Tonight marks FVA 8^th anniversary. Eight years promoting village business, activities, creating a viable central Square where people can mingle, chat and have fun. FVA has many achievements over the years. FVA is a membership; committed, cohesive, and hard working, driven to achieve! FVA has a high appraisal rating among the residents and the City of Bristol, we serve. The year 2010 is a year with much promise. The completion of RT. 72 and phase one of Quinlan Veterans Park restoration will begin; the street festivals including the Duck Race, an anticipated signature event, and the Pumpkin Festival with a strong presence. 

Membership will be a main focus of the FVA.

Expanding, FVA would like to see more people involved, realize the fine work, and appreciate events like the pumpkin festival, duck race, carol sing and summer concert. Support this effort by sending in a resident membership and signing up a new member.  In 2010, FVA would like to see better attendance at the monthly meetings, only nine per year. Come out, you are always welcome. If you attend one meeting, you may come back for more fun. Volunteering can be very rewarding, so make an effort this year to “come on down”.

The Carol Sing was spirited with Christmas excitement.  Mary Lynn Gagnon did a nice job putting the program together. Her daughter, Gracie opened up with a Christmas solo, a   great performance.  Other highlights included the St. Joseph’s Children’s choir and a touching Veteran’s tribute.  Special thanks to our host Peter Roberge and Chris Roberge as Santa, Berkley Little DJ and especially to all of you who sang and supported our 8^th Annual Carol Sing.

FVA also would like to acknowledge John and Helen Lobaczewski, Penny and Kit Critchley, Sandy and Joe Gozzo, Marsha and Don Lockhart, Gail and Rick Leach, Jean DelllaVecchia, Geri Reilly and Lynn Savage, for the fine work of cutting, creating and installation of the traditional holiday pines on the bridge and telephone poles,  throughout the center; nice touch!

 Happy New Year, stay healthy and have fun!

City Village Report:

·         Rt. 72 seems to be progressing along quite well. Once completed, it will add beauty to the Forestville district with a few advantages; egress to city center, quieter, quaint Forestville Center… all pluses.

·         Tom Dickau led the sales of 180, of the 200 ordered, Christmas ornaments. The Sarah E. Reynolds ornament was a great success.

·         DUCK SEASON … Tom would like us to reserve the date of May 2^nd for the Duck Race. The first committee meeting will be held Jan.20^th, 5pm at Nuchie’s. This year Tom is asking all FVA members to help out, by taking a book of 10 duck tickets to sell. You can help us reach our goal of selling all 5,000 ducks for this wonderful community event and FVA fundraiser.  This year, the first Prize will be $1,500 cash and second prize is $1,000 cash, with many other great prizes.  Tickets kickoff sales will be at the Home Show on Friday, Feb.19^th (5-9pm), Saturday, Feb.20^th ( 11-7) and Sunday, Feb 21^st (11-4).  Tickets will also be on sale at Nuchie’s. Many at the meeting volunteered to work at the Home Show, but many more will be needed to sell ducks at Stop and Shop and Wal-Mart.

·         Bristol Historical Society news:  In celebration of Bristol’s 225^th anniversary, of being incorporated as town in 1785, Tom Dickau and Tom LaPorte designed a beautiful postcard depicting Bristol’s past, present and future. Tom Dickau sold these at the meeting for $1.00. Tom may be reached at (860)582-1537 for more information.

·         A Membership Attendance Drawing was held to start the New Year with new certificates. The winners included, Roy Diyulio -$25, Max Pizza…Gail Leach-$25 Ali’s Pizza… Rick Leach, Men’s Night at Nuchie’s…Ron Trafford, $25 True Value…Janie Johnson, Lady’s Night at Nuchie’s and Tom Dickau,$25 Stop and Shop.

At the February meeting one, $25 gift certificate will be given to a member who is present. Attend the meeting and you could be a winner too!

·         Has anyone noticed the beautiful hand painted Nativity in front of Asbury United Methodist Church on Church Ave?  It was painted for the FVA member church by FVA members, Trish and Chad Lockhart. Thank you, your special talent adds beauty to our village.

·         Trash receptacle for Central Square – FVA is investigating the purchase of a simple trash can like the trash receptacles on Memorial Boulevard.

Treasurer’s Report:  Dave has asked Nancy’s assistant Susanne to prepare a final financial report for 2009. This report will be available at the February monthly meeting.

Membership 2010:  “If you like what you see, join us?”

·         Any fundraising suggestions?  Casino??  Craft or Artists Fair?  Another night at the ball park?