The East Mountain Neighborhood Association

November 16, 2005 Meeting Minutes

Attendees: 41‑ Father David George, Michael Ptak, Ronnie Ayotte, Bob Perigard, Jan Perigard, Donna Burnes, Cathy Filippone, Tony Loechner, William Burnes, Nazih Noujaim, Stephen Conway, Dollyanne Martin, Ned Mencio, Pam Mencio, Peter Amedeo, Carol Amedeo, Shawn (Sean) Costello, Mike Favreau, Dana Spino, John Keane, John D. Keane, Nancy Ptak, Jean Guisto, Maria Lopes, Diane Barth, Nancy Santarpia, Joe Amato, Joe Padua, Carrie Ferrucci, Larry Davino, Cecile Davino, Joe DaSilva, Harold Andrew, Joanne Byrne, Mark Tierney, Tom Cullen, Barbara Stere, Mike Stere, Nick Coscia, Turner Langdon, Claudette LaFlamme

Mike Ptak called the meeting to order at 7:07 PM with the Pledge of Allegience. Mike then thanked all for attending.

Turner Langdon presented the treasurer's report, which is available to all upon request.

The spendable balance at the end of September is $2,750. 44, with $500 set aside for the scholarship.

The Guest speaker this month is Mary Beth Pratt, a representative of the American

Cancer Society's Road to Recovery Program. This program provides transportation to treatments and appointments to those who need those services. MaryBeth described the function of those who volunteer for the program, i.e. driving patients to and from the Leever Center and M.D. offices. She asked the group to consider becoming volunteers, either to transport people, or to make phone calls and help in the offices. She brought posters, bookmarks and cards to be distributed to anyone who may consider helping.

Although there is no mileage reimbursement, each volunteer carries $1.000.000 liability insurance. There are short training sessions and occasional meetings. Ned Mencio is currently volunteering and he told of one particular experience he recently had.

Time and Talent sheets were passed at this juncture, which consist of a list of all services the EMNA provides and a plea for volunteers of a fraction of time‑‑ reminding that each little part of a person's time is greatly helpful and that there is no monetary obligation for helping those few people who always do all the work. Each service listed has a complete description of the work required for each project. Those sheets are available to all; those members not in attendance are urged to request a form and to complete and return it to

Mike Ptak.

Last year the EMNA sponsored 2 families. This year we suggest making a donation to a charity, so that the money can be used for the most needy. Tony Loechner made a motion that we make the monetary donation. Larry Davino seconded the motion.

The flags have been taken down for the winter, most catch‑basins have been cleaned, and many fire hydrants have been painted. Larry Davino, Mike Ptak, Bob McGovern, Harold Andrew, Bill Burnes Ned Mencio, Bob Lyons have all worked on those projects.

The Perigards will be making a scrapbook for the EMNA ,and will be needing pictures and articles. Please lend the Perigards any materials you may have.

The Annual Christmas Tree lighting will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2005 at 5:30 at the East Mountain Golf Course Club House, followed by refreshments. Santa Claus will be escorted by Engine 5 Firefighters. Nancy Ptak has suggested that we wear red scarves with the East Mountain logo on them. Please call Nancy Ptak to order one. Baked goods ( cookies, etc) are needed for the event. Everyone is welcome.

A list was passed for anyone who wishes to participate in Christmas house visits. The list was circulated, again, this evening. The event will begin at 5:30. Call any officer if interested.

There will be a second pancake breakfast this year at the Wendell Cross School, sponsored by the PTA. The cost of tickets is $5. and $3. The EMNA will be the recipient of the proceeds. We will hopefully use the proceeds to help to pay for the school playscape.

An officer nominating committee has been formed. Larry Davino, Marguerite Smith and Ned Mencio are the members of that committee. The committee will consider only members in good standing. ( See EMNA by‑laws for clarification.). Larry reported on the committee activities to date, which include polling the executive board ,and sending email to the membership. The secretary will continue in that role, Jean Guisto is interested in the treasurer's office, if Turner Langdon does not wish to remain as treasurer, Marguerite Smithe is interested in the vice presidents position. Mike Ptak is interested in remaining as president; he may become the Neighborhood Council president as well, and the presidents of the Council must also be the president of the individual neighborhood association. Larry announced that there would be a changed in that one aspect of the by‑laws, since those laws provide for 2 terms for the EMNA president. Larry also stated the Bob Mc Govern would be interested to serve, only if Mike were not interested in continuing. The question was raised as to whether an amendment would be a one‑time amendment. This was followed by much disorderly argument about whether a change would be amending or " allowing", to the point where it was necessary for Mike Ptak to intervene to restore order. It was also noted that per "Robert's Rules" the membership must be notified by mail and that therefore nothing can be discussed or decided at tonight's meeting. Jean Guisto stated that the members in good standing are few in number, perhaps around 25 or 30 out of over 250 members. Father David offered: in reference to by‑law changes, those changes must be presented by mail. The committee can recommend changes and then notice members about the changes, so tonight there may be clear wording toward submitting the recommendation. Tony Loechner motioned to notify members of term changes at a meeting and then send the proposed change to the by‑laws. This motion was seconded by Larry Davino.

Mike announced that there is a proposed multi‑unit complex of dwellings to be built on the site of the former European Health Spa, which currently is being used as an ATV pit. The investors are reportedly from Prospect. The development is named Regency Place. Mike stated that it appears that at least 20 units could be negated because they would purportedly about wetlands. There will be a meeting in January on the proposal and then it will go to the Zoning Committee. The zoning rules have recently changed, but this plan was submitted before those changes and therefore passed. The area is zoned as Residential Moderate and can have up to 24 dwellings per acre. The project would create traffic, school crowding problems and various other problems that housing projects are generally subjected to. There will be notices sent to abutters; all are urged to go to the aforementioned January meeting and protest. Mike Stere motioned opposing multi‑family dwellings.

Joe Padua, community officer, reports that burglaries and larcenies are up. He cautioned that we carry with us only what is needed to have with us, not to leave valuables in the car. Speeding on Peach Orchard Road, East Mountain Road and Westport Drive are being closely followed.

Tony suggested a newsletter for December or January. There was no opposition voiced to that suggestion. Tony also stated that there are 9 email addresses that bounce back as incorrect. He presented a list for perusal and hopefully for eventual correction.

Books are available to swap or to take at this evening's meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45PM, followed by refreshments.

Respectfully submitted,

Patricia Mencio, Secretary EMNA