President, Dave Pasqualicchio Report:
      FVA priority is a Forestville first approach, responding to community and business needs and questions. We are generally concerned for members, families and business leaders and what is best for them and our community. We are always available for questions and will address the appropriate resources.

     Tonight, we begin a new chapter by meeting as an ice cream gathering, in support of the first area business we support as friends, Scoops and Dreams.  Hardworking, A + effort girls, Cheryl and Kim need FVA members help to infuse vitality in Forestville center, in turn spur growth. The ice cream was on us and enjoyed by all.
 

     Returning to Nuchie’s headquarters, we get down to FVA monthly business. The first agenda item, the main event and fast approaching is the Pequabuck River Duck Race.  Tickets…… Tickets…… Tickets!  We need 100% participation from membership.  Please stop down to Nuchie’s or call Tom Dickau (5821537) to pick up a book of tickets to sell.  President reminds all, the race is a wonderful community event, besides #1 fundraiser, is for the entire family to enjoy, with games, food, music, race and community spirit. On May 3^rd Dave would like to see a large turnout. It’s free, come on down!
 

     Busy night for new faces in the crowd, including Mary Ann Lupa, Kate Mathews, Charlotte Deleo, Terry Parker and Angie Golarz;  Welcome!     

City Village Report:
      A unanimous yes vote took place for Tom’s suggestion for FVA to donate the series of Christmas  Ornaments to the Bristol Historical Society and to continue each year.
 

     Leo Bonola conducted the monthly raffle which included a $25.00 gift certificate to Empire Pizza and a $25.00 certificate to Scoops and Dreams. Do you believe it?? The winner was not present and this winner, Rick Leach, seldom misses a meeting!   Sorry, you had to be present to win.
 

     Paul Kowalczyk will update our website www.fvact.org to include FVA participating business members. Please patronize our local businesses, who are caring partners in the beautification of Forestville.

Tom Dickau Corner:     DUCKS – DUCKS – DUCKS
 

     We need to perform at a high level this year to sell all the ducks. Every $5.00 ticket sold is a step closer to our goal. Area businesses have display posters and tickets for sale. Tom (5821537) would like to see all members sell 10 ducks for this year’s race.

Maryellen urges all members to think about working a 1 ½ hour shift selling ducks at:

     Wal Mart:  Saturday, 4/18.  There is one opening to fill 11:30-1:00  (one door) Stop & Shop Forestville: Sunday, 4/19:  There is one slot open from 1:00-2:30 and 2 slots open from 2:30-4.  (2 doors)

Stop & Shop Bristol: Saturday, 4/25:  We have no one for any of the 1 & ½ hour shifts from 11:30 – 4:00.    (1 door)

 Please contact Maryellen Holden at 583-6085 or 977-5074 if you are available to cover at least one shift. 

      Duck T shirts are now available with our own, one of a kind, duck logo for $8.00 ($12.00 with long sleeves.)  The river banner is available for installation featuring race sponsors and cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce officials is working well. Tom said, “Everyone is a winner this year, beautifying Forestville and Bristol”.  

Treasurer’s Report:

     There is no update; Nancy has been out of town on business.  Sandy Gozzo suggested we do not post financial sheet on our website.  Dave will have it available upon request. All were in agreement.

Membership Drive:

     Is there anyone interested in following up leads, evaluating lists (renewals versus last year’s membership lists) to decide if there is a need to resend 2008 lapsed membership? Although FVA is in strong financial standing, like all organizations there are many expenses and membership renewal is our source of operating capital.

     As well as, the 100% renewal of membership goal, our drive for new members will continue through spring. If you like what you see, join us!  Please ask a neighbor, friend, relative or business to join us. Remember you are asking them to become a member of a fun loving group of people, dedicated to promoting a variety of events and keeping Forestville, a clean and beautiful village, for all to enjoy.

Beautification:

     The staple of the village, beautification, is where it all starts; caring individuals with pride, encouraging others to do simple acts  to enhance property. Keep up the good work. Please note, the United Way Day of Caring is scheduled for Friday, May 15, 2009. Interested parties are to go out into designated areas for litter clean up.  Dave pleads with Forestville businesses to send out employees for a few hours into their immediate area.

     The additional brick purchases last fall for Central Square will be installed by Memorial Day.

Fundraising 2009:
     The recent Pasta Auction Supper was held Thursday, March 12^th.  It went rather well,  but the Membership turnout was a little disappointing.  However, we met our goal to raise $1500 to cover projects. The Family Resource Center at Greene Hills School and the United Way Day of Caring sponsorship each will receive $500 from FVA.
 

     Joan Trafford once again did a wonderful job with the auction, with special help from her cousin Christine Piwnicki.  Hooray! Hooray! Christine did a bang up job securing the best auction items to date. The Forestville Village businesses were very responsive to her requests. Her plea for wares enabled Auctioneer, former Mayor Stortz the opportunity to inspire bidding on most everything.   Next year, one thought would be to solicit business members to buy a book of 10 tickets and distribute to family and employees.

     If you did not attend you missed out on some great bargains and a tasty pasta dinner with luscious desserts, baked by FVA members. Thank you to attendees, those who donated and all who helped make this another successful Forestville event.

Quinlan Park Project: Status Quo

Paul Kowalczyk did do some additional ground work on the possibility of FVA to sell bricks, to offset renovation costs. Brick sales must be approved first by Bristol Veteran’s Council, in regards to costs, design, etc.  There was concern that the Veteran’s council would have to control the money from brick sales. FVA will investigate the nature of procedure necessary to begin sales.

Correspondence:

     A warm welcome to our FVA Welcome Lady and head duck woman, Maryellen Holden who was missed at the Pasta Auction, due to her class schedule. There is always next year!
 

     A beautification notice will be sent out to   deserving property resident, Brian Andrews, 54 Pine St.
 

     Sympathy card sent  to the family of Walter Waseleski,  of Century Spring, a wonderful supporter of FVA
 

     Andrew Otero and to the Bristol Police Officer of the Year: Officer Robert Motel.
 

     Received warmest regards letter of encouragement from Kay Burke, who
enjoys the newsletter format and likes what she sees in the village center, business renovating and beautifying property.
 

     Received a note of thanks from Linda Rich for support of the Greene Hills Family Resource Center playgroup. The parents of the children learned how to optimally promote their child’s development and the necessary parenting skills to raise healthy children.

Coming Events:
 

     Greene Hills School is excitedly preparing for their annual Golf Tournament, scheduled for Saturday May 16, 2009 at Southington Country Club.  They are interested in Sponsors and golfers.
 

     FVA Scholarship is available for a senior from the local high schools.  Christine received applications only from BCHS, thus far. The committee will be reviewing them over the next few weeks. This is a great opportunity to help with college tuition, as FVA gives back to the community.
 

New Business:

     Tom Dickau has suggested possibly getting involved with the Slice of Bristol. Roy Diyulio said, Asbury Methodist Church has a program. More discussion to follow at the next meeting.

In closing, Dave would like to see a larger attendance at the April meeting. Come on out for relaxation and fun.   There is no meeting in May.

Next Meeting, April 15, 2009 – 6pm at Nuchie’s