Spencer City Star

Monthly newsletter

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed each and every October across the country. National, state, and community organizations for violence prevention and victim services, businesses, health care providers, and others mark the month with educational programs, recognition and memorial ceremonies, community outreach, and other efforts. Any violence taking place within a family or intimate relationship is domestic violence. It includes abuse of spouses, girlfriends and boyfriends, children, and elderly people. Domestic violence cuts across all socioeconomic, ethnic, racial, religious, and age groups. Studies have shown that children who witness violence at home experience behavioral problems and increased aggression, have less developed social and conflict resolution skills, and may suffer long-term developmental effects. These youth are also at risk of engaging in future violence and of being abused themselves. Researchers have found that people who batter their partners are also more likely to abuse their children. The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides services in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you or someone you know is being abused, you can contact the hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). The Oklahoma statewide hotline is 1-800-522-SAFE (7233) or Spencer Police Department at 771-3798.

Halloween Safety Tips

Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame. Openly discuss appropriate and inappropriate behavior at Halloween time. Keep Jack O’ Lanterns away from drapes, decorations and areas where children will be standing or walking. Always walk, and never run across the street. No treats should be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an adult at home.  Have a safe Halloween.

Unity Day Success-Revitalization? Suggestions Needed!

Thank you to everyone who assisted with Unity Day.  We received great feedback on the event and are looking forward to next year’s event.  The jury is in – locating the festival in Downtown Spencer was great  move.  The ambiance was just right, load in for the bands was a breeze, and the atmosphere was festive.  It also brought back many fond memories of what our downtown area used to be like.  Don’t stop there.  Spencer is in the process of visualizing what we will be become.  Tell us what you’d like Downtown Spencer to be. Your revitalization notes will be submitted to the Spencer City Council at the November 2006 meeting.

Housing $ Money $ Available

“Homeownership is a dream all Americans share. Securing low-interest financing and coming up with funds for a down payment and closing costs can be the barrier to realizing this dream for many.” Chris Metcalf.

Oklahoma County Home Finance Authority is offering a first-time home buyers mortgage program for individuals interested in owning a home in Oklahoma County. First-time buyers can utilize low-interest housing bond/MRB financing offered by various mortgage lenders. The mortgage rates are 6.5% with 0 points and 0 origination for FHA/VA, and 6.65 for conventional loans. The program offers either 3% or 4% grant to help with down payment and closing costs, depending on where in the County the home is located. For more information about the OCHFA  MRB/housing bond program or to obtain a list of approved lenders: Contact Ed McGee at 270-1388 or email emgee@ochfa.org.

Register for FREE

ACT Test or ACT Prep Class

The ACT exam is America's most widely accepted college entrance exam. It is a standardized test designed to measure the ability of a person to develop skills or acquire knowledge and assesses high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas such as English, mathematics, reading, and science. The Writing Test, which is optional, measures skill in planning and writing a short essay. The Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City will offer registration for a FREE ACT test or ACT prep class. The registration deadline is November 1, 2006, for the December 9th test. There are only 20 available slots, so don’t  wait…..ACT  now. Registration forms are available at City Hall in the reception area and ACT packets can be obtained from counselors at school. Mail or deliver your completed registration form and ACT packet to: Shani Rashidi, Sr. VP of Administration, 3900 N. Martin Luther King Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73111 or fax to (405) 424-3382 or email srashidi@urbanleagueok.org.

Can’t afford college?? With Oklahoma Promise – OHLAP, the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program, 8^th, 9^th  and 10^th grade students whose annual family income is $50,000 or less and who agree to meet certain academic requirements and conduct standards can EARN FREE COLLEGE TUTITION! For more info. contact Shenice Huff at 409-1876.

PEAK

After School Program

The PEAK After School program will begin its after school tutoring sessions on Monday, September 18 and running throughout the 2006/2007 school year. Tutoring sessions are held at Star Spencer High School from 2:00-4:00, Monday through Friday and sessions at Rogers Middle School are held Monday through Friday from 4:00-6:00. For those students attending after school sessions at Rogers Middle School, transportation is provided. An after school application packet must be completed in order to attend sessions. Applications can be picked up at the front office of each school. For more information, please contact Shenice L. Huff at 409-1876.

Business Spotlight

Everest Food Mart is a neighborhood convenience store that carries grocery items and offers a hometown atmosphere in addition to providing gas and snacks. They also offer fried pies, meat pies, smoked ribs and other hot food items of interest.  The friendly, family-oriented feeling that customers get while at this store is what sets it apart from large corporate chains. The location, 5100 N. Spencer Road, is easily accessible to Spencer residents and neighboring citizens traveling through old town Spencer. Store hours are Monday thru Friday 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Stop by, grab a bite to eat, get some gas, do some shopping and enjoy what Everest has to offer.

Curfew For Minors

It is unlawful for any person seventeen (17) or less years of age to be or remain in or upon the streets within the City at night during the following times. Ordinance 10-805.

Exceptions include: When accompanied by a parent, or authorized adult. * When exercising 1st Amendment Rights such as Free exercise of religion, freedom of speech and the right of assembly * When it is reasonably necessary *  When returning home from a school or religious activity *  If employed ( valid proof required). For a full version of this Ordinance please fill out an Open Records request with the City Clerk’s Office at Spencer City Hall at 8200 N.E. 36th St. in Spencer.

Mail Call

From time to time we get some very nice notes and letters. We thought that we would take some time to share a few of the correspondences with you. This handwritten note was delivered to City Hall on September 9th, 2006:  “Just a note to tell you how much I enjoy the monthly newsletter. I have lived here in Spencer since May 1960 and have no complaints. Alice. Keep up the good work and have a special day.” This email was delivered after the Unity Day Festival: “Good Morning. Thanks for having the Tinker Flying High Band kick off the Spencer Unity Day! All the members of the band had a great time! The location and support was some of the best we have experienced! The covered stage was big enough to hold all of us! Having ample chairs and cold water was enjoyed by all! Having unloading/parking at the back of the stage was superb planning! The Sound man did a great job hooking up all the mikes and cords and working with us during each tune! The donation was also generously appreciated. Thanks again for having us a part of your festivities! We hope to be invited back in the future.” This note came via U.S. Mail—“Thank you for all the effort you put into Unity Day, Sat. p.m. It was real nice and the band was good. I do think that this is good bringing so many people together. Thanks for all your work, I was impressed with it all.” Hazel.

Chamber of Commerce

The Annual membership drive for the Spencer Chamber of Commerce will be during the month of October. The Chamber has participated in several events to showcase the businesses of Spencer this past year, including two different color banners along the City Streets. Membership dues structure remains the same as the past two years: $15.00 for Individuals, $50.00 for small businesses (no more than two employees), $100.00 for large businesses and $300.00 for premium corporate level (includes two 28” x 64” banners each year). Send your dues to the Chamber at P.O. Box 53, Spencer, OK 73084. Look for the Chamber newsletter, due out in October.

Calendar

October 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th Mid-Day Prayer Meeting  1:00 p.m. St. Luke Baptist Church 10001 NE 50th Street.

October 5th Planning Commission Meeting 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.

October 6th Star Spencer Bobcats Homecoming 7:00 p.m., Tidwell Stadium, SSHS v. Cleveland. Coronation ceremony 9:30 a.m. Game at 1:00 p.m.

October 7th  Big Trash at NE Landfill 7:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m. Household trash, chemicals, batteries or tires are not accepted.

October 12th OIC of Oklahoma County Golf Tournament Tee off at 8:30 a.m.

October  16th  Parks Advisory Board 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.

October 27th—30th 6 to 8:30 p.m. Fall Carnival St. Luke Baptist Church

October 28th Spencer Road Church “Light in the Night”  starting at 5 p.m. Games, moonwalk, trunk-n– treat.

October 28th and 29th Octoberfest at Mary’s Swapmeet

October 29th  City Council Meeting 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.

October 29^th Fall Revival 7:00 p.m. Nightly from to November 1^st, 2006. Loving St. James Baptist Church

. Bring the kids by, candy will be available.

 “Light in the Night”

Are you looking for a new, exciting and safe way to celebrate the harvest season with your family? This year Spencer Road Church is set to host a “Light in the Night” festival Saturday, October 28th starting at 5 p.m. The church will offer food, drinks, games, a moonwalk jump house and information about community programs, all free of charge. The church will also offer a trunk n’ treat on their church grounds. Trunk n’ Treaters’ go from decorated car trunk to decorated car trunk parked in the church parking lot  to play games, gather treats, collect goodies, candies and trinkets. “Churches can impact communities in a positive way” said Pastor Robinson “we want to bring citizens together and share an evening of fun and entertainment.”  So gather your children, and come down to enjoy an evening of fellowship and fun in a safe and friendly environment. For more information on this event call Spencer Road Church at 769-8326. Hope to see you and your family there.