Author Archives: Lou Bernard

About Lou Bernard

Secretary of the F.P.C.A. and long-time Columbus City Schools teacher.

FPCA Grant Writing Committee/Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes: December 18, 2024

FPCA Grant Writing Committee & Board of Trustees Meeting

Grant Writing Committee/Board of Trustees Meeting

Date: 18 Dec 2024, 7:30-8:45 pm, Karl Road Library

In attendance:

Grant Writing Committee: Laura Hayes, Ashley Howard, Erin Materau, Quentin Monden

Board of Trustees: Lou Bernard, Cheryl Lutman, Mary Sguerra, Ed Vanasdale, Katie Vanmercetta, Daryl Vanmercetta,  Rita Woeste

The Grant Committee gave a presentation on the work that they have been involved in, and invited discussion and feedback from the Board of Trustees. The presentation’s main points are below.

  1. Discussed the committee’s vision: To foster a vibrant community where residents are empowered to live healthier, more connected lives.
  2. Identified 4 main populations that we are looking to serve:
    • Original Residents
    • Millennial Residents
    • New Americans
    • Young Families
    • There was a discussion concerning the breakdown of the names/categories of residents, and possible changes. It was discussed that the names are not set in stone, and are actually quite fluid based on the language of the grant being applied for.
  3. Looked at what activities would benefit each group.
  4. Discussed 2024 Grant Applications
    1. New Am. Civic Integration Grant – $5000
    2. 614 Beautiful Grant – not selected
    3. Designer Brand Community Grant – not selected
  5. Cheryl brought up that when the Forester is not delivered, but is online, we get no memberships. Memberships go up when the Forester is delivered.
  6. 2025 Funding Priorities
    1. Looking for more funding for the Forester
    2. Implementing a new membership database
      1. Will enable digital communication via email to large group
      2. Can track, manage and analyze our active members
      3. Could potentially manage our finances in one place
    3. Modernize our technology
    4. Be more intentional about how we spend our time and money as the FPCA
  7. Grant Committee Needs
    1. Additional funding
    2. More active base w/ heavy focus on Area Reps
    3. Updated and enhanced Forester – language translation editions
  8.  FPCA Demographic Data
    1. 1961 year founded
    2. 1.4 sq. miles
    3. 2900 single family homes
    4. 7500 approximate residents
    5. 20+ nationalities
  9. An in depth discussion was held on ways to reestablish the significance of Area Reps, and reviewing their responsibilities.
  10. Quentin discussed using possible organizations like VolunteerMatch to help fill the void of volunteers when a large number are needed.
  11. Quentin has a  contact who works at Google, but not specifically within the Suites department. He will contact this associate who works for Google to see if they can connect us to a person within Google Workspace/Suites.

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA

Forest Park Civic Association Meeting Minutes: December 10, 2024

Forest Park Civic Association Meeting

Date: 10 Dec 2024

Location: BRU Burger Bar

Meeting called to order @ 7:00 PM by Ed Vanasdale 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Attendance was taken via roll call.

OFFICER REPORTS

President Ed Vanasdale – ed1vanasdale@gmail.com

  1. Thanked everyone present for their support and service throughout the 2024 year.
  2. January Meeting is the swearing in ceremony for all officers, committee chairs, and area reps. Guest Speaker: Sarah Pomeroy. 
  3. February Guest Speaker: Emmanuel Remy
  4. Members of the Board decided it was unnecessary for every volunteer to sign a copy of the Code of Conduct. We will have them available at the January meeting for people to read. Volunteers are responsible for reading them and abiding by them.
  5. Presented the quarterly newsletter from Karmel/Woodward Park that they have had printed in color and in 6 languages by the City of Columbus. The Grant Writing Team and Forester editor will be working together to make this happen for us.

Guest Speaker: None

Vice President Trevor Secord – tsecord@une.eduAbsent – No Report

Secretary Lou Bernard – loubernard3@gmail.com

Attendance:

  • Officers/Committee Chairs Present: EV, LB, CL, MSg, RW, DVM, KVM, SL, LH, EM, MSt, KG, QM, SB, AH
  • Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: TS, DP, CA
  • Area Reps in Attendance: 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14
  • Area Reps Absent: 1, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12
  • Total meeting attendance: 29
  1. Reviewed minutes from November; no changes or corrections needed; minutes have been approved and were entered into the official records.
  2. The amended Constitution and Bylaws are updated on the website – CLICK HERE.
  3. Thank you note for Devin Deal, Northland Area Community liaison, was passed around.
  4. Requested that all committee chairs email their reports since none were going to be given during the meeting.
  5. Attendance Sheet for 2024: Located online

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cllutman17@gmail.com

  1. 7 new household memberships and some advertising dollars collected.
  2. We paid for security patrols, a partial payment on our island maintenance (the remainder cleared in early December) and renewed our insurance for another year.
  3. Still no sign of the grant check from the City of Columbus. They are mailing it, and the mailbox is being checked regularly. Cheryl will let the Grant Writing Committee know when it comes in.

Public Relations Mary Sguerra –  marysguerra@howardhanna.com  No Report

Forester Editor Rita Woeste – forester_ed@fpcivic.org  

  1. Articles, stories, recipes, etc. due NO LATER than Dec. 27th. 
  2. January and February are online issues.

Supplemental Security Daryl Van Mercetta – dvanmercetta@gmail.com, Katie Van Mercetta – kvanmercetta@gmail.com, Dan Yandrich (CPD Liaison Officer) – dyandrich@columbuspolice.org 614.645.1418

See report in the Forester.

Business Representative Sheridan Landon – slandon52@gmail.com  No Report

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Welcome Committee Chair Laura Hayes – hayeslaura2@gmail.com  No Report

Volunteer Coordinator Erin Materu – mmateru@hotmail.com

  1. 1 position is open and currently looking for people to fill them: Civic Action (311) Officer 
  2. We want to welcome Mark Bell to the position of Vice President and Tammy Smith to the position of Social Activities Chairperson. They will begin in January.

Membership Coordinator  Mike Stone – msto0103@yahoo.com  No Report

Social Activities Vacant

NCC Representatives Ken Gilbert – kgilbert78@att.net, Trevor Secord – tsecord@une.edu Absent

The Northland Community Council held its December meeting on Tuesday, December 3 at Fujiyama Steak House. This was the NCC’s annual holiday dinner. There was a brief business meeting consisting of a roll call and brief announcements, before adjourning to dinner.

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale – ed1vanasdale@gmail.com

3 cases were heard at the 12/4/2024 meeting, only one in the FP immediate area: a parking lot reduction at 1450 E. Dublin-Granville Rd. The issue was tabled. See complete minutes of the meeting online.

Grant Writing Committee Chair  Quentin Monden – q.monden@gmail.com

They will be meeting with the Board of Trustees on Weds. Dec. 18 in order to establish goals for the upcoming year and to develop an action plan to implement the New Americans Grant.

Website Administrators Scott Biggs sbiggsmail@yahoo.com (Website/Facebook), Dave Paul dwpaul@fpcivic.org (Website) – Absent, Ashley Howard ahoward@ashleynicolecounseling.com (Instagram/Facebook)  

Our website/Facebook page is always – always being updated with new and upcoming info! Please check it out!! Please subscribe/follow us.

OLD BUSINESS

Concerning the Forest Park signs, it was suggested to try to get the city to replace all of the signs that have been removed/damaged. Tabled until January. Update: Devin Deal was emailed on 12/22 about this issue.

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/IDEAS 

The next Block Watch (6:00 pm), 311/Code Enforcement (6:30 pm), and general FPCA meeting (7:00 pm) will be held on Jan.14, 2025 at Epworth United Methodist Church on Karl Rd.

Meeting adjourned at 7:20 PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA

Forest Park Civic Association Meeting Minutes: November 12, 2024

Forest Park Civic Association Meeting

Date: November 12, 2024

Location: Epworth United Methodist Church

Meeting called to order @7:04 PM by Ed Vanasdale 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Attendance was taken via roll call.

OFFICER REPORTS

President Ed Vanasdale – ed1vanasdale@gmail.com

  1. Discussed the new Code Of Conduct For Officers, Committee Chairs, and Area Representatives that was presented at the September meeting. (A copy has been made available on the website for viewing.) A vote was taken to add an amendment to the bylaws referencing the new policy and that it will be signed annually by the appropriate members; the motion passed. A second vote was taken to approve the new code of conduct policy; the motion passed. To view the new policy, check the website.
  2. We are looking for volunteers to fill vacant positions, and a slate of candidates for all positions for the new year. If you are interested in running for an office, or filling a vacant position, or if you are not going to remain in your position, please contact Erin Materu or Lou Bernard. The only open position that we currently have is the Social Activities Coordinator, but you are welcome to run for any position in the FPCA – officer, committee chair, or area representative. 

Guest Speaker: Gifting Youth Joy: Ellie Church (Treasurer) of Gifting Youth Joy. They link Franklin County residents aged 12 to 18 with holiday gifts through the help of donations and volunteers through the holiday season and beyond. The non-profit sees these youth as an important part of our community who are still young enough to need care and support but also old enough to understand the difficulties that poverty can create. Providing holiday gift assistance is a simple act of kindness that provides dignity and joy where it is lacking.  Their vision is to bring teenagers the happiness and connection to the community they want, need, and deserve. In their inaugural year, they serviced 23 families with children and teens. This year they hope to expand their reach. A basket was passed at the meeting and donations were collected. If you are interested in helping out or donating please call  (614) 547-6237 or go to their website giftingyouthjoy.org  They can also be reached at giftingyouthjoy@gmail.com or Gifting Youth Joy, PO Box 72199, Columbus Ohio, 43207

Vice President Trevor Secord – tsecord@une.edu Absent No Report

Secretary Lou Bernard – loubernard3@gmail.com

  1. Attendance:
  • Officers/Committee Chairs Present: EV, LB, CL, MSg, RW, DVM, KVM, SL, LH, EM, KG, QM, DP, SB
  • Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: TS, CA, LH, MSt, AH
  • Area Reps in Attendance: 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14
  • Area Reps Absent: 1, 4, 6, 8, 10
  • Total meeting attendance: 25 
  1. Reviewed minutes from October, no changes or corrections needed, minutes have been approved and were entered into the official records.
  2. Attendance Sheet thru November: CLICK HERE

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cllutman17@gmail.com

  1. We have had 5 new members join in October.
  2. We paid for Forester printing, island maintenance, and supplemental security.
  3. The Treasurer’s Report was approved.

Public Relations Mary Sguerra –  marysguerra@howardhanna.com  No Report

Forester Editor Rita Woeste – forester_ed@fpcivic.org

  1. Rita needs stories, articles by Thurs. 11/14 for the Nov/Dec issue
  2. The January and February issues will be online. More info to come later.These two online issues will help close the short fall in the budget, and keep our delivery people safe during the bad weather.

Supplemental Security Daryl Van Mercetta – dvanmercetta@gmail.com, Katie Van Mercetta – kvanmercetta@gmail.com, Dan Yandrich (CPD Liaison Officer) – dyandrich@columbuspolice.org 614.645.1418

See report in the Forester.

Business Representative Sheridan Landon – slandon52@gmail.com,  Cynthia Alkire – 1classicyn@gmail.com

No Report

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Welcome Committee Chair Laura Hayes – hayeslaura2@gmail.com  Absent  No Report

Volunteer Coordinator Erin Materu – mmateru@hotmail.com  No Report

Membership Coordinator  Mike Stone – msto0103@yahoo.com Absent

Hard copy of thank you notes of all those who became members should be delivered with the next Forester. Mike will provide Rita with a copy of addresses and the notes in advance of the targeted delivery. 

Social Activities Vacant

NCC Representatives Ken Gilbert – kgilbert78@att.net, Trevor Secord – tsecord@une.edu

See the full report in the Forester.

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale – ed1vanasdale@gmail.com

Four (4) cases were heard at the October 30th meeting. None were in the immediate FP area. To view the report from the October meeting CLICK HERE.

Grant Writing Committee Chair  Quentin Monden – q.monden@gmail.com 

  1. The committee is still awaiting the check from the New Americans Program Grant. When the check is secured, the planning will begin and volunteers will be needed. Stay tuned for more information.
  2. They applied for the Designer Brands Community Grant on October 18th. Since it was our first round, we qualified for $5,000.00. If we are approved, we should hear back by the end of this month. The grant will support FPCA’s general operations. 

Website Administrators Scott Biggs – sbiggsmail@yahoo.com (Website/Facebook), Dave Paul – dwpaul@fpcivic.org (Website), Ashley Howard – ahoward@ashleynicolecounseling.com (Instagram/Facebook)  

Our website was a victim of a hacked redirect infection. The virus was found, removed, and the website was updated – to include new security software. New accounts were created to increase security.

OLD BUSINESS

Damaged FP sign at the corner of Satinwood and Pegwood has been replaced by the city. Thank you to the Sign Team and Devin Deal, our area liaison rep. 

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/IDEAS

  1. There will be no regular December meetings. The December meeting will be the annual holiday dinner for Area Reps, Committee Chairs, Board Members, and their guests. An Evite was mailed out, so if you hold one of those positions and you didn’t get it, check your spam folder. Hope to see you there.
  2. The next Block Watch, 311/Code Enforcement, and general FPCA meeting will be held on Jan.14, 2025 at Epworth United Methodist Church on Karl Rd.
  3. Concerning the FP signs, it was suggested to try to get the city to replace all of the signs that have been removed/damaged. 

Meeting adjourned at 8:04 PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA