Submitted by: Outreach Committee Chair – Michael Cote – michaelcote@fpcivic.org

1. The North YMCA hosted the Third Annual One Columbus Culture Day on May 1, 2026. Many residents in Forest Park celebrated a fun-filled evening of dance, music, and international food sponsored by the City of Columbus, Department of Neighborhoods, New American Program. The New American Program is an initiative designed to help immigrants and refugees integrate into the community by fostering economic, civic, and cultural engagement. Our celebration of diverse cultures is a hallmark of what makes Columbus such a vibrant and welcoming city.
2. Northland High School held its Second Annual Culture Festival, May 8, 2026. Many residents of Forest Park joined students, parents, faculty, administrators, and staff to enjoy a memorable evening of dance, musical performances, cooking demonstrations, and a delicious international meal! The students of NHS demonstrated a level of talent, hospitality, and enthusiasm that exemplifies the richness and diversity of cultures that makes Northland such a wonderful place to live. Northland High School makes Northland proud to be the international gateway to Columbus. Go Vikings!
3. Northland High School held its inaugural Northland Market, May 9, 2026. Over 80 vendors, crafters, organizations, and community groups were registered, including the FPCA. This was a great opportunity for  our civic association to network with organizations, meet new Forest Park residents, and we actually signed up new members! The Northland Market was a Community Campus School initiative to promote community networking and community involvement in Columbus City Schools. NHS deserves a resounding round of applause for organizing and hosting one the best community events ever held in Northland! With such an auspicious start we hope NHS will continue to host the Northland Market as an annual event for years to come. Go Vikings!

Mark your calendars for these upcoming events:

4. INPREM Food Pantry will hold a Gala to fund The House of Hope, June 13, 2026, 4 – 8 PM, Woodward Park Community Center, 5147 Karl Rd.  After more than a decade of serving the community, INPREM is being forced to move. The food pantry located at 5757 Karl Rd has served over 58,000 families in Central Ohio. It hopes to continue its operation in the Northland area, provided it can find a suitable location. For details, please contact hope@inprem.org
5. Rise Up CBUS will be held at Woodward Park Community Center, Thursday, June 25, 2026. The City of Columbus and Franklin County will host this free community event with food, music, and local resources from 4:30 – 7:30 pm. The purpose of the event is to promote community engagement, pride, and increased access to resources.
6. Karl Road Library will offer the following special programs for children this Summer:
   • Chefs Battle with Cooking Caravan, 2 pm, June 15, 2026. 
   • Yoga with Baby Goats, 2 pm, June 17, 2026.
   • Please contact the library for details and registration. 614-645-2275