- Our Civic meeting was held at Heritage Free Will Baptist Church, 575 Obetz Rd., at 6:00pm. Approximately 26 people were in attendance. After reminding members of the decorum policy, President Curtis Brown called the meeting to order. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Pam Richards opened the meeting with prayer. Curtis recognized all February and March birthdays and anniversaries. Vickie Marcos has a birthday on February 24. Congrats!
- The Secretary’s Minutes (Pam Richards) were read and approved:
1st Motion – Bob Dinsdale 2nd Motion – Bill Palmer
- The Treasurer’s Report (Marsha Kessler) was reported, discussed
and approved:
1st Motion – Bill Palmer 2nd Motion – Judy Campbell
Our Civic Association has a beginning balance of $1787.36.
- Curtis reminded members that the Audit Committee met on January 21, 2025 and the outcome was perfect. Curtis also pointed out the various Civic logos on a side table. He asked each member to please vote for his/her favorite logo of the 9 displayed. He also asked people to sign in for the Door Prize.
- First on the agenda was a discussion of Phone Etiquette, the former vs modern etiquette. The abundance of phone scams now affects most people, and dictates a change in how we respond to these scammers. The best way to stay in control is to let unknown calls go to voicemail. If it is important, the caller will leave a message. If you answer an unknown number, hang up on robocalls immediately; don’t press buttons, don’t say your name and don’t answer “Yes” or “No” ever. Curtis provided examples of the scam robocalls he received in November. Many people also gave examples of their own scam calls.
- The South High St. branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library has been a cornerstone since its opening in 1992. They have a collection of over 84,000 volumes and they offer books, technology and programming to meet the needs of our residents. Our Civic organization has partnered with the S. High library to promote events that serve our community. The library provides many activities and events for children and teens. They are now looking to expand their programming for Seniors. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please respond to Curtis in our Newsletter.
The library holds a monthly Book Chat, which is based on a specific theme. More information is located on our website. The library has also implemented a Culture Pass, which allows the community to borrow free passes to cultural organizations and events. Some of the organizations participating with our community library include Ballet Met, Chamber Music Columbus, CAPA Summer Movie Series, Columbus Clippers, Columbus Guitar Society, Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus Symphony, Dawes Arboretum and ProMusica Chamber Orchestra. Passes for other organizations are available at other library branches.
- The Columbus Fire Department offers FREE smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors for residents. Installation is also FREE. Call 614-724-0935 if interested.
- Curtis discussed the Mid Ohio Food Collective next. We recognize the fact that everyone needs help from time to time. There are community resources available: Food assistance at www.freshtrak.com. Agencies offering food assistance within a certain zip code are listed. Free community meals are provided at the Reeb Center, M-F 11:00am-2:00pm. Outreach workers also offer assistance to residents who want to sign up for services such as Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, and health insurance. There is also a Commodity Supplemental Food Program available for Seniors, ages 60 and older.
- Zach Klein’s office is holding Community Safety Meetings in each Columbus Police zone. Our neighborhood zone is Zone 5, and our meeting will be March 6, 2025 at 6:00pm at the Parsons Library Branch. All are invited. This is a great opportunity for us to voice our safety concerns to Zach Klein and his aides.
- Curtis expressed his thanks to those members who have expressed an interest in becoming Ambassadors. For those who don’t know, the Ambassadors engage beyond our monthly meeting by serving as community stakeholders, by advocating for neighbors, by seeking awareness and understanding, by building bridges and connections, and by committing to action. Currently we’re working on the following events:
- National Night Out – To be held on August 5, 2025. Permits need to be acquired and registered, as well as sponsors and a theme.
- Spring Day of Service with Buckeye Middle School – Date to be determined. Looking to clean up areas near the school, particularly N/S Parsons and Southgate.
- New programing for the S. High Branch Library
- Buckeye Middle School Family Fun Day on February 27. We need to create materials about our Civic to distribute to families.
- Curtis thanked those members who answered the call and donated to the Columbus Humane. Over 100 pounds of cat food was donated.
- Please view our Civic Newsletter online each month. Much work has gone into creating and maintaining this vital tool. If you feel you should be receiving Newsletters but are not, please see Curtis to check if your email is correct.
- Likewise, let Judy Campbell know if you’re not getting a phone call from her about upcoming meetings. She may not have your correct phone number.
- In other business, member Bob Small mentioned that the house across from him, at 55 Marilla, has been broken into multiple times. Curtis said he would drive by the house and find out more information.
- Our next meeting will by Monday, March 10 at 6:00pm.
- Curtis announced the winning Civic logo was #4. He will check on ordering printed materials and possibly Tshirts with that new logo.
- The Door Prize was won by Becky Obert. She received a $20 Kroger gift card and Valentine candy.
- Bill and Cathy Palmer announced that a friend of theirs, Foster Moffo, died from a fall on the ice and a resulting brain bleed. Our condolences to the family.
- John McKibben needs uplifting cards from people.
- Beck Curtis will have spine surgery tomorrow and appreciates prayers.
- A motion to adjourn was made:
1st Motion – Vickie Dinsdale 2nd Motion – Bill Palmer
Respectfully Submitted,
Pam Richards, Secretary