Minutes / Newsletter

December 2nd, 2020

President, Dave Pasqualicchio Report:

Soft, Quiet Opening…Welcome to the 5th and final meeting of 2020. The “Covid” year has a strangle hold on all of us, including service clubs, organizations, churches and pretty much all fundraising avenues have come to a halt due to regulations put in place for our safety. It has been tough for all! Even the centerpiece holiday of Thanksgiving (the most traveled holiday of all) was deeply affected. With a 10 person maximum restriction put in place, everyone had to reinvent their traditions, shifting to family prayer via Facetime or Zoom! Whatever is needed to make it work.
Back In October…Actually October 24th to be exact, marked 3 months since my twin sister Debbie passed away unexpectedly. On this day, my special core friends of the F.V.A. (You People), gathered together at Hubbell School with city officials, school administrators, family (including Debbie’s husband Steve) and friends, for a Memorial Dedication to remember a special person who did so much for the school and its children. The F.V.A. unveiled a new bench with plantings, dedicated to Debbie, in the schools Center Circle. A touching tribute that Debbie would have loved…but not the attention. Mayor Ellen started the morning with thoughtful words, followed by Hubbell teachers (her work family) and Corey Wright from Giamatti Little League. The MC for the dedication was Maryellen Holden, who kept everything flowing, just the way my sister would have wanted it. Debbie’s loss has had such an impact on all of us and the beautiful Memorial Bench will serve as a reminder of time spent helping teachers, staff and children. A sincere thanks to all that contributed!
On This Night…We say a prayer and have a quiet moment for Helen Lobaczewski, who resides at The Pines. Her health is not the best right now, but in her day, no one was better at getting things done in an orderly fashion. Get well soon, Helen!
Due To Covid…The F.V.A. has suspended all fundraising events. This places a strain on F.V.A. financial accounts. We thank you for your past generosity and hope you will consider renewing your membership dues, which are so important to the overall health of Forestville Center.
The Holidays Are Here…So lets’ rejoice, be kind and do our best to transition through this difficult period. Merry Christmas!
Sadly…There will be no caroling this Christmas Season. We had to cancel our indoor Annual Carol Sing, rich in tradition, due to Covid restrictions.
FVA Website…You can visit us at www.fvact.org. Have you looked lately? Lots of info!

City Village Report:

Presidents Notes: A soft attendance on this night due to the Covid surge, however Mayor Ellen and Councilor Scott Rosado attended with positive news for Bristol/Forestville.
- Councilor Rosado spoke briefly…introduced himself to membership. He has been active in the community prior to his councilor seat and remains an advocate for elderly home care, Veterans affairs, low income youth and diversity issues. Any way to make the community better!
- Mayor Ellen brought her usual flawless delivery on all levels!
  - A plan has been submitted for a small size Dunkin Donuts on East Main Street. This has been a long time coming! President: The addition of a popular coffee house would be nice!
  - The environmental clean-up at the Superior Electric property on Pine Lake is going well. For every one tree lost, there are two new trees being planted.
  - I am pleased to announce that even with the Covid pandemic, we are seeing a significant start-up of businesses, highlighted by 2 lots that have been sold at the Southeast Business Park on Middle Street.
  - The Farmers Market is a great way for seniors to stay healthy and isolated, while taking advantage of many local “grab and go” items like eggs and vegetables, ranging from $10-$12.
Covid-19 has been especially tough on our Bristol schools. The first goal is to keep kids in school, in a structured environment. However, teachers had contact with others to push virtual learning. Not really a quality way to go.

-Mayor Ellen (continued)

City Hall has fared well utilizing the critical infrastructure updates we have put in place. The staff is wearing the required masks and are social distancing/no congregating and they show up to the jobsite ready to work.
Everyone has to do their part and be on good behavior if we are going to get through this. Transmission from bars is especially huge. Bars that act like restaurants are a problem.
Donna G. spoke up stating Covid-19 is spiking at 6.4% and the ICU’s are filling up!
Covid has set the state back $879 Million, so the city budget is pivoting away from State funds.
Covid has also placed a hardship on getting excited about the many projects going on in the city.
President (closing remarks): Who is better than Ellen…ask yourself that!

(due to Dave’s past endorsement)

First Deputy, Leo Bonola (Remarks) – Thank you to Post 209 for continuing the Veterans service on the Tom Quinlan Green, to show appreciation for our Veterans who have served. I would encourage membership to decorate the center green for the holidays. President: Many members came out to help restore Christmas spirit in the Center. Without Leo’s leadership, the decorations would probably have not been done this Covid year. Leo is always looking for a way to better this community. Whatever is needed, he is willing to do it!
Vice President, Rick Leach: (fearless leader) – I am feeling much better! The F.V.A. must continue with our monthly meetings, despite Nuchies state of existence.
John Gianoni (Pine Lake Commissioner, FLL) - (Reporting for John tonight is Donna G.): The fabulous event board looks great! Events such as the Annual Fishing Derby, or area happenings will be posted for all to see. It’s just a beautiful place to go.
Bruce Barton (Post 209) – I would like to thank Dave P. and City official Scott Rosado for the Veterans Day Service. The Post held 9 blood drives this year, with over 200 draws by the end of the year. The Red Cross is a great way to spend some time volunteering. Small little doings to keep all safe. I am a little disappointed in the online auction we had that took place this summer in Nuchies back parking lot. I was hoping for better results. The Post looks to donate food to Gloria Dei Food Bank. Most all fundraising events, including the ever popular Juke Box Bingo, were put on hold this year for obvious reasons. A common theme with most organizations. Post 209 delved into its own bank account to help with the 11 boxes of care/gifts sent to troops. The cost of supplies was $1000 and to shop through US Post Office was $500. Finally, there is no Santa’s Cottage Pancake Breakfast this year, for various reasons. We always accept donated items and are always looking for new members! President: Bruce, you always make us look good! Thank You!

-Lt. Mark Morello (Community Relations Officer) – No Report

Correspondence Report: Maryellen Holden (Reported by Penny)

Get Well Sent – to Rob Newton
Note of Thanks Received – From Krenicki Family expressing their appreciation for Debbie’s Hubbell School Dedication, bench and plantings.

Treasurer Report: Mary Jane Lindquist –

All accounts are in good standing. All monthly reports are still available at Nuchies. President: MJ keeps it all together, rolling right through 2020. Dependable, reliable and pays on time!
F.V.A. will continue support of Police Dept. Christmas Toy Drive and Zion Church Food Pantry.

Membership: Mary Jane Lindquist

Current Membership: Family – 43, Business – 33.
President: 2021 dues are here. 2020 was a disappointing year for many reasons, but please consider getting your dues paid sooner rather than later so we may get 2021 off to a promising start. Thank You!

Beautification:

Great job by F.V.A. membership with creating the “Christmas Atmosphere” at the Center Green!

Historical Markers:

Historical Marker #8: Betty Boukus, to be placed in the Honor Circle. In Process.
Historical Marker #9: Asbury Church Property. Roy Diyulio will help with contacts and property description.

Fundraising 2021: - TBD

Upcoming Events 2021: - TBD

Next Meeting –Wednesday January 13th, 2021 @ Nuchie’s – Meeting Time 4:30pm (Due to Nuchies closing, there will be no Kickoff Buffet)

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

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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

The Healing Corner

583-4325

Forestville Lawn Care

583-7275

Ultimate Wireforms, Inc.

582-9111

Forestville Little League

620-2692

Tollman Spring Co.

583-1326

Hartford County Tattoo

589-5000

United Way of W.C. CT

582-9559

Webster Bank – Forestville

584-3623

Always Accepting Membership Dues