THE GRIN VOL. 21, NO. 21 GILA RIVER INDIAN NEWS || www.GRICNEWS.org NOVEMBER 2, 2018 Halloween fun hits GRIC with departments and programs joining the fun Trail of Doom participants make their way across the various candy sta- tions at the trunk or treat activity. Christopher Lomahquahu/GRIN Christopher Lomahquahu as pint-sized ghouls, goblins and a Gila River Indian News few super heroes descended upon the Gila River Indian Community The Gila River Indian Com- Governance Center for the annual munity always gets in the Hallow- trick or treat event on Oct. 29. een spirit with schools, tribal de- partments and programs passing out candy and treats. Continued on Page 11 Children from schools across the Community take part in the annual trick or treat event at the Governance Center It was a howling good time, on Oct. 29. Christopher Lomahquahu/GRIN GRPD recognizes outstanding employees Aaron J. Tohtsoni ing before welcoming remarks for her work as a civilian inves- Gila River Indian News from Police Chief Kathleen El- tigator, a newly created position, The Gila River Police De- liot. handling 240 calls of service and partment held an award ceremony “You come to work every day 44 follow-up calls during her first on Oct. 18 in Sacaton recognizing and do an outstanding job, you year. employees and officers for their recognize what is going on and For the Community Service hard work and dedication during you’re here because it’s in your Award, Squad C was recognized the 2017 work year. In total, 20 heart to come here and do the best for service done during the 2017 employees were presented with that you can,” said Chief Elliot to holiday season, helping cleanup awards. the officers and employees. “I am the District 6 park. The beautifi- After the GRPD honor guard really honored to be able to rec- cation project was also a way for posted colors, Bethany Harkness ognize all of you today that have them to get to know community sang the national anthem. Tim done an outstanding job.” members. They also chipped in The Gila River Police Department recognized officers and employees Terry provided a traditional bless- A certificate of appreciation during an award ceremony for their hard work. Aaron J. Tohtsoni/GRIN was given to Barbara Weaver Continued on Page 11 Blackwater teen sworn in as 30th Youth Council president Akimel O’odham/ took the oath of office from Judge new things thanks to her time on Jay Pedro. youth council and she pledged to Pee-Posh Youth Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis rec- continue their work in the Com- ognized the youth for their com- munity. “Remember the reason Council holds mitment and professionalism. He our youth council was established inauguration in called them leaders among their was to be a voice for the youth peers and in their respective dis- and also serve as a resource for District 2 tricts. “They are leaders now,” the Community.” said Gov. Lewis. A reception with family and Roberto A. Jackson Gila River Indian News Out-going president, Randel friends followed the ceremony. Curran, who will serve as an at- Tribal leaders and supporters large member, thanked his fellow District One Representatives attended the Akimel O’odham/ youth council members in the Precious Vicente Pee-Posh Youth Council Inaugu- Annual Membership Address. Alexander Bustamante ration in District 2 on Oct. 20, to “Thank you for everything,” said see 24 young men and women be- Curran. District Two Representatives gin their terms. Precious Vicente, Following the oath of office, Dedric Osife 19, from District 1, was sworn in Vicente gave the Presidential Ad- Junior Pancott as the 30th president in the orga- dress and reflected on her growth nization’s history. Vice-President as a youth council member. “As District Three Representatives Lorenza Aleman, Secretary An- time continued on, I didn’t know Elaysia Colt gel Molina and Treasurer Hunter how much youth council would Haili Gonzalez Precious Vicente takes the oath of office at the Youth Council inauguration Nish were the other officers who have an effect on me,” she said. in District 2 on Oct. 20. Roberto A. Jackson/GRIN Vicente experienced many Continued on Page 9 Gila River Indian News PRESORTED P.O. Box 459 STANDARD U.S. Postage Sacaton, AZ 85147 PAID Change Service Requested Sacaton, AZ Permit No. 25 INFR Page 8 57th Annual Fair and Rodeo MARCH 8-10, 2019 SACATON FAIRGROUNDS Carnival | Rodeo | Entertainment Food and much more! [email protected] November 2, 2018 Gila River Indian News Page 3 Gila Crossing Community School student finds success in cross country Aaron J. Tohtsoni encouragement he hears from in friendly races. He said that Gila River Indian News teammates and family gives he started running to start beat- him the motivation to compete ing his friends but seeing the Gila Crossing Communi- at his best during his races. progression really motivated ty School’s Diego Rhodes is “I think of them saying him to continue past school- in his first year running cross ‘good luck’ and that keeps me yard races. country but has been quite motivated,” he said. Being on an organized the all-star rookie. Just a sev- The ending of races can team, Rhodes learned that he enth-grade student, he has be nerve-racking for Rhodes can run longer and faster than Governor finished either first or second because everyone is trying he thought he could, attribut- Stephen Roe Lewis during the regular season. to pass each other before the ing his coach and teammates Lt. Governor “Cross country is some- finish line, saying that you for pushing him. Robert Stone thing I like to do and some- have to keep focused and not “Knowing that other rac- thing I love,” said Rhodes. Community Council get nervous. His nerves have ers are giving it their all gives “It’s something to do instead gotten the best of him, being me a chance to be competi- Representatives of just doing nothing.” District 1 slightly intimidated by another tive,” said Rhodes. Arzie Hogg Rhodes is looking for- runner at the end of a race. He also knows the impor- Joey Whitman ward to running in the sea- Every evening, Rhodes tance of school, saying that his son ending finals, which took District 2 runs with his brother and aunt. favorite class is the one that Carol Schurz place on Oct. 31. His aunt is a runner and helps challenges him the most: lan- This is the first year that him with tips and has helped guage arts. He said that he does District 3 Gila Crossing Community Carolyn Williams him progress this season. really well in other classes but Rodney Jackson School has had a cross country He plans to continue run- that language arts is challeng- team, being a part of a team is ning cross country and hopes ing for him and feels he is up District 4 something that Rhodes has en- to compete in high school. to the challenge, much like he Jennifer Allison joyed. Although he has played Pamela Johnson He started running in gram- was when he was losing races Thirteen year-old David Rhodes has been run- Barney Enos, Jr. baseball, Rhodes said cross mar school when his friends to his friends in second-grade. ning away from the competition during his first Monica Antone country is his first sport. The would continuously beat him year running cross country. Aaron J. Tohtsoni/ GRIN District 5 Janice Stewart Marlin Dixon CORRECTION: In the Oct. 19 issue of the Gila River Indian Lawrence White, Sr. Thomas White News in the “VFSO Assisting Veterans and Families in GRIC” article veteran Lynn Dixon’s last name contained a misspelling. District 6 Anthony Villareal, Sr. Terrance B. Evans Gila River Indian Community Charles Goldtooth InterFaith Ministry District 7 Devin Redbird LUNCH WITH THE Robert Keller, Tribal Treasurer The Great Harvest Gathering Shannon White, Tent Meeting Community Council Secretary SUPERINTENDENT Gila River Indian News Come and enjoy some lunch and November 30 from 5:30pm to 9pm June M. Shorthair December 1, 2018 from 11:30am to 9pm [email protected] join in the conversation with Director of CPAO (520) 562-9851 Superintendent Cherryl Paul Roberto A. Jackson *There will be a drawing for a $25 Gift Card for those who attend @ The Gila River Komatke [email protected] Managing Editor Boys & Girls Club (520) 562-9719 Wednesday, November 7, 2018 5047 W. Pecos Rd., Laveen, AZ 85339 Christopher Lomahquahu 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. [email protected] Community Newsperson Middle School Room D-8 Open your eyes and look at the fields. (520) 562-9718 They are ready for Harvest. John 4:35c NIV Aaron J. Tohtsoni Vendors will be selling food, jewelry, Christian books & cds [email protected] Community Newsperson For further information contact: (520) 562-9717 Pastor Darlene Vasquez @ (602) 377-5636 Lisa Freda @ (602) 600-3030 Gina Goodman No personnel issues will be discussed during this. We value your input for these meetings and discussions. Please send your topics of discussion directly to Mrs. Paul Treva Lewis @ (602) 292-2853 [email protected] [email protected] Susie Varela @ (602) 405-8851 GRIN Secretary II (520) 562-9715 Write to: Editor, GRIN P.O. Box 459 Sacaton, AZ 85147 Published letters or columns do not neces- sarily reflect the opinion of the Editor or Gila River Indian Community. Buckle Up! LETTERS POLICY: GRIN welcomes letters and columns from readers.