Newsletter & Calendar - January 2002

What Would You Do Differently If, You Could?
Did you ever wish for a do over? When you were a kid  playing a game and your turn didn't go like you wanted it to did you ever ask for another chance? That's a ìdo overî. And it's always appropriate on the verge of the new year to look back at how the previous year was spent. Was it everything you wanted it to be? While we can't really do any of it over, we can all look honestly at what we could have done better and try and improve in 2002. You know, those new year resolution things that we all make and seldom keep! Same thing! There will always be the obvious ones. Next year we'll lose weight, save more money, eat healthier, exercise more, etc. But how about things that are much more important than any of these? Things like our relationship to God, our families and how we live our lives each day. These should be our real priorities, but often are not. No doubt 2002 will be a much different year than 2001 was. The major events of 2001 should have taught us that we can ill afford to take things in our world for granted. Right after the attacks on September 11th, church attendance surged-but does it continue at that same high level now? Sadly, it doesn't, but it's just as important now as it was then. How about the increased attention and affection everyone gave to family and friends? Do they mean less now that almost four months have passed and things around us have calmed down? Of course not, we have just let the emphasis be re-shifted as we settle back into our busy routines. Much of this is normal, but it doesn't have to be. We have been warned over and over about going about the routine of our lives, but doing so at a heightened level of security. If extra caution can be integrated into our daily lives, can renewed devotion to our faith and families also be added? Sure it can, but it will take commitment to keep it as a priority. SoÖÖ.as we enter 2002 what will you do differently? We could see new or continued aggression in our country next year. Let's not live in fear, but at the same time, let's make sure we are living the best life we can every day! Happy New Year!

Wagoner County Assessors Plan Annual Visit
On January 22nd from 1:30 pm until 4:00 pm, representatives from the Assessors Office in Wagoner County will be on hand in the Johanna Woods Clubhouse to help anyone needing to register their home, file for Homestead Exemption, or just to answer tax related questions. Mark your calendar and come on down if you need their help! As always, we are pleased to be able to offer this convenience to our residents and hope it is of value to you.

Focus On Security
There continue to be incidents of crime and vandalism in our community. In the last newsletter, we discussed the three elements necessary for a crime to occur. One of those was the target. This time let's look at making the target less attractive. In law enforcement terms, it is called ìtarget hardeningî. Obviously, a locked car is less attractive than an unlocked one. The same goes for storage buildings and houses. How about personal items? Are they engraved with your name or some other identifying mark? Do you have serial numbers recorded in a safe place? Do you have pictures of valuable items? All of these not only discourage would be criminals, but make your possessions easier to recover. Crime affects each of us. And we must all work together to keep Johanna Woods crime-free. If you are interested in a formal Neighborhood Watch, call the office!

New Year's Day Cook's Corner
Spicy Hoppin' John: Yelid 10 servings

Hoppin' John is a stew of black-eyed peas, rice and ham. This is a traditional Southern dish that is supposed to ensure long life, good luck and prosperity during the coming year. Hence, it is appropriate to enjoy it on New Years Day. And after all that turkey, it should be quite a nice change! Enjoy!

Ingredients:
8 cups water
1 lb. Dried black-eyed peas
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 cup chopped onion
I medium green bell pepper, chopped
2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic
1 (16 oz.) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
2 cups water
1 (8 oz.) ham hock
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups cooked rice

Directions : Combine peas and 8 cups water in a Dutch oven and soak overnight. (Or bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 2 minutes. Let stand 1 hour.) Do no drain. In small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper and garlic. Saute 4 to 5 minutes or until onions are tender. Add tomatoes, water, ham, salt, pepper and onion mixture to peas. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer 1 to 1 1/2 hours until peas are tender. Remove ham hock and de-bone. Dice the ham and return to the peas. Serve over cooked rice.

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