05/10/12 OP Ed: Don't Delay Byram Pool..... Delay MISA Funding Until We Know More

There are four powerful reasons for the RTM to vote to postpone the building of the Music Instructional Space and Auditorium project at Greenwich High School, commonly known as MISA, specifically:

1. There is little support for the escalating price tag that this project is costing taxpayers. The latest estimate by the MISA Building Committee is $37 million. There are many who are familiar with the project who privately believe that this project will cost at least $50 million by the time it is completed. While individuals in town may support the concept of MISA there are many who do not support the escalating costs.

2. The proposed town budget for Fiscal Year 2012-13, with a 2.75 mill rate increase, does not guarantee a low tax increase in future fiscal years because of the remediation of MISA and the GHS fields. While those on the Board of Education and other MISA proponents wish to separate MISA from the remediation of the GHS fields, the fact of the matter is that both are intertwined. The unknown remediation costs for the GHS fields will definitely have an impact on future mill rates and additional capital projects. According to the Board of Ed, a more definitive idea of costs with respect to the remediation should become better known in the fall of 2012. There is simply no "downside" to the RTM waiting until these costs are known before approving MISA. The $7 million reserve for cleanup may not be enough, especially now that groundwater contamination has been found.

3. RTM approval is not needed in May for Greenwich to be eligible for the maximum amount of state reimbursement. The reduction in reimbursement that the Board of Ed claims is imminent did not make it into the last proposed legislation and is unlikely to be so for FY 2012-13. There is also a question as to whether the expense of the auditorium is eligible for reimbursement. Either way, the reimbursement amount ($1 million to $4 million, depending on who on the Board of Ed you speak to) does not justify the proposed expenditure and cost overruns that are contemplated by MISA.

4. The BET conditions on their approval of any spending with respect to MISA are not "set in stone" and can be waived or eliminated by the BET without any review by the RTM or other government entity, so there is no guarantee of any such condition being met.

Here are the facts underlying each of these issues:

The Board of Ed has not considered other options with respect to the design of the auditorium and classroom space. They have consistently pointed to "historical errors of the 1969 high school construction" in justifying the cost of MISA. It is great that music enrollment is thriving. There should be improvements to the music space and auditorium. However, Greenwich taxpayers are simply being told by the Board of Ed that this is the best and only option while the board refuses to explore other ideas and designs. This is irresponsible and does not make sense given the additional expenses faced by the need for environmental remediation.

Contrary to the Board of Ed's contention that MISA is not a "money pit," the fact of the matter is that it is quickly becoming one. While the Building Committee has identified and estimated environmental costs related to its construction there has not yet been final sign off by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Without approval by these agencies the Board of Ed cannot say that the environmental remediation and containment that they are proposing will be the best estimate of costs. One "solution" is to build a cofferdam, at an estimated cost of $700,000, to keep contaminated groundwater from the orchestra pit. Without knowing the full impact on the costs, why would anyone on the RTM vote to approve this project?

Taxpayers should understand that while the proposed budget by the BET has a mill rate increase of 2.75 percent for next year that includes MISA it also assumes the postponement of other projects, such as fire protection on King Street, changes to the Holly Hill Transfer Station, the Byram Pool and an upgrade of the police radio communication system. Yet there is no guarantee that these projects will be postponed. Without postponement the 2.75 percent mill rate increase will be a thing of the past.

The RTM's deferral of MISA to at least October of 2012 will not add significant costs to MISA. Even the Board of Ed admits that the bidding environment remains very competitive. Again, there is no "downside" to delaying approval of funds for MISA.

RTM members should vote to postpone MISA and eliminate the $12 million and associated costs earmarked for MISA in the proposed 2012-13 budget until the financial impact of this project plus the remediation of the GHS fields are known.

Karen Fassuliotis is a Greenwich resident and former RTM member.

05/04/12 Byram Bike Recovered

Jonathan Nunez, 18, of 39 Central Ave., Apt. 1, Port Chester, N.Y., was charged Sunday with sixth-degree larceny.

Police responded to the area of 318 Hamilton Ave. after they received a report of a male teenager walking through a yard, police said.

The reporting party told police he saw that a bicycle was missing from the area, and investigation revealed Nunez decided to take the bike and ride it to Armstrong Court, police said.

Nunez posted $100 bond and is scheduled to appear in state Superior Court in Stamford May 7.

04/30/12 Byram Home Invasion Case Nets 8-Year Jail Term

PHOTO:  Wicky Guy Austin McGhee, 46, of Bridgeport, who was arrested in 2008 in connection with a Greenwich home invasion and a string of thefts from parked cars during the summer of 2009, was sentenced last month at state Superior Court in Stamford to a total of eight years in jail. (Police Contributed Photo)

A Bridgeport man arrested last year in connection with a Greenwich home invasion and a string thefts from parked cars during the summer of 2009 was sentenced at state Superior Court in Stamford to a total of eight years in jail.

Wicky Guy Austin McGhee, 46, of Bridgeport, was arrested in June 2011 along with Thomas Haywood, of New Rochelle, N.Y., after police said they used a crowbar to break into a Buena Vista Drive home.

McGhee, who has three Greenwich-related court files, was also charged last year with 11 counts of third-degree burglary and one count of fourth-degree larceny for the 2009 thefts.

McGhee will serve two five-year and one eight-year jail terms concurrently and will face 10 years of special parole following his release.

Following the June home invasion, Haywood and McGhee fled the home after the homeowner dialed 911 and screamed at the intruders from a second-floor stairwell, police said.

A break in the case occurred when the officer noticed an unlocked, unfamiliar Mercedes-Benz in an area of the town's Byram section that had been a hot spot for motor vehicle burglaries, police said at the time. The car's operator returned to the area but fled when he saw police.

Police said officers saw a crowbar in plain view inside the car and executed a search warrant. Evidence taken from the vehicle helped linked the suspects to the break in, police said; they also used video from the Buena Vista Drive home to help identify the suspects.

04/28/12 Greenwich siblings charged after fight

Two Greenwich siblings were charged with disorderly conduct Friday after they got in a fight at their 20 Chestnut St. apartment, police said.

Latasha Parris, 23, and Raynard A. Parris, 26, got into an argument over money that escalated to blows, police said.

Latasha poked her brother in the eye with her finger, her brother shoved her back, and then Latasha punched him in the face, and he again shoved her, police said.

Both siblings were pushing each other and swearing at each other, police said.

04/17/12 Byram Master Plan Approved

Tonight the Planning and Zoning Commission  adopted the Byram Master Plan, a blueprint for development in the community, including creation of waterfront access, traffic and parking improvements.

04/09/12 Byram Park Signs Are Less Than Desirable

Dear Editor,

Who is In charge of the ugly signage at Byram Park.

Byram Park features an array of unattractive, handmade signs with white-stenciled letters on red backgrounds.

 Is there is no budget for signs or a commitment to aesthetics in our park?

Name Withheld

02/23/12 Spaghetti Dinner At New Lebanon School In Byram

The New Lebanon School PTA will host its annual Spaghetti Dinner tomorrow, March 24, from 5 to 8 p.m., at New Lebanon School, 25 Mead Ave.

The evening will include a Pick-a-Prize drawing, two silent auctions and food from Burning Tree Country Club Chef and New Lebanon parent Michael Aguilar.

Cost is $12 adults, $5 children (ages 4-12) and seniors.

Limited seating.

First come, first served.

03/18/12 McKinney Terrace: Byram senior housing complex unveils refreshed, renovated space

PHOTO: From left, Paul Settelmeyer, distric 2 representative town meeting; U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn.; Bernadette Settelmeyer, commissioner of the housing authority; and Tony Johnson, executive director of Greenwich housing authority, at the grand opening ribbon cutting event of the reading room at McKinney Terrace, an affordable senior housing development

Reading room debuts at McKinney Terrace

Marie Lomiento has walked the halls of Byram's McKinney Terrace for nearly a quarter of a century, and now the 88-year-old woman has a new, quiet place to rest her legs.
Lomiento, who has lived in the McKinney Terrace senior housing complex -- formerly Byram School -- since it opened in 1988, was one of a couple dozen seniors, along with U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., on hand Sunday afternoon for the grand opening of the complex's new reading room.

"I love it," Lomiento said, smiling. "It's very pleasant."

Inside the welcoming room, which has polished hardwood floors, soft orange light falls onto powder blue and cream-colored walls. A comfortable leather couch rests in one corner of the space, and a few padded chairs sit on the opposite side of the room.

At the end of the reading room is a large window that looks out upon a set of old stone steps that no longer lead to a door.

Tony Johnson, executive director of the Greenwich Housing Authority, said the steps once led to the entrance of the Byram School building -- where the reading room is situated.
Until a few months ago, before renovation of the room began, the space had mostly been used for storage, Johnson said.

Read more: http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/Reading-room-debuts-at-McKinney-Terrace-3416597.php#ixzz1pvtHR1f8

02/29/12 VIEW: Approve Byram Pool planning funds

To the editor:

This letter is about the urgent need for a decent municipal swimming pool, a need that has been apparent for years. To be sure, there now is a pool in Byram, but it is shabby, accommodates only 40 in a town of 61,000, leaks water, and lacks adequate, sanitary restrooms.

Greenwich is the richest town in Connecticut and one of the richest towns in the United States. In the case of the swimming pool, a public-private partnership holds the promise of raising something like half of the needed funds from private sources. How can it be, then, that we don't yet have an acceptable modern facility? How could this disgraceful situation have been allowed to persist? How can it be that, at this late date, there appears to be opposition within the BET to approving funding for design work for a new pool, funding that has the support of the first selectman, who is not known as a big spender?

Well, no one will say that they oppose building a new pool. Yet there are ways of voicing support for a project, while actually standing in the way of its execution: "It's a great idea, but we can't afford it; it's a great idea, but the timing isn't right; it's a great idea, but we need more facts," etc. Some BET members seem to be masters of these lines of reasoning.

The new pool would be located in the most densely populated part of town, in the western part where people need it the most. As an additional benefit, it would take pressure off Tod's Point and relieve traffic congestion in Old Greenwich during the summer months. With private sources ready to pay for something like half and perhaps even more toward the project, how can anyone still stand in the way?

Message to BET: Get on with it!

Gerald A. Pollack
Old Greenwich

02/27/12 GREENWICH TIME: Budget architects balk at $150K for Byram pool

Architects of the town's budget publicly balked at a $150,000 request Monday for the design of a new community pool in Byram, saying that the scope and overall cost of the public-private project need to be fleshed out first.

The Board of Estimate and Taxation Budget Committee shared its concerns about what it characterized as a lack of details about the project with key supporters of the pool initiative, led by the Junior League of Greenwich, during a Town Hall briefing.

Given the finite amount of taxpayer dollars for capital projects and unforeseen soil contamination at Greenwich High School that could cost millions to clean up, committee members said they cannot go forward with funding for the pool design in the near term.

"It sends the wrong signal to the town at this time," said Joseph Pellegrino, the committee's chairman....

Read more: http://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/Budget-architects-balk-at-150K-for-Byram-pool-3364418.php#ixzz1nrBTSTlD

02/26/12 GREENWICH TIME: Farricker calls on Dems to side with Tesei on pool money

In a rare moment of consensus between two political nemeses, Democratic Town Committee Chairman Frank Farricker is calling on members of his party to support Republican First Selectman Peter Tesei's proposed budget so a languishing community pool project in Byram won't sink.

During an interview with Greenwich Time, Farricker said that a $150,000 earmark for the pool's design is encountering some pushback by fellow Democrats who serve on the Board of Estimate and Taxation.

"I hope they support Peter Tesei, who put it into the (capital plan) with the intention that it will be funded," Farricker said.

The money will pay for architectural and engineering plans to replace an existing pool in Byram Park, which some estimates have put the price tag at $7 million, a cost that the project's supporters such as the Junior League of Greenwich are seeking to defray through private donations....

Read more: http://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/Farricker-calls-on-Dems-to-side-with-Tesei-on-3361403.php#ixzz1nrDxj07G

02/26/12 Byram Neighborhood Association Meeting Tomorrow (Mon, Feb 27)

The BNA meeting agenda, could be important with discussions about making New Lebanon Avenue one-way.

BYRAM NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MEETING

Feb. 27, 2012 7pm

ST PAUL’S FELLOWSHIP HALL

286 DELAVAN AVENUE

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

MEETING AGENDA

7 pm Welcome and Reading of Last Meeting Minutes

7:05 Announcements and Updates

7:10 Report from Greenwich Police Dept.

7:20 Executive Board Elections

7:30 Strazza Field Proposal, Byram Master Plan Updates

7:40 New Lebanon Avenue Proposal (proposal to make a “One Way”) discussion, position vote

8:10 South Water ST pump Station update proposal to correct Flooding Issues)

8:15 Scheduling of next meeting

8:20 Adjournment

**Agenda subject to change**

02/24/12 Rabbi Mitch's Weekly Teaching

Weekly Teaching By Rabbi Mitchell M. Hurvitz rabbimitch@templesholom.com
AIPAC POLICY CONFERENCE March 4th - 6th, 2012 Washington, DC The annual AIPAC Policy Conference is the largest gathering of the pro-Israel movement. Thousands of participants come from all 50 states to take part in three of the most important days affecting Israel's future. The 2012 conference will be held March 4-6, 2012, in Washington, D.C. Thousands have already registered, don't miss out on this truly remarkable experience to be in our nation's capital with thousands of fellow pro-Israel supporters. Confirmed Speakers: President of the United States Barack Obama Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Israeli President Shimon Peres Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) Senator Carl Levin (D-MI) Senator Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) For more information and to register, visit www.AIPAC.org.
Dear Friends: I hope you will enjoy this beautiful and meaningful reflection on our Sholom Center Misson trip to Israel, written by Alma Rutgers, which was printed in a recent edition of the Greenwich Time. Shabbat shalom -- with peace and blessings -- -- Rabbi Mitch Weekly Teaching Parashat Terumah Friday, February 24th, 2012 Tel Aviv, Israel -- There are forty-eight of us traversing the Land of Israel, including eight children. We are Jews and Christians on a trip organized by the Sholom Center for Interfaith Learning and Fellowship. The center was co-founded two years ago by Temple Sholom's Rabbi Mitchell "Mitch" Hurvitz and the Reverend Jim Lemler of Christ Church. It is intended to expand opportunities for those of all faiths to learn, study and socialize in meaningful ways. Rabbi Mitch describes this trip as an opportunity for Christians and Jews to share each other's narratives. This anchors us in our own faith, while leading to an appreciation of the other. We are each on our own path as we "climb God's Holy Mountain," says Rabbi Mitch. "We can help one another if we stumble." The Reverend Lemler says that, from his Christian perspective, an interfaith trip is more powerful than a purely Christian Holy Land trip. It provides greater depth and helps non-Jews understand the complexity of the issues Israel faces. It's his hope the center will make this interfaith experience more widely available in the Greenwich community. A high point in our shared experience was Natalie Lilien's Bat Mitzvah at Masada. By becoming Bat Mitzvah, Natalie strengthened the long chain of Jewish continuity in a setting where that chain could have been broken nearly 2,000 years ago when the Romans crushed the Jewish revolt. Inspired, I began my column at the spa where we stopped for lunch and a swim following the Bat Mitzvah, before we left the Judean Desert for the Galilee. As I wrote, I looked across the still, mineral-laden, salt-heavy Dead Sea toward the Jordanian shore. This body of water, at 1,368 feet below sea level, is the lowest point on Earth. The next morning, continuing to write, I watched a sunrise over the gently lapping waters of Lake Kinneret, Israel's only natural freshwater lake and a major water source, also known as the Sea of Galilee. Now finishing my column, I watch the waters of the Mediterranean break in crashing white waves on the sandy beach below. The sea, in ever-changing shades of green and blue-gray, meets a cloudy sky at the distant horizon. This is the view from my room in the Tel Aviv hotel where we are staying on the last leg of this 10-day journey. I marvel at the diversity of terrain in this tiny land, barely larger than New Jersey. From the lowest point on Earth to snow-capped mountain peaks, from the Negev Desert to the fertile Jezreel Valley and the Galilee's lush green, from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, this Promised Land is a special land. Over the centuries, millions of Christians have flocked here because it's the land of Jesus. One can follow the Christian messiah, or Christ, from cradle to grave. The word "Christ" is simply the Greek translation of the Hebrew "moshiach," or anointed one, which refers to an anointed king. Jews, on the other hand, are drawn to this land because it's our ancestral homeland, promised by God to Abraham and Abraham's progeny. This eternal homeland is at the core of the Jewish experience across the millennia. The land cannot be separated from the people. We began our travels together, as Jews and Christians, in Jerusalem experiencing Shabbat at the Western Wall. We toured the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which marks the place of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. The Reverend Lemler offered an ecumenical prayer, invoking light, life and compassion. We recited Havdalah at the close of Shabbat, standing in a circle and singing "Elijah the Prophet," arms around one another. We went to Bethlehem where the Church of the Nativity marks Jesus' birthplace and to Nazareth, where the Church of the Annunciation commemorates the story of Jesus' miraculous conception. At Capernaum and the Mount of the Beatitudes, we encountered the Jewish Jesus in his original setting and reflected on our common Jewish roots. I'm thinking, perhaps in some small way, interfaith endeavors like this can help realize Isaiah's prophetic vision in which nation shall no longer lift up sword against nation, nor learn war any more. But then I remember I'm in the Middle East, and the vision slips away. Alma Rutgers has served in Greenwich town government for the past 25 years. Her blog is at http://blog.ctnews.com/rutgers/.
Temple Sholom 300 E. Putnam Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830 203-869-7191

02/18/12 Byram man still questions cell tower decision

Even with the backing of the town's four-member legislative delegation, a Byram man opposed to a new cell tower overlooking his home is fighting an uphill battle.

John Bowman, who bitterly opposed Verizon's application to erect a 77-foot cell tower at 36 Ritch Ave. W., last month enlisted state reps. Lile Gibbons, R-150th District, Livvy Floren, R-149th District, Alfred Camillo, R-151st District, and state Sen. L. Scott Frantz, R-36th District, to write state Attorney General George Jepsen in opposition to the tower.

Jespsen's response was not positive. In a letter to the legislators dated Jan. 19, Jepsen said he does not have authority over the Connecticut Siting Council, which approved the project in August.

Read more: http://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/Byram-man-still-questions-cell-tower-decision-3340396.php#ixzz1nBov039n

02/13/12 Seven vehicle pileup among icy traffic chaos in Byram

A small amount of snow quickly turned to ice Sunday night, causing traffic chaos around Byram, including a seven-vehicle crash on West Putnam Avenue around 6 p.m.

A Connecticut Transit bus involved in the accident sideswiped an older-model Mercedes-Benz 300 and pinned it against the curb. A newer-model BMW 535 struck the rear left of the bus.

The multi-vehicle accident occurred in the westbound lanes at the intersection with Byram Terrace less than a quarter mile from the New York State line.

The snow was around 5:30 and it turned to ice.

The vehicles sustained generally minor damage, however, a few vehicles had to be towed.

Police closed down westbound traffic at West Putnam Avenue at East Weaver Street until a town salt truck could be brought to the scene. A police cruiser led the way for the truck through congested traffic to put salt on the road. The salt melted the ice quickly, and police let westbound traffic through around 7:30 p.m.

02/12/12 Police: Drunken Byram man asleep behind wheel

Juan M. Loja, 35, of 180 N. Water St., was charged Saturday with drunken driving and driving without a license.

Police found Loja asleep, slumped over the steering wheel of his running vehicle on Sherman Avenue Saturday evening, police said.

Loja refused field sobriety tests but used the vehicle to maintain his balance, police said.
A background check revealed that Loja had an expired New York state license and prior DWI arrests in Westchester County, N.Y., police said.

He was issued $5,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in state Superior Court in Stamford Feb. 27.

02/11/12 Greenwich police blotter: Man charged with drunken driving in Byram

Walter Vasquez, 38, of 87 Inwood Ave., Port Chester, N.Y., was charged Friday with operation while under the influence, failure to drive in the proper lane and improper signal for a turn.

Police spotted a red Acura Legend with New York license plates traveling on West Putnam Avenue between the state line and Byram Terrace Drive. The car drifted to the right and turned left onto Byram Terrace Drive without signaling, police said. The car then turned onto Weaver Street and swerved to prevent striking a pedestrian crosswalk sign at a crosswalk in front of Family Centers Gateway Preschool, police said.

Vasquez had red, bloodshot eyes and admitted to having a few drinks, police said. He failed field sobriety tests, police said.

Vasquez posted $250 bond and is scheduled to appear in state Superior Court in Stamford Feb. 24.

02/10/12 Limited funds for Byram pool

With the first selectman's support for a new Byram pool in hand, the ball is now in the Junior League's court.

In his capital budget presented to the Board of Estimate and Taxation this week, First Selectman Peter Tesei included $150,000 to design a new pool to replace the dilapidated one in Byram Park. We applaud that decision, although there's no saying whether or not that money will stay as the proposal moves through the budget process.

A new pool in Byram has been a priority of the Junior League of Greenwich for several years now. Members have long said they hope to fund the project through a public-private partnership. Pool supporters this week said raising private funds would be difficult without Mr. Tesei's backing....

Read more: http://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/Limited-funds-for-Byram-pool-3251585.php#ixzz1nBrMnhr3

02/08/12 Join Temple Sholom for a Congregational Shabbat Dinner - March 9th, 2012

Join Temple Sholom for a special Congregational Shabbat Service and Dinner March 9th, 2012 at 6:30pm

Temple Sholom 300 E. Putnam Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830 (203) 869-7172 www.templesholom.com

This email was sent to byramroundup@gmail.com by lori.baden@templesholom.com | Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Temple Sholom | 300 East Putnam Avenue | Greenwich | CT | 06830

10/14/11 Sterling Care Press Release About The Closing Of VNHC In Stamford - Greenwich Based Company Offers Assistance To The Byram's Seniors

Thank you again so much for all of your assistance in helping to promote a local business that really cares for the health and welfare of our local residents and is hiring locally as we grow.

With kind regards.

Steven B. Katz

President

Sterling Care LLC

203 532-0500

www.sterlingcare.com

P Please consider the environment before printing.

Press Contact: Steven Katz

Sterling Care: 203-930-7098

E-Mail: steve.katz@sterlingcare.com

Sterling Care Provides An Alternative Local Choice For Medicare Part A and B Clients Who Wish To Transfer Agencies From the Closing Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care in Stamford

Greenwich, Conn.—October 11, 2011— Sterling Care (www.sterlingcare.com), the only full service holistic home health care company based in Greenwich, is providing an alternative choice for people who wish to change their home care provider to a locally owned and operated home health care agency due to the closing of Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care of Southwestern Connecticut in Stamford.

“With the closing of VNHC in Stamford, their patients have a choice to select their homecare provider and do not have to stay with the large Wallingford based agency that is taking over their client base” said Steve Katz, Sterling Care’s president and founder. Katz noted that “Sterling Care is a Greenwich owned and operated company that is very personable and understands the demanding needs of our local clientele. Our mission is to deliver the highest level of care while respecting the privacy and dignity of our clients and their families. Our services can be requested by calling us directly at 203-532-0500 or by requesting us as your home care provider with your hospital or facility discharge planner.”

“Sterling Care is different than other home health care agencies in three distinct ways.” Katz said, “First we are a one stop shop providing both medical and non-medical care to our clients including Medicare Part A and B and private pay services. This allows our clients to use us for their Medicare case as well as any additional medical or non-medical private pay services that they may need without having to go to another agency. Many of our private pay services are reimbursable by a client’s insurance. Second, we care for all members of a family throughout their health care life cycle events so we see each client and their family not as a single shot episode of care but as a potential long term client who we develop an ongoing relationship with and go the extra mile for in providing services and support. Lastly, our unique holistic approach has us assess and treat a client’s body, mind and spirit to provide the best medical outcomes and the highest quality of life.”

About Sterling Care

Sterling Care is the only locally owned and operated full service licensed home health care agency based in Greenwich, Conn. serving the Town of Greenwich and all of the cities and towns in lower Fairfield County. The agency is fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission For Health Care, Inc. Sterling Care provides personalized in-home non-medical care and medical care, including visiting nurse services, for seniors with Medicare Part A and B as well as private pay seniors, adults and children who need assistance while recovering from surgery or an illness and people with special needs. The agency also provides geriatric care management as well as baby attendant care for infants and their moms.

Sterling Care approaches home health care from a holistic mind, body and spirit perspective. Its staff undergoes rigorous initial and ongoing training in patient safety and physical care, communication skills, hospitality, homemaking, meal preparation, feeding and a variety of mental and spiritual activities. Sterling Care offers a free initial assessment in preparation of an individualized Plan of Care.

The Sterling Care office is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information please telephone 203-532-0500, send e-mail to info@sterlingcare.com or visit www.sterlingcare.com.

PLEASE SEE:

10/12/11 YOU WONT READ THIS IN THE GREENWICH TIME: Town Seniors To Suffer As Visiting Nurse Service Shuts Down

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

10/13/11 The Raw Byram News Feed

News Reports About Byram, CT

BOE hopefuls address test scores, racial balance Greenwich Time Michael Bocchino, co-president of the New Lebanon School PTA, moderates the Board of Education candidates forum at the school in Byram Wednesday night, Oct. 12, 2011..... Democratic Board of Education ...

GPS Didn't Help Locate Boulders Patch.com According to Greenwich Police Officer Ernest Mulhern, the driver was ticketed for distracted driving - an offense which carries a $125 fine - following the 6:48 pm crash near 37 Caroline Pl. The road, which parallels the Byram River. ...

Patch Picks: Yoga for Locals Patch.com Kaia Yoga (328 Pemberwick Rd. at The Mill, Greenwich): Tucked between "the strength of the forest and the flow of the Byram River," Kaia's flagship Greenwich location offers an inviting atmosphere for Savasanas, with dozens of classes and workshops in ...

10/13/11 10/12/11 YOU WONT READ THIS IN THE GREENWICH TIME: Byram Seniors To Suffer As Visiting Nurse Service Shuts Down

The Town Of Greenwich seems to be unaware that the Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care of Southwestern Connecticut plans is shut down and turning over the town patients to a Wallingford Visiting Nurse Service by late November.

Greenwich seniors who need home health care will no longer serviced by the Stamford-based agency that has operated in Fairfield County since 1912.

The Visiting Nurse service provided hundreds town seniors with nursing and home health aide services, as well as physical, speech and occupational therapy and social work services.

The Visiting Nurse agency employs more than 130 full-time and per-diem employees, many of whom are dispatched daily to assist Greenwich seniors.

At the very least, the Greenwich Department of Social services should oversee and monitor the transition and transfer of town patients from VNHC's care to Masonicare Home Health of Wallingford,

Or better yet, the Greenwich Department of Social services should locate other local agencies to ensure quality of care is maintained for Greenwich Seniors.

VNHC management and employees seem to be more interested in gaining employment with Wallingford based Masonicare instead of finding Greenwich seniors locally based care.

Some local home health aids have told Greenwich Roundup that Masonicare is a bureaucratic nightmare that employs 2,500 people statewide, including 1,200 in its home care division alone.

A VNHC-Masonicare Advisory Board is being established in the coming weeks to prepare Masonicare for the flood of hundreds of VNHC patients including patients from the Richard C. Rosenthal Hospice for terminally ill patients.

Letters notifying Greenwich patients about the decision were sent out this week.

The letters also provided additional information on making a choice between Masonicare or another health or hospice provider if necessary.

But Greenwich seniors need more information and help in transferring to smaller and more local home health services.

The effect on the great majority of Greenwich VNHC patients who receive home health care and hospice care is expected to be horribly disruptive if they are care for out of Wallingford.

The Town of Greenwich Social Services Department should step in to assist Greenwich seniors in finding a local area health or hospice provider.

Calls from Greenwich Roundup to the state Department of Health regarding the proposed closure were not returned as of press time tonight.

Greenwich VNHC nurses carry a caseload of 20 to 25 patients each week, and are responsible for balancing their group's treatment needs.

Greenwich Roundup believes the arrangement with Masonicare will provide Greenwich seniors less control over the type of care they are given.

Will social workers or family members have to go up to the Wallingford corporate offices to complain?

Just how reliable will home health care be in Greenwich when it is dispatched out of Wallingford?

Greenwich seniors would be served by a local visiting nurse service, but no one in the town seems to be prepared to help them make the transfer.

Greenwich Roundup says, something needs to be done now to help the towns seniors who are being ignored and taken advantage of.

Does the town even maintain a list of local home health agencies?

If anyone knows of a local area home health agency that help Greenwich seniors please send the information to GreenwichRoundup@gmail.com

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

10/07/11 The Raw Byram News Feed

A News Report About Byram, CT

Ex-wife testifies in attempted murder trial Greenwich Time Byram resident Michael Parrotta is facing attempted murder and first-degree assault charges for allegedly stabbing his wife with a screwdriver in April 2009. Photo: Contributed Photo / CT STAMFORD -- The ex-wife of a Greenwich man accused of stabbing ...

10/02/11 The Raw Byram News Feed

News Reports About Byram, CT

Greenwich Open Houses: 49 Houses from $349K to $16MM Sunday, Oct. 2nd Patch.com By Mark Pruner We have 49 open houses in Greenwich, Old Greenwich, Cos Cob, Riverside, Glenville, Pemberwick, Byram, mid-country and backcountry Greenwich. There's one high end rental for $17500 a month in mid-country, 11 condominiums and 21 houses ...