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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 1, 2024)
sNok signflz JANUARY 1, 2024 7 Helping Hand award recipients honored Manager Jennifer Keeling. “She has been the embodiment of dedication and expertise, leaving a significant mark on the Returning Veterans Project and the individu- als under her care,” Keeling said. “She is not just a volunteer, she is a mentor who inspires, motivates and influences others to excel. For over 15 years, Sharon has volunteered over 223 hours and has provided free, life-changing and lifesaving care to veterans, service members and their families.” By Danielle Harrison Smoke Signals editor Spirit Mountain Community Fund employees honored three yeʔlan lima (Helping Hand) award winners in December to celebrate their tireless work at various re- gional nonprofits. Nomination letters for the awards were accepted during October and November, and resulted in 32 nominees. Community Fund staff reviewed all of the nominations and narrowed them down to the top finalists per category. The Board of Trustees selected the winners. Physical education teacher Josh Kibbey, mental health volunteer Sharon Flegal and domestic vio- lence shelter operations director Nell Best-Shipway were ultimately selected as the 2023 Helping Hand recipients. “The winners put a lot of heart into their work,” Community Fund Executive Director Angie Sears said. “Their dedication and commit- ment to helping those in need was truly inspiring.” A Spirit Mountain Community Fund press release said that while the organization frequently cel- ebrates the success and achieve- ments of Oregon nonprofits during its quarterly check presentation, individuals within these organiza- tions often do not receive individual recognition. Nominee criteria included one or more of the following qualities: • Exhibits style and influence to motivate those with whom they interact. • Performs work tasks in an exem- plary manner that inspire others to excel. • Consistently demonstrates out- standing conduct and perfor- Photo by Michelle Alaimo Josh Kibbey and Spirit Mountain Community Fund Executive Director Angie Sears, middle, listen as Community Fund Administrative Assistant Pamala Warren-Chase reads the letter that was submitted to nominate Kibbey for the Fund’s yeʔlan lima (Helping Hand) award. Kibbey is a physical education teacher at Luckiamute Valley Charter School and was awarded the non- management staff member yeʔlan lima award at the Dallas school on Tuesday, Dec. 12. mance of duties. • Demonstrates dedication, supe- rior reliability and cooperation in achieving the mission, goals and objectives of the nonprofit organization of which they are employed or volunteer. Each of the award recipients received a recognition award, a one-night stay and dinner for two at Spirit Mountain Casino, and a cash prize of $500. Josh Kibbey Kibbey works at Luckiamute Valley Charter School in Dallas and was nominated for the award by co-worker Lua Siegel. “He brings his positivity, enthu- siasm, genuine love for every child and creativity to make his job en- joyable,” she said. “Between P.E. TRIBAL EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS OFFICE CDL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND TRAINING The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde TERO Department is looking for Tribal members with CDLs who are interested in current employment opportunities or Tribal members who are interested in obtaining their CDL for future employment. classes he will pull out a leaf blower and start cleaning the play area. During the week of Halloween, he brought his tractor trailer full of hay bales and gave every class a ride around the parking lot.” Nell Best-Shipway, Programs & Family Support Services director at Hope & Safety Alliance, was awarded Spirit Mountain Community Fund’s yeʔlan lima (Helping Hand) award in the paid management staff category. Contributed photos Sharon Flegal, left, a volunteer with Returning Veterans Project, is presented with Spirit Mountain Community Fund’s yeʔlan lima (Helping Hand) award by Community Fund Program Coordinator Angela Schlappie on Monday, Dec. 11. Flegal won the award in the volunteer category. Sharon Flegal Flegal volunteers with the Re- turning Veterans Project in Port- land. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist. Flegal was nominated for the award by Returning Veterans Project Volunteer Engagement Nell Best-Shipway Best-Shipway has worked with the Hope & Safety Alliance in Eu- gene for 16 years and began her career there as a volunteer. She was nominated by the nonprofit’s board of directors. “She has exemplified the ‘Help- ing Hand’ by providing empathy, understanding and patience for parents and children impacted by domestic violence,” the nomination letter said. “Her words of encour- agement set a remarkable example for all of us. … Her work ethic and commitment to the mission allowed her to quickly move up over the years from volunteer to programs and family support services direc- tor. … During the pandemic, Nell coordinated with partners to get basic needs out to the community. Because of Nell, we have a wonder- ful team at our new shelter.” cultural education • Must be 18 years or older. A re you missing out on what Cultural • Must obtain your CDL permit before you register. • Must show proof of completed ODOT physical Education has to offer? Follow us on Facebook to get detailed class information, photos from and other requirements. events, and updates. • Four weeks to complete. TRIBAL EM OFFICE • Employment opportunities available now. Plus, check out the tribal calendar for a quick TS • TERO will assist with funding CDL course. MENT RI G H P Y LO • Schedule courses when you are ready. glance of upcoming events and classes. Open to Tribal and Community members. Join us! Contact Jacob Boekhoff at 503-879-2146 or e-mail Jacob.Boekhoff@grandronde.org Search Facebook for Grand Ronde Cultrual Education Tribal Calendar // www.grandronde.org/tribal-calendar Ad by Samuel Briggs III
