FOREST PARK CIVIC ASSOCIATION MEETING

Date: 8 April 2025

Location: Epworth United Methodist Church

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. Ed will be stepping down from the role of president this year. He took on the role, for the second time, after the death of our late president, Scott Prigan. He will assume the role of past president in 2026.
2. Ed wanted to thank everyone for the great work on Saturday at the membership envelope stuffing.

Guest Speaker: None

Vice President  Mark Bell – MarkBellncc@insight.rr.com

Wanted to also thank everyone for the great job on Saturday.

Secretary Lou Bernard – loubernard3@gmail.com

1. Attendance:

• Officers/Committee Chairs Present: EV, MB, LB, CL, MSg, RW, DVM, KVM, SL, LH, EM, MSt, TS, KG, DP, SB
• Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: QM, AH
• Area Reps in Attendance: 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13
• Area Reps Absent: 2, 6, 8, 10, 14
• Total meeting attendance: 30

1. Reviewed minutes from March; no changes or corrections needed, minutes have been approved and were entered into the official records.
2. Attendance Sheet thru April: online

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cllutman17@gmail.com

1. This is the last report for this fiscal year. We were 39 households shy of our target of 480.
2. Mulch sales have begun, and we did get a few online orders in March. 
3. We did get a few business memberships this year, but not the 10 we were shooting for.
4. Our two big expenses this month were the printing of envelopes and data sheets for the membership drive, printing the Forester, and paying for security patrols. We have renewed our post office box.
5. While we did end the year in the red, there were some extraordinary expenses that pushed us over. The Board has worked to trim expenses, the grant committee is working hard to find funds that way, but again, the biggest way to support us is with your household membership.

Public Relations Mary Sguerra –  marysguerra@howardhanna.com

Just a quick reminder that we have our Spring Forest Park Community Garage Sale on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Please turn in your garage sale entry form by Wednesday, May 15th.

Forester Editor Rita Woeste – forester_ed@fpcivic.org

1. Forester Articles for May Issue due to me by Friday, April 18.
2. Articles in May for the JUNE issue are due by Friday, May 16 (make sure Rita has info for Bikes/Trikes and any other details for the Northland 4th of July Parade).
3. Thanks to Mary for finding a new delivery person for Larkwood in FPE, and Lou for finding new delivery people, although they have not been assigned an area.
4. Area that need delivery folks for the Forester
   1. FPW – area 2, 1262-1324 Pegwood Ct. (23) & 1344-1387 Pegwood Dr. (13)
   2. FPE – area 11, 1655-1774 Pin Oak (29) 1608-1632 Sienna Ln. N (4) 4970-5029 Sienna Ln. (15) special instructions for 4975 Sienna Ln.
   3. FPE – Area 12,  2307-2425 Green Apple Ave. (29); 5262-5297 Blackgum Pl. (13); 5272-5301 Sweetgum Pl. (8) DO NOT Deliver to 5288 Sweetgum Pl.
   4. FPE – Still uncovered  1800-1868 Coghill Dr. (12), 1837-1872 Dandridge Dr. (9), 1841-1872 Judwick Dr.(8), 4901-4991 Lyle Rd. (16)

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

1. Officer Yandrich was not able to be in attendance tonight (scheduled vacation) so we do not have a report from him for this month, but based on the crime map it looks like there has still been a lot of theft from vehicles and properties in the apartments north and south of us, but Forest Park itself has been quiet and safe.
2. Other than a few vacation request house checks (all secure), our security patrols have fortunately been uneventful with the exception of a deer that was hit by a car on Tamarack and reported by the patrol officer to Ohio Div. of Wildlife.
3. Remember to keep your house and vehicles locked up and do not have anything visible in your vehicle that would tempt a thief.

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

Civic Action Officer  Position Vacant – 311 Meeting 6:30-7:00 before every FPCA general meeting.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Welcome Committee Chair Laura Hayes – hayeslaura2@gmail.com

1. Welcome new neighbors! It’s been a busy spring. 
2. Laura has been supporting the grant committee and our web administration team and will have an update on welcome folders shortly! 

Volunteer Coordinator Erin Materu – mmateru@hotmail.com

1. Thank you for approximately 30 volunteers that made the bulk mailing for the 2025 Membership.
2. We are now gearing up for the mulch sale in May. 
3. We still have 2 openings for delivery persons of the Forester. 
4. Also, we had over 20 people request a tree. We had overflow requests after the deadline, so we will definitely reapply in the next round.
5. Also the city is asking to meet with the New American Grant team to see where we are at before the five is the second installment of the money.

Membership Coordinator  Mike Stone – msto0103@yahoo.com

1. Thanks to the wonderful 30 volunteers that helped us, we tied the FPCA time record of two hours to get almost 3,000 envelopes processed. Andy Hunt and Mike successfully delivered them to the post office Monday and everybody should be receiving them soon. Mike personally appreciates everyone who invested the time to make the endeavor successful.
2. We can all help facilitate the success of the membership by keeping it a current topic with our neighbors and Forest Park friends. Please remind people about the membership campaign. You can even offer to collect their membership yourself and save them the stamp!! 

Social Activities Tiffany Smith – tsmith1599@yahoo.com

Looking for information on the 4th of July parade. Members of the civic association met with Tiffany after the meeting to get her up to speed on her role in the FPCA parade planning.

NCC Representatives Ken Gilbert – kgilbert78@att.net, Mark Bell – MarkBellncc@insight.rr.com

See full report in the Forester.

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale – ed1vanasdale@gmail.com

NCC Development meeting – March 26, 2025

1 case was heard, see the report on the website under the “Development Reports” tab.

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

1. The grant committee has submitted our first grant application this year for the Columbus Tree Assistance Program (TAP). The grant is issued by the Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District. Our application asked for $2,100 in funding to plant 20 native trees, and 2 requests for mature tree maintenance, in our neighborhood on residential property. We were fortunate to receive a letter of support from our Ohio House Rep, and Forest Park resident, Munira Abdullahi. We should hear if we were selected for the grant by the end of the month. Contact Laura Hayes for questions.
2. We will be having a volunteer meeting to help implement the New American Grant.

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

Our social media pages (website/Facebook/Instagram) are always – always being updated with new and upcoming info! Please check it out!! Please subscribe/follow/like us.

OLD BUSINESS

Mulch Sale Update: online orders are coming in and the order form is included in the April Forester. Deadline to order is April 18. Delivery day is Saturday, May 3 from 9 am until noon out of the Sequoia Pro Bowl parking lot. Fit volunteers are needed to lift bags of mulch! Order and pay online at fpcivic.org/mulch. ~ Scott Biggs, Area 5 Rep, The Mulch King

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/IDEAS

1. Thank you 311! I’d like to remind our neighbors the importance of taking action, no matter how small. On my way to work last week I noticed a new city tree planted on Sandalwood and Cottonwood had been struck by a car and uprooted. I put in a 311 ticket, and alerted a neighbor to see if they could help. With the support of our neighbors, and 311 the tree was replanted and staked. It’s a small thing, but our actions have big impacts. Please be vigilant in protecting and caring for our neighborhood! ~Laura Hayes, Welcome Committee Chair
2. Our guest speaker from last month extended her thanks for hosting her. She gladly reported that 15 new sign-ups from residents came in and signed up for programs. ~Michael Cote
3. Woodwark Rec Center will be hosting Columbus’s Earth Day celebration and are looking for volunteers. You can register HERE! or at the rec center. ~Michael Cote

Meeting adjourned at 7:54 PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA

2025 FPCA Budget Meeting

12 March 2025

Epworth United Methodist Church

Attendance: Ed Vanasdale (President), Mark Bell (Vice President), Lou Bernard (Secretary), Cheryl Lutman (Treasurer), Daryl Van Mercetta and Katie Van Mercetta (Supplemental Security), Mary Sguerra (Public Relations), Rita Woeste (Forester Editor), Laura Hayes (Welcome Committee), Scott Biggs (Website Administrator), Erin Materu (Volunteer Coordinator), and Mike Stone (Membership Coordinator)

Meeting called to order at 7:12 PM

1. Cheryl did a quick review of the budget and asked for questions or suggestions.
2. The Island Maintenance budget was discussed. The amount spent was too much last year. Mary Sguerra will be discussing the island maintenance costs with landscapers and getting new bids.
3. The Forester will be printed March thru December, with Nov/Dec as a combined issue; Jan/Feb will be online only.
4. There is a $628 budget deficit. To make a balanced budget we need 10 business memberships, and 480 home membership.
5. The new budget was voted on and approved to be put forth before the members at the next meeting for a vote.

Meeting adjourned at 8:44 PM

To see the new and revised budget, look in this month’s Forester or online.

FOREST PARK CIVIC ASSOCIATION MEETING

Date:  11 March 2025

Location: Epworth United Methodist Church

Meeting called to order @ 7:03 PM by Ed Vanasdale 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Attendance was taken via roll call.

OFFICER REPORTS

President Ed Vanasdale – ed1vanasdale@gmail.com  No Report

Guest Speaker: Ambrosia Lamar (manager from Woodward Park Recreation Center). Ambrosia gave a very informative talk about all of the many programs that Woodward is offering. The presentation, discussion, and Q & A session was lively and engaging. There are so many programs going on at the center most of those in attendance never knew about them. Please check them out – this is your community resource – your tax dollars are working hard at Woodward Park Rec Center. https://columbusrecparks.com/community-center/woodward-park/

Vice President  Mark Bell – MarkBellncc@insight.rr.com  No Report

Secretary Lou Bernard – loubernard3@gmail.com

1. Attendance:

• Officers/Committee Chairs Present: EV, MB, LB, CL, MSg, RW, DVM, KVM, SL, CA, LH, EM, MSt, TS, KG, DP
• Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: QM, SB, AH
• Area Reps in Attendance: 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 11, 12, 13
• Area Reps Absent: 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 14
• Total meeting attendance: 30

1. Reviewed minutes from February, no changes or corrections needed, minutes have been approved and were entered into the official records.
2. Attendance Sheet thru March: Online

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cllutman17@gmail.com

1. No memberships of any kind were received in February.  
2. Expenses include the Forester printing, security patrols, and an expense relating to the Trunk or Treat Event.

Public Relations Mary Sguerra –  marysguerra@howardhanna.com  

1. Upcoming Community Garage Sale on Saturday,  May 17th
2. Also Gabby’s Night Cookout (Potluck) will be Saturday, June 11th more details to follow

Forester Editor Rita Woeste – forester_ed@fpcivic.org

1. Articles by the end of the week. This Forester will be mailed out due to it being the membership drive month.
2. We need volunteers to deliver the Foresters. You will need to deliver only eight times a year. Please help us out.
3. March Forester

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 the report in the Forester.

Business Representative Sheridan Landon – slandon52@gmail.com  

Been out to 3 different businesses. Trying to get smaller businesses who may be interested in a cheaper way to advertise.

Civic Action Officer  Vacant

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Welcome Committee Chair Laura Hayes – hayeslaura2@gmail.com

1. Thank you, Katie, for helping update the 2025 Membership form. We hope the changes are approved this week and we can print the updated form for the new welcome folders. (Changes were approved at the budget meeting on 12 March).
2. We are still working on gathering updated resources for the welcome folders, if anyone wants to volunteer some time to help in this effort, please contact me! 614-736-8812 thanks.

Volunteer Coordinator Erin Materu – mmateru@hotmail.com

1. We have over 20 households and counting for the Tree grant!
2. Will be contacting people to help with the April membership stuffing.
3. We may have found a person to take over the position of the Civic Action/311 officer. Updates next month.

Membership Coordinator  Mike Stone – msto0103@yahoo.com

1. We are set for our membership envelope stuffing day on Saturday, April 5th at Schoedinger-North.  Right now, unless we need to adjust to accommodate Schoedingers, the arrival time will be between 12:30-1:00 PM and we will start stuffing at 1:00 PM.  
2. Last year was AMAZING and we are hoping to replicate our two hour pace. To do so, we could use 20-22 stuffers.
3. For the period following the post office delivery date (April 7th), we wish to coordinate with our amazing social media team to help keep the drive current, particularly for the period before Independence Day and would love to hear other ideas to make that possible.  
4. Discussions were held to make the mulch sale open only to FPCA members. This idea was voted down. It is a significant fundraiser for the FPCA and will be open to all FP residents.

Social Activities Tiffany Smith – tsmith1599@yahoo.com   No Report

NCC Representatives Ken Gilbert – kgilbert78@att.net, Mark Bell – MarkBellncc@insight.rr.com

See the full report in the Forester

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale – ed1vanasdale@gmail.com

See the full report on our website: https://www.fpcivic.org/development-reports/

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

1. We had a meeting on 02/16/2025 and currently applying for the Columbus Tree Assistance Program (TAP) Grant (due March 31, 2025) – https://www.franklinswcd.org/columbus-tree-assistance-program
2. Laura’s Update: We have 20 people who would like trees, they all need to sign a release form and pick what type of tree they’d like to be submitted along with our proposal. We also spoke with Henry Stahl from the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District and he said we have a strong proposal. Lastly, we plan to contact our Ohio State House Representative and Forest Park resident, Munira Abdullahi to ask if she’d like to submit a letter of support for our application. 

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

We have updated the Mulch Sale web page at fpcivic.org/mulch to get ready for the 2025 Mulch sale. As in past years, orders and payments are accepted online (in addition to manually using the paper form in the April 2025 Forester newsletter). We will promote the sale via the website, social media and in the Forester.

From Ashley: I have been researching social media management programs and will trial a free program. These will allow us to schedule posts ahead of time to allow for more timely and consistent content. Finally, these programs offer other marketing and analytic features. Some of them make it easier to manage multiple accounts from a centralized location; however, those will require paid accounts. Many of the social media management programs offer discounts for non-profits if we decide that we need a paid account in the future. 

OLD BUSINESS

The sign that was run over (again) on the corner of Pegwood and Satinwood is in the process of being replaced by the city. (Note: The sign has been replaced as of March 17th)

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/IDEAS

Our 2025 FPCA MULCH SALE starts in April

The FPCA will hold a 2025 Mulch Sale for all Forest Park households again this year. We deliver bags of mulch to your house. No lifting, no mess, and you support your civic association! Mulch orders begin in April with driveway delivery on Saturday, May 3. The sale is completely run by volunteers so no money is spent on administration. Every paper and online order raises money for the FPCA. Look for details in your April Forester, on the FPCA social media and on this website. We are looking for fit, young volunteers to help deliver mulch on May 3 from 9 a.m. to noon. Find more information at www.fpcivic.org/mulch.

The Board of Trustees will meet on March 12th for the 2025 Budget Meeting. (Minutes are posted online and in the Forester.)

Meeting adjourned at 8:07 PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA

FOREST PARK CIVIC ASSOCIATION MEETING

Date: 11 February 2025

Location: Epworth United Methodist Church

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

All officers and committee chairs were asked to bring one goal that they have for their position for 2025.

Goal for 2025: To bring more synergy to the organization and continue to work with everyone to bring in more new faces into the FPCA.

Guest Speaker: None

Vice President  Mark Bell – MarkBellncc@insight.rr.com  No Report

Goal for 2025: To become more knowledgeable about the workings of FP, and to get to know the members of the NCC.

Secretary Lou Bernard – loubernard3@gmail.com

Goal for 2025: To get us up and running with either Google Workspace for Nonprofits or Microsoft 365 for Nonprofits.

Attendance:

• Officers/Committee Chairs Present: EV, MB, LB, CL, RW, DVM, KVM, SL, LH, EM, MSt, TS, KG, QM, SB, AH
• Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: MSg, DP
• Area Reps in Attendance: 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13
• Area Reps Absent: 1, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 (vacant)
• Total meeting attendance: 23

1. Reviewed minutes from Jan., no changes or corrections needed, minutes have been approved and were entered into the official records.
2. Attendance Sheet thru Feb: View HERE

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cllutman17@gmail.com

Goal for 2025: To continually keep accurate records for this year.

January was a very quiet month. 2 new household memberships, a few expenses and some advertising dollars. 

Public Relations Mary Sguerra –  marysguerra@howardhanna.com Absent

Save the Dates:

The Spring Community Garage Sale will be Saturday, May 17

Gabby’s Night – Potluck Gathering will be Saturday, June 7th

Forester Editor Rita Woeste – forester_ed@fpcivic.org

1. Link to page of Forester DUE DATES for year 2025 is located via a link in the online minutes.
2. Need articles/Ads/Photos by no later than Saturday Feb 15th,  this will be the first PRINTED Forester for 2025, let’s make a GOOD one!
3. Will need help with delivery of bags to deliverers this month PLEASE
4. Looking for new ADs for 2025

Goals for 2025: 

1. Work with Grant committee to make multi-lingual Forester issue that celebrates/informs folks about Forest Park East/West
2. Update delivery list, create easier/functional way to contact delivery folks
3. Look to fill the position of person counting/distributing Foresters (I have been doing that in addition to my publisher job for 2+ years now.)

Supplemental Security Daryl Vanmercetta – dvanmercetta@gmail.com, Katie Vanmercetta – 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

Goals for 2025: 1) to get 10 more business members for this year, and 2) to create a way to contact people instead of just going door to door.

Civic Action Officer  Vacant

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Welcome Committee Chair Laura Hayes – hayeslaura2@gmail.com

1. I have spent January finalizing materials that will go into the 2025 welcome folders.
2. I am getting ready to assemble the next round, and purchased ink and paper to print on.
3. Goal for 2025: To be able to track memberships coming in through the welcome folders.

Volunteer Coordinator Erin Materu – mmateru@hotmail.com

Goal for 2025: To get a working list of people who want to volunteer and to rework the membership form concerning volunteer opportunities.

Membership Coordinator  Mike Stone – msto0103@yahoo.com

1. April stuffing for membership envelopes.
2. We are working on getting the database updated. Thank you notes were sent out virtually and through the mail.
3. We are 6 weeks away from the April stuffing.
4. Goal for 2025: The information chain needs to be better established. Mike is frustrated because he is not getting membership info in a timely manner. He is working on cleaning up this process.

Social Activities Tiffany Smith – tsmith1599@yahoo.com

Goal for 2025: Wants to get acquainted with her position and all of the people involved with the FPCA.

1. Asked for a list of established events: The Northland 4th of July Parade, Bikes-n-Trikes, Trunk or Treat, and National Night Out
2. Another of her passions is families, moms, and babies and their needs.
3. She is looking for people to work with her and find the focus.

NCC Representatives Ken Gilbert – kgilbert78@att.net, Mark Bell – MarkBellncc@insight.rr.com

Ken’s Goal for 2025: To represent the diverse residents of Forest Park to the best of his ability.

See report in the Forester and a link HERE.

We need to get our nominations into NCC for the Volunteers of the Year Award at the NCC banquet.

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale – ed1vanasdale@gmail.com

See the NCC Development report here.

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

Goal for 2025: To foster a vibrant community where residents are empowered with healthier more connected lives.

1. Quentin introduced members of his committee.
2. We had an Emergency Meeting on January 30th to discuss and plan the next steps for supporting New Americans and immigrants in the Forest Park Area due to the increased presence and raids performed by ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)
3. We met with a member of https://www.crisohio.org/ – Community Refugee & Immigration Services to discuss the best way for our community to support the immigrant community in our area. 
   1. The best 3 ways we identified:
      1. Provide supportive information (via Forester) at the Karl Rd Columbus Metro Library.
      2. Provide the same information at North YMCA – Information will be in Forester
      3. Purchase and donate to CRIS Ohio commonly requested non-perishable items from Costco in bulk to help families in need.
4. Wants to have a table at the Elevate Northland event to help spread the word of who we are.

Website Administrators Scott Biggs sbiggsmail@yahoo.com (Website/Facebook)   Dave Paul dwpaul@fpcivic.org Absent (Website)    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.

Goal for 2025: Scott’s goal is to revamp and modernize our website.

OLD BUSINESS None

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/IDEAS

1. Sign Committee: The sign on the corner of Satinwood and Pegwood was rundown again. A 311 report was filed and Devin was contacted. The city is in the process of replacing it.
2. We have decided to hold the 3rd Annual FPCA Mulch Sale in the Spring!!

Meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA

FOREST PARK CIVIC ASSOCIATION MEETING

Date: 14 January 2025

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

Slate of Candidates for 2025 was read by the secretary. There are 2 positions open: the Civic Action/311 Officer, and Area 14 Area Representative. The slate was accepted. Vote was taken and all volunteers were elected to their positions.

Guest Speaker: Sarah Pomeroy – Senior Assistant City Attorney, Zone Initiative at Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein’s Office. 

1. Sworn in officers, committee chairs, and area representatives. 
2. Explained the different areas that her position deals with. 
   1. Shared info about area hotels – they have major issues with 2 hotels in the area and are working them through the court process. They will have approx. 60 days to come into compliance, or will be ordered to shut down.
   2. Working closely with the Community Shelter Board to help their process move smoothly and help with issues they may have.
   3. They work with liquor licensing and filing injunctions if people are breaking the law.
   4. They work with the apartments in the area – with owners, tennants, HUD, and other governmental agencies.
3. City Attorney Zach Klein’s Zone 1 Community Safety Meeting will take place on January 23, 2025, 6:00 p.m. and will be at the Northern Lights Columbus Public Library, 4093 Cleveland Avenue. The meeting will be a chance for folks to speak directly with Zach about safety issues and concerns they have in the community.
4. Sarah’s contact info: 614-645-8619 scpomeroy@columbus.gov

Vice President Mark Bell – MarkBellncc@insight.rr.com – No Report

Secretary Lou Bernard – loubernard3@gmail.com

1. Attendance:

• Officers/Committee Chairs Present: EV, MB, LB, CL, MSg, RW, DVM, KVM, SL, CA, LH, EM, TS, KG, QM, SB, AH
• Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: MSt, DP
• Area Reps in Attendance: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13
• Area Reps Absent: 1,6,8,10,14
• Total meeting attendance: 30

1. Reviewed minutes from Dec. 2024, no changes or corrections needed, minutes were approved and were entered into the official records.
2. Attendance Sheet for January 2025

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cllutman17@gmail.com

1. Reviewed reports from November and December. Reports were approved.
2. The first half of our grant from the City of Columbus was received! The Grant Committee is busy making plans to put those funds to work and are excited to see what they do!
3. We received two new household memberships, some advertising dollars and donations to our various function areas. Expenses included finishing paying for the island maintenance and our security patrols.

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

Forester Editor Rita Woeste – forester_ed@fpcivic.org

February 2025 issue will be ONLINE only – just like the January copy.  Due date for articles/photos/ads is January 25th please. 

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

Civic Action/311 Officer  Vacant

COMMITTEE REPORTS

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

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

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

Social Activities Tiffany Smith – tsmith1599@yahoo.com – No Report

NCC Representatives Ken Gilbert – kgilbert78@att.net, Mark Bell – MarkBellncc@insight.rr.com

See Report in Forester

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale – ed1vanasdale@gmail.com  No Report

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

1. The Board of Trustees met with the members of the Grant Writing Committee on Dec. 18 to make sure there was alignment between the Committee’s goals and the goals of the FPCA. The minutes were posted online and in the Forester.
2. The first grant installment check for $2500 was received on 12/28. 

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. If you have any information that you would like posted, please contact one of the above 3 people.

OLD BUSINESS

Concerning the FP 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 responded that he felt this was a reasonable request and that we should collect and submit all of the information about the previous sign to 311 and let him know when we do that so he can help facilitate the completion of the project.

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/IDEAS

1. The Board of Trustees met with the members of the Grant Writing Committee on Dec. 18 to make sure there was alignment between the Committee’s goals and the goals of the FPCA. The minutes were posted online and in the previous Forester.
2. All officers and committee chairs should have 1 goal for the year ready to present for next month.

Meeting adjourned at 7:50 PM

A short Board of Trustees meeting was called after the general meeting. No minutes were taken.

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA

FPCA 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, Erin Materau, Quentin Monden

Social Media Coordinator: Ashley Howard

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:
   • Long Time 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
   • New Am. Civic Integration Grant – $5000
   • 614 Beautiful Grant – not selected
   • 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
   • Looking for more funding for the Forester
   • Implementing a new membership database
     • Will enable digital communication via email to large group
     • Can track, manage and analyze our active members
     • Could potentially manage our finances in one place
   • Modernize our technology
   • Be more intentional about how we spend our time and money as the FPCA
7. Grant Committee Needs
   • Additional funding
   • More active base w/ heavy focus on Area Reps
   • Updated and enhanced Forester – language translation editions
8.  FPCA Demographic Data
   • 1961 year founded
   • 1.4 sq. miles
   • 2900 single family homes
   • 7500 approximate residents
   • 20+ nationalities
9. An in depth discussion was held on ways to re-establish the significance of Area Reps, and review 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

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.edu – Absent – 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

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

Forest Park Civic Association Meeting

Forest Park Civic Association Meeting

Date: 8 October 2024

Location: Epworth United Methodist Church

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

With the FPCA elections coming up in a few months, please start thinking about ways that you can get involved. There will be some seats that will be opening. Please contact Ed, Lou, or Erin if you are interested.

Guest Speaker: Mark Bell, Area 13 Area Rep, works with the Adjutant General’s Office with the Ohio National Guard dealing with cybersecurity.

1. Discussed the cybersecurity framework created by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). There are steps that you can follow to become more secure. You can find it here: https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework
2. Mark went over the steps we all should take to make our home networks more secure.
3. Mark hopes to start writing a cybersecurity article in the Forester in the near future to remind us of the things he presented in his talk.

Vice President Trevor Secord – tsecord@une.edu

1. The Board of Trustees is in the process of dealing with an issue with the Forester, therefore, causing a delay in its delivery. When the issue is resolved, the October Forester will be delivered if possible. If not, you can read the minutes from the September meeting online – on the website.
2. This is Trevor’s last meeting. He is deeply sorry and will miss all of us. He is moving out of the FP area and will no longer be our VP. We are looking for a volunteer to step up, Trevor and the rest of the Board will be willing to support you through this transition. 

Secretary Lou Bernard – loubernard3@gmail.com

1. Attendance:

• Officers/Committee Chairs Present: EV, TS, LB, CL, MSg, RW, DVM, KVM, SL, LH, EM, MSt, SB, QM, AH
• Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: CA, KG, DP
• Area Reps in Attendance: 1,2,4,5,7,8,9,11,13,14
• Area Reps Absent: 3,6,10,12
• Total meeting attendance: 26

1. Reviewed minutes from Sept., no changes or corrections needed, minutes have been approved and were entered into the official records.
2. Attendance Sheet thru October

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cllutman17@gmail.com

1. 10 more household memberships received, meaning we only need 50 more households to join to meet our budget projections! Continue to tell your neighbors about the good work we’re doing!
2. No new business memberships. We just need 4 more for those budget projections. Garage sale income was $120. Hope everyone who participated had some good sales that day! We sold 3 more t-shirts to our members – wear them with pride!
3. Expenses: printing the Forester and paying for security.

Public Relations Mary Sguerra –  marysguerra@howardhanna.com

1. Received a call from a resident who needs assistance with a 311 call.

Forester Editor Rita Woeste – forester_ed@fpcivic.org

1. Due to budgetary concerns, we will combine the Nov. and Dec. Forester issue. The deadline for articles will be Nov. 1st. It is later than usual due to the later delivery date.
2. January and February issues will be online.

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

1. One of the patrol officers reported to the police a suspicious person poking around someone’s house. CPD came out, and it was just the owner who locked himself out. We are noting this just to reinforce that the Supplemental Security patrols are working.
2. See full 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

1. Thanks to everyone who helped deliver welcome folders last month, we delivered over 15 folders.
2. We still have 7 left that need help being delivered, called the area reps who didn’t attend last month’s meeting. They are going through major life events.
3. We are collecting information for the next cycle of packets, including the YMCA
4. If anyone has information they’d like to include or wants to help with stuffing please let me know.

Volunteer Coordinator Erin Materu – mmateru@hotmail.com

1. Still looking for volunteers to fill vacant positions.  
2. I have a zoom meeting on Thursday at 10 am about receiving the grant money. If anyone is interested in implementing a program to celebrate diversity in our neighborhood and encourage our New American neighbors in joining the Civic Association please let me know.

Membership Coordinator  Mike Stone – msto0103@yahoo.com

1. We have rebuilt our membership database and that is exciting. Looking to keep adding and improving over the next year. Getting some foundation back to the database after a few years of neglect.
2. We are starting to send out thank you notes to those with valid email addresses. Looking to send out notes to those without email addresses. Many people gave over $30 and should be recognized.

Social Activities Vacant

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

See report in the Forester

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale – ed1vanasdale@gmail.com

Nothing presented at the meeting is in the immediate FP area.

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

We completed a final request from the City of Columbus, New American Program. We should receive $5,000.00 from them soon. Our team will complete and send the application for the Designer Brands Foundation’s Community Grant. We are eligible to receive up to $5,000.00 for our first cycle.

From the City of Columbus website: “Grants will support and assist with the unique and emerging needs of the growing immigrant and refugee community in Columbus as well as provide supportive services that meet the cultural and linguistic needs of newly arrived residents. Seed Grants will support new and existing projects or programs as well as services that support integration, civic participation and the pursuit of the citizenship process. Funding will be provided through the City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods’ New American Program.” 

Website Administrators Scott Biggs sbiggsmail@yahoo.com (Website/Facebook)   Dave Paul dwpaul@fpcivic.org – absent (Website)      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

Damaged FP sign at Satinwood and Pegwood:  ”Hazardous stubs removed 8/22/24. Work order# 24-081438 issued to install new sign for Forest Park. Please allow up to 45 days for installation.” –From 311 dispatch. As of October 6, it was 45 calendar days.

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/IDEAS

1. “Halloween Jubilee Family Fun Night & Trunk or Treat!!” – October 25th -Friday- 5:00-8:00 PM. If you want to volunteer or participate, please register your car on the YMCA North’s Facebook page
   • Volunteers Needed
     • Direct Cars that are registered for Trunk or Treat
     • Parking Lot Monitors
     • Activity Assistants
     • Food Table
     • Hall Monitor (Keep everyone on the lower level
     • Door Monitor
   • We also need candy donations
     • Anything wrapped, try to avoid anything with peanuts
     • Pre packaged cookies
   • We need to get more cars registered also
   • Small Bottles of Water donations
   • Please click link and create an account and then sign up for the event:  https://www.volunteermatch.org or for more information, email: vic.rosselet@ymcacolumbus.org
2. Next meeting: November 12, 2024

• • Meeting Schedule
    Block Watch @ 6:00 – 6:30
    311/Code Enforcement @ 6:30 -7:00
    FPCA Meeting @ 7:00 – 8:00

Meeting adjourned at 8:01 PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA

 

 

 

Forest Park Civic Association Meeting

Date: 10 September 2024

Location: Epworth United Methodist Church

Meeting called to order @ 7:01PM by Ed Vanasdale 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Attendance was taken via roll call.

OFFICER REPORTS

President Ed Vanasdale – ed1vanasdale@gmail.com

1. A moment of silence for long time member and volunteer, Mary Hinebaugh passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 21st. Our sympathies, thoughts, and prayers go out to Bob and family.

Guest Speaker: Devin Deal, Northland Area Neighborhood Liaison with the City of Columbus in the Dept. of Neighborhoods. He discussed the Neighborhood Best Practices Conference in Columbus on Sept. 14. Discussed Play Book Columbus, a 10-year vision plan for the Columbus Rec. and Parks department. Please go to PlaybookColumbus.com and fill in a survey – they are looking for input to decide what to do with area rec. centers. The more surveys we can get turned in  for our area can increase our chances for improvements. Devin fielded questions and concerns from area residents. Contact Devin at: 1393 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43205, (614) 645-7964, DDDeal@columbus.gov

Vice President Trevor Secord – tsecord@une.edu  Absent

Secretary Lou Bernard – loubernard3@gmail.com

1. Attendance:
   • Officers/Committee Chairs Present: EV, LB, CL, MS, RW, DVM, KVM, SL, CA, LH, EM, KG, DP, SB, QM
   • Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: TS, MS, AH
   • Area Reps in Attendance: 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13
   • Area Reps Absent: 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 14
   • Total meeting attendance: 29
2. Reviewed minutes from July and August, no changes or corrections needed, minutes have been approved and were entered into the official records.
3. Attendance Sheet thru Sept. 

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cllutman17@gmail.com

1. We received 11 household memberships and one business membership: Cindy Fenstermaker, Realtor, renewing business member.
2. We sold 2 t-shirts at National Night Out.
3. Our primary expenses were: 
   • printing the Forester 
   • buying additional bags for Forester delivery
   • paying for our security patrols
   • paying for the parade candy for both 2023 and 2024 
   • the annual NCC membership check cleared 
   • sending flowers to Mary Anne Hinebaugh’s funeral
4. We still need 4 more business memberships and 60 more household memberships.

Public Relations Mary Sguerra –  marysguerra@howardhanna.com

Announced that the Forest Park Community Garage Sale was coming up the weekend of Sept. 14th.

Forester Editor Rita Woeste – forester_ed@fpcivic.org

1. Deadline for October 2024 Forester is Friday Sept 20. We need articles, ads, photos and anything else.
2. Will need to have folks step up. We will not have a “Forest Park Gardener” article for the next 3 months, so we are looking for a variety of articles to post in the newsletter. 
3. Looking for delivery folks to cover:
   • 19 homes: 1608-1632 Sienna Lane N (4) 4970-5029 Sienna Lane (15)
   • 48 homes: 2049-2079 Torchwood Loop SOUTH (7), 5280-5388 EAST (25), 5289-5358 WEST (16) (George S. is covering for now)
   • 50 homes: 2307-2425 Green Apple Ave(29); 5262-5297 Blackgum Pl(13); 5272-5301 Sweetgum Pl (8) (George S. is covering for now)
4. Upcoming due dates for Forester articles, pictures, etc.:
   • November and December will be a combined Issue – due Oct. 18th
   • January and February will both be online issues for budgetary concerns

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

Sheridan has been visiting local area businesses and spreading the word about joining the FPCA. 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Welcome Committee Chair Laura Hayes – hayeslaura2@gmail.com

1. Welcome Folders for this summer are ready! We’ve had 23 new neighbors move in May-Aug. 
2. Area reps should pick up their folders at tonight’s meeting and start welcoming our neighbors as soon as tomorrow! 
3. Discussion about how to handle rental properties. Everyone agreed to treat residents as homeowners and supply them with a Welcome Folder.
4. 1-2 volunteers to help restuff folders this month! Possibly this Sunday, 3-4pm? 2 people volunteered to help. 
5. A new supply of the physical folders for the remainder of this year/next will need to be ordered.
6. Discussed new ideas to include in the folder. 
7. Thanks for being great neighbors! 

Volunteer Coordinator Erin Materu – mmateru@hotmail.com

Tallied up all of the volunteer information and can pass it out to those who would need the information. We will be reaching out to our New American residents to encourage them to join.

Membership Coordinator  Mike Stone – msto0103@yahoo.com  Absent

1. The end of September will conclude the membership campaign. I want to express my sincere appreciation for everyone who worked in different capacities to help move us in a forward direction. We’ve done a reasonable job of promoting the campaign and will continue to make some last second pitches. The focus now is primarily with “seeding the lawn” for the following year’s cycle. Doing so will take the following steps:
   • Expressed appreciation to our members through electronic messaging. The secondary level is to extend that appreciation to those who did not provide email but did provide addresses. Depending on the number of people in this category I might need the help of area reps to drop off some thank you notes.
   • A more thorough tracking of active members. If we can ensure their retention while further growing the base we have an opportunity for expansion. 
   • A reevaluation of the current system, and how to improve the process.
2. Some specific notes:
   • We do want to get another list in the Forester to recognize names since the last publication. This should be a modest list since there were 11 new members recorded for this cycle, and I had one person reach out to me being asked to be recognized. Uncertain of who has what, I am guessing that this would be either Cheryl and/or Katie.
   • Thank you notes will be going out shortly and this will take some time.

Social Activities – Vacant 

We are currently looking for a volunteer to take on this position. If interested, please contact Erin (Volunteer Coordinator).

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

See Ken’s report in the Forester.

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale – ed1vanasdale@gmail.com

Three cases were heard at the August 28, 2024 meeting. None of the cases were in the Forest Park immediate area.

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

• We won a grant!! –  $5,000.00

1. The Civic Integration Seed Grant is a new component of the New American Program. Grants made via the Seed Fund will help to create access to funding for New American serving organizations and foster community building, youth engagement, and strengthen organizations to serve new arrivals effectively. 
2. Small Biz Cares Nonprofit Partner Program: As a partner, we will have more visibility to small businesses for volunteers, fundraising and other programs. Small Biz Cares will also provide additional awareness and content opportunities to help share our mission. There is no cost to join. https://smallbizcares.org/free-nonprofits-program/
3. COhatch – Work.Meet.Live-Impact scholarship program to receive discounted or free access to their locations to help us grow, innovate, and make our communities greater.
4. Designer Brands – DSW Foundation Community Grant: We are applying and it’s due October 18th. 

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

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

OLD BUSINESS

The Forest Park sign on the corner of Satinwood Blvd. and Pegwood Ct. was run over. A 311 incident report was filed. Lou spoke with Kane Murray from the Dept. of Public Services and they will be replacing the sign for us. We will keep you updated if we learn any more important information.

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/IDEAS

1. New Code of Conduct Policy

The Board of Trustees has approved a “Conduct Policies For Board Members, Committee Chairs, and Area Representatives of the Forest Park Civic Association”. The document has been made available to the membership for review. The Code of Conduct will be published in this Forester and on the FPCA website.

According to the current  bylaws, when there are going to be changes in or amendments made  to the bylaws and/or constitution, the items must first be presented at a FPCA meeting. At the following month’s meeting, the item/s will be reviewed and voted for adoption. When/If adopted, the items will become part of our bylaws and standard practice for the Association after 60 days. 

Members of the Board of Trustees and Committee Chairs will then be asked to sign a copy of the Code of Conduct after the next elections are held in January, and every year thereafter. (See a copy of the proposed Code of Conduct Policy in this month’s Forester and online.)

2.  Our next meeting will be Tuesday, October 8, 2024.

 

Meeting adjourned at 8:18 PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA