President, Dave Pasqualicchio Report:

Whoa!  Doesn’t it feel like Christmas right here, right now?  Pumpkins, turkey shoot and elections, what a great time of the year, as returning members enjoy an Italian platter and Marsha’s baked goodies.

As we grow older, some of us noticing another wrinkle, pause and reflect on the past year.  FVA has accomplished all plans and projects as the season comes to a close.  FVA continues to prosper throughout the community establishing strong ties with the city and other organizations; all the while, we are bonding as a group and more importantly, having fun in the sun!

Tonight we elect a slate of officers that will lead us in 2012.  Keeping costs down through common sense, building membership, and working together, equals progress. 

Congratulations to elected officials; Eric Carlson, a newcomer, David Mills and Derek Czenczelewski from the Forestville district, and Henri Martin, Ken Cockayne, and Kevin Fuller. A very special thank you, to Terry Parker for a job well done!

Elections of Officers:     FVA by-laws state we hold an annual election of officers.  We thank Rob Newton for conducting the election in proper format.

Congratulations to the 2012 officers. The results are:

President – Dave Pasqualicchio

Vice President - Rick Leach

Secretary – Marsha Lockhart

First Director- Leo Bonola

Treasurer, Mary Jane (Janie) Johnson

Note: Nancy Blanchette and Mary Jane Johnson were both nominated for Treasurer, thus requiring a written ballot vote of all members present. The ballots were counted and Mary Jane was elected treasurer.

 Sincere thank you to Nancy Blanchette for her many years of service, as treasurer.       

City Village Report:

·         Thanks to Rick Leach and Leo Bonola, an engaging program was held on Veterans Day, at Quinlan Park.  With a large crowd in attendance, Rob Newton, along with Leo’s grandchildren, respectfully placed the ceremonial wreath on the Honor Roll. A nice moment in the center of Forestville.   (Matt Strus, Don and Marsha Lockhart worked tirelessly to prepare and paint the honor roll before the service.)

·         Rick Leach was very kind to mention how nice the Quinlan Park was progressing. Stop by and Take a look at it!

·         Leo’s two minutes:  FVA monthly drawing was for 2- $15.00 gift cards to Gnazzo’s. Penny Critchley and Tom Dickau were the winners.

·         Tom Dickau informs us the 2011 Christmas ornament is available, depicting Johnny’s Restaurant on one side and Nuchie’s on the reverse, for $10.00.  Stop by Nuchie’s to purchase this year’s ornament or call Tom at 860-582-1537. The previous 7 ornaments, available for your collection, are the 2004 Railroad Station, 2005 Asbury Methodist Church, 2006 Thomas Quinlan Park, 2007 Central Square, 2008 Greene-Hills School, 2009 Sarah E. Reynolds School and 2010 Forestville Fire House. The entire collection of 8 Ornaments may be purchased for the discounted price of $75.00.

·         Tom will be selling FVA ornaments at the Bristol Historical Society Craft Fair on Dec. 3^rdand he also has   the Federal Hill Christmas Ornaments for sale, $10.00. Tom provided us an educational history lesson on the name origin, “jack o’ lantern”.

·         Food for thought…….Sandy Gozzo questioned the number (over a dozen) of “Queens” or Miss Pageant people in representation at our community events. Are they a help or hindrance? Perhaps they should be invited, rather than show up with nothing planned to keep them busy. Having said that, Sandy mentioned, Sarah Bollard has been very helpful at all our community events. Thank you Sarah!

·         We heard it through the grapevine, FVA website needs some housekeeping.  Paul…..help??

·         Roy Diyulio, all around volunteer, informed us of the Asbury Methodist Country Cupboard Fair, with breakfast and lunch available.

·         Helen Lobaczewski and Lynn Savage enjoyed and did a superb decorating the FVA tree at the Manross Library.   Stop by the library for the Festival of Trees.

·         Turkey shoot: Several members had fun shooting darts at the targets. With target and donations we profited $275.00 with this yearly fundraiser.  Winners on each target received a $15.00 gift card to Gnazzo’s. Thanks to all who participated. 

·         Check out our new Christmas decorations in Forestville Center.  Led by Penny Critchley, FVA members will gather December 3^rd at 8am to decorate the village.

Treasurer’s Report : none

FVA Membership 2012:   The plan is to build membership, and bond with a great bunch of people, and have fun in the process.  FVA has become a strong influence throughout the community, through the efforts of all we manage and do. It would be nice if someone came forward volunteering to be chairperson, gather a committee, and toss around ideas to increase membership and implement them.  Anyone so inclined?  FVA needs you! A great idea, for a stocking stuffer, is a membership for family member or friends, only $15.00.

Quinlan Park Project:  Much has been accomplished since the last newsletter. Update as follows:

Renovation costs update:

Ø  Plans                                590.00 with revised drawings

Ø  Pavers                              21,800.00  

Ø  Fence                                5,200.00

Ø  Bristol Glass                       495.00

Ø  Paint and materials              80.77

Ø  Flag pole                           1,648.93   donated by Paul Blanchette

Ø  4- benches                       1,000.00   purchased by members   (engraving forthcoming)

Ø  1 wrought iron bench        1,259.92   

In the plan:

Ø  Bus structure                    2,689.00

Ø  Veterans  Park Walkway – bricks available for purchase

Ø  Plaque,  listing donors

Ø  Upon project completion, a dedication ceremony

Correspondence report  :

·         Maryellen has been busy authorizing 40 thank you notes to Pumpkin Festival sponsors and volunteers.

·         She has also sent out congratulations to Mayor Art Ward and the elected councilmen.

·         Congratulations to this year’s inaugural Miss Forestville, Molly Westfall and Miss Forestville Outstanding Teen, Kelly Lacko and Linda Lubrico for success of the pageant.

·         Wishing you well, Kay Burke, with your recovery of recent hip surgery.

·         FVA would like to say, Thank you, Maryellen!

Fundraising:

Casino Bus Trip to Mohegan Sun – tickets available- great fundraiser and fun, fun, fun, for all!!

·         Date: Saturday January 7, 2012 @2pm & leaves casino @8:30pm to return to Nuchie’s

·         Cost: $30.00 which includes $15.00 food voucher & $15.00 in gambling vouchers. Money due by December 10, 2011

·         Also: There will be a Nuchie’s Reunion@ 12pmto 2pm.  Beer, wine, soda and Pizza will be provided at a cost of $10.00 per person.  Must purchase Casino Trip Package to attend this function. See Dave Pasqualicchio for tickets.

FVA Coming Events: 

·         Carol Sing -  Monday, December 19^th  at 6:30pm.  Bring the family for singing, Santa and holiday spirit.

·         This year, due to the cost of renovation Quinlan Park, FVA will forgo this year’s Christmas Party Celebration. However, the first January meeting (Jan.18^th) we will begin at 5pm with a “pot luck” style dinner and as tradition, open the letter addressing the president.

·         Dave’s closing comment, “Thank you to our house baker, Marsha for her Brownies, cakes and muffins. Members used to come to the meeting to hear me speak. I’m starting to think differently.”

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2002 -2012, Happy 10th Anniversary FVA

Next meeting, January 18, 2012

Nuchie’s- 5pm for “pot luck”

(Bring a “pot” of food to share.  This should be an interesting fun evening in Forestville!!!)

Village people, please support our local   business members, who support us!!