice will vary depending on your location.

SOURCE: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/GreenHolidays/

Choose a few of these ideas that will be easy for you to incorporate into your holiday celebration. Not only will you conserve energy and resources, but chances are you will also simplify your life. And you may get more of what we all need at this time of year—time to enjoy our families and friends and to focus on the joys of the season.

BELOW ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS.•Useothertypesof decorationsbesidestrees.•Buyanartificialtreethatyoucanuseforyearstocome.•Buyalivingtreeyoucanplantoutsideorkeepasahouseplant after the holidays.•Buyasmallertreesothatyouhavelesstorecycle.•Disposeof yourtreeatachippingfacilityorreturntothe environment in other eco-friendly ways.•Considerusingfewornolightsinyourholidaydecorations.•DecoratewithmoreenergyefficientLED(lightemittingdiodes) strings.•Plugyourdecorativeindoorandoutdoorlightsintoatimerto save electricity.•Decoratecreativelyandinexpensivelywithnaturalmaterialsfrom your yard or with items you already own.•Choosedurableornamentsfromwood,metal,orclothrather than plastic or thin glass.•Usefewerresourceswhenyoushop,givepresents,andwrapgifts.•Takeyourownbagsonshoppingtrips.Keeptheminthecarso they’re ready whenever you stop at a store.•Shoponline.•Conserveenergywhenshopping.Usemasstransitif possible.If you have to drive, combine several errands in one trip or carpool with family and friends.•Givegiftsthataredurable,energy-efficient,recyclable,ormade of natural products.•Buyfromlocalshopsandcraftshowsorfromcompaniesthat use fair-trade practices.•Searchantiqueandsecond-handstoresforuniquegifts.•Makeyourowngifts:knit,sew,bake,orcreateartfromreuseditems.•Makecalendarsusingyourownphotographsormakearecipebook with your favorite recipes•Giveamembershiporanexperience—tuitionforaclassora visit to museum.•Giveof yourtime—couponsforprovidingameal,plantinga garden, cleaning, or using another talent or skill.•Plantatreeinsomeone’syard.

USE CREATIVE MATERIALS FOR GIFT WRAP: scarves, fabric, handkerchiefs; old maps, sheet music, advertisements; reusable tins; usable baking pans or other home or garden items.

GIVE CARDS THAT ARE ECO-FRIENDLY AND SAVE RESOURCES.•Makeyourowncards.•Buycardsmadefromrecycledpaper(lookfor“post-consumer” content)andprintedinnon-toxicinks.•Buycardsandenvelopesthatcanberecycledinyourtown.Choose cards printed on white stock without metallic or plastic coatings.•Buycardswrappedintheleastbulkyormostrecyclablepackaging.•Substitutepostcardsforcardsthatrequireenvelopes.•Reusethefrontsof oldholidaycardsasgifttags.

EAT SUSTAINABLE FOOD AND AVOID DISPOSABLE CONTAINERS AND ExTRA PACKAGING. •Researchsustainablefoodchoicesinyourareaandbuylocallyif possible.•Buysnacksandbeveragesinbulktoavoidextrapackaging.•Servefoodwithwashableutensils,plates,andglasses,rather than disposable items.•Makehomemadeeggnog,hotchocolateoricedteainlarge quantities, and prepare pitchers of ice water in advance to reduce waste from water and soda bottles or cans.

20 DECEMBER 2011

DECEMBER 2011 21

OUR ENVIRONMENT

22 DECEMBER 2011

DECEMBER 2011 23

ARIES: Try your best not to let out your aggression on people who just get in your way. You’ll need to do a little maintenance work on your relationships, including people from your work and home lives.

TAURUS: Someone is going to want you to commit to a financial deal, but you’re going to feel too tentative about it to sign the dotted line just yet. Take the weekend to think it over. GEMINI: If you have had something wonderful happen to you recently, let the whole world enjoy it with you. At some point during the day, mutual excitement increases the likelihood of romance.

CANCER: Everyone deserves equal rights, but a certain someone is looking to tip the scales in their favor. If you aren’t able to control others, at least control yourself. You owe it to everyone around you to set an example.

LEO: Self-confidence is the name of the game, and you’re the star player. Keep in mind, confident people are unflappable. If others don’t respect your privacy, you may have to resort to hiding things.

VIRGO: You can’t help but take it personally when someone else has a stroke of luck at your expense. Try to focus on something else until you’ve cleared your mind of negative feelings.

LIBRA: Going overboard could get you into all kinds of hot water. Today’s momentum is making it seem all the more urgent to get the show on the road.

SCORPIO: Friendships and alliances may be on shaky ground. It might be best to walk around on tiptoes until you can be sure of who is on your side. The consequences of all actions are not immediately apparent..

SAGITTARIUS: If you can change your mood around, you just might go the extra mile for someone who really needs your help. Reserve the evening hours for your personal pleasures.

CAPRICORN: You can hardly believe you raised your hand and got the answer ... wrong! You have to accept the idea that you don’t know everything. It wouldn’t hurt you to do some more studying next time.

AQUARIUS: This is definitely a time for intellectual stimulation. You are the perfect student, eager to examine the alternatives and weigh every aspect of a question. Join a discussion group, visit a chat room or enroll in classes.

PISCES: Quit being a victim and stand up for yourself if the situation warrants it. Remember, you don’t have to take the blame for something that isn’t your fault. When trying to come up with a viable so-lution, your judgment should be as clear as possible.

HOROSCOPE DECEMBER 2011

These days, Johann keeps himself

busy helping NMIFA train more youths

and Saipan players as part of the long

preparation to make the CNMI a full

member of FIFA and eventually play in

the World Cup.

“I ask the people and businesses of

the CNMI, of Saipan, to join us in our

effort to help grow the sport of soccer

and development of our youth. Helping

keep them focused on achieving positive

results in school, at home, and in the

community, both on and off the field,”

says Johann.

He also plans to invite former clients

of his academy in California to visit

Saipan to help its sluggish tourism-

based economy.

{continued from page 14}

Johann Noetzel channels devastating injury into a positive mission

SPORTS PAGE

24 DECEMBER 2011