Page 4 - February 2009

Hotel Leadership Award 4 (continued from page 1) Leadership Award Recommendation Letter Submitted by Chris Buitron to Native American Casino Magazine “Leaders come in various roles, as we well know. There are political, spiritual, military, educational, and intellectual leaders, to name a few areas. Although there would seem to be a huge difference between the spiritual and military leaders, there exists some common ground based on characteristics they both possess--characteristics that are common to all leaders. Leaders are “focused” and almost religious about their avocation. They are excellent role models, and part of role modeling is helping others become the best they can be. They share the quality of giving more than they receive, and they are empathetic as well as compassionate. So, with this short prelude on leadership, let me say that our nominee contains all these characteristics and more. “It was as if the position was tailored for Rodney because he is natural community volunteer. He is on the Big Brothers Big Sisters Native American Advisory Council, American Red Cross Real Heroes Program, served three years on the board of directors for Dispute Resolution Center, served on LEC Regional United Way Program, is on Business Leaders Network-Thurston County Juvenile Coalition. “However, community work is not the only endeavor that makes Rodney an inexhaustible leader. Since retiring from his county job and taking the position in the casino, he decided to get more fully involved within the tribe and its many activities. He attends council meetings and is a member of the Chehalis Canoe Family. Last year, he paddled on a traditional journey that his ancestors travelled Deb Kydland, front desk clerk, checks with Saxas Superintendent Clark for hundreds of years. Phillips asking when construction was beginning that morning to prevent “To know Rodney Youckton, and once he meets you he does not forget disturbing clientele. In the background is Glen Brydges, Hotel Manager, your name, is to know a leader who takes pride in his tribe, his family, and his personal ethics. While in his presence, you feel like you are the most important observing the construction progress of the room. person in the world. He gives you his full attention, makes sure he understands what is being said, and does whatever he can to satisfy or resolve your request. Think Ahead to Get a Rodney has a serene, almost spiritual demeanor that makes you feel peaceful and secure when visiting him or when meeting him in the casino. Higher Education “As Rodney worked in the many different departments of the last four years, he made an incredible number of friends and instilled many with his work ethic and his need to always be respectful of others. Rodney’s humility glows from within and sparkles when he uses humor to draw attention away from himself. By Racheal Mendez, Higher Education Coordinator He is energetic and inquisitive, and this combination means Rodney is always moving, doing, keeping, or searching for the answers that help make him a You will be pleased to hear there are 23 As you do your taxes, focus on different better leader and/or makes others better than they were. students enrolled in college. Four of those ways to fnance your education. A great “To go into a completely new feld/career, obtain a college degree, and students are part-time students, and three way to start would be by fling for your become a successful executive, while entering your 50s, is reason enough to be students are going for their bachelor’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid named the Native American Casino Leadership Award winner.” degree. Just this last fall quarter, one student (FAFSA) for the 2009 and 2010 school received his bachelor’s degree at The year. Although FAFSA is not required for Evergreen State College. the Chehalis Tribal Scholarship Award, I Elders’ Monthly Birthday Dinners If are you interested in attending college extremely encourage you to fle for FAFSA this next fall, be sure to fll out the Chehalis as soon as possible. By submitting a FAFSA Bring Families Together Tribal Scholarship Award packet. Your you will be reviewed for grants, work packet will need to be completely fnished study and maybe a large amount of other before the quarter starts. Also start thinking additional funds assist you in your higher about applying for admission to your school education goals. of choice. Most universities have deadlines, Besides thinking of admissions and but with community college you still have FAFSA, I have been working on putting time! If college is not what you’re interested together a college fair for this April. I hope in, now would be great time to start thinking to have more information this upcoming of other educational goals like technical month. Any questions, contact Racheal schools or vocational programs. Mendez at (360) 709-1698. Espresso Stand to Reopen After Flood By Fred Shortman, Editor In the December 2008 issue of the Chehalis This took about three days, tearing out the Tribal Newsletter, it was reported that insulation and dry wall. It’ll take another the tribe had recently purchased the week to complete this project.” espresso stand by the EOT II gas station. He also added, “Extra shelving is needed The business was just starting to build to provide storage for cigarettes.” He is up clientele. It was closed when it was working with Bev Starr to organize the damaged in the December food. Though interior. Yvonne Peterson and her sister Trudy Marcellay enjoy a meal together as sandbagged by employees, it still received Bev Starr, manager of the espresso stand, they talk with their brother Curtis DuPuis. Steve Medina, in the background, about ten inches of water inside. said, “It’ll be exciting to open up again. is one of the “Birthdays of the Month.” David Youckton, Enterprise Director, The employees are also looking forward By Nancy Romero, Elders Coordinator said, “Repairing the food damage was to serving the public. There will be new On Wednesday, January 28, the Elders’ celebrating this special day with them. put out to bid. Carter Construction was sign advertising both the espresso and drive monthly birthday dinner was held in the January birthdays were Steve Medina, hired to repair the building. It’s a good through cigarettes.” Steak house at the Lucky Eagle Casino. Albert Gilmore, Mimi Cayenne, James thing to help our community by hiring a The espresso stand will reopen this The birthday-of-the-month Elders must be Gunnels and Shirley Kay. local construction month. present at the dinner to receive casino gift For February, the birthday list is: Jean company to do the vouchers from the Elders Program. Haltom, Jo Aldrich, Donald Brown, Terry work.” This is a great time for the Elders to have Middleton, Catherine Nemeth, Lois Poling, Chris Richardson family members come sit, visit, and enjoy a Ronnie Pikutark, Mae Palmer, Susan mentioned that with delicious meal together. There are usually Sanders, Jerrie Simmons, Thomas Heck, and springtime coming, about 40–50 Elders present each month! A Virginia Canales. If you happen to see any there is a threat of cake was brought in and everyone sang of these Elders around, stop and wish them a fooding, so the the “Happy Birthday” song, honoring and happy birthday! stand is getting Tribal Member Daryl Shortman has Come Join Us for Pilates! repaired and raised later to prevent started his own online business. There at the Wellness Center future damage. are many health, beauty and home Zach Carter, products available. Check out his web Clinic PT (Physical Therapy Room) the construction site company owner Koolrox.mychoice.com Every Tuesday and Friday at Noon said, “The main If you have any trouble contact thing was to dry Zach Carter, Carter Construction, works on the inside of him at 360-858-7405 or E-mail at Wear Comfortable Clothes & Come to out the building. the espresso stand to repair flood damage. whitetiger4686@yahoo.com have Fun!! CPR Class Mammogram Clinic Indian Education Will Writing Clinic at the Chehalis Tribal Parents Meeting Wellness Center Friday, March 13, 2009 A Northwest Justice Project 9 AM – 3 PM Tuesday, March 18, 2009 Saturday, March 11 & 12 Thursday, March 4 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM 8 am - 12 noon Free snacks and incentives at 5 pm at the Wellness Center Breast care information Instructor Joe Dickerson Door prizes including a Pendleton Are you an Elder age 60 and over? Cost: $25 per person blanket at the Youth Center Would like to get help with drafting Please contact Christina Hicks a will? You will need to bring your 273-5504 ext. 1741 to save the date For more information, call Dinner and Raffe will be Individual Trust Inventory Report. For more information contact that works best for you. Christina Hicks, 273-5504, ext. 1741 available for all those that attend. Christina Hicks (360) 709-1741