Community Events: Vitamins from Todu Guam; Ghouls at wellness Halloween fair; Casting call for a UOG film

Todu Guam, Vitamin Angels team up for free women's vitamins program

The Todu Guam Foundation has formed a partnership with the nonprofit Vitamin Angels to provide free vitamins and nutritional support to mothers and mothers-to-be.

The foundation said the team-up supports its mission: "Getting Guam healthy, one man, one woman and one child at a time."

Vitamin Angels is a global organization dedicated to improving nutrition for underserved populations.

Through the partnership, vitamins will be distributed at the TGF Health & Wellness Center in Dededo and island-wide during WOW mobile clinic outreach events, ensuring broad access to this vital nutrition.

This partnership introduces the formula called "United Nations International Multiple Micronutrient Antenatal Preparation Multiple Micronutrient Supplements," a multiple micronutrient supplement designed specifically for pregnancy.

Key details:

• 15 essential vitamins and minerals, including iron and folic acid, tailored to increased nutritional needs during pregnancy.

• Developed through collaboration among the WHO, UNICEF, and the United Nations University; supported by extensive randomized trials.

• Added to the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines in 2021, recognizing its safety, effectiveness, and affordability.

• Shown to reduce risks of low birth weight, preterm birth, and small-for-gestational-age births, especially among undernourished or anemic mothers.

• Benefits extend beyond birth, supporting children’s physical and cognitive development and improved long-term outcomes.

“We are proud to partner with Vitamin Angels to bring proven, evidence-based nutrition support to our island,” said Dr. Melliza Young, director of programs at Todu Guam.

“Good nutrition is the foundation of good health, and this partnership ensures our families—especially our most vulnerable—have access to free supplements that will help them thrive. It also advances our Women’s Health Program by equipping mothers with the tools to nurture healthy families,” she added.

Alicia Mendoza, program officer at Vitamin Angels, said the organization's partnership with Todu Guam ensures that women have what they need for a healthier pregnancy and a stronger start for their babies.

Ghouls and giggles at wellness Halloween fair

The Department of Public Health and Social Services Division of Children’s Wellness will host the 4th DCW Annual Halloween Fair on Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Micronesia Mall Center Court.

The fair is free and open to all, offering families and friends a chance to enjoy a safe, festive day filled with activities. Children ages birth to 13 are encouraged to come dressed in their best costumes for the children’s costume contest at 12:15 p.m.

Contest winners will be recognized in the following categories: Most Original, Most Creative, Scariest, and Cutest, with an additional winner chosen by a special guest.

The event will feature raffle prizes for families and children, a children’s costume contest, live entertainment and performances, interactive stations designed for children and community activities and festive surprises.

UOG student film production to host auditions

UOG’s 2025 Fall Media and Communication Capstone Class is hosting auditions open to the public for their independent short film production of "The Boonie."

Auditions are scheduled for Oct. 5, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Oct. 6, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the University of Guam English & Communications Building in Room 201.

The production will cast their three main female roles of CHamoru descent: Flora (ages 17-19), Maiana (18-20) and Theresa/Chech (aged late 30s to early 40s).

 No acting experience is required.

"The Boonie" is the coming-of-age story of Flora, a young CHamoru girl, who returns to Guam.

Her adventure challenges her to come face to face with a culture she never had the opportunity to know.

Flora wrestles with her lack of connection to her culture, while butting heads with a family that takes her in after a time of separation.

The story presents itself as a celebration of CHamoru women and heritage through the storytelling of a multi-generational household of women of the Marianas.

For additional information, you can message @thebooniefilm on Instagram or contact Mikaela at thebooniefilm@gmail.com.