The colors are in, autumn presents its peak season with vibrant colors, full fall foliage; pretty much symbols of FVA.  We are in full mode, busy as a beaver; all working our little village to perfection. United FVA moves forward with challenges continued visions of success, inspires us to do more enhancements to the Village of Forestville.  There seems to be a renewed motivation among membership, working together as one big happy family, for a common goal. Why not become a part of this movement? Come on down and join in the fun.  Growing membership inspires us to new heights.

The committee of the Pumpkin Festival worked well, timely and organized with a calming approach (the Dickau Way). This event has the potential of being very special to the Forestville community. Thank you to our sponsors, Bristol Public Library, Forestville Village Association, Friends of the Bristol Public Library, Greater Bristol Chamber of Commerce,  Robert’s Orchard, Mayor T.E.A.M Grant Committee, Cutter’s Edge Lawn Care, and the Bristol Auto Club.

FVA accepted a Special Service Award at the Humanitarian Awards Dinner, Wed. Oct.21, 2009, at the Clarion Hotel. This is the first recognition awarded to the FVA. It is a testament to FVA hard work, accomplishments and respect throughout the community. Thank You.

City Village Report:

Route 72 is blossoming closer to reality. Planning to open the summer of 2010, it will create many changes and possibilities for Forestville and it’s center. New visions for Forestville! What would you like to see happen?  Forestville has recently been included in many discussions among our city leaders. Mike Nicastro, Chamber President, said many opportunities and challenges will be forthcoming. The time is now to start to think about the possibilities for Forestville, with the completion of Rt.72.

·         We welcome tonight, Derek Czenczelewski, 3rd District City Council Candidate (4A).

 Derek Czenczelewski is a proud member of the Forestville Village Association, Republican Town Committee and Young Professionals for United Way. A recent University of Connecticut graduate, Derek works at ESPN and donates his time to various community efforts. With a background in Urban Studies, Marketing and Communications, Derek is committed to working with all parties to attract more businesses and jobs to Bristol. Derek is a lifelong resident of Forestville. While growing up, Derek played at Forestville Little League and attended Greene Hills Elementary School, as well as Memorial Boulevard and Bristol Central High School. For more information or input, please check out Derek's Web site at www.dcforcouncil.com or call him directly, anytime, at 860 877 0383.

 

·         Mark your calendar to honor our Veterans!  Leo Bonola and Rick Leach invite all to attend the Veterans Day Service, November 11^th, 1 pm, Quinlan Park. 

 

·          Paul Lamothe was not present, at the meeting, to win the membership drawing.  Next month, 7- $25 gift certificates will be available, but you must be present to win!  Attend the meeting; your name may be drawn next time.

 

·         www.fvact.org   Paul Kowalczyk, web master, suggested we do not post financial statements on the website. All agreed. However, any member who would like a statement, it is available through a FVA Official.

 

·         Joan Trafford asked everyone to build a scarecrow and she thanked those who helped her with the scarecrow contest.

 

·          The 2009 FVA Christmas Ornament is Sarah E. Reynolds School, depicting the Upper building on one side and the Lower building on the reverse side. The price is only $10. Tom and Leo sold them at the Friends of the Forestville Schools luncheon held at Marinelli’s this month.

 

·         Helen Lobaczewski pointed out that Pine Lake is in full fall beauty, a hidden treasure tucked away in Forestville. Helen also reminded us of the recently installed flag pole and the ceremoniously raised flag, donated by a resident.  Drive by, it is a must see, also visible at night.

    

Tom Dickau update:

Well, someone upstairs was certainly looking after the Pumpkin Festival weather-wise.  After a week of dismal forecasts of rain, chilly and cloudy, the weather was certainly great. Let's face it pumpkins like the cold; they smile better. We certainly should be smiling. The festival met and exceeded our goals of providing a free, event in which the community could be involved and enjoy.  Mission accomplished!  The FVA should be extremely proud of its Pumpkin Committee.  They attended meetings, lugged pumpkins all over the city, set-up and ripped down the venue, and organized and ran the variety of activities during the day.  They are an outstanding, dedicated, and creative group of individuals who gave tirelessly of themselves. Kudos to all!  Central Square and the Village provided a wonderful, post card pretty venue for the event.  People are saying this was the greatest event staged in Forestville! It was wonderful; I think it has found a permanent location in our quaint New England setting.   For those who were unable to attend, go to www.bristolct.net . There are over four hundred pictures. Check out www.fvact.org  for pictures too!

The Dog Costume Parade was organized by Sharon's K-9 Barkery. The winners are:

 

Most Original/Unique - June Mazeka with Corey wearing a cowboy outfit

Cutest - Kathy Celson with Daisey as a pumpkin

Funniest - Barbara Norton - Tabba as a clown

Patriotic - Jarod Charette - Buster in and Army outfit

Scariest  - Justin Kababik  - Ozzy wearing a Dinosaur costume

Best in Show - Darcie Howlin  -Tank wearing a Lion King costume

 

Scarecrow contest -15 entries - the winners are:

1st place $50 - Jason Pandell - #10 scarecrow

2nd place $25 - Marsha and Don Lockhart - #1

3rd place $25 - The Bloom's - #11

 

·         FVA member, Asbury Methodist Church, is holding a Fair on Friday, Nov.20^th- 6-9PM and Saturday, Nov.21^st 9AM- 2PM.  It will include a silent auction, country bakery, children’s corner, cookie walk and crafts. A country breakfast will be served on Saturday at 7:30AM.  For more information call 584-0529.

 

·         Nomination of 2010 Officers took place:

President - Dave Pasqualicchio

Vice President - Rick Leach

Treasurer -Nancy Blanchette

Secretary -Marsha Lockhart

 

 

Membership 2010:

Volunteer, great things are happening in Forestville. Be a part of it. Please, step right up to lead the 2010 membership drive.  We not only need a leader, we need more member input, ideas and participation to secure new members.  A new slogan is needed. Do you, a participating FVA member, have any thoughts or suggestions? We need YOU!

 

Beautification:

·         All are in favor of Phase 3 sales of Central Square bricks, to be installed in the spring of 2010.  This 3^rd phase may be the last opportunity to purchase them at Central Square. They make a wonderful Christmas present. The price is $75.00 each.  Place your order at any time, at Nuchie’s or with a FVA official.  Remember, when we start selling bricks for Quinlan Park, it will be for Veterans, only.  Central Square is open to anyone.

 

·         Marguerite and Paul were asked to look into possibilities of trash receptacle purchase for Central Square. Costs range from $500.00 to $1,000. Pete Roberge expressed an interest in buying for the park.

 

·         Penny Critchley said she would spruce up the Gateway Sign before winter. Currently Rt.72 construction is an obstacle.  Gary Lawton will help with cleanup.

 

 Fundraising 2009:

v  The “Turkey Shoot” is an annual fundraiser with the profits helping to offset the costs for Central Square annual property maintenance. We urge all FVA members to sell one “pie” of 25 slices at $1.00 a slice. It is an easy sell. Most people will take a chance for a dollar. The winner will receive a $15.00 gift card to Southside Market.  The deadline is the Nov. 18^th meeting, where a FVA member will shoot darts at the target to determine the winner. The winner will be notified immediately.

 

You may stop by Nuchie’s for your target or call Marsha at 582 6245 or e-mail mmtldml@sbcglobal.net.  I will make sure you get a target to sell.  Remember, this is a great way to do your part for the Forestville Village Association. Help out, will you?

 

v  The Christmas Ornament 2009 is of the Sarah E. Reynolds School, showing the upper building on one side and the lower building on the reverse side. The price is $10 each. If you have missed the opportunity to buy the previous year’s ornaments, Forestville Train Station, Asbury Methodist Church, Quinlan Park, Central Square or Greene Hills School, they are still available for your collection. They are $10 each or the entire set of 6 ornaments is a great deal at $55.00. Consider them for gift giving.

 

v  If you have a specific fundraiser proposal, contact Dave at Nuchie’s, 582-1108.

 Quinlan Park Project:  

There was a great deal of emotion expressed during the discussion of the Quinlan Park project. Maryellen Holden acknowledged and thanked Marguerite Peterson for all of the work that she has done regarding Quinlan Park. Maryellen recognized Marguerite for the countless hours that she has spent on doing preliminary drawings and for the time that she has spent attending city meetings.

 
At the November meeting, we hope to have a status report addressing the Quinlan Park project. We have asked the Quinlan Committee to clarify the scope of the project, what action the city is considering with regard to this project, and provide us with a reasonable timetable for the completion of this project and a list of what remains to be done (which earmarks what other members of the FVA can do to help move this project along).

 

Correspondence Report with Maryellen, Waddles, Welcome Lady Holden

Ø  Sympathy notice to Family of Linda Dimatteo, passing of beloved husband, Nick.

Ø  Thank you for service to Forestville and Bristol community, Frank Nicastro and Craig Minor

Ø  Thank you  Greater Bristol Chamber of Commerce and Mayor’s TEAM grant Committee   for the sponsorship of Pumpkin Festival

Ø  Thank you Bristol Press reporters, Jackie Majerus and Bob Montgomery   for the fine coverage of our recent Pumpkin Festival.

 

FVA coming events:

·        Veteran’s Day Service – Quinlan Park- November-  1PM

 

·        Turkey Shoot, November 18^th meeting- If you haven’t helped us in the past, this is your chance to do so by selling “slices of a pie target.”

 

·        Election of Officers – November 18^th meeting

 

Please bring a non perishable food item to:

·        Holiday Carol Sing –Monday,  December 21^st

 

·        Holiday Gathering – Tuesday, December 29^th

 

  The next monthly meeting is November 18, 2009 at Nuchie’s-6PM

 

No monthly meeting in December

 

FVA welcomes in the New Year; meeting on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 - 6PM Nuchie’s