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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 15, 2002)
r 2 JANUARY 15, 2002 Smoke Signals Dear Editor of Smoke Signals, A word of thanks to all those people who decorated for the holi days, both inside and outside their offices, stores, streets, and homes. More so than ever, I noticed there were many dark places this year, whether due to financial concerns or the war in Afghanistan. When we get to the dark time of the year (winter), bright lights and decora tions help to brighten our lives. A long time ago, this was the time for campfires and stories to while away the long dark days. Now we look to our communities for brightness and cheerful spirits. Thanks again for the holiday decorations and have a Happy New Year. Sincerely, Claudette Parazoo Tillicum Elder Roll 2923 Dear Smoke Signals, The family of Lonnie Norwest would like to thank everyone who helped us through our recent loss. Thanks to Val Grout and family, Violet Zimbrick and Carol Nelson for cooking and serving the dinner. Thanks to Bobby Mercier and Richard (Bubba) SoHappy for drumming. Thank you to Gene LaBonte and Russ Leno for all you did to make things go smoothly. Thank you to those who brought food, offered prayers, cards, flow ers and money, it was greatly ap preciated. For those of you who shared your time and special memories, we are so grateful. Marce & Sharon Norwest Thank you Recently, my purse was taken from my carport. When it was re covered I discovered that all my cash was gone. Tribal Council member Jan Reibach made an an nouncement at the January Gen eral Council meeting about my loss. Later, I was notified that $315 had been donated to me through that meeting. I would like to graciously thank Tribal Council and everyone who helped with donations. And a spe cial thank you to Jan Reibach. I am real thankful. Donna Casey Roll 829 Dear Editor, I am writing this letter in re sponse to the article in the last Smoke Signals about our new ca sino manager and the success of the casino. In the article you suggested that certain people were responsible for our success. I feel you may have "missed the target" on this subject. First of all, it was our ancestors who sacrificed for the sovereignty that we enjoy today. Without them, we would not have the casino at all. Our Tribal Elders who kept the hope alive for our people and car ried us this far should be given some credit too, if not for their cour age and honor, the Tribe would have never been restored. So a ca sino would have been out of the question. Secondly, there were many that supported the casino project, from what I remember, there were also those who opposed it. I think we owe thanks to the general member ship and the entire Tribal Council. In addition, the Casino Chair man, Mike Larsen was not included in this article. Mike was there from the beginning and worked very dili gently, giving his own time with out asking for anything in return. Mike's leadership at the casino is widely known locally. And finally, the fact is that the casino is doing far better this year that ever in the past. We can thank all the hard working employees and Michael Moore, casino manager, for this greater level of success. I am thankful to be a Grand Ronde Tribal member and pray that the creator bless you all. Michael Standing Elk Reibach Roll 669 Editor's Note: Michael's letter brings up a good point in retrospect. We realize that just by naming some individuals in the story's set-up we omitted many individuals who con tributed to the overall success of the Tribe's showcase Spirit Mountain Casino. Mike Larsen is not one of the casino managers and therefore was not a subject of this feature. I do not know anyone who has ever questioned Mike Larsen's contribu tions to the success of our casino. Lastly, I would like to thank you for reminding all of us Tribal members that the success of the casino has given us all many things to be thankful for. nixwa ntsayka munk skukam ntsayka chinuk-wawa. "Let's work on strengthening our Chinuk Wawa (Jargon). " Current and future parents of Grand Ronde Preschool and Head Start students, as well as all other interested individuals, are encouraged to attend an information and planning meeting regarding the development of a Chinuk Wawa immersion classroom. The Tribe's language program received an Administration for Native American's grant last year to fund the revitalization of the Chinuk Wawa language. The grant focuses on creating a natural learning environment within a classroom designated for language learning. We need your help in planning and participation to assure the project's success. Please attend, a meal will be provided. If you have questions please contact Tony Johnson by phone 503-879-2084 or email at tony.johnsongrandronde.org . o., ......... . v . -- ,,. " r " "rm Lwa VlV i I h I ' 1 I i n3 "I've graduated!" L to R: Melissa Marr, Donna Wright, Gemma Benton, Kristin Armitage, Mary Mize, Ken Mize, Jodi Mead, John Bogenoff, Richard and Sylvia Holliday. The Tribe's Small Business Development de partment graduated people with 12 business plans in December. Businesses include a drive-through expresso, independent truck driver, webpage de sign, real estate agentsecond hand appliance and furniture and a private investigator. The Small Business Department will start up classes again on February 27 ending with another graduation of future business owners in early May. Changes in the Tribal ODS Health Insurance As of January 1, 2002 the chiropractic benefit on your Tribal ODS health plan has been upgraded to include 20 visits per calendar year at a $10 co pay to any of the following doctors; Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Massage Therapy and Alternative Care. There is no referral necessary from your Primary Care Provider, remember to present your ODS insurance card at the time of service. Please call Valorie Sheker at 1-800-442-0346 with any questions. DEADLINE DATE ISSUE DATE Fri., January 18 FEBRUARY 1 Tue., February 5 FEBRUARY 15 Tue., February 12 MARCH 1 Tue., March 5 MARCH 15 Wed., March 20 APRIL 1 Fri., April 5 APRIL 15 Fri., April 19 MAY 1 Fri., May 3 MAY 15 Fri., May 17 JUNE1 Wed., June 5 JUNE 15 Thurs., June 20 JULY1 Fri., July 5 JULY 15 Fri., July 19 AUGUST 1 Mon., August 5 AUGUST 15 Tue., August 20 SEPTEMBER 1 Thurs., September 5 SEPTEMBER 15 Thurs., September 19 OCTOBER 1 Fri., October 4 OCTOBER 15 Fri., October 18 NOVEMBER 1 Tue., November 5 NOVEMBER 15 Fri., November 15 DECEMBER 1 Thurs., December 5 DECEMBER 15 Mon., December 16 JANUARY 1 PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE 9615 Grand Ronde Road Grand Ronde, OR 97347 www.grandronde.org 1-800-422-0232 FAX: 503-879-2173 BRENT MERRILL PUBLIC INFORMATION COORDINATOREDITOR 503-879-2321 brent.merrillgrandronde.org JUSTIN PHILLIPS PRODUCTION ASSISTANT 503-879-2190 Iustln.phiIlipsigrandronde.org Printed on recycled paper. SMOKE SIGNALS ONLINE: www.grandronde.org SMOKE SIGNALS is also available on audio cassette by request. SMOKE SIGNALS, a publication of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Commu nity of Oregon, is published twice a month. No portion of this publication may be reprinted without permission. Our editorial policy is intended to encourage input from Tribal members and readers about stories printed in the Tribal newspaper. However, all letters received must be signed by the author, an address must be given and a phone number or email address must be included for verification purposes. Full addresses and phone numbers will not be published unless requested. SMOKE SIGNALS reserves the right to edit letters and to refuse letters that are deter mined to contain libelous statements or personal attacks on individuals, staff, Tribal administra tion or Tribal Council. Not all letters are guaranteed publication upon submission. Letters to the editor are the opinions and views of the writer. Published letters do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SMOKE SIGNALS, Tribal staff, Tribal administration or Tribal Council. Members of: Native American Journalist Association Society of News Design The Associated Press SND
