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