14 Smoke Signals 2nd annual Elder's Day at Grand Meadows On Saturday, May 20, several members of the Grand Ronde neighbor hood gathered at Grand Meadows to show our Tribal Elders that they are an important part of the community. Every May, neighborhood residents get together to perform various jobs around the house for Elders. Tribal member Jan Michael Reibach estab lished the community project. "We wanted to let our Elders know that they are appreciated," said Reibach. "We also want to teach our youth that respect for our Elders is important." Cars were washed, lawns were mowed, weeds were pulled, driveways were swept and heavy furniture was moved. Elders also received flowers from participants Shane Reibach, Joey Holmes, Harris Reibach, David Saltvik, Daniel Saltvick, Mandy Logan, Creeanna Logan, Michael Hos tler, Brandon Hubbel, Jan D. Reibach, Buddy and Anna White, Nancy Holmes and William Grenia. "It's a good thing to do for the Elders," said six year-old Shane Reibach as he pulled weeds for Tribal Elder Maxine Leno. "I'm proud of the children, they worked very hard this year," said Rei bach. "We feel it is important to teach our youth by example. Kids are good listeners, but they also watch what we do." Jan's father, Jan D. Reibach said he likes the project and thinks it is important enough to do every year. "It is good to see our people take time to care for of each other," said Jan D. Reibach. "Our Elder's Day turned out very nice," said Tribal Elder Norma Lee. "We appreciate the younger people looking out for us. It was a great day. Thanks to all that helped." Reibach said he hopes to see the project expand next year to include the new Elder's housing and eventually the entire Grand Ronde community. 1, "AT- J J j" !t 11 "v HPT 'J. ...Br- jA 'v'"v,"U r V A V X Above: Maxine Leno is one of the Elders that received flowers from the Elder's Day volunteers. Left: Youth took part in the Elder's spring cleanup day as a way to show their respect. Photos by Jan Michael Reibach Memorial Day, not just another day Tribal member Veronica Gaston recently traveled to Washington, D.C. While she was there receiving awards for her poetry, she also vis ited several monuments in our Nation's Capitol. "Seeing Arlington National Cem etery took my breath away. When I saw the tombstones that were as far as the eyes could see, I started to cry; I realized just how many people gave their lives for our country," she said. She described how all the visitors respected Arlington Cemetery. She said the most inspiring sight was the changing of the guard at "The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier," which is now empty since the identity of the soldier is now known. Congress decided to leave the tomb empty and use it as a sym bol to remember all soldiers who died for their country. Veronica's next stop was the Vietnam War Memorial Wall. "When I saw the wall and how it started out small then it grew, my heart sank as I saw family members who lost their loved ones in the Vietnam war. It was touching as I watched them outline their loved ones' name with their fin gers," Gaston quoted. Her wish is that everyone, not just Tribal members or people who served in the military, remember everyone who served their country with pride a 1 1 r ' . , i( . i ; h U v ' " , J 1 A if ' t I ' I' I and gave the greatest gift, their life so that others could be free. "As I see it, there is no greater gift a person (man or woman) can give than their life in order that another person can live a life of freedom," said Gaston. GAMING COMMISSION EXECUTIVE & GENERAL SESSION The regularly scheduled Gaming Commission meeting for July has been moved to July 28, 2000 at 9 a.m. The meeting will be held in the Spirit Mountain Casino's Human Resource Building at 28840 Salmon River Highway in Grand Ronde. The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde TRIBAL ELDER'S HONOR DAY July 14 & 15 COMMUNITY CENTER All Grand Ronde Tribal Elders and their spouses must return the registration below to participate. For inquiries, call Jill, Kerrie or Bonnie at 879-2078. Bit mm my Name Date of Birth Tribe Phone . Roll I will have: LUNCH DINNER BREAKFAST Any special needs? FOOD: yes no HANDICAP ACCESS: yes no Explain: Mail this registration form by JUNE 23 to: Elder Honor Day co Sharon Hanson 3455 Bell Rd., NE Salem, OR 97302 pro KflMguuo mm Elder Indian Women in Action thurs., june i Health & Wellness Gathering Vegetable Beef Soup June 30 10 am to 2 pm Turkey Sandwiches Grand Ronde Community Center Dessert TUES., JUNE 6 WED., JUNE 7 THURS., JUNE 8 Salisbury Steak Beef Stew & BBQ Roast Beef on Buns Potatoes & Gravy Dumplings Tater Tots Green Beans Cottage Cheese Coleslaw Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Orange Jell-0 & Bananas TUES., JUNE 13 WED., JUNE 14 THURS., JUNE 1 5 Lentil & Biscuit Topped Steak Chicken Brown Rice Soup Salad Wild Rice Egg Salad Sandwiches Cheese & Crackers Tossed Salad Fresh Fruit & Cookies Dessert Dessert TUES., JUNE 20 WED., JUNE 21 THURS., JUNE 22 BBQ Ham on Buns Sausage Gravy & Pork Chops Baked Beans Biscuits Apple Stuffing Coleslaw Corn & Fresh Salad Veggie & Green Salad Pudding Dessert Dessert TUES., JUNE 27 WED., JUNE 28 THURS., JUNE 29 Mini Meatloaf Stuffed Manicotti Pork Roast Scalloped Potatoes Green Salad Potatoes & Gravy . Carrots Garlic Bread Green Beans and Rolls Dessert Fresh Fruit Cake & Ice Cream ELDER MEETING & BIRTHDAY DINNER IS THURSDAY, JUNE 29