September 2010
Re-Inspections Are In Progress
Wow! What a difference a day can make in Oklahoma! We went from being at 85° at 7:00 am for the last 6 weeks or more to 6o’s in the morning literally overnight. And we will take it! Maybe Fall is really on the way. Now that we are seeing some relief from the excessively hot temps, we need to turn our attention back to any remaining home repairs that we have to do from our Spring inspections. Several folks asked to delay some work until it cooled off a little and those requests were happily granted, but now it’s time to be thinking about getting things wrapped up. Everyone in the community gets a home inspection and this process has proven very important to the overall appearance of Johanna Woods. As all of our homes age it is important that maintenance needs not be deferred. Often putting off needed repairs only makes them more costly. We so appreciate everyone who works hard to keep their homes attractive and well maintained. This is incredibly important to the entire community and has a positive impact on the value of each of our homes. So, if you have put off getting those inspection items finished, please do not wait any longer. With the kind of weather we are seeing in Oklahoma, no one should assume that there will be plenty of time this fall to finish up. Re-inspections are underway and nearly complete and if you are not done, you are running out of time. We would like to see everyone finished soon so that we can settle in for whatever the winter season brings!
Street Repairs Scheduled for Fall
Finally, after several years of waiting, repairs to 30th Street in our community have been approved by the City of Broken Arrow! We have needed these repairs for some time, but at least now we are officially on the schedule for Fall. Now, knowing that things do not always happen according to the planned timeframe when the city is involved, we realize that it might actually be winter. Whenever it is we will be glad to see it. This is one time where we are looking forward to seeing orange cones and construction workers! Bring ’em on!
Neighborhood News
Community improvements are continuing. Since the first of July we have replaced 4 driveways, some sidewalks and completed two rounds of tree trimming. We are looking at trees on a lot by lot basis and working to make sure that trees are trimmed away from the roofs of homes, sheds and carports before winter.
Too Much Month Left at the End of the Money?
This is a problem we all have at one time or another. Given the continued slump in our economy, we may see more of that over time. So, over the next several issues of the newsletter, we will be including a new article called “The Dollar Stretcher”. Each month we will feature a different idea on how you can “stretch” your budget dollars a little. Not all of them will apply to everyone of course, but if everyone finds one or two that works for them, we can all save a little money each month. And saving a little money is a good thing! Look for the first installment in the October newsletter!
Back to School Cook’s Corner
With the kids back in school, it’s certain that life has become hectic and wild once again. Here’s a quick meal suggestion that will get you in and out of the kitchen more quickly—and on to the rest of the craziness of the day! Hope you enjoy it.
Crockpot Mexican Round Steak
Ingredients:
1-1/2 lbs. Boneless beef round steak
2 cups frozen corn, thawed and drained
18 oz. Jar chunky garden salsa
14 oz. Can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 onion, chopped
1/2 cup water
1/2 tsp. Salt
1/8 tsp. Crushed red pepper flakes
Cooking Directions:
Cut the beef into 6 serving-size pieces and trim excess fat. Place in a 3-4 quart slow cooker. Mix remaining ingredients in a medium bowl and pour over beef. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 8-9 hours until the beef is tender. If your crock pot cooks hotter than normal, you might check the beef after 5 1/2 hours on low. Garnish with a little sour cream and serve with some chips and dip on the side and supper is done with just a few ingredients and no “slaving over a hot stove”!
For Johanna Woods Only…Returning Those Pool Passes Could Put a Little Money in Your Pocket!
Not returning them will take a little money OUT of your pocket. As usual, when the pool closes, we ask all our residents to return their pool passes. And, as usual, about 50% of our residents actually do return them. We have always entered everyone who does return them into a drawing and this year will be no different. One prompt resident of Johanna Woods will receive a quick $25.00 in cold cash just because they do so. If you don’t return your pool passes, in good, reusable condition, you will be billed $1.00 for each pass not returned. So, find those passes and get them in. We would like to see all of them back by the 15th of September. If you did not check out pool passes, you can still enter the drawing. Just turn your name in on a piece of paper by the 15th, and note it for the Pool Pass drawing.
You Know It’s Summer in Oklahoma When…
· The birds are pulling worms out of the ground with potholders.
· The best parking place is determined by the shade that’s available rather than the distance to the door.
· Hot water comes out of the faucet – no matter which side you turn on.
· The temperature drops down to 90° ouside and you feel a little chilly.
· You step outside at 7:30 in the morning and start to sweat.
· Farmers are feeding their chickens crushed ice to keep them from laying hard boiled eggs.
And it has been that kind of a summer this year…maybe the “dog days” are almost over!
Resident Referrals Pay You!
Have you ever eaten at a new restaurant because a friend recommended it? Well, that same process can influence where people live—and put some money in your pocket at the same time. As of this writing, there are no empty lots in Johanna Woods, but there are some very nice homes for sale. If you know someone who is tired of living in an apartment or renting a home, tell them about Johanna Woods. If they buy a home here, we gain new residents and you get free rent for a month! Sounds like everyone wins in this deal! If you know someone who is looking to buy a home why not here?
Our American Heritage—On Virtue
“Bad men cannot make good citizens. It is when a people forget God that tyrants forge their chains. A vitiated state of morals, a corrupted public conscience, is incompatible with freedom. No free government, or the blessings of liberty, can be preserved to any people but by a firm adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, frugality, and virtue; and by a frequent recurrence to fundamental principles.” Patrick Henry
“[I]f we and our posterity reject religious instruction and authority, violate the rules of eternal justice, trifle with the injunctions of morality, and recklessly destroy the political constitution which holds us together, no man can tell how sudden a catastrophe may overwhelm us, that shall bury all our glory in profound obscurity.” Daniel Webster
“Let a man’s zeal, profession, or even principles as to political measures be what they will, if he is without personal integrity and private virtue, as a man he is not to be trusted.” John Witherspoon, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Community Calendar
September 1st – Rent is Due
September 4th – The office will be closed for the Holiday weekend.
September 6th - Labor Day! The office will be closed – The pool will be open, but it’s the last day!
September 6th – No Trash pick-up because of the holiday. Trash will be picked up on Tuesday and Thursday this week.
September 6th – Unpaid rent is late and subject to a $25.00 late fee.