The East Mountain Neighborhood Association

March, 2005 Meeting Minutes

Attendees 28: Michael Ptak, Nazih Noujaim, Harold Andrew, Cathy Filippone, Tony Loechner, Diane Barth, Dollyanne Martin, Maria Lopes, William Burnes, Marge Horzepa, Larry Davino, Cecile Davino, Bob Perigard, Marguerite Smith, Louise Brown, Evelyn Carrah, Julie Stefanelli, Maureen Mead, Peter Amedeo, Carol Amedeo, Bob Trotter, Claudette LaFlamme, Ned Mencio, Pam Mencio, Joanne Byrne, Turner Langdon, Mr. And Mrs. Rozum

The meeting came to order at 7:10PM. Michael Ptak led the Pledge of Allegiance

The up-coming Ziti Dinner was the first item on the agenda: the admission prices, time, place and date were reviewed. The event will be held here at the church on Thursday, March 31, 2005 from 5:30 PM to 8 PM. Adults will pay $10, children 5 to 13 years, $5, and children under 5 will be admitted free. Members were reminded that dessert donations are welcome.

The Easter Egg Hunt is slated for Palm Sunday morning at Wendell Cross School. Candy donations are needed.

The proposed future sign to announce EMNA activities and meetings was discussed and described. Bob Perigard described the sign as a permanent one to be attached to the park fence, with announcements, which will be able to be changed as needed by sliding the letters into grooves placed on the sign, to facilitate that feature. The sign will most likely be made by Mr. Watterworth, who is an East Mountain resident. It will measure approximately 4 ft. x 6 ft. with 5 to 6 inch letters and will, as noted above, be permanent, unless there is objection by the city powers. The cost to the EMNA will be $350.

Flags: None of the new flags purchased last year were damaged. $3000 was spent on flags last year; the cost of replacing old flags this year will be less than half that cost. The purchase of new flags this year will include 36 more flags for the (Neighborhood Council) to place on the green, which will be paid for by the council. Any neighbors who wish to purchase flags for their homes can also purchase them, when the order is placed.

A flag retiring ceremony will be held at the May 18^th meeting at 6:30 PM. ( Father David has graciously given his permission) . The Crosby High School ROTC has an extensive protocol for the ceremony and Engine 5 has guidelines as well. The Elks club members may be invited to attend. The ceremony is reportedly very impressive, with requirement of cutting the blue fields away from the red and white stripes.

Membership Mailer: A mailing was completed for 2005 membership. So far, there are 212 new members, 90 renewals and 57 new members. A listing on non-renewed members was passed among attendees for corrections and/or additions.

There have been some break-ins, in the Peach Orchard and Butternut Ridge Road areas. They occurred during daytime hours; entry was achieved by kicking in the back doors of the houses. The Community officer was notified and patrols will be added.

We are offering a bus trip to the Mohican Sun sometime in May. The cost is $25. At least 20 or 25 people are needed to make the trip. Maureen Mead said the St. Anthony Church parking lot is considered a commuter lot and can be the meeting place for the bus trip.

The flower flag will be planted on the reservoir dam again; volunteers are needed. The project is a good one for any young people to participate in if seeking to do community work, or earning scout badges, etc. Many of the stones have left their places in the letters and need to be returned . Please call 756 1952, or 754 9311, if interested.

Zoning changes are sought in the city, currently in the Town Plot area; the proposal is to build moderate residential housing in 800 square feet ( high rise apartments) The results would be 640 units with 320 owner occupied units included. The project was compared with the Villa Sol D’Or apartments, which over the years, have been trashed because of absentee landlords which resulted in low-income housing. Residents are urged to be mindful that