Attendance: 58: Michael Ptak, Nancy Ptak,Mike Guisto, Jean Guisto, Chris Gallagher, Cathy Fillipone, Tony Loechner, Ned Mencio, Pam Mencio, Nancy Santarpia, Dollyanne Martin, Diane Barth, Nazih Noujaim, Marguerite Smith, Melissa Hidri, Roland Massicotte, Bob Perigard, Maureen Mead, Teri Robillard, Ray Cestaro, Lori Cestaro, Larry Davino, Cecile Davino, Bob McGovern, Dennis Guillame, Tom Cullen, Harold Andrew, Marge Horzepa, Kathy Frageau, Kris Harrison, Mary Ann Harrison, Mark Tierney, Richard Harrison, Lynn Signori, Bob Trotter, Alice Rebhorn, Barbara Stere, Mike Stere, Debbie Langdon, Marcia Schultz, Donna Burnes William Burnes, Irene Conway, Tom Conway, Nancy Begley, Genevieve Santagati, Carl Santagati, Bobbi Cremins, George Dinkle, Turner Langdon, Dick White, Claudette LaFlamme, Sally Eddy, Lorraine Luger, Ron Stolfi, Tony D’Amelio,Dom and Carol Moschella

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegience.

Mike Ptak welcomed all in attendance and thanked Tony Loechner for his work with the recent Newsletter, which was well received and shared with many city and state officials. Mike also thanked Marguerite Smith for her efforts in obtaining the many advertisements for the Newsletter on very short notice. Mike also announced again that the March meeting will be held on March 10^th in lieu of the 17^th which is St. Patrick’s Day.

The financial report was presented by treasurer, Turner Langdon, who announced that the February beginning checking balance was $2701.33. The total income in January was $357.00 and in February, $698.80. Expenses totaled $753.50, resulting in the net income for February of $2,817.59. Available cash after scholarship and flags reserve is $1,872.55. The profit from the sale of entertainment books is
$422.50.

Dom Moschella, owner of Cruise One Travel Agency, a retired teacher was a guest this evening. He and his wife, Carol, brought many pamphlets and brochures on cruising, along with a "signup" sheet for those who wish to be on his mailing list. Dom spoke about the many assets of cruising, such as winter cruises from our cold climate to a warm one, where one’s coat comes off and is hung up as soon as you begin the trip and never is worn again for the duration of the trip. He mentioned no packing and unpacking, the new, informal dining policies, the accessibility of dining 24 hours a day. Dom is particular about the cruise lines he books, although he has access to all of them. The vacationer has only to choose a date and he will do the rest of the planning for the vacationer.

State Representative Tom Conway and State Representative Tony D’Amelio were the next guest speakers of the evening. Tom spoke about the current turmoil in Hartford, the active committees, with topics such as Civil Unions and same-sex marriages being brought up. Tom said also, that the two judges for the gubernatorial investigative hearings have been chosen. He also stated that bills are coming in, creating more financial problems the deficit potentially being either 40 or 100 million dollars. There are moves to place higher taxes on cigarettes, beer and liquor. Tom said he voted against the budget last year and will do so again this year.

Tony D’Amelio mentioned that the legislature is up and running and that the delegates work well together. He cited Tom as his mentor and role model. Tony talked about the ongoing pursuit of Cardiac Surgical services at St. Mary’s and Waterbury Hospitals and encouraged all to petition for that service. He stated that in reference to magnet schools, that they are funded by the state, but that the city must pay for children who are brought in to those schools. He stated that Connpace will remain and that the golf course issue is not yet "going anywhere". Maureen Mead provided a phone number ( 709-5000) to call with comments on the cardiac Surgery issue. There is a petition to sign at the Be Well center at the Brass City Mall.

The East Mountain Golf Course:

Mike mentioned that Nancy Ptak and Ned Mencio attended the Waterbury Park Board meeting with a letter objecting to the sale of the golf course. Letters have also been sent to the Oversight Board and the Mayor. Mike encouraged all to write personal letters to the Park Board, the Mayor and the Oversight Board. A volunteer sheet was passed for committee members to work on behalf of the golf course.

Ned Mencio reported on the Park Board Meeting, on the first Tuesday of this month attended by himself, Bob Perigard, Mike Guisto, Dave Fortier and conducted by Rich Robbins of the Park Department. Ned mentioned the allotted $600,00, down from the original allotment of $750,000 and how it will not be sufficient for all the renovations needed. He listed the options being considered inclusive of: T-Ball field for 6 and 7 yr. olds, dropping the tennis courts (or at least two of them) , new playscape, spray pool, walking path. Ned suggested the importance of a non- paved, crushed stone walking path to discourage bikers and skaters for the safety of the walkers. Rich Robbins will re-visit us when the plans are finalized. Ron Stolfi announced that he is a member of the Park Board, but has never seen the plan. He was firm that this committee must go directly to the Park board with requests since the board has the last word about renovations. Ned countered with the question as to the redundancy of this action, since we have already met with the board and since this subject has been aired at many previous meetings. This issue was revisited several times during the discussion and remains questionable by the committee. Bobbi Cremins asked whether the bathrooms will be eliminated, Ned mentioned that Bunker Hill Park, which is newly renovated has no bathrooms, and the possibility of "Port- O- Lettes" is being weighed

Tony D’Amelio advised that bids must go to the Park Board. Ned added that a gazebo is suggested for the playscape area next to the spray pool; the Bunker Hill Park has one that was provided with furniture purchased by the residents of the area. The gazebo is 28 foot in diameter with a steel roof and shade.

Pond Place: Pond Place is the area being developed in the vicinity of the new medical building on Rte. 69. The plan is reported to be being carried out for 2 bedroom cottages for seniors only. Dick White spoke about the past when the Gilyard Drive area was to be developed into condominiums, that actually became low cost housing projects. He also mentioned the Purdy Road area where condos were proposed, which to date have not been built. The Quarry Hill area was also cited, which did eventually become a residential village.

Nineteen people have shown interest in a course to date. The " sign-up" sheet was passed again for those present this evening to enroll. A total of 25 people resulted. The date will be chosen after notifying Mike Egan of Engine 5 Firestation of the total. Mike stated that the books will cost $12.

The tickets are now available. Members are asked to take 10 tickets to sell. They are numbered and record will be maintained as to what numbers each person has. The dinner will be held here at the church hall from 5:30 to 8 PM on Wednesday, March 31, 2004. To purchase tickets please call Michael Ptak 754 9311, Jean Guisto 575 9180, Turner Langdon756 0749, or Pam Mencio 756 1952.

Approximately 20 people have signed for the event. The interest is to attend a showing of "The Sweepers" starting this week. Pam Mencio is seeing to the arrangements at a group-rate charge. She will contact each person by phone to determine their availability for a showing that she will randomly choose, sinc no one has made a specific majority request.

Will be held at the East Mountain Park on May 1,2004, rain or shine. The fee is $5.00 per table. A dumpster will be provided by Bob Perigard for any trash or unwanted articles after the sale. Bob and Ned suggested a board for displaying of articles for sale that are too cumbersome to transport to the park. More information will be available as the time approaches.

The association is looking for a live tree to place in the spot in front of the golf course clubhouse where our first tree stood. Mike stated that to purchase a blue spruce tree from a wholesaler will cost $250 delivered to the golf course. He will request permission to place a tree in the spot and will review any pertinent protocol. In addition to providing a tree, Mike is pursuing the possibility of our members offering to clean up the land in front of the clubhouse.

Is a city wide clean-up day to take place on April 24,2004, rain or shine. A volunteer form will be available soon.

Ned Mencio and Bob Perigard have been window shopping for new flags to replace the flags that flew on the mountain last year and were so badly beaten by the elements. They have a better quality flag model to demonstrate. To purchase 50 new flags would cost approximately $1200 at $25 per flag. Last year the cost of 150 flags was $1500. The plan is to use the new flags in main areas, i.e. along the park, etc. Some of the old flags can be salvaged and used again. Ultimately the goal would be to purchase 50 flags next year and the year after to complete the recycling. Nancy Santarpia suggested the " adopt a flag" possibility. Also suggested was a "tear-off" segment in the next newsletter for flag adoption. It was re-iterated that flags should only be place on lighted poles. Mike stated that there will be a 50-50 raffle at the Ziti Dinner to help the flag cause. Nazih Noujaim stated he was concerned about planning ahead for flags

United States Representative Rosa Delauro has been invited and has accepted to speak to our association. Ned Mencio will call and write to the School Board to request the use of the Wendell Cross Gym on April 7^th for Rosa’s visit.

Mike announced that this is the third year that someone from the neighborhood will be honored at the dinner, date to be announced. Maria Cantito was the first honoree, for her efforts to reprise the East Mountain Community Club, now named East Mountain Neighborhood Association. Last year Tony Loechner was the recipient for his development if a Web Site for the neighborhood. This year there will be two honorees: Bob Perigard and Ned Mencio for the contributions to every project in the neighborhood, especially for the letters and garden at the reservoir, the flags, the Christmas tree and their service on committees. Congratulations to them.

Melissa Hidri asked if there could be an Easter Egg Hunt again this year. There was affirmative response to her request. She will need help and donations for her project and all are asked to consider donating candy, money and a little time. The date suggested is April 3^rd, Saturday with rain date Sunday, April 4^th at 11 AM. Donations can be brought to Melissa’s at 408 Peach Orchard Rd .Last year Melissa had 7,000 piece of candy for the children.

We are now sending welcome greetings to any newcomers to the neighborhood if we are aware of them. We also send get well and sympathy notes and card to neighbors in need. Please let us know if you know anyone who needs acknowledgement.

The meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM