Greenwich News - February 13, 2010
Greenwich Resident Richard "The One-Man Wrecking Ball" Blumenthal Has Cost Taxpayers 18 Million (greenwichroundup.blogspot)
$18 million verdict: black eye for Connecticut's Blumenthal Point of Law Richard Blumenthal, the Connecticut Attorney General who is now running for U.S. Senate, has long been a subject of fascination to this site because of his remarkable success in pushing businesses around. Many other state AGs have been known to grandstand on occasion, take overreaching legal positions, try cases in the press, use aggressive litigation tactics, and so forth, but few if any have combined these practices into a smoothly humming machine the way Blumenthal has. Over his career, despite -- or perhaps because of -- these propensities, Blumenthal has enjoyed an almost unremittingly good press, and all the favorable coverage has presumably contributed to his high standing in voter popularity polls. A trial outcome late last month might do something to change that. In a verdict the Hartford Courant called "stunning", a jury awarded $18 million to Gina Malapanis, a computer firm owner who had been the target of a lengthy and aggressive Blumenthal crusade. Malapanis's firm, Computers Plus, had sold computers to the state government for years, and when state officials decided that the machines they were getting did not match the specifications they thought had been agreed on, they protested. Blumenthal proceeded to sue for $1.75 million, and send out aggressively worded press releases. More dramatically, police arrested Malapanis at her Hebron, Ct. home., on criminal charges that were later dropped. Comment
$18 million verdict: black eye for Connecticut's Blumenthal Point of Law Richard Blumenthal, the Connecticut Attorney General who is now running for U.S. Senate, has long been a subject of fascination to this site because of his remarkable success in pushing businesses around. Many other state AGs have been known to grandstand on occasion, take overreaching legal positions, try cases in the press, use aggressive litigation tactics, and so forth, but few if any have combined these practices into a smoothly humming machine the way Blumenthal has. Over his career, despite -- or perhaps because of -- these propensities, Blumenthal has enjoyed an almost unremittingly good press, and all the favorable coverage has presumably contributed to his high standing in voter popularity polls. A trial outcome late last month might do something to change that. In a verdict the Hartford Courant called "stunning", a jury awarded $18 million to Gina Malapanis, a computer firm owner who had been the target of a lengthy and aggressive Blumenthal crusade. Malapanis's firm, Computers Plus, had sold computers to the state government for years, and when state officials decided that the machines they were getting did not match the specifications they thought had been agreed on, they protested. Blumenthal proceeded to sue for $1.75 million, and send out aggressively worded press releases. More dramatically, police arrested Malapanis at her Hebron, Ct. home., on criminal charges that were later dropped. Comment
Northwest Greenwich residents want new fire station to go with 24/7 ambulance coverage (Connecticut Post)
Poised to get 24/7 ambulance coverage for the first time for their neighborhood, northwest Greenwich residents are calling for the town to go the extra mile and expedite a languishing fire station project. Comment
Poised to get 24/7 ambulance coverage for the first time for their neighborhood, northwest Greenwich residents are calling for the town to go the extra mile and expedite a languishing fire station project. Comment
Don't cry for the ladies of Greenwich, CT (Jane Genova)
One unfortunate lady of Greenwich, Connecticut was forced to settle for a Mercedes S550 instead of the Rolls-Royce she had her heart set on. Comment
One unfortunate lady of Greenwich, Connecticut was forced to settle for a Mercedes S550 instead of the Rolls-Royce she had her heart set on. Comment
Quilt show a natural for Audubon Greenwich (Connecticut Post)
It is a description that could be used to describe nature, as well, with its interplay of colors and textures, an ever-changing shift of scenery. Comment
It is a description that could be used to describe nature, as well, with its interplay of colors and textures, an ever-changing shift of scenery. Comment
Greenwich BOE Hands Over Two Anthony Byrne Memos (greenwichroundup.blogspot)
Click To Enlarge BOE Internal Memos About Ex-Greenwich Board Of Education Facilities Director Anthony Byrne Greenwich Board Of Education Hands Over Byrne Memos In An Effort To Avoid A Lawsuit From The State of Connecticut - Freedom of Information Commission Sidney, Sidney, Sidney....... If Greenwich Roundup said it once he must have said it a hundred times. "The Coverup Is Always Worse Than The Crime" Dr Frued and a bunch of failed administrators have been saying that there was nothing unusual with Anthony Byrnes departure. Mr. Byrne simply decided to voluntarily go in administrative leave for three months and then retire early from the Greenwich Public School System. Dr. Freud wants everyone to believe that everything was done in an orderly and smooth fashion and Mr. Byrne gave proper notice to him. But Susan Wallerstein's July 4th memos seem it indicate that the were not so smooth and planned out in advance. As you can see from the first memo, on January 4th at 3:06 in the after noon Ms. Wallerstein informs all school principals and the BOE cabinet only that .... "...Byrne, will not be in this week." There is nothing mentioned about Byrne applying and going onto three months of administrative leave with $30,000 in pay. Apparently on January 4th, no deal had yet been made concerning Mr. Byrnes $30,000 Taxpayer funded vacation. More At Greenwich Roundup ..... 1 Comment
Click To Enlarge BOE Internal Memos About Ex-Greenwich Board Of Education Facilities Director Anthony Byrne Greenwich Board Of Education Hands Over Byrne Memos In An Effort To Avoid A Lawsuit From The State of Connecticut - Freedom of Information Commission Sidney, Sidney, Sidney....... If Greenwich Roundup said it once he must have said it a hundred times. "The Coverup Is Always Worse Than The Crime" Dr Frued and a bunch of failed administrators have been saying that there was nothing unusual with Anthony Byrnes departure. Mr. Byrne simply decided to voluntarily go in administrative leave for three months and then retire early from the Greenwich Public School System. Dr. Freud wants everyone to believe that everything was done in an orderly and smooth fashion and Mr. Byrne gave proper notice to him. But Susan Wallerstein's July 4th memos seem it indicate that the were not so smooth and planned out in advance. As you can see from the first memo, on January 4th at 3:06 in the after noon Ms. Wallerstein informs all school principals and the BOE cabinet only that .... "...Byrne, will not be in this week." There is nothing mentioned about Byrne applying and going onto three months of administrative leave with $30,000 in pay. Apparently on January 4th, no deal had yet been made concerning Mr. Byrnes $30,000 Taxpayer funded vacation. More At Greenwich Roundup ..... 1 Comment
You Probably Wont See This Letter From The School Superintendent In The Greenwich Time (greenwichroundup.blogspot)
February 12, 2010 To The Greenwich Community: As part of the BET's annual budget review process, the Superintendent, Board of Education Chairman, and the BET Budget Committee met on Thursday for an in-depth, five-hour discussion of the schools' 2010-11 Budget request. The Greenwich Time chose to focus a front page article with a sensational headline on a two-minute exchange that took place at the Thursday meeting and thus missed the essence of the conversation onresource allocation and accountability. I was asked to comment on the comparison of our buildings to those in other districts with which I am familiar. My frank response was that overall our buildings are not as well maintained or up to date as those in some other districts. I stated that while much is provided for in the way of technology, furniture and supplies, the physical buildings are not what I would have expected in a community such as Greenwich. While I acknowledged the success and importance of tax rate stabilization, I questioned whether the current practicesfor funding were serving the schools' needs. Had the discussion continued I would have applauded the Town'sspending of over $60 million on two new schools, Glenville and Hamilton Avenue, and the millions of dollars spent for repairs and maintenance over the last several years. The BET, RTM and the First Selectmen have to make tough financial decisions. Allocating resources requires planning and priorities. My perspective by the nature of my responsibilities is focused on the schools. I will always strongly advocate for our children. As I frequently state to the Board of Education, "I propose, but you dispose." So, it is at the Town level too. I meant no criticism, despite the paper's headlines, and I look forwardto my continued cooperative working relationship with everyone in our great Town. Sincerely, Dr. Sidney A. Freund Superintendent Greenwich Public Schools Comment
February 12, 2010 To The Greenwich Community: As part of the BET's annual budget review process, the Superintendent, Board of Education Chairman, and the BET Budget Committee met on Thursday for an in-depth, five-hour discussion of the schools' 2010-11 Budget request. The Greenwich Time chose to focus a front page article with a sensational headline on a two-minute exchange that took place at the Thursday meeting and thus missed the essence of the conversation onresource allocation and accountability. I was asked to comment on the comparison of our buildings to those in other districts with which I am familiar. My frank response was that overall our buildings are not as well maintained or up to date as those in some other districts. I stated that while much is provided for in the way of technology, furniture and supplies, the physical buildings are not what I would have expected in a community such as Greenwich. While I acknowledged the success and importance of tax rate stabilization, I questioned whether the current practicesfor funding were serving the schools' needs. Had the discussion continued I would have applauded the Town'sspending of over $60 million on two new schools, Glenville and Hamilton Avenue, and the millions of dollars spent for repairs and maintenance over the last several years. The BET, RTM and the First Selectmen have to make tough financial decisions. Allocating resources requires planning and priorities. My perspective by the nature of my responsibilities is focused on the schools. I will always strongly advocate for our children. As I frequently state to the Board of Education, "I propose, but you dispose." So, it is at the Town level too. I meant no criticism, despite the paper's headlines, and I look forwardto my continued cooperative working relationship with everyone in our great Town. Sincerely, Dr. Sidney A. Freund Superintendent Greenwich Public Schools Comment
Luger Olympian, Nodar Kumaritashvili dies in training-run crash (theoriginalgreenwichdiva)
A men's Olympic luger from the former Soviet Republic of Georgia died today after losing control of his sled and crashing into a steel pole. Nodar Kumaritashvili was almost at the finished line at the Whistler Sliding Center in Whistler, British Columbia when the accident occurred. Although medics tried to revive the 21-year-old athlete he was pronounced dead at the scene. Training has been suspended indefinitely. 1 Comment
A men's Olympic luger from the former Soviet Republic of Georgia died today after losing control of his sled and crashing into a steel pole. Nodar Kumaritashvili was almost at the finished line at the Whistler Sliding Center in Whistler, British Columbia when the accident occurred. Although medics tried to revive the 21-year-old athlete he was pronounced dead at the scene. Training has been suspended indefinitely. 1 Comment
New Probationary Officers being hired by the Greenwich Police Department (greenwichroundup.blogspot)
The following new Police Officers will be sworn in as members of the Greenwich Police Department on Tuesday, February 16, 2010: Marc J. LevyCraig A. ZottolaThe Swearing-In Ceremony will be held in the Selectman's Office at 11:00 am andfamily and friends of the new officers have been invited to attend. Brief biographies of thenewest officers are attached.They will be required to complete an eighteen-month probationary period commencingFebruary 16, 2010.Biography of Marc J. LevyMarc Jason Levy resides in Wilton, CT. He is a graduate of Wilton High School.He has a Bachelors Degree in Business –Marketing from Quinnipiac University and received his MBA in Business from Quinnipiac University. Prior to becoming a police officer, he was employed withseveral different companies in marketing research, accountmanagement and business development.Biography of Craig A. ZottolaCraig A. Zottola resides in Greenwich, CT. He is a graduateof The Harvey School in Katonah, NY.Degree in Political Science from Pace University. He has takencourses in International Relations at Syracuse University and courses in Information Systems at Pace University. He was in the US Navy and is currently in the US Navy Reserves with the rank of Lieutenant Commander.Prior to becoming a police officer, he worked in IT for several different local companies.
UPDATE:
These Articles Just In To Topix .....
Ned Lamont To Officially Enter Governor's Race On Tuesday
Greenwich cable television entrepreneur Ned Lamont will officially announce Tuesday morning that he is running for governor.....
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Greenwich cable television entrepreneur Ned Lamont will officially announce Tuesday morning that he is running for governor.....
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NS Capital cuts out middleman
Individual investors aren't getting their money's worth because much of it is going into the pockets of middlemen, according to Louis Cameron Day, senior managing partner of NS Capital LLC.....
Individual investors aren't getting their money's worth because much of it is going into the pockets of middlemen, according to Louis Cameron Day, senior managing partner of NS Capital LLC.....
... been holding seminars on how it does that, the latest of which takes place at 6:30 tonight at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich . "We go through and tell you all the stories with what's going on in the retail market," Day said. NS Capital is looking to ...
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First responders are here to save lives, no matter what species
Emergency responders race to the front lines of fires, accidents and natural disasters with one primary mission in mind -- saving lives....
Emergency responders race to the front lines of fires, accidents and natural disasters with one primary mission in mind -- saving lives....
... as the dramatic rescue attempt of a chocolate Labrador retriever from a burning house Thursday afternoon showed, Greenwich emergency responders are willing do whatever it takes to save any kind of life, be it human or animal. "We have a lot of ...
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Leadership 100 Extends Support of Holy Cross Scholarships
The 19th Annual Leadership 100 Conference at Hotel del Coronado, Coronado, California, which concluded on Sunday, February 7, was highlighted by an increased commitment to "The Spirit of Giving" by providing scholarships through 2018 for seminarians preparing for the Priesthood at Holy Cross School of Theology to be known as Leadership 100 ...
The 19th Annual Leadership 100 Conference at Hotel del Coronado, Coronado, California, which concluded on Sunday, February 7, was highlighted by an increased commitment to "The Spirit of Giving" by providing scholarships through 2018 for seminarians preparing for the Priesthood at Holy Cross School of Theology to be known as Leadership 100 ...
... Delaware as Chairman; Charles H Cotros of Memphis, Tennessee as Vice-Chairman; and George S. Tsandikos of Greenwich, Connecticut as Treasurer. Kassandra L. Romas of Short Hills, New Jersey continues to serve as Secretary. The Board also elected ...
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Bensoni
Benjamin Channing Clyburn and Sonia Yoon gave their imaginary Fall muse a familiar backstory: A generous grandmother from Greenwich, Connecticut, has bequeathed her a new wardrobe, and she's had it tailored for a more modern fit.....
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Benjamin Channing Clyburn and Sonia Yoon gave their imaginary Fall muse a familiar backstory: A generous grandmother from Greenwich, Connecticut, has bequeathed her a new wardrobe, and she's had it tailored for a more modern fit.....
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Hong Kong court overturns conviction in milkshake murder
Nancy Kissel has always maintained that she killed her investment banker husband in self-defense, fending off a physical and sexual attack, but a Hong Kong jury found her guilty four years ago of sedating him with a laced milkshake before bludgeoning him to death...
Nancy Kissel has always maintained that she killed her investment banker husband in self-defense, fending off a physical and sexual attack, but a Hong Kong jury found her guilty four years ago of sedating him with a laced milkshake before bludgeoning him to death...
..... murder has been documented in a book - which also examines the 2006 murder of his brother, Andrew Kissel, in Greenwich, Connecticut - and a special on CBS' "48 Hours Mystery." Robert worked for Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch in Hong Kong, where the ...
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Haircuts for Haiti at Becker Salon @ Greenwich
Event details: Haircuts for Haiti at Becker Salon Date: 02/14/10 Venue: Greenwich 10:00AM 5:00PM Description: On Valentine's Day, Sunday, February 14 and again on Sunday, February 21, Becker Salon will embark on a special fundraiser, 'Haircuts for Haiti,' offering haircuts for $50 and donating all proceeds to the American Red Cross Greenwich ...
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Event details: Haircuts for Haiti at Becker Salon Date: 02/14/10 Venue: Greenwich 10:00AM 5:00PM Description: On Valentine's Day, Sunday, February 14 and again on Sunday, February 21, Becker Salon will embark on a special fundraiser, 'Haircuts for Haiti,' offering haircuts for $50 and donating all proceeds to the American Red Cross Greenwich ...
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Greenwich girls fall to Staples
Four years can go by in the blink of an eye, and for Greenwich High seniors Erin Laney and Jen Biagiotti that was especially true Friday night as the girls basketball team hosted Staples on senior night.
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Four years can go by in the blink of an eye, and for Greenwich High seniors Erin Laney and Jen Biagiotti that was especially true Friday night as the girls basketball team hosted Staples on senior night.
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Greenwich boys fend off Staples on the road
In a battle of two FCIAC boys' basketball teams vying for a berth in the conference playoffs, visiting Greenwich High School built an early 20-point cushion and held off a scrappy Staples team for a wild, tense and at-times-downright ugly 51-48 win Friday night...
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In a battle of two FCIAC boys' basketball teams vying for a berth in the conference playoffs, visiting Greenwich High School built an early 20-point cushion and held off a scrappy Staples team for a wild, tense and at-times-downright ugly 51-48 win Friday night...
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Julie Jason: What's acceptable, what's not in Medicaid planning
This is the final installment of a series that began Dec. 27, 2009, on the challenges of financing elder care....
This is the final installment of a series that began Dec. 27, 2009, on the challenges of financing elder care....
... directors, suggested Susan Welch , director of admissions at the Nathaniel Witherell Rehab and Nursing Center of Greenwich . Or ask agencies that are closely related to your situation, such as the Alzheimer's Association or Children of Aging ...
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