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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 1, 2012)
STEP: Tribal members may qualify for free training in renewable energy Are you interested in learning more about renewable energy and perhaps a career in installing solar panels, solar hot water or wind turbines? Have we got a deal for you! The Siletz Tribal Energy Program (STEP) has received a First Steps grant from the Department of Energy. This grant pays the salary of a new data coor- dinator in our program. More importantly for for you. you, this this grant grant will will nav pay to to educate educate on up to four Tribal members to learn to install and maintain solar panels, solar hot water heaters, wind turbines or micro-hydro. Training will be held this spring and summer outside of Oregon by Solar Energy International (solarenergy.org), a leading provider of renewable energy education ________ education, or a similar company. You must provide the time; we can pay for the travel and training costs for you to attend the class. If you are inter ested, you may have to compete for a spot. Please contact Claire Wood at clairew@ctsi.nsn.us or call (toll-free) 800-922-1399 ext 1276 or 541-444 T ’ 8276 to express your interest and get on our mailing list. You do not need to be a Tribal employee and you do not need to live in Oregon. You just have to be a Siletz Tribal member and let us know you are inter ested. We hope to hear from you soon. Wyden: Japanese tsunami debris is a potential threat to Oregon Coast Oregon senator urges officials to ‘plan for the worst while hoping for the best’ PORTLAND, Ore. — Concerned about the impact of debris from the Japanese tsunami on Oregon's fishing, crabbing, shipping and tourism industries, Oregon Senator Ron Wyden said it is time for federal, state and local agencies to develop a response plan and start com municating with the public. “I take any threat to the Oregon Coast seriously and millions of tons of debris headed our way sounds serious to me,” said Wyden on Jan. 12. “The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is tracking the debris generated by the Japanese earthquake. 1 hope the agency's future plans include efforts to involve other agencies and organizations and let Oregon residents know what is going on and how they can help." Millions of tons of debris generated by the March 2011 earthquake in Japan currently are adrift in the Pacific Ocean. Based on computer models, that debris may begin showing up on West Coast beaches sometime in 2013. On Jan. 8 at the Hatfield Marine Sci ence Center in Newport, Ore., Wyden was briefed on the situation by representatives of NOAA, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Oregon State University and local emergency management officials. In a letter to Dr. Jane Lubchenco, NOAA administrator, Wyden said that because of the potential for damage to Oregon's fishing, crabbing, shipping and tourism industries, it’s vital that federal, state and local agencies work together on a response plan that “prepares for the worst while hoping for the best.” “It is reassuring to know that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has assumed a lead role in working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other partners to coordinate data collection as well as a response plan to address the wide range of potential sce narios and threats generated by the debris field," Wyden wrote. “As you move for ward. I hope that NOAA will prioritize the development of a response plan for West Coast states and help communities and agencies along the coast plan and prepare for any eventualities related to the arrival of this debris. This might, for example, include establishing toll-free numbers and websites to assist the public." Chinook Winds helps Operation Christmas Spirit provide more than enough By Teresa Simmons, Public Relations Assistant Manager On Dec. 25, Chinook Winds Casino Resort sponsored the Community Christ mas Dinner in cooperation with the Lin coln City Community Center and Oregon Coast Today. And what's so special about that you may ask? Just everything! Chinook Winds organized the event, provided all of the food with the exception of the desserts and members of the staff set the room and worked the event. The City of Lincoln City provided the use of the community center for the event and Jim Kusz from North Lincoln Fire & Rescue managed to talk Santa into mak ing a special appearance on Christmas Day after a long night of delivering gifts. George McGraw coordinated the Meals on Wheels deliveries. North Lincoln Sanitary provided free garbage service. Aces Bar & Grill, the Chinook Winds Marketing Department, KBCH, North Lincoln Sanitary and Kenny’s IGA stores were established as collection sites for donations of hats, scarves and blankets that were given away at the event. Planning began several months prior and word was sent out through local newspapers, radio and handbills. The call tor volunteers to help at the dinner gener ated more than were needed. That’s right - more than were needed. That’s quite a statement for any community. In addition to those dedicated indi viduals who volunteer each and every year, three people visiting here from Dallas, Texas (Richard and Mary Jane Cox and their daughter, Jill), read about the dinner and they wanted to help. Jill worked in the kitchen serving and her parents manned the table filled with hats, blankets and scarves. The donations of warm items of clothing and blankets surpassed the need and the remaining items were taken to the Episcopal Church to be given out at its Thursday community meal. Each and every person was invited to take what they needed and there was more than enough. More than enough desserts to cover two eight-foot tables were donated by members of the community. And finally, more than enough food was provided by Chinook Winds. In this day and age, what better thing can be said of the partnership between Chi nook Winds and the community than more than enough was provided for a special din ner open to everyone on Christmas Day? Fifty volunteers assisted 12 staff members from Chinook Winds with set ting up, tearing down, waiting and busing tables, and greeting at the door. They also delivered meals and provided free taxi service. Other uncounted individuals donated desserts, hats, scarves, afghans, sleeping bags and blankets. Four hundred twenty-five meals were served to members of the community. A special bit of excitement was added by the children, who made everyone’s smile a little brighter. £ Thank You! Chinook Winds Casino Resort would like to thank the Lincoln City Com munity Center and Oregon Coast Today for co-sponsoring Operation Christmas Spirit, the annual community Christmas dinner open to everyone. Chinook Winds provided support staff and food with the exception of des serts provided by the community. There was an overwhelming response from the community to assist in this year’s event, which fed 425 people. The dinner was staffed by approximately 50 community volunteers and 12 staff members from Chinook Winds. Thanks to North Lincoln Sanitary for providing free garbage service; KBCH, North Lincoln Sanitary, Kenny’s IGA stores, Little Antique Mall and Aces Bar & Grill for providing collection sites for donations of hats, scarves and blankets; Jim Kusz from North Lincoln Fire & Rescue for bringing Santa on Christmas Day - and to Santa; George McGraw for coordinating the Meals on Wheels and his help in the kitchen; Rick Brissette and Dan Beck for keeping track of the donated funds; and Jim Rodriquez for providing music and entertainment. Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped set up and tear down; delivered meals; those who made desserts, hats, scarves and afghans; gave sleeping bags and blankets; waited and bussed tables; served; greeted at the door; and spent time visiting with the guests. Thank you to the Lincoln City community for donating more than enough blankets, hats and scarves for those in need. Courtesy photo by Chinook Winds Casino Resort staff Tribal members Lisa Logan, security officer; Kent Kaiser, transportation manager; and Will Robertson, player development manager, ham it up with Chinook Winds' resident advertising mannequin affectionately known as “Vanna.” February 2012 • Siletz News • 15
