February 1, 1997 6 SMOKE SIGNALS

MPlQyg SPOTLIGHT In Concert: LITTLE TEXAS As a Receiving Clerk, Marlyn Connelly helps 2 I Sftiawh s keep everything moving By Tracy Dugan Marlyn Connelly, a V J, tribal member living in Monmouth, has been .: s.mrui'.u in .ii in in working the Casino r,; at m as a Receiving Clerk Little Texas debuted in June 1 989, before a Nash- for a year now. ville club audience often. By October of 1994 they Receiving Clerks were performing before sold-o- ut crowds of more than ; t are really the unseen v' 1. 16,000. The amount of success during the six years J.' C backbone of the Ca- in between could have been enjoyed only by a group sino. They make sure of talents that have collectively put a new spin on everything is running . It is at the height of their success smoothly. that Little Texas delivers its Greatest Hits, a collec- Part of Marlyn's job is to meet all the delivery trucks that tion of their ten best plus two new songs, "Life Goes come in through the back entrance and unload whatever is on," and "Country Crazy." in their shipment, and deliver it to the proper department. Have All Simultaneously, Little Texas will take its sound abroad later recorded their first top ten hit, "Some Guys He is one of a few others who are responsible for deliver- self-title- Ev- with an overseas tour and a d European release that the Love." A second top ten smash, "First Time For ing all the foods to the kitchen. This includes not only will include an extended dance-mi- x version of "God Bless erything" came next. Coyote 's Buffet and Legends, but the Rock Creek Deli, the had Texas." All this for a band that supported itself on the road, In March of 1992, Warner Bros. Records quickly Elk Horn Cafe, espresso bar, and beverage services. making just enough to get to the next town, before signing Little Texas record and release First Time For Everything, "We usually have to deliver to the restaurants every couple a development deal with Warner Bros. Records in 1989. which quickly turned to gold. of hours," said Marlyn. In the back stockroom, there is a their second album, Big The band's concept was simple. Its six members brought In 1993, Little Texas recorded giant refrigeration unit which holds all the frozen and per- together the strengths of other vocal groups that each had Time, which was released simultaneously with a single ishable foods for all the eating places at the Casino. Have that number listened to and admired. It was simply a matter of writing "What Might Been" a ballad reached "The main shipment days are every Monday, Wednes- the charts and earned Little Texas award and rehearsing. one on Billboard's day, and Friday," he said. It wasn't long before the club gig reviews had young for Video of the Year. Receiving Clerks are not only responsible for food deliv- Greatest is now available in stores, represents country fans turning their attention to Little Texas, and its Hits and eries. They receive all the cards, poker chips, gaming tables, popularity really grew especially in Texas. It was on the niche Little Texas has carved for themselves among and everything needed for the Casino itself. Additionally, club club that Little Texas and country music's most elite vocal groups. the grueling to tour wrote all office furniture and supplies for the offices located up- stairs in the Casino are shipped through Marlyn and his co- workers. "Just the other day we received our first shipment of rou- craTut-WN'Mu- v ii H3- - utc ii tim 'tor' ttit lette wheels," Marlyn said. "When secured gaming items come in, we have to call security and help them make sure everything we ordered is all here." Marlyn said that when the hotel opens, things will be even more hectic, because all of the hotel furnishings will be delivered to his department as well. Every week, the Receiving Clerks receive a list of every shipment that is expected, and are responsible for keeping records on all the deliveries that come in. Year Buffalo A graduate of Cleveland High School in Portland, Marlyn of the Hearts, Roses, and Bingo took some Computer Science classes at Portland Commu- Asian New Year Celebration February Bingo Specials nity College for a few months, then was offered a position with Hewlett Packard in Corvallis. Then mom told him After you have given your sweetheart all the goodies, his February 7, 8, and about all the job openings at Spirit Mountain Casino. 9 join us at Spirit Mountain Bingo it's the perfect way to Chow mcin, Chinese dragon dancers, and traditional "I was a Warehouse HP," Marlyn show your loved ones how special they are on Valentine's Receiving Clerk for Asian music will transport guests to the far east on Febru- said. "So I had some experience." Day. Valentine's Day: Free dauber to every player. Ev- ary 7, 8 and 9, as Spirit Mountain Casino rings in the "Year Marlyn is the son tribal Young, who ery "single" winner will pick a box of Valentine candy and of member Sonya of the Buffalo" during their second annual Asian New Year also works at the Casino. He has lived in different towns receive an additional $25-- $ 100. February 23: $30evening Celebration. all over Oregon, including four years in Grand Ronde. He buy-i- n with 15 games paying $500 each and four guaran- Surrounded by colorful and exotic decor, Casino guests says that it's nice knows teed blackouts at $1,000 each. Every Monday through to work in a place where he already can enjoy the very best flavors of the far east in Coyotes, a lot of the faces, and he meets people every day. He Sunday: Doors open at 5 p.m., warm-up- s at 6:30 p.m. and new Spirit Mountain's popular buffet. has a one year old wants regular session at 7 p.m. Senior citizens 55 and older, one daughter Kitana and Marlyn At noon on Saturday, February 8, the Asian American her to know about contribution extra packet free on Mondays. Friday, Saturday, and her tribe and the feeling of Foundation's Dance Troupe will perform sev- that he receives through his Sunday Mornings: Doors open at 10 a.m., warm-up-s at job. eral Asian dances, including the festive Dragon Dance, He says the Receiving department staff functions as 1 1 a.m. and regular session at 1 1 :30 a.m. Friday, Satur- all Southeast Indo-Chi- dances and traditional costume shows. one unit, and he posi- day, and Sunday Afternoons: Doors open at 1:15 p.m., and his have developed a Last year, the colorful, flowing dragon danced throughout tive relationship each warm-up- s at 2: 15 p.m. and regular session at 2:45 p.m. with other. delighting visitors in every area. Proceeds from "In the Casino, Call the Bingo Hotline for information on Progressive this job," Marlyn said, "you have to be positive. We towards the all the troupe's performances go Foundation's 225-555- motivate each and the other is Bingo Payouts (503) 5, extension 5041. other, each knows what scholarships, youth camps and other programs. thinking so we can get everything done efficiently and fast."