Sherwood Forest

July 2004

Jun 28, 2004

MEET AND GREET YOUR NEIGHBORS ON SUNDAY, JULY 25

Please join your friends and neighbors for another neighborhood party. This one will be held at the home of Susan Greene and Ron Kischuk at 19714 Shrewsbury on Sunday, July 25, from 3-6 p.m. Please bring a cold or hot hors d?’oeuvre or dessert to share. Beverages will be provided.

What better way to way to spend a summer Sunday afternoon than with your Sherwood Forest neighbors? We look forward to seeing many of our residents at the Greene-Kischuk home on July 25.

If you have questions about the party, call Social Committee chairperson Al Greene at (313) 861-0554 or Susan Greene and Ron Kischuk at (313) 342-1836.


ANNUAL MAY MEETING
FEATURED DISCUSSION OF
DETROIT TAX FORUM AND TAX
CREDIT FOR IMPROVMENTS TO OUR HISTORIC HOMES

At a well-attended General Membership Meeting on May 11 at All Saints Church, residents shared a wonderful potluck supper and then heard from our own residents concerning two important tax matters.

John Corvino, of Shrewsbury, is an active member of the Detroit Tax Forum, an organization made up of residents of many Detroit neighborhoods, including Sherwood Forest, who have come together because they are concerned that our high property taxes make it increasingly difficult for Detroit to attract and retain homeowners. John explained the how?’s and why?’s of the burdensome tax penalty and reported on some recent successes of the forum. For an excellent discussion of this problem, go to http://detroittaxforum.org.

Cordell Ross, of Shrewsbury, and Sandra Ham, of Warrington, explained how their extensive home renovations resulted in a 25% state income tax credit. One of the benefits of historic designation is this special tax credit for improvements to historic properties. The procedure for obtaining the credit is not complicated, and help is available. To learn more about how you can take advantage of this financial benefit, go to the Detroit Historic District Commission web site at www.ci.detroit.mi.us/historic and click on ?“Financial Incentives,?” or contact Kristine Kidorf at (313) 224-6536 or KKidorf@ppd.ci.detroit.mi.us.

Our May 11 meeting provided the opportunity to welcome new neighbors to Sherwood Forest and to publicly thank two longtime residents who have retired from our board of directors. Roosevelt Wise and William Vance have given so much of their time and talents to our neighborhood over the years. We will miss them, and wish them well in their retirement.


NEW PATROL SERVICE

WE HAVE CHANGED OUR PATROL SERVICE PROVIDER. As of Friday, June 18, we are contracting with RCN Security
Corporation instead of Securitas. You may have seen a different vehicle on the streets in recent days. The purpose of this change is to provide improved services and a more responsive patrol for subscribers.

Our new fiscal year began on June 1. If you have not yet joined the Sherwood Forest Patrol, we hope this is an oversight. This notice is intended to remind you to send your check today.

If you have not joined because of a previous complaint about the service, please reconsider your decision in light of our new provider.

RCN Security Corporation is licensed by the State of Michigan as a security guard agency and certified as a minority owned business by the City of Detroit and Wayne County. Before founding RCN, the president and CEO, Richard Nicholson, served as a Detroit Police officer and a Federal Aviation Administration Special Agent/Federal Air Marshal. RCN provides security service in Detroit and throughout the metropolitan area.

We are very enthusiastic about working with RCN Security, and we think you will be pleased with the change.

Sherwood Forest is one of the safest neighborhoods in metropolitan Detroit. Achieving this degree of safety is no accident. One of the reasons we have a safe neighborhood is the presence of a private security patrol. Sherwood Forest has had a security service for over 30 years. The entire neighborhood benefits from the presence of a highly visible patrol, so every household should join.

Please do your part in contributing to the safety of Sherwood Forest.

If you have misplaced the patrol application form previously sent to you, please call Gordon Rodwan at 313-342-5827.


COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE
SLATED FOR JULY 17

Last summer?’s garage sale was such a success that a group of our residents have decided to have another. The sale will be held on Saturday, July 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Each resident who wants to participate will place items for sale in his or her garage or driveway and mark participation by placing a balloon or group of balloons in front of the house.

This year?’s event is being organized by Wendy Baxter. If you want to be a part of the sale, call her right away at (313) 862-2888 or e-mail her at www.urite2me@aol.com. Maps will be placed at the entrances to the neighborhood indicating each home participating in the sale. A nominal fee will be collected from each participant to defray the cost of advertising.

At the end of the afternoon, the Salvation Army will come through the neighborhood to collect any items not sold.

This is a great opportunity to recycle items we no longer need or want in our homes or, for those who don?’t want to hold a garage sale, to simply walk around the neighborhood and find treasures at the homes of our neighbors.

If you want to assist in organizing this July 17 event, if you have questions, or, most important, if you intend to participate, contact Wendy Baxter today.


MEET VALERIE LEIGH, NEW MEMBER OF ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

My husband Nathaniel and I were both raised in the City of Detroit. We moved into Sherwood Forest in the fall of 1998. I am a 1996 graduate of Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a minor in Organizational Administration.

I was formerly employed by the City of Detroit. I retired in 2003 after serving 26.5 years, primarily as Human Resources Manager and Executive Administrator in the Department of Public Works. Nathaniel and I are semi-retired; our primary interests now are investment opportunities and our family-owned business.

I am a member of Hartford Memorial Baptist Church; a lifetime member of the N.A.A.C.P.; a St. Jude donor; and Charles H. Wright African American Museum member. Travel is my passion, and Italy and France are my weakness. I aspire to learn piano and swimming. My greatest joy is my 3-year-old grandson, Malcolm.

I believe there is no other community within the boundaries of the City of Detroit that surpasses the splendor and magnificence of Sherwood Forest, and I am honored to be one of its residents. I feel strongly about the preservation of such historic landmarks. I am committed to maintaining the quality of life and historic characteristics inherent within its boundaries. I believe my many years of administrative experience will be an asset to the association. Moreover, I welcome the opportunity to join those individuals who volunteer their service toward the enhancement, continuity and upkeep of this neighborhood.

Valerie Leigh
19273 Warrington

[The Board of Directors of the Sherwood Forest Association welcomes Valerie Leigh and thanks her for dedicating her time and talents to our community.]


PLEASE NOTE THIS WARNING FROM THE UNIVERSITY DISTRICT NEWSLETTER

The June edition of the University District Newsletter noted that $500.00 fines were imposed on six residents in May for placing bulk items out earlier that 6:00 p.m. on the day before bulk pickup. Those residents live on Warrington, Oak Drive and Birchcrest. Although we wrote in the last Tattler that the city now has a mechanism in place for ticketing offenders, we were not aware that the fine was as high as $500.00. Many Sherwood Forest residents continue to place bulk items at the curb well in advance of bulk pickup day. Those residents, who previously received neighborhood reminders, can now expect to be ticketed. Be a good neighbor and avoid this unhappy consequence. Help keep our neighborhood beautiful, clean and litter-free. Remember that our next bulk pickup dates are:

MONDAY, JULY 26
MONDAY, AUGUST 23
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27


SPECIAL EXHIBITS AT THE
DETROIT HISTORICAL MUSEUM

AMERICAN ICONS -- Detroit has made a worldwide impact on the field of design, creating true American icons. This exhibit features architectural, automotive, advertising and product designs by such greats as Minoru Yamasaki, Harley Earl, Albert Kahn, Eero Saarinen and others.

TECHO: DETROIT?’S GIFT TO THE WORLD ?– The world?’s first exhibit on the history of Techno, a genre of music that originated in Detroit and is now popular worldwide. This exhibit has been extended to August 15.

GUTS, GAMES AND GLORY ?– This exhibit captures the essence of Detroit?’s legacy as a sports town. The exhibit will run through January of 2005. For more information, call (313) 833-1805 or log on to www.detroithistorical.org.


STATE LAUNCHES EMERALD ASH
BORER TRAPS

In an effort to eradicate the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), the Michigan Department of Agriculture announced it will be deploying 10,000 trap trees across the state. The trees, which will be strategically located in every county, will be "girdled" - a process that removes a ring of bark around the trunk - to stress the trees and therefore attract beetles to those trees to lay their eggs. The trees will also be treated with a sticky substance to trap the insects, which will provide an important visual sign. Research indicates the trap trees will capture EAB adults present in an area, but will not lure the bugs from long distances or create new infestation sites. This new program is being implemented as another attempt at containment of the out-of-control, tree-killing beetle. Michigan has 6 million Ash trees statewide. If left unprotected, they will all die in the next several years.

This information was sent to us by State Senator Buzz Thomas. He can be reached, toll-free, at 866-348-6304 or you can email him at senbthomas@senate.michigan.gov.


MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY

There has been much publicity of late about the severe financial problems facing the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. The museum has recently published a report on the steps it is taking to assure its survival and make it an unmatched cultural resource for this region and beyond. Leaders in the business community have stepped forward to help put the museum on a sound financial footing. Programs are being examined and restructured. However, long-term success depends on the support of Detroit families in neighborhoods like ours. An individual membership costs only $35.00. For information on membership plans and giving opportunities, call the museum at (313) 494-5827 or visit www.maah-detroit.org.



CANDIDATES?’ SIGNS

Candidates?’ yard signs are welcome in this political season. They are a hallmark of our active and concerned community. However, signs on public property are NOT welcome. In fact, a Detroit ordinance strictly limits the public placement of signs.

Sec. 40-1-11. Advertising, placing of signs, etc.

No person shall distribute any advertising matter, political or otherwise, from any vehicle, nor post or place any notices, signs or other encumbrances of any description upon any erection, structure or tree, shrub or vine which may be growing or erected in, upon or surrounding any park or public property under the control of the recreation department.

In years past, we have received complaints of commercial as well as political signs posted at the entrances to our neighborhood and in our pocket parks. Please note the names of candidates who are violating the above ordinance and let them know that those who seek to serve as leaders in our government must know and follow the law.

We ask everyone?’s cooperation in keeping public areas free of signs.

ABANDONED VEHICLES MIGHT
BECOME LITTER

On Wednesday, June 23, the Michigan Senate passed legislation that would define abandoned vehicles as litter. Senate Bill 1171, which now moves to the House for consideration, is intended to help curb the abandoned vehicle problem in southeast Michigan. Many times abandoned vehicles on the side of the road are filled with waste and can potentially pose a health risk. Civil fines would be increased to a minimum of $500 for the first offense. There are currently 13,000 abandoned vehicles in the state's system.


RECREATION DEPARTMENT WILL OPEN HYDRANTS IN HOT WEATHER

The City of Detroit reminds everyone that it is illegal for anyone other than a Detroit firefighter or other official City worker to turn on a fire hydrant. Turning on a fire hydrant is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 or up to 90 days in jail.

However, when temperatures rise above 80 degrees, residents can contact the Detroit Recreation Department to send out an authorized representative to turn on the nearest and safest fire hydrant for a "street shower."

Residents can call the following districts, Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. to request a street shower:

North District (Palmer Park), 578-7607
South District (310 Piquette), 876-4279
East District (Chandler Park), 267-7090
West District (Rouge Park), 852-4520

City officials say that illegal use of hydrants has caused the City to experience dangerously low water pressure and can damage hydrant stems. Both situations create a public safety risk.

Residents who see an open hydrant should notify the Water and Sewerage Department at 267-7401.


PERFORMERS WANTED FOR THE
STREETS OF DETROIT

The City of Detroit Department of Culture, Arts and Tourism is looking for singers, acoustic musicians, magicians, clowns, jugglers, dancers, stilt walkers, mimes, comedians, acrobats, theatre/skit/performance artists, or any combination of the above, to perform ?– on an ongoing basis ?– on sidewalks or in common areas in Detroit?’s downtown, Midtown, and New Center. The new program is called Detroit Street Vibe. The aim of Detroit Street Vibe is to enliven the street entertainment scene in Detroit.

The city is also seeking permission from owners or operators of downtown, Midtown, and New Center buildings to use their sidewalks and/or inside areas as performance venues.

For more information, call (313) 224-3470.

POLLWORKER TRAINING CLASSES BEING HELD AT COBO

The City Clerk?’s Office is holding pollworker training classes at Cobo Conference/Exhibition Center through July 31 in preparation for the August 3, 2004 primary election.

Detroit election day workers who have not received class attendance notification in the mail are required to call the Detroit Department of Elections for confirmation at (313) 876-0227/0231 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Pollworkers are required to attend one class.

NEIGHBORS IN TOUCH WITH NEIGHBORS:

BABYSITTING: Sherwood Forest resident Camille Marsh is fifteen-years-old, will be entering 10th grade in the fall and has loads of babysitting experience. She is available to sit through most of the summer. You can call her at (313) 864-9837 (H) or (313) 522-9127 (cell).

A REMINDER TO GET APPROVAL FOR YOUR HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS: As the proud owner of a home in an historic district, you must get approval from the Detroit Historic District Commission (DHDC) before making major improvements to the exterior of your home. If you are in doubt about whether your project needs DHDC approval, play it safe and check with Kristine Kidorf at (313) 224-6536. Securing a building permit for something like a new roof is not enough. Current procedure requires the city to confirm that DHDC approval has been granted for a project before the issuance of a permit, but sometimes the city forgets. The responsibility for getting DHDC approval lies with the homeowner, not with the contractor. Remember that getting approval for your home improvement project is not difficult. In many instances, all it takes is a phone call to the DHDC. Securing DHDC approval for exterior renovations is a crucial step in maintaining the character in any historic district. Please remember this crucial step BEFORE you begin your next home improvement project.


ON-LINE NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Do I have your e-mail address? If not, please send it to me today at Rodwan@sbcglobal.net. More and more, I am relying on e-mail to get timely information to our residents. The Tattler is published only six times a year, but our This Old House list and our Neighborhood Business Directory are always being updated. News from the city, from other neighborhoods and from our own neighborhood comes to me weekly. Why wait for the next Tattler? Residents in the know are our e-mail subscribers. Won?’t you join them?

Gail Rodwan, Editor


TWO IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

Saturday, July 17 ?– garage sale in Sherwood Forest, starting at 10:00 a.m.

Sunday, July 25 ?– Meet and Greet party at the home of Susan Greene and Ron Kischuk, starting at 3:00 p.m.