Friday, December 20, 2013

Temporary Cold-Weather Overnight Shelter Needs Volunteers

Unitarian Universalist Church on Shepard Blvd. (across from Shepard Elementary School) will be extending its overnight shelter for the homeless from December 21-January 1 due to the cold weather forecasted in our area. In January, "Room at the Inn", will be held at Broadway Christian Church and moved to other local churches through March 1, 2014.

If you will be in Columbia during these last two weeks of 2013 and can volunteer at the shelter in the Shepard neighborhood, please sign up for one or more shifts by logging onto:  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E094EACAD2BA13-emergency

On Saturday morning, Dec. 21,  if there is at least 60% of shifts covered through the 1st,  the church feels confident that it will be able to continue to meet this urgent need.  Please help as you are able.

At least three people are scheduled for each of three shifts daily:
1) from 5:30 pm-10:00pm;
2) from 9:30pm to 1:30 am and
3) from 1:30-7:30 am (for this shift we are asking for four volunteer so that two people can take turns sleeping).

The temporary shelter at Unitarian Universalist schedules at least two men for the overnight shifts, and at least one male is needed at the earlier shifts.  The shelter is held within the church sanctuary.  For those who volunteer, one of the shelter co-coordinators will forward, as an attachment to you, the UUCC-FOR Volunteer Handbook for your review before your shift(s). 

Winter Shelter "Room at the Inn" Schedule 
Hours for shelter: 7 p.m. - 7 a.m. January 1 - February 28
Overnight shelter for adults 18+. Families referred.
Dec 9, 2013 - Jan 1, 2014: Unitarian Universalist Church, 2615 Shepard Blvd. (Shuttle available from Loaves and Fishes after evening meal ending at 6:15, Wilkes Boulevard United Methodist Church, 702 Wilkes Blvd.)
Jan 1 - Jan 12, 2014: Broadway Christian Church, 2601 West Broadway
Jan 12 - Jan 19, 2014: Calvary Episcopal Church, 123 South 9th Street
Jan 19 - Feb 3, 2014: Missouri United Methodist Church, 204 South 9th Street
Feb 3 - Feb 17, 2014: Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1115 Locust Street
Feb 17 - Mar 1, 2014: Community United Methodist Church 3301 West Broadway
Z. Lois Bryant House 

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

City-wide Neighborhood Congress at ARC set for January 9


Hello, 
Bill Cantin of the Office of Neighborhood Services asked that I send you this information..

On Thursday, January 9, 2014, the Office of Neighborhood Services is sponsoring a Neighborhood Congress at the Activity and Recreation Center (ARC) from 6 to 8 p.m.(Council office hours will be held from 5 to 6 p.m.). The purpose of this event is to provide input on the following community development needs: affordable housing, economic development, fair housing, neighborhood needs and community facilities. Information collected during the discussions at the Neighborhood Congress will be used in conjunction with the Consolidated Plan.

The consolidated plan is a document required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), designed to help guide communities on directing the federal dollars they receive. The consolidated planning process allows you to weigh in on what you think are the most important community needs in Columbia.

To learn more about the Neighborhood Congress and the Consolidated Plan, call (573) 874-6321 or visit our website.


Tammy Miller
Public Information Specialist
Columbia Parks and Recreation

Monday, December 16, 2013

Neighborhood Watch Newsletter


Note from Columbia Police Officer Melvin Buckner:

If you have a neighbor who is a member of Neighborhood Watch, but they are not receiving our news letter, it is probably because I do not have a good email address for them. Please have them call me so I can update their information.  

Happy Holidays!
Officer Melvin E. Buckner
Columbia Police Department

Public Relations Unit
Office Of Neighborhood Service
Crime Free Programs Coordinator
   Phone 573-874-7425
   Email  <mebuckne@gocolumbiamo.com




Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Proposed Housing Development "The Avenue" at Shepard Hills Neighborhood

Hello to all,
Let me introduce myself in case you don't know me.  My name is John Prenger and I serve you as the president of the Shepard Boulevard Neighborhood Association.  I need to call to your attention that on January 6, our City Council will decide on approving (or rejecting) another student housing complex, "The Avenue", that will come in immediately north of the new hotel and the Cheerleaders Sports Bar on the east side of Stadium and U.S. 63.

This development, if approved, will have profound impact on our neighborhood.  First, it is in direct contact with the very quiet Shepard Hills neighborhood, just east of Broadway and U.S. 63.  This will totally change the character of one of the city's most serene neighborhoods.  It is a very strong concern for them.

Secondly, since The Domain student housing (as a part of the Cross Creek development) has significantly and negatively affected traffic patterns on Stadium at U.S. 63 and old 63, this new development will only enhance the traffic problems.
There is also a possibility that the city is about to approve the building of too many student-oriented housing, which could create issues if these big housing complexes are not able to be filled in the near future.

There is much at stake for our neighborhood, Shepard Hills Neighborhood, and the City of Columbia, itself.  So, please let Barbara Hoppe, who represents us in the 6th Ward, know your thoughts on this latest development proposal.  Indeed, let all on the City Council know of any concerns.  And, plan to show up, in person, at the City Council meeting on January 6 at 7 p.m.
Questions or comments?  email me at prengerclan@gmail.com or call at 573-673-7964.  If you have thoughts or feelings one way or the other, the time to show your concern is NOW!

Friday, December 6, 2013

UU Church on Shepard Blvd. hosting Emergency Winter Overnight Shelter Dec. 9-20, 2013

U.U.-FOR Emergency Winter Overnight Shelter

Because of dangerously dropping temperatures in December, the Mid-MO Fellowship of Reconciliation and the UU Church have come together to provide emergency shelter to our town’s most vulnerable from December 9-20, in advance of the opening of Room at the Inn shelters on January 1st. We will be using Room at the Inn standards as our guide and welcoming regular Room at the Inn volunteers, as well as church and FOR volunteers. This effort has come together quickly in response to urgent need, and we are working hard to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our homeless guests and our neighbors. See below for some key facts about this effort.

This time of year is one of charity and human warmth, even amid the frigid temperatures, and we certainly invite the support of our neighbors as we work to provide shelter and sanctuary for those most vulnerable. If you would like to volunteer in some way, you may contact Jeff Stack at 573-449-4585, and donations of pre-packaged foods (particularly snack foods and portable breakfast foods) and warm winter garments are always welcome at the church.

Key Facts

Organizer: Mid-MO Fellowship of Reconciliation
Host: UU Church of Columbia, 2615 Shepard Blvd.
Dates: December 9-20
Time: overnight… ~ 6pm-7am

Guests will be transported to and from the church directly by van or bus.

Police will be present while guests arrive and settle in. Guests will be asked to remain on church property at all times.

Guests will be supervised by a minimum of three volunteers at any given time. Volunteers will be informed of Room at the Inn standards and rules.

This shelter will be a drug-free, alcohol-free, and weapon-free zone. Guest’s belongings will be stored for the duration of their stay, and may only be accessed under supervision.

Doors will be locked and lights out at 10:30pm. If a guest needs to leave, they will not be re-admitted, and volunteers will provide transportation out of the neighborhood.


If a guest becomes perceived to be a danger to him/herself or others, the police will be called immediately.

In faith,

Rev. Molly Housh Gordon
UU Church of Columbia
2615 Shepard Blvd.
Columbia, MO 65201

office: (573) 442-5764


Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Planning and Zoning Meeting Thursday Nov. 21 on proposed student housing development "The Avenue"

We know it's short notice, but we wanted to be sure that everyone in your neighborhood was aware of the student housing development under consideration tomorrow night, Nov. 21, 2013 by the city's planning and zoning commission.  The P&Z meeting is at 7pm at City Hall and open to the public.  Below is a notice we put together about the project and tomorrow night's meeting.

We live on Timberhill Road and are members of the Shepard Hills Improvement Association.  Many thanks for your help!

Best,

Madge Minor and Anne Minor (cell 703/258-4449)

Reminder notice:
Planning and Zoning Commission meeting
tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 21 at 7 pm City Council Chambers
City Building New Addition
701 E. Broadway - first floor

go in the near fountain front door
Please try to attend and make your views known to the P&Z commission
What: Park 7 Group’s request to rezone the Lamb property on Cinnamon Hill Lane from A-1 agriculture to PUD-9 (Planned Unit Development maximum 9 units/acre)
Attached is the proposed drawing of the development as sent to the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Summary of the proposed student housing development, “The Avenue”
  • 899 beds/358 units. Would be the 2nd largest student housing development in Columbia next to Aspen Heights (972 beds). The closest buildings (4) are 100’ from Doris Littrell/Minor/SHIA park property lines.
  • 987 parking spaces
  • 37% larger than The Domain at Cross Creek (654 beds)
  • Developer - Park 7 Group – a New York firm and the same firm that is planning the 24-story student housing development downtown
  • Per request of the City, Timberhill Road would be used as an emergency access road for Fire/police use only. Concern by neighborhood that at some point Timberhill Road would be opened up for all access by city request
  • One of few (or only) student housing developments (excluding immediate downtown) to be built directly adjacent to an established neighborhood
  • Neighbors have sent to the P&Z commission SHIA/TRNA requests to modify this development should it pass and numerous statements in opposition to this planned development
  • Shephard Boulevard Neighborhood Association plans to oppose this proposal primarily because of traffic concerns 

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Free electronics/old tires recycling event Nov. 16 for Columbia residents

Note from neighbor Rod Robison:

Old tires laying around? Burnt-out speakers taking up space? The City of Columbia's Neighborhood Services is sponsoring a free recycling event next Saturday, November 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring your old tires and electronics to the Columbia/Boone County Department of Health and Human Services, 1005 W. Worley St.  City staff and volunteers will be set up in the parking lot on the west side of the building.

Please DO NOT bring household hazardous waste items such as paint, motor oil and cleaning chemicals--we are not able to collect these. The HHW facility at the Grissum Building , 1313 Lakeview Ave., will be open November 16 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., however, if you have these sorts of items to drop off.

Columbia Transit Ward 6 Public Forum

As we move forward with major changes to the public transportation offered in Columbia, the city is holding ward specific public forums for the public to come learn about the proposed changes to Columbia Transit and offer feedback on the plans before they are finalized. The forums will be conducted by the City Council Member of that ward and Columbia Transit staff. There will be a short video presentation of the project, a q&a session for the public, and attendees will be asked to participate in a short survey to give feedback on the plans. Light refreshments will be served.

When: November 7, 2013 : 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Where: City Hall (701 E Broadway) Conference Room 1A

Barbara Hoppe
Ward 6 City Council 
424-9668

Monday, October 21, 2013

Shepard Neighborhood Meeting with Student Housing Developers across Highway 63


Note from neighbor Rod Robison: 

There is a meeting for Shepard, Timber Hill and East Point neighborhoods to look at and get a presentation from the developers of The Avenue, the proposed student housing project across highway 63, next to the city water tower.   Meeting is at  7 pm Tuesday, October 22 at the Courtyard Marriot on Lemone Blvd. It is an opportunity for all of our neighbors to get more information and ask questions of the developers.


  

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

October City Council Update for Shepard Neighborhood

Columbia City Council passed a motion by 6th Ward Councilwoman Barbara Hoppe to rename the Old 63/Shepard Blvd. roadside park to "Sterling W. Wyatt Park". An ordinance will be coming soon to officially change the name of the park in honor of his service to our country. 

On another note: A Public information and input meeting for the 6th ward regarding the proposed new bus system, COMO Connect, will be held Nov. 7, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at City Hall Conference Rm. 1A. Ms. Hoppe has requested that Old 63 be added back into the new system with a stop near Stadium and Audubon. "The Shepard Neighborhood's input and attendance will be valuable on this, and I want to make sure the Shepard Neighborhood is well-served in this new bus system," says Hoppe. 

Sunday, September 29, 2013

East/West Trail Connection Neighborhood Meeting

Just a reminder that 6th Ward Councilwoman Barbara Hoppe will be meeting with Shepard neighborhood residents on Monday, Sept. 30 from 6:30 -7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Church across from Shepard Blvd. Elementary School. You'll have a chance to review plans for the two proposals of a new trail to connect Old 63 and Shepard Blvd. to Clyde Wilson Park, just east of MU campus.



Friday, September 27, 2013

Sterling Wyatt Memorial Pancake Breakfast October 5

Dear Neighbors,
I'd like to follow-up on Sherry's post about another event coming up to honor her son, Sterling.

Troop 706, which Sterling was a member and Eagle Scout, is hosting a Sterling Wyatt Memorial Pancake Breakfast on October 5 from 7:30-10:30 a.m. at both Applebee's locations in Columbia.  Bring your appetites and help us raises money for a scouting scholarship fund in Sterling’s name. We have several Boy Scouts in our neighborhood who belong to this troop. All proceeds go to the scholarship fund.

Sincerely,
Beth Cunningham
Parent Volunteer
Boy Scout Troop 706


Remembering Our Fallen


Friends/Neighbors: 

1)  The "Remembering Our Fallen" traveling war memorial is now on display (thru 9/29) at the Columbia Mall - Dillard's wing. 141 of Missouri's best and brightest that have sacrificed all, battling terrorism and fighting for our freedoms, are pictured on that wall - one of them being my son, Sterling William Wyatt.  This is a powerful display I hope you have a chance to see.

2)  In honor of Gold Star Family Day being celebrated this Sunday, Sept 29th.... I invite you to light a candle or luminary at 7 pm to honor the sacrifice made by our children, spouse,sibling...the sacrifice goes on.....

Your friend,

sherry wyatt

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

East/West Trail Connection Meeting with Barbara Hoppe


Sixth Ward Councilwoman Barbara Hoppe will meet with interested neighbors on Monday, Sept. 30 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Church to discuss the tentative new East/West trail route from Old 63 & Shepard Blvd to Clyde Wilson Park. Neighbors can review maps and discuss pros and cons
of this trail vs. the previous Council-defeated trail proposal that ran along the Hinkson Creek. Barbara would appreciate if you can let her know if you plan to attend. This trail proposal will be coming before City Council within the next month or so for funding.

Please RSVP Barbara Hoppe at ward6@gocolumbiamo.com or phone 424-9668.  Thank you!

Thursday, September 12, 2013

East West Trail Tabled. Need Shepard Neighborhood Input


The East/West trail from Shepard Blvd./Old 63 to Wilson park/East Campus will NOT be on the City Council agenda for our Sept. 16 council meeting. This trail would be ADA accessible to the east, run north from the roadside park, wind down the slope to an easement and clearing behind Valley View Dr., and then across the creek with one bridge to University Property and Wilson Park.  This is the trail proposal that we have worked on with Shepard neighborhood representatives and discussed at neighborhood association meetings for the last several years, waiting for funding.

Funding is now available and this route will soon come before the City Council to approve.  Staff is working on a report that will also include the pros and cons of this route vs. the previous Council-defeated route, which was a more north/south route connecting Wilson Park to Bluffdale. That plan required the building of three bridges and pavement along  Hinkson Creek, south to Stadium.  City Councilman Ian Thomas, former director of Pednet and others are pushing for the reconsideration of the former proposed route.  

As your City Council representative, I would like to meet with the Shepard Neighborhood Association members interested in this issue and to look at the maps and go over the tentative new route, review the former route, and discuss the pros and cons of each route. I will check to see if the Unitarian Church is available Monday, Sept. 30 or Oct. 1 at 6:30 or 7 p.m. If not, I will find a room at City Hall that we can meet at. Please email me to let me know if you are interested in attending and which date(s) you can attend. 

Barbara Hoppe
6th Ward City Council
424-9668
ward6@gocolumbiamo.com


Saturday, September 7, 2013

Neighborhood Watch Training

Columbia Neighborhood Watch and the Columbia Police Department will be offering training sessions for any interested residents.  Two dates/locations will be held this fall, including a training session at Shepard Blvd. Elementary School.  Online registration is not required by it is appreciated:
http://www.columbianeighborhoodwatch.org

Upcoming 2013 Training Sessions:
Sept. 12, 7-8 p.m. Shepard Blvd. Elementary (Media Center)

Nov. 12, 7-8 p.m. Parkade Center, 601 Business 70 West, Suite 131

Friday, August 30, 2013

Shepard to Rollins East/West trail Council Hearing Update

Trail Hearing Update:  The Old 63/Shepard Blvd. trail is only on as a report  for the Tue. Sept. 3 City Council meeting - not public comment. It will not be up yet for a Public Hearing and Public Comment . Most likely that will occur onSept. 19 City Council Meeting.


It is city park trail # 5 on the list. The official name is- Shepard-to-Rollins E/W Trail. 


Wednesday, August 28, 2013

East/West Old 63 & Shepard Blvd Trail to Wilson Park on City Council Agenda


A vote on the East/West trail from Old 63 & Shepard Blvd. to Wilson Park by East Campus will be on the City Council agenda for Tuesday, Sept. 3 meeting (moved from Monday due to Labor Day). It has been rated in the top 5 trails by the various commissions and there are sufficient funds to pay for all the trails in the top five list. We need neighborhood support on Tuesday to make sure it stays on the funded top five list, otherwise, it could get bumped, or the older, unpopular version, which is down the Hinkson Creek to Stadium route could take it's place. The latter does not serve Shepard Neighborhood as well as this new trail proposal.   It will be on the agenda for "Public Hearing” or "Old Business". It is very important to come and speak in support or stand in support.

The East/West Old 63/Shepard Blvd./Wilson Park route is the one I have been working for several years with the Shepard Neighborhood, East Campus & Valley View Neighbors. The general routes have been shown on maps and in updates at the Shepard neighborhood association meetings. It is a
more direct connection for the Shepard neighborhood and has less environmental impact than the original trail proposed that would go down the Hinkson creek with three bridges to Stadium. In the newer plan, there is not as much pavement in the stream buffer and only one bridge across the creek instead of three. Please call me or email if you have questions, 424-9668 or ward6@gocolumbiamo.com

Barbara Hoppe
6th Ward City Council
424-9668

Monday, August 26, 2013

Items left behind after August Neighborhood Picnic

A colorful plate, a handled basket and sunglasses were left at the recent neighborhood picnic in August.  You can claim your items by contacting Meredith Donaldson, 1001 Pheasant Run, Phone 573-289-3018.

Great turn-out for the picnic! Weather cooperated and it was a nice time for all who attended.  Special thanks to our neighbors who grilled, organized and helped notify everyone about the picnic.  

See you around the neighborhood!


Does anyone know who the new Cubmaster or Pack Committee Chair is for Cub Scout Pack 733 at Shepard School?  A woman left a message on my answering machine asking me who to contact, but I haven't been connected to the pack for about a decade.  :-)  Any info. would be helpful.  Thanks.

Jim Muench
jmuench@centurytel.net

Monday, August 5, 2013

Shepard Neighborhood Picnic


Just a reminder that our annual SBNA Picnic will be held on Sat. August 17 at Shepard ParkPlease come at 5:30 pm and we'll plan to eat at 6 pm.  Hamburgers, veggie burgers and hot dogs will be provided, along with lemonade and iced tea. Bring a side dish to share and your own table service

You may also bring your $5 (per household) voluntary neighborhood dues if you haven't paid this year.

Please invite new neighbors who may not be on our email list. If you have a new email address or know of any neighbors who would like to receive information on Shepard neighborhood, your email address will not be shared with others. Only our board president and secretary will have record of your email and we promise not to share with others.  We'll also keep emails at a minimum, notifying you of our meetings, garage sales and annual picnic.  Additional information on our neighborhood will be posted on this blog.  On the main page of this site, you can register your email address to receive notices when info is posted, or you may check periodically for updates.   

Hope to see you at the picnic!

Friday, August 2, 2013

The Teutonic Cross



Some of you may remember me as a past chair of the SBNA.  If anyone in the neighborhood is interested, my first novel, The Teutonic Cross, is now available on Amazon and from Silver Tongue Press (the printed version will be cheaper on the STP site):  http://www.silvertonguepress.com/shopping-center/

The novel is a historical murder mystery that tells the story of Heinrich Kueter, a history professor in a small Missouri college town on the eve of World War I who solves the murder of an exchange student.

If you are interested in the conversation last night at the novel's Facebook launch party, the link is https://www.facebook.com/events/442675599178954/

Thank you. 



Jim Muench
2711 Mallard Court
Columbia, MO 65201
573.864-0484 cell
573-443-0879 home
573.499.0618 fax
JamesFMuench.com

Better Bandwidth for Shepard Neighborhood



We need better bandwidth for our neighborhood! 

If you are a Centurytel customer, please push the company for more bandwidth for our neighborhood.  Unfortunately, we cannot get some of the services that the company markets ad nauseam (such as Prism TV and some on-demand video features) because our neighborhood speed is too slow.  When asked about it, the company says, “So sorry, but you are at the end of the line.”   Also, those of us who do much of our work from home desperately need the capability.  For instance, my students produce videos for one of their assignments, and I can’t view them at home because they take way too long to load.   Thank you for your support. 

Jim Muench
2711 Mallard Court
Columbia, MO 65201
573.864-0484 cell
573-443-0879 home
573.499.0618 fax
JamesFMuench.com