FPKNA August 2025 - Newsletter - Volume 10 Issue #2

From the President:

Hi Neighbors! It’s hard to believe summer is slipping away and that school just started. Watch out for those school zones. Whether you had a staycation, like I did, or traveled near or far, hope you’ve been able to slow down, relax and tune in to your surroundings. I have enjoyed seeing a little yellow and green striped lizard friend skittering here and there while watering or working outside. An extra treat has been watching a momma turkey and her six little ones (poults) make their daily rounds.

And who can forget our Thunder and 2025 NBA Champions!!! A real highlight and amazing experience for me and hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans was the celebration parade…WOW!!! I have never seen so many people in one place! Amid our peaceful, quiet community, I count my blessings, despite economic uncertainty and worrying about what’s going on in our country and world these days. The past two nights, I watched two powerful documentaries, Atomic People and Atomic Echoes, on PBS about the bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki eight decades ago, and the aftermath. What struck me most aside from the absolute heartbreak and horror of war was the resilience of the survivors, followed by the rebuilding process.

When I think of all humanity, I’m reminded of the words in one of my favorite hymns, “This Is My Song,” that get me every time I sing it: “This is my song, O God of all the nations, a song of peace for lands afar and mine. This is my home, the country where my heart is; here are my hopes, my dreams, my holy shrine; But other hearts in other lands are beating with hopes and dreams as true and high as mine.” O hear my song, thou God of all the nations, a song of peace for their land and for mine.” Each day we can all learn and grow as human beings, from observing nature, remembering the past, sharing our stories, getting to know one another, more specifically, our neighbors. Neighbors Night Out is a great way to make these connections. Sponsored by the Neighborhood Alliance of Central Oklahoma, FPKNA has participated in this city-, state- and nation-wide event every year since 2017 except 2020, first by wards, of which the town has five, then as a single town wide event the past several years. This year we are taking NNO back to how it began with smaller, individual ward gatherings where you can create lasting relationships with the folks that live on your street and those around it. You’ll also have the chance to visit with Forest Park police and fire departments, the mayor, trustees, town staff and FPKNA officers. Take advantage of this opportunity to build community. So, mark your calendars for NNO, Tuesday, September 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. There may even be a contest somewhere in the mix. Or a dance or two…” Boots on the Ground” anyone!?

In community, Carmen