The Blog that Works

The results are in for our first month of single stream recycling:  Thanks in part to your efforts, we increased our recycling by 48% (that’s 200 more tons of recycled materials that we saved from trash bins) compared to the same time last year.  What’s most impressive is that City of Stamford residents threw away 28% less garbage compared to the same time last year, and that not only makes for a cleaner and greener city, but it’s also an economic success, saving taxpayers $102,200 in hauling costs. 

Our first month was a great success, and we need your help to make sure the coming months are just as positive.  Spreading the word and ensuring the continued success of this program is a collaborative effort so keep up the good work and spread the word!

(See this brochure for more information or call Dan Colleluori,Stamford’s Supervisor of Solid Waste/Recyling at 977-4117 if you have any questions.)

Did you know Stamford has a great mentoring program for children? Stamford Mentoring Partnership known as S.T.A.M.P is currently mentoring 33 children throughout the city and already has 50 children on a waiting list for the program.

My Youth Services Bureau is currently looking for adults willing to give an hour a week of their time to volunteer as mentors so we can include more children in the program. Studies have shown that mentees have a better attitude at school and get better grades giving them an all around improved experience at school. Communities with mentoring programs also show a decrease in drug and alcohol use, teen pregnancies, and school drop out rates. The amazing thing about mentoring is that besides the tremendous benefits it has for the mentees it also benefits the adults who participate as mentors.

So if you or someone you know are interested in becoming a mentor please contact Michelle Lappas at mlappas@ci.stamford.ct.us or call 977-0830.

Even though the summer is drawing closer to its end, it’s extremely important to keep a few safety issues in mind. When you get a chance, I suggest that you check out the Health and Social Services section of the City of Stamford’s website to learn more about issues like the West Nile Virus, sun safety and extreme heat.

There’s also a link to a website that provides information about Recreational Water Illness and how that can be prevented. Many of the information sheets come in both English and Spanish. Take a look and share the information with your friends and family so that we can all end the summer on a safe and healthy note!

I always welcome your input, and my email inbox is regularly full with comments and suggestions from Stamford residents.  Lately, I’ve gotten dozens of comments about Cove Island Park.  People are generally impressed with the conditions of the beaches and the facilities, and I love getting your feedback.

Some of Stamford’s greatest assets are our great parks and beach spots.  Given the new improvements at Courtland, Hatch Field, West Beach and Lione Parks, our city has an incredible variety of recreation spaces to walk your dog, play your favorite sport and just relax.  What’s your favorite Stamford park?

Last night’s energetic Sugar Ray performance marked the final concert in the Alive@Five series for 2009.  As DSSD President Sandy Goldstein put it, a blue sky and a great band sure made for a fantastic evening.  Thousand of people filed into Columbus Park, eating at our great restaurants and enjoying the crowd and the music.  These concerts are a City of Stamford tradition that attracts people from all over the region, and get better and better each year.  What better way to enjoy a summer evening than to come to our own downtown for some affordable entertainment?

Thanks to Downtown Special Services District staff and volunteers, downtown vendors, the police department and everyone else who participated in helping to create another successful season of Alive@Five.

On a recent inspection, I noticed that the dam at Mill River Park has started to come down.  The river will soon regain its natural flow for the first time in hundreds of years.

This phase is one of the first steps in a process that will make dramatically revitalize this park.  The construction began following the groundbreaking on May 18, but the entire project was several years in the making and it’s finally coming to fruition.  I know I’m looking forward to watching all the pieces come together. 

When you get a chance, walk over and take a look. 

In light of the news today about Senator Chris Dodd’s diagnosis, I wanted to commend the Senator for using this opportunity to stress the importance and need for others to receive the same quality care he is fortunate to have.  My thoughts and prayers are with the Senator today.

From his statement:

I wanted to let you know that I’ve been diagnosed with an early stage of prostate cancer.  This diagnosis is very common among men my age. In fact, one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point during their life. Luckily, a routine test allowed my doctor to catch it at a very early stage, and my prognosis is excellent – we expect a full and speedy recovery. I want to assure you that I’m feeling fine. As you know, we’ve been working hard to pass health care legislation and reform our nation’s financial system to protect consumers, and that hard work will continue. After the Senate adjourns at the end of next week, I’ll have surgery to remove the cancer. After a week or two of recuperation, I expect to be right back to work. After all, as a Member of Congress, I have great health insurance. I was able to get screened, seek the opinions of highly skilled doctors, consider all the available options, and choose the treatment that was right for me. And I know you’ll agree that every American deserves the same ability.

My best wishes for a complete and speedy recovery.

Did you know that you can help stimulate the local economy, support family farms, encourage healthy habits for your children and help the environment, all with one trip to buy some fresh-off-the-farm fruits and vegetables.  Sound impossible?  Read this posting from my other blog at www.danmalloy.wordpress.com and then go visit a farmer’s market.  

If you’ve got some time today, you’re in luck.  Every Wednesday from 10:00 to 2:00 the Bartlett Arboretum holds a farmer’s market known for its wide variety of food and its ever changing selection of fresh and delicious produce.  There is no gate charge on Wednesdays at the arboretum so make sure to stop by even if you just feel like mingling and getting to know some local vendors. The Bartlett Arboretum is located at 151 Brookdale Road.  Enjoy!