1. Our Civic meeting was held at Heritage Free Will Baptist Church, 575 Obetz Rd., at 6:00pm on May 11, 2026. Approximately 21 people were in attendance. After reminding members of the decorum policy, Curtis Brown called the meeting to order. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Pam Richards opened the meeting with prayer. Curtis informed members that May 6 was the 5^th Anniversary of the start of his business, Your Columbus Dog Walker. Congrats!
2. The Secretary’s Report (Pam Richards) was distributed, read and approved:

1^st Motion – Judy Campbell.     2^nd Motion – Bill Palmer

• The Treasurer’s Report (Marsha Kessler) was reported, discussed and approved:
  • 1^st Motion – Matt Campbell.    2^nd Motion – Nick Marcos

       Our Treasury had a beginning balance of $1858.38. With a $200.00 deposit, our ending balance is now $2058.38. Curtis also reminded members to get their $5.00 dues in by the June meeting.

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS:

1. The cleanup of Southgate Dr. was held April 25. Seven people participated and lots of trash was collected.
2. Remember to call 311 to report overgrown yards. Get the confirmation # when you call and give it to Curtis.
3. The Metro Park staff are interested in collaborating with our group in future cleanups at the new park. Interested? Let Curtis know.  
4. The City is sponsoring a “Summer Litter League” during the months of June, July and August. We members could sign up and do small 1-hour long cleanups in our neighborhood. The City would officially recognize our Civic Association.
5. So far, there is no exact opening day for the Panda Express on S. High St. Serious progress has been made recently. 
6. The former Hardees fast food restaurant at S. High St. & Williams Rd. is to become a Dunkin’ Donuts.
7. Matt Campbell mentioned that during the Civic cleanup on Southgate Dr., several residents were very appreciative of the work. Several people stopped to thank the workers and some honked at them in appreciation. 
8. Pat Moore stated that the former Hoover Y Park is now Bank Run Metro Park, and the community’s first preview will be May 16. The “granddaddy slide” will be back, courtesy of the Lion’s Club. The event on May 16 will feature live music and food trucks, from 4:00-9:00pm.
9. Phil McMaken asked if the City will tell us where we need to cleanup. Curtis said, No, we can choose where we want to work. 
10. Sadly, member Sue Harmon has passed away. Our prayers for her family.

• Curtis stated that City Council has started the conversation about districts’ council person and the voting procedure. Heila Favor voted against her district concerning the McCoy Park debacle. The “Our City, Our Say” organization started the process. 20,000 signatures are needed to change to a ward system. 
• National Night Out (NNO): Judy Campbell and Joyce Scarberry took sponsorship flyers around to community businesses. Thank you! Curtis said we have submitted paperwork for a NNO grant. We should know by the end of the month if we got the money. 

We were unable to secure free bookbags to distribute, unlike last year. Marsha Kessler ordered 200 book bags, plain green, for $204.00. 

Curtis would like to earmark $300.00 for school supplies and NNO expenses: A motion was made and approved:

   1^st Motion – Judy Campbell.     2^nd Motion – Diane Todd

Our Civic will advertise our NNO on Facebook, and everyone can share.

Judy Campbell has called people about volunteering food. 

Curtis stated that the Volunteer sheets are available tonight. Many jobs are available. Some are standing jobs, and some are seated jobs. Please sign up.

Our Civic will provide food for approximately 200 people. This year we’re having hot dogs, as the price of hamburgers is too high. Donations of chips, cookies, plates, bottled water are needed. 

We’ll start advertising after the 4^th of July.

• Lisa McCuiston, the Program Director at LifeWise Academy, spoke to our group. LifeWise started in 2018 to give kids hope. It operates in 35 states and is community driven. LifeWise Academy is a released time religious instruction program that exists to reach students in public schools with the gospel. Under released time law, students may be released from public school during school hours to receive religious instruction, provided the program is held off school property, privately funded and parent permitted. Lisa would like to start a group at Hamilton High School, as the school just agreed to allow it. Parental permission is needed and the class must be held off-grounds. There are approximately 3600 kids in the Hamilton schools. Many kids to reach. Lisa would like to start the program at Hamilton High School this fall. Volunteers are needed to help. This consists of about 1-2 hours per week. Volunteers are needed to fill out paperwork, make phone calls and be prayer warriors. Donations are always welcome.

Lisa explained that a van will pick kids up at lunch time and transport them to Leave A Mark Church. The kids will eat lunch there while a story is told, Bible scripture is given and afterwards, games are played. Kids then board the van and return to school. This occurs just once a week and continues for the school year. Only 14 kids are initially accepted., and many are on a waiting list. 

Carl, a member of Leave A Mark Church, shared that 67 kids joined at Parsons Elementary School. 

• Columbus Police Liaison Officer Ray Guman warned members to watch out for ATV’s and mini bikes when school is over. He encouraged members to reach out to 311 if they experience problems or issues in their neighborhood. Every call is prioritized according to the seriousness of the situation. Off. Guman’s number is 614-645-1413.
• Curtis mentioned that Habitat for Humanity offers a new service. Pay $500.00 and they’ll clean up your house. There may be a waiting list.
• Phil McMaken reminded members that they have until July 1 to sign a petition to do away with property taxes. There are multiple places to sign this petition, including Parsons Ave. Church of God and the 22 Caliber Tattoo Shop on Parsons Ave.
•  The door prize this evening was won by Deborah Raspberry. She won an insulated cooler bag and a $25 Ollies gift card. Congratulations, Deborah! 
• A motion was made to adjourn:

1^st Motion – Matt Campbell.      2^nd Motion – Bill Palmer