02/26/10 The Raw Greenwich News Feed: Afternoon Edition

The Latest News About Greenwich

Greenwich Post Cards ready to defend FCIAC title Greenwich Post Saturday night's game against Darien High School was one the Greenwich High School boys hockey team desperately wanted. Back on Jan. ...

From Greenwich to Vancouver: Local woman watches cousin make Olympic history Greenwich Time By Colin Gustafson, Staff Writer When she first arrived in Canada last week, longtime Greenwich resident Linda Gullotta could boast of being related to an ...

Greenwich boys hockey winter weather update Greenwich Post As of now, it appears the top-seeded Greenwich High School boys ice hockey team (10-0-2) will battle Stamford Saturday night in the opening round of the ...

Designer shares fashion tips as her new line launches in Greenwich Greenwich Time In her first interview since launching Per Se, Greenwich Citizen caught up with Klope as she launched her new line at the Carlisle/Per Se Showroom in ...

Greenwich boys hockey team upends Wilton, earns No. 1 seed in FCIAC Tournament Greenwich Time Scoring early and often, the Greenwich High School boys hockey team clinched the No. 1 seed in the FCIAC Tournament with a 9-2 win over Wilton Wednesday ...

Snow expected through day, winds a concern this afternoon Greenwich Post As snow continues to blanket Greenwich, Emergency Operations Coordinator Daniel Warzoha told the Post Friday that his main concern right now is expected ...

GA's Karen Miller steps down after 18 years: By Rob Kelley Greenwich Citizen For the past 18 years there has been one constant in the Greenwich Academy squash program and that constant has been head coach Karen Miller. ...

Avon calling: It's Shakespeare Competition time again By Anne W. Semmes Greenwich Citizen It's that time again, when high school students from Greenwich and Stamford public and private schools are "brushing up their Shakespeare" for the annual ...

After the Whistle By Rob Kelley: Dr. Katherine Vidasdi talks injuries and the ... Greenwich Citizen Recently graduated Greenwich star Hana Bowers was just one of many young female athletes who suffered through injuries during her high school career having ...

Greenwich Hospital hit with another lawsuit over drug-addicted surgeon ... Behavioral Health Central 25--A new lawsuit filed against Greenwich Hospital over its handling of a drug-addicted surgeon is adding fuel to the fire surrounding the case, ...

Candidates for Conn. governor debate tolls Hartford Courant Greenwich businessman Tom Foley, a Republican, also objected to tolls. He said the state needs to cut spending by outsourcing some government services and ...

But Plaza Realty & Management expands real estate service team Stamford Plus Magazine The company today announced that Greenwich resident, Yelena Zhukovsky, a 13-year industry veteran, has joined the company's real estate team. ...

Girls' Night Out March 3 to benefit CancerCare of Connecticut Connectcut Plus ... of Greenwich, a denim bar hosted by Inside Outlet of Fairfield and a photo exhibit by Melanie Lust of Westport Greenwich titled: "Things That Sparkle. ...

The 7th Annual Fairfield County Home & Outdoor Living Expo coming to Stamford Stamford Plus Magazine The show sponsor is Mercedes-Benz of Greenwich. Media Sponsors include: The Advocate/Greenwich Time, Brooks Community Newspapers, Connecticut Magazine, ...

Greenwich In The Blogoshere

All rain in Greenwich – bummer « For What It's Worth By christopherfountain It's Just A Bummer · Rain rain go away ... For What It's Worth - http://christopherfountain.com/

From Greenwich to bVancouver/b: Local woman watches cousin make ... By Greenwich Time Gullotta watched in person from a front-row seat at the Pacific Coliseum in bVancouver/b Monday as her cousin captured the title with partner and fellow b. Vancouver Review - http://vancouverreview.ca/

Greenwich Roundup: 02/25/10 The Raw Greenwich News Feed: Afternoon ... By GreenwichRoundup@gmail.com (Greenwich Roundup) 02/25/10 Hearst Newspapers War With 02/25/10 Response To FOI Request Sent To Greenwich... 02/25/10 The Raw Greenwich News Feed: Afternoon Ed... 02/25/10 More Greenwich Post Breaking News About G... 02/25/10 Tonight's Greenwich Board Of Education Me... 02/24/10 Greenwich Time Editor David McCumber Cont... 02/25/10 Greenwich Resident Stephanie Madoff Wants... 02/25/10 All After School Activities Are Canceled... 02/25/10 Ad Quote Needed From Greenwich Roundup 02/25/10 The Raw Greenwich News Feed; Overnight Ed... 02/24/10 The Raw Greenwich News Feed: Afternoon Ed... 02/24/10 You Can Comment On These Greenwich News S... 02/24/10 Linda McMahon's Supporters Are Having Tro... 02/24/10 Greenwich Police Blotter Greenwich Roundup - http://greenwichroundup.blogspot.com/

Stamford Notes: Nature and Nourriture at Audubon Greenwich By StamfordNotes Audubon Greenwich features a few events worth your time on Saturday, February 27th: Nature Full Moon Hike 6:30-8:30 pm. Guides will take you exploring the Audubon property in search of owls, coyotes and other critters. ... Stamford Notes - http://www.stamfordnotes.com/

Stamford Jobs ... By Stamford Jobs A Citizen Q&A with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ned Lamont Greenwich Citizen It's a close race, though, and I'm going to be out there every day, making the case that we need a leader who has started a business and created jobs. ... Stamford Jobs - http://stamford-jobs.com/

Hyper Local Bloging In Greenwich

The Raw Greenwich Blog And RSS Feed

Bloggers Who Are From, Work In Or Used To Live In Greenwich

Ask the Doctor: Medical Health Articles Ingredients of Seasonal Flu Vaccine Shot - The major flu shot ingredients are dead influenza viruses. There may be any number of different flu viruses circulating at any one time, but pharmaceutical... "Greenwich, Conn" - Google News High-end home sellers lower their sights - Myrtle Beach Sun News - *High-end home sellers lower their sights* *Myrtle Beach Sun News* So, were she still around, the late hotelier might appreciate recent happenings at her *... The Latest From Claudette Rothman, AKA,Greenwich Diva Magnitude earthquake strikes Japan - BREAKING NEWS: 7.3-magnitude quake strikes off Japan’s southern islands……beach evacuation ordered Forward... Pass it On... The Twits At The Greenwich Time Are On Twitter GreenwichTime: Metro-North is operating a significantly reduced PM peak rush hour today. See www.mta.info for schedule. - Vivapop Community Events RSS Feed Free Health Classes - Greenwich Department of Health Greenwich, CT 203-622-7857 Wellness/Fitness The Greenwich Department of Health is offering two free programs available to... Greenwich Real Time - A Team Blog Made Up Of The Third Rate Reporters At The Greenwich Time Bar mitzvah tutoring, via Skype - Armand Filatov, a 12-year-old who had been a student at Central Middle School, moved with his family last summer to a small town outside Lyon, France. His ... EDDIE "Greenwich Native" ROSS Raw and Refined - Winter in these parts is lingering far too long, if you ask me. Think I'll carry on dreaming of spring with a table I conjured one click at at time. It's for... Topix - Greenwich News RSS Feed Rick Green: Mary Glassman Stands Out Amid Glitter In Connecticut Governor's Race - T here's a Democrat running for governor out there who knows how to cut spending, who understands both governing and the crisis that Connecticut is facing. Greenwich, CT Weather from Weather Underground Current Conditions : 36.7F, Light Snow - 2:51 PM EST Feb. 26 - Temperature: 36.7°F Humidity: 80% Pressure: 29.23in (Rising) Conditions: Light Snow Wind Direction: ESE Wind Speed: 0.0mph Greenwich Student, Blogger And Receptionist krystle's Collection of things *not to forget* Tacoma Teacher Killed Outside School; Deputy Fatally Shoots Suspect - *This is one case I'm glad they were able to kill this offender right off.. No trial, no wasting of tax-payer's dollars- just get rid of the animal. * The ... Greenwich Post News Feed Snow expected through day, winds a concern this afternoon - Greenwich Post - *Snow expected through day, winds a concern this afternoon* *Greenwich Post* As snow continues to blanket *Greenwich*, Emergency Operations Coordinator Dan... Greenwich Citizen News Feed GA's Karen Miller steps down after 18 years: By Rob Kelley - Greenwich Citizen - *GA's Karen Miller steps down after 18 years: By Rob Kelley* *Greenwich Citizen* For the past 18 years there has been one constant in the *Greenwich* Academ... Jane Genova: Speechwriter - Ghostwriter Ah, to not own property - "How much snow did you get?" That's what my colleagues and clients around the world are asking me. I shrug. I don't own property, not a house, not a car, so ... Greg Skidmore has the most Followers on Twitter in Greenwich, CT gregskidmore: Investing in Gold and Other Precious Metals: http://wp.me/pPoK1-U - For What It's Worth By Riverside Blogger Chris Fountain Euro going to parity? - Some big bettors think so, according to the Journal. I don’t have the resources to play this game but if I did, I’d be betting on the Euro hitting $0.65. I...

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02/25/10 Hearst Newspapers War With Superintendent Of Greenwich Public Schools Boss Sidney Freund

The Greenwich Time And The Greenwich Board Of Education Continue Thier War Of Words

The Third Rate Greenwich Time Cub Reporter Colin " BOE Brown Nose " Gustafson Has Inadvertently Started A Huge War Between Hearst Newspapers And The Greenwich Board Of Education.

First There Was This ....

02/12/12 You Probably Wont See This Letter From The Greenwich Public School Superintendent In The Greenwich Time

Then There Was This .....

02/14/10 Hearst Newspaper Senior Vice President Lincoln Millstein Defends Greenwich Time Cub Reporter Colin Gustafson And Slams Sidney Freund

When Greenwich Time Editor David McCumber Ignored Superintendent Of Greenwich Public Schools Press Release, Sidney Freund Pushed The Matter One More Step Further By Writing A Letter To The Editor.

This Really Pissed Of Hearst Senoir Vice President Lincoln Millstein Who Shot Back With This Blog Post .....

Greenwich school chef’s mealy-mouthed letter to the editor

Now Greenwich BOE Members Are Getting Involved In The Combat .....

Slanted coverage

To the editor:

It was with confusion and anger that I read the Feb. 12 headline "Freund gives town low marks" followed by Mr. Millstein's blog criticizing Superintendent Freund's clarification.

For those not familiar with the Board of Education's budget presentation to the BET, it would appear that Dr. Freund was broadly critical of our town. Nothing could be further from the truth. From day one, he embraced our community, worked tirelessly to improve our schools and created strong relationships with all stakeholders. While there are normal areas of disagreement between the BET and BOE during the budget process, the relationship between them is strong and effective, reflective of the appropriate tension between serving the needs of our children and controlling our finances.

During the meeting there were no comments that came close to the blanket criticism that your headline implies. Dr. Freund and school board Chairman Steve Anderson presented the budget and Dr. Freund repeatedly pointed out his job, and indeed his passion, is advocating for our children.

In regards to a specific issue, he responded truthfully that our buildings are not up to standard. This did not disparage the town or the incredible support seen in recent investments in new schools. It does mean there has been under-investment in maintenance in prior years; not very controversial, but your paper decided not to report the news; it chose to "create" the news. It implied controversy where none existed.

As the main source of information for many in our community, this is extremely troubling. Your newspaper can dictate outcomes through slanted and distorted reporting, a path towards which you seem to veer. It would be refreshing to see you re-look at your reporting and headline and through some introspection re-assess its accuracy and objectiveness. I doubt it will happen and I am sure that this request will elicit nothing more than Mr. Millstein's normal non-constructive cynicism and disparagement. Easier to tear down than to build up should be the title of his blog. The elected officials (mainly volunteers) serving our town understand that debate is an expected and key part of any functioning democracy; truthful and objective reporting is no less a critical component.

I am submitting this letter as a private citizen and not as a representative of the Board of Education (on which I proudly serve).

Michael C. Bodson

Cos Cob

Stand Back

Lincoln Millstein Is About To Return Fire

Lincoln's Log - Hearst Newspaper VP Lincoln Millstein

School board member slams coverage of meeting he did not even attend

Greenwich BOE member Michael Bodson’s hissy fit in the Greenwich Time on Tuesday would lead one to believe that Bodson had a front row seat during he recent BET meeting at which School Supt. Sid Freund told the finance board, “I don’t think you’ve done a good job improving and maintaining your facilities (based) on what I’ve seen in other districts a lot less affluent.”

In fact Bodson wasn’t even there, as verified by several who attended the meeting on Feb. 11.

Yet, he was able to state with such clarity that “during the meeting there were no comments that came close to the blanket criticism that your headline implies.” The headline was, “Freund gives town low marks on schools upkeep.”

Now, it’s perfectly understandable that Bodson and other long-time members of the BOE would be put on the defensive given all that which has happened to the schools under their watch the last four or five years – the embarrassing delays of the Ham Ave School construction, the “lost years” under Betty Sternberg, the declining performance on standardized testing, etc …

Still, that’s no reason to misrepresent – or worse, prevaricate. Bodson clearly gave the impression in his letter that he was witness to the entire discussion between Freund and the BET. Fact was he was not.

Let me repeat what Freund said according to the beat reporter of the Greenwich Time who covered the meeting in person:

“I DON’T THINK YOU’VE DONE A GOOD JOB IMPROVING OR MAINTAINING YOUR FACILITIIES ….”

That, Michael Bodson, is what Sid Freund actually said, no matter how much spin you and other revisionist board members would like to imagine (or hope) was said.

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02/25/10 Response To FOI Request Sent To Greenwich Schools Superintendent Dr. Sidney Freund Showes That He Lied To Parents And Taxpayers

Click To Enlarge Greenwich Board Of Education Document

Here is an e-mail response that was sent by Ms. Williams on 2/19. It
appears the e-mail address used was not the same as you gave me today.

Please confirm receipt of this message.

Many thanks.

Debra

Debra A. Nielson
Office Supervisor
Law Department
Town of Greenwich
101 Field Point Road
P.O. Box 2540
Greenwich, CT 06836
(203) 622-7868
dnielson@greenwichct.org


Please see the attached response to your FOI request. Thank you.

Gina Williams
Assistant Director of Human Resources
Greenwich Board of Education
290 Greenwich Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830
(203) 625-7458

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

The Above BOE Written Response Shows That Superintendent Freund Lied When He Said Greenwich Board Of Education Facilities Director Anthony Byrne Voluntarily Went On Three Months Of Administrative Leave.

Anthony Byrne Never Resigned Or Requested To Be Placed On Administrative Leave Before He Was Escorted Out Of The Board Of Education Headquarters.

Byrne Was PLACED On Administrative Leave For Misconduct.

The Rumor Around Town Is That Superintendent Freund Covered This Up And Gave Byrne A $30,000 Administrative Leave Package, In Order To By His Silence

There Are Many Unconfirmed Reports That Byrne Threatened To Rat Out Persons Associated With Frank Mazza's 30 Million Dollar Hamilton Avenue Building Committee.

All To Often Greenwich Residents Have To Suffer From The All Too Compliant Corporate Media Outlets That Are Too Afraid To Protect The Interests Of Taxpayers, Parents And Children.

Where Is Hearst Newspaper Editor David McCumber And The Greenwich Time Reporters?

The Third Rate Greenwich Time Cub Reporter Colin " BOE Brown Nose " Gustafson For A Month Has Been Sitting On Emails That Showed That Anthony Byrne Did Not Voluntarily Go On His $30,000 Administrative Leave Vacation.

PLEASE SEE:

01/26/10 You Wont Read This In The Greenwich Time; Key Figure In School Mold Fiasco was escorted from his job at the Greenwich BOE

01/29/10 They Just Cover Stuff Up In Greenwich - The Single Family Home Owners Have An Obligation To Pay The Bill, But They Don't Have A Right To Know

02/18/10 Superintendent of Schools Sidney Freund Is Trying To Prevent Greenwich Roundup From Peeling The Smelly BOE Onion Of Fraud Waste And Abuse

When Greenwich Roundup Types
The Greenwich Time Listens:

Greenwich schools facilities director to step down
By Colin Gustafson, STAFF WRITER

Soon The BOE Cover Up
Started To Unravel In Other
Mainstream News Outlets

02/05/10 He Said She Said At The Board Of Ed

Often Times The Coverup Is Worse Than The Crime

Superintendent says: 'No misconduct' in Byrne retirement

He Said:

“It has come to my attention that the news media has been provided with false and/or misleading information regarding Anthony Byrne’s employment status with the board,” Dr. Freund said in his statement. “Mr. Byrne is currently on leave pending a voluntary retirement when he reaches eligibility effective April 1, 2010. Mr. Byrne has not been terminated and there has been no finding that he engaged in any misconduct in the course of his employment by the board.”

She Said:

According to district Director of Communications Kim Eves, Mr. Byrne was placed on leave with pay Jan. 4.

He Clamed Up:

Asked why he was placed on leave, Dr. Freund said he couldn’t comment because it is a personnel matter.

PLEASE ALSO:

02/23/10 Greenwich School Children Suffer, Because Education Reporting Is Not A Priority At Hearst Newspapers

02/19/10 BREAKING NEWS: Where's The Greenwich Time? This Just In Greenwich Teacher Arrested In Norwalk (Update)

01/24/10 Can Parents Trust Stacy Gross And The Board Of Education To Tell Them The Truth About Mold And Asbestos At WMS

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02/25/10 The Raw Greenwich News Feed: Afternoon Edition

The Latest News Reports About Greenwich

Darien tops Greenwich in double-OT to reach FCIAC girls hockey final Stamford Advocate By David Fierro, Staff Writer DARIEN -- It didn't seem possible for the Darien and Greenwich High School girls ice hockey teams to play a more exciting game ...

Darien tops Greenwich in double OT Stamford Advocate Darien's Lily Christensen battles with Greenwich's Hannah Jeffrey as Darien hosts Greenwich High in a girls hockey game at the Darien Ice Rink Wednesday ...

Weather cancels after school activities Greenwich Post A major winter storm is expected to impact the area through Friday, Greenwich public schools to cancel all after-school activities including sport. ...

Greenwich boys basketball team tops Ridgefield in regular-season finale Greenwich Time Senior Brian Leeds sank a pair of technical foul shots with 5.3 seconds left, extending Greenwich's lead to three. Ridgefield had a chance to tie in the ...

Major storm to pelt region with rain today, snow tonight Danbury News Times This will occur from west to east, so Greenwich and Stamford and Danbury will start seeing snow before Bridgeport and Milford. Also, the snowfall total out ...

Boys Hockey -- Analysis: At first if you don't succeed Wilton Villager In fact, in four out of the five games against top-tier opponents the Warriors were out-scored by a 26-6 count, including Greenwich's 9-2 victory during ...

Greenwich Post Special season for Miller, GA squash Greenwich Post Heading into the New England squash championships, which gets underway starting tomorrow at Deerfield Academy, Greenwich Academy has every reason to expect ...

Russian multi-millionaire's renovation plan gets nod Greenwich Time Peter Lauridsen, a Realtor and principal of Greenwich Land Co., argued special permits would only increase the cost of doing business by lengthening the ...

GMEA members claim union is broke Greenwich Time Both Fuscaldo and Evans contacted Greenwich police detectives this week ...

Accused murderer has outburst after entering not guilty plea Greenwich Post However, police, acting on a call of concern from Mrs. Dobrzanski, found him and transported him to Greenwich Hospital where he was treated for non-life ...

Marina and club expansion withdrawn after opposition Greenwich Time Kral owns Beacon Point Marina and Greenwich Water Club, located at 49 River Road. Kral wanted to redevelop his current site as well as expand to a nearby ...

Darien Times SoNo's Enzor scores silver in junior lightweight womens event at CRASH-B's Darien Times Notable finishes included Rosie Grinalds (Southport) coming in 12th, Maria Lycouris (Greenwich) 15th, Emily Crump (New Canaan) 23rd, Abigail Frey ...

Avoiding Shoulder Injury during Baseball Spring Training PR Web (press release) Greenwich, CT and New York, NY (PRWEB) February 25, 2010 -- Former Dodgers catcher Roy Campanella says, "You gotta be a man to play baseball for a living, ...

Renewed Greece Jitters, Weak US Data Rattle Markets Wall Street Journal "Investors are making a call for global growth weakness ahead," said Andrew Wilkinson, senior market analyst at Interactive Brokers in Greenwich, Conn. ...

US STOCKS-Wall St slides as economic worries and Greece weigh Reuters ... I think we're seeing some concerns of that surfacing for the markets," said Steve Goldman, market strategist at Weeden & Co in Greenwich, Connecticut. ...

US stocks hit the skids Malaysia Sun ... seeing some concerns of that surfacing for the markets," Steve Goldman, market strategist at Weeden & Co in Greenwich, Connecticut told Reuters Thomson. ...

Greenwich In The Blogoshere

Breast cancer luncheon highlights young survivors (Greenwich ... By admin Breast cancer luncheon highlights young survivors (Greenwich Citizen). Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 at 11:22 pm. Geralyn Lucas was never a lipstick woman. See the original post here: Breast cancer luncheon highlights young survivors ... Cure Breast Cancer Blog - http://www.pinklightsofhope.com/

Haitian relief continues in Greenwich – Greenwich Post ... By haiti earthquake - Google News NJ.comHaitian relief continues in GreenwichGreenwich PostIn an effort to raise money for UNICEF's Haiti Earthquake Fund, Brunswick Middle School hosted... HaitiMissing.org - http://www.haitimissing.org/

A Recently Updated Web Page About Greenwich

Greenwich Hospital hit with another lawsuit over drug-addicted ... A new lawsuit filed against Greenwich Hospital over its handling of a drug- addicted surgeon is adding fuel to the fire surrounding the case, bringing the ...

Hyper Local Blogging In Greenwich

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

The Twits At The Greenwich Time Are On Twitter GreenwichTime: Check out our American Idol live chat! Follow along with the season's first results night! http://bit.ly/bYrfdQ - The Latest From Claudette Rothman, AKA,Greenwich Diva Crack in the The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo had shoppers fleeing the mall - A 30-inch thick acrylic glass aquarium filled with 10 million gallons of water with more than 33,000 sea creatures, including 400 sharks, cracked early tod... Greenwich Real Time - A Team Blog Made Up Of The Third Rate Reporters At The Greenwich Time Town official: No major flooding in Greenwich - From Debra Friedman: Dan Warzoha, the town’s emergency management coordinator, said despite heavy rain Thursday, there are no significant flooding issues i... Former Greenwich Resident Rosie O'Donnell"s RBlog AskRo - Renie writes: Rosie! It is snowing cat and dogs here in Elmira! Just wanted to share. here 2 .... Greg Skidmore has the most Followers on Twitter in Greenwich, CT gregskidmore: Transitioning into the retirement "zone": http://wp.me/pJ2nk-18 - Ask the Doctor: Medical Health Articles Sinus Infection Basic Symptoms and Signs - If you're concerned right now that you may have a sinus infection there are a few symptoms to look for or to recognize that will let you know that you prob...

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02/25/10 More Greenwich Post Breaking News About GMEA

Covering the news of Greenwich, Connecticut Breaking News Greenwich Post Ace Reporter Ken Borsuk Keeps Hammering Away At The GEMA Union Scandal Union members call for criminal probe of GEMA .....Additionally, Ms. Evans said there was a total of $2,250 in American Express Gift Checks purchased with union dues and that she couldn’t find any indication of what they were used for except that they were given to “members going through a hardship.” “The board apparently took it upon itself to give gift cards to those people,” Ms. Evans said. “It was a completely arbitrary decision made in a vacuum with just the [union’s executive board]. This is a violation of our bylaws. They never came to the membership with this. My personal feeling is that this is something the majority of the entire membership would have to be comfortable with and if they were going to do this, they should have sent a letter out to everyone and gotten feedback on it. Now that this has come out, people are coming up to me and asking, ‘What about when I went through a hard time? The union didn’t help me.’” Ms. Evans also said there is a lack of transparency around distribution of money from the union’s “sunshine fund,” which was created by the executive board out of union dues to provide gifts, flowers and other morale boosters for union members sick, injured or in the hospital for surgery. Ms. Evans said some union members have gotten lavish gift baskets and others haven’t even gotten cards, leading her and others to wonder why it’s so arbitrary. Under union bylaws, GMEA dues may only be used for “operation and administration” of the union...... .....The use of union attorney Mark Santagada is also being challenged. Ms. Evans told the Post that the union owes close to $96,000, which is more than the GMEA says it has in the bank. “The entire board has been complicit in one way or another by allowing the attorney to, what I perceive to be, milking the union for every last penny,” Ms. Evans said. “There is nothing in our bylaws that says they have to call the attorney for every single question that comes up. What it looks like to me is that the board has so painted itself into a corner with this situation that they don’t want to answer any questions without calling him first. The board avoided what were innocent questions for so long and its snowballed.”..... ....On March 3, GMEA members will vote on whether to retain the current leadership or instead bring the union under the umbrella of Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA). This is not the first time union members have had this vote, but previous attempts to have GMEA join with LIUNA have failed. However this time the election is expected to be a close one. Ms. Evans has been a vocal proponent of having GMEA become a part of LIUNA and also accuses the current union leadership of improperly using dues money to fund mailings speaking out against LIUNA..... Yesterday Greenwich Roundup Filed This Report 02/23/10 Wheres The Greenwich Time? Greenwich Post Breaking News - The Greenwich Police Department Det. Mark Marino Is Investigating GEMA .....It Looks Like Greenwich Time Reporter Niel Vigdor Got "Nervous In The Service" Vigdor Is Once Again Asleep At The Switch He Hasn't Reported On GEMA For Over Two Weeks Maybe Hearst Newspapers Should Turn The Story Back Over To Reporter Frank MacEachern Well When Greenwich Roundup Types The Greenwich Time Listens And Comes Out With This Story Today GMEA members claim union is broke By Neil Vigdor, Staff Writer A week away from a critical vote on the future of the largest town employee union, a group of its members claims the bargaining unit is drowning in a sea of debt. In a Feb. 18 letter to fellow members of the Greenwich Municipal Employees Association, Jenny Colucci, Melissa Evans, Kari Fuscaldo and Lisa Willis allege that the union has $96,000 in outstanding legal bills and only $65,000 in the bank. Dubbing themselves "GMEA Members for a Change," the letter writers are trying to sway a majority of the group's 429 administrative assistants clerks and public service workers to join the ranks of the Laborers' International Union of North America Local 136. A vote on whether to keep GMEA intact or disband the union, an all-or-nothing proposition, is scheduled for next Wednesday. "The bottom line is, WE ARE BROKE!" the letter said..... Rosalie Mastropaolo, GMEA's President Of Five Years Is Afraid To Talk To Hard Hitting Ace Greenwich Time Reporter Ken Borsuk, But She Will Blab On And On To Lightweight Greenwich Time Reporter Niel Vigdor, Notice How Vigdor Never Challenges The Union Boss With Tough Questions ...."I think it's deplorable that it has been taken to this level," Mastropaolo said.... ....Among the expenditures called into question by GMEA members to police and in the recent letter is a July 2007 check in the amount of $1,392 for Mastropaolo to attend a class at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield. Mastropaolo defended the expenditure, saying that she went to a two-night-per-week business law course for six weeks that summer to prepare herself for labor disputes. "I took it because we were between lawyers," Mastropaolo said. "I checked with the board and they thought it would be a good idea if I took it." Mastropaolo characterized her attendance as a personal sacrifice. "I gave up my party time," she said..... .....Mastropaolo insisted that she has done nothing wrong. "We didn't steal any money," she said. .... .....While she has no plans to resign, Mastropaolo said it has long been her intention not to seek re-election as president. "We can reshape the union," she said. "Apparently, the members, they want to be more a part of it. They want the board to be more transparent, and that's possible. (But) we never hid anything from anyone."...

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02/25/10 Tonight's Greenwich Board Of Education Meeting is Canceled

Tonight's Board of Education Meeting (2/25/10) has been canceled. The
agenda items will be moved to the 3/11/10 Board Work Session.

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

www.greenwichschools.org

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

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02/24/10 Greenwich Time Editor David McCumber Continues To Keep His Word To The Retired Men's Associaton Members Who Grilled Him At The YMCA

The New And Improved Greenwich Time

Hearst Newspaper Editor David McCumber Has Once Again Responded To Greenwich Retired Men's Association Member Complaints About How Poorly The Greenwich Time Covered Town Meetings

Planning And Zoning Members Were Shocked As A Greenwich Time Reporter Stays For The Entire Meeting And Even Questioned Planning And Zoning Chairman Donald Heller After The Meeting

Previous Greenwich Time Reporters Like Niel Vigdor Rarely Showed Up For Planning And Zoning Meetings, And If They Showed Up They On Stayed Briefly For One High Profile Application

However This Time, Greenwich Time Reporter Frank MacEachern Sat Down With A Full P And Z Press Packet At His Side Furiously Typing on A Laptop On His Lap

Russian multi-millionaire's renovation plan gets nod
By Frank MacEachern, Staff Writer

After two years of controversy, a wealthy Russian couple have overcome opposition to their plans for their 18 Simmons Lane estate.

The Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday approved Olga and Valery Kogan's plan to renovate their 19,000-square-foot home.

Last May, citing neighborhood opposition, Olga Kogan abandoned efforts to tear down the home and build a new 21,127-square-foot residence with 15 bathrooms.

The commission approved that plan last March after it had been scaled down from one for a 27,000-square-foot mansion with 26 bathrooms.

Valery Kogan is chairman of the East Line Group, which manages Moscow's Domodedovo International Airport.....

Greenwich Time Reporter Frank MacEachern Did A Much Better Job Than Niel Vigdor Of Covering All Of The Business Before The Planning And Zoning Board

.....a public hearing aired differing viewpoints on proposed zoning changes to ensure business zones didn't become the preserve of banks, and real estate and insurance firms.

The commission is considering adding special permits to some zoning applications as a way to control development by banks, for example. The permits would allow the commission to consider other issues, such as traffic, before giving a proposal its approval.

Peter Lauridsen, a Realtor and principal of Greenwich Land Co., argued special permits would only increase the cost of doing business by lengthening the zoning approval process.

However, Chris Canavan, president of Greenwich Automotive Services at 111 W. Putnam Ave., said special permits are "a way you preserve the character of the town."....

Frank MacEachern Makes Greenwich Residents Feel Like They Are Sitting In The Middle Of The Bi-Monthly Pand Z Meeting

.....a hint briefly surfaced that a review of a portion of renovations at Luca's of Greenwich restaurant at 35 Church St. could be a hot topic at the March 9 commission meeting.

It was on the agenda Tuesday because of the possibility of issuing a stop work order due to concerns about the building's structure.

However, the commission was told that the town's Building Department determined work could proceed.

Jane Hogeman, the lawyer representing residents at 20 Church St. across the street from Luca's, was stymied when she tried to raise questions about other parts of the building -- such as its exterior -- only to be told those questions had to wait for the March 9 meeting.....

.....The plan to turn the site of the former Cos Cob Power Plant into a recreation area was also briefly addressed. It is to be taken up on March 9.....

....The commission granted an extension of a coastal site plan for Joseph Zaffino at 48 Loughlin Ave.....

....The commission approved a final site plan and special permit to convert a storage area at 165 Mason St. into a penthouse and fitness center for tenants only.....

Then Greenwich Time Reporter Frank MacEachern Filed A Second Report From The Planning And Zoning Meeting

Marina and club expansion withdrawn after opposition
By Frank MacEachern, Staff Writer

Faced with a skeptical zoning commission, Rick Kral has withdrawn his proposed expansion of his Cos Cob-based marina and private club.

But he vowed Wednesday to submit a new application this year.

"We are going to regroup and come back with something else," he said. "We're not giving up."
Kral owns Beacon Point Marina and Greenwich Water Club, located at 49 River Road. Kral wanted to redevelop his current site as well as expand to a nearby property.

The site is in the waterfront business zone, where zoning rules require most of the activities to be primarily water-related, such as slips or services for boats and the rowing club there now......

This Is Better Than Twitter:

Greenwich Time Reporter Niel Vigdor Only Used To Give A Two Day Old Staff Summary Of The Planning And Zoning Meeting

While Greenwich Time Reporter Frank MacEachern Gave A Blow By Blow Up To The Minute Description Of The Procceedings From His Laptop

...."You were going west and a lot of people were going east," said Chairman Donald Heller about Kral's attempts to resolve questions about his plan.....

.....Commissioner Richard Maitland didn't believe there was enough parking in the plan.

Local residents were also opposed to the expansion because of concerns about traffic.

Late in the meeting, Peter Lowe and Sean Goldrick, parents whose children have rowed at the club, harshly criticized the rowing program offered at Kral's business.

Lowe accused Kral of running a for-profit program and hiking the registration that rowers pay by about 60 percent in three years, from $880 in 2006 to $1,350 last year.....

....Goldrick joined in that criticism and said Kral's claim that he made no money on the rowing program was "balderdash."

With the two men sitting with their arms crossed several rows behind him, and occasionally shaking their heads....

PLEASE SEE:

02/23/10 Hearst Newspaper Editor David McCumber Jumps On Frank MacEachern Butt After He Gets Grilled At The Retired Mens Association Meeting Last Week

02/17/10 Hearst Newspaper Editor David McCumber Says The Greenwich Time Will Move Back Downtown In 2010

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