Hyper Local News Pages

Thursday, May 14, 2009

05/14/09 RECESSION BUSTER: Save 75 Cents - Read Friday's Greenwich Time Online Tonight For Free

Greenwich synagogue to install new rabbi

The Greenwich Reform Synagogue plans to install a new spiritual leader at a service this evening.

Andrew R. Sklarz, a Stamford native, joined the synagogue last summer; this evening he will be installed as the rabbi.

Sklarz equates the feel of today's ceremony to that of a wedding.
"It's like tying the knot," he said. "I am formally making a commitment to the congregation and they are making a formal commitment to me." ....

Late-night Pemberwick fire injures one man; displaces 6
A late-night blaze drove six people from their duplex home in Pemberwick Wednesday, and one man was injured when he tried to douse the flames, fire officials said.
Read More »

Byram pharmacist drug case continued
The former owner of Byram Pharmacy, who is charged with illegally dispensing a controlled substance, did not appear in federal court Thursday as previously scheduled. Read More »

Greenwich Audubon honors Shays
Former U.S. Rep. Chris Shays has been plenty busy since ending his 11-term career representing Connecticut's Fourth Congressional District, but he does now have more weekends free to enjoy the
Read More »

Greenwich craft festival focuses on quality
The Bruce Museum's 24th annual Outdoor Crafts Festival is more than just the usual collection of arts and crafts, it's a place where unique pieces worthy of becoming family heirlooms can be found, Read More »

Greenwich synagogue to install new rabbi
The Greenwich Reform Synagogue plans to install a new spiritual leader at a service this evening. Andrew R. Sklarz, a Stamford native, joined the synagogue last summer; this evening he will be
Read More »

Blaze damages Greenwich carriage house
A mid-afternoon fire on Wednesday severely damaged an unoccupied house on one of three properties on a sprawling 30-acre backcountry estate that is for sale. Read More »

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

The Raw Greenwich News Feed: Late Night Edition

The Latest Greenwich News Briefs:

Girls lacrosse: WHS tops Greenwich, 19-9
Wilton Bulletin
"Greenwich is always a great team. They have great players," added co-coach Ciara Thurlow, after Wilton's 19-9 win improved its record to 10-1. ...
Greenwich RTM split on development plan
Greenwich Time
The plan also seeks to protect and enhance Greenwich's neighborhoods and village centers. The document also seeks to protect the town's natural environment ...
Siblings are source of swine flu in Greenwich
Greenwich Post
Two cases of H1N1 flu, known as swine flu, have been confirmed in Greenwich, along with 31 other cases around the state, as of press time. ...
Boehn leads Trinity Catholic softball past Greenwich
Greenwich Time
By Henry Chisholm GREENWICH -- The Trinity Catholic Crusaders have big goals. The Crusaders are on the back end of a four-game-in-a-row week and junior ...
Greenwich's Videtto honored as Gatorade Player of the Year
Norwalk Advocate
By Christopher Falvo Greenwich High's Erika Videtto is the only Greenwich volleyball player to win the Gatorade Player of the Year in Connecticut. ...

The Latest Greenwich Blog Post:

CT Environmental Headlines:
Christopher Zurcher
Greenwich RTM split on development plan - Greenwich Time: "A plan that will guide the town's development during the next decade could be in for a rough reception when it heads for a vote by the Representative Town Meeting in June, ...
CT Environmental Headlines - http://www.ctenvironmentalheadlines.com/
Greenwich's Newest – Our Greenwich
By franktrotta
A new Police Officer will be sworn in as a member of the Greenwich Police Department on Monday, May 18, 2009: Andres E. Sanchez will be sworn-in the Town Hall Meeting Room. Family and friends of the new officers have been invited to ...
Our Greenwich - http://ourgreenwich.com/
Greenwich Gossip: Sidney Freund Comes to Town - Hallelujah!
By Bill Clark
Instead of an embarrassment, Greenwich now has a true star leading our educational programs in Town. Sid, as he likes to be known (and reportedly he prefers not to be called "doctor", which right away sets him apart from his two ...
Greenwich Gossip - http://greenwich-gossip.blogspot.com/




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

05/14/09 Just Books' Events - May 16-30

Just Books Summer Store Front
Upcoming Events
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
JUST BOOKS' UPCOMING EVENTS
Come See Just Books' Terrific Author Line-Up!


Author Visit & Book Signing
SATURDAY, MAY 16, 10:00 AM
KAREN BENCE
MIDNIGHT REVELATIONS
Midnight Revelations
Just Books
28 Arcadia Road, Old Greenwich, CT
Free and Open to the Public

Karen Bence will sign copies of her new novel Midnight Revelations, which profiles the paranormal story of a family that move to an old horse farm that is haunted by tragedies that befell its previous owners. Soon chilling events begin to take place. Resolved to find out what lies behind the strange events at the farm, Sara stumbles across the key to a diary...as well as the key to her own past. Who really are her parents? What grave secret is the old estate hiding? Midnight Revelations is a powerful portrait of strong woman determined to uncover the truth about herself. Karen M. Bence, like the protagonist of Midnight Revelations, is also engaged in a determined search for her biological mother. Ms. Bence currently resides with her husband and son in a horse farm outside of Atlanta, GA.
_____________________________________________________


Author Visit & Book Signing
MONDAY, MAY 18, 7:00 PM
JANIS ABRAHMS SPRING, PH.D.
LIFE WITH POP: LESSONS ON
CARING FOR AN AGING PARENT

Life with Pop
A Just Books' Event at Arcadia Cafe
20 Arcadia Road, Old Greenwich, CT
Free and Open to the Public


Just Books welcomes Westport clinical psychologist Janis Abrahms Spring, acclaimed author of the award-winning books, After the Affair and How Can I Forgive You? In her latest book, Life with Pop: Lessons on Caring for an Aging Parent, Janis captures the joy and imposition, the happiness and the heartache, of this universal journey with warmth, depth, and humor. A signed copy of Life with Pop would make a great FATHER'S DAY gift! Reviewer David Treadway says, "Explores the extraordinary personal challenges and moments of grace that come with caring for an aging parent. Read it. It will be a gift to you."

_____________________________________________________


Author Visit & Book Signing
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 4:00 PM
CAITLIN MACY
SPOILED: STORIES
Spoiled
Just Books
28 Arcadia Road, Old Greenwich, CT
Free and Open to the Public

As seen in in the New York Times Style section, hot author Caitlin Macy will visit and sign copies of her new book Spoiled (Random House). In Spoiled, Caitlin Macy turns her unsparing eye on women in their thirties -- educated and successful -- who struggle to keep their footing in viciously competitive social circles. Whether at the private school playground, business dinners, a beachhouse or exotic vacation, the wives, girlfriends, and mothers of Macy's stories are plagued by simmering loneliness and isolation, and many end up lashing out in rash and destructive ways.
_____________________________________________________


Author Visit & Book Signing
SATURDAY, MAY 30, 10 AM
LOCAL AUTHORS DAY

LUC HARDY, DON HARRISON & SKIP ALLOCCO
Hardy, Harrison & Allocco
Just Books
28 Arcadia Road, Old Greenwich, CT
Free and Open to the Public

Come to Just Books on Saturday, May 30, for LOCAL AUTHORS DAY! Luc Hardy will be signing copies of his beautiful book Arctic Transitions: Witness to Change - Young Ambassadors in Nunavut. In the summer of 2008, Greenwich resident Luc Hardy led a 16-person expedition to the Canadian Arctic. As the founder of the Pax Arctica Initiative, Luc assembled a diverse group of adults and "Young Ambassadors", ages 9 to 17, to eyewitness and report on the changes occurring in the Arctic. Arctic-Transitions brings to life beautiful and inaccessible regions through the use of stunning photography.

Don Harrison will introduce his newest book Connecticut Baseball: The Best of the Nutmeg State. Twin passions - newspapers and baseball - provided the impetus for Don Harrison's early career in sportswriting. In a sense, they have led to Connecticut Baseball: The Best of the Nutmeg State, his new book about Connecticut's myriad contributions to Major League Baseball. Don Harrison is an award-winning sports writer and has written articles for The Sporting News, Sports Quarterly-Baseball, The New York Times, Connecticut magazine, Waterbury Republican-American, the Greenwich Citizen, and dozens of other publications.

Skip Allocco is back by popular demand to introduce his newest book in his Lemon-AID! series of books for kids that focus on the positive. In You, in the End, to Yourself Must be TRUE!, which is book #2 in the series, Allocco illustrates that the road to finding your true passion in life is not always clearly marked, resulting in a journey full of twists, and turns, and dead ends. It's a humorous look at a serious dilemma that many of us face in the transition to becoming an "adult."

_____________________________________________________

AWARD WINNING JUST BOOKS
VOTED BEST INDEPENDENT BOOK STORE IN
FAIRFIELD COUNTY!!


Just Books would like to THANK the community for its continued support. The success of an independent neighborhood bookstore is dependent on its loyal customers.

-- Marion Holmes and the staff at Just Books
_____________________________________________________

Just Books is Better Than Ever - Mark Your Calendar for These Upcoming Events!

MAY - MAY DAYS
MAY 11, 7:30 PM - JAYANTI TAMM with CARTWHEELS IN A SARI: A MEMOIR OF GROWING UP CULT at Arcadia Café (Book Signing)
MAY 11, 7:00 PM - Just Words with Leslie Gueguen; tuition ($45 per two hour session) - call 203-461-9932 to register; at Just Books
MAY 13, 12 PM -- Greenwich Water Club Book Club - The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry; luncheon $40 (includes book): reservations required by calling 203-661-4033
MAY 16, 10:00 AM - KAREN BENCE with MIDNIGHT REVELATIONS at Just Books (Book Signing)
MAY 18, 7:00 PM - JANIS ABRAHMS SPRING with LIFE WITH POP: LESSONS ON CARING FOR AN AGING PARENT at Arcadia Café (Book Signing)
MAY 18, 7:00 PM - Just Words with Leslie Gueguen; tuition ($45 per two hour session) - call 203-461-9932 to register; at Just Books
MAY 19, 4:00 PM - CAITLIN MACY with SPOILED at Just Books (Book Signing)
MAY 30, 10:00 AM - LOCAL AUTHOR'S DAY: LUC HARDY with ARCTIC TRANSITIONS: WITNESS TO CHANGE - YOUNG AMBASSADORS IN NUNAVUT; SKIP ALLOCCO with ...YOU, IN THE END, TO YOURSELF MUST BE TRUE; DON HARRISON with CONNECTICUT BASEBALL: THE BEST OF THE NUGMEG STATE at Just Books (Book Signing)
MAY 6, 13, 20 & 27, 10:30 AM - Just Books' Toddler & Pre School Story Hour at Just Books

JUNE - FATHERS & SUMMER READING
JUNE 1, 7:00 PM - Just Words with Leslie Gueguen; tuition ($45 per two hour session) - call 203-461-9932 to register; at Just Books
JUNE 6, 10 AM - WEDNESDAY MARTIN with STEPMONSTER: A NEW LOOK AT WHY REAL STEPMOTHERS THINK, FEEL, AND ACT THE WAY WE DO at Just Books (Book Signing)
JUNE 8, 7:00 PM - Just Words with Leslie Gueguen; tuition ($45 per two hour session) - call 203-461-9932 to register; at Just Books
JUNE 9 - KATHIE LEE GIFFORD and FRANK GIFFORD with JUST WHEN I THOUGHT I DROPPED MY LAST EGG: LIFE AND OTHER CALAMITIES and THE GLORY GAME at the Avon Theatre (Book Signing)
JUNE 9, 7:30 PM - ISABEL GILLIES with HAPPENS EVERY DAY at Arcadia Café (Book Signing)
JUNE 13, 10:00 AM - RICHARD BROOKHISER with RIGHT TIME, RIGHT PLACE at Just Books (Book Signing)
June 15, 7:00 PM - Just Words with Leslie Gueguen; tuition ($45 per two hour session) - call 203-461-9932 to register; at Just Books
JUNE 23, 7:30 PM - JOAN WICKERSHAM with THE SUICIDE INDEX at Arcadia Café (Book Signing)
JUNE 24, 7:00 PM - WARD JUST with EXILES IN THE GARDEN at Arcadia Café (Book Signing)
JUNE 24, 12 PM -- Greenwich Water Club Book Club - The World Before Her by Deb Weisgall; luncheon $40 (includes book): reservations required by calling 203-661-4033
JUNE 25, 7:00 PM - JO MAEDER with WHEN I MARRIED MY MOTHER at Just Books (Book Signing)
JUNE 27, 10 AM - BECKY ANCES & RYAN WILSON with SWORD OF THE RAMURAI at Just Books (Book Signing, Reading & Interactive Audience Participation Event)

JULY - BEACH BOOKS
JULY 14, 6:00 PM - BILL EVANS with FROZEN FIRE at Arcadia Café (Book Signing)

AUGUST
AUGUST 7, 7:00 PM -BRIAN HERBERT AND KEVIN ANDERSON with THE WINDS OF DUNE at Arcadia Café (Book Signing) - NOTE: Event is limited to 100 people; RSVP for this event in advance at 203-637-0707

SEPTEMBER
SEPTEMBER 16, 7:00 PM - LEV GROSSMAN with THE MAGICIANS at Just Books (Book Signing)

NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER 4, 3:00 PM - JULIE USHER with COOKIE SWAP: CREATIVE TREATS TO SHARE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR at Just Books (Book Signing)
###
Join Our Mailing List
JUST BOOKS
28 Arcadia Road
Old Greenwich, CT 06870
203-637-0707 · http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102577492911&s=42220&e=0016qlGcMcx21KJm0D0KdybRNNKaWk2tdct8koSWpCZjPpUPw-Ps40q7VbDP0n3FbJylb8ksfJ0i-7h5erzFqN01XFc2lA2fvqoWvKQktmvId6yIAJjXCLiTg==

STORE HOURS:
M-F, 9am - 5pm
Sat, 9am-4pm
Closed Sun
REMEMBER - JUST BOOKS HAS AUTHOR SIGNED BOOKS! LIMITED SUPPLIES AVAILABLE

Just Books is proud to support the community with a renewed and continued focus on customer service. Check out the Just Books' calendar for upcoming events, including book signings, book clubs, youth literacy and writing programs (Just Words @ Just Books on Monday nights). Also stop by anytime and meet the new owner Marion Holmes. Just Books also wants to hear from you, so please send us your favorites, recommendations and wish list! Just Books can special order any book, gift wrap and ship to anywhere in the U.S.

Call 203-637-0707 or visit http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102577492911&s=42220&e=0016qlGcMcx21KJm0D0KdybRNNKaWk2tdct8koSWpCZjPpUPw-Ps40q7VbDP0n3FbJylb8ksfJ0i-7h5erzFqN01XFc2lA2fvqoWvKQktmvId6yIAJjXCLiTg== for more information
bookshop@justbooks.org.
Just Books 28 Arcadia Road Old Greenwich CT 06870

05/14/09 Greenwich Post Breaking News Or TIME TRAVEL: Watch How The Greenwich Time Goes Back To The Future:





Covering the news of Greenwich, Connecticut


Breaking News


The School board voted unanimously this morning to appoint Sidney Freund as the new Superintendent of Schools. He will replace outgoing superintendent Betty Sternberg beginning July 1.



Read more Comment Share





Behind The Times:

Where's The Greenwich Time?

Greenwich Roundup Published The Board Of Education Press Release At 8:28 AM

The Greenwich Post Has Just Published The First Article At 10:19 AM

But The Hearst Newspapers (The Greenwich Time And Greenwich Citizen Are Dark And Silent)


UPDATE:

Over 4 Hours Behind Greenwich Roundup

Over Two Hours Behind The Greenwich Post

Greenwich school board selects veteran Scarsdale, N.Y. administrator as superintendent

By Colin Gustafson Staff Writer
Posted: 05/14/2009 12:31:31 PM EDT

GREENWICH -- The Greenwich school board unanimously elected Sidney Freund, a superintendent for 26 years, as the next town schools chief at an emergency meeting Thursday morning.


Freund, a resident of Scarsdale, N.Y., has worked as an educator in various New York State school districts for 39 years, and has held four different superintendent positions in his career. He most recently worked in the Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. sshool district


He is expected to take the helm in Greenwich on July 1, the day after outgoing superintendent Betty Sternberg is expected to step down at the completion of her three-year contract.


In selecting Freund for the post, board members cited his close proximity to town, his experience managing budgets and his ability to work with community members as superintendent.


"We feel very fortunate to have found in Dr. Sidney Freund an outstanding educational leader who is truly committed to meeting the educational needs of each and every student," said board chair Nancy Weissler.


Freund said he is committed to staying in the district for an extensive period of time and now plans to meet with town officials and community members to get a better understanding of the district prior to taking over.


In his new job, Freund will earn a salary of $230,000, with allowances for travel.

Wait A Minute:

Greenwich Time Education Reporter Colin Gustafson Had 4 Hours To Put Together A Story About The News Superintendent And The Whole Story Is Seven Sentences Long.

Give Us A Break That's Over 3o Minutes A Sentence. It Looks Like Colin Has Been Taking Some Real Long Coffee Breaks.

UPDATE #2

The Greenwich Time Can't Keep Time

Extra Extra

Read All About It

Colin Gustafson Has A Time Machine

Almost 14 Hours After Greenwich Roundup's Original Post Greenwich Time Education Reporter Colin Gustafson Finally Files A Full Story, But Back Dates It So That Hearst Newspaper Editor David McCumber Thinks That Colin Filed The Story First....

Greenwich selects veteran administrator as superintendent


By Colin Gustafson Staff Writer
Posted: 05/14/2009 09:52:13 AM EDT

The school board unanimously elected a veteran administrator who has held four superintendent posts in New York state as the next town schools chief.


Sidney Freund, 62, has worked as an educator in various New York state school districts for 39 years. He most recently worked in the Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., school district, a position he held until 2006.


The Scarsdale, N.Y., resident is expected to take the helm in Greenwich on July 1, the day after current Superintendent of Schools Betty Sternberg steps down at the completion of her three-year contract.


In selecting Freund, Board of Education members Thursday cited his proximity to town, a knowledge of school district operations and finances, and his experience working closely with various school constituencies.


"This is a guy who knows education," said board Chairwoman Nancy Weissler. "We're very fortunate to have him, and I hope the Greenwich community will be welcoming him, as well -- as they should."


Freund plans to be a visible presence at Greenwich schools, sporting events and other public forums to get the strongest sense of what's on the minds of parents, educators and other community members.


"I'm somebody who likes to be in the stands at the basketball game, on the sidelines at the football game," he said. "I want people to seek me out. You learn more that way."


Freund hopes to remain in Greenwich for some time to come -- a desire that could go a long way toward easing public concerns about a lack of continuity in the superintendent's office.


The last three -- Roger Lulow, Larry Leverett and Sternberg -- have all served single, three-year terms before leaving. Some fear the turnover has taken a toll on the quality of public education.


"I'd like to be here beyond (the three-year contract)," Freund said. "I have a daughter who's a sophomore in high school, so I've got four years of college to pay for and, hell, maybe graduate school, too, so I'll be here for a while."


Freund will make $230,000, plus $250 a month in compensation for travel costs, according to the school board. Sternberg's total paycheck is more than $290,000, including a travel allowance of $1,000 per month.


To save money in a tight budget season, board members said they also eliminated a variety of other allowances that were part of Sternberg's contract -- including $24,000 per year for housing; $8,000 to cover moving costs in the first year and $25,000 in so-called transition costs in the first year; and an annual performance bonus up to $15,000, pending board approval.


"We have been able to negotiate a contract that is competitive with comparable Fairfield County districts, fiscally responsible in light of the current economic environment and carries a lower overall cost of the contract," said school board member Steve Anderson, who was also chairman of the search committee.


The school board also will be able to vote on whether it wants to renew the superintendent's three-year contract at the end of the second year, a provision that doesn't exist in Sternberg's contract, said Anderson. As another safeguard in the contract, the superintendent will be required to give at least 120-days notice of plans to step down.


The board started its search in November with a search committee comprising all eight board members and then hiring the international search consultant Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates Ltd. to recruit and screen candidates.


After sending out community surveys and hosting two forums to gather public input, the consultant released a 12-page "Leadership Profile Report" in February that outlined the feedback it had received on preferred traits in the next superintendent.


Following that, however, the board conducted all of its interviews behind closed doors.


To keep their deliberations secret, members even created informal code names -- Freund was dubbed "Mr. Tuesday" or "Mr. T," as he was interviewed on a Tuesday -- to ensure that the proceedings would not leak out to the public, members said.


This high level of secrecy was necessary, Anderson said, to ensure that the board attracted the best applicants. If candidates knew their identity would be revealed, the board reasoned, these applicants might be discouraged from applying out of fear that they would appear un-committed to their own district.

It Looks Like Colin Updated A Previous Story About The Upcoming Meeting And Then Went Back And Updated The Article With The New Superintendents Name, In order To Make it look like He Broke The Story About Dr. Sidney Freund Appointment.

This Story Had 10 Comments Comments One Through Eight Don't Mention Dr. Freund.

Commentor Number eight "Meg" Was The First Person To Mention Dr. Freund's Name A Little After 6 AM On The Next Day (05/15/09).....

"Do you think the BOE got it right this time??? Maybe since Dr. Freund has had success and experience as a superintendent, he'll be fine. Congrats to Greenwich-now let's see the whole system improve within a few years. It's a mess right now.Keep the parents and their opinions away, at least for awhile. "

It Is A Violation Of Basic Journalistic standards for Hearst Newspapers to "Backdate" Or "Update" Articles Without Telling It's Readers.

If you cant trust the Greenwich Time to tell you when an article is written, how can you trust what's in the article.

UPDATE #3

Hearst VP Lincoln Millstien Admits That Others Have Done A Better Job Of Covering The New Greenwich Superintendent Story

Lincoln's Log - Hearst Newspaper VP Lincoln Millstein's Pitiful And Ameturish Attempt To Prove He Is A Hip Greenwich Blogger


Here are some links to articles about the new superintendent

http://www.lohud.com/article/20080113/NEWS/801130301/-1/SPECIAL12


http://www.nytimes.com/1998/05/24/nyregion/help-wanted-school-superintendent.html?pagewanted=1


http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.htmlres=9902E1D7143EF931A25751C0A9609C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all

http://www.dobbsferry.com/foundation/Press%20Releases/Technology%20Initiative%20PR%20Letterhtml.html


http://www.antonnews.com/illustratednews/1999/12/24/news/


http://www.antonnews.com/illustratednews/1999/12/24/news/freund.html

http://www.cyc-net.org/features/viewpoints/c-dobbsferry.html

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

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


5/14/09 Board Elects Superintendent

The Board of Education elected Dr. Sidney A. Freund as Superintendent of
Schools effective July 1, 2009 at a special meeting today!!
See attached for more information.


Kim Eves
Director of Communications
Greenwich Board of Education
290 Greenwich Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830

http://www.greenwichschools.org/

Phone: 203-625-7415
e mail:
kim_eves@greenwich.k12.ct.us
Fax: 203-869-8003


For immediate release: Thursday, May 14, 2009 – Greenwich, CT


GREENWICH BOARD OF EDUCATION ELECTS
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS


Board of Education Chairman, Nancy Weissler, and
Board Search Committee Chairman, Steven Anderson,
announce the election of


Dr. Sidney A. Freund as Superintendent of Schools,
effective July 1, 2009.


In a unanimous vote today, the Board enthusiastically elected Dr. Freund to serve as superintendent of the Greenwich Public Schools. A New York State educator for 39 years, Dr. Freund has been a Superintendent of Schools for 26 years in four districts.

His most recent permanent position was with the Dobbs Ferry School District in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. where he spent six and a half years and achieved impressive results in student performance, budget management, community and labor relations, and construction management.


Nancy Weissler said, “We feel very fortunate to have found in Dr. Sidney Freund an outstanding educational leader who is truly committed to meeting the educational needs of each and every student. As Dr. Freund shared with us, “A critical element to ensure student success is the recognition that each child has a unique way of learning, and that all children can learn.”

Dr. Freund has a track record of improving academic achievement in the districts in which he has worked. As an educator with 26 years of experience as a superintendent, he also has a deep knowledge of school district operations and finances that will stand us in good stead in this challenging economic environment.”


Dr. Freund noted, “I look forward to the opportunity to work with the Board, staff, and community with a focus on improving outcomes for each student. After initial review of the programs and initiatives currently in place, I believe this district is well-positioned to achieve continuous improvement throughout all schools. I believe in high expectations for all students and for all staff and will work energetically and diligently toward meeting the goals of the District.”


Leslie Moriarty, Vice Chairman of the Board of Education, said, “We are excited about bringing Dr. Freund's energy and experience to our community. Working with our talented and committed staff, we are convinced he will be effective in leveraging his record of achievement through collaboration and high expectations for all.”


Steven Anderson said, “From a deep, strong pool of candidates (internal, external and even international in scope), I feel that our six-month search enabled us to find the person that fits the needs and wants of our Town and our school system as reflected in our community's Leadership Profile.

As per the Leadership Profile, Dr. Freund brings with him high performance, vast experience as a superintendent, and an ability to really connect into, build relationships with, and understand the entire community. We have been able to negotiate a contract that is competitive with comparable Fairfield County districts, fiscally responsible in light of the current economic environment and carries a lower overall cost of the contract. I am very excited and highly confident that he will elevate the GPS system to ever-higher levels of achievement across all spectrums.”


The Board of Education conducted an extensive search and due diligence in selecting the new superintendent for Greenwich Public Schools. The Board contracted with Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates, Ltd. to develop the Leadership Profile, and to recruit and screen candidates for the position. The Leadership Profile, developed using extensive interviews and focus group conversations with all stakeholder groups, was a key component of the recruitment and selection process.

In addition, the Board thoroughly vetted the finalists and the proposed candidate through an extensive due diligence process that included reference checking, conducting a site visit, and meetings with key stakeholder representatives. Comments from some of the participants are included below.


First Selectman, Peter Tesei met with Dr. Freund earlier this week. Mr. Tesei remarked, “I was pleased to meet Dr. Freund and welcome his enthusiasm for and commitment to education and advancing learning for all school age children. His depth of experience as an educator and administrator will benefit our students, teachers and community at large.”


Steve Walko, Chairman of the Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET) also met with the new superintendent as part of this process, “After having the privilege of meeting Dr. Freund, I am excited about his breadth of experience and high energy level. I am confident that he will bring to the office of Superintendent of Schools integrity, fiscal discipline, transparency and above all else, a passion for excellent education.”


Eastern Middle School Principal and President of the Greenwich Organization of School Administrators (GOSA), Ralph Mayo attended the site visit at the Dobbs Ferry schools: “Parents, colleagues, and staff described him as someone who was a pleasure to work with and who was highly involved in all aspects of the operations of the school district.

It is clear that each decision that Dr. Freund made as Superintendent was based on what was best for the students in his district. Dr. Freund is extremely visible in classrooms, sporting events and in the community; he was described as a leader who was always willing to collaborate with constituents to enhance the quality of the educational program for all students.”


Cathy Delehanty, President of the Greenwich Education Association (GEA) noted, “I am glad that I had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Freund. He gave me an overall sense that he is ready to roll up his sleeves and dig into his new job and to be an advocate for teachers and education. I look forward to the staff meeting him in the upcoming weeks and creating a process for ongoing and open communication.


Julie Faryniarz, President of PTA Council, said, “It was a true pleasure meeting with Dr. Freund in his former district this week and hear praises of him from his former colleagues about his work ethic and his dedication to education. He is a collaborative leader who develops his staff and actively works with teachers and parents for the betterment of children.”


Bio Brief for Dr. Sidney A. Freund:


A superintendent with vast experience, Dr. Sidney A. Freund spent over six years as the Superintendent of Schools for the Dobbs Ferry public schools in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., from 2000-2006. During this time, and under his leadership, the district increased the percent of students receiving Regents Diplomas from 49% 1999-2000 to 91% in 2004-05. He successfully addressed a stalled construction project, passing a large bond initiative and completing the project.

Dr. Freund increased the margin of voter approval on the District’s budget and never experienced a defeated budget during his tenure with Dobbs Ferry. He also successfully negotiated a five-year contract with the Dobbs Ferry teachers. As a result of Dr. Freund’s efforts, the district was named one of New York’s “outperforming” school districts by Standard & Poors in 2004-05 and the high school was ranked 49th out of the top 100 high schools in the country in Newsweek Magazine’s May 2005 issue.


Prior to Dobbs Ferry, Dr. Freund was Superintendent of Schools for the Herricks school district, New Hyde Park, N.Y. for nine years, from 1991 to 2000. Dr. Freund noted, at Herricks, “I built a strong partnership with the community teaching staff, based on trust, fairness and mutual respect.” From 1986 to 1991, he was the Superintendent for the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Schools in Oyster Bay, N.Y., bringing stability to a district that had had four superintendents in the prior decade.

Dr. Freund’s first superintendent position was with the Valley Stream school district in Valley Stream, N.Y. from 1982-1986. During this four-year period, he led the district through a difficult time, marked by community strife, Board of Education divergence, strained labor relations and three years of austerity budgets.


Prior to becoming a superintendent, Dr. Freund held administrator positions with the Public Schools of Tarrytown, NY as the Director of Personnel and Co-Director of Programs (1978-1982); the Edgemont School District as the Assistant to the Superintendent (1976-78); and as the Assistant to the Principal with the Edgemont Junior/Senior High School in Scarsdale, N.Y. (1974-1976).

Dr. Freund began his career in education as a sixth grade teacher in 1970 at Public School 154 Manhattan in New York, N.Y. and then in 1971 as a General Science and Physics teacher at the Rye Neck Middle and High School in Mamaroneck, N.Y.


Retiring in 2006, Dr. Freund immediately returned to work as Interim Superintendent for one year in North Salem, N.Y. and then for six months in Hartsdale, N.Y. This year, he has chaired a task force for a State Senator on school finance reform in New York, volunteers at a youth shelter tutoring young men to prepare them to take their high school equivalency exam, and works as a consultant on an early childhood reading software and hardware project. Dr. Freund noted, “Although, I have never actually ‘retired’ from education, I am anxious to return to the role of full time superintendent, particularly in Greenwich.”


A resident of Scarsdale, N.Y., Dr. Freund is married to Lisa Freund, a special education teacher with the Rye Brook, N.Y. public schools. They have two daughters, Erica, an art teacher in New York City, and Cara, a high school sophomore.


Dr. Freund received a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. in 1970; a M.S. in Elementary Education in 1972 from City College of New York in New York, N.Y.; and a M.Ed. in 1976 and an Ed.D. in 1978 in Educational Administration from Teachers College, Columbia University in New York, N.Y.


# # #


www.greenwichschools.org

05/14/09 The Raw Greenwich Blog Feed:Morning Edition

The Latest Greenwich Blog Posts:

Blogs Are Now Starting To Cover Local Fires:

Greenwich (Fairfield) Working Fire . 5/13 - EMTBravo.net
From: GREENWICH CT Posts: 143. Age Range: 18-20. I am a: Volunteer Fire Firefighter I'm also a: Pursuing Fire Career Student. Date:5/13. Time:2230 hrs. Location: 122 Pemberwick Rd Frequency: 154.175,800mhz ...
EMTBravo Network - http://www.emtbravo.net/index.php
1 new case of autism diagnosed every 20 minutes « Help! My Baby ...
By sarahlynneallergymom
I googled to find the statistic and came across this great article, published by Greenwich Time in Greenwich, CT, summarizing many of the conflicts surrounding autism and the blocks to awareness and treatment. Thanks, Dad! ...
Help! My Baby Can't Eat! - http://allergiesnomore.wordpress.com/
Ponderings on a Faith Journey: When Non-Traditional Churches ...
By Pastor Bob Cornwall
I ran across an article in the Wall Street Journal that deals with a transition happening at Trinity Church, Greenwich, CT. This is an "emerging church," a church that is not linked to any denomination. It was founded by a couple of ...
Ponderings on a Faith Journey - http://pastorbobcornwall.blogspot.com/



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

95/14/09 News Release: Whitby School Explores IB High School Diploma Program

Dear Greenwich Roundup – attached and following is story on Whitby School in Greenwich exploring the idea of expanding its educational offerings to include the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program for high school students. This is a hot topic in town right now and very interesting for the community to know that Whitby is considering. Please let me know if you would be interested in interviewing Doug Fainelli or Bob Horne at Whitby School to obtain additional information. Thanks.

Jenifer
--
Jenifer Howard
J. Howard Public Relations
203-273-4246
Email: jhoward1@optonline.net
Twitter: jhowardpr







Prepared By:
Whitby School
969 Lake Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06831
www.WhitbySchool.org
<http://www.WhitbySchool.org>

Contact: Jenifer Howard For Immediate Release
203-273-4246
jhoward1@optonline.net


WHITBY SCHOOL EXPLORES INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE HIGH SCHOOL OPTION
School Survey Illustrates Interest in Expanding IB Program


(GREENWICH, Conn., May 14, 2009) – Whitby School, which is in the process of earning accreditation as an International Baccalaureate school for the primary and middle years programs, is also exploring interest from its families in expanding the popular IB program into the high school level with the IB Diploma Program. The town of Greenwich currently does not have a high school that offers the highly acclaimed IB Diploma Program (three towns in Connecticut do have IB high schools – East Hartford, Groton and Bridgeport). While the idea of expanding the IB program is in the early stages, Whitby School has been encouraged by a recent campus-wide survey in which a large percentage of responding Whitby families indicated that they would be interested in exploring the option of an IB high school.

In the recent survey, 82 percent of respondents indicated they would be potentially interested in Whitby School expanding its educational offerings beyond eighth grade, which the school currently offers. And of the survey’s respondents, 82 percent also indicated they would be interested in Whitby offering an IB high school Diploma Program as part of its expansion into high school. As part of the survey, the school also investigated the option of partnering with another IB high school based in New York City versus having the IB program located in the Greenwich area. Respondents were still enthusiastic on the IB partnership program in New York City, with 59 percent indicating they would be possibly or definitely interested, but were more inclined to want the local IB high school with 70 percent of respondents interested in a Greenwich area IB high school option. Of all respondents to the survey, more than 83 percent of Whitby families indicated they would like to learn more about the possibility of exploring the option of adding an IB Diploma high school program at the school.

“The interest in an IB Diploma Program is driven by a strong desire by parents and students to have continuity in their education,” said Doug Fainelli, Whitby head of school. “Students and their parents recognize the power in the IB Diploma Program and its superior educational experience. Whitby families have embraced the IB program at the middle school and primary levels, and want that education experience to continue, so it seems a natural progression to continue with this exceptional educational model through the high school years.” Fainelli noted that he also expects interest in an IB high school Diploma Program from other families in the Greenwich area whose children have attended the two other IB elementary schools (The International School at Dundee and New Lebanon School), and families from Stamford whose children attend The International School at Rogers Magnet, another IB primary years program in the area.

The Diploma Program is one of three programs offered by the IB (the Primary and Middle Years Programs are also offered at Whitby School). The IB Diploma Program has been recognized worldwide as a powerful educational experience. A disproportionate percentage of the top high schools in the U.S. ranked by U.S. News & World Report offer the IB Diploma Program. The IB Diploma Program offers students a competitive advantage in gaining university acceptance, with many students able to earn college credit while still in high school. The Diploma Program is a challenging, two-year curriculum for students aged 16-to-19 and leads to qualification that is widely recognized by the world’s leading universities. The program was started in 1968 and is now offered in 1,954 high schools worldwide. The Diploma Program prepares students for moving on to college and encourages them to ask challenging questions, learn how to learn, develop a strong sense of their own identity and culture, develop the ability to communicate with and understand people from other countries and cultures.

Next steps for Whitby School are to draft a feasibility study to determine the advantages, options, costs and potential timeline to initiate grades 9 to 12 in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program sequence. Fainelli noted that while the school doesn’t yet have a specific timeframe, it does have a group of motivated parents and staff eager to implement the next phase of the thought process.

Founded in 1958, Whitby is a premiere, co-educational independent school for children 18 months through 8th grade. Whitby continues as an innovative leader in education by building on its roots as America’s first Montessori school by incorporating the highly acclaimed International Baccalaureate (IB) programs for both the primary and middle school. International Baccalaureate offers high quality programs of international education to a worldwide community of more than 656,000 IB students at 2,401 schools in 129 countries. Whitby's dynamic approach to education provides children the intellectual, personal and social skills to learn, live and succeed in today’s global community. Whitby has 355 students on a 25-acre Greenwich campus with an inspirational atmosphere that fosters students’ passion for learning. For more information, visit www.WhitbySchool.org
<http://www.WhitbySchool.org> or call 203-869-8464.

# # #

05/14/09 The Raw Greenwich News Feed: Sunrise Edition

The Latest Greenwich Business News:

Genesee & Wyoming traffic falls 6.3 pct. in April
MSN Money - USA
GREENWICH, Conn. (AP) - Regional freight railroad operator Genesee & Wyoming Inc. said Wednesday traffic on its tracks fell 6.3 percent in April from a year ...
See all stories on this topic
AmBase Reports First Quarter Results
(press release)
GREENWICH, Conn
. , PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AmBase Corporation (OTC Bulletin Board: ABCP) (the "Company") announced today a net loss of $859000 or ...
Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. Announces Completion of Financing ...
(press release)
GREENWICH, Conn
.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. (NYSE: UBA and UBP) announced today that it has completed the mortgage financing of one ...
See all stories on this topic

The Latest Greenwich Blog Post:

Ohio.com - Pilots in Buffalo crash may have been fatigued
I think it's a disgrace, it's despicable,'' said Pam Weldon of Greenwich, Conn., a family friend of a passenger killed in the crash. ''They called it 'napping.' They knew it was sleeping.'' A transcript of the cockpit voice recorder ...
National News - http://www.ohio.com/news/nation



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

05/14/09 READER SUBMITTED COMMENTS: HAPPY DAYS ITALIA

Hi,

my name is Stefano Baldi and I'm Web Designer of Happy Days Italia (the most famous web site in Italy) and a big fan of Happy Days.

I met a lot of fans who love the show as I do. In these years I have collected a lot of articles about Happy Days and now I'm translating the american ones into italian language, so that all the fans can read them.

You can see my web site dedicated to Happy Days.


This is a informative Site without publicity.


Please check what I'm saying at

www.happydaysitalia.net

I would want your help. I would want write to Ron Howard but I don't know his home address.
CAN YOU HELP ME TO CONTACT RON HOWARD?

Thanks in advance for your courtesy.

Stefano.

HAPPY DAYS ITALIA
The Italian Web Site Dedicated to Happy Days

www.happydaysitalia.net
happydays@libero.it

COMMENT:

Dear Stefano,

I do not personally know Greenwich resident Ron Howard, but probably many of my readers know him and hopefully pass along your request to be contacted.

You might try reaching Susie who is the gossip columnist at the Greenwich Time newspaper. I think she once saw Ron Howard eating in a resturant once.

However, I think Mr. Howard is in the middle of publicizing his new movie right now.

sincerely,

Greenwich Roundup

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

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