2 MARCH 1, 2003
Smoke Signals
Dear Smoke Signals,
Thank you so much for the tribute in honor of the crew of Columbia.
It is well that we should reflect on our brave astronauts and honor them.
On November 23 aboard the space shuttle Endeavour, John Harrington
of the Chickasaw Nation became the Nation's first Tribally enrolled mem
ber to rocket into space.
Indian people have a great pride for our brave astronauts. They set an
example for our youth.
It is good to give honor to John Harrington and to share in the grief for
the crew of the Columbia.
I am so grateful for the newspaper.
Neal N. Tooze
Captain U.S. Army (Ret.)
Tigard, Oregon
Editor's Note: Thank you.
Down Payment Grants Available
The Grand Ronde Tribal Housing Authority's budget for 2003 is in place and
grant dollars are now available to assist qualified Grand Ronde Tribal members
with the purchase of a home.
The upper income limit for participation in this program has been
removed, with the lower income limit remaining at a minimum of
$15,000. This, combined with last year's program changes have made
the Down Payment Grant process efficient and accessible to more
Tribal members. There are no waiting lists for applicants. Grant
awards are driven by the applicant's eligibility and readiness to buy
and by the amount of grant dollars available. The Down Payment
Grant can be used anywhere in the 50 United States or the District of
I Columbia. Grants range from $10,000 to $12,500 depending on the Tribal
' member's contribution toward their home purchase.
. Current economic conditions have provided an active sales market and low
home loan interest rates. If you have been thinking about purchasing a home,
these conditions make it an excellent time to take advantage of our Down Pay
ment Grant Program.
This program assisted 66 Tribal families in 2002 with the purchase of a home.
With the new expanded program parameters, the Housing Authority looks for
ward to assisting many more Tribal members, with the fulfillment of the dream
ofhomeownership.
If you have any questions, or would like to apply, contact Nancy Holmes,
Homeownership Coordinator, at 1-800-422-0232, ext. 2445, or direct at 503-879-2445.
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Corrections: - On page 6 of the last issue of the Smoke Signals, we
misidentified Willamina wrestler Steven Schussman as Jake Harper. On page
7 of the last issue of Smoke Signals, Willamina wrestler Cory Bryant's name
was misspelled. We apologize for these mistakes.
New Policies & Procedures For Use
Of Tribal Grounds And Facilities
With the demand for use of the Tribal Grounds and Facilities only be
coming greater, it is necessary to develop some policies and procedures
that will address our concerns and obligations to oversee their use. These
policies and procedures will be the guidelines that everyone will need to
follow.
The maintenance and upkeep of the grounds and facilities are the re
sponsibility of the Facilities and Maintenance Department. It is also our
duty to ensure the safety and well being of our Tribal members, employ
ees and visitors while on Tribal Property.
Therefore, in the future it will be necessary for anyone wanting to use
the Tribal grounds or facilities to make a request to the Facilities and
Maintenance Department. Your request will be given to a designated
coordinator. The coordinator will go through the entire process with the
requestor to make sure all of their requests are addressed and the re
questor will know exactly what they can and cannot do.
The responsibilities of the Facilities and Maintenance Department to
our Tribal organization are important. We take these responsibilities very
serious. Our department also has a public safety ordinance we must abide
by. So, with these responsibilities come the need for us to put this process
in place. We are asking for everyone's cooperation to help better serve
our Tribal members, employees and visitors. Please make all of your re
quests to Amelia Haug, Facilities and Maintenance Administrative Assis
tant, 503-879-2195, or 1-800-422-0232 ext. 2195.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding con
cerning this matter.
fit
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
9615 Grand Ronde Road, Grand Ronde, OR 97347
1-800-422-0232 FAX: 503-879-2173
www.grandronde.org
DEADLINE DATE ISSUE DATE
Wed., Mar. 5 MAR. 15
Thurs., Mar. 20 '.. APR. 1
Fri.,Apr.4 APR. 15
Fri., Apr. 18 MAY 1
Mon., May 5 MAY 15
Tue., May 20 JUN. 1
Thurs.,Jun.5 JUN. 15
Fri.,Jun. 20 JUL. 1
Thurs., Jul. 3 JUL. 15
Fri., Jul. 18 AUG.l
Tues., Aug. 5 AUG. 15
Wed., Aug. 20 SEPT.l
Fri., Sept. 5 SEPT. 15
Fri., Sept. 19 OCT.l
Fri., Oct. 3 OCT. 15
Mon., Oct. 20 NOV. 1
Mon., Nov. 3 NOV. 15
Mon., Nov. 17 DEC. 1
Fri., Dec. 5 DEC. 15
Fri., Dec. 16 JAN. 1, 2004
A i
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BRENT MERRILL
PUBLIC INFORMATION -COORDINATOREDITOR
"
503-879-2321
brent.merrillgrandronde.org
JUSTIN PHILLIPS
PRODUCTION SPECIALIST
503-879-2190
justin.phillipsgrandronde.org
WILLIAM MERGER
PRODUCTION TECHNICIAN
503-879-2254
willie.merciergrandronde.org
RON KARTEN
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
503-879-4663
ron.kartengrandronde.org
SHELLY KENT
CENTRAL PHONES
503-879-521 1
shelly.kentgrandronde.org
PETATINDA
FREELANCE JOURNALIST
503-879-1416
peta.tindagrandronde.org
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 re
quested. 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
The Associated Press
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