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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (July 1, 2021)
sNok signflz JULY 1, 2021 5 Thomas will guide the day-to- day operations of the casino CASINO continued from front page ment team and implemented all of the policies, procedures and sys- tems used in the operation.” After leaving Spirit Mountain Casino, Thomas worked for nine years for Polaris Gaming Group, which developed four Tribal casi- nos, two in Washington state and two in California. For 16 years, he was chief execu- tive officer of Rolling Hills Casino in Corning, Calif., leaving that position in October 2017. After establishing a horse ranch in Wilsonville, he returned to Grand Ronde Tribal employment in late 2018 when he was hired as the Tribe’s Economic Development di- rector. He helped the Tribe develop two medication-assisted treatment clinics in Salem and Portland to treat people addicted to opioids and also expand the services provided by the Tribe’s Health & Wellness Center. As interim general manager, Thomas will guide the day-to-day operations of the casino and help the Spirit Mountain Gaming Inc. Board of Directors find a perma- nent replacement. “I am very pleased that Bruce has decided to step back into leadership at the casino,” Jenness said. “His experience and education will serve the casino and Tribe well in this po- sition. Honestly, Bruce is a breath of fresh air to me and the board as we continue to navigate the ripple effects of COVID-19. “As you may know, a labor short- age is plaguing all businesses in our community, larger area, region and state. Bruce spent the first several days assessing these issues and working with the executive team on several tactics to address this at the casino. The board is excited to see these tactics rolled out in the near future. “I am also pleased to personal- ly work with Bruce again. I had the pleasure of working with him while on Tribal Council when we first established Spirit Mountain Casino. It is no surprise to me to see him working well and gelling with the current casino executive team. Bruce is a leader who inspires those around him to growth and excel- lence. I look forward to laboring with him in leading the Tribe’s primary economic engine to new heights.” Thomas, 68, graduated from the University of Oregon with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and English and received a Master’s of Business Administration and a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Willamette University College of Law in Salem. LIHEAP program open in service area The Tribal Social Service’s LIHEAP – Low Income Home Energy As- sistance Program – is open to eligible Tribal members in the six-county service area and Clackamas County. This is a first-come, first-served program and income criteria applies. LIHEAP is federally funded through the Department of Health and Hu- man Services and is designed to help low-income households with home heating costs. For more information, contact Social Services at 503-879-2034. GRAND RONDE HOUSING DEPARTMENT 28450 Tyee Road – Grand Ronde, Oregon 97347 – 503-879-2401 – Fax 503-879-5973 ATTENTION ALL HOUSING TENANTS AND GUEST PLEASE SLOW DOWN IN ELDER HOUSING Also, please make sure and maintain low levels of music in the Elder community. 2021 2021 Annual Fish CTGR Annual Fish Distribution Distribution Natural Resources Department Fish Lab 47010 SW HEBO ROAD Grand Ronde, Oregon 97347 (503) 879-2424 When: Thursday, August 26, 2021 9:00am – 5:30pm Friday, August 27, 2021 9:00am – 5:30pm Saturday, August 28, 2021 9:00 am – 1:00 pm GRAND RONDE LIVING and ENROLLED TRIBAL MEMBERS Must show current photo I.D. This year fish will be handed out in a drive through system. Please follow the signage up the hill to the fish lab, receive your fish and then follow the new exit loop road out. ”See Directions Above” We will be asking that you remain in your vehicles again this year and the fish will be brought out to you. Thank you for understanding and consideration of others during this time. Your Service. Our Mission. Bringing VA Benefits Home Event in Your Community VA Virtual Claims Clinic If picking up for others: A signed release AND copy of Tribal ID D or CIB is required! No early or late pickups Contact Event POC to Schedule an Appointment During the event, you can: Speak with a VA representative Get answers to VA claim and benefits questions File your claim EVENT DATE & TIME(S): July 21-22, 2021 EVENT POINT OF CONTACT(S) OF VIRTUAL CLAIMS CLINIC: Ramona Quenelle Tribal Veteran Service Officer Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Phone: 503-879-1484 or Email: ramona.quenelle@grandronde.org PHONE NUMBER TO SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT: Ramona Quenelle Tribal Veteran Service Officer Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Phone: 503-879-1484 or Email: CTGRTribalVSO@grandronde.org ailed Fish will NOT be mailed