Letters to the Editor -- Jan. 1, 2021

Dear Smoke Signals:

The family of Brent Merrill appreciates and thanks you for the wonderful article you published. Our family has received compliments of Brent for his many accomplishments highlighted in your writing.

Our gratitude to Harris Reibach; professor at Willamette University Robert W. Collin; Steve Bobb Sr.; Joe Kirk; drummers Bobby and Nakoa Mercier, Santi Atanacio and Izaiah Fisher; prayer Isabelle and Sophia Grout; flute Donn Grishaber; video and music Carter Tollis; Shari for her loving care at his most needed time; and Jo Ann Empey for calming my soul.

Donna Stronach

Roll No. 12

Dear Smoke Signals:

I attended the virtual General Council meeting on Dec. 6, 2020, and was impressed and powerfully moved by the presentation from Spirit Mountain Community Fund.

SMCF provides small and large competitive grants to nonprofit organizations as a philanthropic investment in communities throughout 11 Oregon counties. Additionally, they make available grants to the nine federally recognized Tribes in Oregon and government agencies in Polk and Yamhill counties.

I have worked with several nonprofit organizations in Oregon that were successful in receiving SMCF grants, and the impact that they have had – even on the smallest organization working with minimal funding – creates a positive and direct effect on at-risk youth services, homelessness prevention, food security, behavioral and mental community health, autism research and clinical facilities, shelter services for abused women and children, and much, much more.

SMCF is a name that all Oregon nonprofit organizations know, and our Tribe and every Tribal member is lifted up because of the generosity and spirit of giving that we have as a people. In the areas of arts and culture, education, environmental preservation, health, historic preservation, problem gaming and public safety, SMCF continues to give despite the current challenges of the pandemic, and I continue to be proud to be a part of it.

Thank you, Michael Cherry, and SMCF staff and Board of Trustees for doing an amazing job at helping our neighbors and friends in our communities. In doing so, we are helping all of us.

Charles G. Haller II

Roll No. 1032