The Westville Renaissance Alliance sent in the following report from its annual meeting:
By Thea Buxbaum & Anne Weaver Lozon
2008 Westville Village Renaissance Alliance (WVRA) Annual Meeting
Wednesday evening, May 21, 2008, Kehler Liddell Gallery, home of the Offices of the Westville Village Renaissance Alliance, played host to more than 60 Westvillians who turned out to hear about the latest accomplishments of the Renaissance Alliance and plans for the coming year.
Westville resident and business owner, Gabriel DaSilva, WVRA President, welcomed the crowd and recognized State Representative Patricia Dillon and Alderman Tom Lehtonen
for their continued hard work on behalf of Westville. Then he congratulated everyone for a successful 11th Annual ArtWalk Festival on May 10th and for a year of increased programming in downtown Westville Village. He also gave an overview of the plans for the year to come.
The program was rounded out by Kathleen Bradley, WVRA Board Secretary presenting a By-Laws update, and Colin Caplan of Magrisso Forte, LLC presenting Westville Village Historic & Contemporary — a real estate inventory and historic district expansion discussion, Courtney Hendricson of the Connecticut Main Street Center talked about Westville progress toward designation, and Dana Griffin, IKEA- New Haven celebrated the Power of Partnerships and discussed IKEA Business’ presence in downtown Westville
Village.
Thea Buxbaum, Interim Executive Director, recognized the hard work of the WVRA volunteer Board of Directors and the impact of WVRA partners and volunteers. A surprise special presentation was made in appreciation of the exemplary service of Elaine Braffman, Livable City Initiative of the City of New Haven for her tireless efforts (and results) for Westville Village and all of the neighborhoods she serves.
The WVRA Annual Meeting reflected the exciting momentum of grassroots community programming that directly impacts the economic development and neighborhood revitalization. It is an exciting time as WVRA transitions from an all voluntary organization to a professional organization. Yet WVRA will always retain its neighborhood character. Delicious food and drinks were donated by Bella’s Caf√©, Delaney’s Restaurant, House of Chao, Lena’s Caf√© & Confections, Westville Pizza, and newly opened, Westville Wines.
To be informed about events in Westville Village, or to become a WVRA
member, please visit the website.