Forest Park Civic Association Meeting

Date: 11 June 2024

Location: Epworth United Methodist Church

Meeting called to order @ 7:01 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: None this month. 

Vice President Trevor Secord – tsecord@une.edu

We did not get a grant for the National Night Out from the expected funding source, but he is working on a local sponsor for the event to offset any cost Andrea and the YMCA will have.

Secretary Lou Bernard – loubernard3@gmail.com

Attendance:

• Officers/Committee Chairs Present: EV, LB, CL, MS, DVM, SL, CA, LH, EM, AP, KG, DP
• Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: TS, RW, KVM, MS, SB
• Area Reps in Attendance: 1, 2, 3, 11, 12
• Area Reps Absent: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14 (Area 14 remains vacant )
• Total meeting attendance: 24

1. The guest speaker last month reported [and it was published in the minutes] that “the library is no longer providing lunch for kids this summer.” This information was incorrect; we issued an apology on May 31st on Facebook with reference to a news article with correct info. 
2. Minutes were approved and entered into the official records.
3. Attendance Sheet thru June.

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cllutman17@gmail.com

1. We had 151 memberships in May! That brings us to 380. We need at least another 100 to make our goal. Mailed-in memberships are all recorded and they are falling off. Please continue to put the word out!
2. We had an additional $2,750 in mulch sales and deposited the final $478 on June 1st. This brings our total income to $6,328. Expenses were $4,621.68, so we made $1,706.32. Well done and kudos to Scott “Mr. Mulch” Biggs and his team!
3. We are in the process of getting our banking relationship transferred. We will pay bank fees this year again, but by switching banks we can eliminate them.

Public Relations Mary Sguerra –  marysguerra@howardhanna.com

1. The FP garage sale happened. We had a nice turnout. We are scheduling a Sept. garage sale.
2. FP Night at Gabby’s was Saturday. 
3. People are parking the wrong way on Satinwood. And lots of speeders. Officer Yandrich was notified and suggested calling 311.

Forester Editor Rita Woeste – forester_ed@fpcivic.org

All articles, ads, and notices to Rita by Saturday, June 14th. We want to get the Forester out before the 4th of July. Thank you Glenda W. for helping distribute the Foresters to the deliverers this month.

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. See full report in the Forester. 
2. We had a report of someone following/stalking one of our FP residents. Please be aware of your surroundings, and get to know your neighbors so that you may go to them for support or help when you need it.
3. Don’t forget about vacation house checks while you are away (You MUST be a paid member of the FPCA).

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

1. Sheridan has been out canvassing the area businesses. 
2. They need the list of previous business members to ask them to renew for this year. Lou B. will get them the list.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Welcome Committee Chair Laura Hayes – hayeslaura2@gmail.com

Laura is looking for a list of new homeowners so she can get new Welcome Folders to them. Mary Sguerra will get her the new list.

Volunteer Coordinator Erin Materu – mmateru@hotmail.com

1. 2 potential grants were found: 
   1. The first is The New American Civic Seed Funding grant. It is up to 10K. The purpose is to boost integration and civic participation.
   2. The second grant is the 614 Beautiful grant. This is up to 15K. Erin is looking for suggestions (e.g. the area on Sandalwood at Yellowwood. Possible ideas are a pergola, bench, trash cans, flowers, etc …)
2. Permission to proceed was approved.

Membership Coordinator  Mike Stone – msto0103@yahoo.com

1. Membership Drawings: Reminded Andrea and Cheryl about the tri-weekly drawing.
2. Membership Publicity: For the July Forester, Look for an article giving some statistical breakdown of where we stand.  Plans to blast membership info on our social media. 
3. Forester Newspaper for the September edition: In the September edition, look for a “Thank you” page for those residents who joined and gave us permission to publish their names.  

Social Activities Andrea Philipsen – andrea@yellowumbrellahomes.com

1. Congrats to April Membership award winner Maureen Lawhorn! Please enjoy these events and more! To volunteer and get involved: Andrea @614.264.3846
2. June 11th – Tortilla Mexican Street Food Truck, @ North YMCA lot, 5-8pm
3. June 26th – Travelin Tom’s Coffee Truck @North YMCA, 8-10am
4. July 4th – 60th Annual Northland Community Fourth of July Parade, 10am. Featuring Forest Park children on their “Bikes and Trikes!”It’s not too late to sign up! (Andrea @614.264.3846)
5. July 11th – If You Cheese Food Truck @ North YMCA lot, 5-8pm
6. July 14th – Columbus Symphony @ Woodward Park Community Center, 7pm (outdoors, with free ice cream prior to concert!)
7. July 27th – International Festival @ North YMCA (indoors), 2-5pm. There is a fee.
8. August 6th – National Night Out, Featuring Tortilla Mexican Street Food Truck and Kona Ice, @ North YMCA lot, 5-9pm
9. August 16th – Carr’s Motown Coney Island Food Truck, @ North YMCA lot, 4-8pm

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

1. Police – There have been a number of separate shooting incidents in Northland along with break-ins of cars at hotels looking for guns. 
2. City Attorney – New name for her office, now the “Property Action Team”. A number of hotels have current court orders on them, but overall hotels are in compliance with issues they have been addressed with. Newsstand is under a court order. A car drove through the shopping center. City building dept. has been there to inspect temporary supports. 
3. Library – Summer reading challenge has started and many programs for summer reading with kids are available at the Karl Rd. branch. Free breakfast and lunch is available as well for anyone in our community. They are also offering free notary services at the Karl Rd. location.
4. City Community Liaison – 614 beautiful grants are available. The Bike Plus Plan map is out and they are looking for feedback from the community. Look for the continued Rise Up Columbus events      happening throughout the summer. 
5. City Engagement – City council implemented ordinance for Kindergarten readiness program, assistance for seniors looking for alternatives to assisted living, and loan housing loan forgiveness. Go to the city website for more information. 
6. Guest Speaker was IMPREM Community Resource Center – same presentation as we got at our last meeting.
7. All meeting minutes, financials and notes online. All were approved for acceptance. 
8. Annual cookout is at Blendon Woods Metro Park – Dogwood Area pavilion August 13th. Dinner at 6:30 and meeting to follow at 7pm. Brats and dogs provided. Bring a dish to share. All members of FPCA are invited.
9. Last 4th of July Parade meeting is June 18th at Casa Mezcal if anyone is interested in helping with final details from 7-8 pm.

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale – ed1vanasdale@gmail.com

2 cases were heard:

1. Application to allow used automotive sales and related parking on all areas of the existing lot, including those areas currently zoned C-5; applicant requests reconsideration after April 2024 recommendation of disapproval. Jack Reynolds/Smith and Hale representing, Queen 1 Auto Sale Inc., 1429 Schrock Rd, 43229 • The Committee approved (16-3) a motion to RECOMMEND APPROVAL WITH ONE (1) CONDITION.
2. Application (Graphics plan for new retail center) Dave Perry/Plank Law Firm representing GZD Investments 4, LLC, 5900 Old Hamilton Rd, 43054 • The Committee approved (19-0) a motion to RECOMMEND APPROVAL of the application.

Website Administrators Scott Biggs – sbiggsmail@yahoo.com  Dave Paul – dwpaul@fpcivic.org  

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

OLD BUSINESS  None

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/IDEAS

When Ken G. was delivering Foresters, he noticed many people had packages from places like Amazon waiting on their front porch. Please be wary, and maybe find a neighbor you can trust to collect your things while you are out.

Meeting adjourned at 7:57 PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA

Forest Park Civic Association Meeting

Date: 14 May 2024

Location: Epworth United Methodist Church

Meeting called to order @ 7:05 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. Cheryl Lutman was thanked (by S.Biggs) for the outstanding work she has done thru the April/May time period–Tax season, mulch sale, and membership–Whew!! Thank you, Cheryl. 
2. Andrea and Laura were again applauded as FPCA Volunteer of the Year! They were honored at the NCC banquet last month.

Guest Speaker:  Alex Abrokway-Clottey (CEO), INPREM Holistic Community Resource Center (5757 Karl Rd./Hempwood Dr. is the cross street)

This is Alex’s 2nd time at the FPCA meeting. The purpose is to bring services and access to the basic needs of immigrants, refugees, and people of FP. They are open 7 days a week. They have served 321 zip codes since their inception in 2013. They served 65,000 families in 2023. Northland has been identified as a food desert. There are no major grocery stores on the 161 corridor. The cost of living, and cost of groceries is going up in the Northland area. The library is no longer providing lunch for kids this summer. There is a large need for families this summer. They are looking to improve and increase their services that they provide: health care, day care, after-school care, computer lab, etc. They are looking for a place to house their future services. To contact Alex for volunteer opportunities check out their website https://inprem.org/

Vice President Trevor Secord – tsecord@une.edu

No Report/See NCC Report

Secretary Lou Bernard – loubernard3@gmail.com

1. Attendance:

• Officers/Committee Chairs Present: EV, TS, LB, CL,RW, DVM, KVM, SL, CA, EM, AP, KG, SB
• Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: MS, LH, DP
• Area Reps in Attendance: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, 12, 13
• Area Reps Absent: 1, 6, 8, 9, 10, 14 (Area 14 remains vacant )
• Total meeting attendance: 31

1. Reviewed minutes from April, a change was made to make sure the name of Schoedinger states the correct name of Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services by Schoedinger-North; minutes were approved and entered into the official records.
2. Attendance Sheet thru May are available here.

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cllutman17@gmail.com

1. April was a busy month! Still busily processing incoming memberships, but here’s where we are at the end of April: 167 household memberships, 1 business membership – Yellow Umbrella – Thanks, Andrea!
2. The mulch sale raised $5,950.  Expenses were the mulch purchase of $4,126.20 and printing the order forms was another $320. Profit to date is $1,503.80. (plus $478 was delivered at the meeting from S. Biggs.)
3. The annual mailing and permit fees were $2,195, and pizza for the stuffing party was $98.25. Mike Stone is owed an additional $200 due to a bank error.
4. Rita bought bags for $870.75 and Ed purchased NCC banquet tickets for $159.40.
5. Memberships keep rolling in, though at a slower pace. If your check hasn’t cleared your bank yet, please bear with us! Cheryl probably has another 70-80 to work through.

Public Relations Mary Sguerra –  marysguerra@howardhanna.com

1. Saturday, May 18th is the Forest Park Community Garage Sale. If you want to participate please have your entry form turned in by Wednesday, May 15th. We are looking for 2 volunteers to hand out the Garage Sale List at the Forest Park East and Forest Park West islands at Karl Rd & Sandalwood from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. If you can help out please contact Mary Sguerra at  614-506-7540. An ad was paid for and placed in the Columbus Dispatch for the Garage Sale and it will run Thursday, Friday & Saturday. The charge was $51.96 and the invoice was emailed to Cheryl Lutman, Treasurer.
2. Mary rec’d a phone call from a very concerned resident on Satinwood regarding the constant speeders on that street. He wanted to know what we could do about it and could we get speed bumps. (Erin will contact Patrick to see where he is with the speed bump committee.)
3. Daniel Purdy (who helped with mulch delivery) will maintain the grass and mulch spreading on the Forest Park east and west islands. We may need some additional mulch.

Forester Editor Rita Woeste – forester_ed@fpcivic.org

1. Articles and pictures for June Forester need to be to Rita by May 17th, for delivery around May 26th or 27th. 
2. Articles and pictures for July Forester need to be to Rita by June 14th, for delivery around June 23rd or 24th.
3. Looking for more volunteers to help with Forester – please contact Rita at the above email address.

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

1. 3 houses sold in April, in area 2 and area 11. 2 homes were purchased by a company and may be rentals, and not sure if someone will be living in them yet. 
2. Thank you to the FPCA board for allocating funds to the welcome committee! We have approximately 150 folders still, and don’t think we’ll need to order more this year. The funds will go towards adding additional materials to the folder and looking into hosting an event for new neighbors.

Volunteer Coordinator Erin Materu – volunteerfpca@gmail.com

Thank you to all who volunteered at the Mulch Sale. Scott did an amazing job and it was a huge success!  I am getting guest speakers lined up for our meetings. If you have any suggestions or requests please let me know. I also have 2 thank you cards for us to sign for 2 of our long time volunteer members.

Membership Coordinator  Mike Stone – msto0103@yahoo.com

Please remind your neighbors about becoming members. We need to blast the membership on social media! Mike will start to tally area rankings and advertise that on social media and in the Forester. Let’s staff those food truck events to get more members. We will continue to raise membership awareness in the future months.

Social Activities Andrea Philipsen – andrea@yellowumbrellahomes.com

1. Thank you to all who attended the first social event of the year on 5/1 at North YMCA featuring The Peach Cobbler Factory. Next events on May 16th and June 11th! A tent with tables and chairs to be set up at each event so you can enjoy in the shade!
2. Financial Literacy course on May 29th,10am at North YMCA with State Bank!
3. Get ready for International Fest July 27th, 2-5p – mark your calendars now – live entertainment (two dance troupes!) and foods to be sampled from across the world! @ North YMCA
4. Accepting candy donations for 4th of July parade and Trunk or Treat. All donations to Andrea Philipsen, please.
5. FPCA t-shirts were designed and ordered for all FPCA officers, committee chairs, area reps, and Forester delivery people. We will have extras available for purchase as local FPCA events this summer.

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

1. NCC is looking for volunteers for the 4th of July parade. Look for info in this Forester or show up at Casa Mezcal on the 3rd Tues. of each month from 7-8 pm.
2. Columbus Police – we had a small rise in gun shootings and car jacking in the area
3. Nat’l Night Out – Aug. 6th. We are registered with the YMCA to host. Trevor is applying for grant money for us.
4. May is National Bike Month – get out and ride.
5. The CEO from the Columbus Library system is retiring after 30 years. They are doing a national search to replace him.
6. Northland HS completed a STEM competition in Atlanta, and represented the area and the school system extremely well. Congratulations Vikings! 

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale – ed1vanasdale@gmail.com

April 24, 2024 meeting. 2 cases were heard, but neither were in the immediate FP area.

Website Administrators Scott Biggs – sbiggsmail@yahoo.com  Dave Paul – dwpaul@fpcivic.org  

The website continues to be updated with monthly events. Typically, these are also shared on our official FPCA Facebook page and then shared on the Forest Park Neighborhood page. Andrea Philipsen continues to promote FPCA events on Facebook. Ashley Howard has volunteered to help us with social media, including our Instagram account which is not currently updated.

OLD BUSINESS

• Scott Biggs (Area 5 Rep, Mulchmaster) FPCA Mulch Sale Report – May 2024

1. 1. 1. The 2024 Mulch Sale was a success. We sold 1,140 bags of black mulch and 240 bags of brown mulch. This includes 100 extra bags of black and 50 extra bags of brown that were ordered on delivery day in addition to the online and mailed pre-orders.
      2. Bags were purchased from Ohio Mulch for $2.99 and sold for $5 a bag, which included delivery to Forest Park homes on May 4, 2024.
      3. A lot of people paid the extra PayPal fees online, and some people gave tips or additional contributions.
      4. We ordered 50 extra brown bags and had 30 left over. After a week of slow sales, the last 21 brown bags were sold at a discount to clear the inventory.
      5. In 2025, we will order more extra black bags and fewer extra brown bags.
      6. Special thanks to the people who delivered the mulch and those who used their vehicles to do so. We would like to see more people involved next year.
      7. Thank you to Sequoia Pro Bowl for allowing us to use its parking lot for mulch storage and delivery headquarters.
      8. Thank you to Mary Sguerra who bought 130 bags of mulch and donated them to the FPCA to mulch the landscaped Welcome Islands at Karl Rd. and Sandalwood Blvd.
      9. Thank you to Forest Park east residents Homer and Sandra Santos of Martin’s Dumpster Hauling Services for again donating their time, muscle and large trailer.
      10. Thank you to Forest Park West resident Justin Moegling and his assistant Mike of Moegling Home Remodeling. His large trailer was in use at a job site so he rented a trailer from U-Haul with his own money and they worked all day delivering. He declined reimbursement and said was happy to help.

• Laura Hayes – Grant Research Committee 

1. 1. During the budget meeting our president Ed asked if anyone was willing to research grants.
   2. I have found a few people interested in looking into grants we may be eligible for. If anyone else is interested in being involved please text/email me (614-736-8812). We will find a day in June to get together for a few hours to discuss grants. Thanks.
   3. Forest Park Night sponsored by Gabby’s – June 8th, Saturday, 6:00 pm -??, bring a dish to share with people.

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/IDEAS

1. Ashley Howard (Satinwood) Helping out with social media. Looking to expand our SM presence (esp. Instagram)
2. Bob Hinebaugh is so excited and proud to see the young people stepping into all of the FPCA positions, and Bob says, “They are SAVING Forest Park!”

Meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA

Forest Park Civic Association Meeting

Date: 9 April 2024

Location: Epworth United Methodist Church

Meeting called to order @ 7:02 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 for the great turn out and great job at the annual membership stuffing over the weekend.
2. FPCA Volunteers of the Year: Laura Hayes and Andrea Philipsen for all of the work that they have done over the last year. They will be honored at the NCC Banquet on Tues., April 16th at Villa Milano.

Guest Speaker:

Jamie and Larry Middaugh from “The Peach Cobbler Factory” off of 4691 Morse Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230, Stoneridge Plaza. They are going to be the kickoff food truck of the 2024 Social Activities season on May 1st – 6-8pm at the North YMCA. Come and get your “cobbler flights”. They have cobblers, churros, brownies, etc. We are very excited to have them kick off our summer of fun! We had lots of free samples at the meeting. Yum!!!

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, MS, RW, DVM, KVM, SL, LH, EM, AP, KG
• Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: TS, CA, DP, SB
• Area Reps in Attendance: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13 
• Area Reps Absent: 5, 6, 8, 10, 14 (Area 14 remains vacant )
• Total meeting attendance: 25

1. Reviewed minutes from March, no changes or corrections were needed, minutes have been approved and were entered into the official records.
2. Attendance Sheet thru April will be available on the online version of the minutes on the website. Attendance thru April

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cllutman17@gmail.com

1.  A copy of March’s Treasurer’s Report and draft budget are available in the online minutes of the website.
2. Mulch sales are already starting to roll in, and more are coming. We also received 5 new household memberships. The bulk of our annual mailing printing has been paid, but the last sheets for the mulch sale will be in 2024, and booked as an expense against the sale.
3. The biggest item of note – we finished the year in the black! We had total income of $31,911.98, and total outflow of $29,151.28, resulting in a balance carry forward of $2,760.70.
4. Notes for the 2024 – 2025 budget: we need at least 480 household memberships and at least 10 business memberships. If folks have items they want included, now is almost past time to speak up.
5. A quick shoutout to Mike Stone who figured out how to navigate the new USPS system for our annual mailing. We have some work to do with the post office to get everything the way it should be, but he is definitely the hero of our mailing this year!

Public Relations Mary Sguerra – marysguerra@howardhanna.com

Forest Park Spring Garage Sale: May 18th. $5.00 to get your ad in the Forester. 

Forester Editor Rita Woeste – forester_ed@fpcivic.org

1. Rita needs to buy bags to stuff the Forester in, money was approved from the budget.
2. Made a motion to put a 1 month ad in the Forester for Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services by Schoedinger-North as a gift for their services in letting us use their facility for the membership stuffing. The motion was voted on and passed.
3. May Forester articles are due April 19th. June articles are due May 17th.

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

Crime in the greater FP area is down 23% for the first quarter.

See full report in the Forester.

Business Representative 

Sheridan Landon – slandon52@gmail.com  Cynthia Alkire – 1classicyn@gmail.com Absent

Nothing new. Getting ready to start heading to businesses.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Welcome Committee Chair Laura Hayes – hayeslaura2@gmail.com

1. Two homes were sold in Forest Park in the month of March, in Area 8 and Area 2. Laura contacted all the area reps to ask if the Welcome Packets that were passed out at the past few meetings were getting distributed.
2. Laura contributed an article to the annual mailing edition of the Forester (April) about the welcome folder and to encourage neighbors to connect with new residents of the neighborhood.

Volunteer Coordinator Erin Materu – volunteerfpca@gmail.com

Membership drive envelope stuffing was a success, we had 29 people attend. Thank you all for participating. Extra thanks to Penny and the Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services by Schoedinger-North, for all of their help.

Membership Coordinator  Mike Stone – msto0103@yahoo.com

1. Thanked all those involved in the stuffing, especially Katie, Dave, Rita, Lou, Mary, Erin, and Cheryl for all of the behind the scenes prep work. We had 29 volunteers in attendance. It took 2 hours to complete–that’s a record folks! Thanked Andy Hunt for the use of his truck to take all 2800+ membership envelopes to the USPS. 
2. We will be having drawings throughout the spring for all those who have sent in their membership application (gift cards as prizes.)
3. People who have sent in their membership will be recognized in the Forester.

Social Activities Andrea Philipsen – andrea@yellowumbrellahomes.com

1. Andrea hope you all enjoyed “March Madness” on Facebook – 14 days of Forest Park social event announcements! Please take note of the upcoming events column featured in all upcoming issues and check our neighborhood page on Facebook for all the latest.
2. Now accepting candy donations for the July 4th parade. Please bring candy donations to the June meeting. Call 614.264.3846, Andrea – for more info or drop off.

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

See NCC report in separate article in the month’s Forester.

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale – ed1vanasdale@gmail.com

The committee met on March 27th and heard 5 cases. None of the cases pertained to the FP area.

Website Administrators 

Scott Biggs – sbiggsmail@yahoo.com  Absent       Dave Paul – dwpaul@fpcivic.org  Absent

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

OLD BUSINESS

Updates on the 2nd Annual Mulch Sale:

Mulch Sale:

• We have received several online orders and expect many more when the flyer hits mailboxes with the membership mailing. We will need volunteers on Saturday, May 4, from 9 am to about Noon or 1 pm for delivery. 
• Delivery Central is Sequoia Pro Bowl parking lot at Sandalwood and Yellowwood Dr.
• We will need: trucks and trailers, physically fit adults and teens, drivers, navigators, lifters, and a few on-site managers to keep everyone coordinated. We will again provide route maps and a list of addresses for delivery crews.
• If we do not get enough big trailers volunteered, we will rent a Uhaul trailer(s). 
• Our highest need is physically fit people to load and unload mulch for a few hours.
• The deadline for orders is Friday, April 19th. The final order is due to Ohio Mulch on April 22nd. 
• Orders and delivery is limited to Forest Park.

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/IDEAS

Secretary, Lou Bernard, asked for suggestions for possible guest speakers in the future. He received a list of great ideas, and will coordinate with Erin (Volunteer Coordinator) to begin making contacts.

Meeting adjourned at 8:11 PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA

Forest Park Civic Association Meeting

Forest Park Civic Association Meeting

Date: 12 March 2024

Location: Epworth United Methodist Church

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

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Attendance was taken via roll call.

OFFICER REPORTS

President Ed Vanasdale – ed1vanasdale@gmail.com

Guest Speaker: Zach Williams, Community Development Officer from State Bank. He spoke on the state affordable housing in central Ohio–affordable housing in the area is a real problem. Interest rates are coming down slowly, mid to high 5’s by the year’s end. There are many programs out there to help first time homebuyers, including many grants. Contact him at 614.336.7779  Zach.Williams@YourStateBank.com

Social Activities Coordinator, Andrea, discussed financial education events that she and Zach have planned for the upcoming year:

• Tues., Apr. 23rd, 6:00-6:30 pm, Home Buyers Seminar – Open to the public (free) at the North YMCA
• Wed., May 29th 10 am, General Financial Literacy – Open to the public (free) at the North YMCA – for adults, teens, all are welcome – discussing types of accounts, credit scores, etc.
• Tues., June 4th, 6:30 pm, Buyers and Sellers Seminar – Open to the public (free) at the North YMCA

Vice President Trevor Secord – tsecord@une.edu

Trevor had the names for the NCC Volunteers of the Year. Delivered names to the President of FP, nominees will be voted on by the executive board.

Secretary Lou Bernard – loubernard3@gmail.com

1. Attendance:

• Officers/Committee Chairs Present: EV, TS, LB, CL, MS, DVM, KVM, LH, EM, MS, AP, KG, DP
• Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: RW, SL, CA, SB
• Area Reps in Attendance: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 11, 12
• Area Reps Absent: 5, 6, 8,10, 13, 14  (Area 14 remains vacant )
• Total meeting attendance: 25

1. Attendance Sheet thru March available here.
2. Reviewed minutes from February, two corrections were made: 1) Andrea Philipsen’s name was spelled wrong, and 2) the starting time was written as 8:01 instead of 7:01. Changes were approved, minutes were voted on, approved, and were entered into the official records.

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cllutman17@gmail.com

1. One new household membership. 
2. Expenses were security, Forester printing and bags.
3. We are trying to figure out how to do bulk mail through the post office’s online account. There does not appear to be a clear way to do it. We cannot limit the mailing to just households in our neighborhood, as the postal routes extend all the way to Cleveland and down to Morse in FP East. In FP West, they cross into Woodward Park, and so the USPS wants to charge for too many pieces. We may need to continue to take the mailing to Citygate, just as we have done.
4. If any committee chairs have items that they will need money for, please submit requests to Cheryl to make sure they get allocated in the budget.
5. The February monthly report was voted on and approved.

Public Relations Mary Sguerra –  marysguerra@howardhanna.com

1. FPCA’s “Gather at Gabby’s” is back on! The last Thursday of every month, beginning in March from 6:30-8:00 pm. Join officers, volunteers, and other Forest Park residents for an informal night of socializing at Gabby’s Neighborhood Tavern in Tamarack Circle. Meet neighbors and FPCA representatives, talk about any neighborhood issues or just enjoy a night out. Every last Thursday of each month.
2. June 8th: Potluck at Gabby’s for FPCA residents. More info to come.
3. Also, Gabby’s has a grill going every Thursday during the summer at dinner time. Great deals (inexpensive) for a cookout dinner.
4. FPCA Spring Garage Sale will be May 18th. Look for more info in the Forester.

Forester Editor Rita Woeste – forester_ed@fpcivic.org  Absent

1. Deadline for articles is Friday, March 22nd.
2. A great article for the front page for the April /Membership Issue is needed. Ed said he would write the letter/article.

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. There is a new branch manager for the security company and we will be meeting with him the week of March 18th.
2. See Block Watch report in the Forester.

Business Representative Sheridan Landon – slandon52@gmail.com  Cynthia Alkire – 1classicyn@gmail.com             Both Absent – No Report

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Welcome Committee Chair Laura Hayes – hayeslaura2@gmail.com

One house sold in Feb. in Area 12. Welcome folder will be put out for the Area Rep. Thanks to all Reps (especially Jane Dean) for helping out, last month there were 10 folders. Area 5 Rep, Scott Biggs, sent word to Laura that he had very positive responses from new homeowners who received the folders he delivered.

Volunteer Coordinator Erin Materu – volunteerfpca@gmail.com

1. Membership Stuffing Day: Happy to report that we have made contact with several people who have agreed to volunteer on Saturday, April 6th at 1:30 pm at Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services by Schoedinger-North at 5554 Karl Rd.
2. Erin reported that she was granted access to the volunteer email account.

Membership Coordinator  Mike Stone –  msto0103@yahoo.com

1. Membership Stuffing Day: Saturday, April 6th at 1:30 pm at Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services by Schoedinger-North at 5554 Karl Rd. If you are interested in helping out and spending time with some fun neighbors, please contact Erin or Mike.
2. Mike thanked many people who were there for streamlining the process even before he took over. 
3. Dave Paul and others are coordinating an effort to get all of the pieces for the stuffing day printed and gathered up.
4. Committee Chairs should write an article about what your committee does for this month’s Forester. It is a great time to call for volunteers.
5. Discussed the issues revolving around the USPS and bulk mailing that he and Cheryl (Treasurer) are trying to work out.
6. Thanked Andy Hunt for volunteering his truck to drive all the membership envelopes to the USPS. 
7. The committee will continue to meet in order to come up with new ideas for increasing memberships over the summer.

Social Activities Andrea Philipsen – andrea@yellowumbrellahomes.com

1. Bikes/Trikes volunteers have been organized for the 4th of July Parade.
2. Andrea has planned 14 events from now until Halloween. Look for a list coming soon. She is always looking for volunteers to help out and give support where/when needed.

Here are a few of the events from FPCA at the North YMCA :

• April 20th, 10:00 am, Healthy Kids Day!
• May 1st, 6:00-8:00 pm, 2024 Summer Social Season Kick-Off! The Peach Cobbler Factory Food Truck (local company-4691 Morse Rd)
• May 16th, 5:00 pm, JP’s Special Food Truck!
• June 11th, 5:00 pm, Tortilla Mexican Street Food Truck!

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

See NCC column in the Forester.

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale – ed1vanasdale@gmail.com

3 cases were heard this month (only 2 relative to FP):

1. Case #1 Application to permit use of existing structure for a shared living facility – Tabled December 2023. 2433 Teakwood Dr., 43229 • The Committee approved (14-2 w/ 1 abstention) a motion to RECOMMEND APPROVAL of the application.
2. Case #3 Application for a special permit to allow the location of a mobile pop-up store in a parking lot. DHL Express is moving from Columbus Square parking lot to 2400 Corporate Exchange Dr., 43231 • The Committee approved (17-0) a motion to RECOMMEND APPROVAL of the application. (FPCA secretary’s note: This will be across the street from Home Depot/McDonald’s on Cleveland Ave. near I-270).

Website Administrators Scott Biggs – sbiggsmail@yahoo.com  Dave Paul – dwpaul@fpcivic.org

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

OLD BUSINESS  – None

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/IDEAS

Cheryl Lutman (Treasurer): Any thoughts on doing a mulch sale in 2024? It was a big hit (but it was a lot of work). The monies we made were a big help to our budget last year. As she works on the budget for 2024-2025, she noted that we could use another home run like that! Lou Bernard said he will contact Scott Biggs and see if he is willing to organize the sale this year. Lou will contact the Board members and Committee Chairs with Scott’s response and see what is needed to move forward. Note: 3-17-2024, Scott Biggs has agreed to head up the mulch sale again. He will be looking for lots of volunteers to help.

Meeting adjourned at 8:01PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA

Forest Park Civic Association Meeting

Date: 13 February 2024

Location: Epworth United Methodist Church

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

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Attendance was taken via roll call.

OFFICER REPORTS

President Ed Vanasdale – ed1vanasdale@gmail.com

None-due to extensive time needed for Membership Coordinator to plan.

Guest Speaker: None

Vice President Trevor Secord – tsecord@une.edu Absent

Secretary Lou Bernard – loubernard3@gmail.com

1. Attendance:

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

1. Reviewed minutes from January, no changes or corrections needed, minutes have been approved and were entered into the official records.
2. Attendance Sheet thru February is available online.

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cllutman17@gmail.com

1. Not much activity this month.
2. Two new household memberships.  The one coming through PayPal paid the fee – thank you!
3. Advertising revenue has come in.
4. Paying the last couple of months of security invoices

Public Relations Mary Sguerra –  marysguerra@howardhanna.com

1. Save the Date for this year’s SPRING Forest Park Community Garage Sale to be on Saturday, May 18th.
2. Mary is volunteering to help with the Forest Park Membership drive by applying the labels on all of the envelopes like in the past.

Forester Editor Rita Woeste – forester_ed@fpcivic.org

1. Items are due this Friday, February 16th for the March Forester.. Delivery will begin as early as Feb. 23 thru the following week.
2. Bags will be ordered for 4 months of Foresters.
3. April Forester articles are due on March 22nd.

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

We would like more folks to attend Block Watch. Officer Yandrich was here and it didn’t look good to have such a small crowd. We originally split the time to give people the chance to speak with a member of the CPD. A more complete Block Watch report will appear in the Forester.

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

1. Sheridan has been out visiting area businesses, and trying to drum up more business memberships.
2. Cynthia has been hitting up area business, too. She has been working in the area of Columbus Square shopping area, especially Bakaro International Market, trying to get them to become business members.
3. The Happy Druggist has closed. We are sad to see them leave.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Welcome Committee Chair Laura Hayes – hayeslaura2@gmail.com

1. This month we have 5 new Forest Park homeowners. So we have new Welcome Folders to distribute.
2. Thanks to all those who helped pass out the folders last month.

Volunteer Coordinator Erin Materu – mmateru@hotmail.com

1. We have filled the position of Membership Coordinator, thank you Mike Stone; and have found people to support Mike in this process.
2. We are still looking for an Area 14 Rep. This position has been vacant for years. If you are interested, please contact Erin.

Membership Coordinator  Mike Stone – msto0103@yahoo.com

1. The most critical point is that the earliest that we could (should) do the membership stuffing and delivery would be for the April edition.
2. There are a number of new procedures and protocols which will need to be followed through the USPS and this will take some time.  
3. We are still doing a bulk mailing with the Forester-this has been protocol for the last 7+ years. We will need lots of help pulling this thing off.
4. Things to try: competition between areas with the highest percentage of members, weekly reminders to previous members, have area reps get more connected with people in the neighborhood, setting up tables at area events, yard signs to remind people of membership drive, etc.
5. There will be a meeting with the executive board to iron out the final details this week.

Social Activities Andrea Philipsen – andrea@yellowumbrellahomes.com

1. March 8th Family Fun and Movie Night postponed due to staffing change at YMCA.
2. The Forest Park Social Season kicks off in the YMCA parking lot on May 1st with “Peach Cobbler Factory” from 6-8pm!
3. More event announcements in the weeks to come!

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

February Meeting Minutes

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale – ed1vanasdale@gmail.com

No cases pertaining to the Forest Park Area were heard this month.

Website Administrators Scott Biggs – sbiggsmail@yahoo.com    Dave Paul – dwpaul@fpcivic.org   

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

OLD BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/IDEAS

March Guest Speaker: Our guest speaker will be Zach Williams, from State Bank. (Zach was going to be our Nov. ‘23 guest speaker, but he was unable to make it due to illness.) Zach is an expert in all things home loans, and he’s ready to speak on a variety of topics including hosting financial literacy classes, if there’s interest! You can find Zach on Instagram (@loanswithZach), and we look forward to seeing him and YOU on the 12th! (Copied from Facebook post by A. Philipsen)

Meeting adjourned at 8:12 PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA

Forest Park Civic Association Meeting

Date: 9 January 2024

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

1. Sarah Pomeroy, Senior Assistant Columbus City Attorney, swore in all FPCA board members, committee chairs, and area representatives. 
2. Ed thanked Sarah for all of her hard work for the Northland area. He thanked returning FPCA officers, chairs and reps, and welcomed all  new members to their positions.

Guest Speaker: State Representative Munira Abdullahi

Munira Abdullahi is the representative for Ohio House District 9 – Northland area. She gave a brief introduction on how she came to live in Forest Park and how she became our District Representative. Her biggest passions are healthcare (focusing on lowering the cost of insulin and other diabetes services) and education. She is here for us and is interested in helping to make FP a better place. Please call her with any questions or concerns you have, Munira Abdullahi, 77 S. High Street, 10th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215; office: (614) 466-2473; email address: Rep09@ohiohouse.gov

Vice President Trevor Secord – tsecord@une.edu

Northland Community Council (NCC) Report

Secretary Lou Bernard – loubernard3@gmail.com

1. Attendance:

• Officers/Committee Chairs Present: EV, TS, LB, CL, MS, RW, DVM, KVM, SL, LH, AP, KG
• Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: MS, DP
• Area Reps in Attendance: 1, 3, 4, 9
• Area Reps Absent: 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 (Area 14 remains vacant )
• Total meeting attendance: 23
• 2024 FPCA January Attendance

1. Reviewed minutes from December 2023 meeting, no changes or corrections needed; minutes were approved and entered into the official records.

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cllutman17@gmail.com

1. 3 new household memberships – and two paid their PayPal fee, so thank you!
2. Two expenses – First, a $15.00 bank charge for the returned check due to a stop payment on a membership check. Attempted to contact the residents with no success. Second, Andrea used some of her social committee funds to help with the teen Christmas present program.
3. We are still about $2,000 under budget on household memberships. At $30/each, that equals about 66 households. We are also down on business memberships. We need 6 more to make budget.
4. Anything anyone can do in these last couple of months is helpful.

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

Forester Editor Rita Woeste – forester_ed@fpcivic.org

1. Will bring a handout of due dates for the 2024 year of when to expect article/ad submission and when Forester will go to print. 
2. January Forester will go online by Sunday January 6.
3. As of this date, February Forester will be online as well. 
4. Jan 23rd is the due date for the online version of the February 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

Block Watch meeting at 6:00 pm.

Code Enforcement/Issues meeting at 6:30. 

The regular FPCA meeting  at 7:00 pm. 

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

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Welcome Committee Chair Laura Hayes – hayeslaura2@gmail.com

We have 14 Welcome Folders to be delivered. Area Reps will be contacted by Laura to pick up their folders.

Volunteer Coordinator Erin Materu mmateru@hotmail.com    No Report

Social Activities Andrea Philipsen – andrea@yellowumbrellahomes.com

Andrea is planning and preparing lots of fun events for the upcoming year. She will keep us posted with a list of events in the Forester.

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

Northland Community Council (NCC) Report

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

Website Administrators Scott Biggs – sbiggsmail@yahoo.com, Dave Paul – dwpaul@fpcivic.org  

Our website is always – always being updated with new and upcoming info! Please check it out!!

OLD BUSINESS

1. Compost Exchange is trying to make Forest Park a hub. We need 25 neighbors to sign up and commit to the exchange in order for that to happen. Right now we have 10 people interested. If you would like to find out more about it, contact Laura Hayes, our Welcome Committee Chair. Laura is putting a hold on this project. The city of Columbus has opened a recycling and composting center at Busch Park (Olentangy and Bethel)
2. It was proposed that Councilman Remy come as a guest speaker. Ed will contact him.
3. Andrea is proposing a local craft fair in the Spring. This idea has been taken off the table and canceled.
4. The sign for the main entrance for Forest Park East was vandalized. It is in the process of being repaired by the Sign Team. The frame has been repaired, and the sign will be replaced within the next few weeks, weather permitting.

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/IDEAS

News From Area 5 Rep Scott Biggs concerning work done in Woodward Park concerning power outages.

Meeting adjourned at 8:08 PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA

Forest Park Civic Association Meeting

Date: 12 Dec 2023

Location: Casa Mezcal Restaurant (Holiday dinner/meeting)

Meeting called to order @ 6:07PM by Ed Vanasdale 

Attendance was taken via roll call.

OFFICER REPORTS

President Ed Vanasdale – ed1vanasdale@gmail.com

1. Thanks to all of the officers, committee chairs, area reps, and volunteers for their service this past year. We have accomplished some great things and we could not have done it without you. Looking forward to another great year in 2024!
2. The January meeting will be the election and swearing in of all FPCA officers, committee chairs, and representatives and alternates. Sarah Pomeroy will swear us in. Everyone please attend. 
3. State Representative Munira Abdullahi (District 9-Northland Area) will be at our January meeting to introduce herself.
4. The Forest Park sign at the main entrance to FP East off of Karl Rd. was ripped off (literally) by vandals. The Sign Team (Ed, Daryl, and Lou) will be working over the next week to repair or replace it.

Guest Speaker: none

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, MB, LH, SB, AP, KG
• Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: TS, SL, DP
• Area Reps in Attendance: 2, 4, 5, 7, 12
• Area Reps Absent: 1, 3, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14 (Area 14 remains vacant )
• Total meeting attendance: 22

1. Reviewed minutes from November, no changes or corrections needed, minutes have been approved and were entered into the official records.

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cllutman17@gmail.com

1. We had 4 new household memberships, but had a returned check from October.  No new business memberships in the same period.
2. Advertising revenue was $1,550.
3. Our main expenses were a couple of months of security patrols, more bags for the Forester, and some funds for our social committee – notably candy for the wildly successful Trunk Or Treat!  We also renewed our liability insurance for another year.

Public Relations Mary Sguerra –  marysguerra@howardhanna.com

1. While decorating the islands at Karl Rd & Sandalwood on Saturday I noticed the large metal Forest Park sign was missing from the stone wall on the East island. I called a few people to inquire if anyone had any knowledge of what happened to it with no success. I spoke with a Columbus Police patrol and asked if they knew of any accident that might have damaged it but still no one had any idea. Later that week, I spotted the sign now resting up on the hill on the east side of the YMCA building and I was able to go with my son and pick it up and keep it in my garage until the Forest Park sign team will be reinstalling it later this month. I was so happy we found it!  Happy Holidays!   🙂

Forester Editor Rita Woeste – forester_ed@fpcivic.org

We need articles for the January (ONLINE only) Forester by Dec. 28th.

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 Absent

See report in the Forester.

Business Representative Marty Biggs – Marlynabiggs@yahoo.com,  Sheridan Landon – slandon52@gmail.com  Absent 

This is Marty Biggs last meeting as Business Rep. We need help in this area. Please contact Erin Materu (Volunteer Coordinator) mmateru@hotmail.com if you are willing to help find business members to join the FPCA.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

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

Volunteer Coordinator Scott Biggs – volunteerfpca@gmail.com

This was Scott’s last meeting as Volunteer Coordinator. Erin Materu will be taking over his position. Don’t be surprised if you get a call from her asking for your help!

Social Activities Andrea Philipsen – andrea@yellowumbrellahomes.com

2023 has been a year to always remember for the FPCA Social Committee! From food trucks, to hot and cold treats (shaved ice and coffee beverages!), to an amazing turn out for Trunk or Treat, we thank you for your enthusiasm, participation and support of these events. 2024 is already shaping up to be an incredible year of memorable, neighborly fun, so please be on the lookout for announcements this winter regarding the 2024 social season in Forest Park.

In December, we enjoyed Breakfast with Santa at the North YMCA, and Andrea Philipsen, Social Committee Coordinator, had the opportunity to represent on behalf of the FPCA at the Naturalization Ceremony that took place on Dec 6th, also at the North YMCA. 148 people became US citizens and selected Columbus, OH to be their home. Wishing all of Forest Park a very happy new year and see you soon!

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

No Report

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale – ed1vanasdale@gmail.com

No Report

Website Administrators Scott Biggs – volunteerfpca@gmail.com, Dave Paul – dwpaul@fpcivic.org Absent  

Our website is always – always being updated with new and upcoming info! Please check it out!!

OLD BUSINESS

1. Compost Exchange is trying to make Forest Park a hub. We need 25 neighbors to sign up and commit to the exchange in order for that to happen. Right now we have 10 people interested. If you would like to find out more about it, contact Laura Hayes, our Welcome Committee Chair.
2. It was proposed that Councilman Remy come as a guest speaker. Ed will contact him.
3. Andrea is proposing a local craft fair in the Spring.

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/IDEAS

1. Sign stolen.

Meeting adjourned at 6:37 PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA

Forest Park Civic Association Meeting Minutes

Date: 14 Nov 2023

The meeting attendance report, meeting minutes, and 2024 Slate of Candidates can be found by following this link — CLICK HERE

Forest Park Civic Association Meeting

Date: 10 October 2023

Location: Epworth United Methodist Church

Meeting called to order @ 8:01 PM by Ed Vanasdale 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Attendance was taken via role call.

OFFICER REPORTS

President Ed Vanasdale – ed1vanasdale@gmail.com

Budget Meeting Report (see the Budget Meeting Minutes in this Forester or at the end of these minutes-online only).

Guest Speaker: Gifting Youth Joy (non-profit organization)

Ziggy Cicchella (Secretary) (who lives in Forest Park) and their social work colleagues, Eryca Rivera (Treasurer), and Ellie Church (President) have started a non-profit organization called “Gifting Youth Joy.” Teens are often passed over in gift and toy drives, and they want to bring attention to the large number of teens in our community who are without during the holidays. Most toy drives stop gifting to kids when they reach 12 yrs old. They are hoping to fill that gap and give teens the wonderful holiday they deserve. They are accepting donations at giftingyouthjoy.org

Vice President Trevor Secord – tsecord@une.edu   NCC Report in this issue of the Forester.

Secretary Lou Bernard – loubernard3@gmail.com

1. Attendance: 

• Officers/Committee Chairs Present: EV, TS, LB, CL, MS, RW, MB, SL, SB, AP, KG, DP
• Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: DVM, KVM, LH
• Area Reps in Attendance: 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 
• Area Reps Absent: 1, 3, 4, 6, 14 (Area 14 remains vacant )
• Total meeting attendance: 35
• Attendance Record Sheet Thru October

2. Review minutes from September, no changes were made. Minutes approved.

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cllutman17@gmail.com

1. 13 new household memberships – one person noted they moved to the neighborhood 8/2023!
2. Advertising revenue of $1,145. Note that we have billed an additional $1,380 in advertising that has not been paid yet. In addition, we have $200 “on account” from those who have prepaid their ads for the year. Plus we deposited the rest of the Welcome Committee funds, including the match. We raised $505 for that effort – well done, all!
3. Expenses are in line. The August Forester printing was $985, we had bags for $91.38 and security was $675. We also paid for the garage sale ad of $51.96

Public Relations Mary Sguerra –  marysguerra@howardhanna.com

We had a garage sale in the fall with 21 participants. We made $51 after all advertising bills were paid (i.e. The Columbus Dispatch ads)

Forester Editor Rita Woeste – forester_ed@fpcivic.org

1. Nov/Dec. Forester will be combined into one issue. This helps with cost, but also with deliverers.
2. Articles for Nov/Dec are due by Nov. 3. Delivery around Nov. 12th and beyond.
3. We are still looking for delivery help. If you are interested in becoming an active part of your community, please contact Rita.

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 Absent – No Report

Business Representative Marty Biggs – Marlynabiggs@yahoo.com,  Sheridan Landon – slandon52@gmail.com  – No Report

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Welcome Committee Chair Laura Hayes – hayeslaura2@gmail.com

Welcome folders are almost ready to be sent out.

Volunteer Coordinator Scott Biggs – volunteerfpca@gmail.com   

1. We are creating the slate of volunteers for positions for the 2024 FPCA year. We are always looking for new members and people interested in serving their community. Please contact Scott if you are interested in helping.
2. We are also creating a new “Membership Coordinator” position and are looking for a motivated volunteer who loves working with people and is comfortable working with a database or spreadsheet.

Social Activities Andrea Philipsen – andrea@yellowumbrellahomes.com

1. Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Food Truck 5 pm Monday 10/16 at the YMCA.
2. TRUNK OR TREAT! I am using budget money to buy some extra candy, so I simply need extra volunteers! Trunks and kids needed too! 🙂 Trunk or Treat at the YMCA on 10/30 – Monday 6-8 pm. Please contact Andrea if you are willing to open your trunk for kids!
3. More info forthcoming on Veterans Day ceremony at the YMCA in November and Breakfast with Santa on December 2nd.
4. No pressure to have an FPCA table set up at events – it’s merely an opportunity to bring in more revenue for our organization. Andrea is unable to host and monitor a table simultaneously. She gets that volunteering is becoming more and more “a lost art” these days, but as leaders of our neighborhood, everyone should make an appearance at these organized events from time to time, show your support and interact with our Forest Park neighbors!
5. New postcards were made and put in the Welcome Folders to describe the FPCA and what we do.

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

See NCC Report in this issue.

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale – ed1vanasdale@gmail.com

2 cases were brought before the committee, only one pertained to FP. 

• Application to permit use for window tinting and car rental services; concurrent Council variance to add storage uses – 2050 E Dublin Granville Rd, 43229. The Committee approved (13-0) a motion to TABLE the application, as requested by the applicant.

Website Administrators Scott Biggs – volunteerfpca@gmail.com, Dave Paul – dwpaul@fpcivic.org  

Our website and Facebook pages are always being updated with new and upcoming info! Please check them out!!

OLD BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/IDEAS

None

Meeting adjourned at 7:59 PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA

(Budget meeting minutes follow.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Budget Meeting

Date: 5 Oct 2023

Epworth United Methodist Church

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

The following Executive Board Members, Officers, and Committee Chairs were in attendance: 

Ed Vanasdale (Pres), Trevor Secord (VP), Cheryl Lutman (Treas), Lou Bernard (Sec), Mary Squerra (Pub. Relations), Rita Woeste (Forester Editor), Daryl Vanmercetta (Security), Marty Biggs (Business), Laura Hayes (Welcome), Scott Biggs (Volunteer), and Dave Paul (Website)

The meeting was called to make sure the budget is balanced now that most of the memberships have been collected. As of 10/5/2023, we had 387 paid memberships since the beginning of the budget cycle (April 1). Last year we collected 480 paid memberships. Last year, items were cut from the budget (i.e. the number of Supplemental Security patrol hours) in order to balance the budget. This meeting was scheduled knowing that we are almost 100 memberships down from last year.

Items that were discussed, voted on, and passed are as follows:

1. The budget was reviewed and it was decided that we could not cut the Forester or Supplemental Security since those were promised through this budget cycle. A motion was made and passed to supply any budget shortfall (approximately $895) with money from the reserves in the savings account. Noting that if membership does not increase next year, Supplemental Security may take a major hit.
2. In order to save money, the November and December Forester will be combined into a single issue. January and February issues will be online like they have been since Covid. 
3. The membership drive mailing will be moved to March instead of May to correspond with the beginning of the budget cycle, April 1st. If any money is needed to make this happen, because technically it was not budgeted for in the 23-24 budget, the money will be borrowed from the reserves.
4. A letter will be included in the March/Membership newsletter explaining budget cuts to the 24-25 year if the membership count does not increase.
5. $500 was reallocated to the Social Committee to help Andrea continue to plan, promote, and expand the many activities she is coordinating.
6. We are in GREAT need of a Membership Drive Committee Chair, the Volunteer Coordinator will be looking to fill this role.
7. Welcome Committee and Volunteer Committee chairs will be working to contact Area Reps to deliver the new Welcome Folders. 
8. The December meeting, to follow tradition, will be held at a local restaurant for the Officers, Committee Chairs, Area Reps and their families. Restaurants were discussed and a meeting place will be announced shortly. (Note: None of this meeting is paid with FPCA funds, each person/family is responsible for their own bill.)

Meeting adjourned 8:36 PM.

Budget Meeting Minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA

Forest Park Civic Association Meeting

Forest Park Civic Association Meeting

Date: 12 Sep 2023

Location: Epworth United Methodist Church

Meeting called to order @ 7:02PM by Ed Vanasdale 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Attendance was taken via role call.

OFFICER REPORTS

President Ed Vanasdale – ed1vanasdale@gmail.com No Report

Guest Speaker:  Devin Deal : Neighborhood Liaison DDDeal@columbus.gov  (614) 645-7964

Devin was hired 2 months ago replacing Alfred Akainyah.

1. Goal is to support the area civic associations, and escalate the concerns that people have. He will help us find the right people in order to solve local problems.
2. A neighbor had a concern about the excessive speed on Sandalwood Ave. He wanted info about how to get speed bumps installed. Devin’s suggestion is first we need to submit 311 about speeding on Sandalwood, Satinwood, etc. Start taking note of time when speeding is most prevalent. A traffic calming committee will be established to draft a letter and get signatures to petition the city.
3. A neighbor had a concern about the area surrounding the old pool behind Sequoia Bowl. Devin will drive by and take a look at the property. He will see if there is a possibility to get the organization who owns the property connected with organizations for cleaning up the property.
4. A neighbor was concerned about the amount of vandalism happening in FP. Devin will be coming back with people from the City of Columbus to hear concerns.
5. A neighbor had a concern about the lack of green space that has been removed due to the roundabout project along Rt. 161. Devin will follow up with the neighbor.

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, MS, RW, DVM, KVM, SL, LH, AP, KG, DP
• Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: TS, MB, SB
• Area Reps in Attendance: 1, 2, 4, 7, 11, 12, 13
• Area Reps Absent: 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 14 (Area 14 remains vacant)
• Total meeting attendance: 23

1. Reviewed minutes from July, no changes or corrections needed, minutes have been approved and were entered into the official records.

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cllutman17@gmail.com

1. 24 new household memberships, 1 new business membership.  It came in through Hadler Companies.  They also requested we continue their ad with no changes. We continue to receive contributions toward our other function areas.
2. Primary expenses were the Forester printing, security patrols and the cost of mowing the islands.
3. Cheryl is working with the advertising chair to provide an update on outstanding advertising invoices. She will amend this report with that detail later this week. 

Public Relations Mary Sguerra –  marysguerra@howardhanna.com

We have the Fall Garage Sale this Saturday and the Bowling Outing on Sunday.

Forester Editor Rita Woeste – forester_ed@fpcivic.org

1. Needed money to buy bags for the Forester. Money was approved.
2. Articles by this Friday, Sept. 15th. 
3. We need one extra delivery person for 3 months. Please contact Rita.

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 Marty Biggs – Marlynabiggs@yahoo.com  Absent,  Sheridan Landon – slandon52@gmail.com  No Report

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Welcome Committee Chair Laura Hayes – hayeslaura2@gmail.com

1. Hello! I am excited to be the newest member of the Forest Park Civic Association! I want to thank the previous chair – Ellin Ray – for all of her hard work and many years of support to the community. 
2. This month we stuffed 50 welcome folders! They should be ready to get delivered by all area reps in the very near future. Thanks to everyone who made this possible. 

Volunteer Coordinator Scott Biggs – volunteerfpca@gmail.com Absent

1. I staffed the FPCA table at the YMCA Food Truck in August with Andrea Philipsen. No new memberships, but we spoke to several people who were already members and handed out info on home property valuations and the 311 service.
2. I delivered extra Foresters to businesses (Donato’s, Gabby’s, Library, YMCA, Sequoia Pro Bowl, Epworth United, etc.) and have started dropping off newsletters to Prince Pizza in Tamarack Circle for their customers. The Manager was very friendly and receptive to future advertising in the Forester. All businesses are always happy to get the newsletters and have remarked often about how people ask for them.
3. I have started promoting a new FPCA Membership campaign called “Be a Part of the Park!” to run from September through December to increase memberships and volunteers. The campaign features photos of diverse people to show that everyone is welcome. Andrea has shared some good photos of residents at events that I will work into the campaign. Samples are on the fpcivic.org website and our Facebook page and on the vinyl membership sign with a QR code to our website (color version will replace the black and white poster soon). I also submitted a half page ad to Rita for the next Forester if she has space.
4. Website and Facebook updates continue weekly with upcoming events. Andrea Philipsen has joined the Facebook team and has added upcoming events as Facebook events so residents can save the events as reminders. We will promote this weekend’s Garage Sale and Bowling events. 
5. Questions and comments on Facebook about street lights continue to appear. I replied with an explanation and invited all interested parties to attend meetings for more info on this topic, especially tonight’s meeting with Devin. We may want to print an article/update about this in the next Forester from Ed or someone who knows more details.
6. I printed 200 Membership/Volunteer sheets for the new Welcome packets and delivered them to Laura. Many thanks to Laura and the volunteers who initiated and facilitated the new Welcome Packets!

Social Activities Andrea Philipsen – andrea@yellowumbrellahomes.com

Planning lots of events. Look for an infographic in this month’s Forester.

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

See report in the Forester.

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale – ed1vanasdale@gmail.com

3 cases were heard. None were in the immediate Forest Park neighborhood and were of little concern for its residents.

Website Administrators Scott Biggs – volunteerfpca@gmail.com Absent, Dave Paul – dwpaul@fpcivic.org  

Our website is always – always being updated with new and upcoming info! Please check it out!!

OLD BUSINESS

Mark Bell (Area 13 Rep) offered to match any collected funds to help restart the Welcome Folders. $250 was collected from members, and matching funds were met. Some Welcome Folders were found, more will be purchased with these new funds. The money collected will also be used to cover printing costs for the items in the folder. Thank you Mr. Bell!

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/IDEAS

We are looking for 3 or 4 people to form a committee concerning having speed bumps installed on the streets of Forest Park. If you are interested, submit your name to the secretary, Lou Bernard, loubernard3@gmail.com, and he will get your info to the appropriate people.

Meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA