Upper Holmesburg Civic Association President Stan Cywinski announced he will step down in 2010 to allow for "new blood."

The final 2009 meeting of the Upper Holmesburg Civic Association was a short one. About 20 people gathered in St. Dominic’s Marian Hall for the 30-minute holiday meeting.

Much of the focus was on the upcoming year, which will begin with board elections at the January meeting. Nominations began last night, when three-year President Stan Cywinski announced he’ll step down and serve the Association in another capacity.

“It’s healthy for an organization to have these changes,” said Cywinski, who earlier said it’s time for “new blood.”

In the video below, Upper Holmesburg Civic Association President Stan Cywinski talks about where the organization is headed in 2010, specifically on zoning matters.

Before adjourning the meeting so residents could enjoy hoagies and beer, Cywinski announced the group’s guest speakers for the upcoming months.

• January: Edward Vassallo from the Office of Emergency Managment
• February: 311 director
• March: Sen. Mike Stack is slated as a possible speaker

After a short zoning update and the 50/50 raffle, the last meeting of 2009 was called to an end, and residents gathered in the hall’s kitchen area to share food and contemplate their board member nominations.