Minutes20100609

President, Dave Pasqualicchio Report:

Welcome all. It is a pleasure to see all of you back from Spring break. We didn’t hold a May monthly meeting due to the duck race, Memorial Day festivities and Marsha’s vacation (welcome back Don :)

Once again it is time to buckle down, focus onto FVA second season. It is easy to become lazy. FVA presence in the Bristol community is one that is perceived to be the pinnacle of civic organizations. With that comes much work, goals and expectation. So, buckle up and let’s go for the ride, finishing up strong.

President, Dave Pasqualicchio introduced his cabinet starting with Vice President, Rick Leach; secretary, Marsha Lockhart; absent treasurer, Nancy Blanchette; also welcoming past Vice President Bob Fletcher.

New faces in the crowd included, Steve Coan, proprietor of Stephanie’s Sports Bar and Grill and Kelly Dube. Also welcomed back were Kate Matthews, her daughter Anna and her mom, MaryAnn Lupa.

Dave reported that the Forestville Memorial Day Parade went well. Sponsorships were down considerably. However, he appreciated those sponsors who were quick to respond generously.

A quick discussion ensued as to whether to move the Forestville Memorial Day parade next year, due to the new Rt. 72. Exit ramp off E. Main St, which has become a traffic problem for the parade route, or possibly combine the Forestville parade with the Bristol Parade. The latter idea was disposed to immediately after the cry from membership to keep OUR parade in OUR village of Forestville.

President reminds residents and businesses, sponsors are needed to help fund a litter program, partnering with BARC/CW Resources and FVA. Every Litter Bit Hurts! Every dollar will help move the program forward by sending a crew of 5 or6 with a supervisor to a site; cost being $15.00 per hour. Please consider a donation. It will place special need kids with work and self accomplishment while keeping Bristol and Forestville litter free.

Dave thanked his brother, Michael and Leo Bonola for organizing this year’s golf tournament and special notice to Nuchie’s one and only Secretary, Barb Gotlibowski, for her clerical expertise in placing the foursomes, etc. Thank you, Barb!

City Village Report:

· RT.72 is near completion. Everyone is curious to see what impact it will have on the Forestville Community. Kate Matthews noted completion date as November 2010, with possible opening as early as September.

· Tom Dickau made quick reference to the 2010 Duck Race held Sunday, May 2^nd commenting that it was a good afternoon , no glitches and smooth.FVA met their goal of selling all 5000 tickets, a great accomplishment. Tom thanked all volunteers for their commitment to the 2010 duck race. FVA profit was $9,800.

· Tom also placed doubt, questioning this year’s Pumpkin Festival. The Bristol Public Library “pumpkin chucking “will no longer participate. Due to no funding, City of Bristol Team Grant is up in the air. This would place the cost squarely on FVA, with costs exceeding as much as $4,000. The possibility of downsizing the festival or holding it every 2 years will be discussed at the July meeting, along with who will lead FVA in this effort, if Tom cannot do so.

· Tom also reminded us about the upcoming 225 year Bristol Celebration activities, June 12^th and 13^th weekend. He also thanked FVA for its support and $100 donation to the Soap Box Derby Race.

Leo Bonola reported on the recently completed Al Barnes Memorial Golf Tournament. Mike Pasqualicchio did a fabulous job organizing the event. The tournament was sold out, with 144 golfers attending. A great accomplishment, profiting $5,130.66. WOW!

A Pine Lake committee meeting will be held July 6^th at City Hall in the first floor conference room at 6:30. Kate Matthews welcomed public participation, suggesting improvements to Pine Lake with grant funding, such as fishing piers, picnic areas, etc. Kate said it would be great to have Forestville people come with their ideas.

Ed Dubois is the winner for the second time, of Leo’s Monthly membership drawing. He received a $25 gift certificate from True Value Hardware.

FVA Annual Scholarship 2010 was awarded to Kyle Persevich, BCHS standout. Great Job, Christine Levesque! 16 students from the three schools applied. The committee, Tom Dickau, Maryellen and Christine said all applicants were qualified and impressionable.

Kate and Rick both expressed thoughts about vending drinks and snacks during the summer concert. Is there anyone interested in selling beverage and snacks during the concert?

Vice President, Rick Leach approached the podium wishing to give us “food for thought.”

His comments included:

Ø He believes the Pumpkin Festival should continue.

Ø FVA meetings should be held monthly throughout the year. Monthly FVA meetings are presently held at Nuchie’s and scheduled for 9 months of the year (No meetings in May, August and December).

Ø The large Pine tree in Central Square should be removed, because it hides the view of the clock. Several members feel strongly about keeping the Evergreen tree because it is our logo and it is the only green in Central Square in the winter. A landscape architect may be needed to advise us with an outside opinion.

· The above topics will be addressed at the July meeting.

No Treasure’s report is available this month.

Membership Drive 2010:

“If you like what you see, join us?” Encourage your friends to join and take part in an award winning organization. Dues help pay our bills. FVA continues 2010 drive.

This past month, FVA invoiced all lapsed members. There is an alarming amount resident and business members who have not renewed; 167 resident members with 33 members past due and 54 businesses/non- profit members with 18 past due. Please remit.

Ellie has worked closely with Marsha and Nancy to get a handle on membership. Marsha suggested that we invoice businesses next year at the beginning of January. Hopefully, resident members will renew their membership in January 2011, as many did this year, through the newsletter membership form and at the meetings. That system works well and saves on postage!

Beautification:

The center looks great! Nice comments are plentiful and always appreciated, as travelers pass through the village. Central Square’s daffodils to Impatiens will be beautiful soon, with more blossoms daily.Beautification is the staple of FVA.

Check your property. Simple tasks such as removal of Junk, mowed lawns, and litter removed make all the difference in the world. It also encourages others to do the same.

Fundraising:

· Golf tournament - Success!

· Duck Race - Success!

· Rock Cat Ballgame, July 25^th - Game time, 1:30pm – tickets, $5.00 with $2.50 going to FVA. It has been decided that FVA volunteers will not staff the food booth this year. Details and tickets are available at Nuchie’s and from Patti Woolverton, 860-589-5313. It is a nice opportunity to get out and enjoy the sights and sounds of summer.

· Tom Massarelli has expressed interest in organizing a casino bus trip this year or upcoming January or February. Information to follow. Sounds like a wonderful idea and fun for all.

· Central Square Bricks are for sale. Only $75.00 to be forever engraved in the rich heritage of Forestville and the Central Square showpiece. Forms are available at Nuchie’s.

Quinlan Park Report:

The Bristol Park and Recreation Board approved Marguerite’s construction drawings for the renovation of the Quinlan Veterans Memorial Park on Wednesday, June 16. The next step in the approval process is for Marguerite to submit the drawings to Alan Weiner, City Planner, which will happen this week. Alan will report back to Marguerite if any additional approvals or changes to the drawings are necessary.

Quinlan Park bricks are available for purchase for $50. Forms are available at Nuchie’s. Anyone may purchase a brick, but the name inscribed must be a Veteran of the military and follow the requirements on the form.

Correspondence Report with Maryellen Holden, the Face of Volunteer and Welcome Woman,

Maryellen has sent a recognition notice to Jack Driscoll for his Chamber Award.

· Helen Lobaczewski received a sympathy card on the passing of her sister.

· Susan Kowalczyk, Paul’s wife received a get well card.

· Beautification notices were sent to Penny and Kit Critchley for their perennial gardens… outstanding!

· Kay Burke has sent along a nice acknowledgement of how wonderful her Forestville looks. She also commented, the parade was spectacular and Forestville has exceeded all expectations.

Up Coming Events:

· Central CT. Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring Central CT. Day at Lake Compounce will be held Sunday July 18, 2010. Admission is only $20.50.

· FVA Summer Concert is scheduled for Tuesday August 10^th. Welcome all!

Please make it a point to come and enjoy the music of Smokehouse in the beautiful village of Forestville.

Next meeting, July 21, 2010

Nuchie’s – 6pm