November – December 2019

Our Neighborhood Newsletter is produced quarterly and is intended to provide news, reminders, and even some activities for our younger readers. If we are overlooking something you would like to see contained in it, please let us know. We want this to be something you look forward to receiving. We’d love to have your feedback. Send comments to Nancy. Don’t forget…we have a website! www.sweetwaterspringshoa.com Click on Contact to find info on current Board members. Also on the site are sections on by-laws, covenants, past newsletters, and many other items.

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year We’ve adjusted to the Time Change, the air is filled with chillier breezes, and the colors of Fall are all around. Thoughts have turned to the tempting, tasty morsels that seem to be mandatory for all events during the next couple of months, and shopping lists have expanded to multiple pages, along with lines at the cashier stations. The first holiday lights have appeared on a neighborhood house. And our neighborhood choir, The Joyful Noise, is practicing carols…except for “The Twelve Days of Christmas”, which no amount of preparation will help. Whatever your plans and whatever you celebrate, we wish everyone the very best of the Season’s Bounty.

Sweetwater Springs

sweetwaterspringshoa.com

Front Entrance Spiff-Up If you haven’t noticed the festive front entrance, take a good look before the scarecrow guards take cover from harsher weather. A good number of residents took advantage of a pleasant Saturday morning to replace the warm-weather plants that had taken a direct hit from Jack Frost. In their place we now have beautiful cool-weather plants that should do well until Spring. Thanks to all our worker bees who pruned, tilled, dug, mulched, and decorated…and were rewarded with a donut and coffee. Good job everyone. And a very

special Sweetwater Springs THANK YOU to our own Mason and Steasha Miller, along with Mason’s mother Kim, who once again donated all the gorgeous pansies. Together they own KIM MILLER PLANTS. We sure appreciate you three. And if any of our neighbors are looking for some special plants for Holiday gifts or decorating, stop by to check out what else they have at the shop!

Here Comes Rudolph!! On Sunday evening, December 8th, watch for his red nose glowing like a lightbulb. At least it glows like a lightbulb the way we sing it in Sweetwater Springs. Yes, The Joyful Noise will be taking to the golf carts or trucks to spread Holiday Cheer here and there around the neighborhood. They do know a few more songs and happily take requests for anything in their songbook. Anyone who thinks they can sing (or not) is welcome to join the group. Nancy will be coordinating the group’s performance schedule, so watch for the flyer and book early. Cookies and warm drinks are not required but never refused! Guaranteed fun for all. Joke Central….BAD Joke Central Frenchies go oui oui outside. Did you hear about the spider that had its own web site? What do you get when a Macintosh falls off a desk? Apple turnover. Did you hear about the popular shipboard improv show? It’s called “Cruise Line is it Anyway?”

Halloween Surpasses the Success of Last Year Only at Spookytown does our purple gorilla have its own golf cart. And even the scary clown looks like he came out

of the movie “It”. The Gibson Family could BEE just adorable. And Boo Boo Baby went to extremes to try to win the Cutest Baby prize. From ghosts and

princesses, to hippie dippie grown-up flower children, with the Grim Reaper and Escort at attention…the anonymous judges had a hard time deciding on Costume Contest winners.

And we can’t forget the spooky layout that Miss Kris Halloween set up in the backyard. Even some of the skeletons were in costume. And when darkness settled in, things got really scary with strobe lights and fog. Good job, Miss Kris. We know how you love your skeletons!

And of course, special thanks to the many folks who donated to the prize fund used for PRIZES at this event as well as some of the other events sponsored by the Recreation Committee. And Thank You to the HOA for chipping in for hotdogs or burger patties on occasion. But a really special special thanks goes out to Muriel and Dennis Dunigan for making our Haunted Library a huge part of our Neighborhood Halloween Experience. Under cover of darkness, Trick-or-Treaters walked among the pumpkins toward a huge orange spirit to

get treats, and the first on the scene we able to choose from some spooky Halloween books as well. Good fun, good munchies, and good reads. Let’s do it again next year!

Thanks Lisa Harrell For adding the comfy chair and brighter, taller lights at the Library. It is so soothing to see the glow of the Library at night and know it is a special place for so many residents.

Just a Suggestion for Parents If your child can barely see over the steering wheel of your golf cart, it might not be time yet to let them loose on our roadways. And whether it’s a golf cart, a 4-wheeler, or

motorcycle/dirt bike, please stress that driving on common areas or neighbors’ yards is a definite NO-NO. Slow and steady and under control will result in a safer and more enjoyable ride. Yes, it is tempting to race down the new and improved Sweetwater Drive, but please don’t press your luck. Don’t end up like Humpty Dumpty. The speed limit is still 25 MPH.

And Just a Suggestion for Pet Parents Your dog may not drive on neighbors’ yards, but pooping is equally a NO-NO. Be sure you carry poop bags when you walk Poochie. And to keep everyone safe, use a good leash. Remember that not everyone is comfortable with a dog running up to them, even if the dog is gentle as a lamb. You never know if a person may have had a harrowing experience with a dog in the past. Be the better neighbor and avoid disasters. Deck the Front Entrance with Boughs of Holly With Thanksgiving so late in November it seems that we are rushing into the next Holiday before we’ve finished the leftover turkey. Well, if necessary, bring a turkey sandwich up to the front entrance at 10 am on Saturday, November 30, and help with lights, wreaths, ladders, garlands, donuts, and fun. For new neighbors, you won’t believe how peaceful and pretty the entrance looks in the evening with the pretty lights on. Come on out and be a part of the magical transformation.

Let’s Transform the Library too! The Library had so much fun being a part of Halloween that it has come up with an idea for being part of December festivities. And you are invited to participate. Do you have a favorite Holiday story? Or maybe a tradition of reading “The Night Before Christmas” before tucking the kids into bed on Christmas Eve? Or is the Elf on the Shelf taking notes on good or bad behavior? Or you may celebrate other winter celebrations, like Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, to name just a few. The Library wants to share stories, knowledge, and ideas on all these Holidays. So, on December 1, all the books in the Library will take a temporary vacation and be stored away and replaced with Holiday books and articles that a few of the Friends of the Library have gathered up for readers of all ages. You are welcome to add to the collection and share your favorites with our neighbors. Then at the end of December donated Holiday items will be stored away for next year (unless you want it returned to you instead). It will be a great way to spread some Holiday cheer! And of course, there will be some Holiday decorating going on at the Library as well. Now if we could figure out how to make the Library play music, what an awesome place it would be! Have You Hugged Your HOA Committee Folks Lately? With Thanksgiving in just a couple weeks, please add our HOA Committee volunteers to the list of things you are thankful for. Many serve on multiple committees and are quick to say how much our neighborhood means to them. From welcoming new residents, to making sure our front entrance is so very inviting; from putting together fun activities for kids and adults alike, to keeping everyone in the know through flyers and newsletters. These folks give time, brain power, talent, and especially Heart. Thanks all of you for everything you do to make our Sweetwater Springs so special. And when the next HOA Annual Meeting rolls around in January, please think about signing up to serve on a committee. (Especially Recreation because it’s the funnest!)

KEEP SWEETWATER SPRINGS GREAT!

Don’t Let a Grinch Get You As the holidays approach, it’s a perfect time to take a few minutes to think about some safety and security issues that seem to escalate during this otherwise joyful time, even in a gated community. If you are on Nextdoor Sweetwater Springs network, you have seen postings about strange vehicles, unknown people at the door, and unwanted door-to-door sales people. Thanks for sharing, everyone. It’s good to know that we are all being alert to unusual activity. Here are a few more things you can do to help keep the neighborhood safe. Remember that Nancy can set up special gate codes for people you have coming in and out, such as contractors, housekeepers, pet sitters, or even your in-laws coming in from the cold north. That way you DO NOT give out your personal codes. Take care with what you leave out in your vehicle, especially if it’s parked in your driveway. Your garage door opener is much easier for a thief to use than having to break a window. Be sure to report anything suspicious to the Logan County Sheriff’s Office AND post on Nextdoor as a heads-up to neighbors. If you are expecting deliveries, especially if you are not going to be home, alert a nearby neighbor who is home to keep an eye out for the delivery truck. Better yet, check with the vendor to see if they will reduce shipping costs if you have the package dropped at the FedEx or UPS location or the local store. Some will do it because the risk of an insurance claim is much lower if you pick it up. If you are using Craig’s List, consider arranging to meet for the purchase at the Sheriff’s Office or other safe place. Know who you are letting in the gate. Again, don’t give out your codes. Monitored home security systems are a good investment. If you don’t have one, think about getting one as a Christmas Gift to Family. Be careful about posting information on social media, especially details of your vacation plans. Nothing says “Welcome” to an intruder like a notice that you won’t be home. Keep your eyes open for unfamiliar vehicles and people acting strangely. Exchange phone numbers with your neighbors so you can alert them if someone is climbing over their fence, or just to check on them if you think something is not quite right (good to have at any time of the year!). If you don’t have a dog but are thinking about getting one for Christmas, good for you. Intruders like peace and quiet, so a dog is great deterrent. Plus you will be giving a good home to some lucky pup. (If you haven’t noticed, Sweetwater Springs is full of dog lovers!) And remember to attach an info tag on their collars so they can get help if they wander off with Santa!

WHO YOU GONNA CALL

Register your new storm shelter (so we know where to search…just in case)

Stan Clark fingrp57@yahoo.com

Gate transmitters, gate problems, special codes

Nancy Hilsgen 282-3737 nhilsgen@yahoo.com

Architectural Committee approval of plans for outbuildings, fences, storms shelters, etc.

Stan Clark fingrp57@yahoo.com Steve Poe 282-1232 Sbpoe1957@cox.net

HOA Sections 1-4 Covenants and Restrictions https://sweetwaterspringshoa.wordpress.com/covenants/

Register storm shelters with Logan County https://login.bfacmobile.com/mobile/?appcode=logansheriff&controller=EmailFormViewController&id=258586&tab_id=7173732&back_url=L21vYmlsZS8/YXBwY29kZT1sb2dhbnNoZXJpZmY=

BUNDLES A bundle is a funny thing, It always sets me wondering; For whether it Is thin or wide You’ll never know just what’s inside. Especially in Christmas week Temptation is so great to peek! Now wouldn’t it be much more fun If shoppers carried things undone.

John Farrar THE COMING OF LIGHT Even this late it happens: The coming of love, the coming of light. You wake and the candles are lit as if by themselves, Stars gather, dreams pour into your pillows, Sending up warm bouquets of air. Even this late the bones of the body shine and tomorrow’s dust flares unto breath Mark Strand

Events around Edmond/Guthrie and Metro OKC Besides things going on in the neighborhood, here are just a few community events you

might be interested in knowing about. For more info and for other events, check out

http://visitedmondok.com., visitokc.com/events, travelok.com, and

business.guthriechamber.com/events/calendar. Just FYI, the Guthrie Library has

something going on nearly every day for kids and families, too numerous to list!

NOVEMBER

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

17 Edmond

Outdoor Ice Rink, Mitch

Park; 11/15-1/5

18 Mickey

Mouse’s Birthday!

19 BFA of

America World Championship,

Lazy E Arena, 11/18-23

20 21 Kaleidoscope

Dance Company Fall Concert, UCO Mitchell Hall

Theater, 11/21-23

22 Holiday

Extravaganza Preview $20,

Madeline’s Flowers, Pajama

Party Preview

23 Holiday

Extravaganza, Madeline’s

Flowers

24 Luminance:

An Enchanted

Stroll, Mitch Park, 11/25-

1/5

25 Heroes of Heritage:

Native American Heritage

Month Speaker,

UCO

26 27 28 Thanksgiving

Day

29 30 Small Business

Saturday, Downtown

Edmond; Holiday

Decorating Front Entrance

DECEMBER

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 Christmas in

Downtown Edmond, all

month

2 Devon Ice

Rink, all month

3 Holiday Pop-

Up Shops, 399 NW 10th, OKC,

12/1-22

4 Lifeshare

Winterest & Snow Tubing,

Chickasa Bricktown

Ballpark, all month

5 Cocoa &

Carols, OCU

6 Winter’s Night

at the Children’s Safety Village,

Edmond Fire Dept. Safety

Village, 12/6, 13

7 Boys Ranch

Town Drive-Thru

Christmas Pageant, 12/6-

8; Ugly Sweater 5K and 1 Mile

Run, Mitch Park

8 Christmas

Caroling in the ‘Hood’

9 The Polar

Express Train Ride,

Oklahoma Railway

Museum, all month

10 Jingle Bell Jam,

UCO Jazz Lab

11 Hip Hop

Nutcracker 2019, OCCC,

12/6-17

12 Free Holiday

Water Taxi Rides,

Bricktown Water Taxi,

Thursday-Sunday, all

month

13 14 Christmas in

Downtown Edmond:

Wagon rides, and meet Elsa;

Local Handmade

Holiday Market, Venue

102, 102 W 1st, Edmond

15 Holiday in the Park,

Frontier City, select days

in December

16 17 Lyric’s A

Christmas Carol, Lyric

Theatre, daily except

Monday, 12/1-24

18 Illuminations: Starry Starry

Night, Myriad Botanical

Gardens & Crystal Bridge

Tropical Conservatory,

Wednesday-Sunday, all

month

19 20 OKC Ballet’s The Nutcracker, Civic

Center Music Hall, 12/14, 15,

20, 21, 22

21 Cookies and

Cocktails Adult Cookie

Decorating Class, Sweets

on the Side, 6-8 pm;

Ho Ho Ho Holiday Kid’s

Cookie Decorating

Class, 11 am -12:30

22 23 24 25 Christmas Day

26 Robert Earl

Keen @ The Jones

Assembly

27 28

Kidz Korner

What bright colors would you make your Gingerbread House?