This decade reflected a decrease in membership of both the Women's Club and the Civic Association. A dramatic addition to Hawthorne School occurred. MinervaFlora was organized.
James "Buzz" Cockerell became the Village's seventh mayor on October 20, 1980. Five years later, he initiated the idea and design for the Village flag that graces the Village Council chamber. The banner features a forest green emblem of the Cleveland Avenue entrance symbol. Gold braid, with a white nylon background, make it an attractive flag.
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission projected the federal census figures for the Park to be 1,618 persons in 1981. Village officials have long questioned the discrepancy between MORPC's figures and the Village officials' estimates. A decade later, MORPC indicated that Minerva Park had lost around 200 people!
In 1988, four years before AmeriFlora would become a reality, Minerva Park became a participant. Barbara Wohlfarth, a Village Council member, served as MinervaFlora's first chairman. She was capably assisted by three membersJean Blair, Richard Busick and Ginny Gordon; Mary Yost was the committee's advisor. About $500 was spent for a memorial tree, planting and landscaping. During the winter of 1988-1989, the committee sponsored four seminars which were well attended. Sessions included trees and shrubs, the summer garden, the shady garden and a video-panel discussion involving three Park residents.
The MinervaFlora Committee established an ambitious four-year program for 1989-1992. Jeanne Blair assumed the leadership reins in July 1989. MinervaFlora accepted the following month the Civic Association's annual award for community service. That autumn, several industrious people completed the stonework on a Park entrance pillar.
The trunk lines having been installed in August 1980, the first homes were hooked up to cable TV on October 5. Mary Calvert was a "Bunny" for the 1980 Easter Egg Hunt Active at that time as a scoutmaster was Vic Ricks; Mark Taylor was an assistant scoutmaster.
The old Minerva Park School building had a new owner, PaperMint, as of 1985. The following year, a bond issue passed that permitted the remodeling of Hawthorne. The addition was completed in 1988. Twelve teaching stations, a kindergarten wing and a gymnasium were added. Low porticoes were placed at all entrances.
Furthermore, a skylight, stairways and
a beautiful atrium area were included in the latest addition to the building.
The school's October 1989 enrollment reached 829 pupils. In 1985, Vern Simpson
succeeded Greg Samson as principal. 
The Women's Club sponsored in 1983 a splendid souvenir booklet titled Welcome to Our World, The Village of Minerva Park, Ohio. It related much of the history that had been printed during the Bicentennial year. In addition, there was considerable information that dealt with all forms of governmental, cultural and educational matters of interest to Park residents.
Easter egg hunts on the grounds of Hawthorne School continue to be popular with the younger Park residents and their parents. A major addition to Hawthorne in 1988 added classroom a kindergarten wing and a gymnasium. Also added were a skylight, stairways and an atrium area.
The Women's Club in 1987 sponsored the Children's Film Festival Party. Baby-sitting became a Club project.
During this decade, the Women's Club made many significant donations. These included $600 toward the building expansion & construction fund, $600 to the Village toward a new lawn mower and a TV set, a VCR machine and 15 card tables for the Community Building. Furthermore, contributions included buying wooden signs for each Village entrance, donations to the Sip & Dip parties and a contribution for duck feed; that money had been raised from the 1987 Bingo & White Elephant project. Also, donations continued to be made to Teen Dances and other causes.
Village residents enjoyed the Women's Club auction held on November 30, 1982 at the Community Building. Emphasis was placed on handmade Christmas crafts, baked goods and new white elephants. Susie Nestor was the event's auctioneer.
The Club compiled a new cookbook Our Favorite Recipes, in 1984. Nancy Toy coordinated the 131-page book which included a fine index, a glossary, a table for cooking vegetables, and a calorie counter, plus other features.
Several members took part in the 1987 Earth Day activities. A beautification of entranceways committee was organized; it included Civic Association and Village Council members.
Although Stephen D. Rice was appointed in May 1980 as police chief, Council gave that job to William Behrendt three months later. An August 1981 Ordinance set the chief's salary at $14,000 per year, the sergeant was to receive $11,000 and patrolmen $4 per hour. Auxiliary officers who performed the duty of patrolmen would also receive $4 per hour.
A motorcycle was purchased in 1981 but was up for sale 18 months later. The Park's first female police officer, Teresa Thomas, was hired in March 1982. A March 1986 ordinance abolished the Auxiliary officer position; part-time volunteer officer positions were established.
Bill Behrend resigned as chief in July 1988. Bobbie Hillard succeeded him in January 1989.
By mid-1982, Bill Bownas had assumed the duties of fire chief with Tom McClenahan being the training captain. Jan Dorsey succeeded McClenahan one year later. In early 1984, Westerville firefighters began serving as fire inspectors for the Park's commercial areas. Dick Hale became the new fire chief in May. A new squad vehicle was purchased; it cost nearly $45,000.
Rick Landis assumed the duties of fire chief in April 1986; he resigned two years later with Karl Garrabrant succeeding him. Beginning in April 1989, Firefighters Association members, at their own expense, began making significant improvements in their living quarters.
The residents of Minerva Park quite possibly did not fully appreciate what the volunteer firefighters/ emergency squad personnel continued to do for the Park's outlying areas. During 1989, there were 1,284 runs. That represented 18,388 volunteer service hours or the equivalent of about ten full-time officers!
Several Village residents were honored during this decade by receiving the Outstanding Citizen Award. They were John Busellato (1980), Jack Neary (1981), Marv Speck (1982), Pat McKee (1983), Barb Wohlfarth (1984), Larry Yoakam (1985), Linda Best (1987), Betty Beatrice (1988) and the MinervaFlora Committee in 1989.
Beginning in 1983, the Civic Association placed Christmas wreaths at each Village entrance. A big Christmas event occurred the following year when the front yard of the Community Building was decorated with "Happy Holidays" and a snowflake. Dick Horton handled the wiring with great expertise; he had been with General Electric for 35 years.
He built the star 13 years earlier in Rochester, New York where it was first displayed. The star was 24 feet in height, with a 17-foot diameter. Incredibly, it required 1,680 bulbs! The Star operated by using a revolving drum which had 138 switch changes. Dick and Police Chief Behrend installed the Star in only two days.
On December 24,1987, the Civic Association sponsored the first annual Christmas Decorations contest; luminarias were judged. The following year, the theme was "Light up the park." The December 22, 1989 event was divided into five categories for judging purposes. Due to extremely cold weather, luminarias were canceled that year.
The Civic Association in November 1989 inaugurated its newcomers committee. Alice Thompson and Arlene Stuart were its guiding lights.
Linda Arthur became the new editor of The Villager in April 1980. Beginning the following March, the editorial committee agreed to keep readers informed about the Westerville School System. Dick Horton became the editor beginning with the December 1984 issue. The April 1985 newsletter was the first to be delivered by ADS Delivery Company; six Park youngsters had previously divided up the village for distribution purposes.
A feature, "Community Corner," first appeared in the May 1985 issue. Ray Beougher's cartoons and illustrations made their debut the following month. A former Columbus Fire Department battalion chief, Ray has long entered his art work in competitions; he usually wins an award. Naomi Marmorstein became the volunteer photographer in July.
Betty Beatrice took over editorial responsibilities in April 1986; hers would prove to be a long and highly profitable tenure. The popular feature, "Flora Says," first appeared in the June 1988 issue. Mary Yost came up with its name, a shortened form of "MinervaFlora Park." Readers weren't told who authored the column until Ray Beougher did a sketch of Mary in the September 1989 issue. The first Police Department column made its appearance in the February 1989 issue.
A concerted effort was made in 1982 to have residents donate pictures and other memorabilia to exhibit on the walls of the Community Building. A 5.58% natural gas increase became effective the end of January 1982.
Mayor Cockerell was elected president of the St. Ann's Hospital board in March 1984. Four months later, on July 17, patients were transported from the Columbus (Bryden Road) site to 500 Cleveland Avenue in Westerville. Park residents were mighty pleased to have that $38 million, 180-bed facility so close to their community.
Trash and garbage collection continued to be handled by Peterson, which was sold to Laidlaw Waste Systems in 1985. The collection date was changed to Wednesday in June 1988. Beginning in January 1989, Green Trucking began servicing the village on a 3-year contract.
Sworn in on January 1, 1986 as the Village's eighth mayor was David Blair. The human dynamo, like several of his predecessors, continued to involve himself to the maximum effort in community betterment
One of the most ambitious Village Fourth of July celebrations was held in 1983. Dave Roscoe coordinated the fly-over of jets and helicopters. Although only held one time, many residents will not soon forget the July 4 campaign for "Sexy Senior Citizens." Paul and Marty Fletcher were the winners as determined through a ballot in The Villager. Before the decade ended, the Fourth of July celebration was a mere memory because fewer people were interested in the time and effort needed to make the event a successful one.
One of the Park's major assets continued to be its trees. The most common ones are beech, oak and maple. Ernie Limes, resident nature authority, adds to that group some ash, crab apples and larch. Among the exotic ones gracing the Park are Norway spruce and bad cypress.
Another asset are the many birds that make the Park their home for an or part of each year. The community most common bird is the house finch which first appeared in the late 1980s. Summer birds include robins, flickers, blue jays, cardinals, morning doves, house sparrows, house wrens, screech owls, Carolina wrens and Carolina chickadees. Ernie said barn swallows are fond of the area around the golf course. The kingfisher prefers the two lakes.
Certainly no one would question the enjoyment gained from viewing the many ducks within the Park. The most popular one is the Pekin Duck. Motorists know all too well that ducks have the right-of-way in the Park!
Several Village residents participated in the 1989 Columbus Senior Malibu Grand Prix challenge at 1201 Schrock Road. David Blair won first place in the Mayors' Race. His teamJohn Hain, David Blair, Leland Roth, Mary Rhyner, Jack Murray and Art Stettlerwon the rookie trophy; they called themselves the "Wild Ducks."
1985 proved to be an extremely expensive year for the Swim Club. The new filter system for the pool, including installation, cost about $22,000. Nearly $3,000 was spent on electronic control devices. The following summer, the board held an auction and sold refreshments to help raise money.
John Friedel accepted the job of pool manager in 1987. He succeeded Bob Jackson who had been the only manager since the pool's inception. Aerobics, for members only, were enjoyed during the summer; the sessions lasted from 45-50 minutes and were held three times each week.
The 1987 Auction-both silent and public-brought the pool a profit of $1,762. One more large expense was the new rubberized roofing for both buildings; the cost was about $4,400.
A 1988 advertisement informed the public about the swimming pool activities. It stated, Privacy and secluded country club atmosphere of semi-private pool, 14 weeks a year activities include teen dances, adult pool parties, July 4 activities, Corn Roast, staff are Red Cross certified persons who give lessons; separate fenced baby pool; kiddie water slide; 3 diving boards; poolside lounges; shade trees; private party rental; basketball court; volleyball area; shuffle boards; picnic area; vending machine and snacks; ample parking."
The 1988 Auction brought in a profit of over $2,900. A new event that year was "Pie in the Eye." It was emphasized in 1989 that the Swim Club was a not-for-profit organization. No direct financial support came from the Village or the City of Columbus. Operating costs and maintenance were made possible from membership fees, concession sales and special activities. These included the annual Corn Roast and the Auction. A majority of the members were not Minerva Park residents.
The July 8 Family Night & Ice Cream Social was a big success. Although held in the rain, the "Make Your Own Sundaes" proved to be a big hit. The 1989 Corn Roast & Pool Aid was a huge success. Frank Simonetti donated the ribs and brats. Many people and businesses donated time, energy and goods to the worthy cause. There were two Raffle winners.
A fine neighbor, Cardinal Village, accepted its first resident on June 30, 1988. The retirement complex borders Park properties along the north edge of Jordan Road, but is not within the corporation limits.
Its construction at that site was due to
the Northland Community Association's favoring proper zoning. Cardinal officials
expressed their appreciation for having such fine neighbors. Although not
located in the Park, the facility donated a plaque and sufficient money
to purchase an Aristocrat Pear tree. Tim Curry assisted Dick Busick in its
planting in front of the Community Building. 
One of the Park's major
assets continues to be its trees. The most common ones are beech, oak and
maple. Quiet, tree-lined streets are a major reason why Minerva Park remains
a popular choice for people seeking to purchase a home.
Nearly every year of this decade, Earth Day involved from 30 to 50 Park resident Each volunteered as many as five or six hours toward helping to clean up the debris in and around the two lakes; the area around the Community Building received proper attention. About 1983, the dam was recapped with planks to handle future flash floods. The water level in the big lake was generally lowered for the annual clean-up.
The annual project demonstrates yet another way in which local government and organizations can cooperate to accomplish a worthwhile goal. The success of Earth Day is among the reasons given by residents for wishing to live in Minerva Park
Some residents responded to a plea in 1980 to feed the Park mallards. When the lakes became polluted in 1983, a cannon boomed every 10 to 20 minutes in an effort to keep the ducks from the lakes.
During the decade, there were occasional summer band concerts. The Sunday afternoon events were sponsored by the Civic Association. Old-fashioned ice cream capped the entertainment. The Civic Association and the Village Council cooperated in organizing the event. Women's Club members made certain there was ample food for the volunteer workers.
Residents showed their generosity in 1985 when March 4 was designated as Operation Feed week. Local police and emergency squad members were joined by Boy Scout Troop #502 in the house-to-house solicitation. Under the leadership of Police Chief Behrend, well over 800 food items were donated; the goal had been exceeded by 300 items! Two area television stations featured the happening.
Village Council member Barbara Wohlfarth stated at the July 10, 1989 Village Council meeting that 1990 represented the community's 50th anniversary. A community-wide steering committee was immediately organized.
Significant dates from this era
1989 Jan. 9 Village Council approves creation of MinervaFlora
The historical text and photos reproduced here are used with the permission of the author. The graphics contained in this web site were produced by the copyright holder.
Rick Lakin, rlakin@home.com