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Wednesday, October 19, 2011

10/19/11 The Raw Overnight Greenwich News Feed

News
Greenwich animation studio to expand with state aid
Greenwich Time
Dannel P. Malloy around the company's Greenwich studios during Malloy's jobs tour on June 27, 2011. Photo: Greenwich Time, Helen Neafsey / Greenwich Time | Buy This Photo Connecticut economic development officials say a digital animation studio will ...
Greenwich's Stotesbery breaks 26-year diving record
Stamford Advocate
Greenwich High School diver Emily Stotesbery in action during girls high school swimming between Greenwich High School and Staples High School at Greenwich High School, Wednesday, Oct. 19...
Greenwich Academy volleyball sweeps Hamden Hall for fifth straight win
Stamford Advocate
Two weeks ago the Greenwich Academy volleyball team was one game above .500 and struggling to find its service game. That was then and this is now. After long hours of practice and a renewed focus the Gators have looked like a different, ...
Hacked: Greenwich resident is the victim of an email scam
Greenwich Citizen
The plea from Greenwich resident Erf Porter seemed pretty desperate. He needed help. The email that went out to friends, family and associates read: How are you doing? I came over to England for a short vacation. unfortunately for me i was mugged at ...
Rizzuto's opening Greenwich eatery in Nov.
Hartford Business
Rizzuto's Wood-Fired Kitchen & Bar, with a location in West Hartford's Blue Back Square, will open early next month its fourth casual Italian eatery in Greenwich. Restaurateur Bill Rizzuto said he chose space at 1980 West Main St. that was formerly ...
Has the Greenwich Mountain Lion Moved?
Patch.com
By David Gurliacci On a lighter note, Sam Bridge Nursery recently tweeted that the Greenwich Mountain Lion had been "spotted" there, and left a picture of the creature on a Facebook page. A driver at the intersection of Perry Avenue and Pearl Street ...
Following Accident, City Will Put Traffic Signal at a Tribeca Crossing
Tribeca Trib
By Carl Glassman The Duane Street crossing at Greenwich Street, where Tribeca residents have lobbied for years for a traffic light or stop sign. Just weeks after a cab struck a 3-year-old child crossing Greenwich Street at Duane, the Department of ...
Somers Reinstated as CMS Principal
Patch.com
By Barbara Heins Shelley Somers, the popular Central Middle School principal, is returning to her post Thursday morning, Greenwich Public School officials announced Wednesday evening. Interim Schools Superintendent Roger Lulow wrote in an e-mail to the ...

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10/19/11 Greenwich Patch: Breaking News Alert - Somers Reinstated as CMS Principal


Somers Reinstated as CMS Principal

Barbara Heins | Oct 19, 2011 | 0 Comments

article.heading
Greenwich Public School officials say she will return to school on Thursday.

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10/19/11 CMS Principal Shelley Somers

FYI - see attached letter from the Superintendent sent to Central Middle School families and staff this evening.

Kim Eves
Director of Communications
Greenwich Public Schools
290 Greenwich Avenue
Greenwich, CT, 06830

www.greenwichschools.org

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

Dear Central Middle School Community,

I am very pleased to announce that Ms. Shelley Somers will return to work tomorrow morning as
Principal of Central Middle School.

The investigation involving Ms. Somers and the childcare center that she operated in Granby, CT has been completed to our satisfaction.

When the newspaper story broke on October 6, 2011, we asked Ms. Somers to explain the
circumstances surrounding the information contained in the article. While we trusted Ms. Somers’ account, we were obligated to conduct a thorough investigation to corroborate the information that she shared with us, as well as that which had appeared in the news media. As part of the investigation, we received documents from the Connecticut Department of Health today, which showed no evidence of anything that would refute the events of 1995 as related by Ms. Somers.

Ms. Somers has acknowledged making a mistake. She has already paid a high price for that mistake.

Since that time she has had an exemplary career as an educator and has garnered the support of the central middle school community and her colleagues in the Greenwich Public Schools.

Therefore, we trust that you will join us in welcoming her back to Central.

Sincerely,
Roger Lulow

Interim Superintendent
Greenwich Public Schools
Havemeyer Building
290 Greenwich Avenue
Greenwich, Connecticut 06830-6521

Tel: (203) 625-7400
Dr. Roger Lulow Roger_Lulow@Greenwich.k12.ct.us

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10/19/11 FIRST SELECTMAN PRESS RELEASE: Economic Advisory Committee

Mr. Tesei has announced the membership of this committee.

Please see the attached.

Dustin Anderson
Town of Greenwich
p: (203) 622 7710
f: (203) 622 3793
www.greenwichct.org

(See attached file: Economic Advisory Committee)

P R E S S R E L E A S E

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 19, 2011


First Selectman Peter J. Tesei is pleased to formally announce the membership of his Economic

Advisory Committee. This group of business professionals will serve to: advise the First

Selectman regarding areas of opportunity to attract new businesses or expand current

enterprises within town; share feedback from the business community regarding Town projects,

initiatives and/or policies; apprises the First Selectmen of business events and programs

occurring in neighboring communities; liaise with new businesses considering a location in

Town; identify Federal and State programs that may be available to help support the business

community; consider special projects as required and assigned by the First Selectman.

This experienced group will be able to provide a strong and valuable voice that will help our

community retain its vitality and vibrancy. There are nine members on the Committee that will

serve on an ad hoc basis. Marcia O’Kane, Executive Director of the Greenwich Chamber, will

serve as an ex officio member.

These nine individuals are:

James Aiello

Mr. Aiello is president of the real estate investment firm of JAA Advisors LLC. He has an

extensive background in financial management and marketing analysis.

Leonard Szczesny, P.E.

Mr. Szczesny is Chief Engineer and President of S.E. Minor. The S.E. Minor Company has

licensed professional engineers, land surveyors and environmental scientists to perform tasks

associated with land development.

Tamara Ketler

Tamara Ketler founded TMK Sports and Entertainment in 2004. Today, TMK Sports and

Entertainment promotes and produces some of the most high profile events in not only the

Greenwich community but nationally as well.

Jay Madia

Mr. Madia is head of equities at PartnerRe Asset Management in Greenwich, CT where he

manages a $1B global value-focused fund. Jay has over 12 years of experience in investing in

equities and distressed debt.

Kathy O’Malley

Longtime Greenwich resident Kathy O'Malley is the owner of Hoagland's of Greenwich at 175

Greenwich Avenue, one of the major bridal and baby registry gift shops in the New York City

metropolitan area. Kathy lives in Riverside with her husband and daughter

James Ritman

A resident of Greenwich since 1982, Mr. Ritman has been responsible for deals in excess of 2.8

million square feet, worth over $1.7B in transactions at Newmark Knight Frank where he is

Managing Director.

Sabine Schoenberg

Ms. Schoenberg, a former member of the Representative Town Meeting, has been involved in

Greenwich real estate for the last 23 years. Her work has led to a deep knowledge of land

regulations and issues within the Town.

Paul Settelmeyer

Mr. Settelmeyer, a current Representative Town Meeting member, spent 35 years as a

commercial bank lender, including positions as President of two banks, President of a

commercial mortgage company, and serving as chairman of the audit committee of a publicly

held bank. He is the former Chairman of the Southwest Regional Planning Agency.

Scott Weiner

Mr. Weiner has 25 years of managerial experience across various industries. He is currently the

Roto-Rooter Services Company General Manager for the State of Connecticut.

For additional information please contact Dustin Anderson at 622 7710 or (danderson@greenwichct.org).





10/19/11 Occupy Greenwich: Schedule Of Events

TODAY Greenwich state representatives Fred Camillo, Livvy Floren and Lile Gibbons are sponsoring a Roundtable Business Forum at 6 p.m. Oct. 19 at the law firm of Whitman Breed Abbott & Morgan, 500 W. Putnam Ave. The event will be hosted by attorney and state Rep. John Shaban, R-135th District. The event is an opportunity for entrepreneurs and owners of all size businesses to share their ideas on encouraging job growth and creating a more favorable business climate in Connecticut. RSVP to Jackie Effren at 860-240-8384 or jackie.effren@cga.ct.gov.

The Round Hill Association, the Northwest Greenwich Association, and the Northeast Greenwich Association will host a forum for Board of Selectman and tax collector candidates at 7 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Round Hill Community Church, 395 Round Hill Road. Refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m. The event will be moderated by the League of Women Voters. The audience will have an opportunity to submit questions at the debate. The candidates for First Selectman will debate at 7:00, followed by the candidates for Selectman at 7:30. The candidates for Tax Collector will debate at 8:00 pm. We hope you can join us for this informative neighborhood event.

Bob Smith will lead weekly discussions of Shakespeare’s Othello at Greenwich Library beginning at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Cole Auditorium. Othello is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written approximately in 1603. The work revolves around four central characters: Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army; his wife Desdemona; his lieutenant, Cassio; and his trusted ensign Iago. Because of its varied and current themes of racism, love, jealousy and betrayal, Othello is still often performed in professional and community theatres and has been the basis for numerous operatic, film, and literary adaptations. The program is free and open to all. Copies of the play will be provided. For more information, contact Matthew Sgritta at 203-622-7972.

The public is invited to attend a meeting of the recently formed Greenwich Toastmasters Club at 7 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Western Greenwich Civic Center, 449 Pemberwick Road. Members learn how to get rid of the fear of public speaking, how to articulate with confidence and get their message across clearly. The meeting is free of charge. Regular meetings are held the first, third, and when there is one, the fifth Wednesday of the month. To RSVP, call 914-563-2288.

Thursday The Garden Education Center will present “Seasons of Flowers with George Von Tobel” at 10 a.m. Oct. 20. Participants will create a fall arrangement emphasizing the use of color. Course fee is $80 for members, $90 nonmembers.

The Byram Neighborhood Association will host its evening with the selectman candidates at 7 p.m. Oct. 20 at St. Paul’s Church, 286 Delavan Ave. in Byram. This Q&A forum is open to the public and will provide an opportunity to meet the candidates and listen to their positions on various issues.

Singles Under Sail, a sailing club for active singles, will hold their next social meeting at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich, 1800 E. Putnam Ave. The meeting will feature Capt. Bernie Weiss, a USCG licensed master mariner and frequent speaker about GPS navigation and chart plotting. He is a yacht delivery captain and trains new boat owners and others in electronic navigation. At this meeting he will provide an informative program addressing the issues facing navigation by GPS and the dangers that may arise when using GPS as your sole navigation aid. Admission is $10 for the public and $5 for SUS members. For more information, call 203-847-3456 or visit www.singlesundersail.com.

District 9 of the Representative Town Meeting has an opening for the 2010-2011 term. The district represents the Glenville and Pemberwich areas. Anyone interested in filling the seat for the remainder of the term should contact Betsey Frumin 203-531-7203. The district will meet Oct. 20 to fill the vacancy.

Friday The 29th annual Halloween Happenings will take place from from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Bendheim Western Greenwich Civic Center, located at 449 Pemberwick Road. From 6 to 7 p.m., children will play games in Dracula’s Den, where they are guaranteed to win prizes and treats. Once again Rick Rock, the ever popular DJ, will be on hand to lead families through the limbo, mummy, and other dances. Everyone is welcome to come in costume. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $11 and may be purchased at the Bendheim Western Greenwich Civic Center, the Parks and Recreation Office at Town Hall, or through the mail. Tickets are limited and will not be sold at the door. For a registration form, visit greenwichct.org.

Audubon Greenwich will present “Facing The Storm,” a film about bison, from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Audubon center, located at 613 Riversville Road. American bison once dominated the plains, numbering in the tens of millions. Then they were nearly eradicated from the continent, changing the ecology and the entire plains culture forever. The film is an account of our tempestuous relationship with the iconic symbol of wild America and explores the future of bison in the t21st century. Reception from 6 to 7 p.m. Space is limited. The price is $15 per person. Discounts online. RSVP required to Jeff at 203-869-5272 ext. 239.

Saturday Current Cub Scouts and interested boys grades 1 through 5 are invited to attend Cub Fun Day from 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 22 at Byram Shore Park. Activities will include a tug-o-war, relay games, fire building, fishing pole casting and closing campfire. This event is free. Guests are asked to register at www.greenwichscouting.org. Contact Bob Gunsten for additional information at 203-869-8424 x111 or bob.gunsten@scouting.org.

Serendipity magazine will host the first Greenwich Food + Wine Festival to benefit the Breast Cancer Alliance Oct. 22 and 23 at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. The weekend event will feature more than 60 food, wine and spirit experts, barbecue grill masters, Sunday brunch specialties, celebrity book signings, private-event tents and live performances by Rusted Root, Entrain and Sister Hazel, among others. There will be a Grand Tasting Gala Oct. 22 with live music and samplings from the region’s finest restaurants, as well as a live performance by Natasha Bedingfield. Festivities will be held from noon to 10 p.m. Oct. 22 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 23. For more information or to buy tickets, visit serendipitysocial.com or call Serendipity at 203-588-1363. For information on sponsorship opportunities, ask for Molly Galterio.

The Crypt Choir of the King’s School in Canterbury, England will present a concert at 7 p.m. Oct. 22 at Christ Church Greenwich. The Crypt Choir has 40 mixed teen voices. Choristers and choral scholars from Christ Church will also sing in the concert. Tickets, $20 regular admission and $10 for students and seniors, are available at the door. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the church choir’s tour fund for its trip to York Minster next summer. For more information, contact the music office at 203-869-6600 ext. 23 or musicdept@christchurchgreenwich.org.

Audubon Greenwich will present “The World of Falling Leaves” from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Audubon center, located at 613 Riversville Road. Ever wonder what happens to all the autumn leaves? Who eats and lives in them? How migratory birds like sparrows, towhees, and thrashers benefit from them? Should people mulch or compost with them? Find out when Ted Gilman explores New England leaves and the life created by them. All ages. RSVP to 203-869-5272 ext. 221.

The registrars of voters will hold a voter registration session from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 22 in their office on the first floor of Town Hall, located at 101 Field Point Road. Required by state law, the session is the first of three upcoming opportunities for residents to register to vote or check their eligibility. The others are scheduled for 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 1 and 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 7.

Sunday The Greenwich Library Peterson Concert Series kicks off at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 23 with Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks in the library’s Cole Auditorium. The band is committed to preserving and authentically presenting 1920s and ‘30s jazz and popular music. Giordano has appeared on “A Prairie Home Companion,” and lent his talents to Francis Ford Coppola’s film “The Cotton Club” and half a dozen Woody Allen soundtracks. The concert is free and open to the public through the support of the Peterson Foundation. Doors open at 3 p.m. For more information, contact David Waring at 203-622-7917.

Audubon Greenwich will present a nature photo hike with Dan Burns from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Oct. 23. Take your photography to the next level during this chance to get outdoors with other photographers. Professional sports photographer, Dan Burns, will lead this autumn hike in search of great images of this sanctuary region. Cost, $10 per person. RSVP required to Jeff at 203-869-5272 ext. 239.

Serendipity magazine will host the first Greenwich Food + Wine Festival to benefit the Breast Cancer Alliance Oct. 22 and 23 at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. The weekend event will feature more than 60 food, wine and spirit experts, barbecue grill masters, Sunday brunch specialties, celebrity book signings, private-event tents and live performances by Rusted Root, Entrain and Sister Hazel, among others. There will be a Grand Tasting Gala Oct. 22 with live music and samplings from the region’s finest restaurants, as well as a live performance by Natasha Bedingfield. Festivities will be held from noon to 10 p.m. Oct. 22 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 23. For more information or to buy tickets, visit serendipitysocial.com or call Serendipity at 203-588-1363. For information on sponsorship opportunities, ask for Molly Galterio.

Ongoing The New England Culinary Group is gearing up for “Eating Greenwich & Port Chester,” a week-long celebration of dining in the neighboring towns Oct. 16 to 21. A lead-in to Serendipity magazine’s Greenwich Food & Wine Festival Oct. 22 to 23, the event and will feature discounted prix fixe menus and special offers throughout the week. Prix fixe menus are set at $10.11 lunch and $20.11 dinner for mid-range restaurants and $18.11 lunch and $30.11 dinner for high-end restaurants. Restaurant offers can be found at www.newenglandculinarygroup.com. Restaurants who are interested in participating can contact the New England Culinary Group at linda@newenglandculinarygroup.com or 203.323.4185.

Greenwich Library will host a photography contest to celebrate Teen Read Week Oct. 16 to 22. This year’s theme, “Picture It!,” encourages teens to read a variety of materials, including graphic novels, movies, books about photography. Teens are invited to take a photo of their favorite place to read, whether it’s a favorite chair or a spot by the water. The contest is open to teens ages 12 to 18 who live and/or go to school in Greenwich. Submissions can be made electronically between 12:01 a.m. Oct. 1 and 4:59 p.m. Oct. 15. For more information and full submission guidelines, visit www.greenwichlibrary.org/teens.

The work of artists Bryan Nash Gill and Sally Frank will be presented at the Kiernan Hall Nature Art Gallery at Audubon Greenwich Oct. 1 through 30. “Trees: Inside and Out” is an exhibition of monotypes, lithographs and relief prints that presents a portrait of one of nature’s most fundamental elements. A reception for the exhibition will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 9. For more information, call Audubon Greenwich at 203-869-5272.

The Friends of the Cos Cob Library will host the photography exhibition “Birds of Mill Pond” Oct. 4 through Nov. 4 in the library community room. Acclaimed photographer and author Joanne Bouknight will host an opening reception from 6:30 to 8 p.m. October 4. Bouknight has been a Cos Cob and Greenwich resident since 1987. For more information, call the library at 203-622-6883.

The Greenwich Historical Society will present “Greenwich Community Artists: The Abstract Tradition” Oct. 5 through Nov. 16 at the Storehouse Gallery Shop, 39 Strickland Road, Cos Cob.. The exhibition features works by Ellen Hackl Fagan, Liana Moonie, Kimberly Dawn Salib and Lisa DeLoria Weinblatt. Admission is free. All works are available for sale, with part of the proceeds to benefit the Greenwich Historical Society. For more information, visit www.greenwichhistory.org.

The Bruce Museum will feature etchings by Pablo Picasso in “Picasso’s Vollard Suite: The Sculptor’s Studio,” on view June 18 to Oct. 16. The exhibition features key images of Picasso etchings from a group of 100 prints he made for the legendary art dealer and publisher Ambroise Vollard, on loan from a private collection. The Bruce Museum is located at 1 Museum Drive in Greenwich. General admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and students, free for children under five and museum members. Free admission to all on Tuesdays. Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays and major holidays. For information, call the Bruce Museum at 203-869-0376, or visit www.brucemuseum.org.

Audubon Greenwich will host the Green Homes, Green Buildings Fall 2011 Lecture Series at the center, located at 613 Riversville Road. The series will include Green Building Rating Systems Oct. 19, Green Insulation & Ice Dam Prevention Nov. 17, Wine Cellar Design Essentials Dec. 8. Space is limited. Tickets are $20 per person. For more information, visit greenwich.audubon.org. RSVP required to Jeff at 203-869-5272 ext. 239.

The Bruce Museum will present the exhibition “Bijoux: The Origins and Impact of Jewelry” from July 16 through Feb. 26. The exhibition features an array of different types of jewelry, as well as samplings of minerals, precious stones and other materials from which artists have created an infinite variety of human adornment. The exhibition investigates the wide range of materials used to make jewelry, delves into the genesis of these natural materials, and explores the economic and environmental impact of our universal attraction to sparkle. The jewelry on display comes from all over the globe, including Myanmar and India. For more information, visit www.brucemuseum.org.

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10/19/11 Greenwich Resident Linda McMahon's Campaign Is Building Support

Dear Greenwich Friends,

It’s been a great first month meeting with hardworking families and small business owners across Connecticut. Momentum is building for our campaign. In fact, just this week, we were able to announce 850 endorsements from folks just like you across the state.

Now, I ask that you help us take the next step.

[fname], will you consider a donation of $ 100, $50 or even $10 to our campaign to get Connecticut working again?

I’m sure you can agree that what we need in Washington now more than ever are job creators. Quite frankly, there are just too few of those in office keeping an eye on what’s best for our nation’s economy.

Like you, I am fed up with the revolving door of professional politicians who are more interested in their next campaign than they are in finding real solutions.

I am a proven job creator. I have created hundreds of jobs right here in Connecticut and I understand that what small businesses need now are fewer taxes, not more; fewer regulations, not more; and less government spending, not more.

I’m writing you today because I believe that you and I can be the difference in what happens next. We cannot continue sending the same politicians to Washington and expect a different result. I am a proven job creator who will fight for Connecticut's hardworking families and small businesses.

Sincerely,

Linda

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10/19/11 For Immediate Release - New JCC Greenwich Basketball League for 1st - 8th graders


JCC Greenwich

For Immediate Release

Contact: Laura Blum
(203) 552-1818
laurablum@JCCGreenwich.com

JCC GREENWICH TO INITIATE NEW BASKETBALL LEAGUE FOR 1ST - 8TH GRADERS


Greenwich, CT, October 19, 2011 --
JCC Greenwich is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the JCC Greenwich Basketball League, open to all boys and girls, grades 1-8. Players will enjoy first rate instruction and game play in a structured and positive learning environment. Instruction will be provided by Backyard Sports, where Danny Bernstein and his acclaimed coaches strive to develop players' skills and confidence on and off the court.

Additionally, a JCC Greenwich travel team will be organized to compete in the very popular Westchester Jewish Basketball League (WJBL). Players will enjoy home games and travel to away games in Westchester County.

Every registered player receives a FREE jersey and an award at the end of the season.

No prior basketball experience is required.

Fee: $275 for 10 Sundays

Location: Carmel Academy, 270 Lake Avenue, Greenwich

Time: 3-4pm or 4-5pm, depending on child's grade

Dates: 12/11, 12/18, 1/8, 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 3/4, 3/18

# # #

About JCC Greenwich
A 21st-century community resource, JCC Greenwich seeks to enrich the cultural, spiritual and social life of Greenwich with programs of excellence while connecting each of us via technology and ideas. Our JCC is without walls, generating high caliber online content and offline events that bring together the community based on shared interest, in venues all over town. JCC Greenwich welcomes all individuals without regard to race, religion or ability.

--
www.jccgreenwich.org

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10/19/11 For Immediate Release - Israeli Advocacy Workshop To Be Held In Greenwich

JCC Greenwich

For Immediate Release

Contact: Laura Blum (203) 552-1818 laurablum@JCCGreenwich.com

JCC GREENWICH IN COOPERATION WITH

THE COMMITTEE FOR ACCURACY IN MIDDLE EAST REPORTING IN AMERICA

TO PRESENT ISRAEL ADVOCACY WORKSHOP

Greenwich, CT, October 18, 2011 --
To
improve how Israel is portrayed in the media, JCC Greenwich in cooperation with CAMERA will offer a special advocacy workshop on Monday, November 14, 10am. Participants will learn how to effectively challenge, counter and correct biased coverage of the Jewish State through such tools as letter-writing and op-eds. The workshop will focus on three main areas, including: advanced writing techniques; how to craft an effective message; and strategies for ensuring publication in local, regional and national media outlets. No prior experience or writing credentials are required to attend.

Titled Israel Advocacy on the Editorial Pages: Letter Writing as Activism, the workshop will be taught by Josh Hasten, public relations expert and CAMERA's 2009 Letter Writer of the Year. Mr. Hasten is president of the Jerusalem-based Bar-Am Public Relations firm. For more than a decade he has defended Israel's right to exist, via letters to the editor, op-eds and television and radio commentary. The founder of LettersforIsrael.com and a freelance journalist who regularly writes for The Jerusalem Post, Israel National News and The Algemeiner News website, Hasten hosts several talk-radio shows, including Israel Hasbara Hour, on www.israelnationalradio.com.

The workshop will take place at Temple Sholom, 300 East Putnam Ave., Greenwich. Admission is free, though registration is required, at JCCGreenwich.org or by calling (203) 552 1818.

# # #

About JCC Greenwich
A 21st-century community resource, JCC Greenwich seeks to enrich the cultural, spiritual and social life of Greenwich with programs of excellence while connecting each of us via technology and ideas. Our JCC is without walls, generating high caliber online content and offline events that bring together the community based on shared interest, in venues all over town. JCC Greenwich welcomes all individuals without regard to race, religion or ability.

About CAMERA

Founded in 1982, the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America is a media-monitoring, research and membership organization devoted to promoting accurate and balanced coverage of Israel and the Middle East. CAMERA fosters rigorous reporting, while educating news consumers about Middle East issues and the role of the media. Because public opinion ultimately shapes public policy, distorted news coverage that misleads the public can be detrimental to sound policymaking. A non-partisan organization, CAMERA takes no position with regard to American or Israeli political issues or with regard to ultimate solutions to the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Josh Hasten
joshh.jpg





www.jccgreenwich.org

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10/19/11 Greenwich Rabbi Mitch's Weekly Teaching

Weekly Teaching
By Rabbi Mitchell M. Hurvitz

rabbimitch@templesholom.com

Chag Sameach!

Join us for Simchat Torah!

Bring the family for a Young Children's Family Service (YCFS) celebration with guest artist Sheldon Low

on Thursday, October 20th, at 5:30pm.

Then stay for our congregational celebration

in honor of Simchat Torah at 6:30pm.

Join us for a night of festivity, bimah trivia,

snacks, music and dancing,

and joyous celebration for one and all!

All are welcome!


Rabbi's Weekly Teaching

Shemini Atzeret / Simchat Torah

Wednesday, October 19th, 2011

On Rosh Hashanah, just a few short weeks ago, we talked about what it means to "love our neighbor." While these words are familiar, and true for every faith tradition, sometimes what we don't realize is that loving our neighbor is something that requires action. It is not just a matter of looking out at the world through a positive lens; it is instead letting ourselves be aware that there are people in our communities that need our help - and then taking action to make sure that we give help where it is needed.

Sometimes we aren't sure where to begin, so in this new year, Temple Sholom is beginning our Chesed initiative, to enable our congregational community to engage in at least one act of loving-kindness per person. The following words I am sharing are an extract from my Chesed initiative sermon - you can link to the full text at the end of this teaching.

There is a scene in the movie The Bear, where a little bear cub is about to be attacked by a mountain lion. The little cub stands on its hind legs in an attempt to look intimidating. When the mountain lion turns and runs away, the little cub is very impressed with himself. What the little cub doesn't see is his 10-foot tall, 1200-pound parent standing upright behind him.

Like the bear cub, there are times when we need the strength and attentiveness of others... and we may not even know it or know how to ask for it.

Like the parent bear, it's natural to love our children and to be there when they need us. But is loving our immediate family enough?

As Jews, we're commanded to extend love beyond our close family. We're not only commanded to "love our neighbor" -- but also to go even beyond those in our community, as we are commanded to "love the stranger."

In Hebrew, the same construction for the prayer, "You shall love Adonai your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your being," - v'ahavta et Adonai Elohecha - is the same construction as the commandment to love the stranger: v'ahavta et ha ger kamocha - "you shall love the stranger as yourself."

This linguistic clue tells us something very important about the Divine imperative to love - that loving God is equal to loving the "other." Conversely, it can also indicate to us that sometimes God can seem as far away to us as any stranger.

Thus, closeness to God - drawing near to the Divine - can then be achieved by performing acts of loving-kindness. These "good deeds," or mitzvahs, can help us to seek God's presence by reaching out to those in need of our help, and those most in need of Divine - and human - grace.

Reb Yitzhak Meir Alter, the Gerer Rebbe, asked one of his students after the Morning Prayer service "How is your colleague, Moshe Ya'akov doing?"

"I...I'm not sure. Is there something I should know?" replied the student.

"What?" shouted the Rebbe. "You pray under the same roof? You serve the same God? You study the same Torah? Yet you dare to tell me you don't know how Moshe Yaakov is? You don't know if he needs help, or advice, or comfort? How can that be?"

The story of the Gerer Rebbe reminds us that the very essence of community life is to share in each other's lives. We're not meant to leave one another alone, in fear, in sorrow, or in joy.

Early in our daily prayer book, there's a liturgical phrase: Behold I'm ready to accept upon myself the commandment of the Creator that "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." This mitzvah from the Torah is the source of the so-called Golden Rule, and according to Rabbi Akiva, "it's the most important mitzvah principle of our Torah, greater than, and including all others."

Accepting upon ourselves the commandment to love others doesn't simply mean being more loving, or looking out at the world from the self and merely thinking well of others. It means taking action. It means, in the words of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, "praying with one's feet."

This year, Temple Sholom is introducing our new Chesed initiative. This will enable our congregants to be matched with acts of loving-kindness that need to be done in our Temple community and beyond. Whether it is driving an elderly person to a class or to services, volunteering to serve meals at a soup kitchen, collecting food for the hungry or donating blood, our new initiative asks our Temple family to reach out beyond the day to day business of the self to engage in at least one act of loving-kindness in this new Jewish year.

I have enclosed my remarks on our Chesed initiative from Rosh Hashanah, and a downloadable version of our Chesed initiative sign up form. You can fill out this form and return it to Rav David Saiger at the Temple. Or, you can check out our list of opportunities online, on our Temple Sholom website, and email Rav David directly using the email link on our website or at ravdavid@templesholom.com. Or if there is another project you'd like to support, we hope you will get in touch and tell us about it, so that we can match others to your opportunity.

In the days to come, may we all find the act of loving-kindness that speaks most deeply to our hearts, and may these good deeds bring us closer to the One who is the source of love and good within us all.

Chag Sameach,

Rabbi Mitch


Temple Sholom
300 E. Putnam Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830
203-869-7191
Temple Sholom | 300 East Putnam Avenue | Greenwich | CT | 06830

10/19/11 Greenwich Topix News Message Board - (25 stories) - FIRST STORY: Support for Tesei's Re-Election

Topix Greenwich

Greenwich - News October 19, 2011


Support for Tesei's Re-Election
Support for Tesei's Re-Election (Patch)
I have had the pleasure of knowing First Selectman Peter Tesei for more than a decade as former business colleagues, political contemporaries,A through the creation of the Plan of Conservation and Development and Town Properties Committee , and co-hosting Citizens and Police Partnership and Citizens Police Academy events.

Theis' Re-Election as Selectman Supported (Patch)
To the Editor: As a member of the Coastal Resources Advisory Committee of Greenwich, I have had the opportunity recently to work with Selectman Dave Theis and to appreciate his practical, hands-on approach to resolving important issues.A One of these issues concerned the complex and overlapping roles of federal and state regulators, as well as the ... (more)

Standing In the Stamford Unemployment Line (Patch)
With a state unemployed rate of 9%, public, private, and veteran employment programs are seeing a spike in both their client enrollment numbers and client success numbers.

... touts a 83% success rate with its clients in Stamford . "The RITE Program sees over 400 clients each year in both Greenwich and Stamford.A Each client is seeking something different.A Sometimes our clients are seeking administrative types of ...

Greenwich Businesses Remain Hopeful in Economy
Greenwich Businesses Remain Hopeful in Economy (The Daily Greenwich)
The recession is still hitting Fairfield County businesses hard, and nearly half don't expect to be profitable this year, according to a survey released Tuesday.

Weicker's Senate papers now open to the public (Connecticut Post)
Weicker's U.S. Senate papers are part of a new permanent library collection that opens Wednesday at the University of Virginia where the Republican-turned-independent founder of A Connecticut Party received his law degree....

... founder of A Connecticut Party received his law degree. Not that Weicker, a former governor and first selectman of Greenwich, has an encyclopedic memory of everything that's in them. "At 80 years of age you can't remember three football fields of ...

Blue Sky Studios To Hire 70 (CTNow)
The computer animation company that produced 'Rio' is adding 70 jobs and expanding office space in Greenwich by 43,000 square feet, the Department of Economic and Community Development announced Tuesday.

Bingo! Now this is a Halloween Party, Greenwich (The Daily Greenwich)
GREENWICH, Conn. - Looking for a different kind of Halloween party? The Greenwich-based Red Ribbon Foundation will hold its first "Halloween Extravaganza," with a costume contest, dancing, brews and the highlight of the night - "Drag Queen Bingo." Guests will taste Halloween-themed beers and food, take part in an outlandish "original costume ... (more)

Greenwich police blotter (Connecticut Post)
Police said they conducted a motor vehicle stop and found that the vehicle registration was reported as stolen in 2008 and that Alvites did not have a valid Connecticut drivers license, Connecticut registration or insurance for the vehicle.

Bring Your Dog To Howl and Prowl in Greenwich (The Daily Greenwich)
Do you love dressing your pets up for Halloween? Show off their style at the fourth annual Howl & Prowl parade and costume contest in Greenwich on Oct.

Central Middle School students staged walk-out (theoriginalgreenwichdiva)
A group of about 100 students from Central Middle School in Greenwich, staged a walk-out early Tuesday morning to protest the suspension of the school's principal, Shelley Somers, who is being investigated for incidents that occurred 15 years ago involving her Granby, Connecticut, day care center

Greenwich Food and Wine Festival supports breast cancer (Examiner)
Food and wine lovers will gather with some of the region's finest chefs and sommeliers on October 22 and 23 as Serendipity plays host to its first annual Greenwich Food + Wine Festival to benefit The Breast Cancer Alliance of Greenwich .

Greenwich Local Sports

New Canaan Swimmer Honored at SportsNight (The Daily New Canaan)
Six new members of the Fairfield County Sports Hall of Fame and Sports Persons of the Year from 15 county towns were honored Monday at the seventh annual SportsNight at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich.

Retired Masuk Girls Basketball Coach Among Hall of Fame Inductees (Patch)
OLD GREENWICH - The point guard generally regarded as Fairfield University's greatest player and a woman who became one of the nation's outstanding distance runnersA at Greenwich High School were inducted into the Fairfield County Sports Commission Hall of Fame Monday night at the group's seventh annual dinner held at the Hyatt Regency.

Staples Soccer Success Celebrated at SportsNight (The Daily Westport)
Six new members of the Fairfield County Sports Hall of Fame and sports persons of the year from 15 county towns were honored Monday at the seventh annual SportsNight at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich.

Stratford Couple Honored at County Sports Dinner (Patch)
Jeff and Donna Babineau were recognized for their generosity to the town of Stratford at a dinner Monday in which they were named Stratford's Sports People of the Year.

New Hall of Famers Honored at SportsNight (The Daily Wilton)
Six new members of the Fairfield County Sports Hall of Fame and sports persons of the year from 15 county towns were honored Monday at the seventh annual SportsNight at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich.

DeSantis, St. Geme Among Fairfield County Sports Inductees (Patch)
OLD GREENWICH - The point guard generally regarded as Fairfield University's greatest player and a woman who became one of the nation's outstanding distance runnersA at Greenwich High School were inducted into the Fairfield County Sports Commission Hall of Fame Monday night at the group's seventh annual dinner held at the Hyatt Regency.

Easton Tennis Player Honored at SportsNight (The Daily Easton)
Six new members of the Fairfield County Sports Hall of Fame and sports persons of the year from 15 county towns were honored Monday at the seventh annual SportsNight at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich.

Greenwich Athletes Honored at County SportsNight (The Daily Greenwich)
Six new members of the Fairfield County Sports Hall of Fame and sports persons of the year from 15 county towns were honored Monday at the seventh annual SportsNight at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich.


Greenwich Local Business

Mary Ann Tighe Joins The Howard Hughes Corporation Board of... (News On Women)
Leslie Green Speaking in Greenwich, CT. October 27, 2011 The Howard Hughes Corporation , headquartered in Texas, appointed Mary Ann Tighe to its Board of Directors.

UPDATE 2-United Rentals profit up; raises 2011 outlook (Reuters)
U.S. equipment rental company United Rentals Inc posted a higher quarterly profit as volumes and rates increased, and raised its 2011 outlook, sending the company's shares up as much as 13 percent.

Blue Sky Studios expands; adds 70 jobs (The Hour Online)
GREENWICH -- Blue Sky Studios on Tuesday announced it will expand its headquarters in Greenwich and create 70 jobs, a move that will allow the digital animation company to grow in the future.

FlangeLock Contamination Control Tool Receives Patent (Construction Equipment Guide)
FlangeLock LLC, founded and based in Greenwich, Conn., received a patent from the U.S. Patent Office within the past two months for its contamination control tool, the FlangeLock.

UPDATE 1-United Rentals posts higher profit (Reuters)
U.S. equipment rental company United Rentals Inc posted a higher quarterly profit as volumes and rates increased, sending its shares up more than 10 percent.

Pillow Pets for pediatric cancer patients (New Canaan News-Review)
On Wednesday, Oct. 5, members of the NFL Alumni Foundation and Circle of Care for Families of Children with Cancer, visited the Connecticut Children's Medical Center in Hartford toting 48 Pillow Pets to give to their pediatric cancer patients.

... COC board member Jeanna Shepard from New Canaan, NFL Alumni player and president of CT chapter Steve Thurlow from Greenwich, alumni player Bill Cooke from Fairfield, and NFL Alumni Vice President of Sales and Marketing of CT Chapter Kelly McCoy ...


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