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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (March 1, 2006)
TRIBAL MEMBER NEWS Drums Take McKnight Across United States Justin McKnight, 19, of Springfield, Ore., is a graduate of Thurston High School in Springfield, class of 2004. Justin started playing drums at the young age of 10. From there, he has played in every school band from middle school to the high school marching band (where he was a four- year letterman). Not limited to concert bands, Jus tin has even performed for the high school choir and drama department. He has received numerous awards for his talent and ability to play, write, and read music, as well as many awards recognizing his hard work and com mitment to the many programs with which he has been associated. He currently is enrolled in his sec ond year at Lane Community College/ University of Oregon School of Music. He just finished his second year as a member of the Oregon Marching Band. Justin also enjoys performing in drum and bugle corps during the sum mer with the Oregon Crusaders. He has completed two tours with them. The first year with the Crusaders was a short Northwest tour and last summer they went all the way to the World Champi onships in Boston, Mass. The corps finished fourth overall and the drumline finished with a top- three ranking - this after 26 competi tions in 36 days traveling in charter buses through 22 states, sleeping in gyms, and competing against 176 other corps from all over the world. His latest journey was to the Holi day Bowl in San Diego, Calif. It was his first bowl game experience and the Oregon Marching Band even won the Battle of the Bands against Oklahoma. We hope there will be many more bowl games in his future. Justin’s parents are Punky McKnight (Karuk) and Joseph McKnight (Siletz), both of Springfield. His grandparents More than 40 different kinds of freshly made donuts, Spanish jelly rolls, apple empanadas, biscuits and gravy, nachos, Big Train chai, strawberry jet tea, caramel frappe, cookies, and assorted muffins are available at tribal member-owned Regalado Family Donuts, 289 E. Ellendale Ave., Suite 410, in Dallas, Ore; 503-623-9535. My Search for the Afterlife Book Explores the Real Communications Between Father and Deceased Son Justin McKnight are Clarice McKnight, and Al and Donna Merrill, all of Springfield. The list of cities the Oregon Cru saders performed/competed in this past summer includes Woodburn and Hillsboro, Ore.; Seattle (Husky Sta dium) and Spokane, Wash.; Boise, Idaho; Denver, Colo.; Casper, Wyo.; Garden City and Salina, Kan.; Lincoln, Neb.; multiple shows in Wisconsin; Alton, Ill.; Dubuque, Iowa; St. Louis, Mo.; Little Rock, Ark.; Jacksonville, Tenn.; Atlanta, Ga.; Richmond, Va,; Providence, R.I.; Baltimore, Md.; Bridgeport, Conn.; and Boston. William DePoe leads the grand entry’ at the University of Washington s winter pow-wow, carrying the eagle staff. DES MOINES, Wash. - Many feel and maintain contact with Sean. The that when a loved one dies, they are book explains how the number theory lost to them forever or at least until they helped lead him deeper into the spiri reach the next world, if there is one. tual realm and continue on his quest After the tragic death of his son, for more answers. The result of these Sean, Dennis Spalding set out on a strange wanderings into the world be mission to prove there is life after death yond life only strengthens faith and of and that spirits can be reached. Their fers comfort to those ailing from the new book, My Search for the Afterlife: loss of friends and family. A Trail of Clues (available through “Our message is simple - your AuthorHouse), “uniquely authored from loved ones are all around you on a beyond the grave and co-authored in daily basis. You don’t always need a this world,” chronicles their journey to medium or psychic in your life to com communicate beyond death. Dennis’ son Travis drew the cover municate with them. They see what art for the book and his wife, Wanda, you’re doing, and they know what provided the photography. Both are you’re thinking,” says Dennis. “All you have to do is talk to them. It’s their job Siletz Tribal members. “This story focuses on my struggles to make you aware they’re around. It’s from the deep abyss of despair and deso your job to find out how they’re trying lation to a point of being able to live to communicate this awareness.” once again. My spiritual, not religious, Dennis has used his experiences development begins to become a stron gleaned from other cultures during his ger presence in my life,” says Dennis. travels, from the voodoo and black The book is a father’s journey into magic of Trinidad to the spiritual the mysteries of the afterlife in search cleansing and healing of the Nez Percé of his son. Not a science fiction novel, tribe of the Pacific Northwest, to help My Search for the Afterlife is based on him communicate with his son. Sean, hard facts and working theories that who died in a car accident at age 24. Dennis developed in his quest to both Dennis currently lives in Washington heal his wounds and regain contact state, where he continues to mine the with his son. Through the help of a renowned afterlife for answers. My Search for the medium. Suzanne Northrop, Dennis is Afterlife is his first book and he already is working on the second, Messages able to establish contact with Sean. He explains how a few days later he from the Next World: His Signature. For more information, visit his Web stumbled upon a number theory, which he feels helps his son and other spirits site at www.sean39s-corner.com. AuthorHouse is the premier pub “validate the messages” they send lishing house for emerging authors and across worlds. With Northrop’s help, Dennis was new voices in literature. For more able to nurture this psychic connection information, visit www.authorhouse.com. March 2006 • Siletz News • 7
