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NACOK Resources, News, & Updates

December 2023 | Winter Edition

Community Events
Upcoming NACOK Events

Click the links below to learn more and register or visit NACOK.org/events for the full calendar of events.
See NACOK events here!

Discover YOU in this 8-Week Training Academy

Are you ready to be the change you wish to see in your neighborhood? Embark on an inspiring journey of personal and community growth with our 8-Week Neighborhood Leadership Training Academy. Discover and grow your neighborhood leadership potential and become the catalyst for positive change in your community!


The application deadline is Friday, January 12, 2024.

Learn more & apply here!

Upcoming Community Events


Click the links for locations and more information.




Neighborhood Resources

Rent a Tool Opportunity

OU would like to offer assistance to any Organizations, Nonprofits, and other jobsites in the Norman-OKC area who need tools to complete a service/volunteer project throughout the year. To help you do this, we are renting out our wide array of tools for your service and volunteer projects. Our tools go unused most of the year, and we would like to better utilize these resources to help further serve our community. 


Below is a list of tools that are available to you. In addition, there is a link below to fill out if you are wanting to request tools for your service project. If you are requesting wheelbarrows, we ask that you request no more than two. We look forward to serving with you!

The OU Big Event

The Big Event strives to help various members in our community - large and small, new and old. Our mission strives to give back to a community that has supported us and our university throughout the years. 


On April 6th, 2023 OU will unite and send around 6,000 OU students, faculty, and staff to volunteer at jobsites throughout the Norman and Oklahoma City area. Take advantage of this endeavor by becoming a jobsite!

 

Important dates:


November 4th, 2022 - Jobsite Registration Opens


March 5th, 2023 - Jobsite Registration Closes

Learn more here!

Apply for OKC Beautiful's Community Foresters Program!

Want to become more educated on proper tree planting, care, and advocacy? Have a heart for the community? Want to help expand Oklahoma City's canopy? Join our Community Foresters program! The deadline to apply is December 11. There is a $100 program participation fee, which will include all learning materials and supplies.

Apply here!

VillagesOKC is committed to empowering adults to age with vitality and purpose. Check out what they've been up to!

Dr. Richard V. Smith with Gaylene Stiles, VillagesOKC Community Momentive Gaylene Stiles at the Positive Aging: Love Your Brain workshop in November.

Participants in Dr. Jonathan Vestal's workshops test grip strength, foreground, and standing on one foot, background, as indications of brain health.

VillagesOKC member Carolyn Wettengel, right, demonstrates during an exercise in cognition awareness at Senior LifeSkills Learning.

Learn more here!

Neighborhood Happenings

The holiday season is a perfect time to connect with your neighbors. Here are some of the upcoming neighborhood events that are bringing neighbors together this holiday!

NE Renaissance Neighborhood Association is bringing in the holiday season with joy!

Linwood Place is hosting a decorating contest! This is a great way to create engagement and to beautify your neighborhood. People love a friendly competition.

MLK Neighborhood is hosting their monthly meeting at a holiday party this year. They will be encouraging neighbors to apply to SNI programs, having giveaways and more!

Neighborhood Newsletters

The Northeast OKC Neighborhood Coalition is connecting neighborhoods and empowering residents throughout northeast Oklahoma City. They have member neighborhoods stretching across more than 20 square miles of northeast Oklahoma City along with several business and community leaders from across the city as community members.


Coalition building is part of the future of the neighboring model that we will be sharing at the Neighborhood Leaders of Today workshop.


Here is a blurb of their October Newsletter.

Visit their website!

The Miller Neighborhood Association has done a fantastic job at keeping its members updated on all of the things their neighborhood association has been up to. Check out their latest newsletter and use some of these ideas for your neighborhood!

Check out their latest newsletter!

Taylor Park Neighborhood Association is another neighborhood that is keeping its neighbors engaged via monthly newsletters. Check out their latest addition t grab some inspiration.

View their newsletter!

Tips for Neighbors

Introducing our Fall Tips for Neighbors: As we embrace the autumn season, we've compiled some advice to help you make the most of the crisp fall weather. From gardening tips to preparing your home for the cooler months ahead, our guide is here to make your fall experience in your neighborhood truly delightful.

Holiday Recycling Tips!

Recycle These Items:


  • Plain paper holiday cards
  • Cardboard boxes and wrapping paper tubes
  • Plain, brown wrapping paper and paper gift bags
  • Glass bottles and jars (empty, clean, and dry)
  • Aluminum foil products, steel cans (empty, clean, and dry)
  • Plastic drink bottles (empty)


Avoid These Items:


  • Skip ribbons, bows, and cellophane wrap—they belong in the trash.
  • Discard artificial Christmas trees and garlands in the trash, not in the recycling bin.
  • Say no to glittery wrapping paper, as it cannot be recycled.


Reuse and Conserve:


  • Save ribbons, bows, and gift bags for future use.
  • Consider cloth napkins and tablecloths instead of disposable paper products.
  • Repurpose newspapers as an eco-friendly alternative to wrapping paper.


Mindful Disposal:


  • When recycling, ensure items are empty, clean, and dry before placing them in the recycling bin.
  • Properly dispose of plastic cutlery, bubble wrap, and other non-recyclables in the trash.

Cold Weather Tips!

Space Heater Safety:


  • Choose a heater with safety features like tip-over protection and overheat shut-off.
  • Keep the area around the heater clear of flammable materials.
  • Plug the space heater directly into an outlet to reduce electrical risks.


Pet Safety:


  • Provide indoor shelter for pets during cold weather.
  • Use warm bedding and place beds away from drafts.
  • Limit outdoor time, dry pets thoroughly after brief exposure.


Protecting Outdoor Pets:

  • Offer insulated shelter with straw or blankets for outdoor pets.
  • Check water bowls frequently to prevent freezing.
  • Monitor for signs of cold stress, such as shivering or lethargy.


Dressing in Layers:


  • Bundle up with layered clothing when outdoors.
  • Wear a hat, gloves, and scarf to protect extremities.
  • Stay dry by using waterproof outer layers.


Winterizing Your Home:


  • Seal drafts in doors and windows with weather stripping.
  • Ensure the heating system is in good condition; schedule a professional inspection if needed.
  • Prepare an emergency kit with blankets, flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food items for power outages.

Volunteer Opportunities


Click the links below to sign up to volunt and learn more!


OKC Beautiful Volunteer Opportunities


Date: Friday, December 15

Time: 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Location: 3535 N Classen Boulevard


Date: Saturday, December 16

Time: 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Location: 507 Bath Cir.


  • School Garden Nutrition Lessons -

Dates & Times Vary in December

Volunteers are needed to assist with nutrition lessons at the OKC Beautiful school garden sites in December. To participate, you will be required to complete an OKCPS background check. For more details and to sign up, contact Kasey Meek, kasey@okcbeautiful.com.


City News You Can Use

Oklahoma City’s November sales and use tax summary

Read full story here!

Mayor David Holt and the City Council of the City of Oklahoma City invite you to the ribbon cutting for the third MAPS 3 Health and Wellness Center.

Read full story here!

OKC Animal Welfare wants 100 dog adoptions during “Sweater Weather” event

Learn more here!

OKC Parks Newsletter 11-30-2023

Learn more here!

Bus Rapid Transit News Archive

Learn more here!

NACOK Updates

Welcome our newest team members!

Meet our two newest employees Rebecca and Mary Katherine. They will be serving the Norman area! Help us welcome them to the team.

Meet the team!

New website loading...

Thanks to the Alliance, we have been working with AnglinPR to make our website more user-friendly and to provide you with video trainings to make it much easier to organize your neighborhoods and access the plethora of resources that are available to neighbors. This is a work in progress. We will need your input to make it the best we can! Take a look, and let us know your feedback!

View our website here!

Update your Neighborhood Information!

We must keep your neighborhood information up to date in our system to help with leadership transitions, introduce new neighbors, and assist city officials in connection with neighborhood leaders!

Update neighborhood info. here!

We want to share your community news, events, and or resources in our quarterly newsletter!


Send details to helen@nacok.org

If you were sent this newsletter by a friend, family member, coworker or neighbor, and you'd like to be added to our mailing list, please sign up here.

Neighborhood Alliance of Central Oklahoma | nacok.org

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