From a decades-old road race to a number of traditional parades, there are plenty of events coming up on Memorial Day weekend for Greenwich residents.

SATURDAY MAY 25

10:00 A.M. Greenwich Town Party at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park.

Farmer’s Market at Horseneck Municipal Parking Lot*

(Party is sold out, but the Rock the Avenue is free and open to the public. Click here to learn more.)

SUNDAY MAY 26

2:00 P.M. Byram Veterans Association Memorial Day Parade

Downtown Byram

(203) 531-9846

5:00 P.M. Ninth District Veterans Association Memorial Day Parade

Glenville Street to Glenville Road and ending at the Fire House

(203) 532-0130

MONDAY MAY 27

8:00 A.M. American Legion, Greenwich Post 29

Memorial Day Dockside Service

Indian Harbor Yacht Club

(203) 531-0109

8:15 A.M. Threads & Treads Jim Fixx Memorial Day Run

Greenwich: 5 Mile Run, kids 1/2 Mile run

$25 race day adult, $15 race day kid.

(203) 661-0142 or visit www.threadsandtreads.com

10:00 A.M. Sound Beach Fire Department Memorial Day Parade

Old Greenwich Downtown: Sound Beach Avenue

(203) 622-3975

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Having served as Ranking Member on the Bonding Sub-Committee for seven years and being challenged to create a reasonable bonding bill which was agreeable to the majority—this year’s task was one of the most difficult I have ever faced. The legislation was crafted after four full days of testimony from all Agency Commissioners; weeks of deliberations conducted in a bipartisan manner and with my colleagues Rep. Betty Boukus (D-22), and Senators Andrea Stillman (D-20) and Michael McLachlan (R-24). Although we worked tirelessly and harmoniously on this package, the final product is something I cannot support.

The debt burden presented in this legislation is just too high a price to pay. I believe that borrowing to cover operating costs is counterproductive and it goes against basic principles of good financial management. If the bonding package does get passed, the state will be borrowing far beyond its means. Not only will this increase the amount of debt, but it will prolong the payback period to the next two generations. I do not wish to burden our children and grandchildren with more debt than they already have. If we can’t pay this money back, with interest, then we should not borrow it.

In an effort to get back on a balanced fiscal track, the state has a goal of repaying the GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) deficit, currently estimated at $1.2 billion, over a 15 year period resulting in an annual payment of $80 million. Instead of being disciplined and simply budgeting $80 million a year to pay back a debt to ourselves, the Democrats propose to borrow money and pay $27 million more in interest charges each year. Taxpayers are being asked to unnecessarily pay $186 million over the next 13 years. This is the equivalent of paying off one credit card by charging on another one.

Although I will not support this bill, there is much about it I find admirable. It takes care of deferred maintenance of state-owned properties and other real assets; it funds education—from pre-school through college with emphasis on technical training and community colleges. It also provides for affordable housing; continues a commitment to open space preservation and protection of the environment; eliminates earmarks, repairs and improves our infrastructure; and modernizes technology by upgrading and integrating programs across agencies. The money invested will increase efficiency and enhance cost effectiveness and cost savings. All of this accomplished while staying under the bond cap.

However, I cannot agree to this magnitude of additional borrowing to cover operating costs. Therefore, I will not support Senate Bill 842: An Act Authorizing and Adjusting Bonds of the State for Capital Improvements, Transportation and other Purposes.

Spurring growth, creating good-paying jobs and putting Connecticut’s residents back to work are important elements of an economic recovery.  And, while the current recession continues to be a drag on much of our country, there remain reasons to be optimistic.

For example, in Stamford there are many signs of recovery. The region has experienced positive growth with the addition of NBC Universal and NBC Sports studios. Together, they have provided more than 700 jobs. Blue Sky Studios, in Greenwich, producers of the Ice Age trilogy and Rio, have also added an impressive 500 jobs to the region.

Jack Condlin, president of the Stamford Chamber of Commerce, has always known of Stamford’s economic potential. “Stamford has seen some very positive growth in the past 12 years. We always felt that Stamford would lead the state out of recession,” Condlin said. Not only is it a driving force for economic growth, but also Stamford is leading the state with innovative and relevant education reforms that will result in major workforce development.

J.M. Wright Technical School is slated to open in the fall of 2014 with a freshmen class of 145 students and promises to provide those young people with a unique education in relevant trades needed for the growing economy. Condlin remarked, “The closing of Wright Tech was unfortunate for Stamford, but the state went through the correct process to re-open the school. Wright Tech will provide the right trades and degrees for what Stamford needs.” Wright Tech isn’t the only school to provide workforce development in Stamford.

With a growing number of television and movie studios calling Stamford home, Norwalk Community College is pairing up with Wright Tech to offer a ground-breaking program in Digital Media. Norwalk Community College’s Government and Community Relations Director, Moira Lyons commented on the vast benefits of a NCC presence in Stamford. “A campus presence in Stamford would allow stronger partnerships with the business community and deliver educational services where over 1/3 of our student population live and work. If we want to keep our young folks in Connecticut we have to provide an education that is accessible, affordable and leads to employment,” said Moira. There is also the potential for the expansion of UConn Stamford’s campus.

If passed by the General Assembly, “Next Generation Connecticut” will add a Digital Media and Design degree program at UConn’s Stamford campus. Not only will this increase workforce development in the area, but also the program would create 35 new faculty positions.

Between the creation of digital media degrees and programs and the already existing studios, I believe there is great potential for meaningful and beneficial partnerships. The increase in students will also provide profit for our small business owners in the area. The possibilities are truly endless.

I look forward to seeing our students fine tune their skills and enter Stamford’s workforce. As the age of media rapidly descends upon us, I foresee Stamford as “the hub” of the Digital Media movement.

HARTFORD — State Representatives Livvy Floren, (R-149), Stephen G. Walko (R-150), and Fred Camillo (R-151) have mixed feelings after hearing Governor Dannel P. Malloy’s budget Wednesday afternoon. The Governor announced a proposal that will increase spending to $1.8 billion or 9 percent over the next two years. The budget recommends paying about $1.8 billion toward Connecticut’s debt service in the $20.15 billion budget for fiscal year 2014. It also wants to authorize $1.5 billion in borrowing in 2014 and $1.6 billion in bonding in 2015. This brought many concerns from the Greenwich Delegation.

One of the main issues the legislative delegation had with the budget is that it raises spending in an already poor economy. The causes are noble ones, like a 1.5 billion over 10 years to assist future students through “Next Generation Connecticut” or a proposal to add $73 million for local education. However, this spending comes in the form of borrowing and pushes up against both the bonding and spending caps.

“Although I applaud the vision and innovative programs outlined by Governor Malloy—especially those for early childhood education and UConn Stamford, I just can’t make the math work,” said Rep. Floren.

“I’m concerned that the budget borrows money to pay for day to day expenses. So while the Governor’s budget seeks to help future students through ‘Next Generation Connecticut;’ this budget saddles that same generation with an overwhelming amount of debt,” stated Rep. Walko.

“I am in agreement with the Governor’s focus on developing a bioscience sector here in Connecticut that will give our state something other than the financial services on which to rely. However, I am concerned about how and who will be paying for the certain reduction in taxes he outlined in his speech. I look forward to seeing the details of these proposals as well as working with my colleagues to produce the best possible budget,” added Rep. Camillo.

The budget was presented to the State House of Representatives and State Senate in a joint convention of the legislature by Malloy. Although the budget won’t be finalized until late May or early June, both republican and democratic legislators can agree there is a lot to discuss and debate.

State Representatives Livvy Floren, (R-149), Stephen G. Walko (R-150), Fred Camillo (R-151) joined Governor Dannel P. Malloy (D) for a ceremonial ground breaking to celebrate the beginning of a long awaited construction project to renovate and improve Nathaniel Witherell.

All three members of the Greenwich delegation spoke highly of Nathaniel Witherell, citing its importance as a unique facility and an asset for the citizens of Greenwich. Each of them expressed excitement for its promising future.

“In my opinion, Nathaniel Witherell is a Greenwich treasure … a jewel in our quality of life crown. Project Renew promises to restore the facility’s luster – new leadership, realistic goals and objectives, and a revised business plan which includes more physical rehabilitation patients ensure a viable and vibrant future,” Rep. Floren stated.

Nathaniel Witherell is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, operated by the Town of Greenwich for over 100 years.

State Representative Livvy Floren (R-149) has been named to her third term as Ranking Member of the legislature’s General Bonding Sub-Committee by House Republican Leader Larry Cafero. The General Bonding Sub-Committee is responsible for all matters relating to capital bonding. For the 2013-2015 legislative session, Rep. Floren will be the highest appointed position of the Republican Party on the sub-committee.

“My main concerns moving forward are to keep debt under control and bond for the greater good. I would also like to continue along the path of keeping our seniors in their homes.” Rep. Floren said.

She also announced her legislative committee assignments for the upcoming two years. Rep. Floren will also serve on the legislature’s Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee and Aging Committee.

The Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee oversees all matters relating to finance, revenue, capital bonding, fees and taxation. The committee is also responsible for employer contributions for unemployment compensation and all matters relating to the Department of Revenue Services and the revenue aspects of the Division of Special Revenue. The Aging Committee has cognizance of all matters relating to senior citizens.

Rep. Floren took the oath of office and was sworn in by Secretary of State Denise Merrill on Wednesday afternoon in the State House Chamber. He then participated in a Joint Convention of both the House of Representatives and Senate as Gov. Dannel Malloy addressed lawmakers about the 2013 Session. Rep. Floren is serving her 7th term in the State House.

Like all of you I am shocked and saddened over the senseless shooting that took the lives of innocent children and their teachers at the Sandy Hook Elementary School on Friday.   Words cannot describe how painful the grieving process will be for the families and friends of the victims.

My heartfelt sympathies, thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this horrific act.

As a community, Greenwich will hold a vigil to remember and honor those affected at Sandy Hook Elementary School, and the others that lost their lives in this tragedy.

The vigil will take place tonight, Tuesday, December 18th at 5:30 pm in the Greenwich High School auditorium.
As our community grieves, it’s only natural for children to feel saddened, anxious and uneasy. If you have a child or grandchild that is grieving in the aftermath of the tragedy or asking questions you are unsure how to handle, please take advantage of the following resources:

• The Emergency Mobile Psychiatric Services crisis line for children and youth can be reached by dialing 2-1-1 and pressing 1. This will put you in touch with a crisis specialist who can connect you directly to a mental health clinician in your area.

• Connecticut Commission on Children offers these resources: http://www.cga.ct.gov/coc/schonfeld-zimmerman.htm#contschonfeld
• American Psychological Association offers these resources: http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/aftermath.aspx
• National Institute of Mental Health offers these resources: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/helping-children-and-adolescents-cope-with-violence-and-disasters-parents/how-parents-can-help.shtml

Rep. Livvy Floren and fellow elected legislators and officials discussed their priorities for the coming year and the massive state budget deficit during the annual Greenwich United Way’s breakfast forum.

The impact of the state’s fiscal crisis on local and state services was the top of the discussion list during the Greenwich United Way’s annual breakfast forum with the town’s legislative delegation.

The discussion drew about 100 representatives and volunteers of local service agencies and local officials to Greenwich Town Hall on Dec. 13. Moderated by former United Way board member Brooke Urban, each legislator and First Selectman Peter Tesei were asked to address a specified issue.

Click the links for a more detailed story about the forum and related photos and video from the Greenwich Patch.

Photo Credit; Barbara Heins/Greenwich Patch