July Newsletter

Juneteenth 2015. Photo by Wilbur Beamer

News

• Juneteenth Celebration – It was a great success and we appreciate everybody who came and helped with the event. Everybody ate, fellowshipped, and had a good time, especially the children, who ran, played, and enjoyed themselves. Special thanks to Wilbur Beamer and Richard Griffin for their contribution with the photos and music. You can read more about the celebration here. 

• Museum – We appreciate all the donations that we have received. The museum keeps growing thanks to these new artifacts. During Juneteenth we were delighted to receive many visitors. The same children who were running around and playing came into the museum and showed a lot of interest in the Seminole history, by asking thought provoking questions. Since its opening on April 25th, the museum has helped SISCA to raise much needed funds that contribute to the maintenance and upkeep of the association.
• Fourth of July – We were happy to participate in the Fourth of July celebration. It was a fun-filled, action-packed day. We participated in the parade, went to the program, and watched the fireworks. It was amazing. 
• Wikitongues Visit – We were delighted to sit down with two researchers from Wikitongues, which is a non-profit organization whose goal is to document all languages in the world. They were interested in the Seminole language and they were able to speak with several members of the association. They also made a video with Bertha Benson speaking Seminole, which will be uploaded soon at http://www.wikitongues.org/#/
• Additions and Renovations – The Carver School keeps improving. One of our goals is to open up a kitchen and café. After letting our members know about this goal, we were asked what was needed. The most pressing need was a new refrigerator. Because the success of this organization is so important to many, we were gifted with not only a commercial refrigerator but also a commercial freezer. They were donated by Mary and Al Nofi, and Clarence Ward was very instrumental in getting the refrigerator and freezer here to the school. 
• Block Party – The First Baptist Church hosted a block party on July 22 for the Spanish speaking community at the Carver School grounds. Remember that you can rent the Carver School grounds for your events. Click here for more information. 

Upcoming activities and events

• Installation of the Museum Accessibility Ramp – The H.O.P.E. Outreach is donating time and materials to install the much needed museum accessibility ramp.
  
• Cleanup – Starting July 20th, we will be cleaning the Carver School Grounds, the Masonic Lodge and the Cemetery. We need volunteers! Please contact Augusta Pines if you want to help. 
• Seminole Days – Start planning to attend Seminole Days! This year the celebration will be on September 18-21. Activities will include a seminar, marker dedication, parade, bingo, booths, dance, cemetery ceremony, and much more. More information soon. 
• Fundraiser for Seminole Days – Starting July 25, we will be organizing weekly activities to raise funds for Seminole Days. We will start with a hamburger sale on Saturday 25 from 1 to 4 at the Carver School. Your support is needed, please participate in these events. If you don’t live in Brackettville, you can also make a donation here.
• Next Meeting – Everyone is welcomed to our next meeting on August 8 at 1PM at the Carver School grounds. Please attend, we can really use your ideas. 
• Class Reunion – What do you think about organizing a class reunion at the Carver School? Please share your ideas with us!
• Choir ­– Do you want to be part of a choir for Seminole Days? Contact us! 

Reminders

• Membership — Membership is $24. You can pay your membership at any time on the website: http://www.seminolecemeteryassociation.com/membership.html
• Update your information – Please send your updated information to seminolecemeteryassoc@gmail.com
• Volunteers — We are always seeking volunteers to help with cleaning the Carver School Grounds and the cemetery. If you are interested, please contact us. 
• Donations — Your donations are always welcomed. Your continued support will always be appreciated. You can see our list of needs here.
• Website – Little by little we are adding content to our website. Do you have ideas or materials to share? Please let us know!

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