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Letter from Your President

Hello neighbors!

This month’s topic is security. At our last meeting, Captain Blendowski of the Columbia PD shared with us that our neighborhood is relatively safe. No incidents were reported in the last 6 months and car break-ins are still our greatest threat. His advice: Lock ‘er up overnight and don’t leave electronic devices or guns, yes, guns in your vehicles. There are also more and more home-owned security cameras that can capture and lock up these offenders. Call 911 for help or 803-252-2911 for non-emergencies.

At last week’s meeting of the Columbia Council of Neighborhoods, Trevon Fordham was the guest speaker. He is appointed as the Director of the Office of Violent Crime Prevention for Columbia. He has extensive experience in criminal justice. He told us about the initiatives they are pursuing. The environment for crime is poor lighting and vacant homes or lots.

The average age for offenders is 16 to 25, with victims averaging 16 to 35. Social Services has identified those at highest risk are repeat offenders in this age group and are focused on providing education, job training, and job opportunities as the most successful solutions. This approach will provide better choices for offenders to break the dysfunction that ruled their previous actions. If you want more info on Mr Fordham’s program call 803-545-3031 or contact him via email Trevon.Fordham@columbiasc.gov

Please take time to review the minutes of our last meeting. Our membership and attendee lists keep growing. Be part of our movement to build a better community in our neighborhood.

Taking Pride. Nurturing Roots.
Gail Wojtowicz, President SFNA

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Forest Friends
Forest Friends Native Tree Giveaway

Our second annual tree giveaway is underway! Our goal is to help neighbors replace trees they have had to remove, or fill in where one is needed, in order to maintain and improve our urban forest.

See our Forest Friends info on our website for photos of trees planted last year and more information about the importance of native trees and other plants.

Trees will be in three gallon containers or smaller, so they will be easy to handle and plant. We will provide guidance.

If you would like a free tree this year, please email Valerie Marcil with the type of tree you would like – small, large, flowering, fall color, etc and what the conditions are where you want to plant the tree – shade, sun, wet, dry. You can list a specific type of tree if you like. We will have an exact list of available trees by September 9, but because we will need to order quickly, we need to know general interests as soon as possible!

Don’t delay!

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Artists In Residence
Appreciate Artists? Come have some fun!
Gemini Arts
2847 Commerce Drive
Saturday and Sunday, September 16 & 17, Noon – 6pm

Be among the first to discover the new artist studio and exhibition gallery being created five minutes from Sherwood Forest near Owens Field and Hunter-Gatherer at the Hangar. When completed Gemini Arts will be the largest group of artist’s studios in the Midlands.

Sherwood Forest neighbors are invited to come preview what’s being created by some of our finest artists. Get enthused and enjoy the first art exhibition the weekend of September 16-17, noon to 6. Come by for the eye candy. Chat with artists.

Participating artists include Ron Hagell, Kate Heald, Charles Hite, Michael Krajewski, Michael Naughton, Britty Pointer, Lucas Sams, Fred Townsend, Ashley Warthen and more.

Maybe spring for some fresh and amazing new pieces for the house!

Gemini Arts is SC a non-profit being produced by Sherwood Forest Artist In Residence: Ron Hagell

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USC Belser Arboretum Open House
Sunday, September 17, 1-4pm

Open House is always the 3rd Sunday of every month.

Regular Volunteer Work Sessions
Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9am-Noon, Thursdays, 4-6pm
Weather and work schedules can occasionally change these times.

October Book Club
Sunday, October 1 at 3pm
Everyone is invited to join the USC Belser Arboretum Book Club as we read and discuss The Nature of Oaks: the Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees by Douglas Tallamy.
More info in the Arboretum Newsletter…

Follow the Arboretum on Instagram and see Facebook for event info.

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SFNA General Meeting
Wednesday, November 8, 6:30pm-7:30pm
Sherwood Forest ARP Church

If you have an issue you would like discussed at the meeting please let us know!

Draft minutes from the 3rd quarter general meeting…

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SFNA Adopt-A-Highway Clean Up
Saturday, November 18, 9:30-11am

Mark your calendars!

Contact Dave Nelson at 803-447-4793 or appearance@sherwoodforestneighbors.org for more information.

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Join the Sherwood Forest Neighborhood Association

Become a member or renew your membership now for 2023!

The SFNA is a volunteer organization of neighbors working to create a greater sense of community in the Forest.

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