The meeting was held at the home of Michael and Karen McGrath. There were approximately 30 people in attendance.

The guest speaker was Kevin Marino, founding regional director of North American Power, a power supplier based in Norwalk, CT. He presented information on how Hiltonia consumers can save on their electric bills by switching to North American. He explained that PSE&G is “utility of record,” and as such, they continue to provide billing and repair services. While rates fluctuate, a consumer currently using PSE&G as their electric supplier who switches to North American would see a difference in their electric bill: PSE&G’s basic rate is 11 cents per kilowatt hour, while North American’s is 8.99 cents. Natural gas will be added within the next two months, Mr. Marino added. There are no costs (or contracts) associated with switching energy suppliers.

What North American offers that sets it apart, noted Mr. Marino, is its referral program. North American will pay a flat fee of $65 for the first three referrals, and $260 for 10 referrals, whether or not the referrals choose to stay with North American. The person who makes the referral is also paid a user percentage as long as the referral remains with the company. These funds can be used to reduce energy costs or as cash payments.

Mr. Marino added that it could be a potential source of revenue for the Hiltonia Association and that many organizations and church groups have set up similar referral programs to raise money.

More information is available on the company’s website: www.EnergyNetworkUSA.com.

The regular meeting started at 8:25.

Association officers were elected for 2012. The slate remains the same with the exception of two positions: Gil Varnes is the new First Vice President and Marcia Youngs is now Corresponding Secretary.

In new business, Elise Mannella said the Association is looking for volunteers to help with the Cadwalader Asbury Church food bank on either Wednesday evenings or Thursday afternoons. Elise added that we will do another food drive in February.

Jackie Kutch gave the Treasurer’s Report. There was $2,902.09 in checking, as of December 31st. Membership, as of December 31st, was 145. It is now time to pay membership dues for 2012.

The Children’s Committee reported that this year’s Easter egg hunt will again take place at Lucy and Rochelle’s home, 103 Buckingham, the Saturday before Easter. Michael Nalbone added that the committee is trying to involve some other neighborhoods in these activities.

The Winter Party will be held on January 28th, 6:30 p.m., 104 Cornwall (Donald and Anthony). The March meeting will be a neighborhood potluck at 6:30, followed by the meeting at 7:30.

There will be a reception of Hiltonia Archives at the Trenton Public Library later this spring. It may be a late morning event on a Saturday, although no date has yet been chosen.

The Hiltonia House Tour now has a nonprofit sponsor, the Trenton Artists Workshop Association (TAWA). As part of this agreement, participating artists will be displaying their work in a number of houses on the tour. There is now a Facebook page for the tour and we are looking for other ideas/contacts to spread the word about the tour, which is May 5.

There is a tentative list of homes that will be on the tour: 103 Buckingham, 205 Buckingham, 3 Cadwalader, 119 Cadwalader, 219 Cornwall, 107 Kensington, 119 Kensington, 101 Renfrew, 122 Renfrew, 1453 Stuyvesant and 1494 Stuyvesant. This list is subject to change.

President
Elise Mannella
609-672-7455
nella1454@ gmail.com
1454 Stuyvesant Ave.

1st Vice President
Gil Varnes
973-964-8177
GCVSVC1@ verizon.net
205 Kensington Ave.

2nd Vice President & Welcome Wagon
Phillip Steffani
908-313-8674
phillipsteffani@ gmail.com
205 Buckingham Ave

Recording Secretary
Margaret Mason
609-656-0203
magm05063@ comcast.net
3 Cadwalader Dr

Corresponding Secretary
Marcia Youngs
609-346-8852
jazzygurl48@ aol.com
1404 Stuyvesant Ave.

Treasurer & Membership
Jackie Kutch
609-577-2089
jfkutch@ att.net
123 Renfrew Ave

The November 9 General Meeting was held at the home of Don and Georgia Waller. There were approximately 20 people in attendance. Speakers were Ali Wilson, president of the I Am Trenton Foundation, and Qareeb Bashir, director of the Trenton Fire Department.

Mr. Wilson spoke about the Foundation’s purpose, which is to give grants to nonprofits that serve Trenton. The organization was founded five years ago, and since its inception, it has awarded 18 grants totaling $10,000. One recent recipient, Mr. Wilson noted, was the Old Barracks Museum. The money will go towards the Museum’s educational programs. Another grant went to Echo Corp., a group geared to getting retirees in the city involved in sports programs.

One subcategory within the foundation, Hope and Respect, is set up to deal with issues young people are facing. The focus of Hope and Respect is children having children, Mr. Wilson said. A recent grant to Hope and Respect targeted bullying. He is hoping that Hope and Respect can become a self-sustaining grant program.

Mr. Wilson noted that while current grants range from $250 to $1,000, he is looking to increase the amount the foundation awards, as well as the number of grants (doubling the current 18 grants).  Mr. Wilson said the organization is always happy to accept donations of time and/or money. I Am Trenton can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.

The second speaker was Mr. Bashir. He spoke about the various specialties within the Fire Department, including Swift Water Rescue, Haz-Mat Team and Dive Team. The Department also has a number of programs for children and young adults, including the Explorer Program and Cadet Program, which is a mentoring program for young people interested in a possible career in fire fighting.

Mr. Bashir said the department makes more than 10,000 runs in a year for a variety of emergencies. Overall, the number of fires are down this year, he said. The closest fire houses are Engine 9, on Sanhican Drive, and Engine 8, on Stuyvesant Avenue.

New Business

The meeting began at 8:35. Officer nominations for 2012 were discussed. Officer positions are president, first vice president, vice president, recording secretary, corresponding secretary and treasurer. Two positions, first vice president and corresponding secretary, are going to be open. Linda Reid said she will be looking for volunteers for those positions. A slate of officers will be voted on at the January General Meeting.

Meeting attendees were asked to vote on a charity to receive a $375 donation from the Association. The Cadwalader-Asbury Church Pantry will be the recipient of  this year’s donation. Susan Robinson said the church pantry is open from 3 to 6 p.m., Thursdays, only. The church needs canned goods, eggs, meats and toiletries. The pantry often runs out of supplies long before 6 p.m., Susan said. Donations and volunteers are both needed. If anyone has questions feel free to call or email Susan.

City Ordinances-Leaf Pick Up

            Leaves are picked up by two different departments: bagged leaves are picked up the day after a trash pick up by the Sanitation Department. Loose leaves along the curb are picked up by the Streets Department.  Leaves are being picked up through the beginning of December. Susan added that residents can call to have the city clear street gutters and storm drains of debris.

History of Hiltonia

Pat Flores and Linda Reid were thanked for the pictorial history of Hiltonia that they assembled for the November 5 TCCA banquet.

Dates of Interest

November 18 – Neighborhood dinner at Amici Milano

November 19- Wrecking Ball (Historical Society)

January 21st or 28^th  – Winter Party at the home of Donald Brokate and Anthony Rebara

Tues./Thurs. 5:30 p.m. – City Council Meetings

Unfinished Business

            Minutes

Margaret Mason reported that the meeting minutes from September have been put on the Hiltonia website; a few copies were also available at the meeting.

Treasurer’s Report

Jackie Kutch gave the Treasurer’s Report. There are 145 members as of October 31st. The checking account balance as of October 31st was $3,633.01. Thirty dollars in membership dues were deposited on October 7^th. Jackie also presented the proposed 2012 budget which will be voted on at the January general meeting. The financial ledgers were recently audited by Bill Harbach; who suggested the Association make a more concerted effort to stay within its proposed budget during the upcoming year.

Committee Reports

The new website is up. There is also a website devoted to the upcoming Hiltonia House Tour. The First Edition of the Hiltonia Directory is out.

The Children’s Committee had 20 children attend the Halloween party, despite the snow and power outage. Michael Nalbone said the Children’s Committee may work with other neighborhoods, like Glen Afton, on future children’s events.

Don Waller reported on the Civic Committee. The West Ward CPAC is still operating. He noted one incident in the area: a car was stolen. Don also said the Mayoral Recall effort had a 50-50 chance of succeeding.

Elise Mannella said the House Tour Committee would be meeting later in November. The Committee is still looking for a sponsor.

Don said the Neighborhood Investment Committee has paid a $1,000 retainer for an attorney. Nothing will be happening until after the new year.

Respectfully Submitted,

Margaret Mason

Recording Secretary

MLS # 5949856

Click HERE to go to Realtor.com to see more about this home.

MLS # 5761163

 Click HERE to go to Realtor.com to see more about this home.

The September 13th meeting was held at the home of John and Grete Lamb. There were 35 people in attendance.

The meeting began at 7:40 p.m. with a presentation by Helen Shannon, of the Trenton Historical Society. Ms. Shannon discussed the mission of the Society, which is to preserve and present the history of Trenton. She discussed a number of issues the Society is involved in and noted that they have a podcast which a user can download to follow George Washington’s trek through Trenton. One issue the Society has been active in is in the effort to keep the Petty’s Run archeological dig site open and available for public view. (The site is located on State House grounds and the State is seeking to fill it in.)

Ms. Shannon mentioned her organization’s grant program, “Restore Trenton,” which offers awards, ranging from $500 to $3000, to owners rehabilitating their homes’ exteriors. Homes must be at least 50 years old. The application process starts in early spring, with awards given in May. Grant winners have one year to complete their project.

The Society’s annual gala, “The Wrecking Ball,” will be held on November 19 at the old Liederkranz Hall on Clinton Avenue. Further information is available on their website: www.trentonhistory.org.

Doug Hughes, Urban Renewal Supervisor in the Trenton Historic Preservation Office, then spoke to the attendees. The Office works to preserve facades around the city—especially homes in the eight Historical Designated neighborhoods (Hiltonia is not one of them).

The Historical Commission meets on the second Wednesday of the month and Mr. Hughes said they are trying to get people from a greater variety of neighborhoods.

Although the Commission discontinued its Landmarks Award this year, it is hoping to restart it in the spring.

Mr. Hughes discussed a senior grant program for people aged 62 and older (50, if widowed). Grants of $3,500 are available for rehabbing. There are also loans of $5000 that must be repaid in full, but that do not have to be repaid until the property changes ownership. Income limits apply.

New Business

The business meeting began at 8:40. Ellen Heath, of Friends of the Marsh, talked about “Voices for the Marsh,” the organization’s sixth juried photography show. Photos must be taken at the Hamilton-Trenton-Bordentown Marsh. The theme is “The Marsh, a timeless natural treasure in an urban landscape.” Prizes will be awarded in the following categories: plants, wildlife, natural habitats, and people connecting with nature. Adult and youth entries will be judged separately. Entries are due January 5. For more information about Friends of the Marsh, or the photography show, go to the website at: www.marsh-friends.org.

Rev. Donald Medley, pastor of the Cadwalader-Asbury Methodist Church on Stuyvesant Avenue, spoke briefly on the needs of the working poor he sees among the people who come to the Church’s food pantry. Food, toiletries and monetary donations are desperately needed. Susan Robinson spoke about the food banks in the West Ward. She would like to start a group to help out at the pantry once every two months. (The pantry is open on Thursdays, from 3-6 p.m.) Susan also said the Association will be having food drives.

Susan then asked members for any Hiltonia memorabilia that could be loaned as part of a history poster being assembled for the Trenton Council of Civic Associations dinner on November 4th. She asked that anyone with photos or other types of mementos call either Pat Flores or her. (For anyone interested, the dinner starts at 6 p.m. and is being held at the Masonic Temple. Call Marcia Youngs, 609-346-8852 for more info.)

Old Business

The minutes of the May General Meeting were approved.

Communications

Brian Viehland discussed the new and improved Association website. Michael Nalbone said response to the Neighborhood Directory has been very good and the directory should be available in October. He said membership in the Egroup is also growing.

Treasurer’s Report

As of April 30, 2011, there is $4,188.35 in checking. Expenses from June and August totaled $735.34, leaving a balance as of 8/31/11 of $3,603.01.

a. Membership: there were 145 members as of 8/31/11.

A list of charities to support will be presented for a vote at the next General Meeting.

Committee reports

Children’s Committee

The Children’s Halloween Party will be held at Brian Viehland’s house, 119 Kensington Ave., on October 29. The rain date is October 30.

Civic

There were no neighborhood flooding issues from the recent hurricane and storms; however, there were a number of downed trees.

Events/Social Activities

The neighborhood dinner is Wednesday, September 21, at 6 p.m. at the Marriott.
The adult Halloween Party is scheduled for Friday night, 7 p.m., Oct. 27. We are looking for a host.
The next General Meeting will be on Nov. 9th at 7:30. Host TBD.
National Night Out on August 2nd was well attended.
The New Neighbor Coffee Klatch was held in August. We met a few new neighbors.

The Hiltonia House Tour – May 2012

HGTV info is on the Hiltonia website.
We are looking for media contacts. Contact Elise if you know anyone who might want to cover this.
We are still looking for a non-profit sponsor for a 501©3.

Neighborhood Investment Committee

Nothing to report.

Miscellaneous

Linda Reid is looking for three or four volunteers to help distribute flyers. Please contact her (phone number on the website) if you can help.

Are you allowed to enter more than one room?
Each room is treated as a separate entry and only one room in any home can be in the running to be HGTV’d. However, if you want to apply individually for different spaces, we encourage you to upload more than one video!

Is there a deadline?
There isn’t a deadline for submissions. HGTV’d will be working its way around the country so new submissions are always welcome! However, as we move into a new area we can only select from those submissions already in for that region so don’t wait. We will continually be making decisions on new regions!

How are the participants/winners selected? 
Participants are selected by reviewing all entries in any given area. However, we’re always looking for amazing spaces to get HGTV’d and incredible, enthusiastic homeowners with a love of HGTV. We then take into account things like homeowner schedules, our HGTV stars’ schedules, weather conditions, ability to work easily on site, etc.

Are all states considered?
Yes. Our goal at HGTV’d is to visit as much as the country as possible, so submit your plea today and yours might just be the next house HGTV’d!

What are the criteria for being selected?
The criteria are simple: great space, great homeowners! Beyond that we weigh elements such as rooms that can be transformed in a limited time (as we come in fast and create an incredible transformation), rooms that aren’t about infrastructure transformation but rather design transformation, rooms that are large enough to make a big statement, rooms that are fun, family-oriented spaces and of course, great families with amazing enthusiasm. It’s really about finding the perfect space and family to get HGTV’d — and pairing them with the perfect designer.

What all should be included in photos and/or video?

• We would like you to prepare a short, fun video of approximately three to four minutes tops in length. Do you have a friend or neighbor who can shoot this for you?
• The most important thing that we see in this video is your FUN PERSONALITY! Just relax and have a good time making this video! Please think of this as your entry “please pick us” video.
• Start out by introducing yourselves.
• Next, briefly tell us how much of an HGTV fanatic you are – what shows you love, your favorite designers, or you favorite room from a show!
• Then you and your family can show us the space you are looking to have HGTV’d and give us a tour. What do you hate about it? If you are chosen, how will HGTV’d transforming this area into a truly one-of-a-kind and jaw-dropping space change you and your family’s life?
• Describe your fantasy space. What out-of-this-world features would you love to see in this space? How nutty are you willing to go? Is anything off limits?
• Close by telling us why you should be chosen for HGTV’d.

Remember, have fun with this video. More than anything, we are looking for PERSONALITY, ENERGY AND EXCITEMENT. YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE CHOSEN FOR HGTV’D.

Go to HGTV’d show page to upload your photos and/or videos
Go to all Be On HGTV listings

Wanted: NYC-Area Families Who Need Their Homes Transformed!

Home by Novogratz is searching for energetic and vibrant family homeowners in the New York Tri-State area who want their homes to match their family’s personalities, but who may not have the vision to make it happen.

Cortney and Robert Novogratz will bring their eclectic, high-low, “downtown-chic” designs to your home. We are especially hoping to hear from families who are planning ambitious, multi-room redesigns and who are eager to expand their design palette. This will not be just a makeover; it will be a life-changer!

We will be shooting between October 2011 & April 2012. If you think your family’s home and our show might be a good fit, please send an email to *protected email*with the following information:

• Names, ages [for verification purposes], and occupations of each household member.
• Address and contact info (please include e-mail address and cell phone number).
• List of rooms to be styled — photos are a big plus!
• Favorite style you’d like to see (or do you want to be surprised?).
• Your real design budget.

Thank you, and we look forward to hearing from you!

Go to the Home by Novogratz show page

We’re Looking for Fun and Enthusiastic Families or Couples to Go On Vacation Now!

Three luxurious homes, plus one surprise destination, equals a trip of a lifetime for one special family. In this House Hunters spin-off series, we give lucky families or couples the chance to stay in an amazing vacation home for a week, and HGTV is picking up the tab! Once they arrive at their vacation location, host Taniya Nayak will be there to greet them, and then the ride of their life begins. They’ll tour three spectacular homes chosen just for them.

The question they — and viewers — must answer: which home would they most like to stay in for a week? It will be a tough decision, as each property will offer incredible, yet different features. Will they fall for the mountain estate with breathtaking views? The beachside villa with the infinity pool? Or the super modern high-rise condo with five-star amenities?

Are you up for a grand adventure? Are you ready to experience the ultimate dream vacation with family and friends? If you are, apply now at pietown.tv and then start packing!

Go to House Hunters on Vacation show page
Go to all Be On HGTV listings

Let Us Wow Your Friends and Neighbors With a Fabulous Party

Dina Manzo, top New Jersey designer, event planner and former star of Bravo’s Real Housewives of New Jersey, has an exciting new show on HGTV for people who have a party/event idea but no idea how to get started.

Dina and her team will transform your party/event into a sophisticated and fabulous affair, all on TV! We are looking for fun, outgoing people who live within a 30-minute drive of the Franklin Lakes area in New Jersey who have a life-changing event/party coming up and want to throw a party in a home.

NOTE: party must take place in a home, either yours or someone else’s. It also needs to be an interesting event with an amazing story. To be considered, please send an e-mail to*protected email* with all the following information:

• Photos of yourself (and partner), and other main people who will be part of the show
• Your name and partner’s name
• Contact information – PHONE NUMBER – Address
• Describe what type of party. Why? Theme? Look/Feel?
• Photos of outside of home
• Photos of rooms party will take place in. How big is the room? Dimensions please
• If possible, please provide a video of yourself and partner showing us your personality and why you need help staging this party of a lifetime

Time is short, so please send in your application today!

Do You Have an Interior Decorating Disaster in Your Home?

Homeowners in the NY Tri-State, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Minneapolis areas: Do you have an interior decorating disaster in your home? Did you complete a DIY makeover that should have been a DI-Don’t? Has your design dream turned into a nightmare? Then HGTV is looking for you!

HGTV is NOW CASTING for energetic, fun-spirited homeowners in NY/NJ/CT, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Minneapolis who want to remedy their failed decorating attempts! Friends and families of homeowners may also apply: If you think your friend/relative needs a decorating intervention, let us know!

Homeowners, aka the “Design Victims:”

• Must have a hideous room (that can be fixed cosmetically). Horrible color schemes, decorating “themes” gone wrong, “kitschy” becoming tacky — all of these are great! Loud designs welcome!
• Must have a family member or close friend who is troubled by the hideousness of the room. (Can be the homeowner him/herself.)
• Must have at least a little sense of humor about the room-willing to take some gentle teasing about it.
• The room may have been designed and decorated by the homeowner, a friend/relative, or even a hired designer. NOTE: rooms that were decorated by the home’s previous owner will not be considered.
• Home must be within 60 miles of locations listed above.

If you think you might be a victim of your own self-inflicted design wounds, apply now! Our design expert will deconstruct your decorating and help you see where things went wrong. Then, let the fun begin! Our host will bring the room down to the bare bones and help you redecorate it — including furniture, window treatments, finishes and accessories — and this time end up with a room you can be proud of!
Taping begins in mid-June, and we are casting ASAP!
To apply, visit www.highnoontv.com for an online application, or send an email to *protected email*

We’re Looking for America’s Neatest, Most Organized People

Do you just have to keep your house clean and organized? We’re talking about really clean and organized, to the point where people think you’re either nuts or possibly brilliant?

If you’re one of America’s neatest, most organized people, we want you! Just e-mail us at*protected email* and include a short description of yourself and how neat you are, along with some photos (good) or video (better) and you could be on HGTV!

We’re Looking for the Ultimate Christmas Mom!

Do you love decorating your home for Christmas? Does your family think you’re way too into it? Do you start setting up every room in your house months before the holiday?

We’re looking for the Ultimate Christmas Mom who goes all out to get the house ready for the holiday season. We’re talking multiple trimmed trees throughout the house, tinsel hanging from every spare inch of wall and Santa figurines adorning every surface available!

If you want to show off your over-the-top decked out home, please send an e-mail to*protected email*
with the following information:

• Your name, address and contact info (please include e-mail address and cell phone number)
• A brief description about yourself and why you love decorating for Christmas
• Pictures and/or video of you and your Christmas decorations

Get a Free Makeover Voted on by HGTV.com’s Online Community

Run My Makeover is a brand-new HGTV series where homeowners get a free makeover designed by total strangers. If your family can’t decide on paint, fabric, countertops or anything else, you’re in luck — America will do it for you!
We are looking for energetic, opinionated people whose current room would show a dramatic transformation after we’re done.
Once you’re chosen, the concept is simple: You show off your room on HGTV.com, then we let the online community vote on how to best renovate it, giving them choices on everything from lighting, flooring, paint color, cabinets, furniture and more. Then we come in and help you with all the work — showing you the winning choices along the way.
So if you’re brave enough to let America design for you, click here for the official online application.
Fill out the application, then mail it along with the following items to the address listed in the application.

• A short video (uploaded) introducing yourself and your space.
• A completed application.
• Clear and recent photographs of yourself and your space.

Compete With Your Neighbors in a Home Design Showdown

Do you have a knack for home design? Is there no one on your street that can match your curb appeal? Are you ready, willing and able to compete against your neighbors to see which family on your block can outshine and out-design the other? If so, we’re looking for you and your neighbors to compete in the ultimate home design renovation showdown on HGTV’s news series, Battle On The Block.

We’re looking for families living in the New York City Tri-State area or Florida who are available for filming starting in December 2009. If you’re interested in putting your passion for home design up against your neighbors’, please send an email with your name, contact information and any photos you have of your family and your home to *protected email* or call 212-643-3601 ext. 312 for more information.

Are You Getting Ready to Buy a Home?

Be On HGTV’s House Hunters

If you’re getting ready to buy a home, then we’d like to put your story on TV!

HGTV is looking for energetic individuals, couples and families who are passionate about their search for a new home or vacation property to be part of the House Hunters television series.

This hit series takes viewers behind the scenes as you work with a real estate agent to decide which home is best for you. We’re looking for fun personalities and interesting stories. If this sounds like you, apply now!

We are currently casting all across America! If you’re interested in appearing on the show, please send an e-mail with your name, phone number, location and attached photo to *protected email* and we’ll send you additional information. Or, visit our website at www.pietown.tv to learn more.

Visit the House Hunters show page
Visit the House Hunters International show page

Would You Like to Take On Your Next Remodeling Project on National TV?

Be On HGTV Renovation Realities We’re looking for homeowners to let us film their next home improvement project

Renovation Realities

We are searching for dynamic homeowners who aren’t afraid to show their true personalities!

Renovation Realities is about the realities and drama of home renovation. We want to see the issues, the arguments and the real effects of taking on a project with a spouse, friend or neighbor. There is no host and no help: YOU are the star of this 30-minute show!

If you have a great home renovation project (which must include demolition) and want to share it with millions of people across the United States, you might be an excellent candidate. Your personality means everything on this show, so don’t worry if you’re not the greatest do-it-yourselfer.

For consideration, please send an e-mail to *protected email* and include all of the information below:

• Name
• Address or General Area
• Age
• Contact Number(s)
• Detailed Project Description
• Estimated Project Length
• Do-It-Yourself Skills
• Project Pictures (3 – 4 maximum)
• Personal/Family Picture (1 photo only)
• Exterior of Home (1 photo only)

Go to Renovation Realities show page

Are you a first-time buyer trying to navigate the real estate market?

Property Virgins

Overwhelmed and needing a helping hand? HGTV’s Property Virgins is casting for its new season! If you live in the New York City area (including New Jersey and Long Island), are now ready to buy your first home, and would like to be on the show, then write our casting director at: *protected email*.

Please include your story, preferred location, budget, photos and contact information in your email. You must be pre-approved for a mortgage to appear on the show. Filming is from June through October, 2011. Congratulations on taking that first step to purchasing your first home.

Go to Property Virgins show page