Immokalee Celebrates Elaine Aguilar’s Birthday

By Judy Weeks

IMMOKALEE — The Immokalee community turned out in large numbers on Tuesday August 17 for an appreciation/birthday party for Liaison Elaine Aguilar. The gym was attractively decorated with purple banquet tables, balloons, banners and beautiful floral centerpieces. Big Cypress Council Representative David Cypress was glad to be the sponsor of this happy occasion.

Despite a week of planning, distribution of flyers and careful preparations, this surprise party was a well kept secret. Elaine had a morning appointment in Fort Myers, which made it possible to put everything together without her knowledge.

At noon everyone had gathered in the gym in anticipation of her arrival. A quick phone call located her 15 minutes away and preparing to stop for lunch. Her daughter, Sheila, told her that she did not have time.

“ David and some men have been waiting here for over an hour regarding some projects. Hurry,” she told her mother.

When she pulled up to the tribal field office, which was empty, she was amazed to see all of the vehicles at the gym and went to investigate. As she opened the door she was greeted by a round of applause and a chorus of happy birthday. The shocked look on her face was enough to satisfy everyone that she was genuinely surprised.

Elaine was escorted to the table of honor by Amy Yzaguirre who was acting as emcee. Along the way, she encountered her husband and children who all proudly hugged and congratulated her.

David Cypress took the microphone and wished her a happy birthday not only on his behalf, but also Chairman Mitchell Cypress and Board Representative Paul Bowers, who regretted that they could not attend because of a previously scheduled meeting.

Cypress then related his pleasure at having worked beside Elaine for several years and congratulated her on a job well done. He said that the community members have been fortunate to have her represent them and a great deal has been accomplished under her guidance.

The microphone was passed to Elaine who thanked everyone for the wonderful surprise party. She was deeply moved by this tribute from her friends and neighbors.

“ This is my second real birthday,” she said. “When I was growing up, we were very poor and there was no extra money for things like birthday parties or presents. My brother, Harry Clay, had a small transistor radio that he loved very much. I would borrow it whenever he would let me or if he laid it down for a few minutes, I would pick it up. On my sixteenth birthday, he laid that radio in my hand and said ‘This is yours’.”

As she remembered this most cherished moment with the brother that she adored, she was filled with emotion and there was not a dry eye in the room. Many of the seniors were remembering the shared hardships they had experienced while growing up.

Roger Smith, Council Representative from Brighton, came to Elaine’s rescue by taking the microphone. He stated that he did not know her personally until he was elected to the council. Smith said he has enjoyed working with her very much and has learned from her example. As he embraced her he said how proud he was to serve beside her and have this opportunity to express his appreciation.

Louise Motlow offered a prayer in Miccosukee, thanking God for all the wonderful things in our lives. She talked of the temptations that our young people face each day with alcohol and drugs. She prayed for the guidance to show the way to make these things happen.

Amy Yzaguirre told the group that the microphone would be passed around during lunch for everyone to have an opportunity to recount stories about Elaine or express their thoughts. The seniors then led the line down the buffet table which had been catered by Lazanos Restaurant. There was a generous amount of fine Mexican cuisine which everyone enjoyed.

The public address system echoed one tribute after another to Elaine. Rachel Billie recalled the day in 1945 when Elaine was born in the woods behind the sugar mill in Clewiston, Fla. Billie was a young child at the time and her mother had gone into the woods to assist Lucy Johns in the delivery of her second child. She was told to wait in the village but she followed them, hiding in the bushes and remembers seeing the newborn baby shortly after birth.

Carol Frank Cypress remembered Lucy Johns as the hard working mother of Harry Clay, Elaine and Jeannie. She moved wherever she could find work to feed and care for her family. She not only accepted full responsibility for her children, but from time to time, cared for others in need.

Cypress was one of many who had been a part of that family for a short time. These traits have been passed down through the family as Elaine and her children continue the tradition of helping others. Their doors are always open to children in need, whether it amounts to a day of babysitting or a lifetime of foster care.

That little Seminole girl was born on August l7, 1945, in the woods at Clewiston. Following her cultural background, she made baskets and sewed patchwork as a source of income for her family.

She has enjoyed 40 wonderful years of marriage to Pedro Aguilar and has been the mother of seven children: Spenser, Kathy, Michelle, Sheila, Pedro Jr., Edward and Karen. Her extended family includes 17 grandchildren, foster and step-grandchildren; all of them are very dear to her heart.

Elaine began a long career of community service as a community health representative. When she became an education counselor, she returned to school for her GED and encourages all tribal citizens to further their education.

During the l980s, she became Immokalee’s board representative. She continued to hold this position through the 1998–1999 term, when she became Immokalee’s council liaison. She continues to serve in this capacity today.

During her time in public service the Seminole Tribe has made huge strides in development and expansion across the entire state. She served on the board which eventually established the Eastern Indian Rodeo Association, the 4-H club and expansion and scores of other achievements. Immokalee saw the opening of its casino, additional housing and most recently the completion of the new water and waste management plant to name a few. It is because of this outstanding career that the Immokalee community wished to acknowledge their appreciation on her birthday.

Two large cakes symbolized the message of the day. A rose covered birthday cake and a special surprise on the appreciation cake. Family Services Site Supervisor Billie Napper had acquired an old post card on eBay®, which depicted Lucy Johns and her young daughter, Elaine, while living in Ocala at the Silver Springs Village. This picture which had been reproduced on the top of the cake provided a very sentimental touch to an already emotional event.

The tribute was concluded when Elaine opened and displayed several beautiful gifts which included beaded glassware, hand made ceramics, a patchwork skirt, beaded salt and pepper shakers, household accessories, a blanket, bedspread and much, much more. The gift table was adorned with several bouquets of red roses and a large basket of flowers and fruit.