Building blocks of learning
Winston Preparatory School, a day school in Norwalk and in New York City, debuted its newest and most environmentally progressive building on its Norwalk campus recently. VIPs in attendance included Norwalk Mayor Richard Moccia and state Sen. Bob Duff as well as the school”™s leaders and board of trustees.
Winston specializes in individualized education for students with learning differences and the new LEED candidate (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) building will greatly support this specialty.
“Green classrooms create healthier, higher performing, and more environmentally friendly learning environments” said Winston Executive Director Scott Bezsylko. “When you match the potential of the kids with a space that’s really great, instead of the stereotypical building, we have created a colony of learners.”
National mayors honor Pavia
Stamford Mayor Michael A. Pavia, was recognized recently by the U. S. Conference of Mayors with its Mayor”™s Small Business Initiative Award. Sponsors at the award event included the Stamford Chamber of Commerce; Partner America (in conjunction with the U.S. Conference of Mayors); Florida-based American Management Services; and the Hilton Stamford Hotel & Executive Meeting Center.
“As a developer prior to becoming mayor, I am well aware of the challenges and opportunities in being a small business owner. It has been a major goal of my term to continue to support those small businesses that I consider to be the economic engine of the City,” said Pavia.
The Mayors”™ Small Business Initiative Award was developed five years ago by the U.S. Conference of Mayors to recognize mayors who have demonstrated support for issues facing small businesses and provides resources, best practices and education to help improve local economies. Past recipients have included Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, Houston Mayor Anise Parker and Kansas City Mayor Sly James. The Partner America Program, established 12 years ago, is a partnership with the U.S. Conference of Mayors and American Management Services.
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Doing good and banking well
Business and community leaders gathered at Fairfield University Sept. 18 to celebrate the rebranding of The Bank of Fairfield, The Bank of New Canaan and Stamford First Bank as Bankwell. As part of its ongoing commitment to the community, Bankwell donated  $1,500 to both Operation Hope and to The Center for Women and Families. Â
In this photo taken at Fairfield University, from left, are: Sarah Lubarsky, director of development at the Center for Women and Families; Carla Miklos, executive director, Operation Hope; Heidi DeWyngaert, president, Bankwell; Bob Palermo, senior vice president, commercial lending, Bankwell; Peyton Patterson, CEO, Bankwell; and Debra Greenwood, CEO, Center for Women and Families.
Ability Beyond is the new name
Ability Beyond is a nonprofit based in Bethel and Mt. Kisco, N.Y., that provides a wide range of employment training, residential, support services and other critical programs to thousands of people with developmental and physical disabilities and brain injuries. Formerly called Ability Beyond Disability, now it will be known by a new name: Ability Beyond.
Said Gregory Smith, chairman of the board of trustees, “As a leader in our field, we do not focus on the challenges our clients live with. And we certainly don”™t let their disabilities define who they are or what they are capable of achieving. So as an organization, we decided that we would not let the word “disability” define us either. The new name reflects the limitless opportunities for the people we serve.”
Pictured from left are Kevin Cox, chief human resources officer, American Express Co., New York City; Roy Young, chairman, Fairfield Processing Corporation, Danbury; Elliot Finkelstein; Paul Hamilton, senior vice president, PepsiCo, Somers, N.Y.; Gregory Smith, chairman and CEO, Maplewood Senior Living, Westport; and Tom Fanning, CEO and president, Ability Beyond.
Possible cutting-edge sight help
Fairfield-based Ophthalmic Consultants of Connecticut seeks participants who have been treated without success for glaucoma for one of three separate clinical trials. The individual trials will address issues including: lowering eye pressure due to glaucoma with the possibility of reducing dependence on glaucoma medication; treatment of glaucoma in conjunction with cataract surgery; and an alternative to unsuccessful procedures including, but not limited to trabeculectomy, express mini-shunt, cyclocryotherapy.
The studies will extend over a 12-month period, depending on the trial.
To be considered, participants must be at least 18 years of age and have been diagnosed with glaucoma. In addition, they must have undergone treatment or treatments for glaucoma that were not successful. Each trial has a unique set of criteria. Contact Denise Lavin at (203) 366-8000 for details.
Borelle to P-B
Stamford-based Pitney BowesInc. announced that Bill Borrelle is joining the company as senior vice president for brand strategy and integrated marketing communications, reporting to Abby F. Kohnstamm, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, effective Sept. 30. He will be responsible for the company”™s brand and digital media strategy, marketing communications, advertising and events.Â
Before joining Pitney Bowes, Borrelle was CEO of the flagship New York operation of mcgarrybowen, a full-service brand advertising and digital agency. Borrelle oversaw brand strategy and integrated communications development for clients such as Verizon, J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., Marriott International, Chevron, Northrop Grumman, United Airlines, and P&G. In 2011, mcgarrybowen was named Agency of the Year by Advertising Age and Adweek. Borrelle joined the agency in 2006.
Awards for Bowler advisers
B.T. Bowler & Associates, the New Canaan-based financial advisory firm of Ameriprise Financial Services Inc., announced two of its advisers, Bert T. Bowler, private wealth adviser, and John R. Planell, financial adviser, have been selected for the 2013 Five Star Wealth Manager award in Connecticut. John R. Planell was also selected for the fourth consecutive year as a recipient of the 2013 Five Star Wealth Manager award in Westchester County.
Bert T. Bowler is founder and owner of B.T. Bowler & Associates. He said, “It is an honor to be selected for this award among such an esteemed peer group throughout Connecticut. As tenured professionals, John and I take pride in this professional recognition. It serves as objective validation and testament to the comprehensive financial planning services we strive to provide to our clients.”
Nationally, only 4 percent to 7 percent of all wealth managers are selected for this award. It identifies wealth managers “who deliver quality services to their clients,” according to Five Star Professional, the Minneapolis firm that runs the program.
