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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (May 1, 2010)
Please note that my address has changed: ------------------------------------------------- Raven P.O. Box 320 Siletz, OR 97380 Ask Raven Dear Readers: A lot has been said about the adolescent brain, especially as it relates to how the use of alcohol and other drugs can damage it during that time of development. Be cause there has been a lot of interest from many of you, here is more and fairly new information. Hopefully, as we learn more we will be better able to provide guidance and understanding to our youth. Raven will answer your questions about problems associated with alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. You can call in your questions to the numbers below or mail them to Raven, P.O. Box 320, Siletz, OR 97380. From the National Institute of Mental Health Teen-age Brain: A Work in Progress New imaging studies are revealing - for the first time - patterns of brain development that extend into the teen-age years. Although scientists don’t know yet what accounts for the observed changes, they may parallel a pruning process that occurs early in life that appears to fol low the principle of “use-it-or-lose-it.” Neural connections, or synapses, that get exercised are retained while those that don’t are lost. The newfound appreciation of the dynamic nature of the teen brain is emerging from MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) studies that scan a child’s brain every two years as he or she grows up. The frontal lobes, the seat of “executive functions” - planning, impulse control and reasoning, do not fully mature until young adulthood. Another series of MRI studies is shed ding light on how teens may process emo tions differently than adults. Young teens, characteristically experience more fear and other “gut” reactions. As teens grow older, their brain activity tends to shift to the frontal lobe, leading to more ability to use reason in their choices and behaviors. Despite all that has been learned, researchers and parents all can agree that the teen-age brain is a very complicated and dynamic arena, one that is not easily understood. Once again, readers, with this critical information we better understand how important it is that our youth take care of his or her developing brains. Raven TLC Attitudes of Gratitude - For Walt, His Friendship, Help and Jokes By Lynn Whitlow I don’t know too many people who are not grateful that Walter Klamath was a part of their life. He was so many things - friend, family member, counselor, cultural and spiritual leader (including Singing Salmon Recovery Sweat Lodge leader and leading sweats at the state hospital and several Oregon prisons), military veteran, dancer, storyteller (and could he tell a story), hunter, wood cutter, farmer, handyman, jokester and coffeemaker. Walt was often available with a ham mer, drill or screwdriver if we needed a quick repair at the TLC. He willingly as sisted with bigger jobs, like going to New port in his own truck to pick up 4x4 posts for a play structure or relocating a (legally) trapped raccoon pest. 1 slept many nights at the old TLC. Walt arrived like clockwork, a few min utes either side of 6 a.m. If he didn’t wak en me with the downstairs alarm system signal and I didn’t know he wasn't going to be there, I'd worry until other staff ar rived. We often had short early-morning chats before I headed home to take care of my critters. Like others, I am so grateful to have been a part of Walt’s transition journey. He was my friend, my Wally, and I loved him. His bear spirit will live in my mind and heart. TLC residents have much to be grateful for. This includes: I am grateful for Jenifer and Delina, who helped me through some of my toughest times in my recovery. For my prayers being answered and for the health of my best friend. I’m grateful for the guidance I get from my GED instructor. For the whole A&D staff - for always believing in me - it gives me strength to move forward and succeed in life. I’m grateful for my son and the joy and happiness he has given me in the eight years he’s been alive. I’m thankful for friends and family who came together and helped me in my time of need. I appreciate my roommate for being so compassionate. I'm grateful for my health care providers and the TLC/A&D staff. Most of all, I'm grateful to be alive for one more day! We hold a Women’s Talking Circle monthly at the Transitional Living Center for all women. If you are interested in joining us, please give me a call at 541- 444-8238 or 800-600-5599. Give flowers - generate smiles! CEDARR Community Efforts Demonstrating the Ability to Rebuild and Restore Mission Statement Working together as a whole community, we will utilize our resources to eradicate and prevent the use of illegal drugs, underage drinking and abusive use of alcohol, delinquency and community violence. May 5 • 5:30 p.m. Siletz Community Health Clinic Conference Room I Housing Committee Vacancy I I Current Vacancy - Term Ending February 2011 I Application deadline for consideration to fill the vacant committee I position is May 28, 2010 I Any Tribal member interested in serving on the Housing Committee must fill I out the following form and return it to the address below prior to May 28, 2010. Please mail or fax your application to Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, I I Attn: Executive Secretary to Tribal Council, P.O. Box 549, Siletz, OR 97380-0549; fax 541-444-8325. I I Name:Roll No: I I Address: I City: State:ZIP: I I Telephone: Day ( )Evening ( ) I Appointment to the committee will be made at the Regular Tribal Council I meeting in June. I 6 • Siletz News • May 2010 I Election Board Application 1 ’ Deadline for consideration to be appointed to the Election Board is 4:30 p.m. on June 9, 2010 । | i Tribal members interested in serving on the Election Board must fill out the following form and return it to the address below prior to the end of the business day on June 9, 2010. ‘ I I I All applications should be mailed to: Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, Attn: Executive Secretary to Tribal Council, P.O. Box 549, Siletz, OR 97380- 0549; or by fax to 541-444-8325. । Name:Roll No: 1 I Address:__________________________ _______________ ________ | ! City:State:ZIP: 1 Telephone: Day ( ) Evening ( )
