February 18, 2009

President, Dave Pasqualicchio Report and Remarks:

Welcome. I recently noticed an FVA phenomenon.  A transformation is going on with ‘spring’ around the corner and only four more weeks of winter. Yeah!  The FVA is also quietly taking a new direction, a breath of “Spring Air” and leadership, moving the FVA calendar forward and to new heights. Part of the transformation is due to the emergence of Tom Dickau, who not only keeps us informed and entertained with Forestville Trivia and historical information, but has recently assumed these additional responsibilities with our enduring thanks:

·       Chairman of the Duck Race, with co chair Maryellen Holden

·       Duck t-shirt sales with the Chamber of Commerce

·       Coordinating ordering and sales of Christmas Ornaments, with Rick Fitzsimons as the designer of the ornament.

Joan Trafford has stepped up to the plate again chairing the Pasta/ Auction. Thank you. Thank you. In addition to this good news, Marsha’s continued interest and dominance doing all the intangibles a busy organization needs , keeping FVA solvent, vibrant and productive.  Thank you.

Just to recognize a few members responsible for this new direction, I could surely go on about many others, but will leave that for another day.

      Quick Story:  Some say when you work at Nuchie’s for an extended stay, you are paraphrased as ‘falling in the hole’.  Henry Raymond reminds me, he has not fallen in the hole, like many FVA members.  We will continue to work on him! There are no new comers in the crowd to give them a free FVA T-Shirt, but thank you for attending, returning new face, Henry Raymond.

        Coming to FVA, Rock Cat Baseball; a night at the ball park. I would like to introduce Rick Ferrelo, guest relations for Rock Cat Baseball. Rick answered many questions in regards to a FVA fundraiser. Various packages are available and are under consideration for our group.  The good news came from Pig committee members, Patty Woolverton and Diana Mikulak. They said they would love to chair this fundraiser. The tentative date is Monday June 29, 2009, with more information to follow.

       Tonight FVA continues to recognize deserving property owners for their investment in our community, cleaning up eye sores, blight and revitalizing areas, one property as needed.  Bob Fletcher, we present you with this certificate, recognizing you for restoring your Fletcher’s Plumbing building and the buildings across the street,  to their original integrity, beauty and your continued investment in our community. Great job, we applaud you.

City Village News:

·     There are plans to reconstruct the railroad crossing tracks, this spring. The project is expected to take three months. Start date, hopefully is after the Forestville Memorial Day Parade.

Tom Dickau’s Corner:     

Forestville Businesses and the men connected with them

The following were all Forestville businessmen and were members of the Forestville Businessmen’ Association which existed from 1948-1988.  These men were owners of the following businesses.  Two were awarded the Man of the Year award by the FBA.  These presentations began in 1964. These are marked with*

 *Gaetan Devevo  - Forestville Package Store, Central Street

Anthony Christopher  - First owner of Dom’s Luncheonette, Broad Street

James Zurawel-  Buckley Screw Machine Company, Church Avenue

Aaron Holden  - Ronnie’s Dress Shop, Central Street

Stanley Geryk  - Stanley’s or Stella’s Market, Stafford Avenue

Del Forcier-  Blue Lantern Restaurant- Broad Street

John Puskarz  – Forestville Lincoln Mercury, Pine Street

John Perfetto  - Johnny’s Restaurant, Central Street

*Fred Gentile- Bristol Lacquer and Chemical Company, Church Avenue

Anthony Korytko  - Broad Street Week-end Market

Tom has ordered more FVA Christmas Ornaments to replenish stock, including 25 Railroad, 50 Greene Hills, and 25 Central Square.  Rick Fitzsimmons, once again, will render a drawing of the 2009 ornament depicting Sarah E. Reynolds School, upper and lower buildings. 200 will be ordered to sell this year.

Leo Bonola Report:

The past 7 years Leo Bonola has been involved in all facets of this organization, due to his Forestville First Approach.   FVA is fortunate to be able to seek his wisdom and advice on all FVA matters, elevating Leo to “FVA First Consultant”.

     William Parker, your name was drawn in our monthly membership drawing. Sorry, you had to be present at the meeting, to win a gift certificate to Empire Pizza in Forestville center. Next month we will add a certificate to Scoops and Dreams to the drawing. All 2009 member names are included in the drawing.

Membership 2009  -  “If you like what you see, join us!”

      Membership renewals are coming in at a good pace. Please respond promptly.  FVA depends on your renewal to pay our bills.  Again, we ask all to do your part in bringing in a new member.   Would anyone like to compile a prospective list of new businesses we could introduce to FVA?

      Why not plan to attend a FVA monthly meeting. They tend to be good entertainment. Remember there are only 9 meetings annually, so try to stop in!   Free FVA T-shirt to a new member. 

      If you do not renew by June, consider your membership lapsed. The monthly newsletter will no longer be mailed to you.

Treasurer’s Report:

      The financial Report breakdown promises to be available online and at the meeting in March. It is a very informative report, reflecting revenue, expenses, fundraising totals, Central Square maintenance and more, thanks to treasurer, Nancy Blanchette.    Savings $25,388.01      Checkbook balance $10,169.38

Beautification:

Get the broom out!  Anyone have ‘spring ideas’, besides sweeping the winter sand off the walks, waiting for the spring bulbs to pop?   As the snow melts litter springs up. Pick it up please. Every little bit adds up to beautify our village.

Correspondence:

Maryellen Holden, Duck Lady, reports that coordinating volunteers needed for the Chamber of Commerce Home Show Is successful and thanked volunteers for donating their time.

·        “Thinking of you” sent to Caroline Schaffrick and Kathryn Burke

·        Gary Ritter wishing him well on his recovery

·        “Get Well Soon” Steve Tobin. Hope you are doing well.

·        Sympathy to the family of Robert Kloss

Welcome to Forestville:

·        Bryan Ricci, CPA

·        Sharon’s K-9 Barkery

·        Allstate Insurance

·        Treasure Keepers Antiques located  at 56 Fredrick St, next to Black Bear Auto

Maryellen sent a note of thanks to the FVA; unfortunately, it slipped David’s mind to read it.  Her note said,

 “On behalf of my sisters and the rest of my family, I would like to thank you all for the delicious pastries that the FVA provided for our after-funeral luncheon at Nuchie’s.  We were most grateful.  I am also grateful for the friends that I have come to know in the F.V.A.   My mom was truly a great woman, and I already miss her but your support makes the loss easier to bear.  My sincere thanks, Maryellen Holden

Fundraising:   Save these dates on your 2009 calendar:

·        PASTA/AUCTION     Thursday, March 12^th – 5:30 supper 6; 30 auction. Tickets will be sold at the door, Adults $8.00 ( children 10 and under $5.00)

Once again, the former Mayor Bill Stortz with his quizzical ways will be the auctioneer.  Please, poke around your attic, garage, and   basement for interesting items that will generate good money. Bring the items to Nuchie’s Restaurant.  For further information or for possible pick up of items call Chairwoman, Joan Trafford 5890624 or Marsha Lockhart 5826245.

·        DUCK SEASON OPEN, the Pequabuck River Duck Race will be held Sunday, May 3, 2009.

       Ducks are available for sale, $5.00 each. Please stop by for a book of tickets! This is our #1 fundraiser of the year. It is a great family event, with a bouncy house, kid games with prizes, Disk Jockey, food and community spirit. This year’s race is shaping up to be, the best yet. The T- Shirts look great with our original logo and are for sale. Rob Newton is coordinating vendors and entertainment. He may be reached by email robnewton@comcast.net

·        AL BARNES MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT IS SCHEDULED FOR Friday, June19th at Pine Valley Country Club, 12:00 noon. It is sure to be a sellout. Sign up your foursome soon.  More information is available from Mike Pasqualicchio at Nuchie’s.

·        PIG ROAST:  Due to much thought, it has been decided to hold the FVA Pig Roast every other year, sighting reasons due to tough economic times.  However, FVA member, John Goulet has announced plans to raise money for Autism Speaks, with a Pig Roast at St. Joseph Polish Society on May 30^th. From 1pm-3pm hamburgers and hot dogs will be served, with the meal served at 5pm and a band playing from 6-10pm.  Advance $20 tickets will be available at Nuchie’s and the St. Joseph’s Polish Society. Tickets will be $25 at the door. Tickets for children 12 and under are $10, under age 6 are free.  Receive more information by calling John at 747 5293.   Please support this worthwhile cause.

·        CENTRAL SQUARE BRICKS:  Ron Trafford is expecting the 22 engraved purchased bricks for Central Square before Memorial Day, weather permitting.

Quinlan Park Plan:

Marguerite Petersen reports:

·        Ed Swicklas, head of Park Dept. along with the corporate counsel, have agreed to the movement of the monuments, enabling Marguerite to proceed with design plan.

·        Once complete, Marguerite will present the plans to FVA and to the City of Bristol for final approval. Construction is slated to begin late summer.

Paul Kowalczyk will be checking with city and the Veterans council concerning the types of forms and regulations necessary to move forward to sell bricks for Quinlan Park; More information to follow.

New Business:  FVA continues to invest in our community.

·        With a unanimous vote, FVA will Silver sponsor the United Way Day of Caring, with a donation of $500.00.

·        Christine Levesque will contact Family Resource Center of Greene Hills School. We decided to continue with the grant money in the amount of $500.00, as we did last year.

·         Christine has done a lovely job keeping the community focus on the scholarship. A senior in any of the 3 local high schools may apply.

·        Plans for this year’s Forestville Memorial Day Parade may have to scale down due to the economy.  To raise necessary funds may be difficult.

Next meeting

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

at Scoops & Dreams

Bring the family, kids, and grandparents for an ice cream on FVA, at 5:30 with the meeting following at 6:00pm. It should be a lot of fun!

PASTA/AUCTION     

Thursday, March 12^th   5:30 Dinner 6:30 Auction

GOOD FOOD! LOTS OF FUN!

Auction Items are needed! 

“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”   

Please remember to support area business!

Sign up a new member today!