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Thursday, August 21, 2008

08/21/08 Greenwich Post News Links For Thursday


From the mouths of clowns

Joe and Abby Shropshire test their skills at the Laughing Clowns game during the Carnival of Fun at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Riverside.


That Was A Cute Lead Story Now Let's Read Some Old Greenwich News Stories:


Here Is Better Late Than Never
Greenwich Post News Story #1


Public Works commissioner here to stay

Written by Ken Borsuk, Staff Reporter

With the “interim” tag now removed from her title, Amy Siebert is officially in charge of the town’s Department of Public Works.

Ms. Siebert was appointed commissioner of public works at the Aug. 14 Board of Selectmen meeting. She had been in charge of the department on an interim basis since previous commissioner Lloyd Hubbs resigned in May to move back to California.

Ms. Siebert, a licensed professional engineer, was first hired by the town in January 2004 as the sewer division manager. First Selectman Peter Tesei praised her “strong background” in project management and the job she did running the day-to-day operations of the sewer department and developing ways to deal with storm water management. Starting last year, she served as the deputy commissioner until Mr. Hubbs’ resignation this spring.

Mr. Tesei said he was looking forward to working with Ms. Siebert on such issues as storm water management and response to flooding, which has been a growing problem in town.

Please See:

08/16/08 Home Much Did The Single Family Homeowners Pay Walters Odani To Recruit The Deputy Commissioner To Be The Commissioner Of Public Works?

08/18/08 Greenwich Time - Siebert to lead public works


Here Is Better Late Than Never

Greenwich Post News Story #2


Residents object to mixing housing

Written by Sara Poirier, Assistant Editor

Can workforce housing and senior housing co-exist at Quarry Knoll?

That remains to be seen following a presentation at the senior housing complex last week of a proposed renovation of the central Greenwich site. Housing Authority board members, whose agency controls Quarry Knoll I and II and other sites around town, including McKinney Terrace in Byram, held the meeting, they said, to inform people of their proposed plans and how, specifically, Quarry Knoll would be affected.

Housing Authority board member Jonathan DuBois told the Post after the meeting that the Housing Authority has met with Quarry Knoll residents about this proposed project twice before.

The entire proposal, which includes making changes at McKinney Terrace, as well as at what is known as Quarry Knoll I (home to 50 one-bedroom bungalows that are about 400 square feet each), was first publicized in April 2007 after about a year of planning. Quarry Knoll II, 40 apartments for the elderly, according to the town’s Web site, Greenwichct.org, is not a part of the Housing Authority’s proposed renovations....

PLEASE SEE:

08/11/08 Greenwich Roundup Posting

  • In a rare rebuke of a public agency by the town's chief-elected official, First Selectman Peter Tesei said the Greenwich Housing Authority needs to remove the veil of secrecy from its expansion plans for McKinney Terrace and Quarry Knoll.

    Top Story:

    HEADLINES:

    Greenwich Housing Authority Meetings Were Improperly Noticed And Closed To Members Of The Public

    Tesei Won't Give His Blessing To Any Project Until All Of The Details Are Fully And Properly Presented To A Public That Is Allowed To Comment At A Public Hearing


    QUOTES:

    "Tell the community at large what your plans are. That's my expectation," First Selectman Peter Tesei said. "It's their job to tell people what they're proposing to do. It's not mine."

    "That is not correct. We wouldn't turn anyone away," Jonathan DuBois, the Housing Authority's chairman, said. "I think it's fair I misunderstood what was expected of us as an agency of the town,""I think it's fair I misunderstood what was expected of us as an agency of the town,"

    THE STORY:



Here Is Better Late Than Never

Greenwich Post News Story #3


Finance board to review how money is being spent at Hamilton Avenue

Written by Sara Poirier, Assistant Editor

Throwing more into the pot last Friday, the Board of Estimate and Taxation approved what its members were told would be the last interim appropriation for the Hamilton Avenue School renovation project — $500,000.

Building Committee Chairman Frank Mazza told the board it would be the last, based on what he knew at that point in time.

The allocation still needs approval from the Representative Town Meeting next month, and will be given to the building committee only if its report on how the money will be spent is approved by the finance board.

Stephen Walko, finance board chairman and a member of the building committee, said that not approving the money could cause a loss of momentum on the project, the completion of which has been delayed for more than a year. He told board members that the money is for premium pay for the contractor, potential change orders and contingency. To date, $1.3 in interim appropriations have been given to the project — in June 2007 and in January and May of this year.

PLEASE SEE:

08/19/08 Board of Estimate and Taxation Finally Decides To Closely Monitor And Provide More Fiscal Oversite For A Mob Connected School Construction Firm

  • The Goodfellas Say,
    "You Guys Aren't Getting A School
    Until You Pay More Money."


    HEADLINES:

    Who Is Protecting The Hard Earned Tax Dollars Of The Single Family Homeowners Of Greenwich?

    After Three Years Of Missed Deadlines The Ham. Ave. School Price Tag Has Ballooned From 24 To 30 Million.

    Now, The BET Finally Wants To Take A "Closer Look" At A Project That Was Supposed To Only Take 18 Months!!!!

    Frank Mazza's Building Committee Has Requested $500,000 In Interim Funding To Pay For Outstanding Building Modifications And Change Orders.

    Mazza Says He Is Sure That Hamilton Avenue School Will Receive A Temporary Certificate Of Occupancy (TCO) By The End Of The Month, Provided That The Mob Connected Contractor Receives More Of Your Tax Dollars.


    QUOTES:

    "We've been through this before with previous requests," said BET member Larry Simon. After three missed deadlines, "you've lost credibility." "We want to make sure we get the TCO ASAP," said BET chairman Stephen Walko. "I don't think the pressure is off to finish up."

    THE STORY:

    Town to monitor Ham Ave. funds

PLEASE ALSO SEE:


08/16/08 Greenwich Roundup Posting


  • Surprise !!!!

    HAMILTON AVENUE SCHOOL WILL MAYBE

    OPEN IN MID-OCTOBER !!!!!!

    Don't Worry No One Will Be Fired For Yet Another Failure !!!!


    The Failed School Administrators All Got Raises!!!!


    And The Same Morons Are In Charge Of The Glenville School Project!!!!!


    No C.O. for Ham Ave.: Mid-October new target for school opening

    By Colin Gustafson (colin.gustafson@scni.com or at (203) 625-4428)

    The Hamilton Avenue School project missed another crucial deadline yesterday when the building failed to win approval for occupancy because of lingering facility-related issues.

    ...Under the backup plan, Hamilton Avenue students will spend part or all of the year in modulars, while Glenville students attend class at four sites - Parkway, Julian Curtiss, Cos Cob and Western Middle schools - this fall.

    Once the delay-mired Hamilton Avenue project is completed and approved, its students can move into their new building, allowing Glenville students to use the modulars...

    ..."I'm trying to be positive, because if you're positive, your children will be positive," said Glenville mother Alicia Budkins, whose son will start classes at Western Middle School this month.

    "If he can get through it, then I can get through it. If my kids can handle it, then I can handle it."


    Please See Yesterdays Greenwich Roundup Post:

    08/15/08 Greenwich Time Editors And Reporters Were Clueless, Because They Had Their Heads Up Their Rear Ends And Could Not Hear Hamilton Avenue Moms

    STOP THE INSANITY:


    But School Board Members And PTA Insiders Say That Parents Must Not Criticize The Failed Administrators Who Are Wasting Tax Dollars.

    No, They only want to only hear positive affirmations about school officials.


    While most everyone believes in the power positive affirmations.
    Everyone still realizes that you can't sit on the couch and say "I wan't to lose twenty five pounds by new years", as you eat a box of twinkies.

    It's Time To Get Real It's Time To Fire Failed Administrators That Are Wasting The Hard Earned Tax Dollars Of The Single Family Homeowners Of Greenwich.

    Those poor little children at Glenville School are going to get screwed by the same idiots that harmed the children of Hamilton Avenue School.


    Back in March School Superintendent Betty Sternberg said her administrators
    would be held accountable.

    No one has been fired or demoted!!!!

    No Betty gave them all pay raises!!!!!


    If Betty Sternberg Won't Take Action

    Then Let's Get A Superintendent Who Will !!!!

Here Is The Better Late Than Never
Greenwich Post News Story #4


Avenue to make way for soapbox racers

Written by Ken Borsuk, Staff Reporter

Greenwich Avenue will be for soapbox racers only on Sept. 14. Town officials have given the go-ahead to close the lower portion of the town’s most famous street to make room for the race’s return.

Once an annual event in town, the VivaPop All-American Soapbox Derby is set for its comeback next month. Greenwich Avenue will be closed from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. from the Starbucks at Havemeyer Place to the road’s intersection with Railroad Avenue. Businesses and residents have been notified of the temporary closure and Elizabeth Tarbell, president and chief executive officer of Greenwich-based VivaPop, which is putting the event together with Miller Motorcars, said plans for the race are proceeding well.

Please See This July Second

Greenwich Roundup Post:


07/02/08 Soap Box Derby To Return To Greenwich

Michael Parchment, General Manager of Miller Motorcars, and Elizabeth Tarbell, founder and CEO of VivaPop, look forward to bringing back the All-American Soap Box Derby to Greenwich, September 14. They are pictured here with an original derby car from the 1984 All-American Soap Box Derby in Greenwich.

VivaPop All-American Soap Box Derby comes to Greenwich


However We Must Admit That Greenwich Post

Special Corespondent
Sam Cross Scooped

Greenwich Roundup With This News Story....



Cat therapy helps nursing home residents relax

Written by Sam Cross, Post Correspondent

Margaret Collins loves cats. About a year ago, Ms. Collins was looking for volunteering opportunities and found visiting the Nathaniel Witherell as one of the options. Ms. Collins started bringing her two cats, Hua Ping and Mei Ling, to the Witherell, so residents could enjoy the company of her animals. The informal visits have developed into a new form of therapy for residents....

Dream season ends with Regional crown Dream season ends with Regional crown


Written by Paul Silverfarb

Head coach Mike Abate knew how talented his Greenwich Junior Cannons were. Throughout the early summer months, all teams of the American Legion Zone IV got to experience Greenwich’s dominance. Two weeks back, Connecticut got to feel the wrath of Post 29, as Greenwich took the state championship. Last weekend it was the region’s turn.

In a display of high-powered offense, crisp defense and stellar pitching, Greenwich cruised through the American Legion Northeast Regional tournament, which was held in West Warick, R.I., and beat Pawtucket 8-5 for the regional championship.


Hard work, determination paying off for D’Antona

Written by Paul Silverfarb

It’s amazing how the things people dream about become reality when you least expect it. Just ask Jamie D’Antona.

D’Antona, born in Greenwich and was a Trumbull High School class of 2000 graduate, has had an amazing season with the Triple-A Tucson Sidewinders and it paid off by getting a call up to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

After a successful 2007 campaign with the Sidewinders, posting a .308 batting average, netting 149 hits, 43 doubles, 13 homers, and 86 RBIs, D’Antona kept things going strong this season. In only 92 games with the Sidewinders, D’Antona was hitting a blistering .367 and had 17 long balls, 58 runs, 126 hits, and 67 RBIs.


Oil and gas: Sensitivity analysis

Written by Andy Szabo

As we have written recently, oil and gas drilling partnerships, properly structured and managed, offer several layers of tax benefits for high income taxpayers, while also enjoying potentially high investment returns. If we look at these partnerships as an investment, aside from the tax incentives provided by the government, one important aspect of risk and return to consider is the market price of oil and gas....

  • Andy Szabo CFA is managing director of Greenwich Financial Management Inc., a registered investment adviser. Questions, call 531-2877 or e-mail Szabo@GreenwichFinancial.com.This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Previous columns may be found at Blog.GreenwichFinancial.com.


Written by Victoria Baker

In ancient Egypt, Cleopatra once cruised down the Nile. Today, famed Parisian shoe designer Christian Louboutin cruises down the Nile in his own style. His boathouse is perpetually docked in Upper Egypt, on the banks of Luxor, where he invites royalty and celebrities for a cruise down the river. From ancient times to the present, cruising through the waters on a beautiful ship has always been a leisurely and glamorous event.

  • Victoria Baker of Greenwich is an opera singer. She teaches piano and voice privately in Greenwich. Questions, call 531-7499 or e-mail vikyb@optonline.net.

The day I found joy in yoga

Written by John Eric Oberbeck

At first sight, yoga may not suit your fancy. It didn’t for me.

I was young and immature when my dad woke me up for Monday morning yoga sessions before school at 6:30 a.m. I would crawl downstairs still half asleep and be forced to do downward dog for way too long — and downward dog stinks. So every Monday morning before school I would sweat and writhe under the scourge of yoga; each time my loathing of the sport growing incrementally stronger.

  • John Eric Oberbeck of Greenwich is a recent graduate of Brunswick School.

On the road with e-mail

Written by Larry Schneider

Dear Larry,

I’m an Optimum Online user and when I’m traveling with my laptop, I find that I can’t send any e-mail although I can receive e-mail. When I return home, everything’s fine again. What’s going on? — G.S.

Dear G.S.,

Most e-mail in use today (with the exception of AOL) is of the POP3 variety. That means that e-mail sent to you is actually directed to your POP3 IMS (Incoming Mail Server) — a computer managed by your mail provider — Optimum Online, in your case — that houses your new e-mail until it’s delivered to your computer....

  • Larry Schneider is the owner of Accent on Computers, a Greenwich-based consulting firm. Call 625-7575 or visit Accentoncomputers.com for more information or send an e-mail to larry.schneider@accentoncomputers.com.

Just enjoy it


Written by Joe Pisani

Several years ago on a dark and dismal day, I fulfilled a lifelong dream at the expense of my middle-aged body: I climbed Mount Washington, the tallest peak in the Northeast, known to have the worst weather in the world.

  • Joe Pisani has been a writer and editor for 30 years. Most recently Mr. Pisani worked was the Greenwich Time editor. He and his wife, Sandy, have four daughters. Questions or comments, e-mail joefpisani@yahoo.com.

Cause and effect


By Mary Ann Clark

According to the chief economist of the National Association of Realtors, Lawrence Yun, “inflation is not entirely bad from a homeowner’s perspective.” He contends that it would stop home prices from decreasing. Mr. Yun is still aware of the negative impacts that inflation has on consumer confidence and productivity in the economy. During inflationary times, the Federal Reserve tries to counter inflation by increasing interest rates adversely impacting the purchasing power of homebuyers.

  • Mary Ann Clark, Graduate Realtor Institute, Accredited Buyer Representative is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker, 32 Field Point Road. She is licensed in Connecticut and New York. Comments or questions, call 249-2244 or e-mail mclarkgreenwich@aol.com.


More Greenwich Post Real Estate Briefs:



Firm tops relocation sales

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World recently cited Country Living as the top Connecticut company in its category within the 700-member company network for the first six months of 2008, announced Virginia Doetsch, manager of the firm’s Greenwich office....

Lumbruno joins Coldwell Banker

Gail Lumbruno has joined Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage’s Greenwich offices as assistant manager.

In this role, she joins Joe Valvano, Greenwich managing broker, in leading the company’s Greenwich offices. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage has an office at 32 Field Point Rd. in Greenwich and another at 278 Sound Beach Ave. in Old Greenwich....


July honors for Raveis

Jean Ruggiero of the Greenwich office of William Raveis Real Estate earned the Top Producer and the Top Selling Agent awards for the month of July. Lisa Gabriele earned the Top Listing Agent award in July and was also recognized for excellence in customer service.

The Conner Team earned the Top Listing Team award in July and was also recognized for excellence in customer service. Charles and Rita Magyar earned the Top Producing Team award as well as the Top Selling Team award in July.

In Raveis’s Old Greenwich office, Vicky Harris earned both the Top Producer Award and the Top Listing Agent award in July, and Gary Disher was the Top Selling Agent. Ken Edwards was recognized for customer service.

Please Also See:

08/14/08 Soon To Be Pulled Over Lawyer / Realator Exposes Police Union "Extortion"....
  • Donations To The "Chris Fountain Please Bail Me Out Of Jail Fund" Can Be Sent To Any William Raveis Real Estate Office In Greenwich.

    However, he just might not need your help according to this recent William Raveis press release.....

    Jean Ruggiero in the central Greenwich office was the No. 1 sales associate at William Raveis Real Estate in 2007. No. 3 at the company was Maria Ruggeberg, also in Greenwich. Charles and Rita Magyar in Greenwich were the No. 3 team companywide.

    Becky Hanley, the Greenwich and Old Greenwich offices senior vice president and leader, was honored for her office ranking among the top three of 59 in the company. The Greenwich and Old Greenwich offices had sales of more than $500 million last year. Total sales volume for the company was $5 billion.

    Jean Ruggiero in the central Greenwich office was the No. 1 sales associate at William Raveis Real Estate in 2007. No. 3 at the company was Maria Ruggeberg, also in Greenwich. Charles and Rita Magyar in Greenwich were the No. 3 team companywide.

    Becky Hanley, the Greenwich and Old Greenwich offices senior vice president and leader, was honored for her office ranking among the top three of 59 in the company. The Greenwich and Old Greenwich offices had sales of more than $500 million last year. Total sales volume for the company was $5 billion.

    Those from Greenwich and Old Greenwich who were named to the Chairman's Elite Club included Kathryn A. Adams, Marianne Broekmeijer, Gary Disher, Herb Ehrlich, Christopher "The Real Estate Market Is So Bad That I Once Again Am In The Chairman's Elite Club" Fountain, Lisa Gabriele, Randy Keleher, Natalie Quigley, Bari Taylor and Dee Weber.

    Those named to the Chairman's Club were Calvin Darula, Kate Gamble (My Favorite William Raveis Realtor, Sorry Chris. BTW, Katie I Hope You Fill Better Soon) , Victoria Harris, Blanche O'Connell and Rosina Primo.

    President's Club members included Mary Babbidge, Kara Cugno, Ward Davol, Kimberly Frattaroli, Nahed Hallaba, MaryDana McCann, Farideh Milani, Kathryn Paulson and Wendy Warren.


School starts new classes

Lisa Bowman, formerly an instructor with AICI, The Real Estate Training Company, has received approval for a new real estate school called American Real Estate Training Company, LLC. The school began a cycle of classes recently at the Bendheim Western Greenwich Civic Center....

....The fee for classes is $469, including all training materials. For information, call 733-7638 or e-mail retraining@charter.net.

Matteis teams with daughter

Vilma Matteis has joined the team at Greenwich Fine Properties professional associates.

Ms. Matteis will be working in partnership with her daughter, Lauren Muse, combining Lauren’s expertise in real estate, interior design and advertising with Vilma’s 30 years of experience as a broker and comprehensive knowledge of the community. ....


Greenwich Landing makes splash

The new Greenwich Landing, an exclusive townhome community listed with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, is changing the face of the Byram Riverfront in Greenwich. With a private marina nearby, Greenwich Landing offers waterfront living in a transforming neighborhood.

The condos are being built by brothers and Byram natives James and John Wahba, founding partners of Champion Development.

“Our roots are in Byram,” James said. “Growing up, I witnessed many changes take place. Today, it is an honor to create a desirable waterfront community that is also a cornerstone for future development in the area.”

The Greenwich Landing marina will accompany a riverfront boardwalk open to the public. The boardwalk is part of the Byram Neighborhood Association’s master plan for landscape improvements and neighborhood enhancements. A paved walkway plaza and boardwalk will run from South Water Street to the river at Church Street. The master plan also calls for pocket parks that will provide four access points to the water from town-owned property.

As members of the Representative Town Meeting, Byram Planning Association and The Byram Neighborhood Association, the Wahba brothers aim to grow and develop Byram’s residential appeal and sense of community....

Please Also See:

08/20/08 Let's Check In With Greenwich's Most Knowledgeable Real Estate Reporter Chris Fountain Opines On The Greenwich Post And Greenwich Landing

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