We had great membership turnout with new faces in the crowd.  Welcome, a Veteran leader and fine gentleman, John Lasnier.  Also welcome, Patti Woolverton with her visiting Mom and Rick Centoni, who is about to become a veteran core member.

A special thanks to Rick Leach for conducting the meeting last month and for overseeing the printing of the monthly newsletter and all of FVA printing needs.

Spring reminds us all of a ‘time of renewal,’ stepping forward in our own lives, family, and business. We ask ourselves, how can I be productive, what can I do to be a better person and what can I do to help my community grow? Please join us, volunteer. This is a busy time of year for FVA.  Committees are working well together with progress results and fun! Dave thanked the Home Show volunteers. 

The Pasta/Auction is a lot of fun, relaxing with the whimsical comments and tone presented by Auctioneer, former Mayor William Stortz; makes for a wonderful evening.

With spring season in the air, comes spring clean up. Look around, tidy up! Dave has begun to organize the Forestville Memorial Day parade.

City Village Report:

·         Tom “Duckau”, Forestville Village Historian, Duck Man, Pumpkin Man:

Tom’s brief remarks included, “The Race is on. It’s Duck Season.  Selling, 5000 duck tickets, is always on my mind.”

 Tom mentioned the interest in the race and selling tickets, is good so far.  The race provides great revenue. We all need to pitch in to sell ducks, and not let this wonderful opportunity slip by. FVA needs each member to sell a book of ten tickets. Please stop by Nuchie’s, the Chamber of Commerce or contact Tom Dickau, (860)582-1537 or email,   tdickau@sbcglobal.net .
 

·         POSTCARDS FOR SALE:     This card which Tom sells for $1.00 is commemorating the 225th Anniversary of the founding of Bristol. It will help fund many celebration events throughout the year.  You can get as many as you want by calling Tom or stop by Nuchie’s.

·          Members were informed, by Paul Kowalczyk, of the future loss of two fields, currently used by the Forestville Little League.  The League will not be able to operate with only the one field remaining. The timing will be determined by the construction schedule of the new Greene Hills K-8 School building. It will be quite a loss unless the League can find open land elsewhere.
 

·         Kate Matthews kindly answered questions, concerning issues in our community, about the Rt. 72 completion. She said she would contact the appropriate people to find out if the schedule has changed and what the anticipated completion date is.
 

·         Leo held the monthly membership drawing.   Members must be present to win. This month the $25 cash certificate went to Rick Leach, who in turn, kindly purchased 5 duck tickets from Leo Bonola, deputy mayor.
 

·         Leo briefly mentioned the plans for the 7^th annual Al Barnes Memorial Golf Tournament. It will be held at the Pine Valley Country Club, Thursday, June 3, 2010. The cost is $115.00 per person. Completed forms with payment are made to Mike Pasqualicchio, c/o Nuchie’s.   Sign up early!!
 

·         Bill Stortz suggested we email friends, to get the word out, about the Pasta/Auction.
 

·         Paul Kowalczyk informed members, the State intends to put the railroad improvement contract   out to bid in July.

Treasurer’s Report: 

The 2009 financial statement, completed through the office of Treasurer Nancy Blanchette, is available at Nuchie’s.  Thank you, Nancy. 

Membership 2010:  By replying through this newsletter, this will considerably cut down our mailing costs. Please remit today.

Please, send in your FVA membership renewal.  Support our annual drive to better Forestville. Show us your concern. “If you like what you see, join us?”  Sign up a new member today.

  

  FVA holds only nine (9) meetings a year, filled with fun, fellowship and a sense of accomplishment. Only you can help our community   stand out among others. We have a good start and only good things are happening in Forestville. Come on down and be part of the movement.

Marsha noted:

·         Of the 152 resident 2009 members, 83 have renewed their membership.  11 new resident members joined FVA this year.
 

·         13 of our 40 business members have renewed their membership for 2010, with the addition of a new business, Peter Fredricks Salon and a nonprofit, the Italian Social Club.

 Beautification:

Litter program:  Adopt a street or area.  Dave would like to see membership adopt areas to clean up. Areas don’t have to be large; perhaps a simple street corner.  A 20 foot area will make a difference. It all adds up.  It is great exercise too. “Every litter bit helps.”  For more information call Dave (860)582-1108.

 

There may be a possible partnering of BARC, C.W Resources and Forestville Village Association, in a litter program. For visibility in the community, FVA has authorized the purchase of 12 t-shirts for the litter crew. This has the possibilities of a great program for the community, but there is the question of obtaining funds, to offset the cost of clean up crews.  

Correspondence Report with Maryellen Holden aka; Waddles, Welcome Lady:

·         Sympathy to the family of Michael Zoppo

·         Sympathy to  Joe and Joella Mudry on the passing of Pauline Mudry

·         Sympathy to the family of Diane and Gary Karwowski

·         Welcome new businesses Pace Computers & Service, Stephanie’s Bar and Grill and Jumpin-n-Jammin.

·         Best Wishes to Bob Fletcher on the business merger.

Maryellen went over the dates reserved for duck ticket sales;  Stop and Shop on Pine St. April 3^rd from 8:30am -3:30pm and Wal-Mart April 18^th from 9am -4pm.

We need coverage 12-1:30 pm, April 18^th at Wal-Mart, if any FVA member would like to volunteer. 

Quinlan Park Renovation:

The project plans seem to be progressing. Paul Kowalczyk said Marguerite is pushing the project through the City Boards, one step at a time.

Brick Forms are now available at Nuchie’s. The purchase price of each brick for Quinlan Veterans Park is $50.  Each brick will be engraved with a Veteran’s name and branch of service only, but may be purchased by anyone. Please do not be confused with the 3^rd phase of bricks being sold for Central Square. 

 

Coming Events and Fundraising 2010:

v  Pequabuck River Duck Race, Sunday, May2, 2010. Great prizes:

·         1st. prize  $1,500.00

·         2nd prize  $1,000.00

·         3rd prize   Green fees for 4, for 18 holes of golf with cart, redeemable at Chippinee Golf Club in Bristol, CT.

·         4th prize   40" Flat Screen TV

·         5th prize   $250 Gift Certificate redeemable at Quinoco Oil 

·          6th prize  3 month family membership  at Wheeler Regional YMCA, Plainville, CT.(includes 2 adults and all dependent children living at home)

·         7th prize  Nintendo Wii

·         A total of 23 prizes to be awarded!  Prizes exclude alcoholic beverages.

If a complete list of prizes is needed or duck tickets to sell, contact Marsha, mmtldml@sbcglobal.net  or (860)582-6245 or Tom, tdickau@sbcglobal.net  or (860)582-1537

Membership often asks what I can do to help. Help by selling a book of 10 tickets. Is that asking too much? This is an opportunity to help FVA from your home, canvassing your family and friends.  Each ticket sells for $5.00.

 

v  “A Night at the Ball Park” – Rock Cat Baseball game to be scheduled by Patti Woolverton.

v  2010 Scholarship; follow up by Christine Levesque

 

v  Forestville Memorial Day Parade is scheduled for Monday, May31st. Sponsors and volunteers always needed. Cal l Dave (860)582-1108.

 

           Next meeting, April 14, 2010 – Nuchie’s - 6PM

 

 Please make an effort to attend.

 

     Please support our local, FVA member, businesses and non- profit organizations: