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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (May 17, 1996)
Page 2 May 17, 1996 - SMOKE SIGNALS Casino Employee Spotlight Tribe opposes RV park location OTom Misfeldt loves his job so much, he feels like he's on a lucky streak of his own... but part of it is old fashioned hard work. I am writing this letter to thank Spirit Mountain Gaming, Inc. for giving me the chance to be a valuable member of our ter rific team at Spirit Mountain Casino, Inc. I started speaking with Kit Devinc, who is the Director of Human Resources in early June of 1995, and was lucky enough to get an of fer to start work in early July as a Human Resources Representative. I could not wait to get on the phone and call my grandmother (Ivanctta Cook) and Uncle and Aunt (Mark and Tammy Cook), to let them know that I was offered a job at the Casino. When I spoke with them they were very excited that I would be moving my family to Grand Rondc. I have wanted to move to the Grand Ronde area for many years, but very few job opportunities always seemed to be the deciding issue. I moved from Roscburg, Oregon the first week of July and temporarily moved in with my grandparents until I could find a house to rent. My wife and two children were not able to move to Grand Rondc until September, which was the only drawback I had. I feel that my decision to move here has been a very good one, and I am very lucky to have had this opportunity. My first day of work was at the job fair that was Held at the community center. It was a very busy and exciting day, and I was able to sec a lot of people whom I had not seen in years. During that two-day job fair, I interviewed approximately 125 potential team mem bers. We were very fortunate to have an extremely good turnout, and a lot of very qualified applicants. When the job fair was over 1 could not stop thinking about the quality of people that I had met that wanted to come to work at our Casino, and about the extremely skilled group of people who were already working here. Now it's the middle of May and I have had the opportunity to expand on my original job title and responsibilities. I am the Safety Specialist for Spirit Mountain Gaming, Inc. I also take care of Employee Relations for five departments in the Casino. I must tell you that I find my job very challenging and seldom have a dull moment, but I love it. Thank you Spirit Mountain Gaming, Inc. for giving me this opportunity to return to Grand Ronde and for letting me be apart of this wonderful organization. Tom Misfeldt Roll 2669 3 If you have recently moved or plan on moving, let us know so you won't miss a single issue of your favorite newspaper. Smoke Signals is available to anyone at no cost. Just fill out this form with your name and address, then mail it back to Smoke Signals, Attn: Kim Mueller, 961 5 Grand Ronde Road, Grand Ronde, OR 97347. OLD ADDRESS: NEW ADDRESS: There are currently three RV parks in the beginning phases of development in Grand Ronde. In addition to the RV park the Tribe is building next to the Casino, Wandering Spirit RV Park will open this summer on Highway 18 next to Sea-Way Market. A third RV park has been approved by Yamhill County which will be located on the corner of Grand Ronde and Hebo roads. This particular site is a source of some controversy involving the Tribe because of the traffic danger existing at that intersection. A two-way stop, many traffic injuries and fatali ties have occurred there in recent years, mostly due to poor visibility. Part of the concern stems from the fact that increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic near the intersection will result in a greater number of accidents and increase traffic congestion. Developers Alan Hay and Gene Zinda submitted a traffic study to the Yamhill County planning commission before a zone change was voted on by the Board of Commissioners. The Board approved a change in land status from agricultural to commercial property. The park will encompass nine acres of land and will consist of about 72 RV hookups. Although the Tribe isn't opposed to commercial development in Grand Ronde, tribal lead ers will continue to maintain their position against developing at that particular location because of the traffic risks involved. Said Mark Mercier, Tribal Chairman, "I personally have seen members of our community killed and maimed at this intersection. As chairman of this Tribe, I owe it to the people to fight for safe roads. And I will." RV Park construction has become a promising business venture in Grand Ronde due to the current lack of overnight accommodations for tourists interested in visiting the Casino. Letter to the Editor Help on student project needed Due to a miscommunication on May 1, 1 was not present at the May 5 General Council meeting. I had intended to share with the Tribe the initial findings of a research project which began last year, concerning the education, cultural awareness, and self concept of Native American Students by Donna Hallock (a teacher at Grand Ronde Elementary School) and myself. I believe that all members of the Tribe would have liked to hear that all but one of the students in kindergarten through fifth grade showed healthy levels of self concept and high levels of cultural awareness. It's always nice to hear good news. There is too much to share it all here, so I have left copies of the initial project with the Tribal Council, Education Division, and Grand Ronde Elementary School. The project is continuing this year with a much wider scope. It will include many Tribes throughout the Northwest and will primarily focus on middle school and high school stu dents. Of special importance are kids who have dropped out of school. They are typically the hardest to find, and the most reluctant to participate, yet, those who do participate often teach us the most about our education system, the good and the bad. While having lunch with Dr. Robert Ryan last week, I learned that 70 of children do not fit in the current education system. So, how do we make our schools better? It is through research projects like this that provide us with the facts necessary to improve the education of our children. How can you help? By telling other tribal members about this project, its importance, and by urging them and their children to participate. Permission slips will be sent home with students, and will be available through the Tribal Education Division and Grand Ronde Elementary School. Ted Seaman EDITORIAL POLICY: Smoke Signals is a publication of the Confed erated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon. We have estab lished an Editorial Policy to encourage input from readers about stories printed in Smoke Signals, as well as other tribal issues. Letters must be printed or typed, and cannot exceed 300 words. Smoke Signals reserves the right to edit any letter for clarity and length, and to refuse publication of any letter or any part of a letter that may contain libelous statements or personal attacks. Not all letters are guaranteed publication upon submission. Published letters do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Smoke Signals, tribal employees, or Tribal Council. L "lm"",""' Tr nnr-ji.. TC -J;
