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