Brittany Smith Crowned Miss Florida Seminole at 52nd Annual ...

Fourth of July FestivitiesAround the CommunityCOMMUNITY v 10AS.W.A.M.P. TurnsOne Year OldCOMMUNITY v 5AYouth Participatein Football ClinicSPORTS v 1CTheVolume XXX • Number 7 July 31, 2009First CouncilMeeting Held inVeterans BuildingBY RACHEL BUXTONStaff ReporterBRIGHTON — The Tribal Council met atthe Brighton Veterans Building for the first timeever June 30 for a special meeting.Brighton Council Rep. Andrew BowersJr. welcomed everyone to the new facility andsaid he hopes it will be the home to many moremeetings in the future.Chairman Mitchell Cypress invited attendeesto visit the Veterans’ hang out room and totake a tour of the star-shaped building followingthe meeting.Three resolutions were passed on the agendaincluding:Resolution 4: Approval of Indian HousingPlan for the fiscal year commencing Oct. 1 andending Sept. 30, 2010, together with expressionof intent and certain certifications;Resolution 5: Prohibition of contractorHarry Pepper & Associates, Inc., and its employeesfrom doing any further work on the BigCypress Seminole Indian Reservation WaterConservation Plan critical restoration projectand from any entry on to the Tribal lands of theSeminole Tribe of Florida.Trail CommunityYouth ReceiveIncentive AwardsBY CHRIS C. JENKINSStaff ReporterMIAMI — Tribal students, parents, Trailcommunity members and guests recognizedthe best in education June 17 at the annual IncentiveAwards presentation, held at Dave andBusters restaurant/arcade.During the event, Trail community studentsfrom grades kindergarten through 12threceived certificates, T-shirts, back packs andother awards.Students Cassidy Bert, Morgan Bert,Charles Billie, Demetric Billie, Osceola Cypress,Jennifer Holdiness, Jessie Holdiness,Ozzie Holdiness, Lucas Huggins, Courtney Jim,Elena Jim, Katherine Jim, Lauren Jim, DestinyJim-Harper, Katinna Jumper, Falon Keyser,Davena Osceola, Kailani Osceola, NichelleOsceola, Angelina Osceola, Jaya Osceola, KayleneOsceola, Dionah Osceola-Bert, John KyleOsceola Jr., Alana Roberts, Donavin Tiger,Hunter Tiger, Madison Tiger, Sadrilynn Tiger,Stephen Tiger, Jonah Tigertail-Billie and NoahTigertail-Billie were acknowledged at the ceremony.“I enjoy them honoring me for going toschool,” said second year honoree and eighthv Please see INCENTIVE on page 2AFathers Honoredat BC CommunityCelebrationBY JUDY WEEKSFreelance ReporterBIG CYPRESS — Big Cypress communitymembers honored their fathers at a luncheoncelebration at the Herman L. OsceolaGymnasium on June 19.“In our clan society, we may have only onefather, but we have many uncles who have contributedso much to our lives as we have growninto adults,” said Chairman Mitchell Cypress.“On Father’s Day take the time to put away allnegative thoughts and let your hearts be filledwith all the positive things that can be attributedto the father figures that have shaped yourlives.”“You may find the reality of their commitmentto be overwhelming,” he added. “We owea great deal to the men who have come beforeus and made our lives possible.”President Richard Bowers Jr. also spoke.“When we were growing up, a series ofcamps were comprised of close-knit familiesand the elders would say that it takes a campto raise a child,” he said. “It is important to rememberall of the men who have contributedso much to our lives as we celebrate Father’sDay.”President Bowers continued: “During theSeminole Wars, some of our forefathers adopteda clothing style that included a large scarftied around their necks. As hunters, fishermen,cattlemen and farmers, these men found manyuses for this scarf and it became a part of theirv Please see FATHERS on page 2ABrittany Smith Crowned Miss FloridaSeminole at 52nd Annual PageantStevie Brantley Receives Junior Miss Florida Seminole Princess Title(L-R) Chairman Mitchell Cypress, 2009-2010 Junior Miss Florida Seminole Stevie Brantley, 2009-2010 Miss Florida Seminole Brittany Smith and President Richard Bowers Jr.BY RACHEL BUXTONStaff ReporterJudy WeeksAndre Jumper grabs his steer’s neck, tucks the horn and prepares to cup its nose in his elbowfor a perfect throw.HOLLYWOOD — The crowns and titles distributedto the winners of the 52nd annual Seminole PrincessPageant will reside in Brighton for the year as BrittanySmith was crowned Miss Florida Seminole Princess andStevie Brantley took home the title of Junior Miss FloridaSeminole Princess.Both ladies made their home reservation of Brightonproud when they received their titles at the pageant,held July 18 in the Hollywood Auditorium.Emcees for the evening were Mary Jean Koenes,Seminole language consultant and 1973 and 1974 MissFlorida Seminole Princess, and Van Samuels of the BigCypress Museum.The evening started off with a moment of silencefor the late Sandra McClenithan, the 1977 Miss FloridaSeminole Princess.A special documentary created by Seminole MediaStephen GallaProductions on the history of the Miss Florida SeminolePrincess Pageant paid honor to the past, present and futureprincesses.The Seminole Princess Committee members wererecognized along with the Tribal Council and Board ofDirectors.“Whoever is chosen will represent the whole year,”said Chairman Mitchell Cypress. “They need prayers,Tribal Citizens Attend SteerWrestling ClinicBY JUDY WEEKSFreelance ReporterBIG CYPRESS — Sweat-streakedfaces smeared with red clay, sore musclesand big smiles became the trademark of theparticipants at the Steer Wrestling Clinicheld at the Junior Cypress Arena on June 27under the direction of Dennis DeVeaugh.The Eastern Indian Rodeo Association(EIRA) isn’t just about producing rodeocompetitions and tabulating qualifyingpoints for the rodeo circuit. One of its majorgoals is the promotion of rodeo sports withina safe atmosphere and education of the nextgeneration of rodeo athletes.This past year, the EIRA expanded itsroster of non-sanctioned events to includeChute Doggin’ and Steer Un-decorating.Both of these activities are an exercise foryoungsters learning how to control theirbody weight on horseback, safe dismountfrom a running horse and procedure for takingdown a steer.A career in rodeo doesn’t just happenand Dennis DeVeaugh has made it his lifev Please see PRINCESS on page 1Dlong passion.Beginning at an early age, he tried hishand at every event and before long had developedthe skills of an All Around Cowboy.By 1979 he had become the Florida CowboyAssn. State Steer Wrestling Champion andduring the following year, he climbed theladder to Southeastern Circuit Champion.A room filled with trophies and awardspays tribute to a brilliant career that hasspanned a quarter century and seen himranked among the Top Fifteen World RegionalFinalists.Assisting DeVeaugh at the Steer WrestlingClinic were two EIRA instructorswhose credentials speak for themselves.Naha Jumper is an Indian National FinalsRodeo Qualifier (INFR) and EIRA Championand Ivan Bruisedhead is an INFR Qualifier.Getting down to business, DeVeaughexplained the basic concept of Steer Wrestlingbefore putting the youngsters throughseveral hours of intensive training.v Please see CLINIC on page 2AINSIDE:COMMUNITY: ABig Cypress.........5AHollywood ...........6AFather’s Day ......11AEDUCATION: B ANNOUNCEMENTS: EHealth ............... 6B SPD ....................2ESPORTS: CClass of 2009 Graduates v 3B

12A • The Seminole Tribune • July 31, 2009Seminole Youth Learn to Give Back at Culture ExchangeBY RACHEL BUXTONStaff ReporterPEACH SPRINGS, Ariz. — Summer vacation for27 high school students from all reservations began asthey traveled out west to Peach Springs, Ariz. to participatein a culture exchange program during the week ofJune 8-13.Sponsored by the Education Dept., the Seminoleyouth enjoyed a weeklong excursion where they visitedthe Hualapai Tribe. Throughout the week the groupspent time learning about the Hualapai culture, sharingtheir culture and getting to do once in a lifetime activities.“It was any Tribe I wanted to expose them to andthis kind of way to make a difference,” said EducationDept. Director Emma Johns. “I want them to becomemore humble beings and learn how to give back andlearn how to appreciate what you have.”The Seminole youth began their journey landing inLas Vegas where they visited a place that made themfeel right at home — the Hard Rock Café. The studentsenjoyed a lunch that was full of entertainment that includedlots of music and dancing. Some students andeven a few of the adults jumped up and joined the HardRock staff in showing off their dance moves to the VillagePeople’s classic song, “YMCA.”Tribal citizen Shandiin Josh celebrated her birthdayand was serenaded by the entire café while receiving anice cream sundae topped with a cherry and a candle tomake a wish.After lunch the kids boarded their bus as they gotready to embark on their cultural exchange.The students got their first introduction to the HualapaiTribe as they visited the Grand Canyon Caverns.The Grand Canyon Caverns, located on the historicRoute 66, is a natural limestone cavern located 210 feetunderground. Students explored the caverns travelingdown winding paths.They learned their first tidbit about the HualapaiTribe. Remains in the caverns originally thought to beprehistoric were actually ancestors of the Hualapai Tribewho became sick while out cutting firewood during thewinter of 1917. The ground was too frozen for a burialso the two men were lowered into a concealed hole. Thestudents were able to view the hole that has since beensealed off in respect to the late Hualapai members.It wasn’t until the next day that the students got theirformal introductions to the Hualapai Tribe of today.In the early morning of June 9, the students, staffand chaperones made their way into the residential areaof the Hualapai Reservation to take part in a communityservice park cleanup.“When I was on the bus it was hard to watch,” saidWhitney Osceola about seeing the Hualapai Reservationfor the first time. “It made me feel bad. I didn’t knowhow other reservations live. It was eye opening.”Pete Imus of the Hualapai Tribe welcomed theSeminoles to their reservation.“It’s good to finally be able to put a face to thephone numbers and e-mails,” said Imus.The two Tribes teamed together to help cleanupthree parks located on the Hualapai Reservation thathad been overgrown with weeds, littered with trash andglass and covered in graffiti.Rachel Buxton(L-R) Christian Buck and Jason Melton, along with other Seminolestudents, shovel debris into a bulldozer to be taken away.Rachel BuxtonHualapai Tribal member Ivan Bender (R) presents Daylon Youngblood (L)with a native rattle.The Skywalk Bird Dancers show the Seminole girls their traditional dances.“If there’s onething they take awayfrom today that’s leavingwith a full heart andknowing deep down intheir spirit they madea difference,” saidEmma JohnsStudents raked,shoveled and baggedweeds as it rained offand on. The first park,Milkweed, was a rundown playground thatwill eventually be repaintedso children canplay on it.“I was probablyone of the ones thatcomplained the most,”said Ali Nunez referringto having to doRachel BuxtonThe Seminole Tribe and the Hualapai Tribe become one and family.community service.“But when you actuallycome out here andstart working, you realize how muchyou’re doing for them and it feels reallygood to help out.”Arnellda Powskey, 15, a memberof the Hualapai Tribe, said she foundout the night before that members ofanother native Tribe, one she had neverheard of, were coming to help hercommunity.“I had a good feeling,” saidPowskey. “A lot of Native AmericanTribes are living in poverty and it isjust best if we try to get together anddo something that is good and we’llget to know one another and just havefun.”“It feels good to have anotherTribe come to help us clean our park,trying to make our reservation a betterplace,” said Tawnya Shongo, 17, alsoof the Hualapai Tribe.Everyone took a break to eatlunch that was provided by the HualapaiTribe. Following lunch the youthwere split up and sent to two otherparks for cleaning up.“We’re real fortunate for the stuff we’ve got,” saidAudrey Osceola. “A lot of other Tribes don’t get anythingso I think it’s really cool that we get to do this.”The community service didn’t start at the parks,however. Prior to the trip departure students donateditems to be given to the Hualapai Tribe. Marie Dufour ofthe Hollywood Education Dept. drove a U-Haul ® fromFlorida to Arizona to drop off the items. Dufour was onthe road for 2.5 days, but in the end, said it was wellworth the time and effort.“I always hear about the donations,” said DavidNunez, who accompanied his two daughters on the trip.“I didn’t realize this is where it was coming to. WheneverI hear about those donations again I’ll talk to mygirls and say, ‘Hey remember where we were atand what it was like,’ and just give. It’s a realisticeye opener for them.”The next day the Seminole youth got to experiencea more global side of the Hualapai Tribe asthey visited Grand Canyon West.Grand Canyon West, unknown to most, is notpart of the Grand Canyon National Park. It is locatedon the Hualapai Reservation and has becomea major part of their Tribal economy with the recentlybuilt Skywalk, a glass bridge that juts outover the canyon edge and over 4,000 feet abovethe canyon floor.“It was very beautiful,” said Cassandra Jimmie.“When I looked down I just hoped I wouldn’tfall. It was an unforgettable site.”Also located at Grand Canyon West is theHualapai Ranch where students took a step backin time. At the ranch youth tested their hatchetthrowing abilities, gun drawing speed and archeryRachel BuxtonAlex Buck (R) used sister, Farrah Lyttle (L), and Stevie Brantley (C) asshields from the 30 degree water.Rachel Buxton(L-R) Kyle Baker and Christian Buck have a quick draw shootout at theHualapai Ranch.Rachel Buxtonmarksmanship.After a day of witnessing the Hualapai Tribeas a corporation the students were finally able toengage themselves into the Hualapai cultureat the culture exchange presentationheld that evening at the Tribe’s gymnasium.The evening began with the HualapaiBird Singers, men and boys of all agesdemonstrating their chants using native Indianrattles.The bird singers kept the audience entertainedwhile everyone feasted on the native classic, Indiantacos.The Seminole youth took the floor for theirPowerPoint ® presentation to teach the HualapaiTribe about the Seminole Tribe of Florida.Stephanie Hall discussed the difference betweenthe Tribal Council and Board of Directorsand talked about the different Tribal services offeredincluding social services provided to Tribal elders.“I can’t wait until I’m an elder,” said Hall.“They are treated very well.”Ali Nunez and Stevie Brantley went through atimeline telling the history of the Seminoles, whileKyle Baker pointed out the locations of the differentreservations on a map of Florida.Audrey Osceola shared with the Hualapai aboutthe family dynamics within the Seminole Tribe. Shenamed the different clans and talked about Seminoleart and traditions.Whitney Osceola spoke on the two differentSeminole native languages spoken — Creek andMikasuki. She also talked about the sacred GreenCorn Dance.David Youngblood wrapped up the student presentationswith a telling of “The Little Frog Legend,”as originally told by Seminole Tribal elderBetty Mae Jumper.“It gives them a little more insight,” said ChelseaStorm. “It lets them know they aren’t alone thatthey have other people out there just like them.”After the Seminole presentation members ofthe Hualapai Tribe taught the Seminole youth about thehistory of the Hualapai Tribe and how they also had tofight the government to claim what land was deservinglytheirs.The Hualapai Tribe has a population of about 2,000and occupies a million acre federal reservation along108 miles of the Grand Canyon and Colorado River.Leader of the youth Skywalk Bird Singers andDancers Jorgine Bender discussed the traditional clothingof the Hualapai members. Bender explained how itis tradition to wear a shawl under a beaded cape withcolors representing the vegetationand habitat of the land.Members of the SkywalkBird Dancers grabbed a SeminoleTribal citizen to dance with.“Don’t pull back or say no,”said Bender. “Just follow thesteps of the dancers.”The Bird Singers chantedand sang shaking their shakersas the bird dancers danced withthe Seminole youth.“The songs you hear areabout the stars, mountains, sky,cacti and water,” said singerIvan Bender.The two Tribes became oneas men and women sang anddanced together.“It was lively and everyonewas happy,” said HualapaiThe Seminole youth relax for a moment after surviving a Level 7 rapid.Rachel BuxtonStudents on the winded cavern tour, where they see a mummified bobcat.Rachel BuxtonThe Seminole youth (L) present the Hualapai Tribal Youth Council(R) with commemorative Seminole Tribe statues and books.Rachel BuxtonHualapai Tribal member George Walker (R) teaches Alex Buck (L)the proper way to carry elk antlers.Rachel Buxtonyouth, Nolene Watahomigie. “It was like we were onebig happy family.”The night only became more intense as the singingand dancing continued.“Historically this is good because we get to seeeach other’s cultures,” said Willie Johns, Brighton’sMuseum Community Outreach Specialist. “We can seehow similar we are but yet how far advanced they are ornot advanced as we are and see how each one of us aredoing in our respective area.”The culture exchange and friendships made didn’tend that night with the dancing. The next day the twoTribes together went whitewater rafting down the ColoradoRiver.Tribal youth held on for dear life as they went overcascading Level 7 rapids with 30 degree water pouringon them.“It was really fun and nothing like I had ever donebefore,” said Stevie Brantley. “I didn’t know what toexpect. I was scared and cold but it was worth it.”The youth spent the first half of the day riding therapids and then enjoyed a lunch while drying off andwarming up on the rocks of the Grand Canyon.After lunch splashguards were put on the boats soeveryone could enjoy the rest of the tour by taking inthe scenic beauty of the Grand Canyon. When the boatsreached their end point students were given a helicopterride above the Grand Canyon giving them the opportunityto see the canyon from yet another angle.“Even though it was five hours long it was probablythe best five hours of my life,” said Chelsea Storm.Once back at the hotel lodge students got their lastlesson on the Hualapai culture with Hualapai Tribalcitizen George Walker hosting a Trophy Class onthe practice and tradition of hunting elk within theHualapai culture.Tribal youth from both Tribes then said theirfarewells. Phone numbers and addresses were exchangedwith promises to keep in touch.“I didn’t know the Hualapai Tribe existed untilI came on this trip,” said Storm. “I’ve made a lot ofnew friends and it’s hard for me to make friends sothis was a big step for me.”Students spent their last day on the trip walkingup and down the jam-packed strip in Las Vegasshopping, exploring different hotels and ridingthe monstrous roller coaster at the New York, NewYork hotel.“This trip has been pretty awesome,” said JasonMelton. “I was enjoying the places we weregoing to and cleaning up the parks because I knewI was actually doing something for another Tribethat is less fortunate than ours.”Education Dept. Director Emma Johns washappy with the outcome of the trip.“I can’t believe I had so many interested andhelping,” Johns said. “Their attitudes are phenomenal.I’m so proud of our students. They have mademe overwhelmingly happy as director of Educationand as a Seminole Tribal member.”

2A • The Seminole Tribune • July 31, 2009v INCENTIVEFrom page 1Agrade student Elena Jim.The Tribe’s Education Dept. and Trail Liaison WilliamOsceola’s office co-sponsored the event, whichalso featured a special performance by Cherokee hiphopmusician and actor Litefoot.Chris C. JenkinsTribal citizen Elena Jim (C) receives her award for acadmeic achievement,joined by (L-R) Michael Cantu, Trail Liaison William Osceola and Cherokeehip-hop musician and actor Litefoot.“I am glad we are here to honor you,” said LiaisonOsceola to the students in attendance. “One day you aregoing to grow up to be something; that is what gettingan education teaches you to do.”During his performance, Litefoot spoke about histime in the music industry, his struggles for respect andstaying dedicated to achieving dreams and goals.“This was their night because of what they havedone and accomplished,” Litefoot explained. “Listen towhat is inside of you and be confident inwhat you can do.”“Putting in the hard work will allowyou to see the rewards,” he added. “You arethe next generation of us.”Father Josh Osceola came to celebratethe accomplishments of this third grader,Angelina, 8.“I am so proud of her and all my kids,”Osceola said. “For her to be here at theawards doing the work, she has improveda lot.”“I do not want [my kids] going throughwhat I have been through,” he added. “Aslong as they succeed, I do. I tell them ‘Youcan do whatever you want and be whateveryou want to be,’ ”Tribal Education Advisor Will Baconcommended the progress of many of thestudents who received awards. He alsopraised the behind the scenes heroes — theparents.“The families are really placing an emphasison education,” Bacon said. “We continueto see a growth in the community ineducation as a concept as well as a whole.We want that to be part of the motivationfor them to continue in school.”Chris C. JenkinsCherokee hip-hop musician and actor Litefoot and Trail Liaison William Osceola (Back Row, L-R) with members of the TribalEducation Dept., Trail students and guests at the Trail Incentive Awards ceremony, held June 17.v CLINICFrom page 1A“Safety must be your first priority at all times,”cautioned DeVeaugh. “Our goal is to teach you abouttechnique and momentum. Speed will come in its owntime, but means nothing if you cannot properly handleyour catch and overpower the steer for a winning score.”The students began their training on a steer’s headattached to a metal frame being pulled by an All TerrainVehicle (ATV) and known as a Steer Saver. Position,posture and leg placement were stressed as studentstook several turns on the equipment and were critiquedby their instructors.Concentrating on technique, the group learned theproper head catch, hand, elbow and arm placementthat provides the leverage necessary to overturn a steerweighing from two to three times the weight of the contestant.Following a short water break, the students weretransferred to live animals on a protective lariat to practiceand then moved up to the real thing. Tackling steersright out of the chute, bringing them to a stop and thenwrestling them to the ground.As the hours passed the students’ strength dwindled,but their technique began to take form. Youngsters, whohad previously failed to catch, lost their prey or woundup on the ground with a steer standing over them, weremaking complete runs that generated enviable scores.Judy Weeks(L-R) Kenny Deschene learns some valuable tips on positionand technique in steer wrestling from instructor Dennis De-Veaugh.Judy WeeksPaul “Cowbone” Buster entertains with a medley of rhythm and blues, country and gospel songs at the Father’s Day event.v FATHERSFrom page 1Adaily clothing well intothe middle of the 1900s.These men were responsiblefor our survival.”“I am giving each ofyou one of these scarvestoday in their memoryand ask that you rememberthe role that you alsohave played in our future,”he concluded.Big Cypress Boardof Directors Rep. PaulBowers Sr. said: “Visityour father on his specialday and if he has goneon before you, honor hismemory.”“Many of our fathersare gone and we no longercan spend time withthem,” said Big CypressTribal Council Rep. DavidCypress. “RememberJudy WeeksChairman Mitchell Cypress (R) shows his gratitude to Frank J. Billie (L) for years of moral supportduring his youth.Judy Weeks(L-R) Beverly Alumbaugh, dad Joe Osceola Sr. and Janice Osceolaenjoy the Father’s Day festivities with the BC community.how much they meant to you and pass their legacy on toyour children.”Paul “Cowbone” Buster, Jonah Cypress and PastorArlen Payne provided live musical entertainment for theFather’s Day celebration. Delving into their vast repertoire,they took turns playing classic songs that spanneda time frame of over sixty years and included gospel,country, and rhythm and blues.Forming family groups, the partygoers shared theluncheon buffet and posed for family portraits to commemoratethe occasion.Judy Weeks(L-R) President Richard Bowers Jr. wishes George Billiea happy Father’s Day.First Council Meeting Held in Veterans BuildingJudy WeeksCovered in red clay, the young steer wrestlers join their instructors and arena crew on the fence at the end of the day.Rachel BuxtonThe Tribal Council conducts a special council meeting in the star-shaped Veterans Building pentagon auditorium.The Seminole Tribuneis a member of theNative American Journalists Association.Letters/e-mails to the editor must be signedand may be edited for publication.Subscription rate is $35 per year by mail. Makechecks payable to The Seminole Tribune, 3560N. State Rd. 7, Hollywood, FL 33021Phone: (954) 985-5702Fax: (954) 965-2937Or subscribe online atwww.seminoletribe.comThe following deadlines apply to allsubmissions to The Seminole Tribune:Issue: August 28, 2009Deadline: August 12, 2009•Issue: September 25, 2009Deadline: September 9, 2009•Issue: October 30, 2009Deadline: October 14, 2009Please note: Late submissions will beposted in the following issue.Advertising:Advertising rates along with sizes and otherinformation may be downloaded from theinternet at:www.seminoletribe.com/tribunePostmaster:Please send address changes toThe Seminole Tribune3560 N. State Road 7Hollywood, FL 33021Editor-In-Chief: Virginia MitchellEditor: Elizabeth LeibaAssistant Editor: Shelley MarmorGraphic Designer: Stephen GallaReporters: Chris C. Jenkins, Rachel BuxtonReceptionist: Valerie M. FrankContributors: Judy Weeks, Brian Brown,Thommy Doud, Robert C. North Sr., Fred Cicetti,Briana Abittan, Patrick Peck, Eric Bricker, CarterElbon, Linda IleyIf you need a reporter or you would like tosubmit an article, birthday wish or poem to TheSeminole Tribune, please contact theEditor-In-Chief Virginia Mitchell at(954) 985-5702, Ext. 10725 or byFax at (954) 965-2937© 2009 Seminole Tribe of Florida

July 31, 2009 • The Seminole Tribune • 3ARachel BuxtonThe Seminole Warriors cheerleaders chant the message, “Say no to drugs,” at the first anniversary celebration of the S.W.A.M.P., held at the Brighton gym on June 16.S.W.A.M.P. Celebrates First Year MilestoneBY RACHEL BUXTONStaff ReporterBRIGHTON — Community members andSeminole youth gathered at the Brighton gym June16 to celebrate the first anniversary of S.W.A.M.P.with a special presentation.S.W.A.M.P., which stands for Seminoles WithoutAdditions Make Progress, is a program that wasstarted in 2008. The Family Services and the RecreationDepartments co-sponsored the club’s formationto help teach Seminole youth about alcohol anddrug awareness.To start things off, S.W.A.M.P. mascot Jeffreythe Alligator came out to get the crowd cheering.Valerie Marone, community events coordinatorand S.W.A.M.P. organizer, spoke at the event.“The S.W.A.M.P. is not me,” Marone said. “It’sthe kids.”Marone also introduced the S.W.A.M.P. committeeand presented each with a medal and certificatefor their leadership and commitment. Theofficers were: Senior President Thomas Bearden,Senior Vice President Chastity Harmon, SeniorSecretary Tyra Baker, Junior President MorganKing, Junior Vice President Sunni Bearden and JuniorSecretary Odessa King.Marone, assisted by the senior officers, recognizedand handed out certificates of appreciationto different Seminole Tribe departments. She alsorecognized other key individuals that have playeda major role in helping with the first year of theS.W.A.M.P.’s success.“We couldn’t have a group like this without thesupport of the community,” Marone said.Special plaques were given to Recreation Dept.Director Richard Osceola, Family Services Dept.Director Helene Buster and Brighton Tribal CouncilRep. Andrew Bowers Jr., representing the BrightonTribal Council Office, for their help in startingS.W.A.M.P. as well as their continued support.Rachel BuxtonSenior President Thomas Bearden (R) presents Richard Osceola with a special recognition plaque for his help instarting and supporting S.W.A.M.P.“Thank you adults for your support,” Bustersaid. “The children are our future and if they are notdoing what they are supposed to be doing, the TribeRachel Buxton(L-R) Thomas Bearden, Chastity Harmon, Tyra Baker, Morgan King and Sunni Bearden are the junior and senior officersin charge of running the monthly meetings.won’t have a future.”Rep. Bowers also congratulated the memberson their milestone anniversary as an organized club.“You’ve been here a year,” Rep. Bowers said.“Remember that you’re still here.”The Seminole Warriors cheerleaders performeda special say no to drugs cheer before heading offfor a costume change and another dance number.Lunch was prepared by Ray King who alsocooks the meals served each Thursday at theS.W.A.M.P. meetings.During lunch a slideshow played showing thecommunity events and projects that the childrenof S.W.A.M.P. have participated in throughout theyear.Some of the events have included the Red Barncleanup, Field Day parade float, a Halloween party,trip to Busch Gardens, a bake sale, car wash andhot dog sale.“S.W.A.M.P. keeps them busy,” said TammyKing, mother of three S.W.A.M.P. members. “Theylove it. When I can’t get them here they ask if I canfind them another ride or let them stay with theirgrandmother on the reservation. It is just a great atmosphere.”S.W.A.M.P. presently has about 45 members.They meet in the side room of the gym that has beenturned into the “Swamp,” a drug-free zone wherekids can play video games and hang out.“S.W.A.M.P. has a lot of good events and goodfood,” said Junior President Morgan King.S.W.A.M.P. Junior Vice President SunniBearden said she enjoys the program because shehas met a lot of new friends.S.W.A.M.P. will be initiating another YouthPrevention Committee, aside from the one that alreadymeets once a month, that is geared more tothe teen members and will organize age specific activitiesfor middle and high school students.Council Holds SpecialMeeting in TampaBY RACHEL BUXTONStaff ReporterTAMPA — The Tribal Council met at the Crowne PlazaHotel in Tampa for a special meeting on June 18. They passed28 resolutions on the agenda including:Resolution 12: Amendment No. 2 to project cooperationagreement between the U.S. Department of the Army and theSeminole Tribe of Florida for construction of the Big CypressSeminole Indian Reservation water conservation plan criticalrestoration project;Resolution 14: U.S. Environmental Protection Agencyfunding request for Fiscal Year 2009 Seminole Tribe of Floridaclean water sewer infrastructure improvements program;Resolution 22: Business lease between Seminole Tribe ofFlorida (lessor) and Joel Matthew Frank Sr. (lessee) for fastfood restaurant and/or coffee shop, retail tobacco outlet andparking improvements - Hollywood Seminole Indian Reservation;Resolution 28: Approval of lease modification agreementby and between Seminole Properties Retail, LLC, and TheWalking Company;Resolution 29: Approval for Seminole Properties Retail,LLC, to consummate a lease agreement with CB5 RestaurantHoldings Corporation for the operation of a Bongos CubanCafé; delegation of authority;Resolution 30: Approval for Seminole Properties Retail,LLC, to consummate a lease agreement with Front Street RestaurantGroup, LLC, for the operation of an Italian restaurant;delegation of authority;Resolution 34: Florida Department of Law Enforcementmemorandum of understanding for the purpose of facilitatingcriminal investigations of incidents involving Seminole PoliceDept. officers.Marissa OsceolaParticipates in WorldLeadership ForumBY JUDY WEEKSFreelance ReporterWASHINGTON — Marissa Osceola, a seventh graderat Corkscrew Middle School in Naples, Fla., was chosen forthe People to People World Leadership Forum as a studentambassador.The daughter of Douglas and Sandy Osceola, she is anexemplary student, perseverant, inquisitive and shows leadershipqualities, which prompted her teachers to nominate herfor the program.Started by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956, thePeople to People Ambassadors Program fosters world citizenship.The project was established to promote peace amongothers through understanding and provides an opportunity fornational and international exchange among students.The 2009 roster of 1,000 young people converged onWashington, D.C. during the week of April 13-19. Attendeesfrom as far away as Africa, Argentina and China attended. MarissaOsceola was one of the two representatives from the stateof Florida.“There was so much to see in such a short time that I feelas though I have just been introduced to our nation and its history,”Osceola said. “It was great and I have already started alist of the places where I want to spend more time.”Divided into small groups with chaperones, the youngpeople congregated each day for orientation, workshops andspeaking engagements by dignitaries, who represented a crosssection of government, business and media. Congressionalrepresentatives, news anchors, philanthropists and businessexecutives provided exposure to the wide world of leadership.Daily sightseeing tours were arranged for the group toshare in historical moments that have influenced the historyof the world in addition to the U.S. This itinerary included theWhite House, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Wall, Mount Vernon,Jefferson Monument, Jamestown, Memorials to WorldWars I and II, Holocaust Museum, the city of Williamsburg,Library of Congress Tunnel and Franklin Delano Roosevelt(FDR) Memorial.“Everyone asks the same question, ‘What was your favoritething,’ ” Osceola said. “The answer is quite simple; I likedmeeting the other students, exchanging our life’s stories andlearning about their cultural backgrounds.”“Standing with the bronze figures in the bread lines at theFDR Memorial made me think about our current economiccondition,” she continued. “It is apparent that everyone mustdo their part to manage our natural resources, agriculture andeconomy, because we are all citizens of the world.”Submitted by Marissa OsceolaMarissa Osceola joins the line of life-sized bronze figures depictingthe bread lines of the Great Depression at the Franklin Delano RooseveltMemorial in Washington, D.C. She said it made her think aboutthe country’s current economic situation.

4A • The Seminole Tribune • July 31, 2009Tribal Citizens Share Music, Poetryat Creative Expressions EventBY JUDY WEEKSFreelance ReporterIMMOKALEE — Sponsored by the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, Creative Expressions offers an opportunityfor Tribal citizens to share their talents of music, poetryand storytelling.Already a success at other locations, the programmade its debut in the Immokalee community on the eveningof June 16 in the gym.As education coordinator for the Ah-Tah-Thi-KiMuseum, Diana Stone, encourages all Tribal citizens toparticipate in this experience by either contributing orcreating an audience.Seminole poet Moses “Bigg” Jumper Jr. opened thepresentation with a brief background of the Creative Expressionsproject.“Drawing a favorable response, our first four sessionstook place in Hollywood and Big Cypress,” hesaid. “Native American culture has always been richin art, stories, music, poetry, songs and dance. By thismethod our history has been passed down from generationto generation and endured for centuries, despite thelack of a written language.”Jumper continued: “It is our goal to become a linkin this historical chain. By sharing our artistic assets, weare preserving a part of our culture and enriching it withour own contributions. Through our words and talents,our great, great grandchildren may someday learn whowe were and from where they came.”Fellow Seminole poet Elgin Jumper also spoke atthe event.Judy WeeksThe resonant notes of Gordon Oliver Wareham’s flute set themood for the storytellers.Individual InstructionsSelf PacedNo StressTransportationDormitoriesSmall Class SizeEnroll Now!Open For Tour9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.“I am a member of the Snake Clan and my familycame from the vicinity of Indiantown,” Jumper said. “Iwas raised on stories of our great warriors and strongwomen who endured many hardships during their questfor survival. They inspired me to write about my ownexperiences.”He then recited his poem, “Echoes in the Wind.”Jumper is also a published author and shared excerptsfrom his Native American chapbook entitled “Nightfall.”Following his presentation, he told about his lifealteringexperiences and eventual decision to channelhis energy along creative lines. Exposing himself to abroad spectrum of literary geniuses has greatly enrichedhis productivity.Drawing attention to his newly released CD,“Words Taking Flight,” Jumper discussed its contentsand then shared his current adventure in the world offilm productions.As he blew into his flute, Gordon Oliver Wareham’sdeft fingers transformed a hollow wooden rod into avessel of profound music. Playing his haunting notes,he set the mood for a round of storytelling. Warehamput his own spin on the tales of his ancestors by addingspecial sound effects and animation which brought hiswords to life.Immokalee Family Services Dept. Prevention ProgramManager Fred Mullins added to the philosophy ofthe presentations by saying, “Artists are prophets of cultureand they freeze experiences for posterity.”Picking up his guitar, Mullins contributed to theevening’s entertainment with some of his compositionsthat revolved around spiritual awakening.Wildland Division Conducts Prescribed BurnsBY KEITH YEATESContributing WriterJudy WeeksElgin Jumper displays the cover for his newly released CD,“Words Taking Flight.”Submitted by Keith YeatesLt. Mike Lightsey sets a back fire on the Lakeland property.LAKELAND, Fla. — The Seminole Fire RescueWildland Division conducted prescribed burns on theTribe’s Lakeland property June 9-10.These prescribed fires are controlled burns, whichreduce the increased fuel accumulation and the risk ofa high intensity, uncontrolled wildfire. Less frequentprescribed fire on this land increases the chance of wildfires,which can destroy an ecosystem for years.There is no history of any fire occurrences on theLakeland property for more than 15 years. The state ofFlorida is a fire dependent ecosystem that depends onfire occurrence to rejuvenate its habitats. Prescribed fireis the key factor in restoring and maintaining the herbaceousvegetation for suitable habitats and hazards fuelreduction.The issue is not whether an area will burn, but whenit is going to burn. When conducting a prescribed burn,the vegetation is consumed with a less intense fire. Thisis achieved by back fires which are slow moving fires setagainst the wind. This consumes all the overgrowth anddead vegetation that smothers new plant growth.The burn allows the forest floor to seed, open backup, and new growth to take place. The vegetation growsback quickly in Florida due to the long growing seasonsin this type of climate. The two prescribed burns thatwere conducted on June 9-10, were a great success withthe amount of hazards fuels that were reduced.There are more burns planned for the Lakelandproperty by the Seminole Tribe Fire Rescue WildlandDivision, with the help of Tampa Liaison Richard Henry’soffice, and the Seminole Tribe Environmental ResourceManagement Dept.Dannie Tommie, President/OwnerGrades 8-12www.woodshavenprep.com Career CoursesAviation CareersCollege Preparatory CurriculumFull Sports ProgramInternational Students (I-20)10 Acre CampusCome Visit Us!Open House - PartySat. - Sun. 10:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.Erica Deitz(L-R) Eyanna Billie, Dalton Koenes and Dayra Koenes wash thedishes in the campers’ make-shift kitchen.Tribal Youngsters Take on Snake RiverBY THOMMY DOUDContributing WriterErica Deitz(L-R, Front Row) Trent McInturff, Caleb Tiger, John Robbins, Rickyjoe Alumbaugh,Dayra Koenes, Savannah Tiger, Suzie Patrick, (L-R, Back Row) TaylorPratt, Dominique Troadec, Ari Perlmutter, Tobey Patrick, Stevie Billie, WyattDeitz and Jo Jo Johnson.HELLS CANYON, Idaho — SeveralSeminole Tribal and community youth fromthe Big Cypress Reservation and other locationsbegan their journey west to Hells Canyon,Idaho to participate in the first ever BigCypress Boys & Girls Club Wilderness Adventureon the Snake River, held June 20-27.The first two days of the experience werededicated solely to the travel involved in gettingto such a remote and pristine location asthe Snake River.Upon arrival to the put in at the baseof the Hells Canyon dam, the youth gazedin amazement at the mountains reaching upfrom the river rapids as they listened intentlyto the safety instructions being reviewed byMeg, a professional river guide for the outfitterHells Canyon Raft, Inc.When the instructions were over everyonewas fitted with a personal floatation deviseand the participants were assigned torafts based on age, experience and maturityto ensure their safety. With one simple pushfrom the guides, the rafts gently moved from the familiarcalm of the shoreline to the cold, rushing water andan experience of a lifetime.Over the next four days the participants would experiencemany different things, from the beauty of theprotected wilderness to the stories of the indigenouspeople whom once lived and flourished in this area. Thetrip was embedded with Native American culture andhistory.Seminole Tribal citizen Erica Deitz, formerly ofthe Hollywood Reservation and now residing in Idaho,LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. — The auditorium of theLehigh Senior High School was packed by an appreciativeaudience for both presentations of a recital by thestudents of Footnotes Dance and Music Studio on theevening of June 20.More than 75 students participated in both performanceswhich included chorus lines, solos, duets, balletand choreographed dance routines.Opening the show, the LA Stars Competition Teamperformed “When I Grow Up,” which set the mood forthe show which included 35 songs.Participating in the program were four young membersof the Immokalee community, Larissa DeLaRosa,Chelsey Ford, Jillian Rodriguez and Ava Nunez. Thefirst three girls have been attending dance classes formore than three years, with Nunez joining the groupduring this past season.Wearing a vast array of fabulous costumes, thedancers brought their songs to life on the stage.Specializing in hip-hop and choreographed danceroutines, DeLaRosa performed in “Sticking with You,”“Tricky” and “How Gee.”Erica Deitz(L-R) Rickyjoe Alumbaugh, Trent McInturff, Stevie Billie, AriPerlmutter, Savannah Tiger, Dalton Koenes, Dominique Troadecand Robert North hike up the mountainous trails.Erica Deitz(L-R) Ari Perlmutter, Trent McInturff, Dalton Koenes, Stevie Billie andDayra Koenes enjoy fishing in the Snake River.served as a counselor and cultural instructor and quicklybonded with the youth. Her willingness to share her feelingsand concerns for her people truly set the tone forthis experience and had a positive impact on the youth.Also on the trip was Tobey Patrick of the ConfederatedTribes of the Umatilla Reservation.Each morning as the sun rose above themountain tops, Patrick would sing hispeople’s traditional songs that had beenpassed down to him from his ancestors.His songs echoed through the canyon asthe youth listened to the powerful messageof the words he shared.On the river the youth experiencedClass I-IV rapids, Class V being thelargest passable classification. The participantsin the paddle boat faced eachnew rapid as a challenge and came togetheras a team often raising their paddlesin victory of their accomplishment.The youth also enjoyed fishing,kayaking, hiking and kitchen duty.On the last night of the trip, threeteen participants were quickly inductedinto an elite club known only as theSturgeon Club.For close to an hour the three youngmen battled and ultimately landed oneof nature’s oldest living aquatic species,the prehistoric sturgeon. Catchinga sturgeon is not a simple task as theycan often reach lengths upwards of 10feet and weigh more than 100 pounds,but these three determined young mencompleted the task giving all of the participants the rareopportunity to see this amazing creature up close andpersonal.After the catch of the protected fish, it was releasedand the final night on the river came to end.The next day the group made its way out of the canyonand began their journey back to their loved ones.Recital for Immokalee DancersBY JUDY WEEKSFreelance ReporterRhonda Nunez(L-R) Chelsey Ford and Jillian Rodriguez perform a dance routineduring their yearend recital.Rhonda NunezIt may be little Ava Nunez’s first year, but she already danceslike a professional.Nunez made her stage debut in “Born to be Wild”and “Never Saw Blue.” Showing no fear, she walked outonto the platform with confidence and danced her heartout wearing a big smile.Ford and Rodriguez share a love for chorus lineand ballet. Whether they are wearing the green nightclubattire of 1920s flapper girls or pink organza balletcostumes, they draw a stunning reaction from theiraudiences.Following the evening’s entertainment, the entiredance company did a curtain call and received a standingovation for their performance.

BIG CYPRESSCreative Expressions Returns to Big CypressBY JUDY WEEKSFreelance ReporterJudy Weeks(L-R) Gordon Oliver Wareham provides soft background musicwith his flute as Elgin Jumper recites a poem from hischapbook.BIG CYPRESS — Senior Center Site ManagerCecilia Guzman of Big Cypress organized an All TerrainVehicle (ATV) trail ride to the woods and picniclunch for the seniors on June 17.By 8 a.m. the seniors had gathered at the center andconsumed a hearty breakfast prior to putting on theirhelmets in anticipation of a day in the great outdoors.For those who lacked the proper equipment, theuse of ATVs and helmets had been donated by Moses“Bigg” Jumper Jr., Kevin Osceola, the Ah-Tah-Thi-KiMuseum, Billie Swamp Safari and Big Cypress RecreationDept.Seminole Fire Rescue, Community Care for the Elderly(CCE) and the Seminole Police Dept. (SPD) providedbackup assistance for the Senior Center staff.“You’ve all come here to have a good time and ourprimary goal is to insure that takes place in a safe, comfortableatmosphere,” SPD Officer Jeffery Akin said.“Our journey will begin by traveling the West BoundaryRoad to the Motocross Track, where we will takea brief rest break. Then we will proceed past the lastcanal bridge before jumping off into the woods to thenorthwest.”A caravan formed and following his directions, itwasn’t long before the real adventure began. Passing theweir, the trail dropped off into the woods, leaving theJudy Weeks(L-R) Jorge Fuentes accompanies Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Education CoordinatorDiana Stone as she sings a classic ballad.BIG CYPRESS — The sound of a guitar beingsoftly strummed and the harmonious blend of voicesraised in song beckoned to residents of the Big CypressReservation on June 30 as they passed by Osceola’s Pizzaand Games. Creative Expressions was inviting themto participate in an evening of artistic enrichment.Scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., a heavy rain caused aslow beginning to the festivities, but did not dampen thespirits of the participants. Elgin Jumper made openingremarks and then suggested that the program proceedwith spontaneous presentations.At about 8 p.m. the door opened and a steady flowof patrons slowly began to fill the room, transforming itinto a coffee shop atmosphere. Youngsters coming frombasketball and karate classes quietly joined adults whowere listening intently to the performers.Tribal citizen Joe Frank apologized for arriving solate.“I started looking forward to this when I saw yourflyer and I hope I didn’t miss everything,” Frank said.“The rain and the kids’ extra curricular activities got inthe way for some of us.”The consensus of the room was unanimous and immediatelyCreative Expressions came to life.Gordon Oliver Wareham shared the humorous adventuresof learning to play his flute and then serenadedthe audience. His animated storytelling captured the attentionof the group and led to a round of questions.Elgin Jumper recited some of his poetic compositionsand read brief excerpts from a few of his favoriteauthors, which gave insight to his inspiration. Relatinghis feelings upon visiting the fort at St. Augustine, hetalked about Seminole patriots and the role everyoneplays in creating history and then preserving it.Education Coordinator for the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki MuseumDiana Stone gave depth and meaning to The Eagles’song “Desperado” when she sang it acapella. JorgeFuentes picked up his guitar and joined her in a duet.Jacob Osceola said, “I had to travel into the recessesof my mind to recall this simple expression of mypast and I think that it’s appropriate for this evening.”He then recited his poems “Rain Drops” and“Skull.”Jorge Fuentes returned to do a Bob Segar medley,prior to a final performance by Gordon Oliver Warehamon his flute accompanying a poetic reading by ElginJumper.The younger crowd showed silent respect for theperformers who exposed them to the subtle aspects ofculture and literature.Judy WeeksThe Big Cypress seniors form a caravan on West Boundary Road. Several elders participated in the ATV trail ride on June. 17.Seniors Embark on ATV ExcursionBY JUDY WEEKSFreelance ReporterJudy WeeksVirginia Tommie gets in line as the seniors depart for thewoodland trail.Judy WeeksJonah Cypress relaxes during a water break before enteringthe woods.reservation, crossing the old Robert’s Ranch pastures,and then followed the canal for several miles throughMiccosukee lands.By the end of the day the riders had come full circleand covered an area of approximately 30 miles.A severe thunderstorm the night before had beenaccompanied by lightning and evidence of its passingshowed in the spiral strike marks left on two giant pinetrees. Deer were spotted feeding in a clearing and anabundance of birds of all kinds and sizes lined the bushesand trees beside the trail. An alligator floated lazily inthe water and turtle rested along the banks.Reaching their final destination, the group arrivedto find that the support team had prepared the picnic areawith canopies, tables, cold drinks and an outdoor buffet.While enjoying a leisurely meal, the seniors reminiscedabout growing up in remote camp sites similarto this one and the memories invoked by the sounds ofthe birds and insects that surrounded them. Some wouldlike to journey to the woods more often, but realizedthe dangers they might encounter, if they were travelingalone.Members of the Fire Rescue Dept. quickly respondedwith words of caution, informing the seniors to beaware of accidents, illnesses and becoming disorientedin unfamiliar surroundings. One of the riders normallyrequires the use of a walker for stability and was verygrateful for the freedom she derived by joining thegroup outing.HOLLYWOOD — Paul “Cowbone” Buster saidhe can still remember his father, Jr., riding around theBig Cypress community playing his guitar on horseback.“I think he got his influence from Gene Autry,”Buster remembered. “He had to play an acoustic guitarbecause there was no electricity.”Buster’s father and his father’s cousin, Jimmie,started playing music in the 1950s and 1960s, long beforeradios and television were readily available on thereservation.“They used to play under the tree,” Buster said.Buster coordinated the fourth Annual Jr. Buster-Jimmie Robert Memorial Music Jamboree to celebratehis father and uncle’s musical legacy at the Herman L.Osceola Gym on June 27.The concert began with contemporary gospel musicfrom Jonah Cypress on his acoustic guitar. R.C. Northwas next up, performing two sets from his original musicalcompositions as well as some country music favoriteslike Merle Haggard.He was followed by the Cowbone Jr. Band withPaul Buster’s son, “Chunky,” on guitar, along with MarkThompson on drums and Mike Perryman on the bass.Seminole Star Search 2009 winner Hank Nelson Jr.and the Shadow Creek Band performed next, playingWWW.CASTILLOLAWOFFICES.COMJuly 31, 2009 • The Seminole Tribune • 5APaul BusterJonah Cypress plays contemporary gospel favorites on his acoustic guitar. He was one of several performers at the fourthannual Jr. Buster-Jimmie Robert Memorial Music Jamboree.Jr. Buster, Jimmie RobertMemorialized at JamboreeBY ELIZABETH LEIBAStaff Reportercontemporary country music by the likes of Hank WilliamsJr.The Rambler Band closed out the show with someoriginal Southern rock tunes.“We had a good program,” Paul Buster said. “We’reremembering them for being the [Seminole] pioneers inmusic.”Paul Buster“Chunky” Buster plays guitar with his Cowbone Jr. Band duringthe fourth annual Jr. Buster-Jimmie Robert Memorial Jamboreeheld on June 27.THE POLICEKNOW YOUR RIGHTSDO YOU?Call Me For A FREE ConsultationRICHARD CASTILLO954.522.3500Since 1990 I have protected rights like yours.My office defends dui’s, drug offenses,suspended license, domestic violence, andall felonies and misdemeanors.24 HOURS A DAYThe hiring of an attorney is an important decision that should notbe based solely upon advertisement Castillo worked as a PublicDefender in Broward County from 1990-1996 and has been inprivate practice for nine years. In 1995 he was voted the TrialAttorney of the year. He graduated from Capital University in1989 and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1990, Federal Bar in1992, and the Federal Trial Bar in 1994.

6A • The Seminole Tribune • July 31, 2009HOLLYWOODCity, Reservation Receive Free Wi-FiBY CHRIS C. JENKINSStaff ReporterHOLLYWOOD — Citizens and invited guestsgot some good news July 1 as part of a new technologyproject launch announced during a ceremony held in thedowntown Hollywood Arts Park.Local government officials from the city made theannouncement that Hollywood residents would receivefree Wi-Fi, or wireless Internet services, beginning inChris C. JenkinsHollywood Mayor Peter J. M. Bober (C), alongside Hollywoodcity officials, cuts the wire in celebration of the new wirelessInternet services established throughout the city.HOLLYWOOD — Tribal citizens, employeesand guests learned about another of theTribe’s newest business ventures July 2 at theTribal Headquarters Auditorium.Native American Travel is the new, fullyaccredited travel agency offering assistance fortraveling needs.In another first among Native Americans,the Tribally-owned company becomes the firstagency created for such a purpose. It was an undertakingthree years in the making.“This is all about seeing a need and fillingit,” Fort Pierce Liaison S.R. Tommie said.“We now have the opportunity to make our ownrules and chart our own ways.“This will enable us to be flexible whereneed be,” she added. “The level of customerservice has also been amazing and is much appreciated.”The agency officially made its debut onJune 1. According to its mission statement, itsgoal will be to provide the highest level of professionaland personalized travel services forthe Seminole Tribe of Florida and all of its clientele.“We want to make sure each traveler getsthe accommodations that they need,” NativeAmerican Travel Manager Sharon Calderon explained.“The Tribe has grown and our needshave changed. We needed this type of service tofill those needs.”“We are willing to work for the client onboth a business and personal level,” she added.Tribal Director of Finance Suresh Geeragreed that the agency will be in a unique positionto offer specialized services.“It made all the sense in the world from abusiness and monetary standpoint,” Geer pointed out.“We want to be very careful with this, however. Thegoal is to provide a high level of service to all Tribal affiliatesand allow them to take advantage with us.”Seven agents will be available through the agencyto specialize in different areas of domestic, internationaland cruise destinations. Other services will include hotels,cars, airlines and tour reservations. Cash or creditcard payments are also accepted and bookings can bemade at anytime. Agents advise that the earlier thebooking, the better.“We want to make this program a very user friendlyarrangement,” Calderon said.She also gave a special thanks to members of theTribe’s Information Technology Dept., the Legal Dept.,Human Resources Dept., Buildings and Grounds andOctober.This includes those Tribal citizens living in Hollywoodor on the Hollywood Reservation.“Today marks the beginning of one of the greatestinnovations in our city’s history,” said Mayor Peter J. M.Bober, a lifelong Hollywood resident.According to officials, the move will enable the cityto enhance the efficiency of local government, providethe highest in municipal services to residents and continueattracting world-class technology and business enterprisesto the South Florida area.“We believe that as this goes citywide it will attractmore new businesses,” Public Affairs and MarketingDirector Raelin Storey explained. “This will now be atrue selling point for our city.”Tribal citizens living on or near the Hollywood Reservationwill also directly benefit from these services.“I think it is going to be great,” Ronald Drake, aHollywood Tribal citizen, said. “[It will] save a lot ofmoney and time.”Drake said he uses the Internet close to 20 timesper day.“I think it is going to be good because I can nowbring my computer anywhere for business when I checkmy e-mails,” said Tribal citizen Kelli Tigertail.The Hollywood City Commission approved thenearly $14 million project in January. The move willalso save the city more then $23 million during a 15 yearperiod in operational costs and energy usage savings.The Wi-Fi services will also provide other benefitsand conveniences, in addition to residents no longerhaving to pay an Internet provider for service. The freeWi-Fi service will also improve public safety communications,allowing law enforcement agencies to operatemore effectively and allow them to download importantinformation quicker.The city’s water meter reading process will becomefully automated as well. Automated meter reading willensure that all utility customers obtain accurate, timelybills and offer leak detection capabilities. Residents willsoon receive notices when installation crews are scheduledto begin work. They are expected to complete theprocess within the next eight months.Native American Travel Opens for BusinessBY CHRIS C. JENKINSStaff ReporterChris C. JenkinsNative American Travel Manager Sharon Calderon explains the missionof the agency and benefits for Tribal citizens who will use its services.Education Dept. among others for their assistance andsupport in developing the agency.Vendors were also on hand from Continental Airlines,Carnival Cruise Lines, the Fort Lauderdale SheratonHotel and the Dania Beach and Tampa Hilton Hotelsto answer questions and to show their support.Calderon said there are also future plans for thecontinued growth of the company, including the possibilityof business from corporate executives at HardRock International. There will be a corporate travelwebsite set to be unveiled this fall, a survey program togather information on customer feedback and a requestprocess established for travel upgrades.Normal hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 8a.m.-5 p.m., however, there will be after hours operations.For more information on the new agency pleasecall (954) 967-3614.Chris C. JenkinsJudy Jones (Second from Left) surrounded by family members at her retirement party held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel &Casino June 19. Jones retired after more than 25 years of service working for the Seminole Smoke Shop Management Dept.Retirement Party Held for SmokeShop Management Dept. EmployeeBY CHRIS C. JENKINSStaff ReporterHOLLYWOOD — Tribal citizen Judy Jones retiredin style June 19 at a party held at the SeminoleHard Rock.With a packed house of co-workers, friends andfamily including several members of Tribal Council andBoard of Directors present, this mother of one said hergoodbyes.Tribal Council and Board ofDirectors representatives reflectedabout Jones, many also presentingher with gifts showing their appreciationfor her hard work and servicethroughout the years.The honor caps off a careerspanning a little more than a quarterof a century with the Tribe. Shesaid thoughts toward retirementcame during the holidays last December.“Thank you to everyone andGod bless you for supporting me,”said an emotional Jones.She also received a standingovation from everyone in attendance,including her youngerbrother, Johnnie Sr., the BrightonBoard of Directors representative.“She has done everything,”Rep. Jones said. “What else isthere left for her to achieve?”However, his sister said shedoes have plans for her retirementwhich include spending more timewith her mother, Shule, and dedicating herself to finishingschool in fashion design at the Art Institute of FortLauderdale.Jones has been a part time seamstress and clothingdesigner for years, but said she only began formalschooling last summer. She now has plans to go fulltime and graduate in December 2010.As a maker of shirts, patchwork and other traditionalSeminole attire, it is a passion she has been involvedwith her entire life. She said she began early while inschool through the local 4-H program.“She has been a hard worker her whole life andgave us 26 years of service and we appreciate every dayof that for the Tribe,” said former schoolmate and Board of Directors President Richard Bowers Jr. “We willmiss her.”Jones worked out of the Tribe’s Smoke ShopManagement Dept. holding severalroles throughout the years asa trainer, cashier and manager. Shehas been the administrative assistantto Smoke Shop ManagementGeneral Manager Elsie J. Bowersfor the last 12 years.“What I enjoyed the most wasthe smoke shop customers whocame through,” expressed Jones.A tearful and moved Bowersexpressed to Jones she will alwaysbe grateful for her.“I want to thank you and wishyou all the best,” Bowers said. “Icould always count on you. Youwill be greatly missed.”Before joining the Tribe,Jones had a stint of work with theBureau of Indian Affairs as a purchasingagent and also worked inthe Credit and Finance Dept. anddid contract work.Her steadfast approach definesher character and direction in life.“She never stops working,”said friend and former co-workerSandy Seiner. “The more you know about her the moreyou admire her stamina and energy.”Dedication has always been a part of Jones’ personalityat work and with her family, including her othersix siblings.“She was always there for us growing up and waslike a second mother to us,” Rep. Jones acknowledged.“One of the reasons I made it is because of her.”Everett Osceola Gives SeminoleHistory PresentationNational Hurricane Center Director Bill Read at EventBY SHELLEY MARMORStaff ReporterChris C. Jenkins(L-R) Former co-workers Kathy Gutierrezand Smoke Shop Management GeneralManager Elsie J. Bowers say goodbye to JudyJones at her retirement party June 19.Shelley MarmorTribal citizen Everett Osceola speaks about how previous generationsof Seminoles prepared for and made it through hurricanesat the press conference on July 9.DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. — Tribal citizen EverettOsceola gave a special presentation during a pressconference held at the Disaster Survival House on July9.During his presentation, Osceola, who does communityoutreach for the Museum Dept., explained howSeminoles in years past have prepared for and survivedduring Florida’s hurricanes.The speech came as past of the fourth annual mediaday event, held each year at the Disaster Survival House,to educate the media on how to effectively distribute informationto the public about hurricane preparedness.The 3,300-square-foot Disaster Survival Housewas built in 1998 by State Farm Insurance and SeawoodBuilders of Deerfield Beach, Fla. The three-bedroomhome was designed to withstand the impact of a Category5 hurricane with its more than 100 hurricane-specificconstruction techniques and design features.In his speech Osceola recounted how previous generationsof Seminoles would look to “nature’s alarm” forearly hurricane warnings. He said elders have told himabout how they would know a hurricane was comingif they found an abundance of large snails on a certainmedicinal plant or if they saw the fooshwa, the Creekword for the “hurricane bird,” flying in circles in the air.He also remembered how he and his late mother,Maryjane, walked supplies from their home in Hollywoodto members of the Miccosukee Tribe after HurricaneAndrew devastated their southwest Florida reservationon Aug. 24, 1992.Osceola said he was shocked when his mother suggestedwalking the items the about 75 miles. But explainedthat since there was so much devastation in andnear the reservation, law enforcement officials wouldnot allow cars to drive in the area, and they had no otherchoice. He said they did make the long trek and broughtwater and non-perishable food items to distressed MiccosukeeTribal citizens.“We went back to the way it was 100 years ago,”Osceola said about walking the long distance.In addition to Osceola, National Hurricane CenterDirector Bill Read also spoke at the press conference.Read reminded those in attendance that althoughthe 2009 hurricane season has been quiet thus far, the2005 season also started out this way. However, he said,several hurricanes ended up making landfall towards theend of the season.He said since this is an El Niño year, a weather phenomenonbelieved to be linked to hurricanes’ strengthand frequency, anything can happen at any point in theseason. Atlantic Ocean Hurricane season runs from June1-Nov. 30.During his speech, Read also commended the staffand volunteers of the Disaster Survival House for thework they do in distributing information to the publicabout how to best protect themselves and their propertyduring a hurricane. He said he often recommends peopleto visit the house before beginning a construction project.In fact, the Disaster Survival House is primarilyused today as an education center, not only for prospectivebuilders, but also for school-aged students on fieldtrips.While at the house the students can hear the soundsof a hurricane and feel a fan simulating the winds incondition-regulated rooms. Adults wanting to tour thefacilities can browse through showrooms to find outwhat roofing and shutters will suit their needs and offerthe best hurricane protection.The Disaster Survival House, located at 1345 FAUResearch Park Blvd. in Deerfield Beach, is open forpublic tours Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admissionis free but donations are encouraged.For more information on the house please call (954)426-6887 or visit www.hurricanewarning.org.

HOLLYWOODSummer Work Teaches Valuable SkillsBY ELIZABETH LEIBAStaff ReporterHOLLYWOOD — For youngsters, summertimecalls up visions of everything from lazy days at thebeach to an extended vacation from school and homework.But this summer, more than 40 Seminole youthare participating in the Summer Work Experience Programto learn about Tribal departments and develop jobskills for their futures.The program, established more than 20 years ago,provides an exposure to departments within the Tribe, aswell as outside organizations. Participants have workedeverywhere from a karate school to a cemetery.But for program coordinators, the lessons learnedon the job are even more important than the location.Education Administrative Assistant MichelleElizabeth LeibaKelli Tigertail, 21, a participant in the Summer Work Experience Program,is working in the Education Dept. to learn more about a careerin education. She said she wants to one day become the director of theTribe’s Education Dept.Woods emphasized that the customer service skills participantsgain are invaluable.“They’re constantly in contact with the Tribal population,so they are learning how to be professional aswell,” she explained.The Adult Vocational Program Office places youthworkers on all of the reservations. Each department isencouraged to bring a worker on staff and this year sawthe largest number of youth in the program. The goal isfor a summer worker to eventually be placed for employmentwithin the Tribe.“The Summer Work Experience Program is a greatway to network [and] get your foot in the door,” Woodssaid.Some participants, such as Jarrid Smith, have donejust that. Smith, a Florida Atlantic University graduateand three year alum of the program, went on to secure aposition as the assistant to the Tribe’s Chief OperationsOfficer Elrod Bowers. He credits theprogram for helping him become familiar withthe organizational structure of the Tribe.“I became familiar with the employees,many of whom are still working for the Tribe,”Smith explained. “Overall, the program servedto give me a gauge with which I used to identifythe areas which most interested me.”Kelli Tigertail is enjoying her first year inthe program and hopes to participate again nextyear. The 21-year-old is in her junior year, majoringin elementary education at the Universityof Miami. Her ultimate career goal is to becomethe director of the Tribe’s Education Dept.“I’ve learned a lot,” Tigertail said. “I’vegot an appreciation for the programs and reallywhat they do.”Woods believes the program is vital for careersuccess.“I would encourage them to get involvedbecause…you take away so much from theprogram,” Woods said. “It sets you up for yourfuture.”HOLLYWOOD — Sixteen graduates joined theranks of the Seminole Fire Rescue staff after their graduationceremony held June 26 in the Tribal HeadquartersAuditorium.The department’s new members recently completedan intensive six-week training process at the BrowardCounty Fire Academy.“It has been a long and very tough process,” saidgraduate Michael Mohorek, 27. “It was all different butwell worth it.”Chief Public Safety Officer Jerry Wheeler also attendedthe graduation ceremony. He commended thegrads and also their families for being supportive.“Your family members are now a part of a new familyand one of the most unique family businesses theywill ever come across,” Wheeler said. “There is no betterplace to be whether it is your first or of many youhave had over the years.”Board of Directors President Richard Bowers Jr.and Big Cypress Board Rep. Paul Bowers Sr. were alsopresent for the ceremony. Both showed their supportand congratulations.“Thank you for serving our people and those in thecommunity as well,” President Bowers said to the graduates.“I can understand what you are going through [asa former trainee] and I hope all the best for you.”As a former Tribal Wildlands Dept. worker, Mohoreksaid he enjoyed being exposed to the differentpersonalities throughout his training.“I have enjoyed the different aspects of the trainingand seeing and hearing different views,” MohorekJuly 31, 2009 • The Seminole Tribune • 7AChris C. JenkinsMembers of Seminole Fire Rescue’s Class of 2009 take their Oath of Affirmation at the graduation ceremony on June 26.Seminole Fire Rescue Dept.Holds Graduation CeremonyBY CHRIS C. JENKINSStaff Reporterexplained. “It is all going to be a good process for allof us.”Graduate Lisa Kinchen of Lake Placid, Fla. said theexperience has been about fulfilling a dream she has hadher entire life. She finished the training as the only femalegraduate in the class.“In the guy’s eyes, I am a firefighter,” Kinchen expressed.“Even though I am a girl, I was still one of theirbrothers. A few of the guys even called me mom andlooked up to me.”In spite of some height issues along the way, thefirefighter and emergency medical technician has persevered.The 5’2” former law enforcement officer, volunteerfirefighter and mother has also received a lot ofencouragement and support.“It all boils down to everyone just knowing you cando the job,” Kinchen said.Mohorek, Kinchen and their classmates will beassigned to specific reservations for a five week periodthen be assigned to rotating schedules every fourmonths at a different reservation.The other new members of the Seminole Fire RescueDept. include: Sergio Acosta, firefighter and medic,Anthony Berger, firefighter and medic, Steven Eller,firefighter and medic, Alexander Fernandez, firefighterand medic, David Harshfield firefighter and medic,Francis Hogan, firefighter and emergency medical technician,James Kelley, firefighter and medic, Brian Lenhart,firefighter and medic, Donnie Murray, firefighterand medic, Michael Ondo, firefighter and medic, MiguelPerez, firefighter and medic, Kevin Pinkerton, firefighterand medic, Juan Salazar, firefighter and medic, andRichard Vann, firefighter and medic.HOLLYWOOD — The Seminole Fire RescueDept. made a lifelong impression on one of its biggestfans June 20 at the Seminole Hollywood Fire Station.In an act of teamwork, heroism, dedication andpublic service, its members gave the Weiss family ofCoral Springs the gift of hope and perseverance.Justin Weiss, 9, was the main guest of honor at thefacility. He was made an honorary firefighter, receivinga badge and fire hat from the crew.Justin’s father, Dr. Jeffrey N. Weiss, said althoughJustin has been a quadriplegic for the past seven years,the spirited youth has shown an interest in firefighting.With the help of Dr. Gerald Gluck, Justin’s doctorand therapist, as well as the assistance of son andSeminole Fire Rescue Dept. Lieutenant Jonathan Gluck,and Seminole Emergency Medical Services Chief BrianBrown, a day the Weiss family will never forget becamea reality.“He is truly inspiring,” Lt. Gluck said. “Being inemergency medicine we come into people’s lives at theworst moments, but here was a child, my co-workers[from the Coral Springs Fire-Rescue] resuscitated.When I saw him working with my father [Dr. Gluck] Iwas just taken back.”“Several times on the visit he was able to smilethroughout and that was truly amazing,” Lt. Gluck continued.Through the work of Dr. Gluck using a therapymethod called neurofeedback, Justin was exposed to aseries of pictures. His marked brainwave and oxygenresponse to firefighter related items sparked an idea forthe visit, Dr. Gluck explained.“For him to see other men around with all this neatequipment, it was nice. Even I was excited,” Dr. Weissexpressed. “[Firefighting] is a nice, noble profession.Brian BrownMembers of the Seminole Fire Rescue Dept. with honorary firefighter Justin Weiss (C) and family and friends.Tribal Fire Rescue Team Gives Hope to YouthBY CHRIS C. JENKINSStaff ReporterBrian Brown(L-R) Seminole Fire Rescue Dept. Lieutenant Jonathan Gluck,Dr. Jeffrey Weiss, and son, Justin, show off a custom framedcertification making the young Weiss an honorary firefighterwith the Seminole Tribe.These guys put their lives on the line everyday and hewants to help people himself someday.”“The visit was incredible. What [the crew] did formy little guy, we will never forget,” Weiss added.“[Justin’s] motivation is very important,” Dr. Gluckpointed out. “This is often times a long, tedious, boringprocess. I realized that this was very motivating forhim.”The doctor said neurofeedback and its techniquesenable a person to alter their brainwaves and are usedfor many conditions and disabilities such as Justin’s, inwhich the brain is not working as it normally would.Neurofeedback also helps control mood disorderslike anxiety and depression, or problems with the centralnervous system like conduct disorder, temper tantrums,certain learning disabilities, sleep disorders, epilepsy,cognitive dysfunction from head traumas, strokes,or aging.Dr. Gluck said each day since the Fire Rescue Dept.visit he has used it as a motivator for Justin in his recurringfive day a week therapy sessions.The story of Justin Weiss and his road to recovery,however, began on Memorial Day in 2002. At the time,the then normal 22-month-old quietly fell into his parents’home swimming pool.After nearly drowning, but being revived by CoralSprings paramedics, Justin suffered severe and traumaticbrain injuries.Dr. Weiss sought out the services of Dr. Gluck inMarch of this year based on his practice of neurofeedback.Justin’s progress remains steady according to Dr.Gluck, and will continue until he plateaus.Justin currently has some limited speech and limbmovement. His main source of communication is blinkinghis eyes.“With a combination of therapies I hope somedayJustin can speak and talk,” Dr. Gluck said. “We aremoving in that direction.”According to Justin’s own official website, justinsclub.com,drowning is the second leading cause of injuryand death of infants and children younger than age15 in the U.S. Florida death rates lead the nation in the0-4 year age category.Available on Justin’s website, Dr. Weiss inventeda preventative wrist watch called Aqua Alert. The onesize-fits-allelectronic gadget device emits a loud soundwhen submerged into any body of water. The watercompletes a circuit in the wristband of the watch andtriggers an alarm that sounds similar to the piercingsound of a smoke detector. Designed to fit toddlers toteens, the band has a locking attachment and fits snugglyon the child’s wrist.Aqua Alert is available commercially at amazon.com and a portion of the royalties will be donated toJustin’s Club.“I hope this product can also be of use to the Tribeand its members as well,” Weiss said.Justin’s Club is a nonprofit corporation establishedto help prevent childhood drowning and near-drowningincidents, providing treatment for children whosefamilies cannot afford treatment costs, and for researchthrough nonprofit fundraising.

8A • The Seminole Tribune • July 31, 2009(L-R) Arissa Cypress and Aniya Cypress draw and write about themselves in a self-worth exercise.ORLANDO — For the ninth year running, Tribalcitizens young and old gathered for the annual Hollywood/FortPierce/Non-Resident Youth Conference, heldJuly 6-11.The Walt Disney World Contemporary Resort hostedthe event which addressed several issues throughoutthe week including culture and language preservation,education, health and finance.“The main things I wanted [the youth] to focus onwere prevention, taking care of their bodies and moneymanagement; we want to teach them at an early age toinvest also,” said Hollywood Boys & Girls Club LanguageCoordinator and conference organizer Jo MotlowNorth. “Mainly we just want to educate, educate, educate.”North said with enrollment numbers at more than450 this year – 130 more attendees than last year – theyouth conference saw the largest turnout in its history.“Make the most of opportunities given to you andit will reward you in the end,” said keynote speaker andHollywood Board of Directors Rep. Marcellus OsceolaJr. to the families and guests in attendance. “The timeyou all spend this week will make memories you willnever forget.”“Prosperity Through Perseverance” was the themeof the conference, which focused on consideration,kindness and respect. To reinforce this point, the “randomacts of kindness” concept, as in years past, onceagain allowed youth the chance to earn paper money, orTribal dollars, for completing simple acts of kindnesstoward others.For every act and completed class the youth wouldearn a dollar. The money could then be spent every eveningat a fully supplied canteen store stockpiled withgames, movies, toys and other popular items including a$50 Walt Disney World gift card to be spent at a Disneystore.Youth Conference committee members said thegoal of the arrangement has remained each year todemonstrate the importance of saving, investing and redeemingthe funds for a greater value.Tribal youth Hunter O’Donnell, 7, said he enjoyedmany things about the conference. He has attended withhis family for several years.“I liked carving with the soap and making spearsand tomahawks,” O’Donnell said. “I also liked buyingthe dinosaur toys and playing in the arcade.”Fort Pierce Chupco Youth Ranch Director and conferenceinstructor Shamy Tommie was among manyavailable throughout the week teaching culture and languageto the youth.As an instructor in the traditional Tribal custom ofcarving for the last four years, Tommie began at the ageof 17 making weapons and animals. His grandfather,Jack, passed down the tradition to him. Tommie stressedthat age, patience and concentration are very importantin learning and perfecting such an art.TAMPA — Brighton/Tampa TribalCouncil Representative Andrew Bowers Jr.formally addressed the Tampa community onJuly 14 at Floyd’s restaurant inside the SeminoleHard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa.“I would like to thank all of you whovoted for me and I look forward to servingthis community for the next two years.” Rep.Bowers said.He also attended the Tampa Field Officestaff meeting earlier in the day where he informedthe staff that he had no intention ofgetting involved in the daily operations, aslong as things continued to run smoothly.“You all are experts at your jobs,” Rep.Bowers said. “I’ll let you be the experts andI’ll step in only when it’s necessary.”“Getting to them at the right age is key because theywill listen to you,” Tommie said of the Tribal youth. “Ifyou do not have the patience you are never going to getit right.”Second year conference attendee Tomi Motlowbrought her two children to the conference includingBaylee, 11. She said the experience taught her a lotabout what youth face today on and off the reservations.“Before, I never thought about my children gettinginto the things that they have to face now,” Motlow admitted.“I like for [Baylee] to hear and know about theconsequences of doing wrong out there. I am also tryingto shield her from that kind of life though.”International Native American artist Sam Englishof the Turtle Mountain/Red Lake Chippewa Tribe alsomade his first appearance at the conference as a guestand instructor.“Anything that has to do with the arts and inspiresis important for [Natives],” English said. “Our youngpeople are looking for a way. There are a lot of negativethings going on in Native Country.”“You need to learn to love, forgive and respect eachother,” English expressed to the youth.The Seminole Police Dept. also offered their usualinsight on community issues such as peer pressure andInternet safety.Seminole Police Department Training CoordinatorRichard Smith and Police Chief William Latchfordspoke candidly to both parents and youth on a host oftopics affecting all Tribal communities includingonline predators, truancy, passwordand identity safety, parental responsibilityand accountability.“The Internet is a great, great thing, butit can also be very, very dangerous,” Smithpointed out to the 8-11 year olds. “There aresome tremendously good amounts of peoplein the world but there are also some bad onestoo.”Latchford advised the parents to take anactive role in their child’s safety, as well asthe safety of the community they live in.“I encourage you to take positive peerpressure and influence and change yourcommunities,” he said.Allied Health Program Manager SuzanneDavis agreed, stressing the importanceof parents.“Remember you are the most importantteacher your kids will ever have,” Davissaid. “I want to help these youth form theirvalues for the future.”The week ended with the youth andfamilies enjoying the Walt Disney World facilitiesand water parks.Council Rep. Addresses Tampa CommunityBY RYAN WATSONStaff ReporterChris C. JenkinsCommunities Enjoy Annual Youth ConferenceBY CHRIS C. JENKINSStaff ReporterChris C. Jenkins(L-R) Tribal citizen Diane Snow teaches Katrina Bowers about traditionalpatchwork design in culture class.Chris C. JenkinsMariah Bowers shows off the pillow she sewed in class.Photo Credit(L-R) Brighton/Tampa Council Representative Andrew Bowers Jr. talkswith Tampa Liaison Richard Henry at Floyd’s in the Seminole Hard RockHotel & Casino on July 14.

10A • The Seminole Tribune • July 31, 2009FOURTH OF JULYTampa Community CelebratesJuly Fourth at Crazy J’s RanchBY RYAN WATSONContributing WriterRIVERVIEW, Fla. — Tribal citizensand employees from the Tampacommunity celebrated IndependenceDay at Crazy J’s Ranch in nearbyRiverview, Fla. on July 4.Event attendees enjoyed games ofhorseshoes, tug-of-war and closest tothe pin, and listened to music providedby DJ Wanda, while the younger childrenspent the day jumping around inthe bounce house.Tampa Liaison Richard Henrysaid although professional fireworkswere not on the Fourth of July agendaat Crazy J’s, he wanted attendees to beable to enjoy a pyrotechnics show.“We scheduled the event to endbefore sunset so everyone could go seefireworks wherever they want to,” heexplained.The evening concluded withgames of Bingo and a raffle for doorprizes.“I’d like to wish a Happy Fourthof July to all Tribal members and employees,”Liaison Henry said.Ryan WatsonAt Right: Tampa senior Bobby Henry linesup to throw in a game of horseshoes.Rachel BuxtonJamie Smith crawls on top and leaps over a barrel in the obstaclecourse during Brighton’s July Fourth holiday festivities.Brighton Celebrates Fourth of JulyBY RACHEL BUXTONStaff ReporterBRIGHTON — The Brighton community didn’tlet the rain and field of mud stop them from celebratingIndependence Day July 2-5 on the Brighton Reservation.The Recreation Dept., along with the Tribal CouncilOffice, kept the community busy with many funfilledactivities.“We are building family traditions in the Brightoncommunity,” said Kai Setty of the Recreation Dept.“This keeps the family bonded throughout the year andholiday season.”The department kicked things off on July 2 as menand women competed in a 4-on-4 volleyball tournament.The Brighton kids got to join the fun the next day asthey competed in 3-on-3 youth basketball. Children ofall ages claimed their part of the basketball court in thegym shooting baskets.Following basketball, the youth raced outside wherethey took part in a variety of recreation field events. Theyouth trudged through the mud competing for the besttime in the 50 and 75 yard dash.An obstacle course was set up for participants tohop through tires, leap over barrels and dribble a soccerball to the finish line.In true Fourth of July fashion, the watermelonswere brought out and children and adults participated inwatermelon races.Both youth and adults got to show off their pie eatingskills over the weekend in the pie eating contests.Competitors picked their favorite pie filling and thenraced their fellow eaters using no hands.Adults and seniors enjoyed a friendly horseshoetournament along with Bingo under the tents to cool offOn July 3-4 the Hollywood Tribal community enjoyeda host of activities to celebrate Independence Day.The annual golf gathering brought teams togetherat the Orangebrook Country Club on July 3. With a mixof Tribal citizens and employees participating, the threemandraw 18 Hole event, which also featured a shotgunstart.“The conditions were wet but we had a good turnout,”said organizer Mitch Osceola. “I definitely wantto thank the players for coming out even though it washot and wet.”Osceola also gave praise to Hollywood TribalCouncil Rep. Max B. Osceola Jr. and Hollywood Boardof Directors Rep. Marcellus Osceola Jr. for help withequipment needs.July 4 brought everyone together for bowling actionat Sparez Bowling Center in Davie, Fla., and theannual carnival held on the Hollywood Reservationsoftball field.With tournament play held in the morning on thelanes, the afternoon offered family, food and fun, accordingto organizer and Hollywood Tribal CouncilRep. Assistant Robin Osceola.A wall climb, Ferris wheel, animal farm, face paintingstation and hay rides were also many of the attractionson hand.“Getting rides in the summer is tough because a lotof the attractions go up north for their business,” Osceolaexplained. “We make it work and make the best of itall every year.”Hollywood Board of Directors Rep. MarcellusOsceola Jr. said he enjoyed all the events.“I thought it was all great especially from a fellowshipstandpoint,” he said. “More than any other timeand stay dry.The Fourth of July festivities also included the JosiahJohns Memorial Rodeo, sponsored by the Brightoncommunity. Both Eastern Indian Rodeo Associationand Professional Cowboys Association Rodeo membersparticipated in the event, held July 4-5.The community and many visitors got to enjoy abeautiful firework display following the rodeo on July 4.“Families that play together, stay together,” jokedSetty. “It’s silly but true. It’s all about making memories.”Rachel BuxtonSammy Gopher throws a ringer in the horseshoe competition.Independence Day in ImmokaleeJudy WeeksJuan Diago Garza gets a helping hand as he scales the rock wall.BY JUDY WEEKSFreelance ReporterIMMOKALEE — Members of the Immokaleecommunity gathered at the Immokalee BallField and Recreation Complex on July 4 to celebrateIndependence Day.Heavy afternoon rains created a slow start tothe festivities, but by early evening a crowd hadformed at the carnival with a water park, rides,game booths and related activities. Children andadults were quick to consume the wide variety ofmidway favorites including popcorn, funnel cakesand cotton candy.Immokalee Tribal Council Liaison ElaineAguilar offered a prayer for all the brave men andwomen fighting around the world to protect thecountry’s freedom. Looking back at the origins ofIndependence Day, she presented a brief historicalreview of the event and enlightened the audience onthe effects it has today on their lives.The long awaited moment arrived with the settingof the sun. With a loud boom the sky lit up witha fantastic display of fireworks that lasted for morethan 45 minutes and could be seen for miles. Around of applause accompanied the awesome flamingdisplay of the American Flag during the finale.Community Enjoys Independence Day CelebrationBY CHRIS C. JENKINSStaff ReporterRachel BuxtonBrighton youth participate in the watermelon roll competion.now I enjoy it all because being an elected official nowI have a sense of responsibility to support the community.”A fireworks display wrapped up the evening.Josh Harrison lines up his ball on the tee.Chris C. JenkinsThe most popular booth at the carnival had a steady flow of contestants, all vying to win stuffed animals.Big Cypress Fourth of July CelebrationBY JUDY WEEKSFreelance ReporterBIG CYPRESS — Big Cypress communitymembers participated in a full day offun-filled activities as they celebrated IndependenceDay on July 4 at the Ball Park.“The Seminole people are descendedfrom a long line of brave warriors who havefought for freedom for hundreds of years.Traditionally, Native Americans have paintedtheir faces for battle,” said Chairman MitchellCypress.Pointing to his face painted with theAmerican Flag, he continued: “I am paintedfor freedom. As a veteran, I feel that it is importantto take time out today to recognizeall the men and women who have shed theirblood to insure our right of freedom and independence.”Live entertainment by The GladesMen echoed throughout the park creatinga soundtrack for the multitude of activities.Shouts and laughter was heard from theyoungsters playing in the carnival midway.Bounce houses, a water park, rock climbing wall,bungee jumps, spinning cars, a merry-go-round andflying cup rides beckoned to children of all ages. Thegame of chance was an obvious favorite as boys andgirls tested their skills with water pistols to win a varietyof stuffed animals.Meanwhile, the adults gathered in the shade to participatein the horseshoe tournament. Divided into fivecategories, the players patiently waited their turn, whilestudying their opponent’s techniques and offering helpfulcriticism. A steady stream of laughter accompaniedgood-natured jokes and kept the players on their toes.Lines were painted on the lawn to mark off theJudy WeeksSara Osceola-Turtle’s GMC Denali SUV takes second in the car show.Horseshoes: Men: 1. Charlie Cypress, 2. Jay Osceola, 3.Bronson Hill; Women: 1. Renee Tigertail, 2. Toi Andrews, 3.Cathy Jumper; Senior Men: 1. Billy Johns, 2. Joe Billie, 3.Rudy Osceola; Senior Women: 1. Mary Tigertail, 2. VirginiaTommie, 3. Bess Bowlegs; Co-Ed: 1. Charlie Cypress &Myra Jumper, 2. Billie Johns & Mary Tigertail, 3. Joe Herrera& Cathy Jumper.Sack Races: 3-5 Years Old: 1. Nick Andrews II; 6-8 YearsOld: 1. Romeo Garcia, 2. Miguel Cantu Jr., 3. BrandiOsceola; 9-12 Years Old: 1. Darius Friday, 2. JathanielBrooks, 3. Lane Savant, 4. Terrance Hill.40 Yard Dash: 3-5 Years Old: 1. Nick Andrews II, 2. IsadoraJumper, 3. Xavier Hill; 6-8 Years Old: 1. Dayra Koenes, 2.Romeo Garcia, 3. Osiana Crespo, 4. Shana Balentine; 9-12Years Old: 1. Jathaniel Brooks, 2. Sydnee Cypress, 3. SierraBowers, 4, Darius Friday; 13-17 Years Old: 1. RashaunJim, 2. Tylor Tigertail, Nathaniel Jim.Car Show ResultsBest Of Show: Interior: Jolene Osceola; Paint: JadrienAntuna; Engine: Adriana Huggins; Sound: Adriana Huggins;Judy WeeksJudy WeeksJamie Onco’s Can-Am Spyder street bike takes first place in her division.Fourth of July Event Resultstrack for the sack and foot races. The spectators roaredwith delight as the youngsters climbed into sacks andhopped, stumbled and rolled their way to the finish linein three age-divided contests.Entries in the Fourth of July car show representeda broad spectrum of vehicles. Their owners spent allday washing, waxing and detailing in anticipation of thecompetition. A quick visible survey confirmed that thegems on display were prized possessions of their ownerswho had a substantial investment in their collection.Jamie Onco ran a loving hand over her unique Can-Am Spyder Street Bike while talking to admirers aboutthe motorcycle’s capability on the highway. A short distanceaway, Toi Andrews was giving a final polish to herbright green Artic Cat ATV 4X4.Sara Osceola-Turtle’s black GMCDenali SUV carried such a shine that itreflected the clouds floating in the skyoverhead and she received recognitionfor the best engine in her division.Ronnie Billie Jr. stood close besidehis customized Chevy Impala and talkedabout its origins and the work thathad goes into preserving a classic. Withan appreciation for mechanics, he hadentries in more than one division.Julius Billie swept the Jeep division,receiving Best Interior, Best Paintand Overall First Place.Moving through the line up, thejudges talked to the owners, examinedthe exterior, interior, engine compartments,trunks and added features of eachentry before tabulating the final results.4-Wheeler: Toi Andrews; Side X Side: Nathan Billie; 4X4Off-Road: Chaska Osceola-Onco.Cars: Classic: 1. Ronnie Billie Jr.; Donks: 1. Adriana Huggins,2. Carradine Billie; Best Interior: Carradine Billie;Best Paint: Carradine Billie; Best Engine: Adriana Huggins;Muscle: 1. Charlie Cypress, 2. Phillip Jumper, 3. Joe Billie;Luxury:: 1. Jolene Osceola, Best Interior: Jolene Osceola,Best Engine: Jolene Osceola.Trucks: 4X4: 1. Chaska Osceola-Onco, 2. Nick Andrews;Pick-Up: 1. Sara Osceola; Jeep: 1. Julius Billie; Best Interior:Julius Billie; Best Paint: Julius Billie; SUV: 1. JadrienAntuna, 2. Sara Osceola-Turtle, 3. Katherine Billie; BestInterior: Virginia Tommie; Best Paint: Jadrien Antuna; BestEngine: Sara Osceola-Turtle.Motorcycles: Street Bikes: 1. Jamie Onco, 2. Michael OncoJr. 3. Nathan Billie; Hogs: 1. Nick Andrews.4-Wheelers: ATV (Race): 1. Robert Cypress; 4X4: 1. ToiAndrews, 2. Bonnie Billie Jr., 3. Justin Osceola; Side XSide: 1. Nathan Billie.

FATHER’S DAYFT. LAUDERDALE — Community members celebratedthe Father’s Day holiday to the extreme on June18.The Tribal Council and Board of Directors sponsoredan outing to Xtreme Indoor Karting, a popularhalf-mile, indoor European Bowman race kart track.Fathers in attendance also received gifts fromthe offices of Hollywood Tribal Council Rep. Max B.Osceola Jr. and President Richard Bowers Jr.Rep. Osceola thought coming up with an inventiveplace and way to celebrate fathers would be a hit foreveryone.“I figured why not come to a place that caters tomen, but also has something for everyone,” Rep. Osceolasaid. “It is a family place, it is indoors and what betterplace to be than somewhere like here?”Tribal citizen Mingo Jones, who brought his son,Lorenzo, to the event agreed.“It was a good place,” Jones said. “I was comfortablethere even though it was my first time there. Youcould enjoy and do what you wanted.”Racing participants, including Manny Baker, receivedtrophies depending on how well they did racing.Guests also celebrated the birthday of newly electedHollywood Tribal Board of Directors Rep. MarcellusOsceola Jr. at the event.The early 20th Century concept of honoring fathersannually on the third Sunday of June came as a complementto Mother’s Day. Father’s Day celebrates fatherhoodand male parenting.The first observance of the day is believed to havebeen on July 5, 1908 in a church located in Fairmont,W.V.Xtreme Indoor Karting is a 90,000 square footfacility. The main draw, however, remains the 40 EuropeanBowman race karts that race on a half-mile ofasphalt track. The karts reach speeds up to 45 miles perhour. Practice sessions, memberships and licenses areavailable.There are also 10 cadet carts tailored for use bychildren ages 8-15.The facility also has a 4,000 square foot sports barwith 10 plasma televisions, billiard tables and more than120 video arcade games.For more information on Xtreme Indoor Kartingplease call (954) 491-6265 or log on to www.extremeindoorkarting.com.Seniors Celebrate Father’s Day atLandmark South Florida RestaurantBY CHRIS C. JENKINSStaff ReporterChris C. JenkinsHollywood Tribal Council Rep. Max B. Osceola Jr. with the Hard Rock calendar girls before his race.Community Members Celebrate‘Xtreme’ Father’s Day HolidayBY CHRIS C. JENKINSStaff ReporterChris C. JenkinsTribal citizen Manny Baker with his racing trophy.FT. LAUDERDALE — In celebration of Father’sDay, the Tribal seniors enjoyed lunch at one of SouthFlorida’s most well-known restaurants, the 15th StreetFishery and Dockside Café, on June 19.Tribal Council Treasurer and first time patron MikeTiger said the eatery was a hit for everyone.“Our seniors enjoyed the trip,” Tiger explained.“The fish was also good and delicious.”As a father himself, Tiger said the meaning behindthe outing is also significant.“[Father’s Day] is important for a lot of people,” hesaid. “It actually brings back memories of my father. Hedefinitely died too young.”Owner of the 15th Street Fishery and DocksideCafé, Ted Drum, said he enjoyed the seniors’ visit andtook the opportunity to greet them and express his appreciationfor the Seminoles longstanding presence andperseverance in Florida.He also dedicated a room in the establishment to theSeminole Tribe. He said the pictures in the room, whichhe received through the Fort Lauderdale Historical Societyin years past, are intended to honor the Tribe.“As a kid growing up in Fort Lauderdale I was alwaysfascinated with the Tribe and had a lot of admirationfor them,” Drum pointed out. “We want this to betheir place on the river to continue to come to.”The 15th Street Fishery and Dockside Café is locateddirectly inside the city’s Lauderdale Marina forclose to 30 years. The authentic old-Florida dock houseatmosphere also draws in patrons. The casual waterfrontsetting of Dockside Café also has yachts, fishing vesselsand other boats sail past for a scenic backdrop.For reservations call (954) 763-2777 or log on towww.15streetfisheries.com.NAPLES — Meeting in a private dining room atMcCormick & Schmicks, members of the Naples communitygathered to honor their fathers, past and present,on the evening of June 12.Naples Liaison OB Osceola Jr. said: “It is times likethis that I realize how fortunate I am to have my fatherhere to share in the moment. Many people have had aneffect on my life during my childhood, education andadult years, but none can compare with the positive reinforcementand moral support that my father providedto help shape my life.”Continuing, Liaison Osceola said: “My gratitudedoesn’t end with my dad. I am reminded each Father’sDay of all the wonderful things that I learned from mygrandfather, Corey Osceola. He was the rock that heldour family together and through him we received thewisdom handed down from our forefathers.”President Richard Bowers Jr. presented each of thefathers with a silk scarf and silver tie clasp reminiscentof the ones worn for many decades by Seminole men.“These items represent a small token of the strengthand determination of our forefathers, who sacrificed somuch to ensure our survival,” President Bowers said.“Now it is our turn to pass these qualities along to ourchildren.”Corey Billie offered a blessing for the occasion followedby a gourmet dinner. Each of the fathers receiveda gift bag from their children containing a silver moneyclasp to commemorate the event.OKEECHOBEE, Fla. — Brighton residents andcommunity members came together June 16 at the KOACampground in Okeechobee, Fla. to honor fathers andgrandfathers at a Father’s Day banquet dinner, sponsoredby President Richard Bowers Jr.“I’m glad to be here to celebrate an early Father’sDay,” President Bowers said. “Fathers, pat yourselveson the back and children, put your arms around him andthank him.”The KOA Banquet Hall was decorated in Seminolecolors with balloon arrangements on each table. Goldstar confetti was sprinkled on the tables with little napkinnotes reading, “A father is a man you can trust andlook up to every day of your life.”Fathers came with their families and grandfathersbrought their grandchildren to celebrate the special occasion.The event was rocking with live entertainment featuringSeminole Star Search winner Hank NelsonJr. Nelson sang alongside the Shadow Creek bandJuly 31, 2009 • The Seminole Tribune • 11ANaples Community CommemoratesFather’s Day at Private DinnerBY JUDY WEEKSFreenlance ReporterBrighton Community Honors FathersBY RACHEL BUXTONStaff ReporterRachel BuxtonDad Daniel “Boogie” Nunez kisses his daughter, Cheyenne.Judy Weeks(L-R, Back Row)) Naples senior Douglas M. Osceola Jr. andPresident Richard Bowers Jr. with (L-R, Front Row) elders IngramBillie Jr. and OB Osceola Sr. at dinner.Rachel BuxtonGeorge Micco joins his daughters, (L-R) Serenity and Charisma,at the Father’s Day banquet dinner on June 16.from Ft. Lauderdale.The band played classics such as “Don’t Rock theJuke Box” while Nelson sang his very own rendition ofthe John Anderson classic song, “Seminole Wind.”Residents were able to visit with non-residentfriends as they feasted on a steak buffet prepared byD.R. Daniels of Okeechobee, Fla.The blessing was said by Pastor Wonder Johns whospoke a few words on remembering the real Father upin heaven.To remember the wonderful evening families andfriends were able to get souvenir pictures taken andprinted out onsite to take home.President Bowers thanked everyone for coming outand reminded children once more: “Hug your fatherstoday.”Chris C. JenkinsOwner of the 15th Street Fishery and Dockside Café Ted Drum (R) speaks with the seniors during the Father’s Day lunch.Wearing their Seminole scarves, several Immokalee fathers gather for a commemorative photo.Immokalee Celebrates Father’s DayBY JUDY WEEKSFreenlance ReporterIMMOKALEE — Residents of the Immokaleecommunity migrated to the event hall at the ImmokaleeCasino on the evening of June 20 in celebration of Father’sDay. The banquet room had been decorated inturquoise and silver accented by an aquatic theme andgiant fish trophies.Immokalee Tribal Council Liaison Elaine Aguilarsaid: “In our fast-paced lifestyle, we often fail to slowdown and enjoy the companionship of our families.Gathered here this evening, we have the opportunity tolet the father figures in our lives know how importantthey are to us. In our society we are all one big familyrelated by blood, clan or circumstance. Show your gratitudeto your fathers and remember the important rolethat you have undertaken, when you become a parentand have to fill your dad’s shoes.”Acting on behalf of President Richard Bowers Jr.,Chris C. JenkinsEsther Buster and Mornin’ Osceola presented each ofthe fathers with a silk scarf and silver tie clasp. Theseitems were symbolic of the brave men who have forgenerations protected and provided for their familiesand preserved the heritage of the Seminole people.An array of gifts lined the front of the room comprisedof tools, tackle boxes, fishing poles, cue sticks,coolers, car care kits and tool chests. Each father receivedan opportunity to select the item of his choice.Raffles tickets were distributed and winners were rewardedwith Seminole jackets, vests, deluxe barbequegrills, a gym set and a recliner.As grand prize winners, Raymond Garza Sr. receiveda custom outdoor, weatherproof pool table andRalph Sanchez Jr. took home the 52 inch, high definition,flat screen television.A professional photographer provided each of thefamilies with a group portrait to commemorate the occasion.

July 31, 2009 • The Seminole Tribune • 1BWorkshop instructor Pedro Zepeda shows students an example of a traditional Seminole shirt at the seminar, held June 16 in Naples.Judy WeeksPedro Zepeda Teaches Traditional Shirt-MakingBY JUDY WEEKSFreelance ReporterNAPLES — Among the many informative and educationalprograms sponsored by the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, a series ofworkshops have been scheduled to assist Tribal citizens in learningand perfecting their cultural arts and crafts.On June 16 instructor Pedro Zepeda conducted a class featuringconstruction of traditional Seminole shirts at the Juanita OsceolaCenter in Naples.Attracting an eager study group ranging in ages from 11 to 82,Zepeda provided a brief history of men’s traditional shirt styles thatspanned the past two hundred years. Holding up clothing samples,he discussed the time period for various styles, manner of construction,fabric preferences and basic patterns that have become universalguidelines for generations of artisans.Basic forms of Seminole patchwork were described, but thebulk of the information centered on materials, construction methodsand the evolution of the styles as they adapted from one generationto another.For the class project, each participant was encouraged to createa boy’s short sleeved shirt. Zepeda said choosing a child’s garmentwould require less time and materials, and make it more feasible foreach project to be completed while assistance would be available.Supplying the basic pattern, Zepeda held up the various piecesand demonstrated their placement in the construction of the overallproject. Yokes, sleeves, gussets, neck bands, collars and arm bandsbecame a part of the students’ vocabulary.Selecting a basic background fabric and a coordinating sequenceof colors for stripping, the class cut out their pieces and slowly beganto assemble their shirts. Moving from one sewing machine toanother, Zepeda kept a watchful eye on his seamstresses, answeredquestions and corrected mishaps.By the end of the first day of the workshop, several of the studentshad mastered the difficult task of inserting sleeves, finishingneck bands and had nearly completed their first garment. The secondday saw the finishing touches and talk revolved around beginning anew article of clothing.Masters of their craft, the Tribal Seniors listened to the openingpresentation and then pitched in and offered valuable assistancewherever they were needed. They quickly voiced their enthusiasmfor the cultural training program and looked forward to attendingfuture workshops.High School Grads Travel to Paradise IslandTrip Awarded as Chairman Mitchell Cypress’s Graduation GiftBY SHELLEY MARMORStaff ReporterNASSAU, BAHAMAS — After completing12 years of schooling, Tribal high schoolgraduates Damen Bert, Pablo Cardenas, AmberCraig, Emily Cortez, Brittany Huff, Falon Keyser,Randee McDonald and Krystle Young spenta relaxing week on Nassau’s Paradise Island inthe Bahamas at the Atlantis Resort.This is the ninth year in a row ChairmanMitchell Cypress has rewarded the Tribe’s highShelley MarmorThe Class of 2009 graduates (L-R) Randee McDonald, Brittany Huff, Emily Cortez, Amber Craig, Damen Bert, KrystleYoung, Pablo Cardenas and Falon Keyser with Chairman Mitchell Cypress before the dinner banquet, held at theAtlantis Resort on June 24.school grads with this trip, which took placeJune 22-26.While celebrating with the graduates, theirchaperones and members of the EducationDept. at the graduation dinner banquet, held onsiteat Atlantis on June 24, the Chairman commendedthe hard work that went intograduating high school.“It might have been hard, but itwas worth it,” Chairman Cypress said.He encouraged each graduate topursue higher education and one daycome back to work for the Tribe, tellingthem “you are the ones who willrun the Tribe in the future.”Each of the grads also spoke tothose in attendance about their futureplans, with some admitting they arecurrently preparing for college.Class of 2009 grads BrittanyHuff, Falon Keyser, Randee McDonaldand Krystle Young and have alreadybeen accepted to the universityof their choosing, and Amber Craigsaid she will be attending Indian RiverCollege, a community college nearher home.Grad Pablo Cardenas said heplans to apply to Haskell Indian NationsUniversity in Lawrence, Kan.and wants to study business, whileEmily Cortez said she plans to attenda vocational school to become a certifiedbail bondswoman. Graduate DamenBert said he is undecided.v Please see GRADS on page 3BPemayetv Emahakv SchoolTeachers, Staff HonoredBY RACHEL BUXTONStaff ReporterBRIGHTON — Pemayetv Emahakvteachers and staff were honoredMay 7 at the Teacher and Staff AppreciationBanquet held at the Brightongym.“I am very fortunate to have sucha strong staff,” said Principal RussellBrown. “From the front line to the backline, we have high quality people here.”Throughout the evening select studentsfrom various grades recited poems.Students included Student CouncilChairman Imillakiyo Osceola, andStudents Receive IncentiveAwards at CeremonyMARCO ISLAND, Fla. — The2009 Naples Education IncentiveAwards Banquet was held on the eveningof July 11 at the Marco IslandMarriott Beach Resort.Naples LiaisonOB Osceola Jr. addressedthe studentsand their families duringopening remarks.“Reviewing yourachievements of thepast year, I can’t helpbut be proud of eachand every one of you,”Liaison Osceola said.“Your grade averagesand accomplishmentsin extracurricular activitiesare an indicationof the commitmentof the studentsand their parents toeducation.”“I feel that it isimportant that I take this opportunityto acknowledge our parents for a jobwell done,” Liaison Osceola continued.“It isn’t easy to get your children upand off to school on time each morning,oversee their homework and juggleyour own busy schedules.”Naples/Immokalee Education AdvisorDiana Rocha also spoke.“In examining your grade point averagesfor 2009, all of the students inthe Naples community are rated in theupper percentile for their grade levels,”Seminole PreschoolersLearn How to Prevent FiresStudent Council Reps. Joshua Madrigal,Aiyana Tommie, Raeley Matthews,Mallorie Thomas, Safety Patrol CaptainMichael Garcia and third grade studentBrady Rhodes.Osceola read a self-written poemabout and dedicated to his teacher, Mrs.Finney, while the rest of the studentsread poems honoringall teachers.The eveningincluded a slideMichele ThomasStudents (L-R) Raeley Matthews, Aiyana Tommie, Mallorie Thomas,Michael Garcia, Imillakiyo Osceola, Brady Rhodes and Joshua Madrigalhonor their teachers at the banquet, including cultural educationSeminole history teacher Jade Braswell (Front Row, Center).BY JUDY WEEKSFreelance ReporterBY ELIZABETH LEIBAStaff Reportershow presentationprepared byPemayetv Emahakv’smediaspecialist ShelleyBrantley thatdocumented theaction-packedschool year. Picturespopped upon the screenfrom the numerousevents thatwere held duringthe 2008-2009school year.“A 30 minutevideo doesn’teven scrape thesurface of ourschool year,”said Administrative Assistant MicheleThomas. “It gives Chairman [Mitchell]Cypress and everyone else who isn’table to attend all our events a chance tosee what we’ve been doing.”Thomas represented PemayetvRocha said. “You have worked veryhard throughout the year to meet thesedifficult standards and you will carrythe rewards of your labors with you fora lifetime.”Rocha added: “Matthew Billiewith a GPA of 4.0 and Bryce Osceola,Judy WeeksThe students with Naples Liaison OB Osceola Jr. (Back Row,Center) after being recognized for their outstanding efforts.Elizabeth Leiba(L-R) Simeon Cypress, Amber Cypress and Saylor Gowenlearn about fire prevention from Inspector Bruce Britton.v Please see BANQUET on page 2Bwho is taking advanced classes, will bereceiving special recognition this evening.”She also said that the Naples studentshave some of the highest attendancerecords of all the students shesupervises. Rocha said Martin Slavikand Matthew Billie both had perfectattendance, while Nicole Slavik, RossZepeda and Corinne Zepeda missedthree days or less.v Please see AWARDS on page 2BHOLLYWOOD — The preschoolerslearned how to dial 911 in afire safety presentation conducted bySeminole Tribe Fire Rescue’s Fire PreventionDivision on June 9.Inspector Bruce Britton presented“Fire Prevention Tools” as a part ofthe Preschool Risk Watch Program,an 8-unit program designed by theNational Fire Prevention Associationto prevent various types of injuries inchildren under 14.The program startedoff with a 10-minuteanimated DVD, whichtransported the preschoolersto the fictitiousRainbow Valley.Computer generatedcharacters taught aboutsmoke detectors, fireextinguishers and otherfire prevention methodscommonly foundthroughout many homes.After the video,Britton gave each ofthe preschoolers an opportunityto touch andget familiar with the fireprevention tools.v Please see FIRE onpage 2B

2B • The Seminole Tribune • July 31, 2009Seminoles Learn eBay ® Buying,Selling Tips in Computer ClassBY ELIZABETH LEIBAStaff ReporterHOLLYWOOD — Tribal citizens learned howto effectively use eBay ® , the popular online auctionwebsite, in a training class held in the Dorothy S.Osceola Building library on June 30 and July 2.The class emphasized the utility of the site, www.ebay.com, with topics highlighting the psychologyof bidding, pricing and listing items and using Pay-Pal ® , the most popular payment site presently used byeBay ® buyers and sellers.Instructor Roger Fabel also pointed out the benefitsand disadvantages of using eBay ® to sell itemsinstead of creating a private website.Attendee Mary Gay Osceola said the class offeredher the opportunity to learn more about howshe might be able to market her traditional Seminoleartwork online. Her husband, Don, said the class was“pretty interesting.”“Some more skills you learn in case you need toearn a little more,” he explained of his reasons for takingthe course.Fabel has taught computer classes for the Tribefor about three years and said a major theme of thecourses is Internet safety. The Education Dept. alsooffers several additional classes, including computerfundamentals, electronic scrapbooking and websitedevelopment.“I’m trying to help show [Tribal citizens] what’savailable for them,” Fabel said. “It’s been very successfulto get them to see what the computer can dofor them.”Elizabeth Leiba(L-R) Firefighter Oscar Castillo plays the dispatcher as EanJay Young is coached by Inspector Bruce Britton on how to dial911 in an emergency.v FIREFrom page 1BBritton explained that his department has conductedthe program for two years and stressed that childrenare never too young to learn about fire safety.“I hear about it on a regular basis where kids havesaved lives,” he said. “We really believe prevention isvery important.”The Fire Prevention Division will continue to presentthe program on various reservations through August.Other topics to be covered throughout the rest ofthe year include school bus safety, poison prevention,and choking and suffocation prevention.For more information, please contact InspectorBruce Britton at (863) 805-5450 or visit www.nfpa.org.v BANQUETFrom page 1BElizabeth Leiba(L-R) Don Osceola listens to tips on using the eBay ® website, www.ebay.com, from computer class instructor Roger Fabel.Michele Thomas(L-R) Former Brighton Tribal Council Rep. Roger Smith, PamRhodes, Jeanine Gran, Brighton Board Rep. Johnnie Jones Sr.and Principal Russell Brown at the Teacher and Staff AppreciationBanquet, held May 7 at the Brighton gym.Emahakv Charter School’s Parent Teacher Student Organizationas she presented Teacher of the Year JeanineGran with a traditional Indian skirt.“I can’t say enough about Mrs. Gran and what shedoes,” Thomas said. “It is so wonderful watching herdo her magic and how she nurtures and teaches the students.”Pam Rhodes, the non-instructional employee ofthe year was presented with a Seminole beaded lanyardin appreciation for all of her hard work.“Pam is wonderful to work with,” Thomas said.“She is the first person you see when you enter theschool and is so very deserving of this honor.”The Seminole Police Dept. Officer of the Year,School Resource Officer Darryl Allen, received a specialaward in recognition of his being named to thisprestigious honor.To show appreciation to all the teachers and staffthe Cultural Education Dept. staff passed out beadedpins to each, thanking them for all that they do for thestudents and community.“Because of the staff, we have established a fun,safe place to learn,” Brown said. “The students, parentsand community members should be proud of the staffat Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School; I sure am.”Judy WeeksYoungsters participate in a series of games and activities during the Hawaiian Luau that took place after their EducationIncentive Awards Ceremony, held July 11 at the Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort.v AWARDSFrom page 1BCalling the students forward one at a time, Rochaannounced grade point averages and special achievementswhile Liaison Osceola passed out the Certificatesof Merit and Assistant Education Advisor Victoria Presley-Sotodistributed the Incentive Awards.Cultural Outreach Specialist Sandy Osceola discussedthe advancements that are taking place in theNaples Educational Program.“Tutors are now available for the students on Tuesday,Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. We haveendorsed an after school program each day from 5-7p.m. With the arrival of new computers, adult educationclasses will begin and include instruction in Adobe Photoshop® and establishing a website. All of these activitiesare located in the Juanita Osceola Center.”Adjourning to the hotel terrace, the Naples Communityparticipated in a Hawaiian Luau complete withfloral leis, live island entertainment and an extravagantbuffet featuring a whole roasted pig, complementaryside dishes and fresh fruits.Naples Incentive AwardsRecipientsKindergarten: Martin Slavik: Perfect Attendance.1st Grade: Dominic Osceola-Lugo: GPA 3.42; SerenaZepeda: GPA 3.47, Awards & Certifi cates.3rd Grade: Nicole Slavik: GPA 3.69, Three Days orLess Absent; Ross Zepeda: GPA 3.75, Three Days orLess Absent.4th Grade: Broden Hagen: GPA 3.55; Matthew Billie:GPA 4.0, Perfect Attendance, Awards & Certifi cates;Nicholas Zepeda: GPA 3.63, Awards & Certifi cates.5th Grade: Victoria Tucker: GPA 3.22.6th Grade: Corinne Zepeda: GPA 3.89: Three Days ofLess Absent, Awards & Certifi cates.7th Grade: Marissa Osceola: GPA 3.72.8th Grade: Bryce Osceola: GPA 3.6, Advanced Class;Kaitlin Billy: GPA 3.71.9th Grade: Dakota Osceola: Effort Award.Judy WeeksNaples Liaison OB Osceola Jr. (R) congratulates his daughter,Bryce (L), for her outstanding 3.6 grade point average.

CLASS OF 2009 GRADUATESv GRADSFrom page 1BMembers of the Education Dept., including Director EmmaJohns, also attended the weeklong trip to get a chance to celebrateeach graduate’s accomplishment and also tell them about the infiniteeducational opportunities provided by the Tribe.She told the grads at the dinner banquet that they are each eligiblefor the Billy L. Cypress Higher Education Scholarship to attendthe university of their choosing or the Vocational School Scholarship.Johns said both scholarships will fully cover tuition, booksand all other education-related needs for each student.“It is a blessing for the Education Dept. to be able to send youto college,” she said.Johns also took the time to acknowledge all 34 Tribal citizenswho graduated high school with the Class of 2009. She said it wasone of the largest totals of graduates the Tribe has seen in years.Johns, on behalf of her department, then presented each of theseven graduates in attendance with a mini-laptop, called a netbook,to help them on their future educational journeys.Shelley MarmorA stingray gets close to (L-R) Pablo Cardenas, Amber Craig and EmilyCortez on Exzuma Island.saw places such as the Parliament House, the central location ofBahamian government activities, and Gregory’s Arch.On the final day of the trip, June 25, the graduates joined ChairmanMitchell Cypress for a daylong excursion to the Bahamian islandchain known as the Exzumas, located about an hour by boatfrom the Atlantis Report. On Exzuma Island, a popular vacationdaytrip location, the graduates went snorkeling, fed stingrays andswam with sharks in a remote island paradise setting.July 31, 2009 • The Seminole Tribune • 3BClass of 2009 TribalGraduate BiosDamen Bert19 Years OldWind ClanBrighton ReservationParents: Reese and Angie BertHigh School: Okeechobee HighFuture Plans: UndecidedPablo Cardenas19 Years OldWind ClanBrighton ReservationParent: Jennifer FishHigh School: Okeechobee HighFuture Plans: Applying to Haskell IndianNations University to study businessAmber Craig18 Years OldBird ClanBrighton ReservationParents: Jerry Craig andShannon PurvisHigh School: SEK Boca PrepFuture Plans: Attend Indian River StateCollege for two years and then transferto Oklahoma University to major inpsychologyBrittany Huff18 Years OldPanther ClanBig Cypress ReservationParents: John Huff Jr. and Nanette CypressHigh School: American Heritage HighFuture Plans: Accepted to Florida AtlanticUniversity, but undecided about where toattend collegeFalon Keyser18 Years OldOtter ClanTrail ReservationParents: Richard Keyser and Tiffany FiorellaHigh School: Johnson County HighFuture Plans: Accepted to East TennesseeState University to study nursingRandee McDonald18 Years OldPanther ClanBig Cypress ReservationParents: Rick and Sarah McDonaldHigh School: Cooper City HighFuture Plans: Accepted to NovaSouthwestern University to study fi ne artsShelley MarmorThe grads (L-R) Damen Bert, Brittany Huff, Amber Craig, Pablo Cardenas,Krystle Young, Randee McDonald and Emily Cortez, at the Queen’s Staircaseduring the historic city tour of Nassau on June 24.Emily Cortez19 Years OldPanther ClanBrighton ReservationParents: Jose Cortez and Rinella BaileyHigh School: Okeechobee HighFuture Plans: Plans to attend a vocationalschool and become a bail bondswomanKrystle Young18 Years OldPanther ClanHollywood ReservationParents: Steve Young and Brenda CypressHigh School: Pine CrestFuture Plans: Accepted to the University ofMiami to study biologyFort Pierce Liaison Sally R. Tommie, who served as banquetemcee, also spoke to the graduates, calling them “the future of theTribe.”“The greatest tool you have in your lives is education,” LiaisonTommie said.She also introduced the night’s guest speaker, Seminole PoliceDept. Captain Kipper Connell. Connell has been in law enforcementfor the last 26 years, though only with the Tribe for abouta year. He spoke to the grads about striving for greatness, both inhigher education and in life.“Set the bar high because you’ll only go as high as you believeyou can,” Connell said.He also reminded them to aspire for greatness as a way tohonor their parents, grandparents, family members and friends whohelped make their graduation possible.“If those who have come before you have made sacrifices foryou to get where you are today, I think the best way to honor themis to go further,” Connell said.In addition to the dinner banquet, the graduates took a historictour of Nassau, the capital city and one of the 700 islands that makeup the Bahamas. While on the tour the group stopped at sights includingthe Queen’s Staircase, Fort Montagu and Fort Fincastle andShelley Marmor(L-R) Falon Keyser accepts her graduation award from Chairman MitchellCypress at the dinner banquet on June 24 at the Atlantis Resort.Shelley Marmor(L-R) Randee McDonald, Falon Keyser, Brittany Huff, Amber Craig, Krystle Young, PabloCardenas, Damen Bert and Emily Cortez take a swim on Exzuma Island during their daylongexcursion on June 25.Tribal Grad Looksto Future in LawBY ELIZABETH LEIBAStaff ReporterPhoto Submitted by Tabitha OsceolaSheyanna OsceolaShelby DeHassGraduatesUniversity SchoolBY ELIZABETH LEIBAStaff ReporterFT. LAUDERDALE — Hollywood residentShelby DeHass was one of 140 seniors who graduatedfrom the University School of Nova Southeastern Universityin a ceremony held at the Broward Center forthe Performing Arts on May 23.Mom, Deborah, said she was happy to see herdaughter graduate.”I’m extremely proud,” she said. “I can’t believeit’s over.”DeHass participated in rodeo during all four yearsof high school and was a member of the Florida HighSchool Rodeo Association. She won the SportsmanshipAward from the organization during her senioryear and also served as Team Roping Student Directorfor two years.DeHass said she was excited to have graduated sothat she can move on to other endeavors.“Finally!” she exclaimed. “It couldn’t come soonenough.”In the fall she plans to attend Alabama’s TroyUniversity to earn her bachelor’s degree in physicaltherapy.HOLLYWOOD — Tribal citizen SheyannaOsceola was one of about 50 graduatesto walk across the stage in a graduation ceremonyheld at Hollywood Christian Academyon May 29.Osceola, 18, is the daughter of WilliamThomas Osceola and Tabitha Osceola. Hergrandfather is Marcellus Osceola Sr.Osceola was an active member of herschool’s volleyball team. She also participatedin rodeo barrel racing and was a memberof the Florida High School Rodeo Association,as well as the Georgia-Florida YouthRodeo Association.Mom Tabitha Osceola said she felt arange of emotions, including of course, pride,at her daughter’s graduation ceremony.“She’s an excellent achiever,” she said.“She sets her mind to something and she doesit.”The Hollywood resident will be attendingFlorida State University in the spring aftera semester at Broward College this fall.She said she plans to study corporate law andhopes to return to work for the Tribe in thefuture.Photo Submitted by Shelby DeHassShelby DeHassDivorceModificationsAppealsChild SupportJudith A. HomkoMarital & Family LawAlimonyPrenuptial AgreementsPaternity IssuesDomestic Violence(954) 525-0651 | (954) 525-1898 Fax320 S.E. 9th Street, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316

4B • The Seminole Tribune • July 31, 2009CLASS OF 2009 GRADUATESTribal Citizens Graduate From Pine CrestKrystle Young, Meaghan Osceola Prepare for CollegeBY ELIZABETH LEIBAStaff ReporterFT. LAUDERDALE — KrystleYoung and Meaghan Osceolawere among about 200 students tograduate from Pine Crest Schoolduring a ceremony held at the WarMemorial Auditorium on May 22.Young, the daughter of SteveYoung and Brenda Cypress, playedon Pine Crest’s basketball team duringher last three years at the school.Photo Submitted by Steve YoungKrystle YoungDAVIE, Fla. — Hollywood reservationresident Christian Osceolagraduated from Chaminade-MadonnaCollege Preparatory in a graduationceremony held at the Signature Grandbanquet hall in Davie, Fla. on May 22.Osceola, 19, is the son of Jimboand Jennifer Osceola. His maternalgrandmother is Ruth Osceola of the ImmokaleeReservation and his paternalgrandparents are Jimmy Hank and MarieOsceola of Hollywood.Osceola graduated with a near-perfectattendance record, something hismother attributes to her encouragementand his independence.The commencement ceremonywas an emotional experiencefor the 18-year-old.“It was the best feeling ofmy life,” she said. “I almoststarted crying when I went onstage. All that hard work finallypaid off.”Young was accepted to theUniversity of Miami where shewill study biology and pursue acareer in medicine.Osceola is the daughter ofHollywood Tribal CouncilRep. Max. B. OsceolaJr. and wife, Marge. Sheplayed basketball duringall four years at PineCrest. She also went on toset the school record forthe female player with themost points and steals in aseason.In May, Osceola alsowas recognized in the MiamiHerald’s All-BrowardAthletic awards. Shewas chosen first team allcounty in fast-pitch softballand also had the distinctionof being selectedfor the Sun-Sentinel’s firstteam honors in the sport.Her father called hereducational achievements onemore step toward a collectivevision for the Seminole Tribe.“I’m proud of every Seminole,”Rep. Osceola said. “Becauseshe’s my daughter, I’mextra proud.”Chris C. JenkinsMeaghan OsceolaOsceola will be attending EmmanuelCollege in Boston, Mass. inthe fall. She has committed to playingbasketball there and is consideringthe possibility of also playingsoftball on the collegiate level. Sheplans to major in sports medicine.hristian Osceola Graduates High SchoolBY ELIZABETH LEIBAStaff ReporterSeminole Tribune Archive PhotoChristian Osceola“I’m so proud of him,” said JenniferOsceola. “He lives on his own[and] he’s pretty much a young man.”Osceola plans to attend FloridaState University in the spring wherehe will study engineering.During his high school yearsOsceola was active in sports. Heplayed two years of football and participatedin both track and field andcross country. He was also on thewrestling team.His mother said her son is alsoactively involved in traditional Seminoleactivities like hunting deer andalligator, and attending the GreenCorn Dance every year. For fun helikes to ride four-wheelers and dirtbikes.Photo Submitted by Amber CraigAmber CraigFormer Jr. MissSeminole AmberCraig GraduatesBY RACHEL BUXTONStaff ReporterCORAL SPRINGS, Fla. — Amber Craig of the Brightoncommunity graduated June 2 from Boca Raton PreparatorySchool in a commencement ceremony held at HeronBay in Coral Springs, Fla.Craig, the daughter of Jerry Craig and Shannon Purvis,holds the 2008-2009 Jr. Miss Seminole Princess title.“It’s been quite a year filled with events,” Craig said.“[The Jr. Miss Florida Seminole Princess title] makes yourealize a lot. You have to work for what you want and youhave to be responsible.”Craig said she plans to attend Indian River State Collegein Ft. Pierce, Fla. and to then transfer to University ofOklahoma to study psychology.While in high school Craig served as treasurer for studentgovernment. She was also the captain for both the girlsand the boys varsity volleyball teams.Craig was the first girl to ever play on the boys’ basketballteam.“Everyone underestimated me,” Craig said. “They allthought I couldn’t catch up with them because I was a girl.”Throughout the season Craig scored more than 40points for the team.Rhiannon Tiger Graduates High SchoolBY ELIZABETH LEIBAStaff ReporterHOLLYWOOD — RhiannonTiger became the first of four sistersto graduate high school in a commencementceremony for CooperCity High School’s Class of 2009seniors on May 31 at the NovaSoutheastern University ConvocationCenter.Tiger was one of more than 500graduates to receive her diplomaand had the distinction of achievingthe Principal’s Honor Roll in eachgrading period of her senior year.The 17-year-old is the daughterof Charlie and Rachel Tiger. Hermother said she was pleased herdaughter reached this milestone.“I was overjoyed,” she said.Tiger said she plans to attendBroward College for her firstyear and then transfer to an out ofstate university. She is interested instudying merchandising.Rhiannon TigerPhoto Submitted by Rachel TigerNicole OsceolaGraduatesHollywood HillsHigh SchoolPhoto Submitted by Robin OsceolaNicole OsceolaBY ELIZABETH LEIBAStaff ReporterFT. LAUDERDALE — Nicole Osceolagraduated from Hollywood Hills High School ina commencement ceremony held at the BrowardCenter for the Performing Arts on June 2.Osceola, 18, is the daughter Tate and Robin,and the granddaughter of Maydell.“Her dad and I are so proud of her,” said hermom, Robin. “She has grown into a beautifulyoung woman.”Nicole Osceola said she will continue herhigher education at Broward College before transferringto a state university to study criminology.Following her graduation, Osceola said shewas excited about completing high school.“Finally, I’m done,” she said. “It was hard butI did it!”

July 31, 2009 • The Seminole Tribune • 5BTribal Youth Share Their Plans for Summer 2009Travis Baker, 11Tiffany Baker, 13Damian Frank, 12Sarah Descheene, 9Jessalynn Osceola, 7“I am happy to go back [to the OrlandoYouth Conference] this year.”“I am going to the Youth Conference, aswell as a Christian camp.”“I am going to keep learning with atutor. I have had some troubles with myreading, but ever since I came to theSeminole Summer Camp it has improved.”“My mom and I and my brothers plan togo to West Virginia and New Mexico.”“I like to, and plan to, go swimming alot.”Andre Baker, 3Anya Baker, 4Ramone Baker, 5Shyla Holata, 5Autumn James, 9“I’m going hog hunting, swimming andhanging out with my dad.”“I’m going to the pool with my dad.”“I’m going to New York with my sistersand will be ... playing basketball.”“I am going to go to the gym thissummer.”“I’m going to summer camp, NAYO SummerCamp in New York and I’m going tobe at the gym.”Alissa Dorgan, 16Jaryaca Baker, 14Lanie Sedatol-Baker, 11Lahna Sedatol-Baker, 11Sean Osceola, 10“I’m working at Senior Center and helpingclean, wash dishes and serve food.”“I’m going to lots of softball camps,hanging out at the gym and going toNew York for NAYO’s softball tournament.”“I’m going to New York for NAYO andbasketball summer camp.”“This summer I’m playing softball forNAYO in New York”“I’m playing travel baseball everywhere;Plant City, Clearwater, Bartow and NewYork.”Authentic Seminole Arts & CraftsGenuine Southwestern JewelryIntricate Native WoodcarvingsOwned and Operated byJoe Dan and Virginia OsceolaOil, Pen & Ink, Watercolor PaintingsExquisite Collections of BasketryDiscount Tobacco and ProductsFirst American Tobacco ShopDrive through tobacco shopIn business since 1965Owned and Operated byJoe Dan and Virginia OsceolaOPEN24HOURS

6B • The Seminole Tribune • July 31, 2009Judy WeeksTribal citizens and employees compete in the Firecracker Walk/Run along the L-28 Canal in Big Cypress on July 2.BC Participates in Firecracker Walk/RunBIG CYPRESS — Tribal citizens and employees gatheredon Canal Bank Road for the Firecracker Walk/Run at 6:30 a.m. onJuly 2.From babies in strollers to seniors on walkers, firemen andoffice clerks, the participants represented a broad spectrum of theBig Cypress community.Circulating through the crowd, Chairman Mitchell Cypresscongratulated everyone on taking a step toward fitness.“By coming here this morning, you have shown your commitmenttoward a better lifestyle that will benefit every part of yourbody,” Chairman Cypress said. “Exercise is a vital key towardgood health and its rewards are limitless. Regardless of when youcross the finish line, you will all leave here today as a winner.’Community Outreach Coordinator Edna McDuffie had assembleda capable staff from the Health and Fitness Departments tomanage the course and provide necessary incentives and assistanceto the participants.Fresh fruit, health bars, water and sport beverages were availableto help control blood sugar levels and ensure proper hydration,which is an important factor during all levels of exercise. Abooth offered valuable information regarding healthy hydration.Barbara Billie from the Big Cypress Wellness Center offeredwords of advice.“It is important to remember that you should drink a minimumof eight glasses of water or healthy liquids per day and especiallybefore, during and after exercise,” she said. “Water is the best fluidfor replenishment and helps to regulate body temperature, cushionsand protects vital organs and aids the digestive system.”The course had been laid out for a 5k Walk/Run, which is approximately4 miles. A special area had also been set aside for theBig Cypress Seniors’ Handicap Division, who completed a 1 milecourse.At 7 a.m. Neil Prager of the Fitness Dept. conducted a warmupsession with stretch exercises to prepare the participants for theevent. Lining up the contenders by categories, Edna McDuffie officiatedat the starting line.Seniors Learn Home Safety in Presentation SeriesBY CHRIS C. JENKINSStaff ReporterBY JUDY WEEKSFreelance ReporterHOLLYWOOD — As part of an ongoingseries, the Emergency Management Dept. andFire Rescue Prevention Division collaboratedfor a home safety presentation at the SeniorCenter June 25.Tribal Fire Rescue Inspector Bruce Brittonspoke to the Tribal seniors on a range of issuesand provided tips for the home; all as part ofnational home safety month.“This is a great way to get information outand teach the Tribal seniors about safety preparationthroughout the year,” said Hollywoodand Trail Emergency Management CoordinatorJason Dobronz. “They also enjoy the informationand we are able to get a lot out there toChris C. JenkinsTribal Fire Rescue Fire Inspector Bruce Britton (L) fields questions from the Tribal seniors.Results of theFirecracker Walk/RunSenior Citizen Handicap: First Place Winners: Claudia Doctor,Lydia Cypress, Ruby Osceola and Carol Cypress.Youth, Ages 8-12: Runners: 1. A.J. Tigertail; Walkers: 1. KaitlinOsceola, 2. Brandy Osceola, 3. Stanley Cypress III.Youth, Ages 13-17: Runners: 1.Tyler Tigertail, 2. RaganOsceola, 3. O’shaane Cypress.Adults, Ages 31-45: Male Runners: 1. Bernard Robbins;Female Runners: 1. Kathy Cypress, 2. Almira Billie, 3. BarbaraBillie; Male Walkers: 1. Charlie Cypress; Female Walkers: 1.Myra Jumper with Ezekiel in a stroller, 2. Carol B. Osceola, 3.Shelli Tigertail.Adults, Ages 46-59: Male Runners: 1. Ronnie B. Billie Sr.;Female Runners: 1. Shirley Clay; Male Walkers: 1. DavidCypress; Female Walkers: 1. Mary Tigertail, 2. Violet Jim, 3.Beverly Alumbaugh.Adults, Ages 60 and Older: Male Runners: 1. Paul Bowers Sr.;Female Runners: 1. Edna McDuffi e; Male Walkers: 1. MitchellCypress; Female Walkers: 1. Juanita Osceola, 2. Louise Billie,3. Louise Osceola.Community Members & Employees: Runners: 1. Gio Alvarez,2. Jesus Lizarraga, 3. Jorge Napoles, 4. Paul Backhouse, 5.Andrew Flynn; Walkers: 1. Marilyn Jumper, 2. Allen Hoffman,3. Brian Barton, 4. Harley Roberts, 5. Emilia Jumper.them.”The attendees also learned about tornado,lightening and heat wave precautions, smokealarm and fire extinguisher maintenance andpreparation throughout the day.“I was in the health and medical field foryears so I already knew some of the information,but it was a good refresher,” Tribal seniorEdna Bowers said.Britton emphasized that in the event of afire, firefighters make the safety of a Tribal citizena major priority.“Our concern is with them getting out,not putting the fire out,” he said. “We are verymuch focused on keeping the home safe also.”According to the Home Safety Council’s“State of Home Safety in America Report,”fires and burns are the third leading cause ofunintentional home injury and related deaths inthe U.S. each year.Some useful tips for smoke alarms includeremembering that smoke rises, mountingshould be high on walls or ceilings andceiling-mounted alarms should be installed atleast four inches away from the nearest wall.Wall-mounted alarms should be installed 4-12inches away from the ceiling. Do not installsmoke alarms near windows, doors, or ducts toensure that they work properly and make surethe alarm is away from the path of steam frombathrooms and cooking vapors in the kitchen,it may cause “false alarms” when there is nota fire.Useful tips for fire extinguisher use include:choosing an extinguisher that will workon all types of fires, typically called “ABC”type extinguishers, choose the largest extinguisheryou can handle, the bigger the better,and mount the extinguisher near an exit doorand out of the reach of children.Community Members AttendInformational Rabies ClinicBY JUDY WEEKSFreelance ReporterIMMOKALEE — Members of theEnvironmental Health Dept. organizeda free rabies clinic for the Immokaleecommunity on June28 in the Health Dept.parking lot.The purpose ofthe clinic was to ensurethe safety andhealth of the Immokaleeresidents andtheir pets.The dreaded diseaseof rabies is extremelydebilitatingand fatal, if not treatedwithin a short periodof time following exposure.Highly contagious,it is spread bya bite or transfer ofsaliva from an infectedcreature to other animalsand humans.Although a nationwideprogram ofinoculation has greatlyreduced the number ofincidents in the pastseveral decades, totaleradication remains beyond reach. Vaccinatingdomestic animals and destroyingcarriers is the proven method ofcontrol. Until recently, it was necessaryto administer a booster each year, buta new vaccine has proven effective forthree years.Environmental Health has instituteda program to offer free rabies vaccinationsto Tribal citizens’ pets twice ayear on each of the reservations. Using aDental Program Hosts ExternsSUBMITTED BY THE SEMINOLE DENTALPROGRAMThe Seminole Tribal Dental Programhosted three dental students as apart of the Indian Health Service ExternshipProgram during the week of July6-10.Brigham Burton, who attends OhioState University, Carla Belgard, whoPhoto Submitted by the Seminole Dental Program(L-R, Front Row) Brigham Burton, MallorieWatson, (L-R, Back Row) Dr. Packer, TribalDental Program manager, and Carla Belgard.door-to-door marketing technique, AnimalControl and Wildlife Officer DonnaWilliams handed out flyers and spreadthe word about the clinic throughout Immokaleeduring the week preceding theevent.Helping to manthe booth, Dr. Oliver ofPinegate Veterinary inNaples provided valuableinformation topet owners regardingJudy WeeksImmokalee Tribal Council LiaisonElaine Aguilar brings her pet corgifor a rabies inoculation.recommended annualinoculations and wasprepared to administerthem onsite for a moderatefee.Setting an example,Immokalee TribalCouncil Liaison ElaineAguilar and her husband,Pete, were firstin line with their twodogs.EnvironmentalHealth Program ManagerPatrick Peck said:“Turnout was low, butthis is encouraging. Ourrecords indicate thatmany of the reservationpets have alreadyreceived the new threeyear vaccine, and therefore did not requireour services. This is an indicationthat our program is working.”“There were only a few cats, butseveral dogs were treated,” continuedPeck. “We even made a house call to oneresident who lacked the means to transporttheir pets. For those who missedthis clinic, please watch for flyers thatwill announce our return sometime inOctober.”attends Meharry Medical College inNashville, Tenn, and Mallori Watson,who attends the University of Mississippi’sSchool of Dentistry participatedin the externship program. All three arein their third year of dental school.Allowing students the opportunityto visit and sometimes provide carein Native American dental clinics is away to encourage them to select a publichealth career track after graduation.Currently, the Indian Health ServiceDental Program has a vacancy rate ofmore than 30 percent.During their time with the DentalProgram, the students were allowed todirectly observe dental care, both in theHollywood Dental Clinic and at the officeof a local periodontist. They alsoattended various lectures and participatedin a hands-on session with dentalimplants and a suturing course using orangesas their patients.The students also enjoyed a dayof Seminole culture at the Big CypressReservation. Following a visit to theAh-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum and LivingVillage, the students had lunch and enjoyedan airboat ride at Billie SwampSafari.Understanding Pandemics, EpidemicsBY AVA JOHNContributing Writer[Editor’s Note: Ava John works forthe Tribe’s Environmental Health Program.The opinions she expresses areher own. If you would like to ask a question,please write to avajohn@semtribe.com.]A pandemic is an outbreak of globalproportions. It happens when a newvirus emerges among humans and thencauses serious illness and is easily humantransmissible through person-topersoncontact.A pandemic is different from an epidemicoutbreak in that a pandemic coversa much wider geographical area, oftenworldwide. A pandemic also infectsmany more people than an epidemic.An epidemic is specific to one city,region or country, while a pandemicgoes much further than national borders.During an epidemic, the number ofpeople who become infected rises wellbeyond what is expected within a countryor a part of a country. When the infectiontakes place in several countriesat the same time it can then become apandemic.A pandemic is usually caused bya new virus strain or subtype — a virushumans either have no immunityagainst, or very little immunity. If humanimmunity is low or non-existent,the virus can easily spread around theworld because it becomes easily transmissible.In the case of influenza, seasonaloutbreaks or epidemics are generallycaused by subtypes of a virus that isalready circulating among people. Pandemics,on the other hand, are generallycaused by new subtypes; these subtypeshave not circulated among people before.Pandemics generally cause muchhigher numbers of deaths than epidemics.The social disruption, economicloss, and general hardship caused by apandemic are much higher than what anepidemic can cause.A pandemic can emerge, for example,when the Influenza A virus changessuddenly. Experts call this an antigenicshift, which will result in a new InfluenzaA virus subtype. This new influenzasubtype needs one characteristicto cause a pandemic; it must be easilyhuman transmissible.After the pandemic has emergedand spread, the virus subtype circulatesamong humans for several years, causingoccasional flu epidemics. These willnot usually become more than epidemicsbecause humans have developed immunityover time.Using information gathered byhealth agencies around the world thatmonitors the behavior and movementof the virus, the World Health Organization(WHO) uses a six phase influenzaprogram to raise the pandemic alertlevel.Phase 6 is WHO’s highest alert leveland means a pandemic is underway. Amove to Phase 6 is not an indication onthe severity of the virus, however, doesmean that the extent of global spreadfulfills the definition of a pandemic.During the 20th Century, the emergenceof new Influenza A virus subtypescaused three pandemics, all of whichspread around the world within one yearof being detected.The most recent pandemic wasdeclared by WHO in June 2009. Thisnew strain of Influenza A virus subtype,known as H1N1 or “Swine Flu,” wasidentified in April 2009 and has causedmild infection globally.The Environmental Health Programrequests that Tribal citizens callthem at (954) 965-1300, Ext. 10326with any environmental health issues.

THE HEALTHY SENIOR BY FRED CICETTI[Editor’s Note: Fred Cicetti is a syndicated columnistwho writes about issues concerning seniorcitizens’ health. This is parts 1 and 2 of a 2-part columnabout understanding sunscreens and sun exposure.The opinions he expresses are his own. If youwould like to ask a question, please write to fred@healthygeezer.com. All Rights Reserved ©2009 byFred Cicetti.]Q: There are lots of sunblocks out there with SPFnumbers on them. What exactly do these numbersmean?A: Sunblocks, or sunscreens, work to prevent thedamage of ultraviolet (UV) rays, an invisible componentof sunlight. There are three types of UV rays:UVA, UVB and UVC.UVA is the most abundant of the three ultravioletrays at the earth’s surface. These rays penetratethrough the outer skin. Many of the UVB rays areabsorbed by the stratospheric ozone layer, so therearen’t as many of these at the earth’s surface as theUVA rays. UVB rays don’t penetrate as far as UVArays but are still harmful. UVC radiation is extremelyhazardous to skin, but it is completely absorbed bythe ozone layer.Sunburn and suntan are signs of skin damage.Suntans appear after the sun’s rays have already killedsome cells and damaged others. UV rays do moreharm than damaging skin. They can also cause cataracts,wrinkles, age spots, and skin cancer.Sunscreens are given SPF (Sun Protection Factor)ratings that tell you how well they protect youfrom damaging rays from the sun. The SPF ratingscan be as low as 2 and as high as 100 or more.Here’s how the ratings work: If you apply a sunscreenrated at SPF 2, you will double the time it takesfor your skin to burn. A sunscreen rated at SPF 15 willmultiply the burning time by 15.Dermatologists strongly recommend using abroad-spectrum (UVA and UVB protection) sunscreenwith an SPF of 15 or greater year-round forall skin types.The SPF number indicates the screening abilityfor UVB rays only. Research is being to done to establisha system to measure UVA protection.There is a point of diminishing returns with sunscreens.Here’s how it goes:A sunscreen with an SPF of 2 screens 50 percentof UVB rays; a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 screens93 percent of UVB rays; a sunscreen with an SPF of30 screens 97 percent of UVB rays, a sunscreen withan SPF of 50 blocks 98 percent of UVB rays; and, asunscreen with an SPF of 100 or more blocks 99 percentof UVB rays.Not applying enough sunscreen can seriouslyreduce your protection. You should use an ounce,or about a palm’s full, on your body to gain the fullprotection indicated by the SPF on the product. Also,dermatologists advise reapplication every two hoursor after swimming or sweating.It seems logical that, if you use half the requiredsunscreen, you will get only half the protection, butthat doesn’t seem to be true. A study in the BritishJournal of Dermatology found that you get the protectionof only the square root of the SPF. So, in theory,if you use a half ounce of sunscreen rated at 64, youwon’t get the protection of an SPF 32, but only theprotection of an SPF 8.In addition to applying a sunscreen, you shouldprotect yourself by avoiding the sun between 10 a.m.and 4 p.m., wearing protective clothing and wraparoundsunglasses, avoiding sunlamps and tanningbeds, and checking your skin regularly for changesin the size, shape, color or feel of birthmarks, molesand spots.Ultraviolet (UV) rays, an invisible component ofsunlight, can cause skin damage, cataracts, wrinkles,age spots, and skin cancer. These rays also impair theskin’s immune system.UV rays can hurt you on cloudy as well as sunnydays. UV rays also bounce off surfaces of the ocean,sand, snow and cement.One of the surest ways to reduce your exposureto UV rays is to stay out of the sun when it is thestrongest. Those times in North America are between10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in the late spring and early summer.Other ways to protect yourself are to wearprotective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat,long-sleeved shirt and long pants. You should use asunscreen rated at SPF 15 or more. Eye doctors recommendwraparound sunglasses that provide 100percent UV ray protection.You should also pay attention to the UV Indexdeveloped by the National Weather Service and theEnvironmental Protection Agency. This index assessesrisk of overexposure to UV rays.The UV Index is calculated daily and is reportedby the press. It can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html, where you can plug in yourown zip code to find out the index rating in your area.The following are the index levels: 2 or less: lowdanger for the average person, 3-5: moderate risk ofharm, 6-7: high risk of harm, 8-10: very high risk ofharm, and, 11 or more: extreme risk of harm.It is possible to go outside when the UV Index is11 or higher but you must be sure to take every steppossible to protect yourself, meaning use sunscreenand wear hats, long sleeves and sunglasses.Not everyone reacts to the sun in the same way.The level of danger calculated for the basic categoriesof the UV Index are for a person with Type II skin.The following is a list of the skin types: I: alwaysburns, never tans, sensitive to sun exposure, II: burnseasily, tans minimally, III: burns moderately, tansgradually to light brown, IV: burns minimally, alwaystans well to moderately brown, V: rarely burns, tansprofusely to dark, and, VI: Never burns, deeply pigmented,least sensitiveWhat is a suntan?When UV rays penetrate the skin’s inner layerthey generate the production of melanin, a dark pigment.The melanin eventually moves toward the outerlayers of the skin and becomes visible as a tan. Everytime you tan, you damage your skin and this damageaccumulates over time.There is no safe tan. What some call a “base tan”may actually increase the chances you’ll get a burn,because you’re likely to stay out longer without properlyprotecting your skin.You should stay away from tanning beds and sunlampsbecause they emit UV rays that can cause seriouslong-term skin damage. The amount of the radiationproduced during indoor tanning is similar to thesun’s production and in some cases may be greater.Many tanning salons are unregulated. They allowcustomers access to tanning beds without supervisionor eye protection.July 31, 2009 • The Seminole Tribune • 7BBeware the Dangers of Extreme HeatBY BRIAN BROWNContributing Writer[Editor’s Note: Brian Brown is the Tribe’s Chief ofthe EMS Division. The opinions he expresses are hisown. If you would like to ask a question, please write tobrianbrown@semtribe.com.]Our bodies normally cool by sweating. But undersome conditions, sweating just isn’t enough. In suchcases, a person’s body temperature rises rapidly. Veryhigh body temperatures may damage the brain or othervital organs and can lead to death.Several factors affect your body’s ability to coolitself during extremely hot weather. When the humidityis high, sweat doesn’t evaporate as quickly, whichprevents your body from releasing heat quickly. Otherconditions related to risk include age, obesity, fever,dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation,sunburn and prescription drug and alcohol use.After the storm, it’s important to balance yourclean-up activities with measures that help your body’scooling mechanisms and prevent heat-related illnessWhat Is Extreme Heat?Temperatures that are 10 degrees or more above theaverage high temperature for your region and last forseveral weeks are defined as extreme heat. Excessivelydry and hot conditions can provoke dust storms and lowvisibility. Droughts occur when a long period passeswithout substantial rainfall. A heat wave combined witha drought is a very dangerous situation.During Hot WeatherTo protect your health when temperatures are extremelyhigh, remember to keep cool and use commonsense. The following tips are important:Drink Plenty of FluidsDuring hot weather you’ll need to increase yourfluid intake, regardless of your activity level. Don’t waituntil you’re thirsty to drink. In a hot environment, drinktwo to four glasses at 16-32 ounces each of cool fluidseach hour. If your doctor generally limits the amount offluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how muchyou should drink while the weather is hot.Avoid Alcoholic, Sugary BeveragesDon’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or largeamounts of sugar. They actually cause you to lose morebody fluid. Also avoid very cold drinks, because theycan cause stomach cramps.Replace Salt and MineralsHeavy sweating removes salt and minerals fromthe body. These are necessary for your body and mustbe replaced. If you must exercise, drink two to fourglasses of cool, non-alcoholic fluids each hour. A sportsbeverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose insweat. However, if you are on a low-salt diet, talk withyour doctor before drinking a sports beverage or takingsalt tablets.Wear Appropriate Clothing and SunscreenChoose lightweight, light-colored and loose-fittingclothing. Besides causing pain and skin damage, sunburnaffects your body’s ability to cool itself and causesa loss of body fluids. If you must go outdoors, protectyourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat,which also keeps you cooler, along with sunglasses andapply sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior togoing out. Continue to reapply it according to the packagedirections.Schedule Outdoor Activities CarefullyIf you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdooractivity to morning and evening hours. Try to rest oftenin shady areas so that your body’s thermostat will havea chance to recover.Pace YourselfIf you aren’t used to working in a hot environment,start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. If exertionin the heat makes your heart pound and leaves yougasping for breath, stop all activity. Get into a cool areaor at least into the shade and rest, especially if you becomelightheaded, confused, weak or faint.Stay Cool IndoorsStay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an airconditioned place. If your home doesn’t have air conditioning,try to go to the shopping mall or public library.Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can helpyour body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.Electric fans provide some comfort, but when the temperatureis in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heatrelatedillness. Taking a cool shower or moving to anair conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.Use the Buddy SystemWhen working in the heat, monitor the conditionof your neighbors and have someone do the same foryou. Heat-induced illness can cause a person to becomeconfused or lose consciousness. If you’re 65 years ofage or older, have someone check on you twice a day. Ifyou know someone in this age group, check on them atleast twice a day.Monitor Those at High RiskAlthough anyone can suffer from heat-related illness,some people are at greater risk than others. Visitthese individuals at least twice a day and watch themfor signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants andyoung children need much more frequent watching.Infants and children up to 4 years of age are sensitiveto the effects of high temperatures and need othersto provide adequate liquids.People 65 years of age or older may not compensatefor heat stress efficiently and are less likely to senseand respond to changes in temperature.People who are overweight may be prone to heatsickness because they tend to retain more body heat.People who overexert during work or exercise maybecome dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.People who are physically ill, especially with heartdisease or high blood pressure, or who take certainmedications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poorcirculation, may be affected by extreme heat.Adjust to the EnvironmentKeep in mind that any sudden change in temperaturewill be stressful to your body. You will havea greater tolerance for heat if you limit your physicalactivity until you become accustomed to the heat. If youtravel to a hotter climate, allow several days to becomeacclimated before attempting any vigorous activity andwork up to it gradually.Use Common SenseRemember to keep cool and use common sense:Avoid hot foods and heavy meals that add heat.Drink plenty of fluids and replace salts and mineralsin your body.Dress infants and children in cool, loose clothingand shade their heads and faces.Limit sun exposure during mid-day hours and inplaces of potential severe exposure such as beaches.Do not leave children, or pets in a parked car.Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets, andleave the water in a shady area.Even short periods of high temperatures can causeserious health problems.SEEKING ORAL HISTORIESFOR MUSEUM COLLECTION ANDVETERAN’S MEMORIAL BUILDING EXHIBITThe Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum is seeking to conduct oral history interviews with Seminoleveterans and family members of veterans. The interviews will become a part of the existingoral history collection of the Tribal Museum. In the interview, you may choose what youwould like to speak about. If you give permission, the interview might be considered foruse in the exhibits to be created within the new Veteran’s Memorial Building in Brighton.We hope that Seminole veterans will share stories for the benefit of current and futuregenerations, as we look to honor your dedication and service.To participate contact:Elizabeth LowmanOral History CoordinatorPhone: 863-903-1113 ext. 12210elizabethlowman@semtribe.com

July 31, 2009 • The Seminole Tribune • 1CTribal MartialArtists Advancein ProgramBY JUDY WEEKSFreelance ReporterBIG CYPRESS — Three months afterinitiating the Big Cypress Martial Arts Program,students were recognized for their accomplishmentsat the Fitness Dome on July 7.A mixed martial arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsucoach, Luis Gutierrez accepted the positionof instructor for the program in Big Cypressthat emphasizes safety, fitness and fun.“I have taught competitive athletes, militaryand police, but my first love is workingwith children,” Gutierrez said. “Martial artsare a lifelong commitment that builds character,confidence, physical fitness and self esteem.”“I call my philosophy ‘Play is the Way’and prohibit striking,” Gutierrez continued.“Our exercises are all grappling, which is lessdramatic, and the students are taught not tooverreact, but focus and balance. Learning toseparate rage from aggression is a major objective.”Beginning their session, the students dida bow in and warm up and stretching sessionthat incorporated postures and moves fromyoga and karate. Covering basic punches, takedowns, foot work, dominant positions and thepoint system for grading, the class was correctedwhenever necessary but never discouraged.Following the work out, there were nosore losers and everyone shook hands.v Please see MARTIAL ARTS on page 3CJudy WeeksStudents practice warm-up exercises at the BigCypress Fitness Dome.Former National Football League Oakland Raider Charles Jackson (L) plays quarterback as his team scrambles to catch the football.Elizabeth LeibaTribal Youth Learn Football Tips from NFL ProsSeminole Clinic Features Santana Moss, Charles JacksonBY ELIZABETH LEIBAStaff ReporterHOLLYWOOD —Tribal youth ran wind sprints,did speed and agility drills and learned teamwork at theFamily Football Clinic on June 12.More than 20 youngsters participated in the clinicheld on the Hollywood Ball Field and hosted by the HollywoodRecreation Dept. The all-day event was sponsoredby the Tribal Council with help from the Chaka’sStars Foundation and the Moss Foundation, founded byNFL Washington Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss.Moss said the camp gave him a chance to reach outto a group of children that he had never touched beforewith his foundation.“Kids all over watch us and wonder who we are andhow they can be us,” Moss said. “I’ve dreamed and I’vekept that dream. You don’t get to every kid but the oneyou do reach can become me.”Moss explained that one of the main goals of hisfoundation is to fight childhood obesity and encourageproper nutrition and eating healthy food and snacks.“TV ratings are at an all-time high but they are killingour kids,” Moss said. “It’s strange that you don’t seekids outside on days like this.”Despite the more than 90 degree temperature, boysand girls alike participated in the drills and mini scrimmagecoordinated by Moss.Hollywood Recreation Dept. Director Moses “Bigg”Jumper Jr. said the camp was a unique opportunity.“They get a chance to see Santana Moss, get achance to play and get some good coaching,” Jumpersaid. “Just getting alongside these guys is a good thing.”The youth took full advantage of the instruction fromthe players, including former Oakland Raider CharlesJackson. Jackson explained that the lessons learned fromparticipating in these types of camps apply both on andoff the football field.“You have to be a team player wherever you go,”Jackson explained. “It taught me leadership and how notto be a follower, but also how to be a follower if necessary.”After the youth were put through their paces by thecoaches, they headed inside to the Boys & Girls Club fora question and answer session with Moss. Questions ranthe gamut from how many touch downs he has scored tohow much money he makes.Participants also had an opportunity to answer questionsto win a signed football from Moss. KeishawnStewart won a football for correctly identifying the traditionalsport of the Seminole Tribe — stickball. AustinLewis also won a football when he correctly guessed theEIRA Remembers Josiah Johns at Memorial RodeoBY RACHEL BUXTONStaff ReporterBRIGHTON — Native rodeo competitorsfrom all over the Eastern Circuit participated in theEastern Indian Rodeo Association (EIRA) championshipJosiah Johns Memorial Rodeo, held July 3 atthe Fred Smith Rodeo Arena.The event, which honored the late Seminolecowboy, was sponsored by the Brighton community.“What a great cowboy and great leader of theSeminole Tribe,” said Norman Edwards, rodeo announcerand a friend of Johns. “Tonight is in honorof him and we will do the best we can to pay tribute.”Mindy Fish chases her calf in the breakaway event.The night began with the children competing inthe non-sanctioned events.The little ones started things off with the muttonbustin’ event. Pony riding, calf riding and steerriding all lead to the junior bull riding where theyoung adults rode with the hopes of one day beinga great champion bull rider. Chute riding and barrelracing followed with much support from the familymembers in the stands.Parents and grandparents offered guidance withshouts of “bring him home” heard throughout thearena.Junior breakaway and junior and senior steerun-decorating completed the non-sanctioned events,as the adults got ready to enter the arena for sanctionedcompetition.Rachel BuxtonIndian rodeohopefuls competedfor the first place titleand silver and goldbelt buckle, alongwith the yearlongchampionship braggingrights.William Beardenwas the first cowboyto snag a championshiptitle, winningthe junior barebackevent with a 69 pointride. Jacoby Johnsfollowed in the adultdivision with a scoreof 78 points.Tyler Humbleput the saddle on forthe win in the saddlebronc event, scoringan amazing 77points.year Moss was drafted into the NFL.Tribal citizen Suraiya Smith, one of the clinic’s organizers,hopes to hold similar events in the future. Herorganization, Chaka’s Stars Foundation was founded in2007 and provides youth enrichment programs and services.Most recently the organization held a charity golftournament in Okeechobee, Fla. on May 9.“We just want to get kids to interact and be drugfree,” Smith emphasized. “You can be whatever youwant as long as you keep your head up and stay focused.”Elizabeth LeibaWashington Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss (C) speaks to the Tribal youth about the importance of perseverance andteamwork at the Family Football Clinic, held June 12 at the Hollywood Ball Field.“I’d like to thank the Seminole Tribe for puttingon all these events,” said Humble after hisride.Ivan Bruised Head and Naha Jumper wereneck and neck in the steer wrestling competitionwith only a tenth of a second separating them.Bruised Head, however, went on to win the buckle.Naha Jumper wasn’t discouraged and wasable to win his buckle and championship, ropinghis calf in 15.2 seconds in the calf roping event.The women finally made their way into thearena to compete in the breakaway event. Witha 20 second time limit and a one loop rule, TrinaHarris blew away the competition in 4.1 seconds,securing the champion title and prize-winning beltbuckle.The Legend’s Division breakaway ropingevent followed, with Billy Joe Johns snapping ithard for a 7.8 second win.The cowboys then partnered up to compete inthe team roping event.Header Marvin Bowers and heeler Todd Johnstook the lead with 11.8 seconds going into theslack. The team of Justin Gopher and Hilliard Gopher,however, had a 1 second better run, finishingwith a time of 10.8. Ultimately, the team of JoshJumper and Naha Jumper had the fastest time, 8.2seconds, and took home the buckles.The barrels were brought out as the ladiesraced their way to impressive finishes in the barrelracing competition. Carrera Gopher raced herway to the top going into the slack. Lorreta Petersonwas able to take the first place finish in 16.066seconds competing in the slack and walking awaywith the silver and gold belt buckle.As the crowd got ready for the bull riding action,Dayne Johns took his 8 second ride to the top.He scored 74 points, taking the EIRA championshipbull riding title.Rachel BuxtonDayne Johns ends the rodeo with an 8 second ride and championship title.

2C • The Seminole Tribune • July 31, 2009Sean Osceola out-throws the competition, sending the ball 128.5 feet.Rachel BuxtonRachel BuxtonKelton Smedley places first in his heat and sixth overall in the 100 meter dash event at the track meet, held June 27 at Lake Brantley High School.Pemayetv Emahakv Students Compete atState-Level Hershey’s ® Track & Field MeetBY RACHEL BUXTONStaff ReporterALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — Five Pemayetv Emahakvstudents traveled to Lake Brantley High School in AltamonteSprings, Fla. on June 27 to compete in the Hershey’s ® Track andField State-Level Meet.“This is a good thing we are doing for the kids today,” saidevent coordinator Carol Hardemon. “This is about the kids, not theparents.”Sean Osceola, Kelton Smedley, Cheyenne Nunez, Lahna Sedatol-Bakerand Odessa King all fought for a chance to make it toNationals, which takes place in Hershey, Pa., July 30-Aug. 2.Osceola placed first in the Boys 9-10 year old Softball Throwcategory, throwing the ball 128.5 feet. Osceola said he thanks hisdad for his accomplishment.“I practiced a lot,” Osceola said. “I would work with my dadout in the field.”Osceola’s father, Reno, admits the two did practice often.“When we’re around the house and have nothing going onwe’ll go out and throw 20 to 30 minutes a day,” Reno Osceola said.Osceola now has the chance to advance to national competitionbut will have to wait to find out in the coming weeks if he madeit based on other track meet results in surrounding regional states.“Makes me proud to be a parent,” Reno Osceola said. “It showswhat can happen by working with your kid and supporting them.”The Charter School’s other competitors made impressive finishesas well.Smedley placed sixth overall in the 100 meter dash and thirdin the 800 meter run.Nunez competed in the 200 meter dash and placed fifth overall.She also beat her local meet result time by almost two seconds.Sedatol-Baker also placed fifth in her event, the 400 meter run,and decreased her time by almost six seconds.The relay team of Nunez, Sedatol-Baker and King faced thechallenge of having to replace their teammate Tamea Allen whomthey had competed with in the last two meets. Unfortunately, Allenwas unable to make it to the meet and was replaced by Okeechobeeyouth Jordan Lawlis of North Elementary.“We have a pretty good team,” said Sedatol-Baker. “I’m soglad she came.”Lawlis started the relay handing the baton over to King whopassed it to Sedatol-Baker. Baker made the handoff to Nunez whofinished off the race securing the team a fourth place finish.Lahna Sedatol-Baker crosses the finish line and beats her previous time by 6 seconds.Rachel BuxtonShelley MarmorJack Wilson, who tied for second place in the tournament with 9.5 total pounds of bass caught, waits for a bite.Miccosukee Recreation Hosts Fishing TournamentTheo Thomas Takes First, Raymond Tigertail Biggest BassBY SHELLEY MARMORStaff ReporterTAMIAMI TRAIL — About 25 fishing enthusiastscompeted in the first annual Bass Fishing Tournament,held June 13, and sponsored by the MiccosukeeTribe’s Recreation Dept.The competition was open to all Miccosukee,Seminole and community members.Competitors began fishing at first daylight in thewaters that stretch from the Collier County Line to 40Mile Bend. They had until 7:30 p.m. to catch as manyfish as they could.After each competitor finished fishing the broughttheir catch to the back of the Miccosukee Restaurant tobe weighed. At the tournament’s end, they competitorsalso dined at the restaurant together.First through third place awards went to the threemen who caught the most weight in fish and a Big BassAward went to the competitor who caught the largestsingle fish.First place finisher Theo Thomas caught 10pounds worth of bass and Jake Keyser and Jack Wilsoneach caught 9.5 pounds for a second-place tie. RaymondTigertail caught the largest fish and won the BigBass Award with his 5 pound catch.Andrew Bert Jr., assistant director of the MiccosukeeRecreation Dept., organized the tournament. Hesaid he wanted to have a fishing tournament becausethey are not the norm in his area.“Most tournaments down here are basketball,”Bert said. “So we wanted to bring other sports heretoo.”For more information on upcoming MiccosukeeTribe Recreation Dept. tournaments please contact AndrewBert Jr. at (305) 934-2712.Shelley MarmorJames Clay fishes for bass in the Miccosukee Tribe’s firstannual Bass Fishing Tournament on June 13.Tribal Youngsters Take Fishing TripBY JUDY WEEKSFreelance ReporterFT. MYERS BEACH, Fla. — The ImmokaleeSeminole Ranch sponsored a fishing trip for the youthof the Immokalee community on June 10 with the assistanceof the Recreation Dept.Boarding their bus early in the morning, the expectantanglers were transported to Ft. Myers Beachalongside the Sanibel Causeway. While some had theirown equipment, this was a first time experience forothers.Prior to fishing, the chaperones distributed a wideselection of fishing gear and gave a short lecture onsafety and responsibility.Casting their lines into the surf along the beach,the youngsters hooked into some interesting catches. Aboot, seaweed, horseshoe crab and sea fans were reeledin, but no fish. Changing location, the youngsters filedout onto the catwalk of the Sanibel Causeway and theirluck immediately turned around.The chaperones moved back and forth down theline of fisherman to a chorus of “Help Me!” and “I’mOkay!” For them it was a steady job of untanglinglines, baiting hooks and helping to remove fish, butthey enjoyed every minute of it as they watched thechildren have the time of their lives.Hungry and thirsty, the group walked back downto the beach for a little rest and relaxation that includeda picnic lunch before taking up their poles to challengethe fish one more timeJennifer RamosDamian Escobar reels in his catch. He was one of severalyouth who went fishing on the Sanibel Causeway Bridge.Jennifer RamosImmokalee children and their chaperones participate in a day of fun in the sun while fishing at Ft. Myers Beach.

v MARTIAL ARTSFrom page 1CThen Gutierrez called student SierraBowers to the front.“Today’s activities were closely observedas a test,” he said. “Sierra BowersJudy Weeks(L-R) Assistant Sharlene Quezada watches as instructor Luis Gutierrezawards the first yellow belt in the Big Cypress Martial Arts Programto Sierra Bowers.has learned her initial fundamental core andearned the first yellow belt in Big Cypress.”Removing her white belt, the instructorreplaced it with a yellow one.Richard Billie and Rebecca Wolf wereawarded their first stripes and Blue Sky Fridayearned her third stripe.“The student enrollment in our programhas increased dramaticallyover the pastthree months,” Gutierrezsaid. “Kids need somethingbetter in their livesthan drugs. Good thingslike sports, dance or musiccan become habitforming, too. My goal isto get them into a goodhabit today before theycan develop a bad habit.”Participants in theBig Cypress Martial ArtsProgram are divided intothree age groups, 5-8,9-12 and 12-15 years old.“Some of theseyoungsters are beginnersand others have previousSome of the Big Cypress martial arts students assemble with their instructors.experience,” Gutierrezexplained. “Not beingfamiliar with their backgrounds,I have startedeveryone out with a whitebelt. Following a trial periodof evaluation, theywill be elevated accordingto their skills. Someof our students have madeconsiderable progress andthey are being recognizedhere today.”Judy WeeksJuly 31, 2009 • The Seminole Tribune • 3CJudy WeeksCody Billie’s Ford Bronco pulls the sled during the Southwest Florida Truck Pull competition, held June 13 at the Junior Cypress Arena.Tribe Hosts Truck Pull CompetitionBY JUDY WEEKSFreelance ReporterBIG CYPRESS — The loud roar ofengines, acid smell of burning fuel andshouts of encouragement and jubilationfilled the Junior Cypress Arena on theevening of June 13 with the arrival of theSouthwest Florida Truck Pull event.A veteran of this rapidly growingsport, Raymond Garza Sr. expressed whathe loves about truck pulling.“I’ve always enjoyed good trucksthat can get the job done whether they’reon the highway, in the woods or pullinga loaded trailer through a pasture,” Garzasaid. “When I was young, one of my favoritepastimes was getting together withmy buddies and putting our vehicles to thetest in the nearest mud hole, down in thewater or peeling rubber at the races.”Pointing to the arena lined with trucksof all kinds, shapes and sizes, Garzalaughed: “The rush that comes with theburst of power and the competitive atmosphereare still the same, but the mechanicalmodifications and financial investmenthave risen with time. There’s an old saying,‘the older the boys, the bigger thetoys.’ But most of all, we’ve come here tohave a good time.”A steady stream of monster trucks hadcompleted their weigh in and equipmentinspection, which divided the contestantsinto categories to compete against theirpeers. Small and big block gasoline engines,and stock and outlaw diesel engineswere separated from road ready, supermodified and exhibition classes.A broad spectrum of the finest machinesin the truck industry lined the arenawith no particular make or model takingprecedence. Modifications including tirechanges, frame adjustments, transmissions,rear end and engine enhancementwere made with one goal in mind — increasingthe pulling power and guts oftheir vehicles.Contestants took turns pulling a largesled that has a 28,000 pound weight adjustmentto accommodate each class.One by one, they hooked up to thesled and dragged it down the arena floor asthe weight gradually increased until theirvehicle reached the point where it couldn’tpull any further. Achieving maximumpower, the strain of the engines vibratedthe arena and spectators.Competing in the 5,500 pound smallblock stock division, Mark Billie, KellyYoungblood and Cody Billie put their confidencein Ford trucks.Osceola Billie joined the competitionin the 6,750 pound big block stock and ranagainst Kelly Youngblood, who took animpressive third place in his black Ford.It was a tough night for RaymondGarza, Sr. and Lonnie Billie in their bigblock modified Fords. Billie faltered twothirds of the way down the arena duringhis second run. Experimenting with somechanges, Garza broke down before completinghis pull and will be making somealterations prior to entering his next race.Stealing the show during the heavytruck exhibition of 8,000 pounds pluswere Alvin Buster’s green Dodge, JamieOnco’s silver Ford and Michael Doctor’sblack Dodge.Judy WeeksLonnie Billie weighs-in his blue and white Fordto determine his truck’s classification.

4C • The Seminole Tribune • July 31, 2009Annual Candy Osceola MemorialPool Tournament HeldBY JUDY WEEKSFreelance ReporterThe first phase of the 13th annual Candy OsceolaMemorial Pool Tournament was held at the HollywoodGym on May 15 with the Senior and YouthDivisions competing. The Adult Division play tookplace at the Immokalee Ranch Billiard Hall on July11 to finalize the tournament.Hollywood Tribal Council Rep. Max B. OsceolaJr. sponsored the 8-Ball portion and Big CypressTribal Council Rep. David Cypress handled the9-Ball at the all Indian shoot-out, held in memory ofCandy Osceola.Juanita Osceola recalled highlights of herdaughter’s life.“It seems like yesterday that Candy was herepoking fun at us, laughing and bubbling over withenergy,” Osceola said. “She was like sunshine in ourlives and I am reminded of her daily in the smilingfaces of her children.”“Candy was a terrific mother to her two littleboys and we have had to work hard to fill her shoes,”Osceola added, putting her arm around her grandson,Justin. “J.T. is already 17, and Nelson just recentlyturned 19. It is unfortunate that she never had the opportunityto see these boys turn into men and missedthe arrival of her first grandson, David Merrick.”Big Cypress Tribal Council Rep. David Cypresssaid: “These young men carry her blood and throughthem she will always be remembered. She may begone but Candy did not leave without doing her partto carry on her heritage.”Results of the 13th AnnualCandy Osceola MemorialPool Tournament8-Ball: Senior Women: 1. Laura Clay, 2. Annie Jumper,3. Diana OnlyAChief, 4. Jane Freeman, 5. Esther Buster;Senior Men: 1. George Grasshopper, 2. David Cypress, 3.Joe Yeahpau, 4. Joe Billie, 5. Gary Clay.Women: 1. Theresa Nunez, 2. Phalyn Osceola, 3. VirginiaBillie, 4. Donia Antuna, 5. Jane Freeman; Men: 1. JackBillie, 2. David Cypress, 3. Charles Osceola, 4. Roy Snow,5. Jadrien Antuna.Junior Girls: 1. Jessica Osceola, 2. Ravenne Osceola, 3.Leandra Mora, 4. Deidra Hall, 5. Mailani Perez; JuniorBoys: 1. Joshua Boromei, 2. Charlie John, 3. Rhett Tiger, 4.Neko Osceola, 5. Daniel Rodriguez.9-Ball: Women: 1. Phalyn Osceola, 2. Virginia Billie, 3.Louise Osceola, 4. Donnia Antuna, 5. Theresa Nunez; Men:1. Raymond Garza, Sr., 2. Jack Billie, 3. George Grasshopper,4. Boogie Nunez, 5. Leon Micco.Scotch Doubles: Adults: 1. Roy Snow and Theresa Nunez,2. Daniel Gopher and Jane Freeman, 3. Raymond Garza Sr.and Virginia Billie, 4. Joe Billie and Louise Billie, 5. JadrienAntuna and Donnia Antuna; Seniors: 1. Jimmie Bert andJane Doctor, 2. David Cypress and Laura Clay, 3. LonnieBillie and Louise Osceola, 4. Joe Billie and Annie Jumper,5. Keeno King and Betty Osceola.Judy WeeksMembers of Candy Osceola’s family, (L-R) Jennie Billie, Robert Osceola, Juanita Osceola, Carlene DiCarlo, Phalyn Osceola andRussell Osceola, gather in her memory.Judy Weeks(L-R) Joe J. Billie watches as Chairman Mitchell Cypress contemplates his next shot during the 13th annual Edna CypressPool Tournament, held in memory of the Chairman’s late sister.Competitors Attend 13th AnnualEdna Cypress Pool TournamentBY JUDY WEEKSFreelance ReporterIMMOKALEE — Pool enthusiasts congregatedat the Immokalee Seminole Ranch Billiard Hall for the13th annual Edna Cypress Pool Tournament on June20.This year’s tournament included Men’s andWomen’s Divisions with both 8- and 9-Ball competitions,as well as Scotch Doubles. Prizes and trophieswent to the first through fifth place winners, and allparticipants received a commemorative T-shirt.In Men’s 8-Ball play, Juan Encarnacion, RickyMartinez, Glen Olson, David Cypress and Roy GarzaJr., respectively, captured the top five spots. Firstthrough fifth in the Women’s 8-Ball competition wentto Sherry King, Shelly Harrison, Nina Frias, JenniferJumper and Juanita Osceola.Glen Olson, Juan Encarnacion, Willie McBride,Greg Anderson and Shawn Jones placed first throughfifth in Men’s 9-Ball, while Shelly Harrison, SherryKing, Louise Osceola, Nina Frias and Jennifer Jumper,respectively, won for the women.Glen Olson and Kathy Breland captured top honorsin Scotch Doubles play.Immokalee Board of Directors Liaison DeloresJumper coordinated the event, with the assistance ofher granddaughter, Nina Frias.“Edna Cypress was one of my best friends andher memory will always be with me,” Liaison Jumpersaid. “We worked, played and raised our children together.She was one of those rare individuals who werealways helping others and reaching out to her friends.”“Times were hard back then and if she had something,we all shared in it,” she added. “That’s howit was in her family. Her mother, Mary Frances, andniece, Michele, always put others first.”Providing an example of her friend’s generosity,Liaison Jumper said: “I had been in an automobile accidentand after leaving the hospital, I was confined toa wheelchair for a while. She came every day to checkon me and helped care for my family. When otherswould have left me behind, she wouldn’t even considerit. She would load up my wheelchair and awaywe’d go.”Big Cypress Tribal Council Rep. David Cypressrecalled his sister.“My sister Edna lived life to the fullest,” he said.“During the worst of times, you could count on her fora laugh and she always saw the best in everyone. Assecretary at the Ahfachkee School, she invested yearsin helping to educate the children of Big Cypress,while raising her own family, Patrick, Jonell, Arnold,and her grandniece, Margie.”`Edna’s other brother, Chairman Mitchell Cypress,also reminisced about his sister.“You might say that Edna put a happy face onlife,” said Chairman Cypress. “She was quick to recognizea challenge and realized that education was akey to helping Native Americans earn their rightfulplace in society.”“She went to grade school here and high school inOklahoma before accepting a student secretarial job inWashington, DC,” he continued. “Sharing her educationalskills, she returned to Big Cypress to work at theschool and inspire others.”`

Tribal July Fourth Golf TournamentDraws Numerous CompetitorsBY JUDY WEEKSFreelance ReporterNAPLES — Originally scheduled for play inClewiston, the Fourth of July Golf Tournament suffereda last minute relocation to Heritage Bay in Naples onJuly 3.Torrential summer downpours created major floodingproblems on the original course and necessitated itsclosing. Living in a sub-tropical climate, avid golferstake changes in stride and point themselves in a differentdirection without complaint as long as they get toplay somewhere.Following registration, the players drew for partnersin the Two Man Blind Draw Scramble and thenheaded for the links.July 31, 2009 • The Seminole Tribune • 5CJudy WeeksLaura Clay lines up behind the cue ball to make her shot. Clay placed fifth in the senior’s 8-Ball competition during theFourth of July Pool Tournament, held July 3.Seminoles Compete in Fourth of July Pool TourneyBY JUDY WEEKSFreelance ReporterBIG CYPRESS — The Big Cypress RecreationDept. coordinated several events in celebration of IndependenceDay in an effort to provide an opportunityfor everyone to participate in the festivities.The Fourth of July Pool Tournament started offwith a bang at noon at the Herman L. Osceola Gymnasiumon July 3.Open to Seminole Tribal citizens and invitedguests only, the tournament drew a large crowd of participantsand spectators eager to take part in one oftheir favorite pastimes. Twenty tables saw continuousaction throughout the day and evening.The senior men and women had their own 8-BallDivision, with many of the seniors returning for achance to compete in the adult play. The teams forScotch Doubles showed no distinction for age and frequentlypaired up adult and senior players for someexciting games.Judy Weeks(L-R) Raymond Garza Jr. and Mondo Tiger examine their clubs.Judy WeeksRicky Doctor’s careful scrutiny of each shot helps him placesecond in the Two Man Scramble.First place went to Charlie Cypress and DuanePratt by a very small margin, with Ricky Doctor andRaymond Garza Jr. coming in second. Partners RaymondGarza Sr. and Manuel Tiger filled the third slotwith Bruce Pratt and Keeno King completing the roster.A favorite course for many of the Tribal players,Heritage Bay has 27 holes of beautifully maintainedfairways and is one of the newest facilities within theirplaying radius. The Fourth of July Tournament teed offon the second nine holes known as The Pines, and thenbacktracked to the front nine to play The Oaks for thecompletion of the game.Good fortune followed the contestants around thecourse with plenty of sunshine and a gentle breezethroughout the round of golf. However, the playerswatched the sky closely as menacing dark cloudsformed several times and then drifted off to the eastwithout incident.Returning to the club house for a buffet luncheonand tabulation of scores, the players got under coverjust in time for the arrival of the impending storm.Results of the Fourth ofJuly Pool Tournament8-Ball: Senior Women: 1. Rena Blissett, 2.Jane Freeman, 3. Juanita Osceola, 4. AnnieJumper, 5. Laura Clay; Senior Men: 1. JoeBillie, 2. Charley LaSarge, 3. Roy snow, 4.David Cypress, 5. Abel Salgado.Women: 1. Phalyn Osceola, 2. TheresaNunez, 3. Virginia Billie, 4. Jamie Onco, 5.Carlene DiCarlo; Men: 1. Mike Dewitt, 2.Tony Bert, 3. Nick Tiger, 4. Vicente Villalobos,5. Jack Billie.9-Ball: Women: 1. Laura Clay, 2. VirginiaBillie, 3. Theresa Nunez, 4. Tonya Jumper,5. Marissa Cypress; Men: 1. CharleyLaSarge, 2. Mario Posada, 3. Tony Bert, 4.Nick Tiger, 5. Abel Salgado.Scotch Doubles: 1. Jack Billie and PhalynOsceola, 2. David Cypress and Laura Clay,3. Fernando Silva and Esther Buster, 4.Kiko Villalobos and Rena Blissett, 5. CharleyLaSarge and Jane Doctor.Judy WeeksBC Board Rep. Paul Bowers Sr. racks up the balls for a game of 8-Ball.

6C • The Seminole Tribune • July 31, 2009Seminoles Learn Disc Golf Tips from ProBY JUDY WEEKSFreelance ReporterBIG CYPRESS — World Champion disc golferGregg Hosfeld conducted a disc golf clinic on the temporarycourse in the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum parkinglot on the morning of July 4.A man of many talents, Hosfeld is a runner, yogaenthusiast, professional juggler and comedy club entertainer,in addition to competing in disc golf competitionsaround the world.Grabbing the attention of his audience, Hosfeldopened the clinic with several disc golf tricks and thenprovided a quick history of the game.“Disc golf is one of the fastest growing sports,”Hosfeld said. “Played much like traditional golf, a discis thrown into a basket, as opposed to hitting a ballwith a club. Rules and challenges are similar to playingwith a ball and the object of the game is to get thedisc into the target in the least number of throws.”“The beauty of the game is the fact that it is notnecessary to be athletic, offers exercise, can be playedby people with limited mobility and stimulates thecompetitive spirit that we all share,” Hosfeld continued.“Using discs with a variety of sizes and density,players learn control and accuracy. The disc is manipulatedinto the target with the use of tilts, side armthrows, wrist snaps, back fists and creative spins.”The players formed a line across a fairway towatch a demonstration. Then they participated in practiceshots before dividing into groups of six and takingto the course. Experimenting with technique sometimesresulted in hilarious body positions, mishaps andfoul shots. Laughter followed the participants aroundthe course.Returning to the shade of the canopy, the playerseach received a T-shirt and disc to commemorate theevent.Assistant Big Cypress Recreation Dept. DirectorStan Frischman said: “This is the fourth time that discgolf has been played at Big Cypress and each time thenumber of players increases. We are currently lookingfor a site to design a permanent course so that we canestablish a series of regular competitions.”Judy WeeksWorld Champion disc golfer Gregg Hosfeld does Frisbeetricks during his opening presentation.Judy Weeks(L-R) Assistant Big Cypress Recreation Dept. Director Stan Frischman joins disc golf pro Gregg Hosfeld for an exhibitionon the first hole.Call Toll Free 1-888-800-8048GreatNews!Ed Morse Sawgrass Auto Mall is now offering all Seminole tribal membersand employees really great deals! That’s right, all tribe members andemployees, including everyone who works at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino,can now get big savings and all financing incentives for which they qualifyon five GM brands of new vehicles and over 150 used vehicles.All Tribal Membersand Employees…$ $$GET $ 1000OF ACCESSORIES!See dealer for detailsJennifer RamosChildren quickly volunteer to assist Juan Marrufo with his roping tricks in the arena during his demonstration on July 1.Trick Roper Performs at Rodeo ComplexBY JUDY WEEKSFreelance ReporterBIG CYPRESS — The Immokalee SeminoleRanch sponsored the Trick Roping Extraordinaire exhibition,held at the Junior Cypress Rodeo Complex onJuly 1.Originally contracted for the Immokalee Reservationas a portion of their summer youth program, theperformance was relocated to Big Cypress at the lastminute due to a flooded arena. What at first appeared tobe a setback, in the end worked to everyone’s advantageas the audience size tripled with the addition of the BigCypress children, who also benefited from the presentation.Juan Jose Marrufo, known as “Riata Man,” gave aterrific performance with his fancy dancing Andalusianhorse and extraordinary rope tricks. Accompanied byhis nephew, Raul, he provided a non-stop roping demonstrationfor more than 30 minutes without duplicatingany of his tricks.A fifth generation Mexican charro, or cowboy,Marrufo began manipulating ropes at an early age andcan quickly bring a coiled riata to life with a flick ofhis wrist.Explaining that riata is what Mexican people calla working cowboy’s rope, known as a lariat, he invitedsome of his spectators to join him in the arena to examineits waxed surface. 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July 31, 2009 • The Seminole Tribune • 1DStephen Galla(L-R) Chairman Mitchell Cypress, 2008-2009 Sr. Miss Seminole Nation Inna Hickey, 2008-2009 Miss Seminole Nation Erica Williams, 2008-2009 Little Miss Seminole Nation Sierra Price, 2008-2009 Jr. Miss Seminole Nation AngelaLena, 2009-2010 Brighton Jr. Miss Princess Aiyana Tommie, 2008-2009 Miss Indian Nations Alyssa Alberts, 2009-2010 Little Miss Seminole Aubee Susie Billie, 2009-2010 Miss Indian World Brooke Grant, 2009-2010 Jr. Miss FloridaSeminole Stevie Brantley, 2009-2010 Miss Florida Seminole Brittany Smith, Rusty Gillette, 2009-2010 Little Mr. Seminole Lance Howard, 2009-2010 Choctaw Indian Princess Famie Cheyenne Willis and President Richard Bowers Jr.Stephen GallaThe 2009-1020 Miss Seminole Brittany Smith receives her crownfrom 2008-2009 Princess D’Anna Osceola.v PRINCESSFrom page 1Ahelp and support.”President Richard Bowers Jr.joked about how difficult it is for thegirls to be competing, saying: “it’smore nervous than jumping into a poolwith alligators. s.”Chairman Cypress and PresidentBowers presented the 2007 MissFloridaSeminole Princess JenniferChalfant with hatropophycrownthat shewas unable to receive last yearwhenshe crowned 2008Princess s D’AnnaOsceola.The princess contestantswere fi-nally introduced as theyparaded intothe auditorium with much poise andconfidence.Ten girls competed; with eight vy-ing for Junior Miss Florida Seminoleand two forMissFlorida Seminole.Each girl made their way to thestageto give a brief introductionion of themselves.First up was 14-year-old LoreleiTommie of the Big Cypress Reserva-tion. Tommie is a freshman at Univer-sity School in Davie, Fla. and enjoyssewing, acting and spending time withherfamily.Kirsten Doney, 13, of the BrightonReservation followed. Doney is amember er of the Panther Clan and herhobbies includevolleyball, softball,swimming and drawingwing.Kaylan Osceola, 13, resides on theHollywood Reservation andisammem-berof the Big TownClan. She is in theeighth grade andenjoys playing base-ball and riding ing horses in her free time.Jennie Eagle, 13, is a member ofStephen GallaThe Miss Seminole Princess and Jr. Miss Seminole Princess contestants enter the auditorium at the start of the program.Stephen Galla(L-R) The 2008-2009 Miss Florida Seminole D’Anna Osceola receives her trophy crown from President RichardBowers Jr., a pageant tradition for the last two years.the BirdClan and isfrom the BrightightonReservation.She is a seventh graderat Yearling Middle Schoolin Okeechobee e, Fla.and said sheplans to attendFloridaState Universityto obtain a medical degree.Tia Blais-Billiellie of the Hollywood Reservationis 13 years old and her hobbies include baseball, lacrosse,drawing and reading.Stevie Brantley, 15, from the Brighton Reservationis a member of the Panther Clan and at-tends Grace Christian Academy inHollywood where she maintains aperfect 4.0 grade pointaverage. age. Sheis currently working at the BrightonHousingDept. as part to of the summermerjob program.Airianna Nunez,12, representedthe BrightonReservation andsaid she enjoysvolleyball, soccerandher passioncooking.McKaylaBriannSnow,12,also from the Brighton Reservation,wrapped up the Junior Miss FloridaSeminole introductions saying herhobbies include softball, swimming,riding bikes and hangingout withher cousins.Snow attends YearlingMiddle School in Okeechobee, Fla.where she will be in the seventhgrade.Following the Junior Miss FloridaSeminole introductions were thetwo MissFlorida Seminole contestantswho told a little about themselves.Brittany Smith, 19, is from theBrighton Reservation and is currentlyin her second year at Indian RiverState College where she is studyingStephen Galla2008-2009 Jr. Miss Seminole Princess Amber Craigcrowns the 2009-2010 Jr. Miss Seminole Princesswinner Stevie Brantley.architecture.Krystle Young, 18, of the HollywoodReservation is a member of thePanther Clanand will attend the University of Miamiin the falltobegin studying for her degree in biologylogy.v Please see PRINCESS on page 2D

2D • The Seminole Tribune • July 31, 2009v PRINCESSFrom page 1DAfter all introductionsweremade the ladiesdonned theheir finesttraditional Seminoleclothing forthe modeling portion of the competition.One by one the contestants graced the stagees-corted by Kyle Doney and Bobby by Frank III mod-eling theirtraditional outfit whilethe emceesgavedescriptionsi of the garments.Lorelei Tommie wore a two piece traditionalSeminole dress and cape with three rowsof patch-work. The first two rows of patchwork onthedressrepresented the tree design withthe third row sym-bolizing rain. Tommie’s dress included a varietyofcolored bias tape includingng blue, red, orange andbrown.Kirsten Doney modeled a cotton on lime-greendress accented witha purple flowerprint alongwithpurple and green bias tape. Herskirt included dman-on-horse and lighting patchworkwhile her cape hadthe fire patchwork design. Doney’s dresswas madeby Tasha Osceola of theHollywood Reservation.Kaylan an Osceola tookthe stage in a yellow tra-ditional Seminole cotton dress with a shortcapeandlong skirt with white, black, green and grey biastape. The four rows of patchwork resembling a flowerand the wave design were made byher grand-mother, Sadie Cypress, and her dresswassewn byher mother, Allison Osceola.Jennie Eagle wore a modern styletraditionaloutfit with the colors white, black and red. The de-Stephen GallaStevie Brantley answers her impromptu questionabout Seminole language and culture.Stephen GallaAirianna Nunez wears a dress with an early 1900s designmade by Oneva Osceola.sign on her cape representedthe zigzagdesign. Her shirt includeda pleatedredruffle on top and thefire designon the bottom.TiaBlais-Billiemodeled a tradition-al cotton dress withstrips of black, yel-low and purple biastape. The rain designwas displayed on hercape and on her skirtone row of Seminolepatchwork representedthe tree design.Heroutfit was madebyDebbie e Osceola.StevieBrant-leydonned an outfitfitmadeby hergrand-mother,Alice Sweat.Her dress consistedofashort cape and longskirt with two rows ofthe modern diamondpatchwork. The base color was deep purplewithstrips of shades of pink.Airianna Nunez wore a dress with a de-sign from the early 1900s. Her dress includedvarious shades of pink, green and white. Herskirt included one row of patchwork calledthe Four Directions. Oneva Osceola of theStephen GallaBrittany Smith demonstrates the process of making a patchwork drawstringbag with a sweetgrass bottom.Brighton Reservation was credited for makingNunez’s dress.McKaylaBriann n Snowdisplayed a traditionaldress from theearly 1800s.Her skirthad strips of beige, green, burgundyundyand redand was a sampleof early Seminole clothing,pre-patchwork.Her dressincluded a flower edesign with a greenen ruffle eandwas made byVirginiai Osceola.TheMiss Florida Seminole contestantsfollowedand modeled their traditional outfitsfor the judges.BrittanySmith wore an old style tradi-tional outfit made out of cotton with a FloridaState University pattern accented with black,beig bie, yelellow, white and maroonbias tape.Her dress s was made for her by OnevaOsceola.Stephen GallaKrystleYoung modeledd a traditionaltwopiece e outfit with red and blue lightingKrystle Young discusses Tribal business ventures, answeringpatchwork with one row on the cape and onea question posed by the pageant’s judges.row on the skirt. The dressrepresented thecorn design with blue, red,yellow, black and Tia Blais-Billieie displayed art pieces she had createdwhite colors. Her dress was madeby Marie Osceola.and spoke on how she pickedhersubject and me-After the modeliling portion on the contestants weredium such as watercolors and oil painting.able to show thejudges a littlebit about their per-Stevie Brantleyand Airianna Nunez kept thesonality and talentsasthey took the stage for the tal-crowd’s attention as they both put on demonstra-ent portion of the evening. The Junior Miss Florida tions abouttwo Seminole traditions,dancing andSeminole contesttestantswere firstto demonstrate their cooking. Brantley talkedabout how traditional andtraditionaltalent.modern shakers are madeand then demonstratedLoreleiTommie showed off her acting and per-how to use them. Nunezgave theaudience step-formanceskills as she told the tale of how the opossumgot his hideous tail. Kirsten Doney and Kaylan Seminole delicacy of pumpkinpkinbread.by-step cooking instructions about how to make theOsceola both used a slideshow presenta-McKayla Briann nSnownow brought some to tearstion to assist them. Doney talked about with her rendition of the song “AmazingGrace,”the history of the Seminole Clans while which she dedicated to her late mother,DawnMarieOsceola spoke on how to sew a traditional Snow. Snow wowed the crowd as she sung the sec-Seminole dress.ond verse in her native Creek language.Jennie Eagle demonstrated to the Miss Florida Seminole contestants Brittanyjudges and crowd how to heal an earache Smith and Krystle Young then demonstrated theirtraditionally, a skill that has been passed talents for the audience.down from her great-great-grandmother. Smith did a step-by-step demonstration n on howto make a patchwork drawstring bag witha sweetgrass basket bottom. Young edu-cated the judges and all on the SecondSeminole War using a PowerPoint® presentation.The audience applauded all the ladiesfor their hard work and confidence e in gettingup on stage in front of a largecrowd.“It takes a lot of courage for them toget up here and do what they are doing,”said co-emcee Samuels. “This should beheadlines.”The ladies had one more chance toStephen GallaTia Blais-Billie displays some of her artwork, includinga self-portrait she did.grab the judge’sattention during the impromptuquestions. The contestants wereasked a variety of questions pertaining tothe SeminoleTribe of Florida and its history.All the ladiesdida wonderfuljob andgave eloquent answers.Theoutgoing 2008-2009 MissFlor-ida SeminoleD’Anna Osceola and JuniorMiss Florida Seminole Amber Craigsaid their farewells and thanked the manypeople that made their reigningng year somemorable.Osceola was presented witha princessmedallion by Chairman Cypress andgiven a crown trophythathhas become atradition withintheprincess pageant forthe pasttwoyears.“I feelso proud to be part of thisTribe; but even more that I got to representit,” Osceola said. “I’m very excitedto pass it on.”Stephen GallaKaylan Osceola tells the judges about culture and educationon her home reservation of Hollywood.Stephen GallaMcKayla Briann Snow displays her traditional dressmade by Virginia Osceola.Stephen GallaLorelei Tommie answers a question from the judgesabout Tribal businesses.Allthe ladies were brought back out for themuch anticipated announcement that they allworkedso hard for.McKaylaBriann Snow and Brittany Smithwere announced as the talent winners for the JuniorMiss Florida Seminole competition and Miss FloridaSeminolecompetition, respectively.Miss Congeniality, an award that was selectedby her rpeers, was awarded to Kirsten Doney.Theatmosphere became intense as StevieBrantleywas named Junior Miss Florida Seminole.First runner up went to Airianna Nunez, second runnerup Lorelei Tommie, thirdrunner ne up Tia Blais-Billie and fourtourth runner up McKaylaBriann Snow.BrittanytanySmith held back the tears as she wascrownedthe2009-2010 Miss Florida SeminolePrincesswithKrKrystle Young as first runner up.Stephen GallaKirsten Doney talks about the history of the Seminole Clans with the assistance of a slide show.Stephen GallaJennie Eagle demonstrates how to heal an earache on Kyle Doney using traditional methods.

HOLLYWOOD — The competitiondidn’tjust start the night of the pageantant for the girls. Thecontestants nts had thedays leadingup to themain event to impressthe judges.In the days prior,rthe girls had jampacked schedulesleaving verylittletle freetime with rehears-als during the dayand dinners wherejudging took place atnight.During banququetdinners thecontes-tants were seatedamong the judgeswhere theywerejudged on attiretireandpresentaention. At eachmeeting the girl ils hadto get in front of theattendees and judgesand introduce them-selves.Many of the girlsadmitted being in the pageant helped them gain confidenceand a sense of pride for themselves and theirTribe.“The public speaking has really helped with myhad to sit down with the judges for a brief interviewwhere they were asked a variety of questions. Someof the questions pertained to their Seminole heritageand touched on essays that the girls were required towrite in order to compete.Most of the contestants have either held a princesstitle prior or have had a mother or sister whoJuly 31, 2009 • The Seminole Tribune • 3DContestants Spend Pre-Pageant Days PracticingBY RACHEL BUXTONStaff ReporterRachel BuxtonBrittany Smith accessorizes her outfit backstage.Rachel BuxtonThe Junior Miss Florida Seminole contestants go poolside for a photo shoot.Rachel Buxton(L-R) Miss Florida Seminole contestants Brittanyconfidence,” said Krystle Young.Smith and Krystle YoungBrittanySmith expressedherlove for her culture.they wanted to ocapture the eprincrincesstitle.“We havesuch a great culture and dbackground,”has and were able to gain some valuable advice and “To learn new things about our culture and otherSmith said. “I want to get our culture out thereandexampleples.people and go onew places,” saidJennie Eaglewhoseexposed.”“Mysister was Junior Miss Seminole,” said sentiments were echoed ed by the othercontestants. s.When the princess contntestantts weren’t in re-Airianna Nunezez. “I Ilooked up to her a lot and I “I want to represent the Tribe all the way to thehearsals or attending a dinner,they spent a lot of thought,‘I could be likike that.’”finish,” said McKayla Briann Snow.time practicticing their introduction speeches and talentperformanceson their own.had the same replyOn the morning of the pageant each hcontestantwhen asked All theladieswhyRachel BuxtonKirsten Doney shows why she was voted Miss Congeniality,helping fellow contestant Jennie Eagle withher jewelry.Rachel Buxton(L-R) Stevie Brantley, Kaylan Osceola, Lorelei Tommie and Tia Blais-Billie geta chance to speak with pageant judge Miss Indian World Brooke Grant (C).Rachel BuxtonThe ladies and their escorts have some fun after a day of rehearsal.Seminole Princess Contestants Attend Culture WorkshopBeading, Weaving, Language, Sewing PracticedBY SHELLEY MARMORStaff ReporterHOLLYWOOD — The12-25year old MissFlorida Seminole andJr. Miss Florida Seminolecontestants had the opportunrtunityto practice traditionalcrafts with Tribal eldeders at a culture workshop opheld June 12 in the HollywoodHeHeadquarters rs Audi-torium lobby.Shelley MarmorKatelyn Young, 13, a Jr. Miss Florida Seminolecontestant, works on beading.During the workshopop about a dozen pageantcontestants had nearly the entire day to practicebeading, weaving andsewing, with an additionalstation available for language instruction.According to Princess Commitm tee SecretaryMercedes Osceola-Hahn, the Princess Committeewanted to conduct the workshop because through-h-out the years many contestants have found it diffi-cultto select a talent; a mandatory requirementen tocompete in the pageant.“We wanted to offer a workshop to help thegirirls pick a talent to perform at the Princess Pageant,”According to Osceola-Hahn, the SeminolePrincess Pageant contestants could spend as muchor as little time as they wanted at each station. Shesaid if one of the girls wanted to only practice beadingthey could stay there all day, but if they wantedto practice all four crafts offered,they could do thatas well.In addition to this culture workshop, the contes-tantsaso al attended a workshop the following day toworkon their personal appearance and public speak-ing skills with Briana Abittan,Seminole Broadcast-ing reporter, speaking at the seminar.Osceola-Hahn said.“Each contestant must havea talentto comompete.”Employees from theCulture Dept. and Hollywoodcommunmunity Tribal citizensservedas instructors ateach of the stations.Donna Turtleheadedup the sewing statioation, withadditional help from ladiesincluding Lawanna Osceolathroughout the day. Paul“Cowbone” Buster taughtMikasukivocabulary at hisstation,while Lorene Gopherand Jade Braswell did thesame at the Creek languagestation.Jo Motlow NorthandLa’ToyaStewart helpedthe girls work on theirweavingtechniques, while LeomaPoore assisted at the beadingstation.Shelley MarmorMarisa Stockton, 15, a Jr. Miss Florida Seminole contestant, sews somepatchwork.Shelley MarmorJr. Miss Florida Seminole contestant Tianna Young,15, practices beading.Shelley Marmor(L-R) Secretary/Language Instructor with the Education Dept. La’Toya Stewart helps Jr.Miss Florida Seminole contestant Braudie Billie, 15, with weaving.Shelley Marmor(L-R) Miss Florida Seminole contestant Krystle Young, 18, practices speakingMikasuki with Paul “Cowbone” Buster.Shelley Marmor(L-R) Jr. Miss Florida Seminole contestant GiannaWargolat, 12, gets help with weaving from Jo MotlowNorth.

July 31, 2009 • The Seminole Tribune • 1EBIRTHDAYSI would like to wish a belated but veryhappy birthday to my sister Cheyenne Billie,whose birthday was May 17.You’re a wonderful mom to your two littleboys. Stay strong for them and for yourself.I love you and know that we are here foryou.From your sister,Clea Billie-HerreraNEW KIDSEdward Aguilar andhis wife, Cindy, announcethe birth of their first grandchild,Ayden Dean Aguilar.Their daughter, Jessica, gavebirth on June 5 to a healthy 7pound, 8 ounce boy, measuring20 inches in length.FATHER’S DAYHappy birthday to ourthree wonderful daughters,Marley Billie on June 8,Alison Herrera on July20 and Cooper Rivers onJuly 24.You are all so differentin your own ways but whenit comes to each other youshow love and respect toone another.We feel very blessedto have smart, beautifulyoung ladies in our lives.We want you girlsto know that we love youand will always do ourvery best to support youin whatever it is you tochoose to do in life.Love,Mom & Dad (JoeHerrera & Clea Billie-Herrera)Happy belated Father’s Day to Michael Ronnie Doctor Sr. from your dad, Virgil Doctor, Big Town Clan.IN MEMORIAMMichael and LeeAnn Micco wouldlike to announce thebirth of their newbaby girl, Chace OllieMicco. She wasborn June 14 at 7:30p.m. at MemorialHospital in PembrokePines, weighing 8pounds, 6 ounces,and measuring 20inches.Grandparents areBillie and Mary JoMicco of the BrightonReservation andKimberly Davis ofHollywood, Fla.TRIBAL ATHLETESThe Man UpstairsWell, it’s been a year now that the man upstairs hastaken two of my three beautiful baby girls. I’m not goingto lie, yes I was upset with the man upstairs for takingmy second baby girl, but then again as through experiencetheir grandmother let me know that they reallyweren’t my babies. They were, but then they weren’t,the man upstairs just let me borrow them so that I couldhave some love, joy and happiness in my life. I trulybelieve that becausemothers are neverwrong. One thingthat I am thankfulfor is that the manupstairs has givenme long-term loanon my oldest babygirl, MaryAnn MarieDoctor. Throughher, the man upstairshas given me so, so,so, so much love,joy and happinessby way of blessingme with four beautifulgrandbabies.One other thing Iwould like to mentionand that is theman upstairs hasalso blessed mewith my one andonly son, MichaelCLASSIFIED ADSGet Out of Jail Fast!Call Myrna Loy (954) 583-9119. Tribaldividends, MasterCard and Visa accepted.24 hours • Speedy Release •Professional Service 1128 N.W. 31stAvenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311Ronnie Doctor, who has blessed me with my newestgrandson, Michael Ronnie Doctor Jr. So Tiffany andPamela, ya’ll will always be remembered through theblessings of Maleah, Tiejo, Cadence and Nettie.Thank you God, our Father,Thank you Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior,Thank you Great Holy Spirit,— Virgil DoctorBig TownCypress Brothers Triumph in 5k RunPOEMSWishful ThinkingTonight I wish on the first star I seeThat things will be how I want them to beBut I am a man that’s full of faultsAnd right now they’re all just wishful thoughtsI never knew it would all fall this wayJust please understand your worth to meWhere we go from here I have no clueIt’s a part of the storm we’re going throughI loved you then, like I love you nowMy First, My Last, My EverythingMy first, my last, my everything, in time you will seethis to be true, you can’t help it that you was raised tobelieve that I don’t love you.You can’t remember the times I had you with me orthe times I came by, because you was just a baby thenthat’s the only reason why.When I was there I got much respect as your dad, Icould stop by anytime I wanted but since I been gonethey shut me out which has kept me mad.But you were being raised by them so they had completecontrol, true I’m not there but I love you thisyou must know.I was on the run years before you came, I didn’t disappearbecause you were born that’s silly and lame.Though I have been mad because I was shut out Ihave nothing bad to say, with all my heart I ask thespirits to bring that man you trusted to me one day.As I said in time you will understand that I havealways loved you, that “One Day” it will be an honorand privilege to do what I must do.It would be nice to communicate with you hopefullyin time, remember this you’re always in my heart andmind.Family of Reggie and Dillon Cypress, includingmom, Regina, visited the two boys at the Blount YouthHome in Vidalia, Ga. on April 25.During the visit, the two boys competed in the32nd annual Vidalia Onion Festival’s 5k Run, heldduring the weekend of April 25-26. They both won trophiesand received recognition for their performances.Reggie and Dillon Cypress are students at theBlount Youth Home where they are both pursuing theireducation while learning the vital life skills necessaryfor success.I can’t explain so don’t ask me howAll I can tell you is I’m here for youLike you’ve always been there for meEven when I got shot you was by my sideWith a beautiful smile that’s a mile wideWhen we were kids didn’t we dream big?Now 12 years in the making it wasn’t like thisHey can’t I still wish as I leave you with thisgoodnight kiss?— Kiel JumperAs for my last you were born months after I wasgone, though I haven’t been there as I was for myfirst you and I have that ultimate bond.Though things did not workout with me and yourmom at least you understand I love you, it goes withoutsaying my family does too.We want you to have the best and achieve all yourgoals, also master our Mikasuki language, traditionsand culture of us Unconquered Seminoles.Always be proud of who you are and hold your headhigh, you are a beautiful Seminole girl with thatunique sparkle in your eye.When the opportunity arises, reach out to my first andtell her we love her with all our heart, they can nolonger manipulate her mind so maybe we can make anew start.You’ll also have a brother that’s older that you two,one thing and two for sure this warrior is proud ofeach one of you.My first, my last, my everything, that’s what you’llare to me, since day one I have had unconditionallove for you three.— Ike T. HarjoPanther Clan

2E • The Seminole Tribune • July 31, 2009Larry PayneFort PierceChris PaolantonioFort PierceDeitra TuringHollywoodMeet Your SeminolePolice DepartmentService AidesRicky AliHollywoodLarry HamiltonHollywoodGene MillerHollywoodMiguel MelendezHollywoodShawn GreggHollywoodFran PouxHollywoodCynthia ReyesHollywoodBrian SignoreTampaCheri RolleTampaTeresa BassBrightonJacklyn HinesHollywoodTiffany FarlessFort PierceTerry Tartshah Sr.HollywoodDavid HughesFort PierceBrandon MercadoHollywoodJeannie HaganBrightonSEMINOLE POLICE DEPARTMENTSPD Service Aides Provide Assistance to OfficersBY LIEUTENANT JERRY MEISENHEIMERContributing WriterThe Seminole Police Dept. (SPD) employs 19 civiliansto assist the sworn police officers in providing thebest service to the Seminole communities they serve.These 19 are called police service aides (PSA) andunlike SPD officers, they wear gray and black uniforms.Their patrol cars will also say Service Aide under the“Police” decal.Their duties vary greatly according to the needs ofthe reservation they are assigned to.In Tampa, one PSA is in charge of maintainingall the property and evidence stored there. He is alsotrained to process crime scenes and gather evidence andto investigate accidents. Another Tampa aide covers thefront desk, delivers criminal reports to the State Attorney’sOffice, patrols the parking lot of the Hard RockHotel & Casino and performs other tasks to help the policeofficers.PSA’s operate the guard gatehouse at the Fort Piercecommunity on a 24-hour schedule. They control accessto the reservation and assist the residents and police officersin any way they can.On the Brighton Reservation, one service aide isassigned to work with the Youth and Elders Unit. In addition,she is in charge of the custody of the evidenceroom there. Another service aide assists with officework, servicing police vehicles, and the weekly mail runto SPD’s Hollywood Records Office.The Hollywood service aides also perform a widevariety of assignments: one is assigned full time to theYouth and Elders Unit, one mans the Tribal Headquartersfront desk, and another operates the security gate atthe front entrance.One PSA is trained to investigate traffic fatalities,while others patrol the community, investigate accidents,deliver messages and direct traffic outside theHard Rock Hotel & Casino on the weekends. Still anotheris in charge of the Property and Evidence Roomand coordinates with the State Attorney’s Office.Two former PSA’s are now in the police academytraining to be certified police officers. There are plans tohire more PSA’s in the future as needs require.Tribal citizens are encouraged to consider applyingfor a career as a police service aide with the SeminolePolice Dept. Training is provided.For more information, please contact the SPD HumanResources Dept. at (954) 967-8900.New Seat Belt Law in Effect in FloridaSUBMITTED BY THE SEMINOLE POLICE DEPARTMENTSUBMITTED BY THE SEMINOLE POLICE DEPARTMENTThe Seminole Police Dept. has launched a new programfor Tribal youth called the Explorer Program.This program is designed for all male and femaleSeminoles, ages 6-19, interested in learning about lawenforcement as a career choice. Participants must alsobe enrolled in school and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA.In order to qualify for the program, each personmust not have had any serious criminal infractions, pastor present. All applicants must also complete an oral interviewwith an SPD Review Board and anyone youngerthan 18 must have a signed parental permission form toparticipate.The mission of this program is to further the knowledgeand understanding of law enforcement throughtraining and experience, to provide an insight into thecriminal justice system in order to encourage membersto become law enforcement professionals in the future,As of July 1, a new seat beltlaw took effect in Florida. Thenew law states that everyone ina vehicle must be wearing a seatbelt at all times.In addition, law enforcementofficers can now stop a vehicle ifthe officer sees anyone in the vehiclenot wearing their seat belt.The old law stated that police hadto have another reason for pullingvehicles over.Under the new law, if the driveror any passengers are seen not wearinga seat belt, the police officer canissue a non-moving violation foreach person without a seat belt on.The fine varies in each county.The Seminole Police Dept. hasbeen handing out fliers announcingthis change to the Tribal community.Anyone with questions shouldplease feel free to talk to a local SPDofficer.SPD Launches Explorer Program for Tribal Youthand to help create a better understanding between ourdepartment and the youth of our community.These young men and women will be representativesof SPD and their community. As such, they willhave their own uniform and chain of command. Theywill follow a code of conduct becoming of an SPD Explorer.However, program attendance will be voluntaryand will no participants will have any law enforcementauthority.The program will be led by an advisor who will bean SPD full time employee .They will act as a leader andmentor to the police explorers and will be responsiblefor appointing, directing and reviewing the membersand establishing and coordinating their roles and assignment.If anyone is interested in joining the program, orknows of someone who would be interested in it, pleasefeel free to talk to any SPD officer about it.

SEMINOLE POLICE DEPARTMENTSPD to Hold Citizens’ Police AcademyBY ELIZABETH LEIBAStaff WriterHOLLYWOOD — Tribal citizens will be able tostep into the shoes of the Seminole Police Department(SPD) during a 10-week Citizens’ Police Academy onJuly 30-Oct. 1.The program is being conducted by members fromseveral SPD departments including the Training Divisionand Youth and Elder Unit. Their goal is to giveTribal citizens a taste of how it feels to be a police officer,with classes offered on traffic stops, crime sceneevidence collection, community policing and more.Sgt. George Gonzalez, who coordinated the program,said he expects topics like identity theft, crimeprevention and domestic violence will be of interest tocommunity members.“I think it’s going to be fun,” Gonzalez said. “Ourmission is not only to make it fun, but to make it informative.”According to Gonzalez, 95 percent of police agenciesconduct some type of citizens’ academy. Their goalis to bridge the existing gap between the police departmentsand the communities they serve, he said.This is the second time the program has been held inHollywood. The first academy took place in May 2005.As a result of the positive feedback from Tribal citizens,SPD decided to renew the program. The original academytrained 12 community members who learned aboutthe police department from the classes held, with openforums for question-and-answer sessions.“The majority of the questions were legitimate,good questions,” Gonzalez admitted.Community members were curious about everythingfrom traffic stops and the number of officers typicallyinvolved to the attitude of police officers.Participants were given insights into some of theirquestions from candid answers from SPD staff as wellas the hands-on training activities, which included opportunitiesto conduct their own simulated traffic stopsand building searches.“Sometimes we had a bad guy [in the building];sometimes we didn’t,” Gonzalez explained. “We nevertold them.”Gonzalez said the experience gave the communitymembers a different outlook on SPD.“When it was all said and done, they had a new respectfor us,” he said.The police department hopes to duplicate their effortsthis year and have scheduled at least 15 officers topresent the training classes that will be held each Thursdayevening from 6-9 p.m. during the 10-week period.On successful completion of the program, participantswill take part in a graduation ceremony at the HollywoodTribal Headquarters on Oct. 1.Members of SPD hope this year’s program willhelp to build a lasting relationship between the departmentand the community.“I think nothing but good things will come out ofthis,” said Officer Bobby Betz of the Youth and ElderUnit. “If it wasn’t for the community, we wouldn’t behere right now. They need us and we need them.For more information please contact Sgt. GeorgeGonzalez at (954) 967-8900, Ext. 10416.Elizabeth Leiba(L-R) Sgt. George Gonzalez, Training Assistant Terry Tartsah Jr., Sgt. Bill Maynard and Officer Bobby Betz discuss plans forthe Citizens’ Police Academy.HOLLYWOOD — The Seminole Police Dept.made strong moves toward establishing better and saferTribal communities at the Community Oriented PolicingService, or COPS, Native American Training Series,held at the Hard Rock Hotel on June 19.During the presentation, law enforcement membersfrom all reservations learned about the COPS program,a nationwide effort designed to improve and implementmore effective community police initiatives.SPD Lt. Jim Polan helped assist and implement atrain-the-trainer presentation for the first time event.“We want our officers to develop a strongrelationship with the Tribal community,” Polansaid. “Hopefully this event will create a bettercommunity for them.”“The positive thing is that what some of theinstructors told our officers has already been putinto play,” he added. “It is all nice because itreinforces that we are on the right track.”The Native version of the COPS programhas provided Tribal policing grants along withtraining and technology for 10 years. Some ofthe program partners include the CommunitySafety Institute, specializing in developing,training and technically assisting governmententities, and the Upper Midwest CommunityPolicing Institute (UMCPI), a nonprofit organizationthat builds bridges between law enforcementand the communities they serve.“We want this to give them the tools topromote police and community partnerships,”said UMCPI Services Director Wayne Shellum.“The chief [William Latchford of the SeminolePolice Dept.] has really committed to communitypolicing.”July 31, 2009 • The Seminole Tribune • 3ESeminole Police Dept. officers take notes during presentations in the COPS Native American Training Series.SPD Focuses on Native Training in PresentationsBY CHRIS C. JENKINSStaff ReporterChris C. Jenkins“Many police departments want to do this and thisgives departments an opportunity to really try to improvethe quality of life and build a bridge or foundationof trust within these communities,” Shellum added.COPS program goals include modifying and meetingthe needs of Natives across America, developingnew information tailored to Native communities and developinga plan to bring to Tribal policing agencies andcommunity partners together.According to the COPS website, www.cops.usdoj.gov, the national program places an emphasis on advancingthe practice of community policing as an effectivestrategy to improve public safety. It also operates asa component of the U.S. Justice Department.Chris C. JenkinsUpper Midwest Community Policing Institute Services Director WayneShellum discusses problem solving solutions within communities.