“God Bless America” is a phrase that adorns many marquees since the horrific events that took place in Manhattan and Washington D.C.  However, this is not only a prayer but it is also a statement of fact.  In watching the lives of many perish needlessly at the hands of violent terrorists, we all realize now more than ever just how much we can’t control.  In a matter of minutes we felt vulnerable, and many immediately sought the help of the only One who is able to guide us.  God didn’t change, our perspective did.  Our freedoms ring much louder, our love for our neighbor has been magnified, our devotion to God has come front and center, and the things that mattered most to us on September 10^th have suddenly taken a back seat in our priorities.

To bless someone means to make happy or to make successful.  It is obvious that God has indeed blessed America.  As you read this newsletter, may you embrace your loved ones more tightly and thank God sincerely that He has given you this day.  Not only has God blessed America, but He has blessed each of us in more ways than we can count.”

President’s Corner, by Donna Kress

Time Flies!  In our last newsletter, I referenced the beginning of summer, and here we are nearing fall! The kids were getting out of school, and now school has officially begun again! 

With the children back in school, many of the same precautions that I mentioned for summer play are applicable for their school days. The Orange County Government Neighborhood Update provides a full list; below  are just a few:

For drivers:

• Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs 
• Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings. Put down your phone and don’t talk or text while driving 

For kids:

• They should cross the street with an adult until they are at least 10 years old 
• Never run out into the streets or cross in between parked cars 
• Make sure they always walk in front of the bus where the driver can see them 

In conclusion from my meditative side, I want to share a few of the many things that I give thanks for, and possibly, you too might share a few of them!  Waking up each day;   a roof over my head in a neighborhood that makes me proud to call home; my neighbors that share this same sentiment; and lastly, the homeowners that participated and organized our second annual National Night Out on August 2^nd !!!!

Donna

Lake Bosse Oaks Ten Great Places

~~~~~

1. Brian Walker’s Memorial Bench
2. 2 Picnic Tables
3. Birket Bench
4. Center Island on Rinn Way
5. Lakefront for fishing
6. Connecting sidewalks
7. __________________
8. __________________
9. __________________
10. __________________

As you can see we are in need of more great spots in our neighborhood.  Can you think of ways to make our neighborhood more “friendly?”  We’re over halfway there!

The woodpecker might have to go!

Thanks to all who helped make our National Night Out event a success.  Although we didn’t have as many neighbors attend as we had hoped, it was great to welcome so many of our neighbors from Cobblestone.  

The first Tuesday in August is always set aside as the National Event.  We hope next year you’ll set aside this day to attend.  It is a great way to connect with our nearby neighbors as well as the Orange County Sheriff’s Dept.

Here are a few tips for staying safe this Halloween:

CHILDREN SHOULD:

• Go only to well-lit houses and remain on the porches rather than entering the houses.
• Travel in small groups and have an adult as a chaperone.
• Know their phone number and have at least one cell phone in the group. (In the past, the recommendation was small coins for emergency use in pay stations.)
• Have name tags with addresses on their costumes.
• Bring the “goody” bag home for parents to inspect before eating any of it.
• Use flexible swords and knives with costumes instead of the hard, rigid plastic type.

PARENTS AND ADULTS SHOULD:

• Supervise the trick-or-treat outings for all kids under 12 years of age.
• Establish a curfew (a return time) for the older children.
• Prepare the home for trick-or-treaters by cleaning off the porch, lawns, and sidewalks and placing jack-o-lanterns away from doorways and landings.

• Avoid giving hard candy, nuts, or gum or small toys to small children for fear of them getting choked. 
• Inspect all candy for safety before the kids begin to eat it. 

• Insure the safety of pedestrian trick-or-treaters. •Supervise all kids under 10 years old as they cross streets. 

• Watch for children in the streets and on the medians.
• Exit driveways and alleyways carefully. 
• Have kids always exit the car on the passenger side.

• Carve pumpkins on flat, stable surfaces with good lighting. Let the kids draw the faces on the pumpkins and the adults do the carving. 

• Place lighted pumpkins away from draperies or other flammable objects. Do not leave lighted pumpkins unattended.

Kim and Jason by Jason Kotecki

Hey Kids!  It’s Fall and Scott’s Corn Maze will open Saturday, Sept. 17th.  You can see all the details on their website: longandscottfarms.blogspot.com

What are your plans for Halloween?  Below is the list of the most popular costumes for 2011 as well as a maze of your very own to try and solve.  

Top Kids Costumes for 2011:

• Smurfs
• Ironman
• Harry Potter
• Superheroes (Spiderman, Batman)
• All Princess characters (Cinderella, Snow White, Tinkerbell)
• Pirates
• Monster High
• Star Wars
• Mario
• Twilight