Timothy E. Horan, Executive Director

On Saturday June 11, 2005 the Round Valley Indian Housing Authority celebrated its 30th Anniversary. Also celebrated on that day was the Grand Opening of the Building Horizons building and the dedication of the newly redeveloped and named Nome Cult Park. This day was the result of the labors of many people. In particular Rema Lincoln, Lauren Whipple and their team of hard working young men, John boy Gurrola, Cody (last name) and Kurt Betts as well as the Housing Authorities Force Account Crew should be acknowledged for their hard work.

It was a glorious day! A light breeze kept everyone comfortable. Several hundred tribal members turned out to help us celebrate this milestone. Dignitaries were present, speeches were made and cultural traditions were celebrated in song and dance.

Tribal President Shannon Barney made introductory comments and noted the progress that was being made by the Housing Authority in moving forward on the construction of the long awaited new homes and the new amenities to be found in Nome Cult Park.

Ernest Merrifield spoke on the history of the Round Valley Indian Reservation. He also spoke about the accomplishments of this day that were being celebrated. He said that the

development of the Nome Cult Park was the realization of a long held dream by the community to have a community park that could be enjoyed by all.

Executive Director Timothy Horan told the community that the next phase of work in the Park would include landscaping and a gazebo. Work on Phase III is expected to begin in fall 2005.

Children played on new play structures, jungle gyms, swing sets and our ever popular inflatable slide.

Young adults and older ones played in our 3 on 3 basketball


	Community enjoying BBQ at new Nome Cult Park.

tournament on our brand new courts. Others tried their hand at horse shoes.

Elders engaged in friendly conversation with old and new friends and reminisced about the early days of “the Hudda”.

The original RVIHA Board of Commissioners or their family representatives were honored with Pendleton wool blankets.

Also honored for 27 years of service to the Housing Authority was Marian Betts, Special Project Coordinator. Board members and family members honored were Elsie Whipple (Jim), Marian Azbill (Gaylan), Alberta Azbill, Walter Whipple, Glenda Britton and Ernest Merrifield. New BOC Chairperson Bill Goodwin presided over the awarding of the blankets. They latter posed for a group photo adorned splendidly in their new robes.

In the background Last Leg played oldies and blues while everyone grooved. Leonard Brown and Leonard Brown Jr. cooked hundreds of pounds of hamburgers and hot dogs. Sherry Bettega prepared potato salad and other delicious dishes. Sherry has become an old hand at helping the Housing Authority prepare large feasts.

Everyone agreed that this was a day to remember and that community gatherings of this type should occur more


	Celebration planners Rema Lincoln adn Lauren Whipple did a wonderful job!

frequently.