Greetings Greenwich friends and neighbors.
Congratulations are in order for several of our Town employees. On Monday, October 24, I awarded certificates to the graduates for the 2019-2020 and 2021-2022 Leadership Institutes conducted by the Town of Greenwich Human Resources Department.
The Leadership Institute is a comprehensive supervisory training program with the goal of developing effective leaders in the Town’s many departments.
It is important to note that the program is designed not only for current supervisors and managers but, more importantly, for those employees who have the interest and potential to advance into leadership roles.
Since the program was developed 7 years ago, more than 150 Town employees have completed the program which includes more than 40 hours of classroom training.
It is a testament to the dedication of our employees who strive to provide the best service possible to our residents and their co-workers.
Leadership Institute 2019-2020
Kimberly Ambrosecchia, Parks and Recreation; Daniela Barcello, Human Resources; Shanice Becker, Planning and Zoning; Maryjoy Calinawan, Nathaniel Witherell; James Clifford, Public Works; Eliana Fioretti, Human Services; Stephen Formica, Planning and Zoning; Miguel Garcia-Colon, Byram Shubert Library; Bridget Green, Human Resources; Vanessa Harrington, Greenwich Library; Paul Hinlicky, Information Technology; Danielle Jean-Guillaume Sittol; Human Services; Matilda Kearney, Nathaniel Witherell; David Knowles, Board of Education; Gregory Kramer, Parks and Recreation; Joane Lasky, Human Resources; Joseph Laychak, Public Works; Jonatan Lizzi, Greenwich Library; Joan Lynch, Finance; Cameron Martin, Information Technology; Valerie Maze Kenney, Law; Robert Natale, Fire; Jacalyn Pruitt, Planning and Zoning; Steve Pyo, Parks and Recreation; Martha Ronaghan Mark, Finance; Nicole Roselle Smith, Nathaniel Witherell; Sgt. James Ruszkowski, Police; Frank Severo, Board of Education; Eve Sogo-an, Nathaniel Witherell; Carmen Wilczewski, Nathaniel Witherell; and Sgt. Craig Zottola; Police.
Leadership Institute 2021-2022
Michel Baptiste, Nathaniel Witherell; Martin Behm, Park and Recreation; Gregory Belicka, Parks and Recreation; Nicholas Bria, Board of Education; Ian Brown, Public Works; Sgt. Daniel Bucci, Police; Walter Burke, Parks and Recreation; Adele Calbick, Human Resources; Daniel Carlsen, Parks and Recreation; Thomas Caruso, Board of Education; Monique Christie, Human Resources; Nicholas Ciarlo, Public Works; Elizabeth Connell Adams, Greenwich Library; Kristin Donlin, Health; Harry Eldering, Public Works; Jacqueline Gjekaj, Law; Jennifer Hansen, Parks and Recreation; Edyta Jolicoeur, Purchasing; Joseph Kay, Parks and Recreation, Mary Kralick, Finance; Michael Mason, Collective Bargaining; Vincent Megale, Tax Assessor; Elizabeth Mills, Board of Education; Sgt. Kyle O'Neill, Police; Juan Paredes, Public Works; Linda Sandiaes, Human Services; Stephen Schmidt, Greenwich Library; Siobhan Schugmann, Greenwich Library; Glenn Siglinger, Nathaniel Witherell; Amanda Smith, Human Resources; Lt. Patrick Smyth, Police; Janet Stone McGuigan, Office of First Selectman; Catherine Cerreta Tynes, Greenwich Library; Sasha Vasquez, Nathaniel Witherell; and Richard Walsh, Public Works.
And congratulations to Town Attorney Barbara Schellenberg. She was named one of the top 25 women super lawyers in Connecticut by the national rating service Super Lawyers.
Town Hall elevators out of service
As of October 28, The Town Hall elevators are out of service; repairs are scheduled to take at least a week. Town departments will accommodate those who wish to visit Town Hall and require elevator use. Please call the main Town Hall phone line, 203-622-7700, to connect with the desired department and discuss how they can best accommodate your needs during this time. We apologize for this inconvenience and appreciate your patience. Updates will be posted on our website.
Informational meeting: Pemberwick Park drainage study
Following the impacts of Tropical Storm Ida, the Department of Public Works (DPW) began to review a number of areas in Town for alternatives to reduce the impacts of future storms. It was determined one of the parts of Town that required further study is the Pemberwick Park drainage area. DPW is hosting a public information meeting on November 9, at 5 p.m. in the Cone Meeting Room (2nd floor, room 210) to provide the current status of the project.
Leaf collection starts next week
A friendly reminder that the Leaf Collection Program will start November 7 to half-acre or less residential properties (building zone R-20) on public streets.
Residents are encouraged to rake early and frequently to be prepared for leaf pickup. Please rake leaves into piles at the shoulder, off the pavement of the road and avoid raking leaves into the sidewalks, catch basin grates, and open channels. Branches, sticks, or garden refuse will not be accepted. To help keep leaves under control it is recommended that leaves are placed in biodegradable bags. Plastic bags with leaves will not be collected.
Blood donation is the ultimate act of kindness. When you roll up a sleeve, you help ensure blood is available for patients whenever and wherever needed. Make an appointment to give blood with the Red Cross Saturday, November 5 at First Presbyterian Church of Greenwich, 1 West Putnam Ave. Sign up at: rcblood.org/donate and use code FPCG or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). All who come to give will be sent a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice.
COVID stats updated
Greenwich Hospital reported that as of today, October 28, there are 8 COVID-positive patients being treated. A total of 102 patients are being treated in the Yale New Haven Health system. According to the state, as of October 28, the total number of Greenwich COVID cases (since the pandemic began in March 2020) is 16,178. The number of resident deaths attributed to COVID is 127.
Family Centers also offers weekly vaccine and testing at Wilbur Peck Court, and the Connecticut Department of Health provides public mobile vaccine clinics.
Special absentee ballot voting session
The Town Clerk’s Office will offer special hours for Absentee Ballot Voting for the November 8 general election. The office will be open from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, November 5. For more information, please visit the Town Clerk’s webpage.
Pets of the week
Ralphie is in need of a forever home
Ralphie is a sweet, handsome boy at Greenwich Animal Control. He is about 1 1/2 years old and weighs 50 to 60 pounds. Ralphie is somewhat fearful, but he is gaining confidence and will continue to improve with an experienced and patient owner. Ralphie would do well in a home with a calm, confident dog to be his buddy and show him what life is like in a loving home. Please call 203-622-8299 to meet him.
Meet Chestnut, the hound dog
Chestnut is about 55 pounds and is 2-years-old. He is quiet and clean in his kennel. He rides well in the car, and would do well in a home with another dog (he lights up when another playful dog that matches his energy is around), and could even potentially live with cats. More information from Adopt-a-Dog can be found here.
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Stay safe and all the best,
Fred