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:

• INPREM volunteers can sign up online at https://inprem.org/
• Community Free Store at Elevate Northland with Our Helpers, a women-led non-profit serving the New American and Refugee communities living in Northland. Volunteer time slots available at“Sign Up Genius” at   https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0945A4AC28A1FAC43-59406107-thanksgiving#/

Meeting adjourned at 8:17 PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA

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

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

FOREST PARK CIVIC ASSOCIATION MEETING

Date: 12 August 2025

Location: NCC Annual Picnic, Blendon Woods Metro Park

Meeting called to order @ 7:30 PM by Ed Vanasdale 

Attendance was taken via roll call.

OFFICER REPORTS

President Ed Vanasdale – ed1vanasdale@gmail.com

Ed thanked all for coming.

Guest Speaker: None

Vice President  Mark Bell – MarkBellncc@insight.rr.com – Absent – No Report

Secretary Lou Bernard – secretary@fpcivic.org

1. Attendance:

• Officers/Committee Chairs Present: EV, LB, MSg, SL, EM, TS, DP
• Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: MB, CL, RW, DVM, KVM, LV, MSt, KG, QM, SB, AH
• Area Reps in Attendance: 9, 11
• Area Reps Absent: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14
• Total meeting attendance: 12

1. Reviewed minutes from July, no changes or corrections needed, minutes have been approved and were entered into the official records.
2. Attendance Sheet thru July will be online.

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cllutman17@gmail.com – Absent  

1. We received 34 new household memberships, but did have a check returned to us, so we’re at net 33 as of 7/30/2025. Cindy Fenstermaker also renewed her business membership for another year – thank you! The rest of our income for the month is self-explanatory. See the spreadsheet in the Forester.
2. Expenses were in line with expectations. A couple of notable expenses include a $15 fee from the bank for a returned check plus a donation to CAPA in memory of Bob Hinebaugh.
3. We stand at a total of 373 household members, and need 77 more to make our goal. We’ve received 5 more in through PayPal through the time of these minutes

Public Relations Mary Sguerra –  marysguerra@howardhanna.com

SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, September 13, 2025 will be the Forest Park Fall Community Garage Sale. Look for the sign up form in the Forester.

Forester Editor Rita Woeste – forester@fpcivic.org – Absent

1. All articles, photos, ads are needed to Rita by this Friday, August 15th. We want to get it together so it’s ready and back to us for delivery before Labor day weekend.  
2. Rita is not sure what is going on but we have lost 3 more delivery folks. She is working on replacements and shifting some folks, hopefully, but not sure, if all will get covered. Most of the coverage needed is in Forest Park East. 

Supplemental Security Daryl Van Mercetta – dvanmercetta@gmail.com – Absent, Katie Van Mercetta – kvanmercetta@gmail.com – Absent, Dan Yandrich (CPD Liaison Officer) – dyandrich@columbuspolice.org 614.645.1418

See report in the Forester.

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

Civic Action Officer  Vacant

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Welcome Committee Chair Latia VanDyke – vandkyde.latia@gmail.com – Absent – No Report

Volunteer Coordinator Erin Materu – mmateru@hotmail.com

Erin requested that at the September meeting we revisit the work that was done during the brainstorming sessions during the July meeting. Everyone agreed to this.

Membership Coordinator  Mike Stone – msto0103@yahoo.com – Absent

1. No specific membership update in terms of numbers. We appreciate the July paypal report from Cheryl and want to catch up on final paperwork to see where we are at. We will maintain focus on those who joined the previous cycle.
2. Thank you’s have been emailed to everyone with whom we have addresses. So far we have 88 without and we could use some help distributing letters to these addresses. We’ll talk with the coordinators later, but if we could get some help from our volunteer coordinator and area reps that would be great.

Social Activities Tiffany Smith – tsmith1599@yahoo.com – No Report

NCC Representatives Ken Gilbert – kgilbert78@att.net – Absent, Mark Bell – MarkBellncc@insight.rr.com – Absent

At the NCC Picnic, the president welcomed everyone. Attendance was taken. FP was represented by the most number of residents of those present. No new business was discussed.

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale – ed1vanasdale@gmail.com

See Report Online

Grant Writing Committee Chair  Quentin Monden – q.monden@gmail.com – Absent – No Report  

Website Administrators Scott Biggs sbiggsmail@yahoo.com (Website/Facebook) – Absent   Dave Paul dwpaul@fpcivic.org (Website) Ashley Howard ahoward@ashleynicolecounseling.com (Instagram/Facebook) – Absent  

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

OLD BUSINESS 

A Doodle Poll was sent out to all Board members and Committee Chairs to choose the best dates for the Google Workspace for Nonprofits training meeting in September. Board members and Chairs must attend. Lou, secretary, will be sending out reminder notices.

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/IDEAS  – No Report

Meeting adjourned at 7:50 PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA

FOREST PARK CIVIC ASSOCIATION MEETING

Date: 08 July 2025

Location: Epworth United Methodist Church

Meeting called to order @ 7:04 PM by Ed Vanasdale 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Attendance was taken via roll call.

OFFICER REPORTS

President Ed Vanasdale – ed1vanasdale@gmail.com

Ed requested a moment of silence for our friend, long-time FPCA member, and volunteer Bob Hinebaugh who passed away on Tuesday June 24, 2025 at the age of 92. Bob’s presence, stories, knowledge of FP history, and friendship will leave a large hole in our hearts. He will be deeply missed. We love you, Bob.

Guest Speaker: None

Vice President  Mark Bell – MarkBellncc@insight.rr.com Absent

The encampment of unhoused people off of Cleveland Avenue has been cleared away.

Secretary Lou Bernard – secretary@fpcivic.org

1. Attendance:

• Officers/Committee Chairs Present: EV, LB, CL, MSg, RW, DVM, KVM, SL, LV, EM, MSt, KG, QM, SB, AH
• Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: MB, LH, TS, DP
• Area Reps in Attendance: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12
• Area Reps Absent: 6, 8, 10, 13, 14 (vacant)
• Total meeting attendance: 28 

1. Reviewed minutes from June, no changes or corrections needed, minutes have been approved and were entered into the official records.
2. Attendance Sheet thru July can be found online.

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cllutman17@gmail.com

1. We have 78 new household memberships, bringing us to a total of 340. Tomorrow, Cheryl will be depositing another 16 membership checks, plus we’ve received 4 more from PayPal. That leaves us 90 members to reach our goal, so continue to get the word out!
2. Although we did receive interest from a business member, they have not yet paid their fee. When they do, we’ll announce who they are. Other income includes advertising revenue and contributions to our various function areas. Also, we have received one last mulch sale check. 
3. Net proceeds from the sale are $1,322.28. Thank you to everyone who bought mulch, helped deliver mulch, and especially to The Mulch King, Scott Biggs for his hard work in coordinating the sale – and to Marty Biggs, who we are sure also played a role! 😄
4. Expenses include Forester printing, paying some of the expenses with the New American event (which was amazing – the food was stellar!), paying for some items for the Welcome Folders, and paying for our garage sale ad. The garage sale did net $43.04, and we hope everyone who participated had good sales!

Public Relations Mary Sguerra –  marysguerra@howardhanna.com

1. A BIG “Thank You” goes out to Pat Kelly, who let us decorate his pickup truck and drove it in the 4th of July Parade. Thank you to all those who helped pass out candy along the way, carry the FPCA banner, helped with the Bikes & Trikes, and to help coordinate the parade – Erin Materu, Lou Bernard, Sheridan Landon, Ken Gilbert, Catherine Gilbert, Mary Sguerra, Mike Stone, Tiffany Smith, Rita Woeste, Ashley Howard, Ernie Mack, Ed Vanasdale, and Dave Paul. We apologize if we have left anyone off this list. 
2. Save the Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025 will be the Forest Park Fall Community Garage Sale.

Forester Editor Rita Woeste – forester@fpcivic.org

1. Deadline for all articles, photos, and ads for the August Forester is Friday July 18th. 
2. Thanks to Connie Thompson for stepping up to deliver Foresters and thanks to Lori Johnson for her years of delivering the Forester for us. 

Supplemental Security Daryl Van Mercetta – dvanmercetta@gmail.com, Katie Van Mercetta – katievanmercetta@fpcivic.org, Dan Yandrich (CPD Liaison Officer) – dyandrich@columbuspolice.org 614.645.1418

See report in the Forester.

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

Civic Action/311 Officer  Vacant

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Welcome Committee Chair Laura Hayes Absent → Latia VanDyke – vandyke.latia@gmail.com

Please welcome Latia VanDyke! The new Welcome Chair member!! She has all the Welcome Folder materials and is being supported by Laura Hayes. Area Reps should be ready to work with her and help welcome our new neighbors! 

Volunteer Coordinator Erin Materu – mmateru@hotmail.com

1. Thank you to all who participated in the New American Party. It was a great success.
2. Also, a long term resident has reached out for volunteers to help weed her yard. Please contact Erin if you are willing to help out.
3. A note from Laura: For one of our next events, we will need help with our tree planting this fall. If you’re physically able to help move trees or dig holes to plant our trees in, reach out to Erin. It will be a one day commitment, on a weekend day, in September or October. More information to come.

Membership Coordinator  Mike Stone – msto0103@yahoo.com

1. Good News: At the midpoint of summer, we are at the mid 300s in membership, according to Cheryl’s records. Mike’s records only have 241 accounted for, meaning he has another stack to update (and very happy to do so). Of the first 241 recorded, 47 households are “Pickups” (coining a political term to emphasize new households that were not accounted for in the previous cycle). He is guessing that there is an additional number of “pickups” in this missing batch as well.  
2. Area reps– this is where we need your effort. Mike will distribute area information to you showing the paid memberships in your area that he has a record of (as of 7/7), as well as a list of paid members from the previous cycle not yet paid for the current year. As we have discussed previously, we need you to help with these outstanding homes, and also to help collect memberships from those you are close with in your area. 
3. Unfortunately, there are approximately 100 homes unaccounted for in his records but if you do not see a name that is on the list as having paid for this year, it is worth having the conversation.

Social Activities Tiffany Smith – tsmith1599@yahoo.com Absent

No Report

NCC Representatives Ken Gilbert – kgilbert78@att.net, Mark Bell – MarkBellncc@insight.rr.com Absent

See report in the Forester

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale – ed1vanasdale@gmail.com

See report in the Forester

Grant Writing Committee Chair  Quentin Monden – q.monden@gmail.com  

1. Thanks to everyone who helped and supported our New Americans Party! We will be working on the next steps with the Department of Neighborhoods. We have to follow-up with some community partners, and our eyes are set on other less restrictive funds.
2. We will also be focusing on building and growing the volunteer base for Forest Park.

Website Administrators Scott Biggs sbiggsmail@yahoo.com (Website/Facebook)   Dave Paul dwpaul@fpcivic.org (Website) Absent  Ashley Howard ahoward@ashleynicolecounseling.com (Instagram/Facebook)  

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

OLD BUSINESS

There will be NO AUGUST meeting for the FPCA. The annual Northland Community Council Picnic will be on August 12th at the Dogwood Pavilion at Blendon Woods Park. It is a potluck, and all residents of Northland are invited, especially civic association members. Please bring something to share at the potluck. Time: Dinner is at 6:30 pm, though you can come earlier.

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/IDEAS

During this meeting, the committee reports were cut short in order to have a brainstorming session. The people in attendance were divided up and went to 1 of 4 stations: 1) Membership, 2) Social Activities, 3) The Forester, and 4) Business Members. At those stations, the members worked with the group leader to brainstorm ideas to help solve the major roadblocks that are keeping those areas from moving forward. The sessions were very well received. The discussions were great and many new ideas were collected. The minutes from those break-out groups are posted HERE and sent to all committee and board members.

Meeting adjourned at 8:22 PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA