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