July 2026 Outreach Report

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Submitted by Michael Cote, Outreach Chair

The Bhutanese Community of Central Ohio (BCCO) will host a nutrition workshop during market day at the New Americans Garden and Farm Stand, July 17, 2026, 10am – Noon, Friday. The Farm Stand and New Americans Garden is located in the heart of Forest Park in front of the North YMCA at the corner of Karl Rd and Sandalwood Blvd (1640 Sandalwood Pl). The Nutrition Workshop will be presented by the OSU Center for Community Outreach at the James Comprehensive Cancer Center. All are welcome to attend the workshop to learn ways to reduce cancer risk through good nutrition while taking advantage of buying fresh produce from local gardeners from the BCCO and New Americans community. The Farm Stand will be open every Friday,10am – Noon, throughout the growing season.

Mark your calendars for the annual National Night Out (NNO), Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, 5-8 pm. As in previous years, the North YMCA is hosting the NNO for our community and is inviting everyone to come out to enjoy food, games, and camaraderie. This free community event is a unique, family-friendly opportunity to engage with police and community members who are serving to make our neighborhoods safe and friendly places to live. Free school supplies will be available to families that register at the North YMCA, 1640 Sandalwood Pl.  NNO is hosted by thousands of communities in the U.S., Canada and on U.S. military bases making it one of the largest crime-prevention and community engagement initiatives in the country. It got its start in Pennsylvania in 1984 as an event designed to strengthen relationships between neighbors and local law enforcement and to foster safer, more connected communities. 

The Northland Unity Festival this year will be held at the North YMCA (1640 Sandalwood Pl). Northland’s premier free community event will feature music, dance, food vendors, local crafts, and informational resources from local businesses and nonprofit organizations working in Northland.  Come join Northland’s celebration of the Unity Festival on September 19, 2026, 3-7 pm and enjoy being a part of the many cultures that make Northland the international gateway to Columbus. 

The Epworth United Methodist Church (UMC) has allowed the Forest Park Civic Association (FPCA) to use their building for monthly meetings for many years, and we wish to welcome their new Pastor, Norm Moxley to our community! In addition to serving at Epworth, Pastor Norm Moxley, will serve as Business Executive Manager at Maize Manor UMC. Pastor Moxley is energetic and plays for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. We look forward to meeting him.

FOREST PARK CIVIC ASSOCIATION MEETING June Meeting

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Date: 9 June 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         No Report

Guest Speaker: Duane Hicks (CPD Liaison Officer) – dhicks@columbuspolice.org

  1. Gave crime stats for the area.
  2. See full report in Forester

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, EV, SL, LV, MSt, DP
  • Officers/Committee Chairs Absent: DVM, KVM, KG, SB
  • Area Reps in Attendance: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 11, 13
  • Area Reps Absent: 3, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14
  • Total meeting attendance: 33
  1. Reviewed minutes from May, starting and ending times were added to 2 events; minutes have been approved and were entered into the official records.
  2. Attendance Sheet thru June: Online

Treasurer Cheryl Lutman – cheryllutman@fpcivic.org

  1. 202 paid memberships received. Cheryl has about 80 to process, and will be working on them this week, along with the garage sale fees. This also reflects Cynthia Fenstermaker’s business membership renewal.
  2. Expenses are as expected, with the exception of the additional, unplanned fee when we dropped the membership mailing off at the post office.
  3. Please do not drop off your membership renewal envelopes in Cheryl’s mailbox unless you have arranged this in advance.

Community Concerns/Announcements/Ideas 

Dr. Tina Geygan, principal of Horizon Science Academy and a life-long Forest Park resident came to announce a program promoting their school and inviting Forest Park residents to a community event on June 30th! Mark your calendars for the Summer Community Event. 10 am -1pm, 2350 Morse Rd., Horizon Middle School. Join them for a fun day of games, crafts, open-enrollment, and free food & prizes!

Public Relations Officer Mary Sguerra – marysguerra@fpcivic.org

  1. 4th of July Parade: Pat Kelly will be our driver. Kenny Wiseman donated a trailer for our float. We are looking for volunteers to walk with the float and pass out candy. If you are interested in helping in any way, contact Mary. Volunteer positions: Bikes-n-Trikes, walking, float decorating, and more! Thank you to Dairy Queen on Schrock Rd. for donating coupons for the kids.
  2. August 4th – National Night Out! Look for more info. later.

Forester Editor Rita Woeste – forester@fpcivic.org

  1. June 16th is the deadline for July Forester articles, ads, and photos.
  2. Blue Ash Rd. Substitute Delivery Person: We are looking for a delivery person for July and August only.
  3. Judwick Dr. and Green Apple Ave. : Still looking for delivery volunteers. 
  4. 4th of July Parade: Bikes-n-Trikes: Rita is looking for volunteer judges. Contact Rita and/or meet at Woodward Park MS by 9:30 to help judge.

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 

  1. Sheridan has been calling past business members to talk to them about renewing their memberships. At this point, no one has renewed. 
  2. Latia has offered to help him in this process. 
  3. We are still waiting for invoices to be sent out to past business members requesting renewal (See October 2025 minutes).

Welcome Committee Chair Latia VanDyke – latiavandyke@fpcivic.org

We are currently awaiting the purchase of new “Welcome” folders so that additional materials can be printed. The process has been delayed while Staples verifies FPCA’s tax-exempt status. Laura has volunteered to assist with assembling the folders once printing is completed. Because we are behind schedule, Latia will coordinate with Area Representatives to deliver the completed folders to their homes when they become available. We apologize for the delay and appreciate everyone’s patience.

Volunteer Coordinator VACANT

Membership Coordinator  Mike Stone – mikestone@fpcivic.org

  1. Current Standing: We have 258 memberships in so far, and more are still rolling in.
  2. Target Outreach: Our next big focus is reaching out to folks who were members in the past two years but haven’t renewed yet.
  3. Action Plan: Mike is going to coordinate with our Area Reps to connect with these past members directly.
  4. Bright Spot: We already have 33 members who haven’t been with us for the last two years, which is a great sign for our future growth.

Social Activities VACANT

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

Ken Gilbert – kengilbert@fpcivic.org

See report online and in Forester.

NCC Development Representative Ed Vanasdale – edvanasdale@fpcivic.org

See report online: 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

  1. INPREM Food Pantry Gala – Saturday, June 13th – 4:00-8:00 PM – $35 – Woodward Park Recreation Center. Fundraiser to move location and to continue operation supporting families in the FP area. If you would like to make a donation, you can do it online at https://inprem.org/
  2. Gillie Senior Community Center – 100 Morse Rd, Columbus, OH 43229
    1. 2 Celebrations 1 Fun Event: Join us on June 18th at 11:30a as we honor all father figures and celebrate the Juneteenth holiday. Great fun to be had by all!
    2. 250th RED WHITE and BLUE: Come join us at the Red White & Blue cookout on July 2nd starting at 11:30a and help us celebrate the 250th! 

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

  1. FPCA’s current listserv/email service will be discontinued in the coming months, our web host will no longer provide this service. Dave Paul is researching alternative solutions for both FPCA and the Northland Community Council (NCC) to ensure continued email communication capabilities.
  2. Looking for additional Social Media administrators. Do you know your way around Facebook and Instagram? Help the FPCA keep neighbors informed and engaged with posts about upcoming events and news.
  3. Our website/Facebook page is always – always being updated with new and upcoming info! Please check it out!! Please subscribe/follow us.

Beautification Committee: Eileen Kunkler – kunkler85@gmail.com (Area 7 Rep) 

Submissions for the Beautification Awards Program are due by August 1, see details in the Forester. Eileen is seeking volunteers to assist with the program, including a few individuals to serve as judges, with at least one judge representing the west side of FP. Eileen will also gather info. on past award recipients and the prizes that have been offered in previous years.

OLD BUSINESS  None

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/IDEAS

CommUNITY Cares Paradigm Shift: New program developed by Tina Mathews described her new venture that involves exploring community events for the younger and diverse community of Forest Park. She took questions at the end.

Meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM

Meeting minutes submitted by Lou Bernard, Secretary, FPCA

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. 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
  2. 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! Saturday, June 6 — Gabby’s Patio in Tamarack Circle (next to Donatos) — 6:00 p.m. until ???

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

May 2026 NCC Report

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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. Zone-in-columbus.hub.arcgis.com
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 Pavilion 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. Ken had ours.

May 2026 Outreach Report

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

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

Mark your calendars for these upcoming events:

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