Letters to the Editor - June 1, 2012

Dear Smoke Signals:

The family of Vanessa Chavez would like to thank everyone who attended the service and showed their love and support. Personally, we would like to thank Bobby Mercier and his crew for singing and drumming at the service; Claudia Leno and her help for the wonderful meal following the service; the cemetery staff and the Tribe for everything they helped with.

Please know that your kindness during this difficult time has meant a lot to our family. We apologize if we have forgotten anyone.

The Chavez Family

Dear Smoke Signals:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Alton Butler for all of his hard work and dedication over the past two years as our Tribal Recreation Coordinator.

My department and I would like to wish him the best of luck with his retirement and other future endeavors. The Tribe has recently hired a new Recreation Coordinator, and moved that program under the Education Department, but prior to that Alton worked under me and the Facilities Department, fulfilling the duties of the Recreation Coordinator.

Although Alton was the only person on the Recreation staff, he and his predecessors accomplished a lot with very limited resources and budget. Alton would always schedule, take care of and continually set up for all the events at the Tribal gym. He worked with the Tribal Elders, Youth Prevention, Housing, Culture and the Education departments to provide activities for the Tribe and our community.

As a Tribal Elder, Alton set a great example; working with our different fitness programs, participating in the "Hood to Coast" run, helping with community youth sports, basketball refereeing and being a baseball umpire, and always making himself available for those after-hour events and activities.

We really do appreciate everything that you've contributed. Thanks again, Alton.

Curtis Rentsch

Custodial Maintenance Supervisor

Facilities and Public Works Department