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December 22, 2009

CHEROKEE CHAT — Sharing Christmas spirit with veterans

By Cara Cowan Watts, Cherokee Nation Tribal Councilor District 7, Will Rogers

December 22, 2009 — For me, the Holidays have become overwhelming commercial. So, I find myself fighting the bah-humbugs.

To regain the Holiday spirit, my mother and I have agreed to help others during this time in lieu of gifts.

This year, I was able to obtain a list of year round needs for the Claremore Veteran’s Center (CVC).

The CVC is a 302 bed facility which includes a separate unit of 52 beds for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.

Veterans at the CVC often need the following items: after shave, cologne, small combs, Poligrip denture adhesive, disposable razors, shaving cream, spray deodorant, sweat tops and bottoms, Velcro shoes, diabetic socks, skid proof socks and DVD movies. Do not bring bars of soap or stick deodorant. For a group who wants to pull together monies, they are always in need of special trough mattresses which prevent someone from falling out of bed. Each mattress is estimated to cost $212.

Donations to the CVC go to the receptionist at 3001 West Blue Starr Drive behind RSU towards the golf course. If you need a donation receipt, include your name and mailing address on a self-addressed, stamped envelope. The receipt will be mailed.

Rogan Noble, the Cherokee Nation Veterans Affairs Benefits Officer, can be reached at veterans@cherokee.org or by phone at 918-453-5694. The Tribal webpage for Veteran’s Affairs is http://veterans.cherokee.org/.

For me to reclaim the spirit of Christmas, buying more stuff to collect dust at my home is not the answer. Whether the economy is bad or not, there will always be those who need a hand up from their neighbors. Government should not be the fix for all of our ills and will never be able to cover everyone’s needs. No matter what side of the political fence you see yourself on, local non-profit and government agencies such as the Veteran’s services need our assistance in making our community whole.

As part of my personal goals for using less stuff to end up in a landfill, I find I have more room to give to others who are truly in need such as our Veterans, the Cherokee Nation Angel Tree children and the Share the Spirit Campaign. If you have someone who is hard to shop for, donate to their favorite charity or cause in their honor.

Acts 20:35 credits Jesus as saying ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ Whether Jesus said it or not, my renewed Christmas spirit affirms the truth in the statement.

To contact the Tribe, call 453-5000. The operator will connect you with the appropriate department.

Tribal programs and services are administered by the Chief’s staff at the Tribal Complex. Tribal hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Save a trip to Tahlequah by using the Tribes Internet tools at www.cherokee.org. Almost all applications are available online to print from home.

If you have questions, issues or concerns about the Cherokee Nation government, please email me at cara@caracowan.com or write me at P.O. Box 2922, Claremore, OK 74018.

For daily news and event notices, ask to be added to my District 7 email listserv.

• Cara Cowan Watts is deputy speaker for the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council and elected legislator of District 7 - Will Rogers.

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