April 8 - Seminole Tribe of Florida

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The Seminole Tribune 26 April 8, 2005Highlights from the 2004-2005 4-H SeasonLazara Marrero practices how to lead Conch’e.Story by Judy WeeksThe Seminole 4-H kicked offits 2004-2005 livestock program at theend of August when the participantsacquired their steers for this year’s projects.Several veterans of the steer programtook advantage of the cattle beingrounded up at the beginning of themonth. Ranchers such as Mike Smithand Moses Jumper Jr., among manyothers, allowed the youngsters to visittheir cow pens and make tentativeselections.Possible project steers wereseparated from the herds in order toavoid shipment to market or turnout.This provided an opportunity for thechildren to examine their options atseveral locations.When the time arrived, theyreturned to the ranches to make a finaldecision and purchase. Based on previousexperience or guidance from the 4-H staff, they looked for things in theseanimals that could develop into showqualities. A straight back, solid frame tocarry the weight and good conformationwere the uppermost requirements. Inaddition, gut instinct sometimes playeda role.Karen Cypress of Immokaleehad been fluctuating between twochoices. Her cousin, Jessica Lopez,raised last year’s Grand Champion andpicked him because he walked over toher at the fence. As Karen pondered herchoices, the steer farthest away suddenlymoved toward her. The decision wasmade in that instant, and he turned outto have a very nice disposition.All of the possible projectsteers were made into steers prior toselection and purchase. The cattle weretransported to their new homes beforeSept. 11, 2004, when the official weighintook place and the projects began.Each of the boys and girls started arecord book entering the date andamount of purchase, location of theiranimal and initial weight.The swineprogram started atthe beginning ofNovember. The participantshad anopportunity to purchaseshow qualityswine from a breedingfarm in Georgia,hog farms in CentralFlorida and privateindividuals.Although the pigsall weighed inapproximately thesame, they were avariety of colors,breeds and personalities.Regardlessof the choice of livestock,each participant’slivingarrangements determinedwhere theywould raise theirproject. Those livingin a housing communitykept theiranimals in the reservation4-H facilities.Rural entries in mostcases kept their stockin the backyard.Hollywood residents, beingcity dwellers, were faced with a dilemmathis year. Without a communitybarn, boarding was their only option.While this deterred most prospective 4-Hers, Shelby Osceola met the problemhead on. Since she is active in theEIRA, she had to board her horse andpersuaded the Triple Cross Ranch toaccept her steer also.“This had both advantages anddisadvantages. There was a lot of activityin the barn which helped him getused to people and noise,” Osceola, 16,said. “However, the barn is located atthe intersection of Flamingo [Road] and595. There wasn’t any place to walkhim safely because of the close highways.He had to be exercised in thebarn and stall daily.”As far as the steers were concerned,the first step in the tamingprocess was haltering and worming.The assistance of parents, neighbors,and ranch employees were critical atthis stage and the first couple ofmonths.Judy WeeksImmokaleeCouncil LiaisonElaine Aguilardescribed this best.“4-H provides lessonsfor our youngpeople as they striveto become adults.Each project isdesigned to teachresponsibility,whether dealingwith small animals,swine or steers.“As theproject becomeslarger, so are thechallenges. No oneexpects a 75–135pound youngster tomanipulate andlearn to control a1,000–1,200 poundcreature withoutnumerous difficultiesalong the way.When the boys andgirls discover thatsituations arebeyond their control,they learn tokeep trying.”“Justlike the stumbling blocks we findin our lives, we have to stop,think and seek solutions. Oftenthis means looking for assistanceand learning from other people’ssuccesses and mistakes.”Aguilar concluded bysaying, “They learn to acceptresponsibility for their actionsand the effects they have on others.”During the first monthsof the program, the participantsand their helpers had stories totell that included bumps, bruises,rope burns, stitches, frustration,tears and a great deal of laughter.Situations that seemed liketragedies at the time became achuckle when the tales wererecounted at the end of the project.Gabriel Acosta of theImmokalee Seminole Youth &Livestock Ranch (ISY&LR) staffwas snatched off his feet and sentairborne, fracturing his elbowand sustaining road rash. Withhis arm in a sling, he laughed andsaid, “Better me than one of theyoungsters.”Erena Billie, a 10-yearoldfrom Brighton, wrote in hersponsorship letter, “This is my secondyear in 4-H and I named my steer afterthe person I got him from. He is M.J. Ikinda had a hard time with him, but atthe end he was nice and gentle.Although he still tries to kick me, Istuck by his side even when he tried tocatch and kick me so many times. MyAunt Dionne helped me a lot and shestuck by me too.”Lupe Cepeda of the ISY&LRwas slammed to the ground on shownight while catching a runaway steerfor one of the children. Bruised andsmiling, he led it back to the child.Seth Randolph of BrightonKiylier Baker leads Superman from the shifter pen.was very grateful to have his parents,Adam and Donna Turtle, backing up hisefforts.He said, “This is my sixth 4-Hproject steer and he was the meanest Ihave ever had to handle. I got him frommy grandfather, Howard Micco. He wasabout 650 pounds and finished out at912 pounds. I had to work harder withhim than any of the others, because hewas so mean.”Proud dad, Adam Turtle,remarked, “Animals are like people.They have personalities and this onetested everybody. I am so pleased withSeth. He fought hard and never gaveup. It is just not in him to say ‘I quit.’ ”Among the steer expenses washiring a veterinarian to de-horn the animals.This matter had to be taken careof early in the season. Of course, thevast quantities of feed consumed by thelivestock in all categories amounted toa small fortune, but the end result madeit worthwhile.Seminole 4-H CoordinatorPolly Hayes couldn’t stress enough thevaluable opportunity parents have toteach their children about managingfinances while involved in 4-H.She said, “The record book isrequired of course to take care of allexpenses and activities. But this is justa beginning. After the sale, youngsterswho plan to participate in the next seasonshould set aside purchase money, aswell as operating expenses.”Hayes continued, “Let themfigure out what it will take to feed andproduce their next entry. Being responsiblefor the animal will help them tolearn the valuable lesson of setting up abudget and managing their money.”As the weeks passed, theyoungsters settled into a daily routineof feeding as well as cleaning stalls andpens. Pigs require frequent washing,brushing and most of all, exercise.Steers must get used to being tied, learnto lead and submit to their owners.Monthly weigh-ins recorded the developmentprocess.Marvin Hines, who specializesin steer showmanship and handling,held several clinics in Immokalee andBrighton. He taught nutrition, cleanlinessand fresh water in the beginning,then moving on to gentling, leading andproper use of the show stick. One of theJudy WeeksKaren Cypress shaves her steer Heffalump.most difficult tasks to teach the childrenis to not let the animal take control.Meanwhile the swine projectswere putting on weight, developingmuscle and the youngsters were learningthe use of the cane. In ImmokaleeParent Advisor Cris Marrero supervisedregular swine meetings conducted bythe club officers. Project books wereupdated and showmanship techniquesdiscussed.Caring for livestock is a sevenday a week job. If the animals werekept at home, the parents saw that theboys and girls attended to their dailychores and worked at least 10–30 minutesa day cleaningand handling.Animalsraised in the communitybarnrequired daily transportationfor thechildren suppliedeither by parentsand friends or ifclose enough, abicycle or fourwheeler.Of course,feed and hay had tobe purchased anddelivered.ImmokaleeEducation AdvisorNorita Yzaguirreput her feelings intowords when shesaid, “We becomeso busy with ourdaily lives that weoften forget to taketime out for a littleone on one with ourchildren. I began tolook forward to thetime I spent withJudy Weeksmy son, Antonio,driving back andforth, cleaning thepen and working hispig. We began toshare the day’s events, talked out problemsand most of all, we became goodfriends. Helping your child to becomean adult is the best reward we can hopefor in this world.”Billie Napper of FamilyServices expressed similar feelingswhen she said, “4-H is a wonderful programbecause it promotes family participationand involves the parents in thelearning process. For a successful project,everyone must look toward a commongoal. Your children are your greatestachievements and any time youspend with them is time well spent.”In the final weeks before theshow, Marvin Hines taught clinics onhandling steers in the arena, and groomingtechniques to enhance the animal’sappearance. He gave clipping and shavinginstruction and supervised as thechildren prepared their projects. Hinesbrought a steer table to the communitybarns and trimmed the cows’ hoovesand answered last minute questions foreach of the competitors.Judy WeeksJustin Aldridge (center) with his parents and the Grand Champion Steer P.W.Brighton Rez Sweeps 4-H ShowBy Susan EtxebarriaBIG CYPRESS — The Brighton4-H Club swept the top awards in thisyear’s Seminole4-H LivestockShow heldMarch 17 in BigCypress. Thework that thenew Assistant 4-H CoordinatorDionne Smedleydid with her 4-Hcrew this yearcertainly hadsomething to dowith the club’ssuccess. Sheinstitutedmonthly weighinsand reallystressed that thekids practice theuse of the showstick and learnto control theanimal in thering.Thewinners of thetop four awardshad a few commentsabouttheir success.Justin Aldridge - winner of GrandChampion“My steer did what I wanted himto do,” said Justin whose steer came fromPatty Waldron’s herd. “He was longer thanmost and taller than most and at 1,300pounds he was the heaviest.”Justin was one of the 4-H kidswho spent time walking his cow with arope and using the showman’s stick tocontrol his animal and as a result he performedvery well in the ring.Adam Osceola - winner of Grand Reserve“I handled my steer pretty goodand I had one of the best,” the high schoolsenior said. “But I was shocked I won.”His steer, Mr. Beefy, came fromMinnie Bert’s herd at Big Cypress.“He was a tough steer to workwith,” he said. “He was a little wild but Iworked with him and used the showstick.”Adam is the son of Reno andKelli Osceola. Adam said he is sad thatthis is his last year in 4-H. Adam has beenthe President of the Brighton 4-H club forthe past three years but he is graduatingthis year. As president, he said he learnedsome valuable skills such as how to run ameeting, how to speak in front of groups,and how to mentor younger or new members.“4-H isfun,” he said. “Imade goodfriends and it wasa learning experience.”Adamsaid he is planningto go toTexas ChristianUniversity tobecome a veterinarian.“He’sbeen a terrificexample of leadershipand we arereally going tomiss him,” saidTribal 4-HCoordinator PollyHayes Osceola.Adam’sdad, Reno, saidJudy WeeksLois Billie, Reserve Grand Champion Swinewinner.parents need toget involved withtheir kids and 4-H is a good familyactivity. TheOsceola’s havethree children in 4-H.Lee Anne Billie - winner of ShowmanshipAward“I was glad I won,” she said. “Ihaven’t won a whole lot in the past, butmy steer was easier to break and I took alittle extra time.”Her steer, Jet, came from AlexJohn’s herd. Lee Anne spent about onehour a day training her steer. She said shewanted to thank her mother, Molly Billie,who encouraged her and made sure shefed her animal and took care of it.Lois Billie - Reserve Grand ChampionswineBetty and Sandy Billie ofBrighton said they are proud of theirdaughter, Lois Billie, who took first placein the 4-H competition.“She worked three years to gether where she’s at now,” they said.Lois raised her swine she namedBacon on Walpole Feed and it went from55 to 249 pounds.“I am happy and excited,” saidthe eleventh-grader.The Final Day of the Show& Sale: The Buyers DinnerBy Judy WeeksBIG CYPRESS — The BuyersDinner was the start of a very excitingevening on March 18. Steak and all thefixin’s were served under the Big Chickeeat 5:30 p.m. The 4-H Club Sale began at6:30 p.m. with the introduction ofAuctioneer Brian Trimble, an agriculturalteacher from Okeechobee County with anextensive background in 4-H.Big Cypress BoardRepresentative Paul Bowers volunteeredhis services that night, assisting in thearena. He was very enthusiastic aboutbeing involved with Seminole 4-H.“I am honored to have achance to become involvedwith the 4-H livestock programand help all of theseyoung people,” Bowerssaid. “This is the secondyear that the show andsale have been held atBig Cypress and it iseven better than lastyear.”“I have seen alot of parents here workingwith their children and supportingtheir projects. Parentsand children working togetherbuild strong families. As the kids grow upand need to make choices, this will helpthem turn to their families rather than thedangerous streets,” Bowers added.The livestock sale alternated cattleand swine throughout the evening.Bidding, which began with the GrandChampions and Reserves, was brisk andoften heated as the exhibitors received topdollar for their projects. Thanks to theTribal Council, Tribal Board and variousdepartments of the Seminole Tribe on eachreservation, this year’s 4-H was a resoundingsuccess.Chairman Mitchell Cypress,President Moses Osceola and Trail LiaisonWilliam Osceola made generous add-onsto each sale as an incentive to all of theparticipants. Walpoles Feed also purchaseda swine and then donated it back for resaleto benefit the 4-H programs.Following each sale, the happyexhibitor presented the buyer with aBuyer’s Basket in appreciation.On the night of the sale,Chairman Mitchell Cypress looked outacross the exhibitors in the show ring andsaid, “For many generations our tribal heritageand culture have made us a part ofthe land where we live. It was only naturalthat agriculture would become apart of our way of life and survival.Most of our elders fedand cared for their familiesby doing the jobs theycould find on the farmsand ranches in southFlorida. It was hardback-breaking labor thatthey did with pride asthey held their familiestogether.”He continued,“The livestock industry is abasic part of our economy andI am very proud to see our youthjoining these 4-H programs. It gives theman opportunity to learn responsibility andto realize that nothing worthwhile comeswithout hard work and effort. A successfullivestock project requires the help and supportof the entire family.”With a sweeping gesture of hisarm, indicating the building filled withparticipants and their families, he said, “Itis always good to see families workingtogether. This is like the old days with theelders teaching the young. It is not aboutwinning, but learning to compete and survivein today’s world. Just being heretonight is being a winner.”
The Seminole Tribune 27 April 8, 2005Good Friday Easter and Youth Block PartyJudy WeeksCartaya Billie some spent time painting at theFamily Services booth.Story by Judy WeeksIMMOKALEE — Immokalee celebratedEaster with a SpringYouth Block Partyon Good Friday,March 25. This wonderfulopportunity towork with our youngpeople receivedoverwhelming supportfrom manydepartments.TheImmokalee SeminoleYouth and LivestockRanch (ISY&LR)made an excellentlocation for an eventof this magnitude.By 9:30 a.m. twohayride wagons werein operation shuttlingparty goersfrom the cultural villageto the JohnJimmie MemorialArena.Booths hadbeen set up at theadjacent locations.Basil Phillips fromthe Family Servicesdepartment offeredopening remarks atthe cultural village at10 a.m., just prior toVictor Billie’s alligatorwrestlingdemonstration.The culturaldepartment offered diverse activities, with somethingfor everyone. Carol Cypress provided a beadwork display and instruction.Meanwhile, Mary Jene Koenesdiscussed sewing and patchworkwith an interested audience.Following his alligator wrestlingexhibition, Victor Billie demonstratedwood carving.In the large cookingchickee, Council Liaison ElaineAguilar, Sylvia Marrero ofBroadcasting and niece Lazarajoined Sheila and Vanessa Aguilarmaking fry bread. Delighted partygoers enjoyed an opportunity tonot only watch but sample cookingover the open fire.As she worked the frydough in her hands, Aguilar said,“It is such a beautiful day. Theweather is perfect and the communityparticipation has beenfantastic. Spring is a time of newbeginnings and I am happy to bea part of this Celebration ofYouth. I am very proud of all ofthe departments who have joinedtogether for such a wonderfuloccasion. Happy Easter!”The booths which hadbeen set up at the Arena offered avariety of entertainment. TheEducation and Library departments,under the direction ofNorita Yzaguirre and Cris Marrero, had an interestingconcept of bingo, called Library Lingo. Under thesupervision of America Martinez, contestants lookedfor answers to literary questions as they competed foreducation book bags and Easter candy. This was avery popular booth throughout the day.Charlotte Pocaro and Anna Puente of theSeminole Health department provided the youngsterswith an opportunity to test their blood pressure andsugar rate. They also distributed pamphlets with avariety of information on several health issues. Puentesaid she was extremely leased with the juvenile interest.“Seventeen children requested blood sugartests and did not back out when they saw what itentailed,” Puente said. “Of course, parental permissionwas obtained prior to administering each test. Iam very proud of their response to such a majorhealth issue.”The Seminole Police Departments CrimePrevention Unit, under the direction of Sergeant AlSignore, was on hand with coloring, comic and drugprevention books designed to attract the younger set.There was a big demand for his mini-bubble sticksand key chains, as he talked to the children about theirold friend, McGruff, the crime dog.Family Services provided a generous numberof arts and crafts projects which were very popular.Diana Rocha was joined by her sister, Anna Maria,who was visiting from Colombia, at a table filled withart supplies. A steady stream of children spent the daycreating Easter hats, spring flowers, bunny masks andpictures.Rocha, who said she loves children and communicatesso well with them, was in her element.Her sister Anna Maria remarked, “I am soJudy WeeksBoard Rep Paul Bowers Sr. (second from right) greeted Tribal citizens after their hayride.The 5–7-year-olds hunting away.grateful for the opportunity to play and create with thechildren. This is the high-light of my visit and willJudy Weeksgive me wonderful things to tell when Ireturn to South America.”Family Services extended theirpresentation with an Envision PeaceBooth manned by Janet Weisburg.Children of all ages were drawn to thelarge ceiling tile canvases where theycreated an array of paintings. Teenagerswere observed carefully paintingsophisticated scenes while the youngerset leaned more toward abstract art.Catharine Robinson, who hasrecently joined the Immokalee FamilyServices office, expressed her feelings.“This is an overwhelming success,”she said. “I am so proud of theenthusiasm expressed by the wholecommunity.”At 1 p.m. the revelers gatheredat the Alligator Pit in the CulturalVillage where Basil Phillips, MentalHealth Counselor for Family Services,addressed the audience. He gave a terrificpresentation titled Young FearlessWarriors.Phillips’ discourse was notonly interesting, but provided a forumwith which the young people couldidentify. Then to everyone’s surprise, heintroduced Tribal citizen GaryMcInturff. Gary is a son, husband,father and integral part of the communitywith a history of drug abuse, rehabilitation,back-sliding and recovery. Hismessage was inspiring.ISY&LR was responsible forthe location of the BlockParty and supplied a free concessionstand for the entire event. MichelleOsceola and Cris Marrero volunteeredtheir services in the kitchen from start tofinish.ISY&LR Director BennyMotlow enlisted the help of Marty Johnsof the Marki Rodeo Company. They puttogether a small rodeo which includedbare back and saddle broncs, bulls, teamroping, calf wrestling, barrel racing, calfroping and mutton bustin.Since the day was all aboutyouth, it was a perfect opportunity forMotlow to introduce three Youth Ranchparticipants who have been taking part inthe classes provided at the ranch. CodyMotlow showed off his newly acquiredroping skills, while Cheyenne McInturffand Rebecca Osceola made their debut inbarrel racing competition.BrightonBoardRepresentativePaul Bowers wason hand all daymoving fromplace to place. Hevisited with theelders, encouragedtheteenagers andassisted theyounger set intheir variousactivities.Whether lifting achild onto the hay wagon orhelping set out Easter eggs, hewas the man for the job.Standing proudlywith his arm around his son,Paul Jr., Bowers said, “This isa wonderful experience forme. I am very happy to seethe many departments andcommunity members workingtogether like one big family.United we have a chance toinfluence our youth in a positiveway and can encouragethem to accomplish manythings.”The Recreationdepartment arranged for abounce house, two waterslides and a dunk tank. Eachof them had heavy trafficthroughout the day. Thewater attractions drew anappreciative crowd duringthe heat of the afternoon and following the egg tosscompetition.What would Easter be without any Easteregg hunt? The hunts took place at various timesaccording to each age group on the grassy fieldbeside the Arena buildings. Community departmentshad spent the better part of Thursday hard boiling andcoloring more than 2,200 eggs for the occasion.David Billie and his Recreation departmentdivided the field into specific areas and distributedthe eggs. As the while blew the scramble was onJudy WeeksNeo Motlow (left) helps grandma Nancy Motlow carry her basketfull of Easter eggs.with each contestant attempting to collect the mosteggs and garner the awards.Seniors led the hunt, followed by thepreschoolers, many of whom had donned cute littleEaster outfits. Results of the competitions are asbelow.Seniors: 1. Nancy Motlow, 2. Violet Jim, 3.Carol Cypress; Preschoolers: 1. K.J. Davis, 2. NeoMotlow, 3. Carlos Bermudez; Youth, 5–9: 1. DennisGonzales, 2. Ethan Billie, 3. Ashley Faz; Youth10–12: 1. Jessica Lopez, 2. Cassandra Jimmie, 3.Christopher Briscall; Youth 13–17: 1. Bonnie Davis,2. Ali Colon, 3. Tommy Benson; Adult, 18–49: 1.Homer Villareal, 2. Susan Davis, 3. (tie) JustinVillareal and Cecelia Pequeno.Egg toss results: Youth: 1. Randy Osceolaand Allen Hernandez, 2. Mela Billie and MarkArriaga, 3. Tommy Benson and Cassandra Jimmie;Adult: 1. Kenny Davis and Edwin “Ito” Montanez, 2.Justin Villareal and Cecilia Pequeno, 3. HomerVillareal and Dominick Venzor; Seniors: 1. NancyMotlow and Justin Villareal, 2. Louise Motlow andJudy Weeks(L-R) Sylvia Marrero, Lazara Marrero, 17, and Council Liaison ElaineAguilar make fry bread under the cooking chickee.Ray Yzaguirre.T-shirts were provided for all of the participantsto commemorate the Immokalee Spring YouthBlock Party. Community members are grateful tosponsors of this outstanding celebration: FamilyServices, Seminole Police Department, Library,Recreation, Education, Cultural, Youth Ranch, Health,Board and Council Representatives.Easter Sunday Gathering at FirstSeminole Baptist ChurchBy Wanda BowersHOLLYWOOD — Every time I go tothe First Seminole Baptist Church here on theHollywood reservation, I feel like I’m going backinto time. But there’s one difference, my kidskeep getting bigger and older.We got there in time to catch the morningservice. After the morning services,Reverend Paul Buster whom I’m glad to see isdoing well after a short illness, was at the front ofthe congregation, asking for announcement ofbirthdays, anniversaries, etc.After the announcements we weredirected to the church grounds and told whichlocations belonged to the kids, adults and the seniors.It was time for the traditional Easter egghunt.It was good seeing old friends, a littleolder but nevertheless, I was glad to see theywere still in good health. I always remember thegood ol’ gospel singing that never changes. Ilove the church songs but, there’s nothing thatcompares to Betty Osceola’s voice singing anIndian church song. Lets not forget VivianDelgado and merry men of young women whocan sing up a storm of church songs and keepthe congregation in turn with them.Some of the young kids that used to beunder foot have grown up to be young adultswhom I’ve had to double check their names justto make sure they were the same kids I used toremember telling them stop kicking each other,be quiet don’t touch him or her. I always feelgood when I do go to church, that I am alwayswelcome, with a word of “Hello and glad to seeyou again, and come back”I guess that true. It’s always good togo home again. I hope everyone had a good anEaster as I and my kids did at the FirstSeminole Baptist Church, listening again to thetrue story of Easter and the traditional egg huntingis good too.Wanda BowersDavid DeHass (right) and Cornelia Osceola (left) wereamong those who attended Easter services.Wanda BowersThe youngsters looked everywhere for eggs.
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April 8 - Seminole Tribe of Florida

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