Scam Alert

Columbia Police Department possible scam alert.

The Columbia Police Department has received several complaints in reference to two white male subjects in their late teens one with tattoos on his arms going around neighborhoods selling magazine subscriptions for a baseball or soccer team.

The subjects are using the business name Quality Subscription Inc and have been seen operating a white panel van.

The business has not received a license from business licensing to operate within the City of Columbia. Any contact with the subjects should be reported to law enforcement.

For full details, go to http://local.nixle.com/alert/290696/

Halloween Happenings around town

- Cayce-West Columbia Jaycees Hall of Horrors, 1153 Walter Price St., Cayce, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 29-31, $12, hallofhorrors.com

- Phobia, 206 Jamil Road (in parking lot of Jamil Temple), dusk until midnight, Oct. 9-10, 15-17, 22-24, 29-31, Jamil Temple, 206 Jamil Road, $13, phobiasc.com

- Gilbert House of Terror, 739 Harley Taylor Road, Gilbert, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 16-18, 23-25, 29-31, Nov. 1, $10, gilberthouseofterror.com

- Boo at the Zoo, Riverbanks Zoo, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, Oct. 16-18, Oct. 23-30, $8, riverbanks.org

- HalloWanka, EdVenture, 211 Gervais St., Columbia, 5:30-8 p.m., Oct. 28-30, $6.50, edventure.org

- Spooky Sleepover, S.C. State Museum, 301 Gervais St., Columbia, 6:30 p.m.-9 a.m., Oct. 23-24, $20 adults, $25 children, www.museum.state.sc.us

- Tricks and Treats at the State Museum, S.C. State Museum, 301 Gervais St., Columbia, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Oct. 24 and Oct. 31, $7 adults, $3 ages 3-12, www.museum.state.sc.us

- Sleepy Hollow, West Columbia amphitheater, Alexander and Meeting streets, West Columbia, Oct. 15-17, 22-25, 29-31, $12 adults, $10 12-younger, headlesshorsemanriver.com

- Frankenstein, Cayce Locks, park at Riverland Park community building, Brookcliff and Riverland drives, Cayce, Oct. 29-Nov. 1, $10 adults, $5 12-younger

- Hunchback of Notre Dame, Columbia Classical Ballet, Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St., Columbia, 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., Oct. 16, $5-$32, columbiaclassicalballet.org

- Dracula, Columbia City Ballet, Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St., Columbia, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 29-31, $12-$45, columbiacityballet.com

Save Water, Save Money!

There are a number of ways to save water, and they all start with you. Here are some helpful tips to reduce water usage at Deerwood Knoll and keep our water bills under control. (via http://www.wateruseitwisely.com/)

• When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
• Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
• Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.
• For cold drinks keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain.
• If your shower fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the showerhead with a water-efficient model.
• Collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, then reuse it to water houseplants.
• We’re more likely to notice leaks indoors, but don’t forget to check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks.
• When buying new appliances, consider those that offer cycle and load size adjustments. They’re more water and energy efficient.
• Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you’ll save up to 150 gallons per month.
• Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models.
• Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Fixing it can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
• When running a bath, plug the tub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.
• Walkways and patios provide space that doesn’t ever need to be watered. These useful “rooms” can also add value to your property.
• Collect water from your roof to water your garden.
• Designate one glass for your drinking water each day or refill a water bottle. This will cut down on the number of glasses to wash.
• Don’t use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator for water efficiency and food safety.
• Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet. It’s simple, inexpensive, and you can save 140 gallons a week.
• Reduce the amount of lawn in your yard by planting shrubs and ground covers appropriate to your site and region.
• When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.
• Turn off faucets tightly after each use.
• Remember to check your sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks and keep the sprinkler heads in good shape.
• Use a water-efficient showerhead. They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and can save you up to 750 gallons a month.
• Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
• Know where your master water shut-off valve is located. This could save water and prevent damage to your home.
• Group plants with the same watering needs together to avoid overwatering some while underwatering others.
• Use a commercial car wash that recycles water.
• Avoid recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water.
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month.
• If your toilet flapper doesn’t close after flushing, replace it.
• Make sure there are water-saving aerators on all of your faucets.
• If your dishwasher is new, cut back on rinsing. Newer models clean more thoroughly than older ones.
• When you save water, you save money on your utility bills too. Saving water is easy for everyone to do.
• When the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs it the most.
• Winterize outdoor spigots when temperatures dip below freezing to prevent pipes from leaking or bursting.
• Insulate hot water pipes for more immediate hot water at the faucet and for energy savings.
• Drop your tissue in the trash instead of flushing it and save water every time.
• Use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while you wash your car. You’ll save up to 100 gallons every time.
• Share water conservation tips with friends and neighbors.
• If your toilet was installed before 1992, reduce the amount of water used for each flush by inserting a displacement device in the tank.
• Washing dark clothes in cold water saves both on water and energy while it helps your clothes to keep their colors.
• Report broken pipes, open hydrants and errant sprinklers to the property owner or your water provider.
• Listen for dripping faucets and running toilets. Fixing a leak can save 300 gallons a month or more.
• Wash your pets outdoors in an area of your lawn that needs water.
• When shopping for a new clothes washer, compare resource savings among Energy Star models. Some of these can save up to 20 gallons per load, and energy too.
• When washing dishes by hand, fill the sink basin or a large container and rinse when all of the dishes have been soaped and scrubbed.
• Turn off the water while you shave and save up to 300 gallons a month.
• When you give your pet fresh water, don’t throw the old water down the drain. Use it to water your trees or shrubs.
• If you accidentally drop ice cubes when filling your glass from the freezer, don’t throw them in the sink. Drop them in a house plant instead.
• When you are washing your hands, don’t let the water run while you lather.

Wave of break-ins: Burglars target homes in Heathwood, Rosewood

Avoid break-ins:

Most recent break-ins have occurred when residents are away. Here’s how to help:

Make your home look lived-in. Have friends stop by, attach timers to lights and don’t let mail and newspapers pile up.

Be a nosy neighbor. Stay on the lookout if someone is out of town. Don’t hesitate to call 911 if you see something that looks suspicious.

——-Read the full article by John Monk on thestate.com———–

Sophisticated burglars are hitting houses in the upscale Heathwood area of Columbia, disabling alarm systems and stealing jewelry, cash, guns – even piggy banks.

At the same time, a somewhat less-polished group of burglars is targeting houses in the nearby middle-class Rosewood neighborhood, stealing mostly iPods, laptops and other electronic equipment.

Ridding both downtown neighborhoods of the plague of break-in artists now tops city safety priorities, police say.

“We have increased patrol officers out there and are taking other measures,” said police Capt. Michael Hendrix, whose South district includes both Heathwood and Rosewood.

Police spokesman Brick Lewis said the Heathwood burglar, or burglars, is a rarity in Columbia – a highly accomplished criminal who knows how to strike only vacant houses, neutralize alarm systems by cutting phone lines, select high-end loot and get out without anyone knowing.

“They’re not your everyday burglars,” said Lewis. “We don’t see a lot of this.”

Concern runs so high in the Heathwood area that more than 150 residents turned out last week at a meeting at Eastminster Presbyterian Church to air concerns with police and City Council member Belinda Gergel, whose district includes part of Heathwood and Rosewood.

Gergel sent an e-mail to residents this week warning them of the burglaries. She said these days she talks to police almost daily to monitor progress.

“Crime is a big concern – especially residential crime,” she said.

Prevent Car Break-Ins

We urge all residents to continue to be vigilant against crime, especially auto break-ins in our parking lot, and report any suspicious activities to police.

The following tips are from CNN.

Lock your doors.
Keep it tidy, even an empty bag can tempt a burglar.
Completely close windows and sunroofs.
Park for visibility.

Notice: Parking Lot Project

Thanks to everyone for your cooperation during this project!

——————

The Board of Directors has approved for Sam Scott Asphalt, Concrete, &
Storm Drainage Construction to seal coat, stripe and re-number the main parking lot at Deerwood Knoll.

The following schedule is subject to change due to inclement weather.  We will try to keep everyone informed of any changes. The areas is working progress will be “marked off” with cones.

The job will begin very early on Monday morning, June 1, 2009.

ALL VEHICLES  MUST  BE  MOVED  FROM  THE  RIGHT  HAND  SIDE  OF  THE  PROPERTY  NO  LATER  THAN  8:00 A.M. ON  MONDAY  MORNING.

The entrance will also be done ½ at a time.  DRIVE SLOWLY, as ingress and egress will be limited to one lane.

The right hand side as you come into Deerwood Knoll includes buildings 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and those spaces to the right of the center island where the dog station is located.

Any vehicles left in the parking lot after 8:00 a.m. on Monday morning are subject to being towed at the vehicle owner’s expense.  The overflow parking lot is available and any other unmarked spaces.
This first section should be completed by late afternoon on Tuesday, June 2nd.

Barring any inclement weather, the plan is to start on the left hand side of the property by Wednesday, June 3, 2009.

This left hand side includes buildings 7, 8, 9, 10, in front of the clubhouse, and to the left of the center island. ANY VEHICLES NOT MOVED BY 8:00 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY MORNING, June 3rd, are subject to being towed at the vehicle owner’s expense.

This section should be completed by late afternoon on Thursday, June 4th.

Please be courteous of this parking inconvenience and understand the importance of following these instructions.

Please contact The H & J Co. with any questions or concerns, (803) 256-9000.

Notice: Building Maintenance Protocol

If you are having maintenance work completed on your condo and need to turn the water or power to the entire building off, PLEASE NOTIFY THE PROPERTY MANAGER.

Please practice common courtesy and let your neighbors know as well.  No one likes to be surprised with no power or water when they need it.

New parking decals required

All cars that park in numbered spaces or regularly park at DWK are required to have a parking sticker. No exceptions. Owners of these vehicles/owners of the units will be fined accordingly. If you have already taken care of these items, thank you! If not, we look forward to hearing from you soon. Click here to download the decal request form.

Proof of Insurance due May 15th

Per the new Rules and Regulations of the DKHOA, you are required to have a copy of your current homeowners’ insurance on file with H&J.

If you have not yet done so, please do so immediately. Our insurance carrier will require these in order to renew our insurance. If your insurance is not on file by 5/15, you will be assessed a fine.