Miles of Lights wrap up 2015

On December 6, 2015 Sherwood Oaks Neighbors held it's annual Miles of Lights luminary display. The neighbors pulled together to put on a spectacular display to celebrate this holiday season. Luminaries lined the main thoroughfares of the Sherwood Oaks, Sherwood Oaks 2, Sherwood Estates, and Woods Edge to bring our neighborhood together in this annual tradition. Each individual candle cast only a small light in the dark night, but when joined with the thousands of others lit the night in a powerful and uplifting display. May this be a season of hope and peace!

Thank you to all of the neighbors who donated their time and talent to make this event come to life. Sherwood Oaks Neighbors collected over 110 pairs of socks to donate to the Shalom Center and the display was enjoyed by people throughout the city.

--Karen Cole, Miles of Lights chairperson

Miles of Lights Letter to the Editor

Published Friday, December 4, 2015 in The Herald-Times 

To the editor:

On Sunday (Dec. 6), neighbors of Sherwood Oaks, Sherwood Estates and Woods Edge will line their streets with luminaries for all to enjoy.

The annual Sherwood Oaks Neighbors Miles of Lights tradition began on the very day of the Sandy Hook massacre.

Two years later, Miles of Lights happened to coincide with the third anniversary of that horrible tragedy.

Now back to back unspeakable violence in Paris and San Bernadino serve as a backdrop to our neighborhood lights.

And so, Miles of Lights has come to be about more than just setting out candles on a dark December night.

It is about people coming together to make something beautiful for each other, remembering just how precious life is.

Each light matters.

Every neighbor matters.

Our candles are not the concrete action needed to fight the proliferation of guns and culture of violence in this country but they are, at least, a visual statement that there is still more light than dark.

The violence does not define us.

It is not who we are.

Peace.

Lisa Wrasse

Bloomington

Miles of Lights 2015

Time to Plan Miles of Lights 2015

Dear Sherwood Oaks Neighbors,

It’s that time of year again! The air is turning brisk and December is fast approaching. In past years we have established a beautiful tradition of lighting the main streets of our neighborhood with luminaries. We want this tradition to continue and need you to step forward! Our goal is to line Allendale, Bainbridge, Laura, and Jamie making a continuous line from Winslow to Rhorer!  We’d be linking together all of our neighborhoods (Sherwood Oaks, Sherwood Oaks II, Sherwood Estates, and Woods Edge) in a beautiful holiday display. 

We are planning the luminary display for Sunday, December 6^th. In order to make our goal we will need your help. We need donations of white paper bags, candles, sand or money to purchase those supplies. We also need volunteers to help with this undertaking. 

If you are interested in helping out in any way, with either donations, planning, or setting up the luminaries, please email sherwoodoaksneighbors@gmail.com. There will be a Luminary Committee meeting at my home, 1203 E Woods Edge Way, on Sunday Nov. 8^th at 2pm. Please attend if you can.

I look forward to lighting up our neighborhood with you. 

Thank you,

Karen Cole

Sherwood Oaks Neighbors Executive Committee

SON constitution updated to include Woods Edge and Sherwood Estates

Based on a vote at our general meeting April 2014 and followup work done by Tisa Bowden, Sherwood Oaks Neighbors now includes Sherwood Estates and Woods Edge.  Neighbors felt it made sense to include these neighborhoods immediately to the south because we share common issues and boundaries.   The SON map on file with the  City of Bloomington has been updated to reflect our expanded area.  Below is the SON constitution, also updated.

CONSTITUTION

March 24, 2012  Article III A. amended September 11, 2015

Article I – Name

The name of the organization shall be Sherwood Oaks Neighbors.

Article II – Purpose

The purpose of the Association shall be:

To promote communication on issues of interest to members of the Area.

To enhance neighborhood identity and sense of community in the Association.

To provide networking opportunities for the development of social activities for members of the Association.

To work together on problems and issues of common concern.

To provide a voice for the members of the Association.

The Association will not be involved in neighborhood policing nor code enforcement.

Article III – Membership

Membership in the Association shall be restricted to adults residing in Bloomington, Indiana and within Sherwood Oaks I, Sherwood Oaks II,  Woods Edge, and Sherwood Estates, bounded as follows (excluding Sherbrooke Place and Peppergrass):

ON THE NORTH:  Bradshire Street, and south of intersection of Winslow/Allendale

ON THE SOUTH:  North of intersection of Rhoher with Benson Court and Jamie Lane

ON THE EAST:      Bradshire Court/Browning Lane/Clairmont Place, Dunstan Drive, Elliston Drive, Linda’s Way, Laura Way, Wood’s Edge Bend, Jamie Lane

ON THE WEST:     East of intersection of Allendale and Walnut St. Pike, including Wellington Court/Ellington Court/Jennifer Court/Preston Court/1001 Heather Drive, Benson Court

Provided, however, that any adult person residing in a contiguous area or owning property within, but not residing within the boundaries of the Association may become a member by approval of the Executive committee.

Any duly qualified member shall have the right vote at meetings of the Association.

The Association shall have the right to assess dues for the support of the Association. Dues shall be voluntary and assessed at 5.00 per year for each member. Voluntary supplemental contributions shall be welcomed and accepted.

Article IV – Meetings

Regular meetings shall be held at least semi-annually, and more frequently, should the need arise.

Meetings of the Association shall be held at such time and places as the Executive Committee may select. Five (5) Association members in good standing may also call a meeting.  

Members may submit agenda items prior to a meeting. New items not on the agenda shall be tabled until a future meeting unless time allows for discussion at the end of the meeting.

Five members present shall constitute a voting quorum at any regular or special meeting.

Each member may cast one vote for each proposal under consideration at an Association meeting.

A vote may be cast by proxy or e-mail when an association member is unable to attend a meeting in person. 

Members will be notified of upcoming meetings and agenda items via the Sherwood Oaks Neighbors blog and e-mail distribution list. Members without internet access may request an alternate form of communication.

A simple majority of 51 % (or more) of the votes case shall amend the Constitution and incorporate proposals into the Association by-laws, or shall elect nominees to office.

Article V – Standing Committees

The Executive Committee

Shall consist of 3 or more Association members.

Three (3) of its members present shall constitute a quorum.

A simple majority of 51% (or more) of votes cast by its members shall pass any item on it‘s agenda.

Shall be elected at the spring meeting and shall serve a term of 2 years.

Shall exercise all the powers given it by the Association, Constitution, and by-laws.

Shall coordinate and administer the objectives of the Association.

Shall recommend and submit new policies and changes in the Constitution and its by-laws for approval by the membership.

Shall appoint a chairperson from the Executive Committee to act as spokesperson for meetings.

Shall appoint a Secretary who shall record votes and keep meeting minutes, and keep all pertinent, permanent communications. 

Shall appoint a Treasurer who shall deposit fund in the name of the Association, keep financial records, and disburse funds.

Shall recruit volunteers from Association on an as-needed basis to work on special projects. 

Shall verify and maintain the Association’s membership roll and maintain records of Association officers and committee members.

Shall conduct all business of the Association and direct the Treasurer to disburse funds.

May grant membership to persons residing outside the Association boundaries.

Shall verify and maintain the Association’s membership roll and maintain records of Association officers and committee members.

Shall contact members on matters of importance relative to the Association.

Shall notify members of upcoming meetings and events.

Shall develop ideas and create proposals for grants that will benefit the Association.

Article VI – Amendments

Amendments to this Constitution and its by-laws may be proposed at any Association meeting. 

Sherwood Oaks Neighbors Fall Park Clean Up and Dessert Pitch In

Sherwood Oaks Park         

 

Meet at Sherwood Oaks Park, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2-4PM(RAIN DATE: 10/25, 2-4PM)

*The City of Bloomington will provide mulch to spread on the trails. 

Please bring wheelbarrows, buckets, shovels and trash bags.

* Pitch in Dessert Table for all to enjoy! Please bring your favorite dessert to share.  SON will provide table service, cups and lemonade.

* Live music by Anna Wrasse + open mic if you want to perform!

* Free Homemade carnival games to play by Kirin and Quinley Bowden.

* Please bring any books you’d like to donate to our Little Free Library

If you have any questions, please e-mail sherwoodoaksneighbors@gmail.com. Thanks. Hope to see you there!

Sherwood Oaks Neighbors Meeting Minutes 3/30/15

Meeting Agenda & Minutes - 3/30/15
7:00 PM, March 30, 2015 | Location: Sherwood Oaks Church Rm 361
Agenda
Spring Meeting Agenda
● Review Event Schedule and ask for Volunteers
● Grant and Neighborhood Improvement Proposal
● Speaker: Jacqui from Monroe County Energy Conservation Challenge
● Speaker: John Turnbull, Republican Mayoral Candidate
● Speakers: District 5 Candidates for City Council, Isabel Piedmont­Smith and Gabe Colman ● Discussion with candidates re: neighbors questions and concerns
Upcoming Events
● Spring: SON Garage Sale, May 16, 2015, 9am­12pm
● Summer: SON Ice Cream Social, August 16, 2015, 2­3pm ● Fall: SON Park Clean­up, October 17, 2015, 2­4pm
● Winter: Sherwood Oaks Miles of Lights Luminaries 6­-9pm
Scribe
Lauren Morrison
Minutes
● Review Event Schedule and ask for Volunteers (Also See Action Items Below) ○ Spring: SON Garage Sale, May 16, 2015, 9am­12pm
■ Anyone who would like to have a garage sale may do so. Signs will be placed at the main entrances to the neighborhood and an Ad will be placed in the Herald Times ■ ReStore will pick up unsold items or any other household items neighbors wish to
donate that afternoon. More details to come.
○ Summer: SON Ice Cream Social, August 16, 2015, 2­3pm

■ Juan Carlos Carrasquel will be donating ice cream for an ice cream social in the park. ■ Bring your own bowls/spoons for sustainability.
■ Come enjoy ice cream and some kids games­­more details to come
○ Fall: SON Park Clean­up, October 17, 2015, 2­4pm ■ Clean up park and re­mulch paths
○ Winter:Sherwood Oaks Miles of Lights Luminaries 6­-9pm 
■ Last year was AWESOME!
■ If everyone does just a few bags, we can put on this awesome event again each year.
● Grant and Neighborhood Improvement Proposal (Also See Action Items Below)

• ○  HANDS gives out Small and Simple grants to neighborhoods for improvement.
  
• ○  Proposed improvement project is “Sign Toppers” that designate “Sherwood Oaks
  Neighborhood” and ar affixed to street signs.
  
• ○  SON needs a 10% cash match ($160) in order to apply for the grant.
  
• ○  If the Grant is approved SON will need 50% match of either time or money to receive the
  funding for the project.
  ● Speaker: Jacqui from Monroe County Energy Conservation Challenge
  

• ○  The energy challenge is to reduce energy consumption as much as possible throughout
  Monroe County over a 2 year span (2015 + 2016).
  
• ○  The challenge is taking place nationwide. Municipalities are competing for 5 million dollars in
  prize money.
  
• ○  DUKE ENERGY is offering Utility Incentives to residents
  ■ LED lightbulbs at greatly discounted prices
  ■ Rebates for home improvements such as adding insulation ■ Free home energy assessments
  ■ And more! Check out Duke’s website
  
• ○  Green Ribbons are being placed around town by homes that are participating
  
• ○  There are monthly challenges: look on h​ttp://mocoenergychallenge.org​for more info
  ■ This month is replacing standard light bulbs with LED. ● Speaker: John Turnbull, Republican Mayoral Candidate
  ○ Currently running Bloomington Parks and Rec Dept.
  ○ Running uncontested in the Primary
  ○ Campaigning as a good “manager” of people, issues and money ○ His 3 pillars are: trust, commitment and caring
  ● Speakers: District5 Candidates for City Council, Isabel Piedmont­Smith and Gabe Colman ○ Gabe Colman: Owner of The Venue art gallery downtown
  ■ Heavily involved in the arts and the community (bloomington native)
  ■ Running as a small business owner
  ■ Lives in Peppergrass and “sees” what’s going on with the South side of town
  ○ Isabel Piedmont­Smith: former President of City Council (2010)
  
  • Was on the Planning Commission in City Council
    
  • Running as an experienced candidate
    
  • Lives in McDoel Garden and encouraged residents to contribute to Growth Policies
    Plan (GPP) to improve plans for the South side of town
    ● Discussion with candidates re: neighbors questions and concerns ○ Traffic Light­­”Flashing Red” at Allendale and Winslow
    ■ There is a huge problem with people blowing through the stop signs. ■ There needs to be a crosswalk to get across to the Park and YMCA
    

○ Axom’s Short Stop

• Currently in violation of at least 1 ordnance.
  
• There is a Facebook group trying to do something about this ugly building at the
  corner of Country Club and Rogers ○ Neighborhood Watch and Recent Break­ins
  

• Report Break­ins to the police!
  
• Possible ideas for improving safety would be more street lamps, cameras on street
  signs, signs saying “neighborhood under surveillance”, a neighborhood watch group.
  
• There have been more police patrols and the number of break­ins has gone down
  
• Lock your Cars and House!
  ○ Dogs need to be on leashes
  ○ There is a phone app to report issues directly to the city
  ■ Anyone may attend City Council meetings that are open to the public to raise concerns ● Exec members can represent SON at these meetings­­neighbors must e­mail
  concerns they would like to have raised!
  Action Items
  ● E­mail  s​herwoodoaksneighbors@gmail.com​if you would like to volunteer to help with any upcoming events
  ● E­mail s​herwoodoaksneighbors@gmail.com​if you would like to volunteer your time to help putting up Sherwood Oaks Neighborhood sign toppers as part of the neighborhood improvement grant OR if you would like to make a 100% matched pledge to contribute to the neighborhood improvement project.
  ● E­mail s​herwoodoaksneighbors@gmail.com​if you have an issue that you would like to be raised by SON at the next public City Council Meeting.
  Next Meeting Date and Agenda Items
  ● Monday September 28th at 7:00pm ○ Upcoming Events
  ○ Update on Grant Proposal­­d did we get enough volunteers and donations? ○ Speakers: Mayoral Candidates 
  

Ice Cream Social Sunday

UPDATE:  We got all set up, had a great turnout, enjoyed a couple of songs, some gourmet popsicles, a couple of fun carnival games, visiting with neighbors...a wonderful time.... And then a surprise gullywasher of a thunderstorm ended all the fun.  We'll try to reschedule....

Sherwood Oaks Neighbors will host its first annual ice cream social Sunday, August 16th, 1-3PM, in Sherwood Oaks Park.  Many thanks to Juan Carrasquel for providing catering by Rasta Pops and to Anna Wrasse for providing live music! Article/photo courtesy of today's Herald Times.

SON General Meeting - 3/30/2015

SON General Meeting - 3/30/2015 @ 7pm, Room 361 of Sherwood Oaks Christian Church

Hello All!

Sherwood Oaks Neighbors will be holding our first general meeting of the year on March 30th (this coming Monday evening) at 7pm in Room 361 of the Sherwood Oaks Christian Church.

Guest speakers will include City Council District 5 candidates Isabel Piedmont-Smith and Gabe Colman, as well as a representative from the Monroe County Energy Challenge.

Residents are encouraged to submit questions for the speakers by replying to this email.  Even if you are unable to attend, please still feel free to submit questions as we will include the speakers' answers in the meeting minutes email.

I hope to see you there,

Adam

Check out the attached flier for additional information!

Miles of Lights in the news

Posted: Saturday, January 3, 2015 2:00 am (submitted by Lisa)

Special to the H-T | 0 comments

Tradition celebrates peace, hope

On Dec. 14, Sherwood Oaks held its third annual Miles of Lights Luminary display. The Miles of Lights tradition began on the evening of the tragic Sandy Hook, Connecticut elementary school shooting on December 14, 2012. This year, as Miles of Lights coincided with the anniversary of the Sandy Hook tragedy, many neighbors lined the streets with candles lit in memory of lives lost. Sherwood Oaks Neighbors wishes to thank all those who gave their time, talent and donations to light over 2,500 luminaries to celebrate peace and hope in our community.