Minutes20091118

President, Dave Pasqualicchio Report:

Hello and Welcome. Hope all is well. Our calendar year is its final month. It has been an inspiring, lucrative, positive campaign, coming to a close. Referencing since inception in 2002, this past year has been a year our forefathers would love to see now. Due to efficiency, cohesiveness, dedication of membership, this year is the best of all. Two signature events, the Duck Race and the newly acquired Pumpkin Festival have redefined who we are in the community. We are FVA membership. We are proud of our existence and our accomplishments. Looking ahead to 2010, one goal we should have is to continue to build this organization into a village powerhouse. With that said, all memberships, 2010 resolution to be, sign one new member to FVA.

Ø Congratulations to all 2010 elected FVA officials: Dave Pasqualicchio, President; Rick Leach, Vice President; Nancy Blanchette, Treasurer; Marsha Lockhart, Secretary and Leo Bonola, First Director.

Ø FVA was represented well at this year’s Bristol Boys and Girls Club Humanitarian Award Dinner, at the Clarion. Dave Pasqualicchio was especially honored and excited to accept this recognition, on behalf of FVA.

Dave reminds you to attend FVA festive, cozy Holiday Gathering is December 29^th, 6:30 at Nuchie’s. All are invited, with no cost to attend, but please call or email to let us know how many will attend: Nuchie’s (860)582-1108, or Marsha (860) 582-6245 and mmtldml@sbcglobal.net ** Please bring a non perishable food item.

City Village Report:

Congratulations to newly elected council people of the 3^rd district, Kate Matthews and Dave Mills. Congratulations to Mayor Art Ward reelection and the entire council.

· Kate Matthews, unable to attend the FVA meeting due to her City Hall meeting, relayed her appreciation to FVA for the support and friendship she received during the election. She promises to work diligently on behalf of FVA and be an active member of the organization.

· Dave Mills thanked all. He commented on his quietly finding out what his job on the City Council is going to take……..time.

Tom Dickau, Forestville resident, Historian:

· Tom shared a brief history of Sarah E. Reynolds School, which is depicted on the 2009 ornament:

Reynolds School “was built in 1909. It replaced a building that had been there since 1847 called The Academy. It was named after a former teacher and principal of the Academy. The Reynolds School stood until 1971 when it was razed to make room for the St. Matthews parking lot.

· Tom made brief remarks about the Pumpkin Festival, focusing on the committee and their hard work and commitment. He also mentioned the city agencies for their help, the Bristol Press, The Bristol Observer and the community they serve.

· The Veterans Day Service held on Wed. November 11^th was well attended. Leo Bonola scurried around putting everything in place as always and Peg Bonola was nice enough to serve coffee and donuts after the ceremony. Rick Leach, M/C, shared this very touching reminder with us and thanked all Veterans, past, present and future for their service.

It is a Veteran, not the reporter who has given us Freedom of the Press.

It is a Veteran, not the politician who has given us Freedom of Speech.

It is the Veteran not the organizer who has given us the Right to Assemble.

It is the Veteran, not the lawyer who has given us the Right to a Fair Trial.

It is the Veterans who volunteer to give their lives that have given us all our Rights and Freedoms.

· Ruth Lipski was the name drawn for the November membership drawing, with seven $25 gift certificates available. Sorry Ruth, you have to be present to win.

· Quota Club President, Claudette Dekoe; President elect, Betsy Morrell; Historian Linda Russell and Chairman, Barb Fabrizio have selected the Forestville area for their April 10, 2010 annual House Tour. They are in need of people willing to open their homes for a one day walking tour,10-3, which will consist of a couple of streets in proximity to each other. Forestville residents interested in taking part in this event, please call Barb at (860) 5842713. It sounds like an interesting fun day for all involved.

Treasurer’s Report:

Marsha has commented on the nice job Susanne has done as Nancy Blanchette’s Assistant with the handling of FVA business. Thank you, the transition was good.

Membership 2010:

· Bill Stortz suggested a monthly press release, a column to let the public know what we are about, keeping them abreast of FVA news. Now, is there anyone willing to volunteer to implement Bill’s great idea? Come forward, we need you.

· Tom Dickau suggested we stay with last year’s slogan, “If You Like What You See, Join Us!”

· New Year’s resolution, sign up one new member this year

· Enclosed is renewal membership form for FVA members. You will help save time, postage and a tree, by submitting your membership renewal without an invoice.

Beautification:

· A beautification notice was sent out to Karen Balaban for the nice job at Treasure’s Keeper Antiques on Frederick St. Area looks great.

· FVA is always accepting nominees for the beautification award. Please notify officials of residents or businesses who are worthy of recognition.

· There is good that comes from winter and cold weather. It brings an end to outdoor maintenance. However litter is always there. Take a walk; pick it up. It is great exercise and “Every litter bit helps.” If we all step it up a notch and Forestville continues to improve, can you imagine; a litter free community? Wow!

· Led and organized by Helen Lobaczewski, a holiday decorating committee, is in the process of making sprays of green boughs, for Forestville Center. John Lobaczewski has cut the greens for FVA, as he has always done in the past. We will be a picture perfect, quintessential, New England Village.

Fundraising 2009:

· The turkey shoot was slightly disappointing, as we sent out over 150 targets to FVA members, but only 24 were returned, giving us with a profit of $240. If anyone has suggestions on how to make this a more profitable event next year, please speak up. We would like to hear your ideas!

· Christmas Ornament, 6^th in a series, Sarah E. Reynolds School, the upper building on one side and lower building on the other, side is still available. Pick up yours now for $10.00. Perhaps you would like to start your collection of Forestville ornaments. The series of 6 ornaments is available for $55.00, which includes the Railroad Station, Asbury Methodist Church, Quinlan Park, Central Square, Greene Hills School and Sarah E. Reynolds School.

· Remember, FVA accepts memorial donations.

· Any suggestions for 2010 fundraisers? …… Pig Roast anyone?

Quinlan Park Project:

Marguerite Petersen gave an impressive presentation with pictures, park plan sketch and her ideas of how we will progress with the renovation of Quinlan Park. It will be a masterpiece, once completed. Membership voted to continue with the plan.

The plan is to have city approval and also employ the city departments to do some of the work. Our 2010 main focus will be to engage this plan. Bricks will be for sale soon.

Correspondence Report with Maryellen Holden aka: Waddles, Welcome Lady

· Received congratulations from Paul and Nancy Blanchette in recognition of the Humanitarian Award, “Let’s keep the momentum going”

· Received an appreciation thank you from Sandy and Joe Gozzo, how they enjoyed the Humanitarian dinner.

· Thank you Mary Ellen for the issuing of the many hand crafted thank you notes to all who participated in the Pumpkin Festival.

· Thank to you Bristol Press, Bristol Observer, Reporters Jackie Majerus, Bob Montgomery and Elio Guililite.

· Thanks to Public Works and crews for the benches, trash receptacles and to all who made the pumpkin Festival the best it can be.

· Sympathy to Gerald Golarz on passing of his brother, a good man.

· Sympathy notice to the Family of Richard Duprey. His enthusiasm for his family and community will be missed.

· Sympathy to the Mary Dickau Family, wonderful woman.

· Congratulations to Dave Mills and Kate Matthews, election win.

· Congratulations to Miss Mum 2009, Jessica Laprise

· Congratulations to Miss Bristol 2009, Kristina Mazzone.

FVA coming events:

· CAROL SING – Monday, December 21^st - 6:30 pm

Come one; come all, with your holiday spirit.

· HOLIDAY GATHERING – December 29^th - 6:30pm

Welcome all FVA members. No cost, but please remember to reserve your seat by calling Nuchie’s (860)582 1108 or Marsha at (860) 5826245 or mmtldml@sbcglobal.net

Next meeting, January 13, 2010 – Nuchie’s -6PM

Happy Holidays!

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

Please make an effort to attend.