4
S moke S ignals
JANUARY 15, 2016
NOTICE TO ALL TRIBAL MEMBERS
ON THE SSI/SSD SUPPLEMENTAL
INCOME PROGRAM
2011 – Tribal Forest Patrol Officer Jake McKnight was preparing
to take state public safety training to become the Tribe’s first police
officer. It was one of the first steps toward creating a Tribal law
enforcement program.
2006 – Tribal member Frank
Grammer, a demolition specialist
with the National Guard, was fea-
tured. He served as a 50-caliber
gunner for a few months and as a
driver for most of his time spent
in Iraq.
2001 – Michael Moore, the new
chief executive officer at Spirit
Mountain Casino, was introduced
File photo
to the general membership.
1996 – Bruce Thomas, president of Spirit Mountain Gaming Inc.,
reported that after two and half months of operation that Spirit
Mountain Casino was doing well. He said the largest percentage of
clients come from the Portland and Salem areas and that about 25
percent of customers are people on their way to the Oregon coast.
1991 – Tribal Education Program Director Dean Azule reported
that the Higher Education Program was up to an all-time high of
28 students after the just concluded fall term only had 18 students
enrolled.
1986 – Tribal Chairman Mark Mercier reported that the final
draft of the Grand Ronde Reservation Plan was finished and that
he and Tribal Council members Kathryn Harrison and Merle Leno
would be presenting the final draft to public and private agencies.
Yesteryears is a look back at Tribal history in five-year in-
crements 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
Bike helmets available
The Tribe’s Social Services Department has bicycle helmets
available for distribution. Those needing a helmet need to visit the
department and sign a helmet application, as well as get fitted.
For more information, contact Social Services at 503-879-2034. n
Board seeking younger veterans
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
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