THE PRESIDENT'S CORNER ….. Belle Rita Novak

(Winter '98)

This is my last column as president of the Civic Association. By the time you read this Bill Malloy will be the new president.

I have really enjoyed my tenure as president. Not only have I met lots of people, some of whom have become friends, but I have also learned a great deal about city government. I now have a much clearer idea of which department does what. With almost no exceptions, everyone in the city departments that I have dealt with has been courteous and helpful.

We are fortunate to have so many people committed to the well-being of our neighborhood. Many of our most active members could live anywhere they chose to and they choose to live here. They don't just sit back and let others keep up the neighborhood--they help out on a regular basis.

I encourage all of you to get active with the FPCA also. The neighborhood AND you will benefit. When I was elected president someone said that they didn't know whether to congratulate me or give me their condolences. I said then and believe it still that I am active in the association because I have a vested interest in my neighborhood. Nothing more complicated than that.

Although we react to problems we aren't crisis driven. Sometimes little annoyances can be solved before they become bigger problems. Sometimes it's just directing someone to the proper city department to get the answers they need. Sometimes it's all of us working together such as getting rid of graffiti. We have semi-annual clean-up days and some of us keep supplies in our car and get rid of graffiti when we see it. You too can adopt an area and get rid of graffiti. We'll give you the supplies.

We also know how to have fun. Illumination Night every June is our grandest program, and there are others. Every October there is a Halloween party for the kids. We have pot luck suppers, meetings to inform and coming this March, just in time to celebrate spring, a storyteller and musician for the children. That program is SUNDAY, MARCH 22ND, 1PM AT KODIMOH SYNAGOGUE which is at 124 Sumner Avenue. Refreshments will be served and the program is FREE! See you there. This is for the three and up crowd and everyone is welcome.

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to serve as president. I've enjoyed it. See you around the neighborhood!

DPW NEWS

In an effort to make snow plowing in Springfield more efficient the DPW is asking our help. If you know of any abandoned vehicles on a public way please call 787-6224 to register their location. They will be removed .

PAINT PROGRAM

If your home needs re-painting and you fall within certain income guidelines, the Community Development paint program may be for you. If you are interested call 787-6500 for the details. (We don't have them yet, but they will be having the program again.) The work needs to be completed within 90 days of getting the paint.

FARMER'S MARKET

We and the X Main Street Corporation are working to bring a farmer's market to the X this spring and summer. We have permission from Goodwill to hold it in their parking lot. To date over 100 letters have been sent to participants in other farmer's markets. Michael Thomes and Belle Rita Novak will attend a conference in early February on various aspects of putting together a market. Everyone is excited about this possibility.

PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE AT GOODWILL

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10-3, a public health nurse is at Goodwill. Stop by and collect information and learn what services are available to you.

CONCERNED CITIZENS OF SPRINGFIELD

This non-profit group is responsible for many of the improvements that you may have noticed in our neighborhood. Upgrading (landscaping and lighting) on Locust Street, Johnny Appleseed Park, demolition of several substandard properties, refurbishing and sale of 340 Dickinson Street, first time homebuyer programs, landlord training programs and more. CCS is made up of landlords who own property in Forest Park. They have put their money where their mouth is in fighting blight in the neighborhood.

NEW BUSINESSES

The El Salvador Restaurant at the intersection of Orange and White Streets is the first Salvadoran restaurant in the city, maybe even Western Mass. The owner was a chef in New York City for 18 years and has moved his family to Springfield. Welcome

Another Chinese/Vietnamese restaurant has opened on Belmont Avenue next to the Costume Closet near the X. In that same complex is , a manicure salon. We hope that everyone prospers in our neighborhood.