8
S moke S ignals
NOVEMBER 1, 2016
Remembering Saige
On Wednesday, Oct. 19, a dedication was held to honor Saige
Selwyn, who walked on on Sept. 21, 2015, at the age of 12, after she
was hit by a vehicle while crossing Grand Ronde Road on her bicycle.
Grand Ronde Housing Department Manager Shonn Leno wanted
to honor her and had the idea of placing a plaque in her honor near
the playground in Tribal Housing. The Grand Ronde Canoe Family
sang an honor song, Tribal Council Secretary Jon A. George said an
invocation and Tribal Council member Denise Harvey, Tribal Elder
Marcella Selwyn (Saige’s mother) and Leno spoke.
Photos by Michelle Alaimo
Tribal Elder Marcella Selwyn touches a picture of
her daughter Saige Selwyn that is engraved on
a plaque that was placed near the playground in
Tribal Housing as she and other family members
Loretta Meneley, left, Rayauna Meneley, second
from right, and Alicia Selwyn, right, look on just after the dedication
ceremony. Loretta is Marcella’s daughter, Rayauna is Loretta’s
daughter and Alicia is Marcella’s granddaughter.
The picture and verses on the plaque were chosen by Saige Selwyn’s
family members.
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NOTICE TO ALL TRIBAL MEMBERS
ON THE SSI/SSD SUPPLEMENTAL
INCOME PROGRAM
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 2017 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. The SSA benefit statements should start to come out
to those Tribal members who qualify starting around the month
of November with most receiving these statements in December.
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, 2017, 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 (SSA)
letter of eligibility once every two years. Please note: We
will be contacting every Elder on the supplemental program (SSI)
to verify that we get a copy of your SSA statement. Failure to
provide this document may result it your Elder tax status being
changed from non-taxable Elder pension to taxable Elder pen-
sion. 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 Rd.
Grand Ronde, OR 97347
You may also e-mail or fax a copy to the following; 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 in-
eligible benefits received or 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 number(s): 503-879-2253 or toll-free 1-800-
422-0232, ext. 2253.
Respectfully,
Jolanda Catabay
Enrollment Member Services Specialist
Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde