4 S moke S ignals JANUARY 1, 2016 NOTICE TO ALL TRIBAL MEMBERS ON THE SSI/SSD SUPPLEMENTAL INCOME PROGRAM 2011 – A Tuala- tin-Kalapuya word meaning “a house built of cedar planks” – achaf hammi – was chosen as the name for the new Tribal plankhouse built near Uyxat Powwow Grounds off Hebo Road. File photo 2006 – Tribal mem- ber Steve Bobb Sr. completed a logger memorial to be displayed in Wil- lamina and be dedicated to loggers who have lost their lives on the job. 2001 – Tribal member J. Ken Gregg gifted a picture of the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial in Hawaii to the Grand Ronde Tribal Council. He took the picture in 1965 while stationed on an aircraft carrier and stowed the film in his bag, which was lost for five years. When the bag was returned to Gregg, he found the film and had it developed. 1996 – Phase II expansion at Spirit Mountain Casino was set to begin. The expansion will include a steak house and lounge, banquet and meeting rooms, a child play area, video arcade, RV park and more space for gaming. 1991 – The Grand Ronde Senior Meal Site was completed in early December and serves hot lunches to Tribal Elders Tuesday through Thursday. 1986 – Ninety-one people attended the annual Christmas party. Decorations provided by Roger Harrison gave the hall a holiday atmo- sphere and guests included students from Chemawa Indian School in Salem. John and Pam Darcy and their sons, Joshua, Jason and John, received the award for traveling the farthest to attend. Yesteryears is a look back at Tribal history in five-year incre- ments through the pages of Smoke Signals. Attention Tribal members on SSI or SSD programs: It’s getting to be that time of year again. Time to remember to send us a copy of your current 2016 benefit statement from the Social Security Administration so that we can update your file. This is a requirement for members between the age of 18-54 who are wanting to re-qualify for this supplemental program. If you do not receive your current benefit statement you may order one by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or go online at www.ssa.gov. Your current benefit statement must reach our office by Jan. 31, 2016, to avoid any future delays in your benefits. For Elders age 55 and up, it is a requirement that we have an updated Social Security Administration letter of eligibility once every two years. We will need a copy of that document (SSA award letter) to update your file. Please mail copies of your benefit statement and the application to: CTGR Member Services Attn: Jolanda Catabay 9615 Grand Ronde Road Grand Ronde, OR 97347 Fax: 1-503-879-2480 E-mail: jolanda.catabay@grandronde.org Note: It is the responsibility of the Tribal member to notify the Tribe of any changes in your benefits from the Social Security Administration SSI/SSD program. Failure to notify the Tribe may result in an obligation to repay ineligible ben- efits received, interrupt or delay your Tribal Supplemental Security Income and Disability payments. Please feel free to contact me if you have further questions or concerns. My contact numbers are 503-879-2253 or 1-800-422-0232, ext. 2253. Respectfully, Jolanda Catabay Enrollment Member Services Specialist Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Need something notarized? Board seeking younger veterans Tribal Court staff is available at no charge for notaries 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday though Friday with the exception of noon to 1 p.m. Please be sure to bring a photo ID with you. If you have any questions, contact the court at 503-879-2303. n The Tribal Veterans Special Event Board is attempting to recruit young- er veterans – Iraqi and Afghanistan veterans – to join. “Our committee is getting older,” said Veterans SEB Chairman Steve Bobb Sr., who is a Vietnam War-era Marine Corps veteran. Members of the Special Event Board attend events as flag carriers and represent the Tribe, as well as their branch of service. Veterans interested in volunteering should contact Tribal Council Chief of Staff Stacia Martin at 503-879-2304 or stacia.martin@grandronde.org. n Adult Foster Program “A Place To Call Home” The Tribe’s Adult Foster Care lodges are committed to offering quality care to our Elders and helping them remain as independent as possible, while providing the personalized assistance they need. At our lodges, a wide range of services is available in a comfortable setting where privacy is respected and maximum independence is supported. For information, contact Adult Foster Program Director Kari Culp at 503-879-1694. n Ad created by George Valdez