Minutes061709

President, Dave Pasqualicchio Report:

Welcome Back. How was your spring break? All good things come to an end. With that, it is very easy to become lazy, complacent, losing focus and drive to move FVA forward. Bristol, Forestville community has had many welcomed changes throughout the city, in local government and their vision to make positive change for the community and our children’s future. Many good people are in place.

It is important for FVA, Bristol Historical Society, Veterans Council and Federal Hill Association to remain strong to help bolster this movement. With this leadership, change will be prevalent, the future is promising. FVA will remain a strong presence, encouraging all to excel.

You may ask what you can do as part of this organization. Volunteer, build membership, attend meetings and beautify your property!

Mike Tonon is our new face in the crowd. Welcome, Mike!

President has showed his concern for the drop in monthly membership. Please attend the July 15^th meeting. There will be no August meeting.

FVA has flipped the spring calendar, completing our core, most recognized event fundraiser, the 5^th annual Duck Race. You all know the reorganization this year, led by Tom Dickau and the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Mike Nicastro and Crista Elsdon was a huge success. Applause to all who helped makes the event a winner.

Also observed, the 10^th FVA sponsored Forestville Memorial Day Parade. President believes it had the best crowd turnout enjoying the parade, the most adrenalin, patriotism put forth by this community, supporting and remembering those who gave their lives for our freedom. To all sponsors, participants and volunteers, Thank you! Special Thanks to veterans, we applaud you.

In closing I remind all to enjoy your summer, be safe, and try to do a good deed for others. FVA is always available for you. Thank you.

City Village Report:

· Tonight FVA member, Jessica Dumont presented and outlined to FVA members a wonderful opportunity to become a partner with the Bristol Pumpkin Festival. Jessica would help to organize the festival through marketing and past sponsorship. FVA would provide a much needed boost in man power. Central Square may be an ideal place to hold the pumpkin festival in conjunction with the Scarecrow contest. Realizing a lot of work is involved, many questions were raised. Suggested dates for the Fall Festival are October 17^th & 18^th. More discussion to follow.

· Tom Dickau thanked all who helped with this year’s Pequabuck River Duck Race. Tom’s calm demeanor helped motivate all committee members and his leadership was a smooth transition, always accepting suggestions and cautiously moving forward. Tom has indicated this year’s experience will help him improve on next year’s 6^th Duck Race. Great Job, Tom!

· Route 72 looks great. What a boom for all of us. Hopefully a quaint, quieter, easier access, less litter and a safer community is in store for Forestville. Estimated cost 53.9 million dollars with completion date August 2010.

· Leo Bonola, FVA First consultant, reminds all, the 5^th annual Al Barnes Memorial Golf Tournament scheduled for June 19^th, once again, sold out. Leo estimated $25,000 has been raised for our village over the 5 years of the tournament. Thank you, Mike and Leo! **** As of this writing, the tournament has been postponed due to rain. It is rescheduled for Thursday Sept. 10^th.

· Monthly membership drawing winner, David Barton, was not present at the meeting. Next month, 5 certificates will be raffled off.

Treasurer’s Report: Nancy Blanchette

Total Membership Dues $ 4,160.00

Sales and Revenue $22,161.00

Duck Race Income $ 7,618.05

Pasta Supper/Auction $1,506.00

Ornament Sales $ 2.492.90

Golf Tournament $10,545.00

Expenses $17,759.98

( complete expense report available )

Donations $ 1,200.00

VNA $100.00

Autism Speaks $100.00

U Way Day of Caring $500.00

FVA Scholarship $500.00

Ending Check Balance $27,132.30

Our finances are in good shape.

Membership Drive: “If You Like What You See, Join Us!”

If you have not yet paid 2009 membership dues, it is not too late.

This will be the last newsletter for those who have not renewed their membership.

Beautification:

· Beautification notices were sent out to two properties, 571 and 579 Stafford Ave. for well manicured lawns, seasonal flowers and over all beauty. Nice work, Thank you.

· Dave has noticed effort to keep the community litter free, shrubs trimmed, and flowers planted. He has noticed residents doing chores that were never tended to before. Head turners! It is appreciated. Thank you!

· Central Square looks beautiful!!!

· Central Square Brick Placement update: Ron has contacted Shawn Casey numerous times. It has been explained we need several days of 80 degree dry weather before he can complete installation.

· Dave noticed the plaque under the flag pole, again, has lost its bronze plating. It seems to be peeling.

Fundraising:

· Duck Race account for 2009, $7,350.00

· Family Night at the Rock Cat stadium. Monday, June 29^th. This is a great opportunity for membership to come together with their families to enjoy a night out. Tickets have been available at Nuchie’s. FVA members will be running a concession as part of the fundraiser. Hope to see you there.

Correspondence: Welcome Lady, Maryellen, aka, “Waddles”

· Received note form Kay Burke noting, “You all do a fine job.” She also said if money was needed to purchase a new American Flag at Pine Lake or Central Square, she would help with the cost.

· Received, Thank you to Membership from Cheryl and Kim at Scoops &Dreams for stopping by before the March meeting. It was much appreciated.

· Received a birth announcement from Heather and Chris Rutsch, the proud parents of our youngest FVA member, Duncan Alexander Rutsch, born on May 26, 2009. 8lbs.4oz.

· Received a note of thanks and appreciation from Don Muller, director of the American Clock and Watch Museum, for the seasonal floral piece.

· Received a note of appreciation from Linda Rich for FVA continued support for the Bristol Family Resource Centers

· Happy 58^th Wedding Anniversary to FVA grandest couple, John and Helen Lobaczewski.

· Congratulations to this year’s Pequabuck River Duck Race winner, Bob Fletcher.

· Thanks to Walt Veselka and his Public Works Crew for help setting up the village for Duck Race and Parade.

· Thanks to the Bristol Police for traffic re-routing and for their help with the Duck Race and Parade.

· Thanks to Pat Nelligan for his organization of all of the Memorial Day weekend events that honored our vets

· Sympathy card was sent to Matt Greene on the passing of Mom, Carolyn Greene.

· Thank you, United Way of West Central CT. for sponsorship with Day of Caring program.

· Thank you Patti Woolverton and Diana Mikulak for organizing the Rock Cats ballgame fundraiser.

· Thanks to Christine Levesque for leading the Scholarship committee.

Quinlan Park:

Marguerite Petersen is cautiously following each step necessary, to move the Quinlan Park project forward.

State Representative Betty Boukus is in the process of trying to secure a state grant for Quinlan Park

Pat Nelligan will be invited to the July meeting to discuss Quinlan Park and the selling of bricks as a project fundraiser.

FVA Scholarship 2009:

Christine Levesque has completed the 2^nd year of implementing the scholarship quietly, efficiently and with a most professional manner. The 2009 recipient of the FVA $500 scholarship is Kristin Welgarz , a BCHS senior.

Upcoming Events:

The Bristol Parks and Recreation Summer Concert Tour is scheduled for Tuesday, August 11^th.The time is 6:30 in Forestville a t the Ultimate Company. There is no cost to attend. Take the opportunity to relax and listen to the sounds of area artists.

Next meeting, July 15, 2009 6pm at Nuchie’s