Quarterly Newsletter – March 2025 |
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Call for volunteers!
Sherwood Forest Neighbors – As we continue to build on our communication efforts and ensure our neighborhood newsletter, The Tattler, represents diverse voices in our neighborhood, we are looking for additional volunteers to contribute content.
We’re specifically looking for a few additional writers and a photographer. If you’re interested in joining, please email cliff@sherwoodforestdetroit.org. Thank you! |
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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT |
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As we step into a new year, I want to thank you for your continued engagement and commitment to Sherwood Forest. Our neighborhood thrives through your collective efforts.
Recent achievements
Over the past three years, the board has focused on: - Transparent communication: Ensuring residents are informed and engaged.
- Increased membership & transparency: Expanding participation and enhancing board transparency.
- Stronger community engagement: Encouraging collaboration among residents, the board, and the neighborhood.
Sherwood Forest beautification, new signage & landscaping plan
The Sherwood Forest beautification, new signage and landscaping plan is progressing well. The plan’s goal is to enhance our neighborhood’s appearance, with secured funding separate from membership dues. Here are the key updates on the project: Key milestones achieved: - Phase 1: Pre-design (complete)
- Phase 2: Design development (complete)
These phases involved the completion of the signage design package, conducting a community feedback survey, and developing a landscape design plan that prioritizes sustainable, low-maintenance elements. We also shared the results from the landscape feedback survey with residents to ensure that your input was fully considered. Implementation timeline (2024–2027):
We are excited to announce the following upcoming projects: - Landscaping enhancements: The landscaping improvements will focus on high-priority areas, including:
- Seven Mile & Parkside – Brick paver signage installation.
- Seven Mile & Warrington – Green signage installation.
- Cambridge & Canterbury – New landscape design.
- Warrington & Chesterfield – Brick paver sign installation.
- Pembroke & Renfrew (North) – Green signage installation.
- Sherwood Park – General landscaping improvements.
- Chesterfield & Warrington – Revised masonry sign installation.
Growing our membership
Our goal is to increase household participation to 85% by 2026-27. Membership dues are $100 annually, and paying members get access to perks like discounts at local businesses. Join by June 29 for a chance to win prizes in our membership raffle. Important updates - Home modifications: Please ensure any exterior renovations comply with local guidelines.
- Board elections: There are four applicants for five open seats, with one seat to be appointed.
- Stay informed: A printed update with important information will be mailed to every household soon.
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Mark your calendars
I look forward to seeing you at the spring annual meeting May 14 at the University of Detroit Mercy from 6-8 p.m., where we’ll announce raffle winners and celebrate another successful year. | |
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Your feedback matters
Your feedback is invaluable in shaping Sherwood Forest’s future. Please complete the community survey and stay involved.
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Sherwood Forest Neighborhood Association: Board seat applications now open _________
“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”
In a time when connection is more important than ever, a community united by shared values can achieve great things. If you're passionate about supporting and sustaining Sherwood Forest, we need you! Several board positions are open, and we encourage all residents with current memberships to apply. _________
Application Deadline: June 30
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Jonelle Tolhurst and her family have called Sherwood Forest home since the summer of 2014. She lives on Cambridge with her husband, Mike, and their son, Ben, 11. Their family’s story has been shaped by both joy and heartache. Jonelle and Mike’s eldest son, Bran (Brandon), passed away in 2021 at the age of nine after a courageous battle with cancer. His memory remains an important part of their lives and continues to inspire them to give back in his honor.
Through it all, Jonelle and her family have found strength and connection in their community. “We love spending time together, especially outside,” Jonelle shared. “We take a vacation every summer, usually to a National Park. We also love to hang with neighbors and friends.” Their dog, Peanut, is a constant companion and a beloved part of the family. Jonelle and Mike were drawn to Sherwood Forest because of its welcoming atmosphere and natural beauty. “We loved how friendly everyone was, offering a wave as you walk or drive by,” she said. “The beautiful, tree-lined streets are what drew us to Sherwood.” Over the years, they’ve seen the neighborhood grow with an influx of young families and new energy. |
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Their home, built in 1952, reflects Jonelle’s love for mid-century design. “I am drawn to that decade, so it was a perfect fit,” she said. While preserving the home’s original character, they completed a major renovation to restore the round sunroom at the back of the house. “We have the original blueprints, and it was originally a screened porch. When we moved in, it was rotting and had windows that leaked. It had to be torn down and built again, back to a screened porch. It’s my favorite place to be in our house. We spend most of our summer nights there.”
Jonelle has a deep connection to her community, both in Sherwood Forest and beyond. She chaired the Centennial Gala committee in 2017, an experience that allowed her to learn about the neighborhood’s history from longtime residents. She also honors Bran’s memory each year by organizing a donation drive for art supplies to benefit the Children's Hospital of Michigan. “My son loved art, and before he died, he used to sell his marble art to raise money for pediatric cancer organizations that helped him,” Jonelle said. She also works at the Detroit Dye House in Corktown, where she helps run the annual Bran Beanies event. “We dye beanies for kids with cancer and donate them to Children’s and other pediatric cancer organizations.” |
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Jonelle and her family have built lasting bonds with their neighbors, making everyday life in Sherwood Forest even more special. That sense of connection shines during neighborhood traditions and celebrations, and Halloween holds a special place in Jonelle’s heart. “I absolutely love every Halloween! It’s always been our favorite holiday as a family,” she said. “We get together with our neighbors every year and the kids trick or treat together. I love watching them grow up together and seeing the different costumes they pick every year.” Another highlight is the annual end-of-summer block party. “We block off the street, BBQ, and let the kids be a little wild. It’s my favorite tradition and I look forward to it every year.”
Jonelle cherishes the friendships she’s built with her neighbors. “We have wonderful neighbors on all sides of our corner house, and we hang out often. Our kids are friends and so are we.” For Jonelle, Sherwood Forest is more than a place to live—it's a true community. “Sherwood is a peaceful, beautiful neighborhood full of people who want to preserve its beauty.” |
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Detroit Historic Districts Alliance announces Town Hall meetings with mayor, City Council candidates
The Detroit Historic Districts Alliance (DHDA) is hosting a series of town hall meetings throughout 2025 with candidates running for mayor and City Council. These forums will give candidates the opportunity to share their vision for Detroit and engage directly with community members on key issues like historic preservation, economic development, and community engagement. The events aim to encourage civic participation and informed voting, allowing residents to ask questions and voice concerns. The full schedule of meetings will be available on the DHDA website. For more details, visit https://detroithistoricdistrictsalliance.org/what-we-do/ |
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Local Business Discounts
Take advantage of exclusive discounts at dozens of local businesses when you show your Sherwood Forest Association membership card! Discounts apply to dues-paid SFA members only. | | | | |
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BE A GOOD (DOG) NEIGHBOR! |
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To keep our neighborhood safe and comfortable for its people and its pets, here’s a friendly reminder of the rules and courtesies for taking care of your dog. Remember, these apply even if your dog is small, trained, or the nicest dog in the world! Above all else, let’s all give each other grace and acknowledge that everyone is doing their best.
Local and state laws: Failure to abide by those rules is a violation of the law and could result in penalties or even criminal charges. - Dogs must be leashed in public spaces, on private property without permission, or if they’re at risk of running out into the street.
- Provide adequate shelter from extreme weather.
- It is illegal to leave dogs constantly tethered; temporary tethering requires a minimum 10-foot tether and access to food, water, and shelter.
Good dog etiquette: - Avoid letting your dog on others’ lawns unless permitted.
- Keep dogs on sidewalks or designated areas such as the strip of grass between the street and sidewalk; avoid “no pets” signs or landscaping.
- Use appropriate leash length for control.
- Pick up dog poop and dispose of it in your own garbage.
- Keep distance from dogs showing distress; create space if your dog is barking or distressed.
- Ask permission before petting someone else’s dog.
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| © 2025 Sherwood Forest Association |
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