The Shandon Neighborhood meeting was Sunday July 12. Brie Coffer, a representative with Eggplant Events, said the Governor's Cup willbe a competition between the neighborhoods of Columbia. Coffer offered ways for neighborhoods to represent themselves such as holding get- togethers, showing off neighborhoods by decorating houses.

Neighborhoods can cheer for the participants, bring noisemakers, or make signs. For participating, neighborhoods will be recognized on press releases and the website. Participating runners will vote for their favorite neighborhood with the winning neighborhood receiving a gift certificate from a home improvement store and bragging rights as Columbia's Favorite Neighborhood. The Governor's Cup will be held on November 7, 2009. For a map of the course or any other information on the Governor's Cup, visit www.governorscupsc. org.

Julie Ruff announced the Shandon Neighborhood will be hosting an ice cream social at Sims Park as part of National Night Out on August 4 from 6- 8 pm. This is the first time that Shandon has participated in the National Night Out.

Belinda Gergel said Columbia City Council made an aggressive move to come up with ways to make Columbia more energy efficient. She says that council is asking neighborhoods for their ideas in the matter.

Dr. Gergel also said the new amphitheatre being built at Emily Douglass Park is scheduled to open at the end of September.