Newsletter & Calendar - March 2008
Addressing Community Concerns
Several calls have been received in our office over the last couple of weeks asking if what is happening to Camino Villa will happen to Johanna Woods next. In case you don't know, Camino Villa is a trailer park on 71st Street, across from the post office. The community as a whole is severely run down and the City Council has recently designated it as “blighted” and is considering taking the land through imminent domain. This neighborhood has existed for over 45 years and individuals own , rather than lease, the lots that their homes sit on. Until a few years ago, this area was not even officially part of the city limits. As a result, city codes designed to promote reasonable and decent living standards went un-enforced. Also, since the lots are privately owned, many homes became rental properties, opening the door to folks with no desire or intention to properly maintain a home. Landlords of these homes who were only interested in rent, had no reason to maintain the homes either and most did not. All of these factors have contributed to Camino Villa becoming an eyesore. This is not a denigration of that community, this is simply a fact. Crime in that community has become a more serious problem as well. Sadly, Camino Villa deserves to be called a “trailer park”, because everything associated with that derogatory phrase is present there. There will always be a need for inexpensive housing. But there is never an excuse for dumping trash and old appliances in the front yard, or having 2 or 3 broken down vehicles on the lawn. There is no excuse for neglecting minor repairs when they are relatively inexpensive until they become too costly to be dealt with at all. These problems and many more have been allowed to exist and worsen for so long that to turn them around now and return that community to decent standards is impossible. This is a real tragedy for the few homeowners who have maintained very nice homes in Camino Villa despite their surroundings. Now to the question, of whether or not Johanna Woods will be next. If crime and the condition of that neighborhood are the reason for the City Council's decision why would we be next? There is no comparison between Johanna Woods and Camino Villa in terms of condition or crime rate. We have home maintenance standards and rules that are enforced in the community. This daily oversight is vital to the long term success and survival of Johanna Woods. And by the way, when it's all said and done, where would you rather live? Inspections are just ahead!
Cooks Corner
Pasta Primavera
Ingredients:
2 cups broccoli florets 1 large carrot, julienned
1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Cream of Chicken soup, undiluted
1/2 cup milk 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced 1/8 tsp. Pepper
3 cups cooked spaghetti
Directions:
In a large saucepan, combine the first seven ingredients. Cook these uncovered over a medium heat until the vegetables are tender, about 12 minutes. Stir in the spaghetti and heat through. Makes 4 servings and tastes wonderful!
Variations: If you prefer, you can use a can of Cream of Mushroom soup in the recipe. For chicken pasta primavera, dice some chicken breasts and grill in a hot skillet. Stir them into the mixture or add to the top of the dish as it is served. Make a salad, hot garlic bread and supper is ready. This is a quick, easy, fairly inexpensive and WONDERFUL dish! Enjoy!
Welcome Spring!
 Spring brings out the kid in us and it also brings out the kids in the neighborhood. And they are ready to play and enjoy the sunshine after the cold drab days of Winter. Parents, please remind your children where they can and cannot play in Johanna Woods. A playground has been provided with plenty of room, swings, a basketball goal, and more. If they want to play ball, they need to play in these areas and not between people's homes, where a stray ball might strike a home or car. They also need to be reminded not to trespass through people's yards, but stay on the streets and sidewalks instead.
Preparing for the Return of Wicked Weather
With the return of Spring comes the return of stormy weather. Oklahoma has been spared some of the deadly outbreaks that our neighbors to the East have already seen this year. But, it is very unlikely that wicked weather will pass us by entirely. With that in mind, here are a few things to remember as Spring approaches: 1) Watch the weather! Please be aware of the weather conditions so you can seek shelter BEFORE the storm sirens sound. At some point the doors to the shelters will have to be locked and we want everyone inside when that time comes. 2) Pets are NOT allowed in the storm shelters. 3) If you have children who are home in the afternoon by themselves, be sure they know what to do. 4) Know in advance where you will seek shelter. Everyone has been directed to a specific shelter. If you are unsure of your assignment, please call the office for a reminder.
Daylight Saving Time Returns
By an Act of Congress, daylight saving time returns on the 9th of March this year. Be sure and set your clocks AHEAD one hour before you retire for the night on Saturday the 8th of March or you will be late for church! You will be a little more rested than those who lost that hour of sleep, but you will still be late. This extra daylight provides more time for the kids to play outside, too, so be sure and remind your children to be good neighbors, to move out of the street for traffic and to make sure trash is always properly discarded. The appearance of our community reflects in a good or a bad way on all who live here!
A Physics Lesson
Did you know that according to the second law of thermodynamics, things that are in order tend toward disorder? Now the bigger question you might want to ask right now might be “so what”? Here's the application. This means that things left alone begin to deteriorate and fall apart, rather than improve or even stay in the same condition. Spring Inspections will begin shortly in Johanna Woods and it all has to do with keeping things in order!
Tax Deadline Closing in on You?
Don't sweat it! One of our neighbors is here to help! Bette Lu Foster is a tax accountant. She can help. Give her a call at 286-8672.
Tired of Seeing Your Money Go Down the Drain?
If high interest rates are draining your wallet, there may be a remedy. Low mortgage rates are still available, but the chaos in the housing market is causing lending requirements to be tightened. If you have considered re-financing, don't put it off! You can pick up an application at the office and start saving those dollars today!
Tree Trimming and Removal Continues
We continue to clean up from the December ice storm and are making good progress with the lot by lot tree trimming. Now that the city has picked up all the debris that was stacked on the curbs, we are starting to look better, too. We still have a lot of work to do around some homes and in the playground area, so as the weather improves, be very careful while outside. Please stay in the open spaces and avoid areas under the trees.
The Mowing Season Will Soon Be Upon Us!
Are you ready for it? Just a reminder that in Johanna Woods the lawn is not properly done unless it is mowed, all concrete edges trimmed/edged and areas around the home, fences and storage buildings trimmed. If you need some help with this we have a list of neighbors who can help. Call the office at 355-1681 if you would like some information on lawn care folks in Johanna Woods. We will be mowing before you know it-and no doubt before any of us are ready to break those mowers out!
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