PASSING THE GAVEL

In a letter to Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo on March 28, Laurence B. Simon announced his resignation as chairman of the Board of Directors of the Nathaniel Witherell, citing the need to change his focus to his health and spending more time with his children, grandchildren and friends. Brad Markowitz, his successor, was appointed to the board last year and has been working on a long-term plan for the facility, which provides short-term rehab, sub-acute post-hospitalization care and skilled nursing care. A Greenwich resident, Markowitz has broad health-care experience and holds a bachelor”™s degree in government from Cornell University.  

“I have enjoyed my time serving the town of Greenwich for almost 25 years and now as I approach the later years of my life, I need to change my focus,” Simon wrote in his resignation letter to the town. Beginning in 1998, Simon served on the town”™s Information Advisory Committee and became chairman of the Board of Directors of in January 2016. 

“We are deeply grateful for Larry”™s unwavering commitment to the Witherell ”“ its residents and patients ”“ and for his steady hand and dedication, always working closely with staff to maintain the highest standards of care,” said John Mastronardi, the Witherell”™s executive director. 

Owned and operated by the town of Greenwich since 1903, the Nathaniel Witherell, located on a 24-acre campus, is a not-for-profit health-care center, dedicated to providing a high level of skilled nursing care and quality of life for its seniors. It also offers short-term rehabilitation and sub-acute post-hospitalization care. The 202-bed facility”™s annual nursing staff turnover is 7% compared to an average for nursing homes nationally of 46%, as reported by AARP. Many of the nurses have worked at the Witherell between 10 and 30 years, creating stability and continuity that”™s an essential part of quality care.