Newsletter & Calendar - January 2008

The Year That Was
No doubt each of us could take this heading and write several unique chapters about 2007. At this time of year we usually take some time to look back, to reflect on things we would like to change and then consider how to bring those changes about in the year to come. Whether we consciously or unconsciously go through these steps, all of us make adjustments in how we do things based on some criteria that is important to us. As we review 2007, it would be easy to dwell on things that went wrong in our lives or on difficulties we experienced. We have a tendency to remember best the events or circumstances that made our lives uncomfortable-even if only for a short time. The danger in focusing on the unpleasant portions of our lives is that we tend to forget the many areas of our lives that were comfortable and pleasant-even during short term times of difficulty. As Americans, we know or understand little of the deprivation and need that much of the rest of the world experiences on a daily basis. Our lives are more comfortable and more resources are available to us in times of trouble than most of the world can imagine. As we identify areas we would like to improve for 2008, let's start our list with a determination to be more thankful for the innumerable blessings we enjoy EVERY DAY! If we will view events in our lives through a lens of gratitude, even dark moments might seem a little lighter!

Voting Returns to Johanna Woods!
As of January, the Johanna Woods clubroom will once again be a polling place, making it possible for all eligible voters in the community to cast their votes right here during elections. This is a tremendous benefit for our residents and we are delighted to have the opportunity to provide it once again. Additionally, the election board is looking for workers. If you are interested in working at a polling place on election days, see the related article in this newsletter for more information.

Holiday Cook's Corner

Spiced Holiday Coffee
Ingredients:
1/3 cup ground coffee
1/2 tsp. Ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp. Ground cloves
1/4 cup orange marmalade
3 cups cold water
Directions:
Place the coffee, cinnamon and cloves in a coffee filter in the brew basket of your coffee maker. Place the marmalade in the empty glass pot of your coffee maker. Add water to your coffee maker and brew normally. When brewing is complete, stir until the coffee and marmalade are well blended. Serve with sugar and cinnamon sticks.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Serves: 6 If you have a bigger crew to prepare for, or if you prefer a cold, punch type coffee drink, see the next column.

A Cup Of Holiday Cheer -
Hot or Cold, You Decide!
Mocha Punch
Ingredients:
2 cups cold water
1 cup Instant coffee, any variety
1/2 gallon, coffee, vanilla or chocolate ice cream, softened.
4 cups milk
1 cup chocolate syrup
1 bottle (28 oz.) club soda, chilled
Directions:
Combine the water and coffee granules in a punch bowl or 1-gallon serving bowl. Stir until the coffee is dissolved. Add the remaining ingredients and beat with a wire whisk until well blended. Serve immediately.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Serves: 15, 8-oz servings.

A New Years Resolution
In 1722, Jonathan Edwards, a Colonial American Preacher included this in his list of Resolutions: Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will. I am Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life. Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.

Tax Time Ahead
Once again the government is poised to see if you have any extra cash lying around. And to take if off your hands if you do! If you need tax preparation assistance, call our neighbor, Bette Lu Foster at 286-8672. She can help!

Planning Ahead for Power Outages
If the official ìbeginningî of winter was December 22nd, that was some practice run we had on the 10th wasn't it! With that in mind, it seems like a good idea to plan ahead in case winter has a few more icy blasts in store for us. Obviously, alternative lighting is a must. If you don't have a couple of flashlights with some extra batteries, put these things on your shopping list. An oil lamp is also handy, but you will need oil, extra wicks, and matches for these, too. Flashlights are safer and cleaner. You might also want to pick up some extra fleece blankets. These are fairly inexpensive and very warm. Any time the electricity is off, it is a good idea to turn the main breaker in your home off. If it is left on, power surges can occur when the electricity is restored and a fire could be the result. For a short term outage, a manual can opener and some non perishable food items will help get you through. It's winter and it's Oklahoma, and you just never know what that combination might bring. Don't be caught unprepared!

Annual Wagoner County Assessor's Visit Planned
On January 22nd, representatives of the Wagoner County Assessor's Office will set up shop in the Johanna Woods clubroom from 1:30 until 4:00 pm. They will be on hand to answer questions about Homestead Exemptions or visit with you about any other questions you may have. A limited Homestead Exemption is available on leased land based on specific age and income requirements. Bring your questions and come on down!

Polling Place Employment Opportunities
If you are looking for a part time job, the Wagoner County Election Board would like to talk with you. 2008 will be a very busy election year and workers are needed for the Johanna Woods precinct as well as other precincts nearby. If you are interested, please call Dewayne O'Dell at 485-2142. Some training is required and there is a paid training session coming up on the 17th and 18th of January. Elections begin in February so, if you want to take advantage of this opportunity, contact Mr. O'Dell at the election board right away!

Ice Storm Recovery Continues-Proceed
With Extreme Caution!
By the time this newsletter arrives, we will be three weeks past the worst ice storm and subsequent power outage in Oklahoma history. Much work will have been done in our community to restore us to some degree of ìnormalî, but there will be much more to do. As this is being written, three crews are hard at work in various locations in the community removing downed and damaged limbs. As the work proceeds, please realize that dangers exist until the work is complete. Hanging branches can fall, so please be careful where you walk or stand, and where your children play. Also, please ask your kids not to disturb the brush piles that are located throughout the community. City crews have already begun to pick up limbs that are stacked by the curbs, but it could take a while before all the debris is removed. Let's not pick things up twice! Once the damaged limbs are removed, it is likely that some trees will have to come down completely. This will be a lengthy recovery process, so bear with us!