Minutes / Newsletter
April 21st, 2021
President, Dave Pasqualicchio Report:
The Betty Boukus Dedication…It was a beautiful morning, and the weather held out just long enough for us to dedicate Betty’s historical marker in the Circle of Honor on April 21st. The event was very well attended, as we welcomed Betty’s husband Gary and son Gary and his family, as well as many friends. Also in attendance was Bristol Mayor, Ellen Zoppo-Sassu, Bristol Parks Superintendent, Josh Medeiros, Plainville Town Manager, Robert E. Lee and Plainville Senior Center Director, Ronda Guberman. Central Square looked beautiful , thanks to Costello Landscaping and refreshments were provided/served by the F.V.A.
Bristol Spring Clean-up…Through the direction and organization of the Mayor’s Office, there will be a city wide spring clean-up held on Saturday April 24th. All volunteers are welcome. Designated areas that surely need attention will be assigned. A wonderful project, that will do wonders for our town. All volunteers are welcome and encouraged, with a special attention being paid to our youth and showing the importance of litter pick up through awareness.
Bulletin Board Project (Penny Project)…Several photographs of Veterans from the area, who served in the war, along with a board to mount them on, located in the Golarz building. Anticipated time frame to put together and complete would be approx. 18 months, with an estimated cost of $5,000. Maybe we hold a fundraiser? Maybe a Pasta Auction at Marylyn’s Pub? Cheryl T. suggested that this might be a great Eagle Scout Project (a wonderful idea). Maybe we re-think this project all together? Kit suggested just placing the photo’s in an album instead. Lets’ keep talking it out.
Golarz Rent…The F.V.A. has not paid rent on the storage space since Sept. 2020. Jerry has been more than fair and has asked that we pay $150 per month until we get even with the back rent. The space needs to be cleaned up as well. Maybe a dumpster is needed and we can condense things into one area.
Brass Bell…Frank Owsianko has a Brass Bell that was used to lead many Forestville Memorial Day Parades and events, that was given to him by his dad, Frank Sr. Something else to consider along with the Bulletin Board. We should also think about a possible “housing center” for Forestville artifacts. Maybe something like a bus stop type of structure, with the sides and overhang.
It’s Not Said Enough…But the F.V.A. really appreciates all the businesses that support our membership!
Correction…The March newsletter had an incorrect spelling of one of our councilors. It should have been David Preleski.
FVA Website…You can visit us at www.fvact.org Have you looked lately? Lots of info! Nice job by Paul Kowalczyk! Admirable job from the sunshine state! Also, thanks to Rich Kilby for all his input as well!
City Village Report:
Mayor, Ellen Zoppo-Sassu:
Vaccinations are going well. We have partnered with the state and ESPN (north campus) to provide more location options for vaccinations.
A city wide clean-up is set for April 24th, with the hope of energizing people and continue the effort of beautifying our town.
The Bristol Blues are back! So happy to think baseball will be back at Muzzy this summer. We are still in need of 4 host families.
Our Police and Fire departments are currently hiring. With recent retirements from both departments, the city is looking for a few good women and men to fill the vacant spots.
The city budget is in great shape!
The Summer Concert Series is coming back this summer!
City Hall is once again open for public meetings. The next City Council Public Hearing will be on May 13th at 6:30pm in the City Council Chambers.
Police Chief, Brian Gould:
We are here to serve the public and I am very happy to be back out in our community. The Covid Pandemic really rocked our city and a main concern of mine was what if we lose our workforce. So, we had to take measures to protect our workforce and had to scale back on all operations. We became limited on what we could do and had people working from home. At this point in time, our police force is fully vaccinated and we are ready to get back to community policing.
Events over the past year, starting with the death of George Floyd, have set policing back many years. Our town has seen some big protests, but peaceful protests. We have seen some people come in from other towns trying to be agitators, but our community knows how to police itself and is not here to burn things down.
There have been some changes at the Police Dept. We have a very strong executive team, which consists of two Deputy Chiefs. There is also some good news on applications, where we have had 62 people register for the test and then 38 people actually took the test and we are currently looking at 16 of those applicants. We have 5 positions to fill, which should give us a full complement of staff by this summer, being the first time in many years.
Our Police Department has received Tier 1 and Tier 2 State Law Enforcement Accreditation and is currently seeking Tier 3 status. The Connecticut Law Enforcement Accreditation Program consists of 322 standards achievable in three successive tiers. State accreditation is a process through which law enforcement agencies demonstrate excellence in management and service delivery by complying with State Accreditation Standards. The State Accreditation program demonstrates to the public that the Department operates efficiently and uniformly. These are achievements that our department is very proud of and demonstrates the transparency we provide to our community.
Question: (Maryellen Holden) – It has been some time since we have had representation from your department at one of our meetings. This would go back prior to any covid restrictions. Our past representative, Deputy Chief Guerrera was such an informative asset, so do you think it is possible we could have some new representation moving forward? Answer: I am sorry we have not had representation at the F.V.A. meeting and I will definitely look into getting that rectified.
Question: (Wendy Trafford) – We have had a problem in our West Washington St. neighborhood for the past couple years, with a house that has many backyard parties creating loud noise throughout the days and evenings and it has started again. What can we do? Answer: You can call us with your complaints and let us know your peace is being breached. We can meet with them to try and rectify.
Presidents Note: It is really great to have Chief Gould back at our meeting!
First Deputy, Leo Bonola (Remarks) – No Report – First time absent in 20 years!
Vice President, Rick Leach: (fearless leader) – The Clock Museum is a possible option for future F.V.A. meetings.
John Gianoni (Pine Lake Commissioner, FLL) – Donna G. Reporting: We are getting prepared for the Fishing Derby being held on Saturday May 8th. We are in an all-out effort to get giveaways for the kids.
Bruce Barton (Post 209) – Good evening! The Forestville Memorial Day Parade has been cancelled. It was not an easy decision, but had to be done. The Red Cross needs blood every day and we are happy to help! From Jan. 1 – April 6th, we helped assist with providing 225 units and will continue the work throughout the year. The Fishing Derby will be held on May 16th, rain or shine. We will be holding a meat raffle with tickets sold at $2.00 ea., with $300 of meat from Southside Meat Market up for grabs. For all updated Post 209 event information and happenings, please visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ALpost209. We are always accepting new members.
Christine Levesque (FVA Scholarship) – The 2021 Scholarship applications are in and will be discussed at the June meeting.
Correspondence Report: Maryellen Holden
Note of Thanks Received – From the family of Helen Lobaczewski
Note of Thanks Received – From the Bristol Boys & Girls Club
Thinking of You – To Mary Lynn Gagnon
Thinking of You – To Gary Santorso
Treasurer Report: Mary Jane Lindquist –
All accounts are in good standing. All monthly reports are available at Nuchies.
Membership 2021: Mary Jane Lindquist
2021 Beginning Totals: Family – 47, Business – 31.
Beautification:
The F.V.A.’s inaugural project was the “Welcome To Forestville” gateway sign near Rt. 72. That sign has now collapsed and needs to be cleaned up.
Historical Markers:
Historical Marker #9: Asbury Church Property.
Fundraising 2021: - TBA
Upcoming Events 2021: - TBA
Next Meeting –Wednesday June 16th, 2021 @ Nuchie’s – Meeting Time 5:00pm
If you have not already renewed your membership, please renew by sending your check payable to…. Forestville Village Association, c/o Mary Jane Lindquist, 81 Spark Avenue, Forestville, CT. 06010
Individual/ Family- $20.00_____, Non-Profit- $25.00______, Business - $50.00_______
Voluntary Donation - $________
Name________________________________________________________________
Address_______________________________________________________________
Phone__________________________E-mail_______________________________________
Let us remember to support the businesses and non- profit organizations, who support us!
Albert & Korn, CPA’s
582-7646
Hillside Community Church
589-7193
Allied Sanitation, Inc.
589-6944
Korean Veterans Association Bristol
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American Clock & Watch Museum
583-6070
Martel Home Improvement, LLC
583-9305
American Legion Forestville Post 209
930-9645
Max Pizza
584-2758
Arf Arf Grooming, LLC
314-1981
M.R. Home Care, Inc.
583-1541
Arrow Manufacturing
589-3900
Nuchies Restaurant
582-1108
Atlantic Precision Spring, Inc.
583-1864
Nye Insurance Agency
589-3300
Black Bear Auto, LLC
585-1111
O’Brien Funeral Home
583-7116
Bristol Instrument Gears, Inc.
583-1395
One Fifty Central
261-7009
Bristol Police Union
Peter Roberge Painting Company
582-6131
Broad Street Self Storage
582-1919
Red Shed Christmas Trees
583-6550
CACO Print Productions, LLC
583-1223
RB Transmissions, LLC
582-6101
City True Value Hardware
582-6366
Rt. 72 Liquors
540-0037
Costello Landscaping, LLC
747-1771
Scarritt Spas & Hot Tubs, LLC
585-5977
Classic Plumbing By Reno
748-7305
SERVPRO of Bristol
675-4500
Crowley Auto Group
589-4444
Simply Hair
582-4118
DTF Remodeling, LLC.
585-0107
St. Joseph Polish Society
583-9604
FIC, LLC
582-7646
St. Matthew R.C. Church
583-1833
Fletcher Properties
250-3648
Ultimate Wireforms, Inc.
582-9111
Forestville Lawn Care
583-7275
Tollman Spring Co.
583-1326
Forestville Little League
620-2692
United Way of W.C. CT
582-9559
Hartford County Tattoo
589-5000
Webster Bank – Forestville
584-3623
Always Accepting Membership Dues