New Museum outreach project sprouts history, culture, education Community by Eileen Soler - August 28, 2014April 8, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — Sometimes community outreach begins by planting seeds in your own backyard. "This shows culture in action – history brought to life," said Van Samuels, a Tribal community outreach specialist at the site of a new authentic Seminole garden on the grounds of Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum. The 1,000-square-foot garden built by
Veteran helps another as final wish is honored Community by Beverly Bidney - August 28, 2014April 8, 2015 BRIGHTON — Veterans have each other’s back whether in combat or afterward. Vietnam War combat veteran Jack Smith Jr. experienced that firsthand when he was given a motorized scooter chair that belonged to a World War II veteran he never knew. The late Eugene Guardabasso, of Palm Harbor, wanted his Quantum
Boehmer exhibit celebrates history of Brighton through photographs Community by Brett Daly - August 28, 2014April 8, 2015 BRIGHTON — Capturing a moment in time, the newest Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum exhibit illustrates the early days of the Brighton Reservation through 27 historic photographs. But more important than the black and white photos are the stories shared by the people who lived them. "The objects don’t mean anything without the stories
Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki to wheel in Smithsonian skateboard exhibit Community by Eileen Soler - August 28, 2014April 8, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — Quenton Cypress thought his job at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum was cool, but when the work program trainee was tapped for consultation about a national traveling exhibit, he was convinced. "The show is about skateboarding in Indian Country, so I’m stoked. I can honestly say it’s awesome," said Cypress,
Smallwood Store fate still in limbo Community by Peter B. Gallagher - August 28, 2014April 8, 2015 CHOKOLOSKEE — The beleaguered Smallwood Store, the historic icon that anchors the extreme Southwest Florida coast, remains in a battle against developers. Despite years of court actions, Highlands County land speculators Florida-Georgia Grove LLC (FGG) still wants to remove the store’s only access road and encircle the old wooden building
Dozens of cyclists rally in memory of July Billie Community by Eileen Soler - August 28, 2014April 8, 2015 BIG CYPRESS — The lasting legacy of beloved Tribal member July Billie, of the Otter Clan, was clearly evident July 19 at a community event to mark the anniversary of his death. July was fondly remembered just days from what would have been his 40th birthday. The fitness buff, on the cusp
New women’s support group forms in Hollywood Community by Beverly Bidney - August 28, 2014April 8, 2015 HOLLYWOOD — Family Services in Hollywood started a women’s group in July to encourage women to support one another, learn that their issues are universal and understand that others struggle, too. The group meets for lunch and conversation Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. Led by Family Services employees Mary Olitzky
Tribe versus FPL is war of words Community by Eileen Soler - August 1, 2014April 8, 2015 LABELLE — The Tribe’s three-year legal battle against a 2011 Hendry County land zoning change that could clear the way for a mammoth electrical power plant to be built next door to the Big Cypress Reservation has become a war of words. For the Tribe, lawyers argued in trial July 14-17
First Creek dictionary set for publication Community by Eileen Soler - August 1, 2014April 8, 2015 The endangered native language of Brighton residents will get a reprieve from extinction when the first Creek language dictionary is printed in book form early next year. Tribal Council recently approved an agreement with University Press of Florida to publish "Este Semvnolvlke Enponakv, The Language of the Seminole People: An Outline
Gaming boasts two promotions in TCD program Community by Beverly Bidney - August 1, 2014April 8, 2015 The best advice Jim Osceola III received propelled him into a career with Seminole Gaming, where as a member of the Tribal Career Development (TCD) program he was recently promoted to director of Hospitality. "Back in 1979, Chairman James Billie told me when I get my degree, don’t come back here,"