Newsletter & Calendar - February 2008

Ice Storm Clean-Up Continues
The long and tedious process of recovering from the December ice storm is continuing. The creek area between 30th Street and 29th Place had the heaviest concentration of large trees, so this area saw a huge amount of damage. It is vital that we get this creek area cleared so that water flow in the creek is unobstructed. Many of the trees along this area have been damaged so severely that removal is necessary. We understand the value of the shade produced by these trees and we like trees, so we don't want to remove more of them than we must. But safety and the stability of the remaining trees has to be our guiding priority. As this work continues, lot by lot tree inspection and trimming is in progress along the other side of the community. Eventually, every lot in Johanna Woods will be visited and every tree inspected and trimmed as needed. This is a very time consuming, expensive, and labor intensive process and we appreciate your patience as it continues. The city still plans to pick up the debris stacks at the curbs, but it will take some time for them to get to everyone in Broken Arrow. Please continue to exercise caution when walking or standing under trees with broken and damaged limbs. If you are planning to repair a damaged fence and you need a stump ground within the next couple of weeks, please contact the office so we can prioritize this work for you. We were planning for this to be our last step in the clean-up process, but it will be easier to get to the stumps before fences go back up, so let us know.

Statewide Elections This Month-Come Out & Vote!
After an absence of a couple of years, Johanna Woods has once again become an official polling place for Wagoner County. One of the issues that led to the re- alignment of precincts, and subsequent closing of some polling locations a few years ago, was low voter turn out. Let's make sure that doesn't happen again! Johanna Woods residents are not the only voters who will vote here on election days, but let's make sure we do our part to keep this location viable. You certainly won't find a more convenient place to vote. Oklahoma Presidential Primary Elections take place on Tuesday the 5th of February. Polls will be open from 7:00 am until 7:00 pm. Get out and vote!

Up, Up and Away...with the IRS?
Don't get carried away by over-supporting the government this tax season. If you are looking for some neighbor-hood help to get your tax return in order this year, one of our neighbors might be able to help out. Bette Lu Foster worked as a tax accountant for many years and still works part-time every year helping folks prepare their tax returns. She is right here and ready to lend a hand, a pencil, an eraser - or a Kleenex! You can give her a call at 286-8672.

Cook's Corner
Chinese Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients:
1 egg 2 cups cooked white rice, cold
1 TBSP. Water 2 TBSP. Soy sauce
1 TBSP. Butter 1 tsp. Ground black pepper
1 TBSP. Vegetable oil 1 Cup cooked, chopped chicken
1 onion, chopped

Directions:
In a small bowl, beat egg with water. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Pour the egg/water mix into the skillet and cook, leaving the egg flat, for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove the egg and cut into shreds. Heat the oil in the same skillet and add the onion; sautÈ until the onion is soft. Add the rice, soy sauce, pepper and chicken and stir together in skillet for about 5 minutes, then stir in the egg pieces. Serve hot. This is a good one, make some egg rolls and supper is done!

Neighbor To Neighbor Offers
Here are some neighborhood opportunities. Get in touch with these folks if one of these services can be helpful to you and your family:
Sewing and Alterations
Neighbor Theresa Stewart does alterations. If you have some things that need mending or altered, you can get in contact with her at 355-8610.
Home Hair Cuts
Neighbor Daphne McArthur will come to your home and cut your hair if you are elderly and have difficulty getting out to get this done. She can cut men's or women's hair. Give her a call at 355-4444 if you have questions.

For Johanna Woods Residents Only...
One of our residents, Pam Hughey, along with her family has opened a restaurant on 51st Street between 129th & Garnett.. The name is Shiloh's and they want to invite their Johanna Woods neighbors to come and eat with them! Talk about Southern hospitality! For the month of August, you will receive a 10% discount off your meal total just by taking your copy of the newsletter with you when you go there to eat.

I have not been there yet, but I had some people in the office the other day that were telling me just how good it was! A copy of their menu has been provided with this copy of the newsletter. My favorite part of the menu of course is the dessert section and they have quite a variety of pies and cobblers to choose from. I hope you will take advantage of this Johanna Woods Only special and go by and see them. I am sure they would be pleased to serve you!!!