Sherwood Forest Crier, September 1, 2021
Hear ye, hear ye!
Here is your
SHERWOOD FOREST CRIER
September 1, 2021
COVID-19 Rebound Response
COVID-19 daily cases in the state are currently running close to the highest numbers seen in the pandemic in January 2021.
Less that 50% of eligible SC residents have completed vaccination.
Following CDC guidance, DHEC recommends everyone regardless of vaccination status should wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission.
The City of Columbia declared facial coverings are required by all faculty, staff, children over the age of two (2), and visitors in all buildings at public and private schools.
So stay safe! Take reasonable precautions. Get vaccinated!
SFNA General Meeting Review
The August general meeting was attended by about a dozen residents and a dozen political staffers and candidates.
The group was treated to a spaghetti dinner with tossed salad, Italian bread and three flavors of homemade ice cream prepared by Russ Harless, pastor of the Sherwood Forest ARP Church, and the ladies of the church. They received a resounding ovation from all in attendance. The board also decided to donate $100 to the church in appreciation for their long-time support.
CRT Officer David Gibb reported the neighborhood has seen very few incidents, but CPD had caught several local area robbery/break-in suspects recently. There was general discussion about the importance of reporting suspicious people and even minor incidents so that the CPD database can have more data for trends analysis. Call 911 or the non-emergency number 803-252-2911, and the same call center people will answer and enter your report into the database for immediate action and/or analysis.
Candidates for mayor Tameika Isaac Devine, Sam Johnson, and Daniel Rickenmann presented each candidate’s platform issues. Attendees raised questions and discussed mask and vaccination mandates, completing infrastructure improvements including Gills Creek greenway development, better coordination between City and County governments, improving the City’s tax base, and other topics.
The next scheduled SFNA general meeting is November 10. COVID-19 conditions will be evaluated to determine whether to meet in person.
Meet and greet with refreshments starting at 6pm.
If you have questions, answers, requests, offers or comments about the neighborhood, you can join the discussion in our SFNA private group on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/sherwoodforestna. Only your neighbors can see who’s in the group and what is posted.
Hurricane Season
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) called for 18 named storms, 8.5 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes this season. So far there are 3 hurricanes that have impacted the East and Gulf coasts – Elsa and Ida the Southeast, and Henri the Northeast. We are just halfway through hurricane season that runs from June through November.
Having a personal emergency plan is absolutely essential for any South Carolina resident.
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD), which leads the state emergency management program, offers extensive information on preparing for and dealing with disasters in the state including hurricanes.
City of Columbia CRT Officer
Our CRT (Community Response Team) Officer David Gibb is the Sherwood Forest neighborhood contact at the Columbia Police Department.
Here is his report:
I would like to continue to remind residents to lock their vehicles and not to leave their cars running when they run into the gas station, store, anywhere. Stolen cars are used by criminals to commit other crimes like auto break-ins, burglaries, and other property offenses along with violent crime. If you see anything suspicious night or day don’t hesitate to call 911 or the non-emergency line (803-252-2911).
Calling as soon as you see something will get a police officer in your neighborhood shortly after you call and increase the likelihood of solving any potential criminal activity. Cameras also play a major part in solving property offenses and violent crimes city wide. If you are able and willing to install cameras on your property, they are definitely beneficial.
Also, I would implore anyone who is a gun owner to safely store your firearms at all times. Never leave a firearm in an unattended vehicle whether locked or unlocked. Stolen guns are used in lots of violent crime. Make sure you keep a log of the serial numbers on your firearms so that, in the event they are lost or stolen, they can be tracked. Finally, I would encourage anyone who owns firearms go get the training and education so that you know how to properly protect yourself and your firearm. A concealed weapons class is a great start.
Report a personal or property crime immediately to the City of Columbia Police by calling 911. To report suspicious activity, call 911 or the non-emergency number 803 252-2911 or our CRT (Crime Response Team) Officer David Gibb at david.gibb@columbiasc.gov. Then alert your neighbors!
Visit the Columbia Police Department for more information.
UofSC Belser Arboretum Open House
Sunday, September 19, 1-4pm
All are welcome to join us at Open House, always the 3rd Sunday of every month. Gates are open at Bloomwood Road and Wilmot Avenue.
Follow the Arboretum on Instagram and see Facebook for event info.
SFNA Adopt-A-Highway Clean Up
Saturday, November 13
Mark your calendars!
Please contact Dave Nelson at 803 447-4793 or appearance@sherwoodforestneighbors.org for information or any questions.
Crier emails
We are making an effort to send out these informational emails around the first of every month to keep neighbors up do date on neighborhood events, and other events and information of interest. It’s cheaper and better for the environment not to print and pass out fliers! But we could all probably use the exercise!
If you have information of interest to the neighborhood, please pass it along and we may include it in a future Crier.
Tell your friends and neighbors to subscribe. No membership required, but of course we would like everybody to join! New neighbor? Let us know and we’ll send out the welcome wagon.
To subscribe, email membership@sherwoodforestneighbors.org or subscribe online
Join the Sherwood Forest Neighborhood Association
Become a member or renew your membership now for 2021!
Dues are only $20 and are due in January. Pay your dues now online. Or pay at the next general meeting or mail a check to Henry Nechemias, 4 Robin Hood Ct., Columbia, SC 29205 and you will be paid up for 2021!