Category Archives: Meeting Minutes and Reports

Meeting Minutes from FPCA meetings
Reports such as Treasuer Reports

FOREST PARK CIVIC ASSOCIATION MEETING May Minutes

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Date: 12 May 2026

Location: Epworth United Methodist Church

Meeting called to order @ 7:04 PM by Ashley Howard

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Attendance was taken via roll call.

OFFICER REPORTS

President Quentin Monden – quentinmonden@fpcivic.org  ABSENT, Ashley Howard – ashleyhoward@fpcivic.org

Guest Speaker:

  1. Columbia Gas Rep: Raquel Colon – Presented the Northern Columbus High Pressure Line project that would begin in 2027 in the vacant lot near the corner of Cleveland Ave. and Rt. 161 just north of the old Ryan Steakhouse (now Kids World). She discussed many aspects of the project: timeline, what the site is, why the site was chosen, aesthetics, security, etc. A great discussion was had, with lots of questions being answered and discussed. By an informal vote, the people present were in favor of the Columbia Gas proposal.
  1. Mini-mart/Gas Station Reps: The parties who plan to build the mini-mart/gas station presented their plans for the site. The architects of the project did not attend and did not give a reason for their absence. The parties/owners were not made aware of the new round-about that will be going in. A great discussion was had, with lots of questions being answered and discussed. By an informal vote, the majority of people present were NOT in favor of this proposal.

Vice President  Mark Bell – markbell@fpcivic.org

  1. Mark Bell explained Forest Park’s role in the NCC and all of its different organizations.
  2. NCC is planning to create a new logo. Mark explained the process and the old and new logos were presented.

Secretary Lou Bernard – secretary@fpcivic.org

  1. Attendance:
  • Officers/Committee Chairs Present: AH, MB, LB, RW, DVM, KVM, EV, SL, LV, MSt, KG, DP, SB
  • Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: QM, CL, MSg
  • Area Reps in Attendance: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 13
  • Area Reps Absent: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14 (Areas 6, 8, 14 are VACANT)
  • Total meeting attendance: 45
  1. Reviewed minutes from April, no changes or corrections needed, minutes have been approved and were entered into the official records.
  2. Attendance Sheet thru May: Online

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cheryllutman@fpcivic.org

  1. Through the end of April, we have received 127 household memberships, and Mary Sguerra renewed her business membership.
  2. In May so far, we have processed 57 additional memberships with one more business – Cynthia Fenstermaker and her realty services.
  3. Thanks to Mary’s efforts, we did collect one of our advertisers in arrears, so thank you, Mary!
  4. Expenses for the month include printing for both the Forester and the membership mailing sheets.
  5. Our PayPal account remains restricted, as they have asked for additional information, which we are providing. We will continue to monitor and advise.
  6. Some memberships were turned in during this meeting.

Community Concerns/Announcements/Ideas 

  1. The last Thursday of each month is Gather at Gabby’s. Come and hang out with your friends, FPCA officers, and committee chairs and chat about what is going on in FP.
  2. June 6th – Forest Park Night at Gabby’s – Please bring a side dish/dessert to share. They will be supplying the meat then stay and enjoy the music!

Public Relations Officer Mary Sguerra – marysguerra@fpcivic.org ABSENT

  1. REMINDER: Saturday, May 16th is the Forest Park Community Garage Sale. Please have your entry forms in by Wednesday, May 13, 2026  A list of participants will be handed out from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. on Saturday.
  2. SAVE THE DATE – July 4th Parade at 10 a.m. We are looking for volunteers interested in walking and passing out candy in the 4th of July Parade this year. 
  3. Also looking for help with this year’s float. The theme is: 250th Anniversary of America. Please contact me for additional information.

ForesterEditor Rita Woeste – forester@fpcivic.org

June Forester deadline for articles, ads, and photos is Sunday, May 17th (Monday at the latest). 

Supplemental Security Officer Daryl Van Mercetta – darylvanmercetta@fpcivic.org, Katie Van Mercetta – kvanmercetta@fpcivic.org

See report in the Forester.

Past President Ed Vanasdale – edvanasdale@fpcivic.org  No Report

Civic Action/311 Officer  Ed Vanasdale – edvanasdale@fpcivic.org  No Report

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Business Representative Sheridan Landon – sheridanlandon@fpcivic.org No Report

Welcome Committee Chair Latia VanDyke – latiavandyke@fpcivic.org

We need to do some more printing. We have a few documents to go in the folders. Board members are encouraged to look them over before they are printed.

Volunteer Coordinator VACANT

Membership Coordinator  Mike Stone – mikestone@fpcivic.org

  1. The membership drive is now approximately one month old, and this update summarizes current incoming membership data as well as progress toward our targets by area representative.
  2. We are also beginning to evaluate the effectiveness of our outreach materials, including the yard signs that have been distributed. Mike wants to thank everyone who has been receptive to displaying them in their yards.
  3. At this stage, we are behind on providing lanyards as well as producing targeted reports for each area representative to support ongoing membership collection efforts. Mike’s goal is to have both completed in advance of the June meeting. At that time, he will distribute lanyards and provide the most up-to-date membership report. In all likelihood, he will also circulate the report electronically prior to the meeting and provide printed copies during the session.
  4. If there are any questions or concerns in the meantime, please let him know.

Social Activities VACANT

NCC Representatives Mark Bell – markbell@fpcivic.org,  Latia VanDyke – latiavandyke@fpcivic.org,

Ken Gilbert – kengilbert@fpcivic.org

  1. CPD: Precinct 1 new liaison, Rodney Mayberry – Not present due to voting. We hope to meet him soon.
  2. Zone In Columbus: Lookout for new Zone In information being released around the end of the month.
  3. FACT & Consider Biking: Green Line received funding (roughly 27 Million for initial costs) 12 ft wide shared use path over 58 acres. It will include several parks and amenities along the path, and a bridge over Morse and a southern section to cross St. Rt. 3.
  4. NABA: 161 Cleanup on Saturday, June 13th. Meet at the Jiffy Lube at 9am.
  5. City of Columbus Liaison (Devin):
    • Dept of Neighborhoods Meeting on Thursday, June 25th 4:30 – 7:30pm at Woodward Park
    • Inprem Food Pantry Fundraising Gala on Saturday, May 16th 10am at Kilbourne Run Park
  6. NCC Picnic: Tuesday, August 11th at Warner Woods Pavillion 4747 Central College Rd.
  7. Independence Day Parade Committee: Meeting Wednesday, May 20th and June 17th at the Karl YMCA at 7pm if anyone would like to attend.
  8. Graphics and Code Task Force: Property tax re-evaluations to happen in June. Suspected increase is around 8.9%.
  9. NCC is proposing a new logo. NABA and other Northland logos changing to match.
  10. We have received our NCC Dues Invoice.

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale – edvanasdale@fpcivic.org

After the guest speakers’ presentations, Dave Paul (NCC Development Committee Chair) reviewed the role of the NCC Development Committee and Forest Park’s role and responsibilities on that committee.

Grant Writing Committee Chair  Quentin Monden – quentinmonden@fpcivic.org ABSENT, Laura Hayes – laurahayes@fpcivic.org  No Report

Outreach Committee Chair  Michael Cote – michaelcote@fpcivic.org See report online and in the Forester.

Website Administrators Scott Biggs – scottbiggs@fpcivic.org (Website/Facebook)   Dave Paul – dwpaul@fpcivic.org (Website)  Ashley Howard – ashleyhoward@fpcivic.org  (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

  1. Community Events:
    • Family Picnic: The board aims to reinstitute this event and will begin recruiting a coordinator.
    • Do we have a volunteer?
      1. Beautification Committee: While prizes are budgeted, the program is currently on hold. The Association is actively seeking a volunteer Chair to manage the program and oversee the award process.
        • Eileen Kunkler (kunkler85@gmail.com), Area 7 Rep, has volunteered to head up this committee. She is looking for people to work with.

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/IDEAS  – None

Meeting adjourned at 8:25 PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA

FOREST PARK CIVIC ASSOCIATION MEETING April Minutes

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Date: 14 April 2026

Location: Epworth United Methodist Church

Meeting called to order @ 7:06 PM by Ashley Howard, Quentin Monden

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Attendance was taken via roll call.

OFFICER REPORTS

President Quentin Monden – quentinmonden@fpcivic.org, Ashley Howard – ashleyhoward@fpcivic.org

We would like to recognize the FPCA Members/Volunteers who were honored at the NCC banquet last Tuesday. 

  • Volunteer of the Year Recipients
    • Katie Van Mercetta
    • Michael Cote
  • Ed Vanasdale was recognized as a Dedicated Civic Volunteer Service Recipient
  • Dave Paul, who is the chair of the NCC Development Committee, was recognized for his 15 years of work dedication on the NCC Development Committee and as chairman of the committee. 

Special Thank You! To everyone who helped with our Membership Envelope stuffing on Saturday. Please be on the lookout for the membership applications in your mail. Remember that this year you can pay by check or via PayPal. Following up from our December community survey, it was identified that there were a couple areas where we wanted more specificity from the community than we had in our original survey, so we have included a bright pink slip of paper with 2 questions in the membership envelopes. These can be returned with your membership application. If you are not mailing in an application, you are welcome to email me a copy or picture of your completed survey.

Guest Speaker: None

Vice President  Mark Bell – markbell@fpcivic.org

Thank you again not only to the volunteers who stuffed envelopes, but also — and especially — to the organizers, whose planning made the event run flawlessly.

Secretary Lou Bernard – secretary@fpcivic.org

  1. Attendance:
  • Officers/Committee Chairs Present: AH, QM, MB, LB, MSg, RW, DVM, KVM, EV, SL, LV, MSt, KG, DP, SB
  • Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: CL
  • Area Reps in Attendance: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 12, 13
  • Area Reps Absent: 1, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 14 (Areas 6, 8, 14 are VACANT)
  • Total meeting attendance: 24
  1. Reviewed minutes from March, no changes or corrections needed, minutes have been approved and were entered into the official records.
  2. Attendance Sheet thru April: online

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cheryllutman@fpcivic.org  Absent

  1. The fiscal year-end report was sent to all Board members. We ended the year in the red. If we could have collected on our arrears advertisers, plus had a couple more memberships, we would have made it. One of our arrears advertisers did send the remainder of their balance due, but it was a small amount relatively speaking.
  2. A couple of items:  The $25 is for the Statement of Continued Existence filing with the Ohio Secretary of State’s office. This needs to be filed about every 5 years.
  3. The remaining invoices from Paul for the annual mailing printing have been paid, but those checks have not yet cleared, so they will be on the next budget year. In addition, we still have the actual cost of postage and our bulk mailing fee that needs to be paid.
  4. The Treasurer’s Report was voted on and accepted.

Community Concerns/Announcements/Ideas 

  1. 161 Neighborhood Clean-up has started. They are held the 2nd Saturday of the month through October. Meet behind the Jiffy Lube (1800 Dublin-Granville Rd.) from 9:00-9:30 AM to receive supplies. Clean-up is from 9 AM until Noon. For more information visit Naba161TaskForce.org
  2. Columbus Dog Policy requires leashes (maximum 6 feet) in public, with strict poop-scoop rules and voice control in designated areas. See the city’s website for more information.

Public Relations Officer Mary Sguerra – marysguerra@fpcivic.org

  1. Community Garage Sale – May 16th – the sign up form will be in this month’s Forester.
  2. The 4th of July Float – Mary is looking for people to work with her. If you are interested, please contact Mary.

ForesterEditor Rita Woeste – forester@fpcivic.org

  1. June Forester articles must be sent to Rita by May 21st, Thursday.
  2. The new bags for Forester delivery are liked by many of the stuffers and delivery people.
  3. Canva will be the new platform for creating the newsletter. Rita has a new summer project – learn Canva!
  4. We are still looking for Forester delivery people in FP East , if you are interested contact Lou or Rita.

Supplemental Security Officer Daryl Van Mercetta – darylvanmercetta@fpcivic.org, Katie Van Mercetta – kvanmercetta@fpcivic.org

  1. Officer Hicks gave an update of the 18th precinct for the last 90 days.
    1. He pointed out that there still is a significant amount of vehicles that are getting stolen, especially in the AM when people start their cars up and leave them unattended. 
    2. Many cars are getting broken into with the vandals looking for guns.
    3. The Baymont Hotel on Morse is being shut down and boarded up for being a nuisance and many code violations.
  2. See report in the Forester.

Past President Ed Vanasdale – edvanasdale@fpcivic.org – No Report

Civic Action/311 Officer  Ed Vanasdale – edvanasdale@fpcivic.org

  1. 2 main issues for our area:
    1. People want to put in a mini-mart and gas station at the corner of Sandalwood and the access road (the old Chase Bank site).
    2. Columbia Gas wants to put a refilling station by Northland Plaza on Cleveland Ave.
    3. We are trying to get both groups to attend the May FPCA meeting to field your concerns/questions. We will keep you posted as more info comes in.
  2. The hotel next to the old Chase Bank site is being leased by the homeless shelter board as transitional housing before residents move out into the community on their own. There have been NO incidents coming from that property.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Business Representative Sheridan Landon – sheridanlandon@fpcivic.org – No Report

Welcome Committee Chair Latia VanDyke – latiavandyke@fpcivic.org

Welcome Folders for new residents were brought to the meeting and were given to the area representatives for distribution.

Volunteer Coordinator VACANT

Membership Coordinator  Mike Stone – mikestone@fpcivic.org

  1. Membership mailing is done. The USPS has enacted more fees causing our mailing to increase, making the new mailing fee to just below $3000. 
  2. Thank you to resident Andy Hunt for providing the use of your truck to help get all of the membership envelopes to the post office.
  3. Signs for Board, Chairs, and Area Reps will be delivered in the next week or so.

Social Activities VACANT

NCC Representatives Mark Bell – markbell@fpcivic.org,  Latia VanDyke – latiavandyke@fpcivic.org, Ken Gilbert – kengilbert@fpcivic.org 

There was no regular meeting of the Northland Community council in April. Instead, the 2025 Awards Banquet was held at Villa Milano. Katie Van Mercetta and Michael Cote were honored as “Forest Park’s Volunteers of the Year”. The NCC also recognized “Dedicated Civic Volunteer Service”. Our own Ed Vanasdale was honored for his work with various aspects of community service in the Northland area. The leaders of the Northland Development Committee were also honored for their service: Bill Logan and our own Dave Paul. We were nominated for Civic of the Year, but did not win. The next meeting is Tuesday May 5, at 7 pm at Westerwood.

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale – edvanasdale@fpcivic.org

  1. Full report is on the website @ https://www.fpcivic.org/development-reports/
  2. Parade meetings are taking place at the YMCA at 7 pm on the 3rd Wednesday of every month.

Grant Writing Committee Chair  Quentin Monden – quentinmonden@fpcivic.org, Laura Hayes – laurahayes@fpcivic.org  – No Report

Outreach Committee Chair  Michael Cote – michaelcote@fpcivic.org 

See report online and in the Forester.

Website Administrators Scott Biggs – scottbiggs@fpcivic.org (Website/Facebook)   Dave Paul – dwpaul@fpcivic.org (Website)  Ashley Howard – ashleyhoward@fpcivic.org  (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

  1. National Night Out (NNO): Proposed shifting from a YMCA-hosted event to neighborhood-focused front yard parties. The board will explore grants to provide small stipends for local hosts. The Board will be meeting to create guidelines for residents who are interested in participating. 
  2. Community Events:
    • Family Picnic: The board aims to reinstitute this event and will begin recruiting a coordinator.
    • Beautification Committee: While prizes are budgeted, the program is currently on hold. The Association is actively seeking a volunteer Chair to manage the program and oversee the award process.
    • WE ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO HEAD UP THESE 2 PROJECTS

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/IDEAS

  1. The Mulch Sale has been cancelled this year due to a lack of volunteers to help distribute the mulch to homes. We will work on building a volunteer base and hopefully bring it back next year. Sorry for the inconvenience.  ~Scott Biggs, The Mulchmaster, Area 5 Representative
  2. Leah Lewis from Columbia Gas was at the meeting to let us know that they will be back at the May meeting to explain the new project on Cleveland Ave.

Meeting adjourned @ 8:12 PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA

FOREST PARK CIVIC ASSOCIATION MARCH MEETING

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Date: 10 March 2026

Location: Epworth United Methodist Church

Meeting called to order @ 7:04 PM by Quentin Monden

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Attendance was taken via roll call.

OFFICER REPORTS

President Quentin Monden – quentinmonden@fpcivic.org, Ashley Howard – ashleyhoward@fpcivic.org  Absent – No Report

Guest Speaker: 

Hugo Barragan from the Franklin County Auditors Office came back to speak about programs being offered. 

Franklin County Auditor Dog Licensing Services.

  • Ohio law requires dogs to have a valid dog license.
  • Dog of the Week – Franklin County Auditor’s Office recognizes licensed dogs who live in Franklin County every week throughout the year on the Facebook page @mstinziano. Winners will be selected randomly and will be notified via email. For additional questions, please contact auditor-outreach@franklincountyohio.gov.

The Franklin County Board of Revision (BOR) hears complaints on the Auditor’s appraised value of your property and can adjust the value based on presented evidence.

  • When filing your complaint, consider submitting supporting documentation to expedite the process. Some examples of supporting documentation include settlement/closing statements, purchase contracts, and appraisals.
  • Your case may be chosen for mediation, which is a less formal process that can be an efficient way to resolve your complaint.

Homestead exemption:

  • The homestead exemption for senior and disabled persons allows eligible homeowners to exempt the first $29,000  of their home’s auditor’s appraised value from taxation. For example, an eligible owner of a home with an auditor’s appraised value of $100,000 will be billed as if the home were valued at $71,000.
  • The enhanced homestead exemption for disabled veterans and the homestead exemption for surviving spouses of public service officers killed in the line of duty allows eligible homeowners to exempt the first $58,000 of their home’s auditor’s appraised value from taxation. For example, an eligible owner of a home with an auditor’s appraised value of $100,000 will be billed as if the home were valued at $42,000.

You can reach Hugo at (c) 614.499.3570 or email him at hugo.barragan1@franklincountyohio.gov

Vice President  Mark Bell – markbell@fpcivic.org – No Report

Secretary Lou Bernard – secretary@fpcivic.org

  1. Attendance:
  • Officers/Committee Chairs Present: QM, MB, LB, CL, RW, DVM, KVM, EV, SL, LV, MSt, KG, DP, SB
  • Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: AH, MSg
  • Area Reps in Attendance: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13
  • Area Reps Absent: 6, 8, 10, 14
  • Total meeting attendance: 32
  1. Reviewed minutes from February, no changes or corrections needed, minutes have been approved and were entered into the official records.
  2. Attendance Sheet thru March: Online

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cheryllutman@fpcivic.org

  1. Cheryl reviewed the new budget and changes therein. Copies of the 2026 budget and minutes from the budget meeting were made available to those in attendance.
  2. The major increase in the budget that we will see is in the price of printing the Forester and the price of the bags.
  3. There will be a shortfall this fiscal year, and in order to cover that, we will need to pull money out of the savings.
  4. The 2026 FPCA Budget was approved.

Community Concerns/Announcements/Ideas None

Public Relations Officer Mary Sguerra – marysguerra@fpcivic.org  Absent

Save the Date – Forest Park Community Garage Sale – Saturday, May 16th

ForesterEditor Rita Woeste – forester@fpcivic.org

  1. We need all articles, photos, and ads by March 25th.
  2. The April newsletter will be printed and delivered to Shoedinger by Sat. April 11th in time for the membership stuffing event. 
  3. We lost another delivery person. Thanks to Julie Barker for her many years delivering to 80 homes in Forest Park East. 
  4. Here is the list of streets not covered by a regular delivery person: (all of these homes are in FP East) If you live on one of these streets and want your Forester delivered, you need to think about stepping up and volunteering.
    • Green Apple Ave (29 homes)
    • Blackgum Pl (13 homes)
    • Coghill Dr (12 homes)
    • Dandridge Dr (9 homes)
    • Judwick Dr (8 homes)
    • Lyle Rd (16 homes)
    • New: Cedar Willow Dr (30 homes)
    • New: Cedarbush Rd (20 homes)
    • New: Aspen Dr (30 homes)
    • That’s a total of 157 homes in Forest Park not covered right now for the upcoming May issue of the Forester
  5. When it rains it pours:
    • Microsoft is dropping Publisher in October 2026, so a new app or software will need to be used to create the monthly Forester. We are actively looking into a program called CANVA that has been recommended on various discussion boards for folks who are avid MS Publisher users. Still determining costs that might be involved. 
    • Rita called to get an order for more clear doorknob bags for the year and Columbus Bag and Burlap closed its doors; it was sold to a company in Illinois. This will now add shipping charges in addition to the cost of the bags, we are waiting on a quote for that. In the meantime, Rita has contacted 2 other places (both would need to be shipped) on types of the doorknob bags they have and costs, etc…. TO BE CONTINUED…….

Supplemental Security Officer Daryl Van Mercetta – darylvanmercetta@fpcivic.org, Katie Van Mercetta – kvanmercetta@fpcivic.org

Daryl introduced Officer Duane Hicks, our new CPD Liaison Officer. Officer Hicks introduced himself, coming from the S.Linden area. He has served his career in Columbus, and is looking to serve his remaining years serving us and our community. If you have questions that need answers, please funnel them through Daryl.

Past President Ed Vanasdale – edvanasdale@fpcivic.org  – No Report

Civic Action/311 Officer  Ed Vanasdale – edvanasdale@fpcivic.org – No Report

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Business Representative Sheridan Landon – sheridanlandon@fpcivic.org – No Report 

Welcome Committee Chair Latia VanDyke – latiavandyke@fpcivic.org

There are Welcome Folders that are being delivered to new homeowners.

Volunteer Coordinator VACANT  

Want to get more involved? We have a volunteer opening and would love your help! Please get in touch with Lou Bernard if you’d like to learn more.

Membership Coordinator  Mike Stone – mikestone@fpcivic.org

  1. Mike is working to assess attendance for the FPCA envelope stuffing event scheduled for April 11. Members interested in volunteering are encouraged to complete the provided form or make direct contact.
  2. Area Representatives and officers have been asked to place yard signs promoting the membership drive. Initial response has been very positive. The signs, measuring approximately 18″ x 24″, will include a message inviting residents to join, along with a QR code. Distribution is anticipated at the April meeting.
  3. Plans are underway to host membership tables at various locations throughout the summer to increase outreach and attract additional members. Further details will be provided as they become available.
  4. A discussion was held at the Membership Meeting emphasizing the importance of continuing to educate residents about the specific role and impact of FPCA within the community. The group reaffirmed the need for home visits to reconnect with FPCA-friendly households, particularly those who have previously been members, in order to renew their participation.
  5. Mike is exploring the option of providing lanyards for visitors to wear during outreach and home visits.

Social Activities VACANT 

Want to get more involved? We have a volunteer opening and would love your help! Please get in touch with Lou Bernard if you’d like to learn more.

NCC Representatives Mark Bell – markbell@fpcivic.org,  Latia VanDyke – latiavandyke@fpcivic.org, Ken Gilbert – kengilbert@fpcivic.org

See full report in the Forester and online.

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale – edvanasdale@fpcivic.org

Exciting news: A Culver’s Restaurant will be going in next to the Take 5 Oil Change and in front of Space Shop Self Storage on Rt. 161.

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

Grant Writing Committee Chair  Quentin Monden – quentinmonden@fpcivic.org, Laura Hayes – laurahayes@fpcivic.org – No Report

Outreach Committee Chair  Michael Cote – michaelcote@fpcivic.org

See report in the Forester or follow this link: Outreach Report

Website Administrators Scott Biggs – scottbiggs@fpcivic.org (Website/Facebook),   Dave Paul – dwpaul@fpcivic.org (Website),  Ashley Howard – ashleyhoward@fpcivic.org  (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  None

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/IDEAS

  1. National Night Out (NNO): Proposed shifting from a YMCA-hosted event to neighborhood-focused front yard parties. The board will explore grants to provide small stipends for local hosts. The Board will be meeting to create guidelines for residents who are interested in participating.
  2. Community Events:
    • Family Picnic: The board aims to reinstitute this event and will begin recruiting a coordinator.
    • Beautification Committee: While prizes are budgeted, the program is currently on hold. The Association is actively seeking a volunteer Chair to manage the program and oversee the award process.

Meeting adjourned at 7:12 PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA

2026 FPCA Budget Meeting

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28 February 2026

COhatch – The Library

Worthington, Ohio

Attendance: Ashley Howard & Quentin Monden (Presidents), Ed Vanasdale (Past President), Lou Bernard (Secretary), Cheryl Lutman (Treasurer), Daryl Van Mercetta & Katie Van Mercetta (Supplemental Security), Mary Sguerra (Public Relations), Rita Woeste (Forester Editor), Latia Vandyke (Welcome Committee), Dave Paul (Website Administrator), and Mike Stone (Membership Coordinator)

Meeting called to order at 10:20 AM

  1. Budget Overview: Cheryl presented the draft budget for review and feedback. A mid-year review is scheduled for September to adjust as needed as the membership drive winds down.
  2. Island Maintenance: After a 2024 double payment resulted in zero expenses for 2025, this line item has been reinstated for the 2026 fiscal year.
  3. Forester Editor
    • Publication Schedule: The Forester will keep the same print schedule of March through December (with a combined Nov/Dec issue). Jan/Feb editions will be digital-only.
    • Budget Adjustments:
      • Rita asked to have her budget increase to $2370 to cover the rising cost of the bags. 
      • A new line item added to the budget for membership incentives – $100.
    • Software Transition: With Microsoft ending Publisher on October 1st, the board is researching replacement software. A new line item was added, with the specific funding amount tabled pending further research.
  4. Membership Chair
    • Membership Drive:
      • Maintain the previous year’s budget for materials, postage, and pizza (for the envelope stuffing party).
      • Plan to include a feedback form in the membership mailing to solicit meeting topic suggestions.
    • New Initiative: Allocated $300 for the purchase of 35 yard signs to elevate the identity of the board/chair/area reps within this drive and during the year. 
  5. Past President: National Night Out (NNO): Proposed shifting from a YMCA-hosted event to neighborhood-focused front yard parties. The board will explore grants to provide small stipends for local hosts. Those present voted unanimously to approve this proposal.
  6. Community Events:
    • Family Picnic: The board aims to reinstitute this event and will begin recruiting a coordinator.
    • Beautification Committee: While prizes are budgeted, the program is currently on hold. The Association is actively seeking a volunteer Chair to manage the program and oversee the award process.
  7. Adjournment: The board voted unanimously to approve the proposed budget. It will be presented to the general membership for a final vote at the next meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 1:10 PM

FOREST PARK CIVIC ASSOCIATION FEBRUARY MEETING

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Date: 10 Feb 2026

Location: Epworth United Methodist Church

Meeting called to order @ 7:04 PM by Ashley Howard, Quentin Monden

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Attendance was taken via roll call.

OFFICER REPORTS

President Quentin Monden – quentinmonden@fpcivic.org, Ashley Howard – ashleyhoward@fpcivic.org

See report in Forester

Guest Speaker: Hugo Barragan, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Franklin County Auditor.

A surprise guest speaker. If you’re looking for property tax relief, you have until March 31st to file an appeal regarding your current property valuation. No appointments are necessary, so you can simply walk in to start the process; just be sure to bring supporting evidence like photos of needed repairs, recent sales data from your neighborhood, or a professional appraisal. It’s a great opportunity to ensure your tax bill accurately reflects your home’s true condition and value.

You can reach Hugo at (c) 614.499.3570 or email him at hugo.barragan1@franklincountyohio.gov

Vice President  Mark Bell – markbell@fpcivic.org 

Please shovel your sidewalks in front of your house and help out our neighbors who are walking. A FP neighbor was hit by a car walking in the street because the sidewalks were covered. Also, shovel out in front of our storm drains on the street.

Secretary Lou Bernard – secretary@fpcivic.org

  1. Attendance:
  • Officers/Committee Chairs Present: AH, QM, MB, LB, CL, MSg, RW, DVM, EV, SL, MSt, KG, SB
  • Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: KVM, DP, LV
  • Area Reps in Attendance: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13
  • Area Reps Absent: 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 (6, 8, and 14 are VACANT)
  • Total meeting attendance: 34
  1. Reviewed minutes from Jan., no changes or corrections needed, minutes have been approved and were entered into the official records.
  2. Attendance Sheet thru Feb.: Online
  3. A new email listserve/Google Group address for area reps has been created to be used by officers and committee chairs.

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cheryllutman@fpcivic.org

  1. We are 7 memberships short of our goal for the fiscal year ending March 31st.  
  2. We are off our budgeted income by $3,680. However, we have kept expenses in line, and are under by about $8,200.  
  3. There will be a few expenses for the membership mailing that will come through in March, plus we will have our normal expenses for the Forester and the security patrols.
  4. 2026 Budget Meeting will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM at COhatch Worthington – 752 High St, Columbus, OH 43085.

Public Relations Officer Mary Sguerra – marysguerra@fpcivic.org

Looking ahead for our Forest Park Spring Community Garage Sale – Please save the date May 16th.

ForesterEditor Rita Woeste – forester@fpcivic.org

  1. Hoping for the best weather for safer delivery of the Forester. 
  2. The March deadline for Forester entries is Wednesday, Feb 18th. We can get it to the printer and back to stuffers by Feb 27th. The plan is to have Foresters in homes by Sunday March 8th. We are looking for articles.
  3. We should review the suggestions provided by neighbors during the December information meeting to identify new topics for our upcoming articles. 
  4. The April issue will go out with a membership form, but Easter is April 5th, the first weekend of April. The plan is to have the deadline for articles on March 25th. 
  5. Membership stuffing with membership form will take place Saturday April 11th, at Schoedinger. 

Supplemental Security Officer Daryl Van Mercetta – darylvanmercetta@fpcivic.org, Katie Van Mercetta – kvanmercetta@fpcivic.org

  1. Relatively quiet from a supplemental security stand point. 
  2. Officer Yandrich also confirmed crime is down this time of the year. 
  3. One of the most common complaints in the city is that people are parking in the street beyond the snowbanks, causing significant frustration for residents. 
  4. Do not leave your car running unattended to warm up in cold weather.
  5. Officer Yandrich is stepping down, and Officer Duane Hicks (DHicks@columbuspolice.org) is taking over the position. The contact phone number remains the same: (614) 645-1418

Past President Ed Vanasdale – edvanasdale@fpcivic.org  No Report

Business Representative Sheridan Landon – sheridanlandon@fpcivic.org  No Report

If you are interested in becoming a business member, please contact Sheridan or our Treasurer, Cheryl Lutman.

Civic Action/311 Officer  Ed Vanasdale – edvanasdale@fpcivic.org  

If you have any 311/code enforcement issues or questions, feel free to contact Ed at his email address or cell listed in the Forester.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Welcome Committee Chair Latia VanDyke – latiavandyke@fpcivic.org  No Report

Volunteer Coordinator VACANT

If you are interested in volunteering in this position, please contact one of the presidents or the secretary.

Membership Coordinator  Mike Stone – mikestone@fpcivic.org

  1. Envelope Stuffing Day will be April 11th at Schoedingers. Stuffing time begins at 1:00 p.m.
  2. March 5th Meeting @ Donato’s for Area Reps and others interested in helping Mike with membership.

Social Activities VACANT

If you are interested in volunteering in this position, please contact one of the presidents or the secretary.

NCC Representatives Mark Bell – markbell@fpcivic.org, Latia VanDyke – latiavandyke@fpcivic.org, Ken Gilbert – kengilbert@fpcivic.org

  1. Police: CRT Sergeant Ryan Fowler was there in place of the other officers. The main topic of discussion was ICE and Columbus Police. CPD does not assist ICE. 
  2. Shannon Pine, Chief Zoning Official gave a brief talk on upcoming Zone-In plans. There will be a new overall city plan, called Columbus Growth Strategy. This will replace older area plans like Northland I and II. See the Zone-In webpage for more details (https://zone-in-columbus.hub.arcgis.com/). They will return with an update soon. 
  3. Grants are open for the Columbus Youth Summer program. 
  4. There will be a senior programming meeting at the Gillie Center on Morse Rd on February 11 at 11:30 AM-12:30 PM. 
  5. Devin also noted that there is a Food Lead Kit available and that the Dr. King Youth Oratory contest will take place February 7. 
  6. Chloe Green (cdgreen@columbus.gov), Planner II from Columbus Division of Mobility and Park Services made a presentation on Sharon Woods BLVD resurfacing with info on potential bikeway opportunity. There will be a time for public comment. Contact her for more info. 
  7. The NCC Banquet will take place on April 7 in lieu of the monthly NCC meeting. Details to follow. Entry forms for awards are due soon. 
  8. Finally, State Senator Bill DeMora (D, District 25) gave a brief update on his work in our Senate district.

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale – edvanasdale@fpcivic.org

  1. The church who came last month that will be taking over the old Red Lobster building on Rt. 161, did not do the prescribed mailings to the NCC Dev Board, so their case was tabled.
  2. See meeting minutes on the FPCA website.

Grant Writing Committee Chair  Quentin Monden – quentinmonden@fpcivic.org, Laura Hayes – laurahayes@fpcivic.org  No Report

Outreach Committee Chair  Michael Cote – michaelcote@fpcivic.org

  1. Northland High School initiatives to explore: 1) Northland Market on May 9, 2026 at NHS. Contact Renee Grice rgrice@columbus.k12.oh.us  regarding volunteering, vendors, tables, and performances. See flyer posted on FPCA Facebook. 2) Culture Festival on May 8, 2026 at NHS. Contact Lauren Osborn losborn@columbus.k12.oh.us. Flyer not yet available. 3) Community Campus School initiative will host another Community Conversation on Feb. 26, 2026, 3:30 PM at NHS on the topic “Building a Diverse Community in a Digital Age”. 
  2. The Forest Park community is cordially invited to attend all events at NHS.
  3. The North YMCA will host a Job and Resource Fair in partnership with OSU and Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services on March 27 2026. FPCA is invited to set up a table.
  4. Let’s join with our neighbors in Karmel Woodward Park in their initiative to form a Friends of Woodward Park group.  The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department in conjunction with the Karmel Woodward Park Civic Association (KWPCA) is launching a new community group this Spring to help Woodward Park maintain and improve the beauty of Woodward Park and Nature Preserve. This is an opportunity for the Forest Park Civic Association to explore the potential for developing a joint effort with our neighbors in the Karmel Woodward Park Civic Association and show that we also care about Woodward Park. Anyone interested in planting native wild flowers, landscaping, and the removal of invasive plants, etc., in Woodward Park Nature Preserve please contact Michael Cote and I’ll reach out to KWPCA to propose a potential collaboration in the development of a joint Friends of Woodward Park group. 
  5. Woodward Park Community Center will be hosting the Third Annual Celebration of Black Excellence to celebrate Black History Month on Thursday,Feb 26, 2026 6:00 – 8:00 PM at 5147 Karl Road. Join your neighbors in a celebration of black history and culture through music, soul food, networking, vendors, and more! We hope to see you at this free fun event!  See flyer posted on FPCA Facebook.

Website Administrators Scott Biggs – scottbiggs@fpcivic.org (Website/Facebook)   Dave Paul – dwpaul@fpcivic.org (Website)  Ashley Howard – ashleyhoward@fpcivic.org (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

  1. Community members have requested that FPCA general meetings be streamed and made available online. The Board and members present at the January meeting discussed the requirements necessary to implement this, including staffing, equipment, and funding to purchase the necessary equipment. It was determined that, at this time, the association does not have sufficient personnel or equipment to effectively support live streaming or online access.
  2. The Sign Team submitted 311s to replace the missing signs around the entrances to FP, but we were asked to resubmit in the spring when it is more feasible to put them up; this way the 311s won’t stay on their books as being unfulfilled. We will take care of this later.

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/IDEAS  None

Meeting adjourned at 8:17 PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA

FOREST PARK CIVIC ASSOCIATION MEETING MINUTES

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Date: 13 Jan 2026

Location: Epworth United Methodist Church

Meeting called to order @ 7:04 PM by Ashley Howard, Quentin Monden

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Attendance was taken via roll call.

OFFICER REPORTS

  1. Secretary Lou Bernard read the Slate of Candidates running for positions in the FPCA for 2026. Copies of the “Slate” were made available. Also copies of the FPCA Constitution & Bylaws, and Volunteer Code of Conduct were made available.
  2. Representative Munira Abdullahi swore in all Board of Trustees, Committee Chairs, and Area Representatives. Rep. Abdullahi is our representative for Ohio House District 9.

President Quentin Monden – quentinmonden@fpcivic.org, Ashley Howard – ashleyhoward@fpcivic.org

  1. Scott Biggs and Lou Bernard presented Ed Vanasdale with a plaque thanking him for his years of service and dedication to the FPCA.
  2. We had the Open Forum meeting on 12/9/2025. Additionally, we have shared a link to a Google Form survey to solicit feedback from the Forest Park Community. Thank you to everyone who attended the Open Forum and those of you who have completed the survey. We will have more details to share from the survey and open forum at our next meeting when we have more time. 

Guest Speakers:

  1. Representative Munira Abdullahi gave an update on things she is working on.
  • Her main focus is on affordable healthcare including controlling the cost of insulin and other needed medications. Her other main focus areas are in consumer protection and affordable housing.
  • She was able to secure $500k to Elevate Northland, and another $500k to help repair the lakes in Minerva Park. She is working hard to improve and bring money in and to improve the Northland area.
  • Rep. Abdullahi grew up and lives in the Forest Park neighborhood. She is passionate about helping our area and is always willing to listen to your concerns. Feel free to call or text – 614.500.0103 
  1. A lawyer representing the church that purchased the former Red Lobster building on Route 161 attended the meeting to discuss the proposed plans for the site and the variances required to move forward. Pastor Singh of Zomi Christian Church provided a brief overview of the church and explained the reasons for the relocation. General counsel for the church, along with a representative from the construction company, then outlined the requested variances, which include: (1) allowing the church to not sit within 25 feet of the service road and to use the existing Red Lobster footprint; (2) permitting parking in front of the building rather than exclusively behind it; and (3) reducing the requirement for a significant number of windows facing Route 161, as such a design is not conducive to the functional needs of a church. The speakers were asked by the City to come and present to the community that will be impacted. They were not seeking permission, just information – for us and for them. They are still in the process of planning, and do not expect to start construction for awhile.

Vice President  Mark Bell – markbell@fpcivic.org   No Report

Secretary Lou Bernard – secretary@fpcivic.org

  1. Attendance:
  • Officers/Committee Chairs Present: AH, QM, MB, LB, CL, MSg, RW, DVM, KVM, EV, SL, LV, MSt, KG, DP, SB – 100% in Attendance!
  • Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: none
  • Area Reps in Attendance: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13
  • Area Reps Absent: 6, 8, 10, 14 (Areas 6, 8,& 14 are all Vacant)
  • Total meeting attendance: 43
  1. Reviewed minutes from both Dec. 2025 meetings, no changes or corrections needed, minutes have been approved and were entered into the official records.
  2. Attendance Sheet thru Jan: online

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cheryllutman@fpcivic.org   No Report

  1. December was an extremely quiet month. Nothing was received in December.
  2. Our goal is 450 household memberships (that’s just 16% of the total residents!) to cover our minimum operating expenses. Imagine what we could do if we had more resources – more security patrols, more events, more opportunities to meet and get to know your neighbors. I encourage everyone who hasn’t joined yet to visit our website (fpcivic.org) and join!  It’s just $30/year per household.  Do you rent?  We welcome you to join as well!
  3. We did meet our income goal to balance the budget for 2025.
  4. Other income was advertising revenue.
  5. Our only expenses were the security patrols and supplies for our Welcome Committee.

Public Relations Officer Mary Sguerra – marysguerra@fpcivic.org   No Report

ForesterEditor Rita Woeste – forester@fpcivic.org

  1. All stories, ads, photos, and articles must be to Rita by Jan. 27th, Tuesday.
  2. The February Forester will be ONLINE ONLY!

Supplemental Security Officer Daryl Van Mercetta – darylvanmercetta@fpcivic.org, Katie Van Mercetta – kvanmercetta@fpcivic.org, Dan Yandrich (CPD Liaison Officer) – dyandrich@columbuspolice.org 614.645.1418

  1. The Supplemental Security Team put up the “Package Theft is a Felony” signs around the entrances to the neighborhood.
  2. See full report in the Forester.

Past President Ed Vanasdale – edvanasdale@fpcivic.org   No Report

Business Representative Sheridan Landon – sheridanlandon@fpcivic.org   No Report

Civic Action/311 Officer  Ed Vanasdale – edvanasdale@fpcivic.org   No Report

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Welcome Committee Chair Latia VanDyke – latiavandyke@fpcivic.org

Latia brought Welcome folders for Area Reps present. She will continue dropping off folders to areas without reps.

Volunteer Coordinator VACANT

Membership Coordinator  Mike Stone – mikestone@fpcivic.org

  1. We demonstrated our membership ceiling during the last cycle when leveraging mail-ins and digital reminders. To build on this success, we require a stronger, sustained activity.
  2. Area reps: We need all area representatives to actively engage with and cultivate membership within their specific neighborhoods.
  3. Extended membership committee: Expanding this committee is crucial for driving progress and managing growth.
  4. To coordinate these efforts, Mike is inviting all members and area reps to a planning meeting.
    1. Date: Wednesday, February 4 at 7:00 pm over at Donatos Pizza.   
  5. Ahead of our meeting, a preparatory questionnaire will be circulated to gather input and help us define a clear path forward. By February, we expect to establish key dates for critical activities, including the envelope stuffing day and other important benchmark periods.

Social Activities VACANT

NCC Representatives Mark Bell – markbell@fpcivic.org,  Latia VanDyke – latiavandyke@fpcivic.org, Ken Gilbert – kengilbert@fpcivic.org

  1. Due to an urgency regarding the date, Ken presented that the Woodward Park Community Center Open House was Jan. 14, 5:30 – 7:30. Columbus Recreation and Parks is seeking community input regarding the development of the new linear park, Linden Green Line. Refreshments will be provided.
  2. His full report will be in the Forester.

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale – edvanasdale@fpcivic.org   No Report

Grant Writing Committee Chair  Quentin Monden – quentinmonden@fpcivic.org, Laura Hayes – laurahayes@fpcivic.org   No Report

Outreach Committee Chair  Michael Cote – michaelcote@fpcivic.org

See full report in the Forester.

Website Administrators Scott Biggs – scottbiggs@fpcivic.org (Website/Facebook)   Dave Paul – dwpaul@fpcivic.org (Website)  Ashley Howard – ashleyhoward@fpcivic.org  (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  None

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/IDEAS

Community members have requested that FPCA general meetings be streamed and made available online. The Board and members present discussed the requirements necessary to implement this, including staffing, equipment, and funding to purchase the necessary equipment. It was determined that, at this time, the association does not have sufficient personnel or equipment to effectively support live streaming or online access.

Meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA

FOREST PARK CIVIC ASSOCIATION DECEMBER MEETINGS

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  1. OPEN FORUM Meeting Minutes – 9 Dec 2025
  2. FPCA General Meeting Minutes – 17 Dec 2025

______

  1. OPEN FORUM Meeting Minutes

Date: 9 Dec 2025

Location: YMCA North, Karl Rd.

Meeting called to order @ 7:00 PM by Ashley Howard and Quentin Monden 

Attendance: 51 people

The Forest Park Civic Association held this special meeting to address urgent concerns about the future of the organization and its ability to serve the neighborhood. Residents were invited to participate in an open forum to share their expectations, discuss what is working, and identify what needs to change as FPCA faces a critical shortage of volunteers. The discussion focused on the importance of community involvement in maintaining neighborhood representation, communication, and services.

  1. The meeting began with Neil Johnson from the Northland Alumni Association explaining their role in the community and their interest in expanding future events to include the FPCA.
  2. Lou Bernard, Secretary of the FPCA, provided a brief history of the association.
  3. Ashley Howard and Quentin Monden introduced themselves as the meeting moderators and future co-presidents of the FPCA. Ashley also gave an overview of the meeting and shared data from the recent survey sent to area residents.
  4. By an overwhelming majority, those present voted to continue the FPCA.
  5. Many ideas and concerns were brought forward by attendees and are listed below in no particular order:
    • Identifying funding to establish a food drive or use the FPCA as a collection point. INPREM Food Pantry has proxy forms available for neighbors.
    • Live-streaming the monthly meetings.
    • Recognizing and welcoming new attendees at meetings.
    • Determining the percentage of neighbors who are immigrants and identifying countries of origin.
    • Addressing questions about code enforcement. Some attendees were unaware of the 311/Block Watch meetings that have been held for the past two years. Ed Vanasdale explained that he will serve as the 311/Civic Action Officer in 2026 and can be contacted directly.
    • Determining the percentage of owner-occupied versus rental properties and their addresses
    •  Increasing marketing and advertising for the FPCA beyond The Forester. It was noted that the FPCA has both a Facebook page and an Instagram account; no additional marketing ideas were presented.
    • Establishing FPCA suggestion boxes at key locations such as the library and YMCA.
    • Encouraging apartment complexes to donate or become business members.
    • Rotating monthly meeting locations among venues such as the YMCA, area churches, mosques, and other community spaces.
    • Encouraging food trucks and more local businesses to become FPCA members.
    • Identifying local community groups, including youth groups, to assist with The Forester delivery and other volunteer opportunities.
    • Printing The Forester or other FPCA informational materials in multiple languages.
  6. After the meeting, many attendees approached Board members to share their contact information and express interest in future volunteer opportunities.
  7. The Board will review and process the information gathered, with future actions to be discussed at upcoming meetings.

Meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA

II. Forest Park Civic Association Meeting

Date: 17 Dec 2025

Location: Fiesta Jalisco

Meeting called to order @ 6:45 PM by Ed Vanasdale 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Attendance was taken via roll call. 23 people were present

OFFICER REPORTS

President Ed Vanasdale – edvanasdale@fpcivic.org

  1. Thanked everyone present for their support and service throughout the 2025 year.
  2. January Meeting is the swearing in ceremony for all officers, committee chairs, and area reps. We are still trying to secure a city official for the swearing in ceremony.
  3. Guest Speaker: A lawyer representing the organization that purchased the former Red Lobster building on Route 161 will attend the meeting to discuss their proposed plans and the variances required to move forward.
  4. The attendance record for 2025 will be available online.

Meeting adjourned at 7:00 PM                         

Meeting minutes recorded by Catherine Gilbert and submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA

Forest Park Civic Association Meeting Minutes: November 11, 2025

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FOREST PARK CIVIC ASSOCIATION MEETING

Date: 11 Nov 2025

Location: Epworth United Methodist Church

Meeting called to order @ 7:10 PM by Ed Vanasdale 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Attendance was taken via roll call.

NOTE: Before the meeting, we had a special display of Forest Park history. Those who attended were able to view past photographs from FPCA events, historic Forester newsletters dating back to 1963, and other memorable items from our community’s past. These items will be delivered to the Main Library downtown to begin our archival project with them.

OFFICER REPORTS

President Ed Vanasdale – edvanasdale@fpcivic.org

  1. Open Forum at the North YMCA (on Karl Rd.) in Studio A on Tuesday, December 9th at 7:00 PM. Tell us what you expect from the FPCA, what’s working, and what needs to change. A “Forest Park Civic Association Community Survey” has been emailed to all members, and a link with a QR code has been added in the Forester. Please take a few minutes to give us your thoughts so that you can have a say in how we move forward. Link to survey.
  2. Holiday gathering date and place announcement: Fiesta Jalisco, Dec. 17th, Wednesday @ 6:30 pm. This is for Board members, Committee Chairs, and Area Reps. Lou will send an Evite to your email.
  3. Block Watch and 311 meetings have been put on hold/canceled until further notice. Changes will be taking place in the new year, you will be updated as those changes are being implemented.

Guest Speaker: None

Vice President  Mark Bell – markbell@fpcivic.org  

The homeless issue from the Cleveland Ave./Minerva area was cleared out, they moved, and now they are back. We will continue to work on this issue.

Secretary Lou Bernard – secretary@fpcivic.org

  1. Attendance:
  • Officers/Committee Chairs Present: EV, MB, LB, CL, MSg, RW, DVM, KVM, SL, LV, EM, MSt, TS, KG, QM, DP, SB, AH
  • Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: 100% in Attendance
  • Area Reps in Attendance: 2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 13
  • Area Reps Absent: 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14 (Areas 6, 8,14 are ALL vacant – if interested in helping your area out, please contact Erin @ erinmateru@fpcivic.org
  • Total meeting attendance: 24
  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: Online

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cheryllutman@fpcivic.org

  1. We received 9 more household memberships.
  2. See spreadsheet in Forester for all expenses and income for the month.

Public Relations Mary Sguerra – marysguerra@fpcivic.org  No Report

Forester Editor Rita Woeste – forester@fpcivic.org

  1. The Jan./Feb. issue of the Forester will be ONLINE ONLY.
  2. We still need people to deliver the Forester. It is an easy way to volunteer – you would deliver between 25-75 Foresters to households in FP. It takes about 30 mins of your time. Please contact Rita W. if you are interested.

Supplemental Security Daryl Van Mercetta – darylvanmercetta@fpcivic.org, Katie Van Mercetta – kvanmercetta@fpcivic.org, Dan Yandrich (CPD Liaison Officer) – dyandrich@columbuspolice.org 614.645.1418

  1. Since there will no longer be a separate 311 or Block Watch meeting. Officer Yandrich will now be coming to the general meeting at 7:00 pm for a brief report. 
  2. See full report in the Forester.

Business Representative Sheridan Landon – sheridanlandon@fpcivic.org  

Sheridan has made phone calls to past business members. Many are interested in renewing their membership. He needs a “Business Welcome Packet” to present to them.

Civic Action Officer  Vacant

In January, Ed Vanasdale will take over this position once his term as president ends.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Welcome Committee Chair Latia VanDyke – latiavandyke@fpcivic.org

We continue to provide Welcome Folders to new residents, and using the Area Representatives to deliver them.

Volunteer Coordinator Erin Materu – erinmateru@fpcivic.org

  1. The slate of candidates for the upcoming year will be posted online as well as in the Forester. If you are interested in running for one of these positions, please contact Erin or Lou.
  2. Vacant positions: Business Representative, NCC Representative, Area Representatives for Areas: 6, 8, and 14
  3. Ken Gilbert has offered to continue to be one of the NCC Reps and mentor Latia VanDyke
  4. During the discussion of open positions, Quentin Monden and Ashley Howard volunteered to be Co-Presidents for the upcoming year. Congratulations and thank you for stepping up to the challenge!!

Membership Coordinator  Mike Stone – mikestone@fpcivic.org

  1. Mike has hand delivered thank you notes to all FPCA members with whom we do not have email addresses (90). The only ones remaining to get such considerations are to follow up on any remaining memberships that came through the mail. 
  2. Again, thank you to the area reps who made visits to the regular joiners who had not yet joined this cycle. 

Social Activities Tiffany Smith – tsmith1599@yahoo.com

We had a successful Trunk or Treat Event with the YMCA. The event was held inside the Y instead of outside due to the weather.

NCC Representatives Ken Gilbert – kengilbert@fpcivic.org, Mark Bell – markbell@fpcivic.org

See report in the Forester.

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale – edvanasdale@fpcivic.org

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

Grant Writing Committee Chair  Quentin Monden – quentinmonden@fpcivic.org, Laura Hayes – laurahayes@fpcivic.org

Thanking everyone who helped with the tree planting. The city wants to do a final inspection; the city arborist will be going around with the Grant Writing Committee on Saturday, Nov. 15th to complete this process. 

Outreach Committee Chair  Michael Cote – michaelcote@fpcivic.org

  1.  Meeting with teachers at NHS (10/15) to prepare for The Big Table event with the Superintendent.
  2.  Attended a meeting of the Columbus Tree Coalition (10/15) led by Julie Smiley and Shelley Douglas of Green Columbus. Green Columbus and FLOW will inform FPCA about future tree planting events at Woodward Park.
  3.  Meeting with Alex Abrokwa, Director of INPREM (10/18) to discuss volunteer recruitment for the Food Pantry
  4.  Attended The Big Table Event (10/21) at Karl Road Library with Alex Abrokwa, Director of INPREM.
  5.  Attended The Big Table Event (10/21) at NHS to learn more about the District’s support of the Community Campus School initiative.
  6.  Attended The Big Table Event (10/21) at Focus Learning Academy, a Somali-led Charter School. Meeting with Abdi Soofe and Lindora Howard-Diawara of the Department of Neighborhoods. Both complemented the FPCA for the grant that we received to host the New Americans Party hosted at Woodward Park Community Center (6/28). They both stated that they are looking forward to receiving a report and evaluation about our use of the grant.
  7.  Meeting with Katy Spittell-Jaime, Youth Experience Director at the YMCA (10/23) to discuss future development of the garden.
  8.  Attended the NHS Marching Band Concert (10/28) and met the Music Director, Danny Gleich and the Principal, Dr. J. Johnson.
  9.  Attended Trunk or Treat at the YMCA (10/29).
  10.  Attended the Fall Festival at Woodward Park Community Center (10/29).
  11.  Attended the Walk With A Doc End of Season Celebration with the Woodward Park Walking Club at SFranklin Park (11/1).
  12.  Meeting with Alejandra Rodriquez, Director of the YMCA New Americans Service Center (11/6).
  13.  Attended the Veterans’ Day Celebration at Gillie Senior Recreation Center (11/6).
  14.  Meeting with Sherrie Johnson, Director of North YMCA (11/7) to discuss upcoming events and future opportunities for collaboration. 

Website Administrators Scott Biggs – scottbiggs@fpcivic.org (Website/Facebook)   Dave Paul – dwpaul@fpcivic.org (Website)  Ashley Howard – ashleyhoward@fpcivic.org  (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   None

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/IDEAS

There are Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities available at area food pantries:

Meeting adjourned at 8:17 PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA

Forest Park Civic Association Meeting Minutes: October 14, 2025

FOREST PARK CIVIC ASSOCIATION MEETING

Date: 14 Oct 2025

Location: Epworth United Methodist Church

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

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Attendance was taken via roll call.

OFFICER REPORTS

President Ed Vanasdale – edvanasdale@fpcivic.org

Officer, committee chairs, and area representative elections are fast approaching. If you are interested in holding or running for a position, please contact Erin (Volunteer Coordinator) or Lou Bernard (Secretary) and they will get your name on the slate of candidates. Elections will take place in January.

Guest Speaker: None

Vice President  Mark Bell – markbell@fpcivic.org  No Report

Secretary Lou Bernard – secretary@fpcivic.org

  1. Attendance:
  • Officers/Committee Chairs Present: EV, MB, LB, MSg, RW, DVM, KVM, LV, EM, MSt, TS, KG, SB
  • Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: CL, SL, QM, DP, AH
  • Area Reps in Attendance: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14
  • Area Reps Absent: 6, 8, 10
  • Total meeting attendance: 30
  1. Reviewed minutes from September, no changes or corrections needed, minutes have been approved and were entered into the official records.
  2. Attendance Sheet thru October

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cheryllutman@fpcivic.org

  • 30 new household memberships! We are now only 27 away from meeting our goal.
  • We also received a $500 grant/donation Laura Hayes got from her previous employer.

Public Relations Mary Sguerra – marysguerra@fpcivic.org  No Report

Forester Editor Rita Woeste – forester@fpcivic.org

  • NOV/DEC is a combined issue. The deadline for articles/photos/ads/etc. is October 31. The plan is to get it to the printer early in November and back to the stuffers and delivery folks by 2nd week of November so folks have leisure to deliver up until December 1st.  
  • We still need a delivery person for Rockwood Ave in FP West and 2 other areas in FP East. Thanks to those folks who have stepped up and are covering things to lighten Rita’s load a bit. 
  • January and February will both be online issues.  
  • We have enough clear bags to get us thru this year, will have to purchase more bags for delivery in March 

Supplemental Security Daryl Van Mercetta – darylvanmercetta@fpcivic.org, Katie Van Mercetta – kvanmercetta@fpcivic.org, Dan Yandrich (CPD Liaison Officer) – dyandrich@columbuspolice.org 614.645.1418

  • IMPORTANT: Many people have requested to meet with our security patrol people. So we have arranged for a representative from the supplemental security company, US Protection Services, at the November Block Watch meeting – Nov. 11, 6:00 PM. 
  • See report in the Forester.

Business Representative Sheridan Landon – sheridanlandon@fpcivic.org  No Report

Civic Action Officer  Vacant

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Welcome Committee Chair Latia VanDyke – latiavandyke@fpcivic.org

  • Area 6 Rep Cindy F. said she is no longer able to deliver welcome folders. She does not know anyone that can fill her space. Area 8 Rep Frances L. never responded to Latia when contacted about giving her the new residents welcome folders. Latia has started delivering the folders for both areas, but we will need to find new reps for these areas. 
  • We need some of the Forester bags so if residents are not home we can hang the folders on their door.
  • Thoughts on a small postcard asking for volunteers from the areas needed for Forester and welcome folders deliveries? This will be discussed in the next meeting.

Volunteer Coordinator Erin Materu – erinmateru@fpcivic.org

Positions that need to be filled in the new year:

  • President: Ed Vanasdale is stepping down after a 3 year, 2nd term.
  • Civic Action/311 Officer: Vacant
  • Business Members Representative: Vacant (We need 2 reps)
  • NCC Representative: Ken Gilbert is stepping down.
  • Area 6: Cindy Fenstemaker is stepping down from her position.
  • Area 8: Is being removed from their position for lack of attendance per our bylaws.
  • Area 14: Vacant
  • We are also in need of volunteers for weeding and decorating the corner located at Sandalwood at Yellowwood.

Membership Coordinator  Mike Stone – mikestone@fpcivic.org

Thank you to everyone who assisted with this year’s membership drive. Results were mixed—some encouraging, some less so—but teamwork during the April drive made the process smoother than ever. Initial returns were lower than in previous years, possibly due to changes in how the mulch sale form was distributed. A key improvement this year was the timeliness of updates, which allowed quicker thank-you notes, more accurate reports to area representatives, and more frequent neighborhood updates. Looking ahead, greater direct contact with households—particularly those without email—and earlier, ongoing involvement from area representatives will be important for growth. Encouragingly, many new or returning members joined who had not participated last cycle, though some non-renewals were due to residents moving away or concerns about association effectiveness. Overall, we made progress operationally and identified clear steps to strengthen membership efforts in the year ahead.

Social Activities Tiffany Smith – tiffanysmith@fpcivic.org

October 29, 2025 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. is the “Trunk or Treat” event at the North YMCA. Participants are required to register their cars if you are handing out candy. We have flyers that can be distributed to the community.

NCC Representatives Ken Gilbert – kengilbert@fpcivic.org, Mark Bell – markbell@fpcivic.org

See Report in the Forester

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale – edvanasdale@fpcivic.org

The next and final meeting in 2025 of the NCC Development Committee will be on December 3, 2025.  The first meeting of 2026 will be on January 28, 2026.

See Report on the website: https://www.fpcivic.org/development-reports/

Grant Writing Committee Chair  Quentin Monden – quentinmonden@fpcivic.org, Laura Hayes – laurahayes@fpcivic.org

The tree grant update – we know that 21 of the 22 total trees we distributed are planted. Thanks everyone for your help. Don’t forget to water your tree! 

Outreach Committee Chair  Michael Cote – michaelcote@fpcivic.org

In our ongoing efforts to maintain and develop relations with other organizations in our community, several conversations have been initiated with the following: North YMCA, Bhutanese Community of Central Ohio, Elevate Northland, Karl Road Library, Woodward Park Community Center, Northland High School, and INPREM Food Pantry. We have agreed to meet regularly to exchange information, share news of interest and of concern to residents of Forest Park, and mutually support our organizations through cooperation and publicity of community events.   

Website Administrators Scott Biggs – scottbiggs@fpcivic.org (Website/Facebook)   Dave Paul – dwpaul@fpcivic.org (Website)  Ashley Howard – ashleyhoward@fpcivic.org  (Instagram/Facebook)  

In October, we have been featuring our advertisers and business members on social media to thank them for their support and invite new businesses to partner with us. We invite everyone to follow the official FPCA social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram for neighborhood information from FPCA, The City of Columbus, Franklin County, and Northland area organizations.

OLD BUSINESS

In September, Google Workspace for Nonprofits training was conducted by Laura Hayes and Lou Bernard for members of the Board and Committee Chairs. All members have a new email address where they can be contacted using the @fpcivic.org domain. All Board members and chairs will use the organizational domain for enhanced security, more professional presence, and centralized administration.

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/IDEAS  

  • We’re excited to share that the Forest Park Civic Association will be partnering with the Columbus Metropolitan Library to preserve our 63 years of history. Lou reached out to Eugene Rutigliano at CML, and together they are establishing a special FPCA collection to archive all of our historical materials. CML will digitize, catalog, and securely store everything, creating an online, publicly accessible, and fully searchable collection for future generations to explore. At the November meeting, there will be a display for attendees to browse through old Foresters and photographs before they are transferred downtown. After the meeting, Lou and Rita will deliver the materials to the library. (This partnership was approved by the membership at the September meeting.)
  • Rita wanted to have a Forester drawing for Kroger gift cards like we did earlier in the year. One of our past winners became a volunteer for us! The motion was passed.

Meeting adjourned at 8:04 PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA

Forest Park Civic Association Meeting Minutes: September 9, 2025

FOREST PARK CIVIC ASSOCIATION MEETING

Date: 9 September 2025

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 – president@fpcivic.org  – No Report

Guest Speaker: Erin’s idea at the August meeting was to revisit the work done at the July brainstorming meeting and see how to proceed. Copies were printed out for all in attendance, but due to some important discussions, this discussion was tabled until the October meeting. All Chairs affected by this (e.g. business members, membership, social activities and Forester) must be ready to present their action plan. This plan should include: What are your roadblocks? What solutions have you tried from the meeting? What else do you need?

Vice President  Mark Bell – vice_president@fpcivic.org Absent – No Report

Secretary Lou Bernard – secretary@fpcivic.org

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

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – treasurer@fpcivic.org

  1. 20 new household memberships in August, bringing our total to 393. We still need 57 more. We received two new ones at the last trip to the post office and we’ve received 9 through PayPal since September. We still have a ways to go, and appreciate Mike’s efforts to get the word out!
  2. The main expense was using our grant money for our New American’s party.
  3. In big news, in August, we received a grant from Laura Hayes’ former employer. They apparently had a system where employees who did volunteer work could essentially request the organization be “paid” for the employee’s time. We received $500, which I happily took to the bank today. The grant committee is deciding where to use the funds.

Public Relations Mary Sguerra –  public_relations@fpcivic.org

(Note: By the time the minutes are printed, this will have already taken place.) We have the Forest Park Community Garage Sale this Saturday, Sept. 13th, starting at 9 a.m.

Currently we only have approximately 10 entries so far. We are looking for volunteers to hand out the list at the islands on Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Forester Editor Rita Woeste – forester@fpcivic.org

  1. All items for October Forester are due Friday Sept 19, but go ahead and get it to Rita this week so she can get started.
  2. Still need routes covered:
    1. 38 homes on Rockwood, FP west, need Sept issue delivered. If anyone wants to do it, the bag of newsletters is on my porch. – (Note: This was performed by Area 4 Rep Suzanne Conway. Thank you, Suzanne.)
  3. Other areas that need covered definitely for October:
    1. Torchwood drive/loop FP east, 45 homes (Note: This route was accepted by Michael Cote, our new Outreach Chairperson. Thank you, Michael)
    2. Green Apple area, 42 homes, FP east.  
  4. Daryl VanMercetta has 2 routes that need to be covered. (He can tell you the streets. Call or email him if you are willing to help.)
  5. We did get a new deliverer that is taking over a route. 
  6. Would love to see Area Reps call, ask, check with neighbors to cover just a street if possible. Thanks to George and Daryl for covering areas with the September deliveries. 
  7. Need a sub delivery person for October for FP west on Pegwood and Firwood areas. Approximately 102 houses. 

Supplemental Security Daryl Van Mercetta – security@fpcivic.org, Katie Van Mercetta – kvanmercetta@fpcivic.org, Dan Yandrich (CPD Liaison Officer) – dyandrich@columbuspolice.org 614.645.1418

See report in the Forester.

Civic Action/311 Officer  Vacant 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Business Representative Sheridan Landon – business@fpcivic.org  

Has not been able to secure any new memberships.

Welcome Committee Chair Latia VanDyke – welcome@fpcivic.org

There are 50 Welcome Folders to be delivered. We need the Area Reps to step up and do their jobs. All Reps, please contact Latia.

Volunteer Coordinator Erin Materu – volunteer@fpcivic.org

  1. A resident asked for volunteers to tend to the Sandalwood at Yellowwood corner flower bed. 
  2. TREE PLANTING GRANT UPDATE: The owner of Sequoia Bowling Lanes told us that we can use their lot for the tree delivery. Still in need of volunteers and shovels to dig/plant trees on Oct. 5th. Forest Park resident Joe Nichols, from the City of Columbus Forestry, spoke at the meeting and will be here for the planting.

Membership Coordinator  Mike Stone – membership_chair@fpcivic.org

  1. Membership Data:
    1. 80 new households who didn’t join last year. Some may have skipped a year, while others are new to the neighborhood.
    2. 128 households who have not yet renewed from the previous cycle. While a few have moved away, most are still here.
  2. Area representatives, it is time to step up! Earlier this summer, data was shared and we asked for assistance in securing memberships from these FPCA-friendly households. We are asking again now as we enter the final stretch of our campaign.
  3. At the meeting, Mike provided each area representative with a packet that included:
    1. An updated list of your area’s membership status, highlighting households who joined last year but not yet this year.
    2. Blank household data sheets for collecting new information.
  4. We are asking each of you to personally visit 10 households before the October meeting to help secure memberships. (In some areas, there are fewer than 10 homes to visit.) After that meeting, our membership campaign will close.
  5. We believe you will find this process both rewarding and impactful. You will certainly collect memberships from supportive households, help us meet our neighborhood goals, and deepen your connection with the community you represent. Your effort makes a real difference—thank you for all you do.

Social Activities Tiffany Smith – activities@fpcivic.org

Tiffany will be contacting Sherrie Johnson-Dantzler to see if they are interested in hosting a Trunk or Treat this year. If so, more info will come soon – FPCA will set up an info table during the event.

NCC Representatives Ken Gilbert – ncc_rep@fpcivic.org, Mark Bell – vice_president@fpcivic.org

See report in the Forester.

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale – president@fpcivic.org

See report on our website at fpcivic.org/development-reports/

Grant Writing Committee Chair  Quentin Monden – quentinmonden@fpcivic.org, Laura Hayes – laurahayes@fpcivic.org

  1. We submitted our narrative and financial report for the Civic Integration Seed Grant on Aug. 29.
  2. We are waiting to hear back from the New American Program at the Department of Neighborhoods regarding the second phase.
  3. The committee met on Sept. 4th to discuss the current open grants and next steps.

Outreach Committee Chair  Michael Cote – outreach@fpcivic.org

  1. Mark your calendars for the upcoming Harvest Festival on Friday, Sept 19, 2025, 10am – 1pm. The Bhutanese Community of Central Ohio is inviting Forest Park and friends to its first Harvest Festival at the New American Community Garden and Farm Stand located at the North YMCA.
  2. The Northland Unity Festival 2025! – Saturday, September 20th – 3pm-7pm New location! Woodward Park Rec Center, 5147 Karl Road. https://elevatenorthland.org/events/northland-unity-festival/

Website Administrators Scott Biggs – website@fpcivic.org (Website/Facebook)   Dave Paul dwpaul@fpcivic.org (Website)  Ashley Howard ashleyhoward@fpcivic.org  (Instagram/Facebook)  

  1. The Foresters are now available online as PDFs in four languages: English, Spanish, Somali, and Nepali. After The Forester Editor posts each month, the Website Administrator translates them with an online translator and posts the separate PDFs as links on the same web page. The translations may not be perfect as they currently receive no review by a native speaker.
  2. Events and news continue to be posted on Facebook and Instagram. Follow and Like the FPCA socials for helpful updates.
  3. Our website/Facebook page is always – always being updated with new and upcoming info! Please check it out!! Please subscribe/follow us.

OLD BUSINESS

(This will have taken place by the time the minutes come out.)

Our Board and Chairs are participating in a required Google Workspace for Nonprofits Training.

  • Thursday, September 11 or Wednesday, September 17
  • Time: 7:00–8:30 p.m. 
  • Location: Northgate Intermediate School, 6655 Sharon Woods Blvd, Columbus, OH 43229

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/IDEAS`

NEW POSITION CREATED: FPCA President Ed Vanasdale, in accordance with the FPCA bylaws, created a new position: Outreach Committee Chair. The Outreach Committee Chair will lead efforts to connect the FPCA with residents, community partners, and local organizations. This role focuses on building relationships, improving communication, and encouraging active participation in FPCA activities and neighborhood initiatives. We are pleased to announce that Michael Cote has accepted the position of Outreach Committee Chair. Michael brings energy and dedication to this role, and we look forward to the positive impact his leadership will bring to our community connections.

REVIEW OF BRAINSTORMING MEETING NOTES: Next month all chairs of the Membership, Forester, Social Activities, and Business Membership need to look over the notes passed out and be prepared to report on what was reported, what you have tried or done, what your plans moving forward are, and where you need help.

Meeting adjourned at 8:03 PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA