Hyper Local News Pages

Web Stats Provided By Google Analytics

Thursday, September 11, 2008

09/11/08 Our Greenwich Remembers The September 11th Terrorist Attacks



In loving memory of those who died in the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001


We remember our neighbors from Greenwich:


Kevin Connors
Bennett Fisher
Steven Glick
Donald Greene
Joseph Lenihan
Cheryl Monyak
Michel Pelletier
Jason Sabbag
Frederick Varacchi
Martin Wohlforth
Charles Zion

09/11/09 Ethcally Challenged And Humiliated Greenwich Post Is Forced To Tell Parents Whats Going On Inside A "New And Moldie" 30 Million Dollar School





Greenwich Post Is Forced To Report About Frank Mazza's Latest Screw Up, But Still Is Too Afraid To Publish The Pictures Of Mold Conditions And Water Damage!!!!!



Could water damage, mold, delay Hamilton Avenue school opening?



Breaking news


Posted 5:24 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008
Due to ongoing problems with chimneys, water damage has been discovered inside the new Hamilton Avenue School after heavy rains last weekend, and one parent is questioning the discovery of possible mold growth inside the basement.


As part of the construction, a segment of the original school facade, facing Hamilton Avenue, was retained. That room, in the basement, which is part of the original building, appears to have green and white fuzz growing on it and a musty smell permeating the room. The Post was first informed about the situation through pictures sent by a parent to this office Wednesday. A visit to the site by this staff confirmed those conditions Thursday morning.


PLEASE SEE:


09/10/08 INSIDE HAM AVE PICS 1
09/10/08 INSIDE HAM AVE PICS 2
09/10/08 INSIDE HAM AVE PICS 3
09/10/08 INSIDE HAM AVE PICS 4
09/10/08 INSIDE HAM AVE PICS 5
09/10/08 INSIDE HAM AVE PICS 6



The Greenwich Post Continues.....


When first questioned about the conditions, Frank Mazza, chairman of the building committee, denied any problem, attributing the green color to paint.



This isn’t mold,” Mr. Mazza said, adding that he hadn’t seen any alleged mold. “We don’t have any indication at all that this is mold.”



Wednesday night, Board of Education member Michael Bodson released an e-mail to parents and members of the building committee that the committee is arranging to have the firm Hygenix, which has done previous mold testing for the district, come to the site to examine the possible mold and test it.



When reached for comment on Thursday, Board of Education Chairwoman Nancy Weissler referred all questions to the building committee.



Read more



....Ceiling tiles



What is clear, is that the significant rainfall last weekend damaged ceiling tiles in three of the classrooms. At issue are the school’s three chimneys, which remain uncapped. The ceiling tiles in the classrooms on the second floor directly below the chimneys have all sustained damage and in two of the classrooms the tiles fell and there are now holes inside the ceiling. On observation from the Post, the fallen tiles show visible water damage and in the third classroom, the paint on the wall also shows water damage.



In an interview with the Post on Wednesday, Joseph Pontoriero, president of Worth Construction, said that the chimneys were never part of the company’s contract with the building committee.



He said that when the committee asked the company to address the problem it gave the committee a cost estimate of $50,000, which was rejected for being too high. Mr. Pontoriero said Worth is now waiting for the other company to do the work....



...When asked if the water damage could be repaired, Mr. Pontoriero said it is “entirely fixable,”but added that his company is not authorized to do work on that aspect of the building.



He would not comment on any possible mold in the building because he said he had not seen it.



Mr. Pontoriero expressed sympathy for the Hamilton Avenue community about the ongoing issues.



The bottom line is, we want this project to be complete just as badly as these parents do,” Mr. Pontoriero said. “The kids are the ones suffering here and that’s not right.”



For continued coverage, read next Thursday’s Post or check back at Greenwich-post.com.



MORE:


Mike Bodson Was Mstaken When He Thought Frank Mazza Was Going Be Able To Handle The Greenwich Post.



A Shell Shocked Mike Bodson Did Not Count On The Fact That Greenwich Roundup Was Not Afraid To Publish A Concerned Hamilton Avenue Parents Pictures.



The Small Children Need These Concerned And Active Parents To Protect Them From Board Of Education Cover Ups!!!!!!







Sent: Wednesday, September 10, 2008 5:43 PM



Subject: HAS situation





Rose, Dawn and Alex,

I know you are aware of the latest series of controversies regarding HAS project (Alex; Nancy told me you had contacted her). I am responding on behalf of BoE. I've cc'ed other members of the Building Committee as they may be able to correct any misunderstanding I may have of the situation. The following is based upon a series of phone calls and emails received today. I ask that if I am misrepresenting or understanding anything that they please correct such.

There are two sets of parallel issues underway:
1) Water Damage: As a result of the incomplete chimney work, there was water damaged sustained in one of the classrooms over the weekend due to the absence of chimney caps and of inadequate waterproofing. Ceiling tiles were damaged, there was water on the floor and other water damage may have occurred. I did not see the area myself but I heard it looked pretty bad. The underlying cause is the ongoing dispute between Worth and the Building Comm regarding the required chimney work. As part of the contract and architectural drawings, the chimneys were to be capped and pointing work done. Worth previously claimed the chimney was structurally unsound and later stated the capping was not part of the work to be done. As a result, the work has remained incomplete as no resolution was reached and with this weekend's storm, leaking occurred.

Frank Mazza was aware of the damage at the beginning of the week and various members of the building committee saw the damage on Tuesday after the meeting. It was stated to at least two building committee representatives by a representative of Worth that they would not do the work and would take no further steps to prevent leakage.

The committee will be hiring an outside firm asap to get the chimney fixed and will work with Worth, and others if necessary, to get the proper and appropriate repairs done on the damage sustained, including eliminating all material which was wet given the obvious concern about mold ensuing.

The building committee and the BoE will not accept the building if there is any concern that there could be water damage, mold opportunities etc. We all want the building completed asap but we will not cut corners. As we have stated all along, prior to occupying the building we will have a full environmental testing regime taken to ensure that there is absolutely no issues. We will also continue with periodic inspections in the future to ensure that the healthy conditions are maintained. Regarding the chimney, while the architect and her engineer has stated the chimney is sound, as we previously reported, the BoE is hiring a separate engineer to test for structural soundness to further allay any concerns. This work will be done as soon as the scaffolding is put in for the capping/pointing work (needs to be in place for the engineer to do their inspection).

2) Apparently, a parent from HAS was invited to visit the construction site by Worth and was then shown the water damage and alleged evidence of mold in the cellar beneath the original building. The parent took photographs which she in turn sent to Ken Borsuk of the Greenwich Post. Copies are floating around and saw a few but it was hard to tell exactly what was in the photos. The Post was going to release an immediate article but has waited off until tomorrow as they have been invited to visit the site by Frank Mazza so they see first hand what the situation is. Per Mr. Mazza, the cellar in question is dry. The wall is old and it is covered with various white wash/paint including old, flaky green paint which may have been mistaken for mold. He has assured me there is no problem. The Post will determine such first hand. However, as a further step, we are arranging to have Hygenix send someone in to inspect the area to provide further independent
inspection.

While it appears that there is no issue, again, if anything comes up we will immediately remediate or take any other appropriate action. We also would have the area inspected as part of the pre-opening environmental test so we will get additional assurance then.

I really can't comment on the individual who decided to raise the issue directly with the press rather than going to us, to the Town of Greenwich or others.

Lastly, I am baffled by Worth's behavior. They are responsible for the construction site; if they had in fact discovered a mold condition why not fix it or raise to Building Committee? What was to be gained by publicizing it without warning? Re the water damage, why not take appropriate preventive steps, even if in dispute over the chimney. I am sure there is an answer but it is eluding me at this point.

As we get more information, I will let you know. I am sorry I did not send you information earlier but I just returned from London mid-afternoon. I will let you know more as soon as we get more facts.

As always, feel free to contact me by email, phone, cell, etc. at any time.

Thanks
Mike







Want to do more with Windows Live? Learn "10 hidden secrets" from Jamie. Learn Now

09/11/08 School Board Member Mike Bodson Is Flipping Because Taxpayers And Parents Got To See What's Really Going On Inside Hamilton Avenue School


School Board Member Mike Bodson Treats The Single Family Homeowners Of Greenwich Like Mushrooms.

"Bodson Keeps Them In The Dark

And Then He Feeds Them Crap"


Here are the photos that are freaking out the incompetent Greenwich Board Of Education members who only listen to Frank Mazza and the band of idiots on the Hamilton Avenue School Building Committee!!!!









MORE INFORMATION FOR

HAMILTON AVENUE PARENTS:
Laura DiBella Sends An Email That Corrects And Sets The Record Straight About Mike Bodson's Reactive Wednesday Email To Parents.
The Truth About Frank Mazza And The $30 Million Dollar Greenwich Tax Boondoggle, Commonly Known As The "New" Hamilton Avenue School Is Starting To Come Out!!!!!
Hamilton Avenue Parents Are Starting To Organize Against Frank Mazza, So They Can Get A Safe And Clean School For Thier Little Children.
No Child Should Have To Go To A Wet And Leaking School Building.


Dear Mike and the Ham Ave Community:

First, my email system will not allow me to send an email to more than 50 people, please feel free to pass this along to whomever you may wish.

I need to correct inconsistencies in the response sent from Mike Bodson.

I am the individual who took those pictures. I had received two phone calls from older neighbors in my community asking me if I knew about fallen ceiling tiles and barrels being used to catch leaking water at the Ham Ave construction site.

I attempted to call Peter Tesei two times before giving up and contacting Joe Pontoriero of Worth Construction directly. I asked Joe if the rumors were true and he said yes. I then asked if I could enter the building to see for myself and take pictures. He authorized his on-site employee to escort me around the building.

I took 24 pictures. The first area I photographed was the attic area which is shown in the pictures with the plastic sheeting/bricks/buckets.

I then photographed THREE separate rooms on the second floor of the old section of the building, one room at the farthest side on the St. Roch side of the building, one in the middle of that 2nd floor and the third to the farthest side on the Two-Door side of the building. These are the photos showing the fallen ceiling tiles, debris strewn floors and wet areas above the ceiling tile area.

I then proceeded down to the basement. Upon entering the stairwell leading to the basement a musty odor was apparent immediately. Once through the two sets of doors, the odor of mold was very noticeable. I touched every wall that was physically accessible to me and they were all either damp, very damp, wet or very wet. In two separate locations I noticed what appeared to be mold growth on the stone. I touched both locations. In the stone pictures showing the brownish stone in the bottom right there was white "fuzzy" type mold that I was able to remove with my fingers. Where you see the stones that have green areas, I touched that too. I was able to smear this green off the stone with my finger. It was slick and slimy and smelled of mold when I held it up to my nose.

I have attempted to confirm this alleged "walk through" after the building committee meeting and have not been able to do so. Everyone I have spoken with has denied such a walk through. I have not spoken with every person in attendance.

I am no expert, nor have I ever claimed to be, however I did accompany the parents' hired hygienist on the examination of the modulars and can comfortably say that I received some education on leaks and mold. The leaks that are apparent in the pictures I took could not have been caused solely by just one storm, in my opinion. The ceiling tiles may have fallen after this past storm, however, the leaks have been there for quite a while.

Again the building committee members are relying on statements made by Frank Mazza. I would suggest that the members of the building committee verify exactly when Frank Mazza was informed of the problems regarding the chimneys and leaks. You may find yourselves surprised at the true facts that are on paper.

Also, another correction, Ken Borsuk of the Greenwich Post was not invited to visit the building by Frank Mazza, the invitation came from Joe Pontoriero.

One last comment. As I stated earlier I attempted to contact Peter Tesei prior to going to the Greenwich Post. I am sure many will ask why I did not attempt to contact the building committee or the BOE. The answer is simple, I have little faith in their commitment to prompt responses or full honesty. With every question that has been asked by any of the parents that have been referred to as being "rogue" parents, the pattern has been to ignore the questions in the hopes they will go away or attempts to make these "rogue" parents, of which I am proudly one, appear fanatical, misinformed or just plain destructive.

I did what I did because it was necessary that the truth get out and that the children, staff and administration of Hamilton Avenue School not enter a building that was unsafe.

Respectfully,


Laura J. DiBella




Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2008 23:28:48 -0400
From: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Subject: FW: HAS situation
To: Lauradibella@msn.com ; mpdarling@yahoo.com ; reillychix3@optonline.net ; susieponce@yahoo.com ; tyusi@optonline.net ; TAndersenc@aol.com ; mandi_perna4@msn.com ; bica621@aol.com ; cades4@hotmail.com ; arisawyer@yahoo.com ; beth@insurexchg.com ; rtb1300@aol.com ; jabdo67@optonline.net ; claudiaarcilalo@hotmail.com ; Bert319@aol.com ; donnaf4@optonline.net ; datigano@verizon.net ; donnad61@optonline.net ; DoreenPmay@aol.com ; elicanotoro@hotmail.com ; elisa_gonzalez@aon.com ; eginman@yahoo.com ; caliche7@optonline.net ; hildamruiz@yahoo.com ; jcapozza@optonline.net ; jetlinH@hotmail.com ; jbxport5@aol.com ; jona2000@aol.com ; MMpmjam@aol.com ; Jude0927@aol.com ; freckles76@aol.com ; Kjordan@greenwichct.org ; maexmae@aol.com ; mariasiecola@hotmail.com ; martha.maldonado@pharma.com ; Maceitun@byramhealthcare.com ; bortot3@optonline.net ; mandresz@hotmail.com ; bob-nancymccarthy@verizon.net ; shortcakes1020@aol.com ; priggans@nebco.net ; rita40@optonline.net ; sdaoud@optonline.net ; samba_naoko@yahoo.com ; sheilaz914@earthlink.net ; soozeg226@optonline.net ;
BCC: greenwichroundup@gmail.com


Please forward to any parent you have in your list.



From: Dawn Nethercott [mailto: dbn3793@msn.com ]
Sent: Wednesday, September 10, 2008 7:54 PM
To: Damaris Rau; Laura Ryan; Rose Furano; Kerry Dunn; Maria DiPaola; Lisa Horch; tandersenc; alex capozza; tyusi; ANNETTE COMBS; reillychix3; bkmunnelly; chlrussell; GiannaH; dechiarax2; susieponce; tandotis; terry_moore; donna maloney; LINDA; Aixa Capozza; cheryl marino; Mike Reilly; amandawilson; mpdarling; Ann-Marie Barter; Charlotte & Raphael Dequeker; gvd68; bert319; Mina Bibeault; sdaoud; sheilaz914; JOANNA PHILLIPPEDES; Laura; doreen catalani; Donna Conti; Jim Conti; Martha Maldonado; Jackie Nigro; lisejameson; iriggans5; Patty Riggans; Melissa LaPietra; Donna Ortoli; Melissa Genovese; Lisa Gabriele
Cc: Rose Furano; Damaris Rau
Subject: Fw: HAS situation





FYI--





as we get answer's we will keep you informed...






Rose, Dawn and Alex,

I know you are aware of the latest series of controversies regarding HAS project (Alex; Nancy told me you had contacted her). I am responding on behalf of BoE. I've cc'ed other members of the Building Committee as they may be able to correct any misunderstanding I may have of the situation. The following is based upon a series of phone calls and emails received today. I ask that if I am misrepresenting or understanding anything that they please correct such.

There are two sets of parallel issues underway:
1) Water Damage: As a result of the incomplete chimney work, there was water damaged sustained in one of the classrooms over the weekend due to the absence of chimney caps and of inadequate waterproofing. Ceiling tiles were damaged, there was water on the floor and other water damage may have occurred. I did not see the area myself but I heard it looked pretty bad. The underlying cause is the ongoing dispute between Worth and the Building Comm regarding the required chimney work. As part of the contract and architectural drawings, the chimneys were to be capped and pointing work done. Worth previously claimed the chimney was structurally unsound and later stated the capping was not part of the work to be done. As a result, the work has remained incomplete as no resolution was reached and with this weekend's storm, leaking occurred.

Frank Mazza was aware of the damage at the beginning of the week and various members of the building committee saw the damage on Tuesday after the meeting. It was stated to at least two building committee representatives by a representative of Worth that they would not do the work and would take no further steps to prevent leakage.

The committee will be hiring an outside firm asap to get the chimney fixed and will work with Worth, and others if necessary, to get the proper and appropriate repairs done on the damage sustained, including eliminating all material which was wet given the obvious concern about mold ensuing.

The building committee and the BoE will not accept the building if there is any concern that there could be water damage, mold opportunities etc. We all want the building completed asap but we will not cut corners. As we have stated all along, prior to occupying the building we will have a full environmental testing regime taken to ensure that there is absolutely no issues. We will also continue with periodic inspections in the future to ensure that the healthy conditions are maintained. Regarding the chimney, while the architect and her engineer has stated the chimney is sound, as we previously reported, the BoE is hiring a separate engineer to test for structural soundness to further allay any concerns. This work will be done as soon as the scaffolding is put in for the capping/pointing work (needs to be in place for the engineer to do their inspection).

2) Apparently, a parent from HAS was invited to visit the construction site by Worth and was then shown the water damage and alleged evidence of mold in the cellar beneath the original building. The parent took photographs which she in turn sent to Ken Borsuk of the Greenwich Post. Copies are floating around and saw a few but it was hard to tell exactly what was in the photos. The Post was going to release an immediate article but has waited off until tomorrow as they have been invited to visit the site by Frank Mazza so they see first hand what the situation is. Per Mr. Mazza, the cellar in question is dry. The wall is old and it is covered with various white wash/paint including old, flaky green paint which may have been mistaken for mold. He has assured me there is no problem. The Post will determine such first hand. However, as a further step, we are arranging to have Hygenix send someone in to inspect the area to provide further independent
inspection
.

While it appears that there is no issue, again, if anything comes up we will immediately remediate or take any other appropriate action. We also would have the area inspected as part of the pre-opening environmental test so we will get additional assurance then.

I really can't comment on the individual who decided to raise the issue directly with the press rather than going to us, to the Town of Greenwich or others.

Lastly, I am baffled by Worth's behavior. They are responsible for the construction site; if they had in fact discovered a mold condition why not fix it or raise to Building Committee? What was to be gained by publicizing it without warning? Re the water damage, why not take appropriate preventive steps, even if in dispute over the chimney. I am sure there is an answer but it is eluding me at this point.

As we get more information, I will let you know. I am sorry I did not send you information earlier but I just returned from London mid-afternoon. I will let you know more as soon as we get more facts.

As always, feel free to contact me by email, phone, cell, etc. at any time.

Thanks
Mike











See how Windows connects the people, information, and fun that are part of your life. See Now

09/11/08 It Is Time For The Greenwich Post To Poop Or Get Off The Pot


Ken Borsuk Has Been Protectng Incompetant School Board Members By Refusing To Publish Photos Showing Mold In The "Brand Spanking New" 3o Million Dollar Hamilton Avenue School.


Frank Mazza And The Band Of Idiots On The Hamilton Avenue School Building Committee Can Only Waste Millions Of Your Tax Dollars, Because Newspapers Like The Greenwich Post Are Afraid To Take On The Rich And Powerful In Greenwich.


Ken Borsuk And The Greenwich Post Could Stand Up And Protect The Small Children Of Hamilton Avenue School, But Instead They Hide These Pictures From The Parents....
















Here Is To Days Crap From The Bowels

Of The Scared Sheeeeeeeet Greenwich Post:




Nelson reads to her daughter Soleil while her son Rafferty reads a book on his own during the Just Books grand re-opening Saturday afternoon. Arcadia Café opened last weekend, too. For the story, see Page 6C. — David Ames photo.




Greenwich Post is updating its mailing list.


If you haven’t already sent in a requester card this summer, now is the time. The United States Postal Service requires us to update our mailing list every three years.


To continue to get uninterrupted service, send in the yellow card in today’s issue.




Richard Duffee, who has spent much of the past two years pushing for the President and Vice President to be impeached, will appear on the 4th Congressional District ballot as the Green Party candidate.


In his campaign announcement, topping the list of Mr. Duffee’s platform is his demand that the U.S. fully comply with international law — including allowing the International Criminal Court to prosecute President Bush, Mr. Cheney and other members of the administration for war crimes.




The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public information meeting Tuesday, Sept. 16, to take comments from the public on the draft Plan of Conservation and Development.




The date for completion remains up in the air, but the Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET) gave its unanimous final approval Monday night for $700,000 to complete the construction of a new Hamilton Avenue School. The appropriation must now go before the Representative Town Meeting (RTM).




On Aug. 31, Dr. Gaetane Francis did something she has done close to 1,500 other times during the course of her 13-year career as an obstetrician. She delivered a baby.


But this child was a rather significant one for the doctor. It is likely the last baby she will help deliver because rising insurance costs and other cost factors have forced the Greenwich resident and other doctors at Brookside Obstetrics and Gynecology out of the baby business.




The PSAT is the first of several college entrance exams a student may take. To help students get acquainted with this exam, The Princeton Review will offer a free practice PSAT proctored under realistic testing conditions.




Samuel Baird Stevenson Jr., an Old Greenwich native who had a long career in dentistry, died Wednesday, Sept. 3, at Bridgeport Hospital. Mr. Stevenson, 77, was the husband of Judy Loyd Stevenson for 47 years.




The following are Sept. 11's released arrests:


ASSAULT


A 30-year-old Greenwich man was arrested Sept. 9 and charged with third degree assault and disorderly conduct. The man was arrested by a warrant connected with a July 21 incident where he allegedly assaulted his girlfriend and locked her out of the apartment. Police said that the woman suffered abrasions and contusions to her body. The man was released on a $1,000 cash bond and was due in court Sept. 10.


NO INSURANCE


Alexander Caswell, 48, of Norwalk was arrested Sept. 9 and charged with failure to carry mandatory insurance. Caswell reportedly turned himself in on an existing arrest warrant after an accident on East Putnam Avenue and Sheephill Road on Aug. 20. Police determined he did not have mandatory vehicle insurance. Caswell was released on a $500 cash bond and is due in court Sept. 25.


FORGERY


Robert Fraser, 23, of New Rochelle, N.Y., was arrested Sept. 9 and charged with first degree forgery, criminal attempt at third degree larceny and criminal attempt at cashing a bad check. Police were called to the Greenwich Avenue post office on the report of a man reportedly attempting to cash forged money orders. Fraser allegedly attempted to cash three postal money orders totaling $970.35. Fraser was released on a $200 cash bond and is due in court Sept. 16.


DUI


James Bonaventura, 51, of 7 Willowmere Ave., Riverside, was arrested Sept. 10 and charged with driving under the influence. Police pulled Bonaventura over after he reportedly drove his car through a red light on East Putnam Avenue. Bonaventura allegedly had bloodshot and watery eyes, and slurred and deliberate speech. Police reported that he smelled of alcohol and failed field sobriety tests. Bonaventura was additionally charged with failure to obey a red light. He faces a $250 cash bond and is due in court Sept. 17.


LARCENY


Jamal Anderson, 20, and Robert Henderson, 28, both of Bronx, N.Y., were arrested Sept. 10. Anderson was charged with conspiracy to commit third degree larceny, criminal attempt at third degree larceny, second degree forgery and criminal impersonation. Henderson was charged with having weapons in a motor vehicle, conspiracy to commit third degree larceny and criminal attempt at third degree larceny. An officer had been directing traffic on Sound Beach Avenue when a personal banker for Chase Bank reportedly approached him and said there was someone inside the bank trying to get a $2,400 cash advance with a fraudulent Delta Visa card. A fraud alert had been previously issued by another branch in the bank matching the description of the man attempting to get the money. The officer was shown where the man was walking down the street and getting into a car. The officer reportedly instructed the driver to stop the car and he did. Anderson was allegedly found to be in possession of a false ID and he was identified as the person in the bank. Police reportedly found an expandable metal baton in the trunk and charged Henderson since it was his car. Both men were released on a $50,000 cash bond and are due in court Sept. 17.


POSSESSION


Police arrested a 17-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy Sept. 10 and charged them both with possession of marijuana under four ounces, conspiracy to sell a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. The 17-year-old was additionally charged with sale of marijuana. Police were in the parking lot of the Sunoco gas station on East Putnam Avenue and reportedly witnessed a drug deal between drivers in two cars. Police pulled the two cars over and allegedly found five bags of marijuana in the 17-year-old’s car and two bags of marijuana in the 16-year-old’s wallet. They were both released on promises to appear in court Sept. 17.


================================================

Please send your comments, news tips, press releases, and any news photos that the Greenwich Post is too afraid to publish to GreenwichRoundup@gmail.com

09/11/08 Greenwich Time News Links Thursday


Monica Murphy, left, and Becca Brown hold up the SoleMates High Heeler, a solution to the problem of navigating with high heels on poor surfaces.

(Helen Neafsey/Greenwich Time Staff photo)




In fall 2006, Monica Murphy of Old Greenwich and Becca Brown had everything going for them. The respective Georgetown and Harvard University alumnae were in their last year of business school at Columbia University, with jobs lined up at Goldman Sachs upon graduation.




Up for reappointment to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Republican Paul Marchese has withdrawn his name from consideration by the Representative Town Meeting following a contentious confirmation hearing in which his ethics were questioned.


Marchese, 63, stormed out of a confirmation hearing Monday night at Town Hall by the RTM Land Use Committee after he was grilled about his work as an architect on a development project on Meadow Lane in the midcountry.


Despite being confirmed 8 to 2, with two abstentions, for reappointment, Marchese told Land Use Committee members that he no longer wanted to serve.


Marchese's reappointment is the first item listed on the upcoming call of the RTM, which meets at 8 p.m. Monday at Central Middle School.


Marchese declined to comment Wednesday about the matter, other than to say that he hasn't ruled out putting his name back into the mix for consideration....




2 arrested on drug charges in Bria case


"The charges resulting from the investigation are what the prosecution feels it can comfortably prosecute," said police Chief David Ridberg.



Ridberg said he did not believe there would be any additional charges, citing that the only other person who could have faced charges had died.



"As far as we are concerned the investigation if closed, but we will continue to work with the prosecution." ....


...A phone listing could not be found for Lamotte and information was not available on her attorney.



Stephan Seeger, the Stamford-based attorney for the Brias, said he was glad charges had been brought in the case.



"Matthew Maddox is among the finest legal minds in the area," Seeger said. However, Seeger said, any self-respecting lawyer who has taken a look at the police reports would be hard-pressed to say that probable cause didn't exist for possession and other more serious crimes.



"I can say on behalf of the Brias that they are grateful in the sense that they can begin to grieve properly now that something in the case has happened," Seeger added.



Both suspects were released from custody after posting a $1,000 bond and are scheduled to appear in state Superior Court in Stamford on Sept. 17.



Group to honor 'awesome' trees


By Meredith Blake


Staff Writer


There is a large pin oak in front of Greenwich Library surrounded by a curtain of glass, designed to preserve the tree and its root structure.


Bowers powers GHS field hockey to victory


STAMFORD - The Stamford High School field hockey team was going through warmups Wednesday afternoon, preparing to open the year against Greenwich, the one opponent it could not overcome last fall during what would become a state championship season.


Political warfare dishonors the day



What did you think about when you looked at the calendar today?


For most of us, the specifics may have been different, but the subject and the images were the same.


They always will be. While there are thousands of triggers in our everyday lives that spark memories of Sept. 11, 2001, on this date every year those images and the stories behind them are the most vivid and inescapable. It will be that way for the rest of our lives.


It's too easy to blame deer for problems


To the editor:



"Deer hunter claim success in culling herd" (Greenwich Time, Aug. 7) sounded more like self-promotion than actual facts about our deer population, since no one seems to know the correct number. Local bowhunters say "they need a stronger sense of how many deer are left," which makes one seriously wonder how they believe that their efforts have been successful based on only anecdotal evidence.


Killing deer in no way prevents Lyme disease; deer don't get infected. In the absence of deer, we, our pets and other mammals are targeted. White-footed mice and dozens of other small mammals carry the spirochete bacterium - so let's stop blaming deer for everything.



Here's some food for thought: Is there anyone who truly believes that when deer are killed, ticks also die? Where do they go? Has anyone considered that killing deer may actually increase the number of ticks on all those little mammals scurrying around our homes and woods, making it more likely for us to be bitten and infected?


If only deer are the cause ofcar crashes, why is it that I re-member having read in Greenwich Time that with a much lower deer population in 2005 than in previous years, deer/car collisions had more than doubled, and even tripled? Drivers must take much of the blame for not driving defensively and for speeding (and who doesn't in this town?), especially at dusk and dawn.


Shame on Audubon for allowing the slaughter of deer in a sanctuary. Animal suffering inflicted by bowhunters should be more of a concern to caring residents than the loss of a few flowers that may be blamed on acid rain and other environmental impacts.



Janice Calkin


Cos Cob


==========================================================

Please send your comments, news tips and press releases to GreenwichRoundup@gmail.com

09/11/08 Once Again The State Is Giving A Failing Grade To High Paid School Administrators Who Are Ineffective


Greenwich School Children Are Struggling

Under These Failed School Administrators


Greenwich Children Are Being Left Behind!!!!




By Colin Gustafson

Staff Writer
Article Launched: 09/11/2008 02:32:05 AM EDT


...Central Middle School did not reach achievement targets in reading and math for economically disadvantaged students and students with disabilities, the same subgroup that the middle school was cited for in 2006.


This Is Progress?????


At Greenwich High School, students with disabilities did not reach achievement targets in reading and math, and Hispanic and economically disadvantaged students did not meet the target in math, according to the state's latest figures reported by local school officials.


Superintendent of Schools Betty Sternberg said that because of a discrepancy in the state's preliminary reports, she could not confirm whether Hispanic and economically disadvantaged students also failed to reach achievement targets in reading. ....


Betty wants to blame the children for her failed leadership....


The rising achievement targets "make it harder for schools, especially those that are having issues with specific subgroups, to do what they need to keep those subgroups off the list," Sternberg said


But the parents are not buying it....


However, Penny Resnick, a mother of a GHS student, said she wasn't surprised by the NCLB results.


She believes that underprivileged students at GHS do not always receive the special attention they need.


"There seem to be two different socioeconomic extremes and not a lot in the middle," she said.
"It is kind of a wake-up call," she added of the state's academic progress report. "It points out something that need to be corrected. The school needs to devote more resources to some of these kids. We need to try to not give up on them."


Where are the high paid school administrative failures?????


Efforts to reach GHS Headmaster Al Capasso and Central Middle School Principal Carol Walsh were unsuccessful yesterday.


Please Also See:




Colin Gustafson
Staff Writer
Article Launched: 09/10/2008 03:24:24 PM EDT


Greenwich High and Central Middle schools have been cited by the state for not making adequate yearly progress in math and reading in the 2007-08 school year, based on their students' performance on two state-mandated exams.


The citation is the second time in three school years that Central has been added to the list.
================================================================
Please send your comments, school news and reports about failed Greenwich School Administrators to GreenwichRoundup@gmail.com

The Raw Greenwich Blog And RSS Feed - Bloggers Who Are From, Work In Or Used To Live In Greenwich