E-Mail to the Editor

Dear Editor,

Thank you for the wonderful lecture about the Archaeology of the Big Cypress Seminole Reservations and the Tribal Historic Preservation Office

My daughter, Jenny, asked me to relay to Bill Steele or Tina Maria Osceola that in Lake County, there are 75 acres along CR 48 which has just been sold–probably to the Pringle development–the guy that plowed over gopher tortoises and is on the Eco-Environmental buy back for the county parks.

This 75 acres is right next door to the area where ancient Indian Village (Ticumean) was along the lake which was destroyed by the Hawthorne development (mobile home park). It also borders a small acreage of Audubon Habitat here these ancient Indian artifacts can still be found if we get there now before they let others come in and pull them out before the survey by the archaeologists.

Gratefully yours,
Opal Spencer

Dear friends at the Seminole Tribe,

Well, our trip to Katrina Rescue Pets was such a heartwarming experience. On our way to Mississippi we were told our help was needed in Englewood, Fla., just outside of Sarasota, so we were re-routed to a Humane Society which is a drop-off point for relief supplies and animal rescue. They had 30 dogs and cats that were on their way to Englewood and needed immediate help.

All our supplies were unloaded along with tons of other supplies that are being delivered on a daily basis to Mississippi by semi-tractor trailers. When the precious cargo arrived we were all jumping for joy, crying and ready to work. The rescue animals were full of ticks, fleas and you name it, but they were so happy to be in loving arms and kissed us and wagged their tails and opened their paws for our love and care.

As you can imagine our hands were full! We bathed them, cleaned cages, walked and feed dogs and cats anything these lovable animals needed we were there for them. We were there for two long days but it was very worth while.

Now, to the wonderful part of our story! Marilyn, who works at Hooray’s, adopted a dog that had been at the animal shelter since last November 2004; yes that’s correct, almost a year living in a cage. Her name is Niki and she is a curly hound mix. She is approx 45 pounds, but was 89 pounds when she arrived at the shelter. She is a very precious lovable dog.

We also are fostering four dogs from Mississippi. They arrived by way of van. We have a Golden Retriever, Golden Lab–(he is so happy to be home–a mix breed and also the cutest Bassett Hound with a crooked foot. We named her Miss Sippie.

We can not thank all of you enough for your wonderful donations and love that you have for these charming and loving rescue dogs and cats. We will be going on more trips and will also be picking up items from our donation boxes at least once a week at the Tribal building in Hollywood. We will be sure to fill you in on all of our heartwarming journeys!

With much love,
Your friends at Hooray’s for Hollywood

Dear Editor,

I am interested in the quilt designs and technique involved in the intricate design of the Seminole jacket and construction. For instance, is it better to hand piece or machine? My goal is not to make a jacket, but to use the designs to make a quilt for my granddaughter.

I lived in Okeechobee for 30 years and now reside in Arizona and miss all things Floridian! Yes, even the humidity and the bugs! My granddaughter and daughter still live there and since leaving Florida I have taken up quilting and decided if I was to make something for her, then I would endeavor to make it of the gorgeous design and colors of the Seminole Tribe.

I have researched the design patterns and know they each have a significant meaning. But what I don’t know is the size of the individual “block” or its construction.

Any help you may give me will be greatly appreciated and for what it’s worth, I miss my real home!

Thank you,
Tonya Sweeting
toyann@mikymous.com