Minutes/Newsletter                                                                                September 17, 2008

 

President, Dave Pasqualicchio’s Report and Remarks: 

Welcome Back! It sure was a nice break for everyone.  AS the summer comes to a close, the duck race, Henry Raymond’s pig roast and the summer concert, are considered a huge success.  Fall is a time to refocus our energy, a time to get the membership out to attend events and volunteer.   FVA would love to have you help us out this fall.  Volunteering can be fun, so come on out! 

Volunteers are needed for:   --Scarecrow Contest, Sat. Oct.25^th   -– Can and Bottle Drive, Sat. Nov. 1^st -- Membership Drive 2009 --9^th Annual Carol Sing   -- Bristol Pumpkin Festival -- Veterans’ Day Service –

FVA is fortunate to have a core of hardworking caring members. 

Wow! In seven short years FVA has become a busy little unit. Due to the success of FVA, Community organizations look to us to partner with them. FVA is involved in numerous events, always serving the community well.  FVA is proud of our record and vow to continue our progress. 

New face in the crowd:  Bristol Council Member, Cliff Block, along with many returning Veterans.  I am very pleased with the monthly attendance turnout.  If you haven’t been in awhile, who cares?  Come on out! It can be very interesting. At the next month Oct 15^th meeting, a FVA T-shirt will be given to all new faces in the crowd.

The 5^th annual Summer Concert was well attended. A special thanks to the Bristol Park and Recreation and the Ultimate Company’s, for hosting this relaxing evening.  A great job, Patti and the Guys! 

City Village Report:
·     Great News!  The FVA website is up and running, thanks to our webmaster, Paul Kowalczyk.   Go to www.fvact.org and look around.  The website includes our mission statement, events page and a calendar. Paul is working diligently to include photos, membership form and any other information, pertinent to our organization.  Tom Dickau suggested a link to the Bristol Historical Society.  If a FVA member has an update or other information, Paul may be reached at 583 6832, pakman2@comcast.net , or through the website.   Applause for Paul!

·         Craig Minor recommended www.ct.gov/dot  for those interested in the design plans for RT72. He also suggested adding that link to the FVA website.

Coppermine Brook Drainage Study - The City of Bristol announced in April 2008 that it would be conducting a study of the Coppermine Brook watershed area. The City recently received the completed Coppermine Brook Drainage Evaluation report from its consultant. The purpose of the study was to analyze storm water flow during rain events in order to identify potential solutions that will mitigate flooding along the brook and within the watershed area.  Mayor Arthur J. Ward has requested a public information meeting to be held on Thurs. Oct 2 to discuss the study and findings. If you are unable to attend and have any questions please feel free to contact the City of Bristol Engineering Department at 584-6297.

·          FVA approved $200.00 for the raffle prize, for the Bristol Library Pumpkin Festival, being held at Memorial Blvd Sat. Oct 25^th.

·         Tom Dickau suggested we participate in the Bristol Historical Craft Show at a cost of $25.00. We had great success selling FVA Christmas Ornaments last year. 

Forestville Trivia with Historian Tom Dickau:
1.  What does the word Pequabuck mean?    The two different spellings of “Pequabuck” and “Pequabock" would mean noisy or stony.

  .       2. Name four Forestville Schools, named after former educators.    

·         Sarah E. Reynolds –Academy Street

·         Mary A Callen –corner of Pine and Middle St.

·         Ellen P. Hubbell – old school (Fifth St.), new school (West Washington St.)

·         Greene –Hills School – Pine Street named after Fannie Greene and Finella “Nelllie” Hills.

·         Forestville Resident, Clarence A. Bingham also had a school on North Street Bristol, named after him.

Tom has been a liaison to BHS and informed us that Folk Singer, Andrew McKnight’s performance was “fantastic”!  

Leo Bonola Report: Leo had nothing to report, but drew Radcliffe Wire as the winner for monthly drawing.  Sorry, you had to be present at the meeting, to win the $25 gift certificate to Oasis Restaurant, plus last month’s prize.   Next month three prizes will be awarded.  Attend the meeting; it may be your lucky day! 

Treasurer’s Report by Nancy Blanchette:
Savings Account $16,000
Statement Account $11,500
Received Check from Duck Race $9,532.59
Received Check from Pig Roast $9267.00
Paid - Back Taxes for 4 years $1,200.00
Paid - Veteran’s Education Service $50.00
Paid - (Mark Camden) for August monthly Central Square maintenance $510.00
Paid -United Way Adopt a Child $100
Paid - Bristol Woman’s Club Annual Pasta Supper donation $100 (5 tickets available) Thurs. Oct 25^th at Nuchie’s                                                                                    

 Membership Report:

·          “If you like what you see, then join the FVA”, is our slogan for the membership drive 2009.  FVA always welcomes new members.  If you like what you see, then why not support FVA with a complimentary donation or a simple $15.00 membership?  Invoices will be sent out for renewal. Business renewal is $50.00 and non-profit is $25.00.

·         Our 2009 membership goal is to have 250 residents and 75 businesses.

Beautification: Fall is here. It is a nice time of the year to display seasonal decorations such as a pumpkin, scarecrow or mum. When you take pride in your home and community it inspires others to do the same.

·         FVA challenges businesses to display a Halloween dummy, scarecrow or something unique to show off the Halloween spirit and in support of FVA Scarecrow contest.

·         As always, please pick up litter!

·         FVA plans to recognize P&B Auto for enhancing lower E. Main St. with an awesome new building, paved lot and landscape.   Rick Leach has designed an attractive certificate, which will be framed and used as the Beautification Award. Thank you Rick, great job as always!  

Correspondence:
 Received a thank you from Matt Boilard, recipient of the 1^st FVA Scholarship.

·         Received a thank you from Untied Way for the “Adopt a Child” back pack.

·         Beautification certificate was sent to resident, Mrs. Mario Della Bernada at 881 Pine St. Forestville for maintaining her property.

·         Beautification certificate sent to Dennis and Cathy Chasse, 34 Nutmeg Rd. Bristol, for renovation work at the corner of Central St. and Washington St.    Our village is now enjoying a beautiful property after it being dilapidated for a very long time. 

Fundraising

The Pig Roast was very successful, in spite of the weather.  Henry Raymond, as the fearless leader of the festival, with his wife Stacy worked nonstop obtaining sponsors, venders, and raising funds.

The enthusiastic committee included Patty Woolverton, as Treasurer   Diana Mikulak, Secretary, and Lisa Sobchuk , Publicity.    Ruth Barton, Tom Ragaini, Bob Fiorito, Bob Merrick, Tom Kenyon and Roy Diyulio were  all part of the hard working group, each taking on a specific task to make this festival a great success.  

Patty Woolverton’s treasurer’s report included, the total dollar amount accumulated was $12,084.42. The expenses were $2,802.54.  She presented FVA a check for $9,267.54.  A round of applause followed for their efforts and great success. 

Henry said he enjoyed working with his committee during the months of meetings, planning and hard work.  Henry also said, “This is what it takes to achieve success”.  A thank you was expressed to all who volunteered and those who attended.

Forestville Village Association is proud to have these dedicated members who volunteered, planned and executed this Forestville Festival Pig Roast from start to finish.  With admirable appreciation, thank you Henry Raymond and your committee!! 

Bottle and Can Drive: Central Square, Saturday November 1^st, 8am – 12:00 noon.
 Please save your bottles and cans, tell your neighbors and friends and bring them to Central Square for this easy fundraiser. Two volunteers are needed to sort cans and bottles into the proper bins, as they are donated. 

2008 Christmas Ornament:  5th in our series of yearly ornaments. The suggestions for ornaments were Green Hills School, the Forestville Fire House, Sarah Reynolds School and the Forestville Boys Club.   A vote was taken.  This year’s ornament will be Green Hills School.  All previous ornaments are for sale at Nuchie’s and sets of gift boxes are available. 

Ouinlan Park Project: Bob Fletcher reported on the project, stating that it will be delayed for a variety of reasons including, bus routes, necessary city permits, park acquisition board, and whether is will remain a state road.  No bricks can be sold until the plan is completed.

Rob Newton reported The Quinlan Park Project is going to be $250,000.00 to $325,000.00 according to the plans being developed by the Park Committee.  In order for us to raise that kind of funds it would be easier if the FVA became a charity, an official 501c3 charity, with tax exempt status.  Once declared tax exempt almost 7% in all our costs would be saved.  The Pig Roast recently paid almost 7% in sales taxes for items they purchased.  FVA has a strong treasury now and Rob asked FVA Directors to consider spending $1000.00 or no more than $2000.00 to hire an accountant or attorney to help file the detailed IRS application.  Since FVA has stayed out of politics it may be able to recoup tax payments made back to our creation in 2002 or at least the last few years.

Rob also said “I will also be contacting the Mashantucket Pequot’s for a donation from the tribal council towards moving and re-seating the American Indian monument at Quinlan Park.” 

After that report things got pretty lively, with other opinions expressed.  Perhaps we need to rethink job cost and if it is even necessary to be a 501c charity.   Our cost at this time as a non- profit organization is a $250 yearly state fee. Do we want to put that much money into the renovation of a city park or do we want to make it as nice for Forestville, as Central Square for under $100.000. Do we want and need tax exempt status?    More discussions will be necessary to rethink the project, costs and timetable, in order to make the best decision for FVA and Quinlan Park.   

**Upcoming Events **  

**Scarecrow Contest – Saturday Oct. 25^th – Judging at 12:00 noon at Central Square. The five categories are:
·         Best in Show - $100 prize
·         Most Original - $100 prize
·         Scariest - $50.00 prize
·         Most Original - $50.00 prize
·         Best Business entry - $50.00 prize
·         Best Children’s entry - $50.00 prize     

·          Deadline to remove scarecrows is Nov. 2^{nd -} Chaired by Joan Trafford and Marsha Lockhart·          

** Election of Officers will be held at Nov. 19^th meeting. 

·         At the Oct. meeting nominations for office of President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary will be accepted.          

**Veteran’s Day Service – Nov. 11^th - 11:00am at Quinlan Park

·           Leo Bonola and Rick Leach plan this lovely service. Please attend if possible.·           

**7^th Annual Carol Sing -Tuesday December 16^th - 6:30 pm.

·         Sponsored by Roberge Painting·          

** Festival of Trees – Friends of the Bristol Public Library Contact person Rose Ann Chatfield 582-8602

·         Debbie at Tradewind Antiques, has been kind to us over the years to design seasonal pieces

**Turkey Shoot – Nov 19^th   Turkey targets will be given out at the next meeting, Oct 15^th.   Please plan to take one to sell.  Each space will sell for $1.00.  It is fun and an easy sell!  Any questions, call Marsha at 582-6245 or mmtldml@sbcglobal.net. 

** 2009 Duck Race – Due to unforeseen circumstances, The Forestville Village Association is undecided, of whether or not, to continue   partnership with the Bristol Chamber of Commerce for next year’s duck race. We will discuss it further at upcoming meetings.     

 

Remember to mark your calendar for upcoming FVA events; you wouldn’t want to miss the fun we are having in Forestville! 

 

Our next meeting is Oct. 15^th, 6pm at Nuchie’s

                                             

Hope to see you there!

 

 

                                                        There is no meeting in August.