City News
City of Gahanna Receives Auditor of State Award with Distinction
(L-R) Joann Bury, Deputy Director of Finance, City of Gahanna is presented with the Auditor of State Award with Distinction by Tim Kraft, Regional Liaison, Auditor of State's office.  Joann accepted this award on behalf of the City.

The Auditor of State Award with Distinction was presented to the City of Gahanna for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The formal presentation was made during the October 6th Council Meeting by Tim Kraft, Ohio Auditor of State's office.

 

"Taxpayers expect their local government to keep accurate financial records," Auditor Yost said. "The City of Gahanna followed through for its citizens."

This award is given to public entities that meet specific criteria of a "clean audit" during their financial audit:

  • The entity must file timely financial reports with the Auditor of State's office in the form of a CAFR (Comprehensive Annual Financial Report);
  • The audit report does not contain any findings for recovery, material citations, material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, Single Audit findings or questioned costs;
  • The entity's management letter contains no comments related to:

-Ethics referrals

-Questioned costs less than $10,000

-Lack of timely report submission

-Reconciliation

-Failure to obtain a timely Single Audit

-Findings for recovery less than $100

-Public meetings or public records

 

"We are honored to receive the Auditor of State Award with Distinction," said Mayor Becky Stinchcomb, City of Gahanna.  "Receiving this award for the City's first time producing a CAFR is a testament to my administration's strong financial management and commitment to accountability.  I am very proud of the efforts of Jennifer Teal, Director of Finance and Joann Bury, Deputy Director of Finance, as well as their team for their hard work and dedication leading up to this recognition.  This award represents a significant accomplishment for the City and its financial team."

 

By law the City is required to have its financial statements audited annually in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America.  Auditing procedures, in part and most importantly, verify the City of Gahanna has spent public funds appropriately and lawfully.

 

Previously, the City of Gahanna won the Auditor of State Award in 2012 and 2013 for its basic financial statements.  The Auditor of State's office audits nearly 5,800 state and local government agencies; approximately five percent of local entities are awarded the prestigious Auditor of State Award with Distinction.

 

The City of Gahanna provides all of its financial reports, including annual budgets, quarterly updates and performance measurement data on the website

Community News & Events

Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Test Yours Every Month

 

Article by Melissa Rapp, PIO, Mifflin Township

 

When was the last time you tested the smoke alarms in your home? Last week? Last month? A year ago? 

 

If you're like many people, you may not even remember. Smoke alarms have become such a common feature in our households that they're often taken for granted, and aren't tested and maintained as they should. However, working smoke alarms are a critical fire safety tool that can mean the difference between life and death in a home fire.

 

According to the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), smoke alarms can cut the chance of dying in a home fire in half. Meanwhile, NFPA data shows that home fires killed more than 2,300 people in 2012; many of these deaths could have been prevented with the proper smoke alarm protection.

 

During this week, Fire Prevention Week 2014, the Mifflin Township Division of Fire is reminding residents to take time to ensure that they have working smoke alarms installed throughout their homes. These simple steps can make a difference, and prevent the potentially life-threatening impact of fire.

 

Here are additional smoke alarm tips to follow:

  • Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.
  • Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
  • Test alarms each month by pushing the test button.
  • Replace all smoke alarms, including alarms that use 10-year batteries and hard-wired alarms, when they are 10 years old or sooner if they do not respond properly.
  • Make sure everyone in the home knows the sound and understands what to do when they hear the smoke alarm.

 

To learn more about Fire Prevention Week, visit NFPA's web site at www.firepreventionweek.org. Find downloadable flyers, videos, coloring pages and downloadable smoke alarm check reminder calendars, among other activities. 

 

Click here to take the 2014 Fire Prevention Week quiz to see if your family is prepared.

 

The ten minutes you take to check your smoke alarm could save your life. Check yours today!

Upcoming Events from Gahanna Jefferson Public Schools

Friday, October 10, 2014

 

 

 

The following events are scheduled to take place this Friday, October 10:

 

  • Lincoln Elementary Walk-a-thon, all day (high school track)
  • High Point Elementary Walk-a-thon, all day (Middle School East track)
  • GLHS Homecoming Football game, 7:30 p.m.  

    The Citizens for Quality Schools committee will be hosting a tailgate before the game from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., on the side of the football stadium.  Cost:  $10 Adults/$6 Kids, includes food and entertainment.


 

For more information about these upcoming events, contact Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools at 614.417.7065 or click here to visit their website. 

5th Annual Show Your Class 5K Walk

Sunday, October 12, 2014

 

  

Time:

Check in from 8 - 8:45 a.m. Walk begins at 9 a.m.

 

Location:

Creekside Park & Plaza, 117 Mill St.  

Event Details:
There's still time to register for the annual Show Your Class (SYC) 5K Walk! 

 

Gahanna Get Moving Team and the family of Bob Toopes invite you to the 5th Annual SYC 5K Walk at Creekside Plaza. The race is in honor of the late Bob Toopes, long time teacher and coach at Gahanna Middle School South.  

 

Bob truly enjoyed walking with the Get Moving Team walkers and loved teaching in Gahanna. Past events have raised $9,200 towards a comfort station in Bob's honor on the Big Walnut Trail, outdoor education opportunities for Gahanna Students, and provided grants for experiential education to Gahanna's students. 

 

The proceeds from this year's event will go toward enhanced educational opportunities for children in Gahanna and develop recreational opportunities in the community. Come celebrate Bob's legacy with family and friends!  

 

After the walk, join us for a pancake breakfast at 340 Rocky Fork Drive (the Gahanna Senior Center) - donations encouraged for breakfast.

 

Fees:  $20 Adults (ages 16+ years), $10 Youth (ages 10-15 years), Under 10 years-free with paid adult.

 

Register online at www.gahanna.gov or call 614.342.4250.  To learn more about Bob Toopes and the Show Your Class 5K Walk, click here to view a short video.

Coffee with Council
Wednesday, October 15, 2014



City Council invites Gahanna residents to join them for "Coffee with Council."  This informal public meeting is designed to engage citizens about important issues impacting the city. The next meeting is scheduled for:

 

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Donato's

1391 E. Johnstown Road.

 

For more information, contact the Council Clerk's office at
614.342.4090. To view notes from previous meetings, click here
Creepside Festival Volunteers & Donations Needed
Wednesday, October 22, 2014



Time:
4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Location:  
Creekside Park & Plaza, 117 Mill St.

Event Details:

Last year more than 8,000 people participated in Creepside. City of Gahanna Parks & Recreation distributed over 20,000 pieces of candy. To help with this enormous need, Parks & Recreation is asking for candy donations. Staff will graciously accept unopened bags of candy from now until October 21, 2014.  Donations may be made at Gahanna City Hall (200 S. Hamilton Rd.) Parks & Recreation office, Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.


Parks & Recreation is also in need of volunteers. Last year over 100 volunteers helped make Creepside a success!  To sign up to volunteer, click here.


Click here for more details about this event.

Empowering Women Breakfast
Thursday, October 23, 2014



Time:
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Location:  
Mount Carmel Siegel Center
6001 E. Broad Street
Columbus, OH  43213

Cost:  
Breakfast Buffet: $10 Members/$13 Guests (non-members) 
Registration and payment must be received prior to event.

Event Details:

The Gahanna Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to attend its upcoming Empowering Women Breakfast on Thursday, October 23, 2014. State Representative Anne Gonzales will be the guest speaker.


Representative Gonzales will be discussing what women can do to make a difference in their community, share what the State is doing for women right now, and discuss pending legislation to enhance women's lives. This series is sponsored by Mount Carmel.


Click here to register for this event. For more info, contact the Gahanna Area Chamber of Commerce at 614.471.0451.

Ralph Mlady To Serve As Celebrity Instructor for RideSTRONG
Saturday, November 8, 2014

 

The YMCA of Central Ohio recently announced that Ralph Mlady will join them on November 8 as a celebrity instructor! From Parma, OH, Ralph has been a member of the Spinning� Master Instructor Team since 2007. As an avid road cyclist, Ralph has participated in multiple 24-hour rides, centuries and road races. He has taught Spinning� Instructor Trainings and Continuing Education Workshops, as well as presented at fitness conferences in the United States and Canada. Ralph also holds group exercise certifications from ACE and AFAA. Ralph will lead both sessions. The first will be more accelerated and intense than the second.

The YMCA of Central Ohio invites you to join them for RideSTRONG 2014 on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at the Gahanna/John E. Bickley YMCA. 

Train 
October 1 - November 7
Starting October 1, log 250 miles to get ready for the big event and compete against fellow RIDESTRONG for Survivors Riders using YTRAAK -- an exclusive YMCA workout tracker.

Raise 
$250+ to benefit LIVESTRONG at the YMCA
If 450 riders each raise $250, the Y can support 225 LIVESTRONG at the YMCA participants.  All proceeds will support cancer survivors in  LIVESTRONG� at the YMCA programs throughout Central Ohio.   

Celebrate & Ride
November 8
Gahanna/John E. Bickley YMCA
555 YMCA Place, Gahanna, OH

Join fellow riders for a great cause:
  • High-energy indoor stationary cycling
  • Choose between 2 high-intensity, 2-hour sessions
  • Each ride will be led by celebrity & Y instructors
  • Cycling video and surround sound
  • Celebration lunch
Click here to check out a video from last year's event. To register for this year's event and to learn more about RideSTRONG, click here.
October 10, 2014
Upcoming Events
  
October 12, 2014
9:00 a.m.

October 13, 2014
City Hall will be closed on Monday in observance of the Columbus Day holiday.  Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, October 14, 2014.

October 14, 2014
7:00 p.m.

October 15, 2014

October 20, 2014
7:00 p.m.

October 22, 2014
4:30 p.m.





 
 

 
 
 
 
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200 South Hamilton 
Gahanna, OH 43230

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