
Minutes / Newsletter
March 24th, 2021
President, Dave Pasqualicchio Report:
· We Are Getting There…The states Covid restrictions are loosening up. Have you noticed the increase in traffic? People are getting out and about a bit more. The vaccine is slowly helping us get back to some kind of “normalcy” every day and life is starting to be restored, though there are some things that will just never return.
· Spring Weather…Is always welcome! Everyone is looking to get outside and exercise. I’m finally seeing kids on their bikes. Peoples taking walks and going out for hikes, as opposed to sitting around using their phones is a positive site to see. The spring temperatures and sprouting of Easter flowers, remind us that the season change is here.
· Spring Clean Up?…A cold winter reminder still lingers, but all in all, it wasn’t that bad of a winter. I would sign up for a year of the same (all agree)! With that being said, the start of spring makes me think of cleaning my house and yard and picking up litter. If any member would like to go out on their own and clean a designated area, please let me know. The finished result is quite rewarding!
· Bob Watson Scholarship Fund…An annual remembrance of a happy, jolly man, who was always finding ways to help others. Everyone knew Bob, his love for kids and sports. When you heard that voice, you knew there was a positive message to follow and that is why we continue to honor him through this scholarship.
· Post 209 Memorial Day Parade…It has been announced that there will be no parade in 2021, due to a multitude of reasons, all circled around the pandemic. Our Memorial Day parade is a commitment by a community, through sponsorships, viewers, marchers all in an effort to show our respect for all brands of service and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
· Betty Boukus Marker Dedication…Will be held on Wednesday, April 21st, 11:00am at Central Square. All are welcome to attend with family and friends, so don’t miss it. Rain date will be April 22nd.
· New Meeting Location…In the very near future, we could be in need of a new meeting location. Perhaps we could utilize the Forestville Library? Maybe a local Eatery? Any ideas?
· The Passing Of A Legend…Helen Lobaczewski, widow of John, passed away on February 26th at the age of 94. Helen was an original organizer of the F.V.A. and was very influential in its direction and vision. She had immense love for Forestville, especially the Pine Lake area. Helen was never one to sit back and do nothing. She was a “take action” person and a watchdog for events and course of actions. She was loved by all and will be dearly missed.
· FVA Website…You can visit us at www.fvact.org Have you looked lately? Lots of info! Anyone interested in updating?
City Village Report:
· President Remarks: The city once again has representation at this evenings meeting, so let’s give a warm welcome to City Council representatives David Perleski and Peter Kelley (from district 2). Long time faces in many facets of the Bristol community. Here are some of the information/updates they were able to provide to the group.
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Did anyone see the recent picture in the Bristol Press of Tom Quinlan, Frank Owsianko, Lawrence Ross, A. Leroy Anderson, Art Farrar, Ben Kozikowski and Henry Puskarz? The picture had been taken 50 years ago and I recognized all of them!
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Four more lots have been sold @ Center Square (Hope St.), to Carrier Construction. A very reputable organization, with an overall interest in the betterment of downtown Bristol.
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The city welcomes developers with a “One-Stop” shopping approach. This involves getting multiple departments together at one time (engineers, inspectors, etc…) in a round table format, to answer any and all questions, in order to streamline the process and move things along in a positive direction, more rapidly.
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The Memorial Boulevard Magnet School is on time and under budget. The theater is beautiful and the sound is amazing! The overall design is spectacular and will be a first class learning facility.
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The latest government stimulus grant received by Bristol is for $36 Million over the next 3 years, with $17 Million going to the city and $19 Million to the Board of Education. Question: (Donna G.): What kind of transparency can we expect? Who is going to “watch of money?” Response (Cheryl T. – Board of Finance): Currently the money is in a holding pattern and there are a lot of rules that go along with Federal monies, but ultimately it falls on the Comptroller. The agenda for any Board of Finance meeting is always published 24 hours in advance on the City Website. There is also a link provided that will allow you to attend/watch the meeting remotely.
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During these uncertain times, the city has still been focused on economic growth and that is why you will see the Grand List has grown, even during this pandemic.
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Question (John P.): Why does the city hire outside consultants when we have dept. heads that are very capable of doing this work? Response (Peter K.): The Mayor is always challenging the departments to do better.
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Presidents Notes: Peter and David have been very involved and supportive during this past “Covid” year. They have been instrumental in helping businesses attend to their needs and answer any questions they may have, especially in regards to outside dining and permits. This has not been an easy year, but it is good to know we have people like Peter and Dave to look to for answers.
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Cheryl T.: Suggests a rotating schedule of City Councilors and Dept. heads for the monthly meeting. Have Jennifer Dube (BOE Chair) stop by one month with some insight.
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First Deputy, Leo Bonola (Remarks) – No Report
· Vice President, Rick Leach: (fearless leader) – The Scholarship deadline has been moved to April 8th.
· John Gianoni (Pine Lake Commissioner, FLL) – Donna G. Reporting: We are looking into a “police liaison” for this year’s fishing derby, to help with traffic. We are currently set with volunteers, but are considering a picnic following the derby (still questionable). All donated monies taken in from last year’s tournament have been returned. Thank you Post 209 and Nuchies for your generous donations!
· Bruce Barton (Post 209) – Good evening! The Post 209 Fishing Derby will be held on May 16th at Rockwell Park. We continue with our blood drives. So far this year we have done 135 units and since June 2020, we have produced 530 units. We are doing what is best for our communities during these uncertain times. The Juke Box Bingo scheduled for April 8th has been cancelled. There will be no Forestville Memorial Day Parade in 2021. The finances are just not there at this time. 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 the schools and have a deadline of April 8th.
· New Business: Penny spoke with Carol Denehy in regards to the long time wooden bulletin board project, located in the Golarz building, utilizing the collection of historical pictures. The thought is to somehow preserve the pictures, place them in the board and then permanently display the board in Quinlan Park for all to see. Maybe hold some type of fundraiser to cover the cost and construction.
Correspondence Report: Maryellen Holden
- Note of Thanks Sent – to Costello Landscaping
- Get Well Sent – to Geri Reilly
- Mass Card Sent – For Helen Lobaczewski
- Thinking of You – Happy Easter to Ron & Joan Trafford. You are missed!
- Joan Fortier sends a sympathy notice to Dave and Steve K. (worked at Fletchers)
- If there is a member who is not well and you would like us to send a card, please let us know.
Treasurer Report: Mary Jane Lindquist –
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All accounts are in good standing. All monthly reports are available at Nuchies.
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Membership 2021: Mary Jane Lindquist
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2021 Beginning Totals: Family – 41, Business – 31.
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Beautification:
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Please do your part to keep our City clean. Every little bit helps!
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Historical Markers:
· Historical Marker #8: Betty Boukus, to be installed in the Honor Circle with Dedication set for April 21st @ 11am.
· Historical Marker #9: Asbury Church Property.
Fundraising 2021: - TBA
Upcoming Events 2021: - TBA
Next Meeting –Wednesday April 21st, 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
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