Wednesday, March 10, 2004
Attendees 41: Diane Barth, Nancy Santarpia, Dollyanne Martin, Cathy Fillipone, Tony Loechner, Chris Gallagher, Marguerite Smith, Lori Cestaro, Ray Cestaro, Maureen Mead, Cecile Davino, Larry Davino, Richard Harrison, Ned Mencio, Pam Mencio, Bob McGovern, Harold Andrew, Nazih Noujaim, Selim Noujaim, William Burnes, Donna Burnes, Mark Tierney, Robert Trotter, Lou Rinaldi, Jan Rinaldi, Bob Perigard, Melissa Hidri, Maria Giordano, Frank Giordano, Margaret Rocco, Rita Ortiz, Robert Lyons, Nancy Ptak, Michael Ptak, William Masone, Barbara Masone, Julie Stefanelli, Evelyn Carrah, Jean Guisto, Mike Guisto, Turner Langdon.
The meeting came to order at 7:PM: Mike Ptak thanked all for attending.
Turner Langdon provided the Treasurer’s report as follows: The February ending balance was $2,817.59, $410. was collected in dues, $60. was donated for flags, bringing the balance to $3,287.59. $505. is earmarked for flags and $500. for the scholarship, leaving a current fluid balance of $2,282.59.
The ziti dinner will take place on Wednesday, March 31st for 5:30 to 8:00 PM. here at this hall. Later in the meeting Larry Davino questioned whether the ziti dinner was a benefit for flags and scholarship, and if so wouldn’t it be beneficial to make that common knowledge?. Others discussion around the dinner was that the complete dinner with set ups are included in the price, the drinks will be provided by the association, as well as the table coverings. It was announced that volunteers are needed to help set up for the dinner and to serve. A suggestion that members might donate baked goods, to be sold and the proceeds be applied to purchase flags. A sheet was passed for volunteers to provide baked goods. Eighteen members volunteered: Nancy Ptak, Pam Mencio, Nazih Noujaim Maria Giordano, Barbara Masone, Cecile Davino, Marge Horzepa, Nancy Santarpia, Jan Rinaldi, Terry Harrison, Jean Guisto Lori Cestaro, Maureen Mead, Julie Stefanelli, Jan and Bob Perigard, Cathy Fillipone , Marguerite Smith. Other suggestions were to provide “to-go” dinners for shut-ins, and to Ask Wendell Cross School Principal, Mr. Amato to advertise the dinner in the school. Nancy Ptak asked that the Church allow us to put up a sign to advertise. Nazih Noujaim said he thought Father would agree, but that we would have to make the sign. The final count for the dinner must be in by March 26th.
The Golf Course : Larry Davino stated that there is now a member committee to work with the golf course issues. Those members are: Tom Cullen, Nazih Noujaim, Lynn Signori, Dick White, Ron Stolfi and Larry Davino. Two members of that committee are present at this meeting: Nazih Noujaim and Larry Davino. It is reported that people have been spotted walking through the golf course carrying “sticks”. There is also information that the consideration is to sell the entire golf course and not just half of it. Larry states his committee has not yet met. He states, also that the oversight board has not yet released a proposal and no time has been set to do so. Jean Guisto offered that she may be able to obtain the final report. Michael again urged us to remain vigilant and vocal in terms of our strong objection to this threat to our neighborhood.
The CPR Course: Mike is still waiting for a date for the course. He has been speaking to the firefighters, but hasn’t secured a response to date.
Guest Speaker: State Representative Selim Noujaim is here in support of our association and as a neighbor. He tells us that we should be proud of ourselves for working together and for working for the neighborhood. He relates that he is very busy at the Capital, often being summoned to two and three meetings simultaneously. He states that all representatives are to decide their position on the golf course. It is against the charter to sell without public hearing and approval. Ned Mencio addressed to Selim that there is supposed to be a referendum when property is to be sold. Selim states to be alert to the oversight board because it is known that they do no keep their word. Lou Rinaldi asked about the importance of the nine hole golf course, stating that he, himself is not a golfer, so was asking an informational question. Selim stated that studies must be done first, since 50 houses, for instance, would mean sewer and water problems, more students, etc., which would mean more and expensive problematic issues for this area.
Items for Troops: Bob McGovern had submitted an earlier email, with requests from troops for items. Bob said that employees at his workplace had collected many items, but that the date has now passed. He stated that he would try to find out if another date could be opened for donations from our neighbor hood for the troops. A list of all the items was read to those in attendance. Please let Bob know if you have items to donate. He can provide a complete list of needs.
Congresswoman Rosa de Lauro visit: Forth District United States Congresswoman, Rosa de Lauro will be visiting at the Wendell Cross School Gym on Wednesday, April 7th from 6 to 9PM. Everyone is invited to attend; the meeting is open to all throughout the city.
Tag Sale: Twenty-five people have already offered to participate in the May 1st tag sale to be held at the East Mountain Park. Anyone is free to participate for only $5. donation per table. Participation donations are payable anytime. Bob Perigard had offered the use of a dumpster for any trash or unwanted leftover items, with exception of large appliances. Bob asked if a permit for the dumpster is needed. Mike will ask about a permit. Maria Giordano mentioned that the Salvation Army may send a truck for items. Ned and Bob suggest a poster board to hold pictures of items too large to bring to the park.
The Reservoir Dam: Ned, Bob and Mike have gone to look at the condition of the letters on the bank. They noticed that they are in good condition with some of the stones having moved out of the frames. Suggestions were made of some type of plastic filler to keep the stones in place, also, that perhaps they could be covered with some covering in the winter. The report on the status of the flowers was presented by Pam Mencio. To date, no specific plans are underway for the upcoming spring. Plans are to make change in the flowers that were used for the staff this year, since the marigolds used last year grew very tall and bushy and undermined the rest of the flag, despite being thinned out. As always, volunteers are needed to help with any of the jobs involved with the flowers. Last year the rainy summer was helpful in alleviating the need for watering, but some plants were stunted or rotted by the rain, in which case, empty spots were filled in with artificial flowers, which worked very well.
The Christmas Tree: Mike has been looking into prices to purchase a live evergreen tree to place in front of the golf clubhouse in place of the cut tree that we decorated this past Christmas. Mike has obtained prices for different sized Colorado Green Spruce trees as follows: A 7 to 8 foot tree is $139, 8 to 9 ft.- $183, 9-10 ft. $218, 10-12 ft. $295, and 12-14 ft. $ 390. A Blue Spruce would cost $30 more per ft. Mike stated that Bunker Hill Park started with a 15 ft. tree. He considers that the 9-10 foot tree would be the best choice. Jean Guisto asked if would be slow-growing, the response was about ½ to 1 ft. per year. Permission would have to be obtained from the Park Dept. and the park board. Nazih Noujain made a motion that we purchase the 9-10 ft. tree. The motion was seconded by Bob Mc Govern and the vote was unanimous for the purchase. The delivery fee of $ 50 may be waived if approved.
Mike reminded that in voting we must adhere to the by-laws, meaning that only members in good standing would and should be eligible to vote on any association matter. Those members are those whose dues are current and who have attended 4 yearly meetings.
Flags: Ned Mencio and Bob Perigard have priced flags through numerous companies and have determined that the least expensive prices are those of “Flags of America”. The company is located in Avon The prices quoted are $25 for a 2.5 x 3 ft. flag, brackets are $2.94 and flag, only, $10.80. A list of flags by streets of poles with street lights and a list of proposed flags was shared, with the total of lighted poles being 145 and the proposed flags, 85. Two proposals were also submitted: Proposal #1- flag placement on every lighted pole in the neighborhood - #145 ( cost $1,541.00) and Proposal #2- Place a limited number of flags on lighted poles in the neighborhood - #85 ( $947.00). It was explained that individual flag purchase for the neighborhood would not necessarily guarantee that it would be placed on a pole in front of one’s house. Nazih Noujaim offered that more donations may be possible if a person were to donate a flag to get it placed in front of their house. He proposed that we use plan #1 and Nancy Ptak agreed with that proposal. Jan Rinaldi stated that the flags should be placed on lighted poles. Maureen Mead asked if the goal is 145 lighted would satisfy the criteria. Ned stated that if plan #2 is used we would need 50 new flags and 50 brackets.
The Easter Egg Hunt: The event is set for the Saturday before Palm Sunday, April 3rd, with the rain date to be April 4th. Melissa Hidri is chairing the event and has been busy canvassing many businesses, asking for donations. She states that Friendly’s has donated 1000 tickets for free sundaes. The Easter Bunny will be arriving on a fire truck. The search is on for a bunny. Nancy Santarpia will accept donations at her house at 194 East Mountain Rd. during Melissa’s absence the couple weeks prior to the hunt. Melissa will be back for the hunt. She’s asking for donations of money or individually wrapped candy ( not chocolate).
It is reported that the search is on for ATV riders who are riding in areas that are prohibited to ATV’s. One or more have been apprehended, so far. There is also report of cars on Brackenridge Drive being hit with paint- balls. Another report of severe animal abuse on Cottage Grove Lane was reported, having taken place a couple of months ago, but not reported at previous meetings. This abused involved a young cat, which was so severely injured that it had to be euthanized. The veterinarian concluded that it was definitely extreme animal abuse.
Earth Day: Is an area inclusive clean-up day, scheduled for April 24th. Everyone is urged to participate. More information will be provided at next meeting.
Another newsletter will be forthcoming. Tony Loechner, the Editor- in-chief, of the paper is searching for new items and new people to assist with the next letter. Please contact Tony or one of the board members if interested or if you have new ideas.
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Mencio