Forestville Village Association

                                                                    Newsletter

                                                                  January 2011

 

President, Dave Pasqualicchio Report:

The January 12th meeting has been rescheduled for Wednesday, February 16, 2011, due to the snowstorm.  Officials held and impromptu meeting, on the following cold, Thursday morning, with Marsha’s freshly baked breakfast muffins…Mm, Mm good!      Happy 9th Anniversary, Forestville Village Association.   Going into our 10^th year we are a strong organization, with many supporting members and volunteers, who not only work hard, but have fun in the process.

The holiday FVA gathering held on Wednesday, December 28, 2010, was a very comfortable, quaint affair with a delicious food selection, by Mike.   The opening and reading of the card sent to me with an annual poem written by Maryellen, is the highlight of my year. Maryellen has established herself as a poetic girl and once again brought tears to my eyes. This card was worth more than any gift. I appreciate you Maryellen and the entire membership.

Dear Dave,

The year comes to an end

And it is time to say thanks

to you Dave, our leader

for directing our ranks.

 

The ducks in the river,

the clock and flowers in Central Park.

Scarecrows and pasta dinners, and

pumpkins glowing in the dark.

 

Your kindness abounds,

in the summer’s sun and in winter’s chill.

We sure are glad that you are with us

here in Forestville.

 

Because you sweep and you clean;

you work until the day ends

For Forestville, you are our treasure;

We won’t be sending you to the West End!

 

Thanks for all you do and for just being you!

The Membership of the Forestville Village Association

 

President, Dave’s goals for 2011

·         Provide leadership, build membership and bring FVA to new heights. There is always room for improvement.

·         Establish new attendance records at the monthly meetings. Come one, come all, lots of laughs.

·         Finalize a plan for Quinlan Veterans Park project.

·         And finally, to have more fun (we aren’t getting any younger!)

 

FVA inaugural assignment in 2002 was to hold a village Carol Sing. The 9^th annual Carol Sing held Tuesday December 14^th was spirited and well attended, despite the cold weather. Paul Kowalczyk‘s Christmas lighting, along with Ricci’s wreaths, and the Roberge train station made a festive backdrop for MC, Mary Lynn Gagnon’s program of Christmas carols, along with DJ Skip Klepps.   Santa, aka Chris Roberge, was the highlight of the evening for the children and adults, alike.  

 

City Village Report:

·         New Chairman elect  2011 Duck Race, Tom Dickau comments:

The FVA Duck Race Committee is again teaming with the Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce in organizing and running this year’s Pequabuck River Duck Race.  All issues of concern by the Association were disgusted with the Chamber and mutually agreed upon conclusions were reached; we are now moving forward to make this the best race ever!  It appears that all the prizes will be sponsored or donated, thus saving expenses which are usually incurred. We are also looking into changing the logo to a cute style duck, but what can be cuter than our “Waddles”?  A preliminary budget has been set, which should assist planning efforts. Other areas will be looked into in order to save expenses without diluting the product. We also may be conducting a crafts fair in conjunction with the race. This would be held in the Ultimate Wireform Parking Lot, if permission is given.  Children’s events will be held at Central Square like last year.  The state permit should be filed soon and tickets printed when approved.  We as usual will try to be ready for ticket sales at the Ct. Connecticut Chamber of Commerce Home Show on February 25-27.

 

·         Christmas Ornaments:

The Christmas season has come to an end and so hasn’t the sales of ornaments. This year’s firehouse rendition proved very popular, with the first 200 selling out quickly. An additional 25 were ordered and most of these were also sold. Tom Dickau will give a report at our next meeting.  Including the sales of previous ornaments, the FVA made a significant profit. Get ready next year’s ornament will have Johnny’s Restaurant on the front and Nuchie’s on the back.  Rumor has it that Pres. Dave Pasqualicchio already has them sold out! That’s just rumor, no verification yet!

 

·         Questions for Kate:

Please have your questions, related to City of Bristol Policy, for Council woman, Kate Matthews.  She has the   FVA answers, making it a good reason to attend monthly meetings. She is doing a fine job and providing good leadership.

 

·         Leo Bonola credits Dave, Tom and Tim for the success of the Casino Bus Trip fundraiser. Leo said,”If you talk to 50 people, 48 would say they all had a great time.”  All, including the Nuchie’s Reunion attendees, were on the bus by 2pm to go to Mohegan Sun and back on bus for the return trip at 8:15pm. No delays, just fun!! Great job!!

·         Lucky Ed’s Drawing:  A $22.00, Nuchie’s Ladies night certificate will be raffled at the February meeting.

·         Marsha is putting together an activity board.  Although the board is almost finished for this year, if anyone has photographs, news clippings  or ideas  they would like added from a village happening, please drop it off at Nuchie’s or call her, 860 5826245 / mmtldml@sbcglobal.net  It will be included on next year’s board.
 This is a great way to expose FVA and capture 2010 highlights.

·         Believe it or not, the Bristol Chamber of Commerce Home Show is coming soon.  The dates are February, 25-26 & 27th. Volunteers will be needed for duck ticket and FVA booths. Call Maryellen, 860-583-6085, to donate a couple  hours of your time. The Home Show is the official kick off to the Pequabuck River Duck Race, Sunday, May 1, 2011.

·         If you don't know any Girl Scouts, but have a need for some of their fabulous cookies please contact FVA member Emily Levesque (or her mommy Christine) at pbnj32@sbcglobal.net  or 860-314-1445. Cookies will be delivered or available for pick up the week of March 6.

·         Check out the website www.fvact.org   with Paul Kowalczyk, web master. It is a informational source of FVA events.  

Treasurer’s Report:

Nancy will present a detailed financial report.

FVA executive board has discussed opening an account with TD Bank.    TD Bank has established their roots in the community and has shown support to FVA.

 

 Membership:  

We need a better job of marketing FVA, therefore suggest a Marketing chairman and committee   to promote FVA through flyers, events / tee shirts, increasing membership.  Won’t someone volunteer to lead a committee for the betterment of FVA?

 

Renewal of Membership:

Membership is the life blood of our organization.  Please renew your membership by bringing your dues to the February meeting or by mail, with this form. Without the need to mail individual invoices, you will help us save time and postage money. Thanks to those of you who promptly renew your membership for 2011.

 

  Individual/ Family- $15.00_____, Non-Profit- $25.00______, Business - $50.00_______

                                   Voluntary Donation - $___________

 

Name________________________________________________________________

 

Address_______________________________________________________________

 

Phone__________________________E-mail__________________________________

 

Make your check payable to:

Forestville Village Association

C/O Marsha Lockhart

87 Vernon St.

Forestville, CT. 06010

 

As a member, you are not required to attend meetings or work on committee events, but know you are always welcome if you choose to do so.  Financial support is always welcomed.

 

Quinlan Park:

FVA members will assemble at 5pm on February 16, 2011, before our next monthly meeting, to decide on how to move the Quinlan Project forward, phases and financially.

We shall discuss:

·       Funds, money, Grants and cutting costs. 

·       Not our park; It is city park property.

·       Potential Flood issues.

·       Maintenance

·       Recognitions Markers ; Bernie

 

Beautification:

·       FVA is thinking about scheduling a “Spring Clean Up Day” on a Saturday morning in April for a few hours.  What do you think? How many of you will attend? 

·       Christmas Wreaths for 2011 holiday season are in question. Penny has contacted the Manager of Wal-Mart with a letter Rick Leach wrote, requesting them to donate 24-30 wreaths for decoration of the village.

 

Fundraising:

·         The Casino bus trip on Saturday January 8^th was well attended with great financial success. All had a relaxing, fun, good time; definitely a plan for another in 2012.

·         No Pasta/Auction is planned for this year.

·         Central Square Bricks:   We have collected 28 new brick orders for spring installation. Shawn and Lucy Casey will be contacted for installation time table.  There is still time to order yours now!!

·         The Annual golf tournament to be held at Pine Valley is in discussion, with date to be announced.

 

Correspondence report with Maryellen Holden, AKA Waddles:

·         Passing of Gary Ritter. Forestville will miss him. FVA sent spray of flowers.

·         Mayor Art Ward, continue to get well.

·         Welcome to the Forestville Community, Monsignor Ginty, St Matthews Church

·         Passing of Eric Lundquist, Sr.

·         Passing of Richard Newcity.

·         Received  a $100 donation from Shirley Dickau, in memory of her Mother Mary Dickau who was always interested in what was going on in the FVA

 

FVA Coming Events:

·         Home Show  February, 25^th , 26^th  27^th

·        United Way of West Central CT, day of caring sponsorship $250.00

·        Thursday, April 7^th, Community Builders Reception – May 20^th, Day of Caring

 

Membership Concerns and Adjournment:

·         FVA member, Sylvia Arce, asked why there is no flag flying at the Forestville Post Office. She is willing to supply a flag, if there is someone responsible for the duty of putting it up and taking it down.

 

 

 

                                NEXT MEETING- February 16, 2011, Nuchie’s-6pm

 

                            * Reminder*        Quinlan Park discussion begins at 5pm