Fairfield County Business Journal: 102119 by Westfair Business Journal

PRINT JOURNALISM: BECAUSE IT STILL MATTERS. OCTOBER 21, 2019 VOL. 55, No. 42

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MALL MISERY Clarks, one of the 48 stores not open for the mall’s inaugural day. Photo by Phil Hall.

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MEDICARE FOR ALL

FAILURE TO LAUNCH COMPLETELY IN NORWALK WHILE STAMFORD TOWN CENTER IS UP FOR SALE CHALLENGES INCLUDE TURNOVER, NEW COMPETITOR ON I-95 IN NORWALK

SONO COLLECTION OPENS MINUS MOST RETAILERS BY PHIL HALL phall@westfairinc.com

he 700,000-squarefoot SoNo Collection opened on Oct. 11 with only 17 of its 65 retail tenants ready to greet the public. Located on West Avenue in Norwalk right off I-95’s Exit 15, the mall was initially envisioned as having between 80 and 100

retailers plus a 150-room boutique hotel. The lodging aspect of the project was jettisoned before construction began in July 2017. In the runup to the mall’s opening, Brookfield Properties — which acquired the mall following its August 2018 acquisition of the property’s original developer, the real estate investment trust GGP Inc. — declined to provide a full list of the property’s

tenants. Three days before the opening, the company posted a list on the SoNo Collection’s website of the retail and restaurant lineup, but also included the names of artists with original artwork installations, which gave the impression of a larger tenant population. The website later identified the artists by their profession. It was not until the morning of the mall’s opening day itself that Brookfield Properties officially unveiled which stores would be ready to greet shoppers. One of the mall’s two anchor stores, Nordstrom, had its doors open on the inaugural day while the other anchor » » SONO

Stamford Town Center. Photo by Matthew Brown/Hearst Connecticut Media.

he Stamford Town Center has been put up for sale, a long-anticipated move that could lead to the redevelopment of the downtown mall. Taubman Centers, the Bloomfield Hills, Michigan-

based owner, did not make entirely clear why it had put the shopping center on the market, although many local residents and professionals had speculated in recent months that a property dealing with » » STAMFORD

Office leasing activity up in Fairfield County BY PHIL HALL phall@westfairinc.com

fter a lethargic second quarter that only recorded 308,000 square feet in leasing activity, Fairfield County’s office market rebounded with a 71% spike in the third quarter that reached 528,000 square feet, according to data from CBRE. Leasing for the quarter was 15% under the five-year quarterly average. The third quarter also marked the first time this year that the market recorded positive absorption, totaling 177,000 square feet, which CBRE attributed to the relative absence of available space. The Central Fairfield submarket recorded the highest level of positive absorption at 42,000 square feet, while availability stayed flat at 25.8%. The Eastern submarket had the greatest volume of negative absorption at 65,000 square feet, although this was primarily driven by 90,000 square feet of space becoming available at 3 Corporate Drive in Shelton. The Greenwich Central Business District recorded net negative absorption of 1,400 square feet and the Greenwich non-CBD saw positive net absorption of 3,600 square feet. The Stamford CBD saw positive net absorption of 133,000 square feet, which created a year-to-date figure of positive net absorption totaling 353,000 square feet, the highest year-todate level recorded in a third quarter in a decade. Total availability dropped 40 basis points (bps) to 24.6%, which marked the 12th consecutive quarter that availability did not move up or down by more than 100 bps from the 24% level. Subleasing availability was at 17.1%, up 440 bps from one year earlier. Class A space accounted for 69% of all leasing activity in the third quarter. Fairfield County’s average asking rents remained relatively flat quarter over quarter at $35.50 per square foot while year-overyear rents across the market were down by 4.6%, which reflects the higher-priced space getting leased. The largest transaction for the quarter was ASML’s lease of

OCTOBER 21, 2019

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MAIN OFFICE TELEPHONE 914-694-3600 OFFICE FAX 914-694-3699 EDITORIAL EMAIL bobr@westfairinc.com WRITE TO 701 Westchester Avenue, Suite 100 J White Plains, N.Y. 10604

Publisher Dee DelBello Managing Editor/Print Glenn J. Kalinoski Managing Editor/Digital Bob Rozycki Associate Publisher Anne Jordan Group Associate Publisher Dan Viteri NEWS Bureau Chief • Kevin Zimmerman Senior Enterprise Editor • Phil Hall Copy and Video Editor • Peter Katz Senior Reporter • Bill Heltzel, Reporters • Georgette Gouveia, Mary Shustack Research Coordinator • Luis Flores

677 Washington Blvd. in Stamford. Photo by Michael Cummo / Hearst Connecticut Media.

ART & PRODUCTION Creative Director Dan Viteri Art Director Sebastián Flores, Kelsie Mania, Fatime Muriqi ADVERTISING SALES Manager • Anne Jordan Metro Sales & Custom Publishing Director Barbara Hanlon Account Managers Lisa Cash, Marcia Pflug, Gina Fusco Events Sales & Development • Marcia Pflug Events Coordinator • Olivia D’Amelio AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT & CIRCULATION Circulation Manager • Sylvia Sikoutris Telemarketing Director • Brianne Smith 200 First Stamford Place in Stamford.

98,907 square feet of office space at 50 Danbury Road in Wilton. The quarter’s other prominent transactions included Sema4’s 67,000-square-foot lease at 62 Southfield Ave. in Stamford, Marc Fisher Footwear’s 62,050-squarefoot expansion and renewal at 777 West Putnam Ave. in Greenwich, Sema4’s 58,468-square-foot sublease at 333 Ludlow St. in Stamford and Cenveo’s 25,590-square-foot renewal at 200 First Stamford Place in Stamford. Tom Pajolek, executive vice president at CBRE’s Stamford office, observed that while the third quarter’s leasing activity was lower than the 725,000 square feet recorded in the first

3 Corporate Drive in Shelton. Photo courtesy R.D. Scinto.

quarter, there was also a greater diversity of transactions involving a variety of industries. “The first quarter was dominated by WWE’s big deal,” he said, referring to the media and wwentertainment company’s signing of a 16½-year lease for the 415,000-square-foot, three-build-

ing complex at 677 Washington Blvd. in Stamford that was once home to UBS. “There was no big deal in this quarter, but there were a number of medium and small deals that helped reach the number. That offers a healthy sign that deals are being done.” Pajolek added that he was looking forward to a robust fourth quarter, noting that the last three- month stretch was traditionally the strongest for the office space market. And while he admitted there was not “a lot of large, large deals hanging out there,” he expressed optimism that a new flurry of mid-sized and smaller transactions would end the year on a high note.

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Report: Connecticut’s film production tax credit program disappointing BY KEVIN ZIMMERMAN

$2 billion in total for the period for such productions applying to DECD for the 30% credit.” However, it added, its tabulation “suggests that while there are gains in jobs, the additional revenues gained by the state do not compensate for the loss in state tax revenue due to the credits.” Nevertheless, the DECD has objected to the USC report, noting the presence of Blue Sky Studios, which relocated to Greenwich from White Plains in 2009, and ITV America’s and Wheelhouse Entertainment’s announced move to 860 Canal St. in Stamford, which those firms said would create approximately 450 new jobs. The DECD is supporting that project with a $6 million loan to ITV America and a $3 million loan to Wheelhouse Entertainment, with partial forgiveness based on jobs created.

kzimmerman@westfairinc.com

onnecticut’s film tax credit program has had disappointing results when it comes to job growth and income, according to a new report. The study of film tax credits in Connecticut and four other states — Massachusetts, New York, Georgia and Louisiana — was conducted by the University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy. Those credits in those states, which the report says represent 77% of all film incentive expenditures in the U.S., have cost taxpayers a total of nearly $10 billion since their programs were enacted. “The states investing the most in incentives are not getting the return on investment taxpayers deserve, pure and simple,” said Michael Thom, associate professor at the school and author of the report. “These incentives cost taxpayers billions of dollars, at a time when that money could be directed to other much-needed public services.” According to the study, Connecticut issued $1 billion in tax credits for film production between 2006, when the film tax credit program was launched, and 2017. The state’s tax credit program offers production companies a 10% to 30% tax credit, depending on the production expenses or costs. According to its 2018 annual report, Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development said the annual average total credits issued over the 2009-17 period was $68.5 million, “suggesting that the average ‘qualifying’ value of film, television and digital media production in the state was $228,315,500 per year, or over

Got a loan. Created a legacy.

Todd Danbury, CT

According to its 2018 annual report, Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development said the annual average total credits issued over the 2009-17 period was $68.5 million, suggesting that the average ‘qualifying’ value of film, television and digital media production in the state was $228,315,500 per year.

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OCTOBER 21, 2019

Suite Talk Filson Thomas, president of Archegos Consulting: A company’s ‘real assets are people’

ilson Thomas is the head of Brookfieldbased Archegos Consulting, and he explained the pronunciation of his company’s name is “ar-khay-gos.” It’s a Greek word, he noted, which can be translated as “trailblazer” or “pioneer.” “My wife came up with this name and I loved it,” he added. “I wanted a name that is unique. And once people come across, they remember it.” Thomas’ company focuses on leadership coaching strategies designed for both companies and business professionals. In this edition of Suite Talk, Business Journal Senior Enterprise Editor Phil Hall learns about Thomas’ approach to consulting and his views on cultivating leadership abilities. How did you get into this line of work? “I’ve been in the IT space for 20 years. I started my career in India, and from there I was in the Middle East and Europe, and then I came to the U.S. Seven years ago, my employer was trying to define the objectives of the year and I said, ‘How about doing a one-day, team-building exercise?’ Long story short, he said, ‘What’s in your mind?’ And I said, ‘I’m not so sure.’ And he said, ‘Let me get this straight. You want me to lock me and my entire staff in a room with you for one full day and you don’t know what you’re going to do?’ And I said, ‘Well, something like that.’ And he said, ‘Approved!’ “I started to build a program and put together a team-building exercise and then after my workshop was over, my manager came over and said, ‘This is the best thing I’ve ever attended. I’d be willing to pay $3,000 to attend a workshop like this.’ And I was like, ‘Really?’ “A part of me thought that he was just being nice to me, but three days later his manager called me and said, ‘Filson, I heard about your workshop.’

OCTOBER 21, 2019

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Then his manager was holding a meeting for his 375 employees and he asked me if I could speak in that meeting. Then, I knew they meant it. “I fell in love with the process of personal growth and development, and that’s when I got partnered with the world’s No. 1 leadership guru, John C. Maxwell. For seven years, I was on his team and now there is no turning back. I launched this as a full-time business two years ago.” Are leaders born with that distinctive take-charge personality or is leadership something that can be learned? “My mentor, John C. Maxwell, often said, ‘Of course, leaders are born because I’ve never seen an unborn leader.’ In one of the programs that we do, we understand the temperaments of people and there are certain temperaments where people are go-getters. “I see a lot of definitions of leadership, and the definition I like the most is ‘influence.’ The true measure of leadership is influence — nothing more, nothing less. If you can influence someone, you lead them. If you do not influence, you do not lead them. There is a measure of leadership that we all have. But with a certain group of people, it comes very naturally. Certain people have to work on some areas, but then you build it up. “I would also say the foundation of leadership is relationship. In order to have a good influence, you have to build a good relationship. Certain people got promoted and a title as a manager, and with that title influence comes. But that is the lowest level of leadership. The real leadership is at the relationship level — leading by influence and relationship.” How does your coaching differ between corporate audiences and individuals?

Filson Thomas

I see a lot of definitions of leadership, and the definition I like the most is ‘influence.’ The true measure of leadership is influence – nothing more, nothing less. If you can influence someone, you lead them. If you do not influence, you do not lead them.

“I focus on leadership, personal growth, communication. From what I have seen, corporations are not interested in personal growth. They are interested in leadership and communication. But when I am going to the entrepreneurs and the small-business owners, Realtors and insurance people, they don’t want leadership, but they do want personal growth and influence training. I bring my leadership component into my training, but instead of calling it leadership I call it influence.” What are some of the more interesting challenges that you’ve encountered as a leadership coach? “The biggest challenge is mind-set. What I see in the corporation is, sadly, the accounting systems look at office machines as assets and the people are put in as costs. So, when there is cost-cutting, they cut the costs and put warranties on the assets. But once you under-

stand your real assets are people, that’s when your company will grow. If people don’t grow, the company doesn’t grow. Once you develop your people, their capacity increases and the company flourishes. No company ever grows that doesn’t have a good employee development program.” Where do you focus your work? “I have one client that I am helping in Dallas, but my focus is a 20-mile radius. With the service I have and the virtual world, I can go anywhere.” What are your goals for your company? “I want to grow. I love what I do. When you love what you do, it’s not work anymore. One of the things I am looking for as I grow my business is a training facility. When I do my workshop, I am renting hotel space. We are trying to get a place to set up my own boardroom and training

Ridgefield investor sues former South Salem adviser over $500,000 debt BY BILL HELTZEL bheltzel@westfairinc.com

WE’RE PAINTING THE TOWN PINK!

Ridgefield, Connecticut, investor is trying for the fourth time to collect a half-million-dollar debt from a disgraced South Salem investment adviser. Michael E. Breede sued Brandon D. Gioffre on Sept. 30 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in White Plains to stop Gioffre from using Chapter 11 reorganization to avoid paying a $515,559 debt. Gioffre’s actions constituted “willful and malicious injury,” according to Breede’s lawsuit, “that is not dischargeable under … the bankruptcy code.” Gioffre had persuaded Breede to invest in TMG Energy Systems Inc., a Rye company that was formed to design and sell custom heat, power and cooling systems. Gioffre pitched Breede on the investment in 2014. He allegedly said he had examined the company in detail, according to court records, and there was no need for Breede to do any due diligence. Gioffre and TMG CEO Edward F. Miller allegedly asserted that the company was worth as much as $140 million, would be valued at several billion dollars in a few years and would be extraordinarily successful once short-term funding was obtained. Breede invested nearly $900,000. In 2015, he discovered that many of the TMG claims were false. There was no $600 million credit line. There was no deal with Walgreens to install equipment at hundreds of stores for more than $1 billion. TMG had defaulted on its office lease in Rye and was being run out of Miller’s home in Ridgefield. Breede sued Gioffre and Miller in Supreme Court in Manhattan for $881,657, accusing them of fraud,

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conspiracy, deceptive trade practices and theft. In 2016, Breede and Gioffre settled the case with Gioffre agreeing to pay Breede $100,800 over nine years. But Gioffre defaulted, according to court records, after making only two $400 payments. The default triggered liquidated damages of $440,000 plus 9% interest. Gioffre signed a confession of judgment acknowledging the debt. Breede and other investors complained to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, a nongovernmental organization that oversees financial advisers, in 2016. The investors had lost their entire investments, $2 million, on which Gioffre had received $100,000 in commissions. FINRA found that Gioffre had created the false impression that Constellation Wealth Advisors, where he worked was behind the TMG securities. He had met with investors at the Constellation office and used the firm’s email address to communicate with them. Gioffre neither admitted nor denied the findings, but he consented to a permanent bar from acting as an investment adviser. In 2017, Breede filed

Gioffre’s confession of judgment in Westchester Supreme Court. In January, Gioffre filed for Chapter 11 protection in bankruptcy court in White Plains. He declared $491,115 in assets — mostly a house in South Salem — and nearly $1.8 million in liabilities. He cited a foreclosure sale scheduled for Jan. 10 as the reason for filing the petition. Except for $855,000 owed to Citimortgage, he attributed most of the liabilities to “prior employments and business interest” and loss of employment in 2015. He claims he owes Breede $100,000. Breede has filed a claim for $515,559, which includes the $440,000 judgment and interest. Gioffre also lists a $715,000 debt to Morgan Stanley in Purchase, where he worked from 2009 to 2014. Morgan Stanley filed a claim for more than $1 million. Gioffre said in a bankruptcy filing that he intends to use his and his wife’s future income to fund a Chapter 11 plan to reinstate the home mortgage and “make some distribution to other creditors.” Breede is represented by Scarsdale attorney Dawn Kirby.

We all know someone whose life has been touched by breast cancer, and that’s why initiatives in October like Stamford Health’s Paint The Town Pink are so important — not to mention the care that the Breast Center and Bennett Cancer Center offer right in our own backyard. To view the calendar of Paint the Town Pink events, visit support.stamfordhospitalfoundation.org/pttpcalendar. To schedule a mammogram, call (203) 276.PINK (7465) or visit support.stamfordhospitalfoundation.org/mammogram

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OCTOBER 21, 2019

Despite the relatively low number of available stores, Matt Seebeck, senior general manager for Brookfield Properties, viewed the opening day as a major success. “We’re 90% leased,” said Seebeck in an inter-

view with the Business Journal at the mall on Oct. 11. “And we’re allowing tenants to open throughout the rest of this year and into the first quarter of next year. I think if you had some pointed question for how tenants build, that’s really on a case-bycase basis.” Seebeck added that two of the special events planned for the opening — an Oct. 10 party at Nord st rom t hat raised funds for Fairfield Count y’s Communit y Foundation and Domestic Violence Crisis Center and a make-up promotion at Nordstrom on the opening morning — met the company’s expectations on attendance. He also noted November will see further activity with more stores opening plus a Nov. 22-24 holiday season event that will include a “Wishing Forest” for shoppers to designate their desired seasonal gifts and a strolling Santa who will interact with mall visitors.

Charlotte Russe, Payless ShoeSource, The Walking Co., Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma. Forever 21, which filed for bankruptcy, put its Stamford Town Center location on its list of 178 potential store closings. A number of vacant storefronts dot the mall, across several levels. But all of its anchor spaces are filled — by Barnes & Noble, Macy’s and Saks Off 5th.

Kona Grill, on the restaurant row, closed in April. Heading into the holiday season, Stamford Town Center will compete with The SoNo Collection, off Interstate 95’s Exit 15 in Norwalk. Nordstrom leads the initial roster of tenants. Paul Schott is a staff reporter with Hearst Connecticut Media. He can be reached at pschott@ stamfordadvocate.com or 203-964-2236.

SoNo Collection in Norwalk. Photo by Luis Flores.

SoNo — From page 1

store, Bloomingdale’s, would not be ready for the public until Nov. 14. Joining Nordstrom for the first official day were Abercrombie & Fitch, Bath

Stamford — From page 1

high turnover and a major new competitor in Norwalk could be a candidate for new ownership. “As the retail evolution continues, we are exploring all possible alternatives for the asset, including a sale,” Taubman said in a statement on Oct. 11. Taubman officials declined to comment on other questions, such as whether it had an asking price for the mall. The company’s portfolio includes about 20 other U.S. malls, including Westfarms in West Hartford. Taubman’s listing for the mall covers approximately 515,000 square feet. A sale would include neither the 245,000-squarefoot department store that Macy’s owns and operates at the north end of the mall nor the adjoining Bow Tie Cinemas Landmark 9 movie theater. Any redevelopment

OCTOBER 21, 2019

& Body Works, Bazille, Casper, Chico’s, J. Jill, Kay Jewelers, Lush, Pandora, Pink, Sephora, Talbots, Untuckit, Victoria’s Secret, White Barn Candle Co., White House Black Market and Zara. Bazille, located inside Nordstrom, was the

only eatery operating for the mall’s opening day. However, 46 stores and eateries joined Bloomingdale’s in being late to the mall’s debut. Among the more prominent outlets that were closed to the public

of the approximately 78,000-square-foot Saks Off 5th department store — located within the area that is for sale — would require an agreement with Saks. A listing for the mall notes that it is in an “opportunity zone,” an area whose new developments can qualify for a range of tax subsidies. The site could be considered for new apartments. Across the street, several hundred units in the Urby property now fill what was a longtime “hole in the ground.” The University of Connecticut has denied that it has any plans to buy or lease any of the mall space. Any redevelopment would mark the latest in a series of changes made to the mall since Taubman opened it in 1982. Between 2006 and 2008, it underwent an overhaul that included the demolition of a Filene’s Basement store, construc-

tion of a two-level Barnes & Noble bookstore and the opening of a restaurant row at the corner of Tresser Boulevard and Greyrock Place. Regular operations will continue at the mall, according to mall officials. The shopping center is dealing with major churn, with tenants coming and going throughout the past year. The recent arrivals include a Perfume World store on the fourth level. Several more stores are set to open in the next few weeks, including temporary tenants for the holidays. The mall has seen a number of other openings in recent months, including the debut in April of a gallery for the Genesis luxury-car brand. “Class-A mall landlords are jumping on this trend of adding non-retail uses, which is a move toward densifying malls,” said Garrick Brown, vice pres-

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on opening day were several retailers preparing their first Fairfield County locations — including Altar’d State, Amazon 4-Star and Untuckit — along with mall staples such as Clarks, Cohen’s Fashion Optical, H&M and Soma.

Stamford Town Center

ident of Americas retail research for commercial real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield. “What you’re doing is you’re putting more people in your mall, and that’s a smart play whether your mall is struggling or not.” But the mall has also been dealing with closings this year. The departures include Chico’s, J. Crew, Armani Exchange, Ann Taylor, Gymboree,

Westchester, Fairfield cities cited in WalletHub’s uninsured survey

Advantages of Being a Female Entrepreneur A WOMEN’S BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL SUCCESS STORY

Treacy Riiska has been a CPA for over 25 years. Last year she decided to open her own tax accounting practice. With an office in Stamford, Riiska provides a wide range of tax services for individuals and businesses. She felt the time was right for her to start her own firm and “focus on how I can best serve my clients.” Treacy has found that being a women owned business has not presented many challenges, instead it has some advantages. “Women like working with women. Maybe it’s the type of business I’m in but really it has been more helpful than challenging. Actually I think there’s a lot of benefits.” Stamford

Riiska became involved with the WBDC when a friend recommended her. “That day I went online and checked out their GPS class and signed up for it. It’s a great community. The particular program is called WBDC’s GPS – a Guide to Plan for Success and is an interactive series designed for aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs who possess a written business concept and are ready to take the first step in the business planning process. The WBDC helped her market her business and create a business plan. With their help Riiska and her firm are growing and taking advantage of all the WBDC community has to offer. Kelsey Hubbard Rollinson will soon be opening Recess PlayWorks in Ridgefield. The coworking, child education and play space will provide a unique place for modern families managing the work-life balance. For the adults there will be a chic lounge, conference space, podcast room and more. While for children, there will be a range of different classes including STEAM, foreign languages, coding, chess, an art studio and a supervised free-play zone.

Bridgeport

BY PETER KATZ pkatz@westfairinc.com

ities in Westchester and Fairfield counties show up in a survey by the financial website WalletHub, which presents data on the number of Americans who do not have health insurance coverage. WalletHub measured the uninsured rates for 548 U.S. cities in three categories based on population. The survey reported that, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the national uninsured rate rose in 2018 to 8.5% from 7.9% in 2017. This marked the first year there was an increase since the Affordable Care Act, also

known as Obamacare, took effect. Among the 296.2 million people covered at any point during 2018, 96.4% had health insurance coverage for all 12 months. During 2018, 27.5 million did not have health insurance at any point during the year. That was an increase from the 25.6 million who did not have coverage at any point during 2017. Employer-based insurance remained the most common, covering 55.1% of the population for all or part of the calendar year. The percentage of people with health insurance coverage for all or part of 2018 was 91.5%, lower than 92.1% in 2017. Between 2017 and 2018,

the percentage of people covered by Medicaid decreased by 0.7% to 17.9%. The rate of Medicare coverage increased by 0.4%. The percentage of people with employment-based coverage, direct-purchase coverage, Veterans Administration and similar coverage did not statistically change between 2017 and 2018. The percentage of uninsured children under the age of 19 increased by 0.6 percentage points between 2017 and 2018 to 5.5%. On the list of mid-sized cities, Yonkers ranked No. 49, Stamford was No. 129 and Bridgeport was No. 216. On the list of small cities, Mount Vernon was No. 51 and New Rochelle ranked No. 134 in the number of uninsured.

Kelsey decided she wanted to open her own business after noticing a void in this space when she became a working mom. “I stood around at one too many kid spaces where the parents’ engagement was an afterthought if considered at all.” “I’ve created a place for a family to go where the parents are just as much the focus as the kids. We offer comfortable seating, places where parents can bring their computers, return emails and network while their kids have a blast “offline” being entertained or learning in a fun way. It is also a place where parents and caregivers can join in the fun if they choose and play and spend time with their kids creating in the art studio. It’s the perfect “Recess” for adults and kids. Kelsey learned of the WBDC through her mother’s work with the organization and quickly saw the immense value in the courses. She took the GPS class and found it to be instrumental in turning her ideas into reality. “I have a greater understanding of what goes into owning and running a business. They offer great classes, mentors, and have been very helpful every step of the way. I don’t think I would have gotten this far on my journey to open my own business without the WBDC.”

Both women will be honored at the Annual Gala Luncheon on November 1, 2019. Providing the training necessary for women to launch and grow their businesses. For more information, visit ctwbdc.org or call 203-353-1750.

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OCTOBER 21, 2019

In Brief Fasano, Klarides signal willingness to work with Lamont on transportation compromise

ates of Steven Wise Associates LLC. It has been vacant for the past four years. National Development is teaming with Epoch Senior Living to redevelop the property into a 150-unit independent and assisted living senior housing community to be known as Waterstone on High Ridge. Approximately 110,000 square feet of the existing building will be razed to accommodate these plans. Stephen Wise Associates stated that it would reposition the remaining building on the adjacent 6.5-acre site. Jeffrey Dunne, Steven Bardsley, Gene Pride, Jeremy Neuer and David Gavin of CBRE’s Institutional Properties Group represented the seller in the transaction.

SIGNATURE BANK TOPS THREE CATEGORIES IN LAW JOURNAL SURVEY

Republican lawmakers are indicating that they might be willing to consider the addition of tolls in the state. While that would be a reversal of their longstanding opposition to the concept, they cautioned that they will not officially support tolling until they see Gov. Ned Lamont’s revised transportation plan. Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano and House Minority Leader Themis Klarides have both said they want to see the details of Lamont’s plan before making a final judgment. While they repeated their opposition to tolls, they allowed that they could be swayed if they agree with other aspects of the governor’s proposal. Lamont’s plan revolves around a 10-year investment of about $18 billion, or an average of $1.8 billion per year, compared with the $1.5 billion the state currently spends annually on infrastructure. The governor’s plan would rely in part on low-interest federal loans, with interest rates at around 2%. The state would have the option of deferring payments or accruing interest until five years after the completion of a major project, which itself would take five to 10 years. And while Lamont had proposed tolls on four major highways involving about 50 gantries, the new plan reportedly calls for tolls involving 16 to 18 bridges.

OCTOBER 21, 2019

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CT, NY ATTORNEYS GENERAL WELCOME COURT’S BLOCKING OF TRUMP ‘PUBLIC CHARGE’ RULE

The attorneys general of Connecticut and New York welcomed a ruling by a federal judge to block the Trump administration’s new “public charge” rule. That rule would deny citizenship and permanent residency to low-income immigrants who rely on federal welfare benefits, including food stamps and government-subsidized housing. The rule was first proposed in October 2018 and the 60-day public comment period drew more than 260,000 responses, with the majority voicing strong opposition. A final version of the rule, which runs more than 800 pages, was scheduled to go into effect on Oct. 15. Connecticut, New York, Vermont and New York City filed a lawsuit in August seeking to block the new rule, while Judge George B. Daniels of the U.S. District Court of Manhattan issued a preliminary nationwide injunction on Oct. 11 that stopped the rule from starting.

STAMFORD HOSPITAL AVOIDS READMISSIONS PENALTY

For the second year in a row, Stamford Hospital is the only acute care hospital in the state to receive no readmission penalty from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The Readmission Reduction

Program evaluates U.S. hospitals annually on rates of 30-day readmission among Medicare fee-forservice beneficiaries. The current results assess readmission rates from 2015 to 2018 for six common medical and surgical conditions, including: heart attack; heart failure; chronic lung disease; pneumonia; coronary bypass surgery; and total joint replacements. Twenty-six of 29 Connecticut hospitals received penalties while on a national level 83% of hospitals evaluated by the program were penalized by an average of 0.7%. The maximum penalty is 3%. Bridgeport Hospital received a 2.66% penalty while that city’s St. Vincent’s took a 1.08% hit. Other penalties were incurred by the hospitals in Danbury (0.85%), Greenwich (0.56%) and Norwalk (0.38%).

FORMER WALDENBOOKS HQ IN STAMFORD SOLD FOR $12.44M

The 10-acre parcel at 201 High Ridge Road in Stamford that was once the world headquarters of Waldenbooks has been sold to an affiliate of National Development of Newton, Massachusetts, for $12.44 million. The property’s 196,000-squarefoot office building was originally constructed in 1979 and expanded into a two-building campus in 1988. General Electric Capital acquired the property in 1995 and sold it 10 years later for $17 million to affili-

Signature Bank, which has private client offices in New Rochelle, White Plains and Greenwich, has been voted No. 1 in the categories of business bank, private bank and attorney escrow services by readers of the New York Law Journal and participating members of the New York legal community. Results of the publication’s “Best of” survey for 2019 were published in its Oct. 7 issue. The Law Journal started doing surveys in the bank categories in 2010. Signature has been voted best business bank five times. It was No. 1 in the private bank category three times and No. 1 in the attorney escrow services category five times. Signature’s ranking in the survey earned it a place in the New York Law Journal’s Hall of Fame. It began operations in May 2001. It has grown to $48.88 billion in assets.

NORWALK URGENT CARE PROVIDER REACHES ADA SETTLEMENT WITH FEDS

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut has reached a settlement agreement with DRX Norwalk PC, doing business as AFC Urgent Care in Norwalk, that resolves allegations of noncompliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The charges against the medical office came from the parent of a child with developmental disabilities who claimed that one of the doctors at the facility did not

examine the child for a school physical. The complainant said the doctor’s decision was based on the child’s developmental disability that made him too medically complex to be evaluated at an urgent care facility. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, AFC Urgent Care will also compensate the complainant in the amount of $2,500. The medical provider will also submit for approval to the U.S. Attorney’s Office a nondiscrimination policy that outlines its obligations pursuant to Title III of the ADA and sets forth a patient grievance procedure. After receiving approval, the medical provider will post the nondiscrimination policy on its website and within its office, and it will provide staff training on Title III of the ADA and the new nondiscrimination policy.

SKY MYOFASCIAL RELEASE, PT & WELLNESS OPENS IN RIDGEFIELD

The latest addition to Ridgefield’s business community is Sky Myofascial Release, PT & Wellness, located at 425 Main St. The new wellness center promotes itself as “a place where you can come for any physical ailment, including neck or back pain, joint and muscle pain, headaches, TMJ, chronic pain and more.” The business is owned and operated by Tom McCaffrey, a physical therapist who opened Ultimate Physical Therapy in White Plains in 2002.

SONO 1420 INTRODUCES LINE OF WHISKEYS AND GINS USING HEMP SEEDS AND FLOWERS

SoNo 1420, a craft distillery that produces ultra-premium, alternative-grain, distilled spirits in Norwalk, has introduced a line of small-batch whiskeys and gins using hemp seeds and flowers. The firm’s 1420 BBN bourbon is comprised of 75% corn, 15% rye and 10% milled hemp seed while its 1420 Hemped Rye Whiskey is made from 75% rye, 15% corn and 10% milled hemp seed. Owner Ted Dumbauld selected the 1420 moniker as a nod to the Connecticut Senate’s 14-to-20 vote against alcohol prohibition in 1919. The spirits are available in liquor stores and restaurants throughout the state with plans to expand. — Phil Hall and Kevin Zimmerman

CONTRIBUTING WRITER | By Adam Balinsky

Dealing with the economic impact of cancer

ccording to the National Cancer Institute, anywhere from one-third to over three-quarters of cancer survivors exhaust their savings to finance medical expenses, which can amount to tens of thousands of dollars per month. With more than 200 types of cancer, individual costs can vary greatly depending on the specific treatments and whether or not they are covered by insurance. In many cases, leveraging outside resources can significantly help overcome these financial challenges.

UNDERSTANDING THE COSTS: WHAT’S COVERED AND WHAT’S NOT

Following a cancer diagnosis, determining the cost of treatment (including drugs) and co-payments is critical. Patients should become familiar with their insurance policies early on in the process and self-advocate. Knowing up-front what is and isn’t covered makes it possible to plan ahead and avoid any surprise bills. Many treatment facilities will schedule an initial meeting with an in-house financial representative to gather financial, insurance and credit card information. This is a good opportunity for patients to request cost estimates for treatment as well as their expected portion of payments versus what insurance will cover. Patients should also consider their own personal financial situation and how the cancer diagnosis and related costs will ultimately impact their income and cash flow. It’s common to overlook intangible costs, such as the financial impact of a spouse taking time off to care for a loved one or the patient no longer being able to work.

SEEK OUT PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE

A financial adviser can be an essential piece of the puzzle by reviewing a client’s full financial picture, helping to develop a budget and pointing out any red flags. A well-informed adviser may also be able to offer solutions that would have otherwise been missed. Remember that professionals like financial counselors, patient advocates and nurse navigators have worked with many patients in similar situations. They often have access to both not-for-profit and private-sector resources that can alleviate financial issues. And because they have familiarity with navigating the system, their input can save significant time.

SPEAK WITH OTHERS ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL HARDSHIP

Personal finance is a topic that people are seldom eager to discuss. Broaching the subject with family, friends and/or a support group, however, may open new doors. While the internet and other research can be helpful, financial options are sometimes easier to find and trust when suggested by someone with firsthand experience. Many patients who used their insurance policy as a loan source, for example, advocate

that solution to other patients who were not aware of it. A common theme heard from clients is that they wish they had learned about alternative options earlier in their treatment — before falling into a financial hole without solutions.

EXPLORE LIFE INSURANCE OPTIONS FOR GREATER FINANCIAL STABILITY

Patients, navigators and advisers are often unfamiliar with alternative uses of life insurance policies in the context of a cancer diagnosis. Some polices have an unseen equity value (not cash value) if the insured has a change in health status. Living benefit or accelerated death benefit riders, for example, pay out a portion of the policy’s death benefit from the life insurance company while the insured is still alive (typically with a life expectancy of less than 12 to 18 months).

It’s also possible for the insured to sell their life insurance policy through a life settlement. In this scenario, the seller is paid a lump sum while the purchaser assumes responsibility for premium payments (and will ultimately receive the policy’s death benefit). While it’s important to carefully consider all aspects of such a transaction, life settlements can provide financial relief in the right circumstances. Another life-insurance-based transaction that may be preferable to a life settlement is a loan secured by the life insurance policy from a specialty lender. Typically, a life insurance company or bank will only make a loan secured by a life insurance policy up to its cash surrender value. Unfortunately, in many cases, there is no cash build-up in the policy. Even so, there are a few specialty lenders that will assess the true equity value of the policy.

These lenders offer qualifying applicants a loan secured by the life insurance policy that includes an initial advance — usually between 20% and 60% of the policy’s face value. The lender will then take over premium payments. Ultimately, the advance is repaid using the proceeds of the policy and any remaining funds are paid to the beneficiaries. Cancer’s economic impact is undeniable. When facing this kind of financial hardship, all options should be carefully weighed with the help of a well-informed adviser. Doing so can greatly impact one’s quality of life when dealing with a life-threatening cancer diagnosis. Adam Balinsky is president of Fifth Season Financial, a specialty lender providing solutions to alleviate the financial strain associated with advanced-stage illness. For more information, call -866-459-1271 or visit fifthseasonfinancial.com.

You are invited An Event 20 Years in the Making

Cause for Celebration Reception Thursday, November 14, 2019 6-9 pm Clubhouse Grille, Oak Hills, Nor�alk Emcee ~ Stor� N Nor�an Speaker ~ Lauren Braun Costello

Honoring Business and Philanthropic Communit� Cr�saders htt�s://nor�alkchc.org Beneﬁts NCHC’s Healthy Beginnings and Childhood Obesit� Prevention Prog�ams

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OCTOBER 21, 2019

019 2 L A I N N E L #MIL

CELEBRATING A GENERATION By 2020, millennials will represent half of the workforce in the world. The awards celebrate this new era in the workforce and recognize some individuals who are leaving their footprints in the technology and business communities of Westchester and Fairfield.

POP-UP SHOPS • FOOD AND DRINKS • MAKE CONNECTIONS MUSIC PERFORMANCES • MEET OTHER BUSINESSES • NETWORK

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21 • 5:30 - 7:30 PM

At Serafina by the Italian Center | 1620 Newfield Ave, Stamford, CT REGISTER: westfaironline.com/events-2019/ For information, contact: Olivia D’Amelio at odamelio@westfairinc.com. For sponsorships, contact: Marcia Pflug at mpflug@wfpromote.com or 203-733-4545.

/WestfairOnline

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PRESENTING SPONSOR:

OCTOBER 21, 2019

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WestfairOnline

COMMUNITY LEADER:

WestfairOnline

/TheWagMag

MENTOR:

BENEFITING SPONSOR:

MEET THE HONOREES Pakeeza Alam Urongynecologist CareMount Medical

Laura Donovan Founder Sonder Financial

Chelsea Merola Creative Director Grande Cosmetics

Ina Gjoni Allkanjari Operations Manager Avanti Systems USA

Lauren Enea Associate Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano LLP

Krystina Murawski Owner & Founder Noomi

Kelly Andersen Marketing Director Wealth Continuum Group

Rachel Gould Accounting Manager Aquarion Water Company

Amanda Ayala Singer

Rebecca Graziano Director of Marketing Westmed Medical Group

Tugba Pal Assistant Director of Physician Relations Services Columbia Medical CenterWestchester Columbia Doctors

Theresa Baker Director, Health Care Sponsor Finance Webster Bank Tom Burbank Vice president of Service Operations Atlantic Westchester Nate Checketts Co-Founder & CEO Rhone Michelle Eva Marie Colacion Senior Manager Deloitte Consulting Alexandra Cooley COO & Co-Founder Greenworks Lending Nicole Cuglietto Attorney at Law Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP Amanda DiPreta Art Director Catalyst Marketing Communications

David Jones

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™

The SKG Team at Barnum Financial Group Adam Kirshner Manager of Media and Metadata Operations WWE Brendan Klein Youth Advocacy and Engagement Coordinator Westchester Institute for Human Development Loni Lymus CEO & President Service After Service Manette Macias Research Chemist Hampford Research Jillian McDonnell Sales Associate + Jeweler D’Errico Jewelry

Victoria McGruder Private Wealth Relationship Manager Merrill Private Wealth

Nitin Sekhri Medical Director of Pain Management and Co-Founder of WMC Headache Specialists Westchester Medical Center Stelios Stavrianos Founder/CEO Cylinder Vodka Nicole Thomas Vice president, Middle Market Relationship Manager Wells Fargo Bank Ken Tuccio Founder/CEO Best Trivia Ever John Varamo Program Manager City of Stamford Cassandra Vogel Counsel Yankwitt LLP Adam C. Weiss Associate Attorney Lever & Ecker PLLC

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OCTOBER 21, 2019

Outgoing Greenwich First Selectman Tesei plays his greatest hits BY KEVIN ZIMMERMAN kzimmerman@westfairinc.com

hat does a first selectman do upon deciding not to run for re-election after 12 years in

office? If he’s Greenwich First Selectman Peter Tesei, he uses his final State of the Town address to run through his greatest hits. Noting that voters will soon choose his successor — either Board of Estimate and Taxation Chair Jill Oberlander, a Democrat, or State Rep. and fellow Republican Fred Camillo — Tesei told the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce that what changes

PRESENTED BY:

Peter Tesei

2020 OUTLOOK

Expansion or contraction for your business? Pondering the economic forecasts for next year? How should you position your company and what should your strategy be?

WHEN:

November 20 5 to 8 p.m.

$20 admission (light hors d’oeuvres included)

WHERE:

Jonathan Kozy

SVP, Senior Macro Strategy Analyst, Bank of America

305 Ridgeway White Plains

TO REGISTER

westfaironline.com/events For information, contact Olivia D’Amelio at odamelio@westfairinc.com. For sponsorships, contact Barbara Hanlon at bhanlon@westfairinc.com or 914-358-0766.

have taken place during his six terms in office were “for the most part, I believe,” positive. Tesei said on Oct. 11 that the town had lived up to, and even surpassed, many expectations in the wake of the Great Recession of 2007-09. That was when it became obvious that “we could no longer rely on the federal or the state government” to the same extent to keep what he described as “our vibrant economic engine” going. Tesei’s creation of the First Selectman’s Economic Advisory Committee has helped to grow Greenwich’s business environment, he said, while marketing efforts like Think Greenwich and a number of initiatives by the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) have helped answer “why Greenwich makes sense” for prospective residents and businesses alike. The outgoing first selectman also touted the second annual Greenwich Economic Forum, scheduled for Nov. 5-6 at the Delamar Greenwich Harbor Hotel, as proof of the town’s status as “the hedge fund capital of the country.” Regarding Greenwich Harbor, Tesei took a victory lap for the creation of a harbor management plan and the dredging of the Mianus River, among other efforts that he said are intended to “upgrade and improve our 30 miles of coastline.” Going unmentioned was a proposal by Weeks Marine of Cranford, New Jersey, for a commercial barge mooring in Stamford waters located near Greenwich. In the face of fierce opposition from residents of both municipalities, the Greenwich Shellfish Commission, Tesei — who had threatened legal action — and Oberlander and Camillo, Weeks withdrew the proposal. Greenwich’s inclusion in the Fairfield Five — the regional marketing initiative also consisting of Fairfield, Norwalk, Stamford and Westport — and a report by the Fairfield County Community Foundation that found government responsiveness rated at 77% in Greenwich, as compared with a 55% average for the county, underscore the town’s importance in the county’s landscape, he said. Tesei acknowledged “a few disappointments” during his six terms, but chose not to go into detail. Among the things he’ll miss is having a portable police and fire radio.

NEWS NOON

OCTOBER 21, 2019

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Poll: Connecticut voters not eager to embrace ‘Medicare for All’ BIDEN, SANDERS, WARREN ALL LEADING TRUMP IN PRESIDENTIAL SURVEY

Donald Trump

BY PHIL HALL phall@westfairinc.com

he concept of “Medicare for All” being raised by several candidates seeking the Democratic Party nomination for president is not gaining traction with Connecticut voters, according to a poll conducted by Sacred Heart University’s Institute for Public Policy in partnership with the Hartford Courant. In a survey of 1,000 Connecticut residents conducted between Sept. 17 and Oct. 2, 73.8% of respondents admitted they were “very” or “somewhat” aware of the “Medicare for All” term. However, 38.3% of respondents stated their opposition to a single taxpayer-financed national health care system and 46.7% said they were either “strongly” or “somewhat” opposed to moving to “Medicare for All” if it meant that all private health insurance would be prohibited in favor of a federally administered program. There was greater popularity among the survey’s respondents concerning another policy proposal touted by Democratic contenders for their party’s presidential nomination. When asked if they supported a plan to eliminate up to $50,000 in student loan debt for middle- and lower-income Americans, 60.9% of residents said they either felt “strongly” or “somewhat” in support of the plan. To help fund this initiative, 58% said they either “strongly” or “somewhat” supported a plan to raise taxes on the wealthy to pay for all public colleges becoming “debt free” for students. As for the presidential race in 2020, the survey proposed contests between the leading Democratic contenders and President Donald Trump. The highest share of respondents favored former Vice President Joe Biden (52.2%) over Trump (33.3%), followed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (51.1% over 35% for Trump) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (48.8% over 35% for Trump).

Joe Biden

Elizabeth Warren

Bernie Sanders

PRINT PRINT JOURNALISM: JOURNALISM: BECAUSE BECAUSE IT STILL IT STILL MATTERS. MATTERS. westfaironline.com

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OCTOBER 21, 2019

The Fairfield Fierce creates basketball friendships BY PHIL HALL phall@westfairinc.com

BEWARE Outside companies are soliciting BUSINESS JOURNAL readers for plaques and other reproductions of newspaper content without our consent. If you or your firm is interested in framing an article or award from our newspaper or obtaining a reprint of a particular story Please contact

Marcia Rudy of Westfair Communications directly at (914) 694-3600 x3021.

OCTOBER 21, 2019

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t is a weeknight evening at Westport’s YMCA and the basketball court has been divided between two sets of teen players going through their practice drills. Off to the side, Scott Lipow is quietly watching the players while making mental notes on their performance strengths and where improvement could be made. The teens belong to the Fairfield Fierce, a youth basketball organization run by Lipow. A for-profit endeavor, the Fairfield Fierce is an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) organization open to boys from across the region. “We have kids from all over Fairfield County and even New Haven County,” said Lipow, who runs the Fairfield-based Six7 Marketing during the day. “The best part of this is seeing kids from different places, the towns and cities in the area, who don’t know each other. But then they start playing basketball together and start forming friendships. That’s very rewarding.” Lipow cited a lifelong interest in basketball as the inspiration for this endeavor, which he began in 2016 after years of volunteer basketball coaching. “I got enough kids to form my first team, then one team led to three teams and then six teams, and the word kept getting out there,” he recalled. Today, the Fairfield Fierce is divided into seven 10-member teams, with players ranging from third to 10th grade levels, and five adults share the coaching duties with Lipow. The teams play in regional tournaments during the fall and spring against similar youth basketball group programs, and on occasion the players have gone out of state for games. Lipow expects sports-

Scott Lipow during a Fairfield Fierce practice drill. Photo by Phil Hall.

manship from his young players and team rules include such mandates as having the athletes ready to play 20 minutes prior to any game and 10 minutes prior to any practice while not being allowed to complain with the referees over questionable calls. “This is more of a competitive environment as opposed to recreational,” Lipow said. Lipow noted how the game and the sense of teamwork has helped to build a sense of maturity among the players. “I am very impressed with how they deal with the mental health side of things,” he said. “They’re accustomed to the competitiveness and get really excited about being here. When they walk into the gym, they forget about everything else and they are energized.” Lipow’s approach to coaching involves focusing on the individuals rather than strategy. “In the years that I’ve been doing it, it’s less about the Xs and Os and more about the connection with the kids,” he continued. “The one caveat to that is you need to have a different approach to every kid. You cannot just take the same approach to

try and form a connection across the board. Every kid is different and you have to look to relate to them on a different level. We never want to compromise any kid’s confidence” Outside of the fall and spring tournaments, Fairfield Fierce offers a winter program where players participate in Fairfield County Basketball League games and non-league tournaments. During the summer, players in the fourth through eighth grades can participate in the Summer Scrimmages program. Participation comes with a fee per season — there is no year-round cost — and practice is held across a number of gyms in lower Fairfield County. Lipow has fielded requests for a girls program within the Fairfield Fierce, but at the moment he said he lacked the resources to accommodate female players. Lipow is eager to see his young players gain wider recognition in the sport. “Our first wave of kids is making a name for themselves on the high school level,” he said. “Some of these kids are going to do really well and in the next two or so years, they will be playing at great colleges.”

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OCTOBER 21, 2019

Ask Andi Reaching your audience with storytelling People don’t know us. They don’t know who we are, what we stand for. It’s not so easy to reach people. Sometimes I feel like I’m just talking at people, but don’t really have their attention. What should we think about doing differently for marketing? THOUGHTS OF THE DAY: The good news is, you don’t have to reach everyone. But you do need to have something useful for the people you want to reach. Consider storytelling as a way to be memorable. Of the more than 7.7 billion people in the world, any client base is a very small subset. Figuring out who to reach and how, is where marketing comes in. Defining a target market is relatively easy for most established businesses. Figure out who are your best customers. Then figure out what puts them in the “best” category. Here are some typ-

ical questions to ask to identify “best” customers. • Which clients are most profitable? • Which clients care if we’re still here doing business with them in the future? • Which clients challenge us to do better? • Which clients are committed to securing a healthy future? • Which clients are regular, consistent consumers of our goods or services? • Which clients perceive that we’re contributing to their success? • Which clients can afford to pay us fairly, and do so? Once you’ve rated all cli-

ents based on the above questions, pick the ones that score highest in all categories. Look at the demographics of this core group of customers. Find what’s common. Look at company size, market, geography. Consider the interests, opinions, income levels, gender and age profiles of the decision-makers and influencers. Build a profile of the ideal buyer that takes this data into account. Once you know who to target, identify what interests them most, in relation to your company’s product or service. Why your company? How does what’s important to them correlate with what’s important to your company. If you’re not sure, interview your best customers to get a better understanding. Don’t just focus on what they get from your company. Reach back in time to before

they knew about your company. Why did they inquire and why did they buy your company’s products or services? And how did that purchase help them to succeed? Once you figure out the “why,” then it’s time to move on to how to get your message across. In general, we human beings like stories. When offered a story we tend to turn up our antennae and settle in to receive the information being passed to us. The brain consumes and remembers stories in a very differently way from how it consumes and memorizes data. When hearing statistics, the likelihood of remembering that information is around 10%, 15% tops. When it comes to stories, some researchers maintain we’re seven times more likely to retain concepts and details. Good storytelling includes intention and motivation.

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OCTOBER 21, 2019

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By sharing a sequence of actions, including what drove the actions and the outcomes that resulted, the storyteller gets through to our brains in a way that data alone cannot. Storytelling helps people organize incoming information. It gives data context that the recipient can relate to. Stories are used by listeners and readers to adapt and apply information and outcomes to their own world of experiences. Storytelling also connects people. When stories include emotions, people tend to focus on what’s being conveyed in a way that yields higher levels of attention and understanding. Listeners bond with the storyteller and with other listeners. Stories with emotion have been shown to cause people to be more trusting and open to ideas.

And from openness and trust comes the opportunity to engage. BOOK RECOMMENDATION: “Stories That Stick: How Storytelling Can Captivate Customers, Influence Audiences, and Transform Your Business,” by Kindra Hall. Andi Gray is president of Strategy Leaders Inc., StrategyLeaders.com, a business-consulting firm that teaches companies how to double revenue and triple profits in repetitive growth cycles. Have a question for AskAndi? Wondering how Strategy Leaders can help your business thrive? Call or email for a free consultation and diagnostics at 877-238-3535 or AskAndi@ Strateg yLeade rs .com . Check out our library of business advice articles at AskAndi.com.

FOCUS ON

BANKING & FINANCE FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Facebook's cryptocurrency Libra finding few friends in government, banking industry BY KEVIN ZIMMERMAN kzimmerman@westfairinc.com

nvoke the prefix “crypto” and for most people negative thoughts are likely to follow. Dictionary.com defines the term as a noun meaning “a person who secretly supports or adheres to a group, party or belief” and an adjective meaning “secret or hidden; not publicly admitted.” In case that isn’t clear enough, it adds the example “crypto-Nazi.” So it should come as no surprise that cryptocurrency — “a digital currency or decentralized system of exchange that uses advanced cryptography for security,” with Bitcoin being perhaps the best-known example — is viewed with suspicion in many quarters.

Including, it turns out, banks, which understandably prefer dealing with currency the old-fashioned way, in cash, or its many variations based on legal tender. At the end of September, the Federal Advisory Council (FAC), which is composed of 12 representatives of the banking industry, wrote to the Federal Reserve that Facebook’s cryptocurrency Libra would pose a threat against monetary policies throughout the country. “Facebook is potentially creating a digital monetary ecosystem outside of sanctioned financial markets, or a ‘shadow banking’ system,” the banks said, according to minutes of the FAC meeting. “As consumers adopt Libra, more deposits could migrate onto the platform, effectively reducing liquidity, and that

disintermediation may further expand into loan and investment services.” Members of the FAC include M&T Bank Corp. CEO Rene Jones, KeyCorp CEO Beth Mooney and Bank of America Corp. CEO Brian Moynihan. All declined further comment for this article. Coinciding with the FAC’s meeting was a letter sent to Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell by U.S. Reps. French Hill, R-Arkansas, and Bill Foster, D-Illinois, calling on the government to create and manage its own national digital currency. “We are concerned that the primacy of the U.S. dollar could be in long-term jeopardy from wide adoption of digital fiat currencies,” they wrote. “Internationally, the Bank for International Settlements conducted a

study that found that over 40 countries around the world have currently developed or are looking into developing a digital currency.” Over the summer, Powell said that Libra raised “serious concerns regarding privacy, money laundering, consumer protection, financial stability” and that the Fed had launched a working group to examine it. Libra has also come under fire from Bruno Le Maire, the economy and finance minister of France. “It would be a global currency, held by a single player, which has more than 2 billion users around the world,” he said. “The monetary sovereignty of states is under threat. “I want to be absolutely clear. In these conditions, we cannot authorize the development of Libra on European soil,” he added.

It isn’t only the multinational players who are taking notice. “As a participant in a highly regulated industry, we always worry about any competitor that doesn’t have to play by the same rules,” remarked Newtown Savings Bank President and CEO Ken Weinstein. “Given Facebook’s scale and history of privacy-related issues, it is important that Congress consider the potential implications of Libra to ensure that U.S. consumers and our economic system are not harmed.” The Libra Association — a group of companies Facebook assembled to oversee the cryptocurrency — lost a key member earlier this month when PayPal announced it was getting out. Also exiting more recently have been

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eBay, Mastercard, Visa, Stripe, Mercado Pago and Norwalkbased Booking Holdings. “Cryptocurrency has no part in our bank nor strategy,” said Michael Gilfeather, who is the president and CEO of Orange Bank & Trust Company based in Middletown, New York. Libra Association members include Lyft, Uber, Spotify and Vodafone. “In the nearly three months since the intent to launch the Libra project was announced, we have become the world’s most scrutinized fintech effort,” the association said. “We welcome this scrutiny and have deliberately designed a long launch runway to have these conversations, educate stakeholders and incorporate their feedback in our design.”

OCTOBER 21, 2019

Good Things BARTLETT ARBORETUM PLANS ACCESSIBLE SENSORY GARDEN

PLATFORM TO EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

Joy Kim

HOULIHAN LAWRENCE WELCOMES THE METALIOS GROUP

The Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens in Stamford has announced plans to build a new Sensory Garden on its 93-acre property. The garden will provide each guest with an interactive journey through the senses by having plants and materials of different textures, colors, scents, sounds and heights. The Bartlett’s design plans go even further to permit wheelchair access and other accessibility concerns.

SUCCESSFUL COMMUNITY DAY BENEFIT AT LITCHFIELD CROSSINGS

OCTOBER 21, 2019

On Thursday, Oct. 3, The WorkPlace hosted a statewide graduation ceremony for its nationally recognized Platform to Employment (P2E) program, including classes from Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven and Waterbury. Since its inception, P2E has helped more than 1,200 of Connecticut’s longterm unemployed residents find work. The program empowers individuals, fosters self-sufficiency and focuses on perfor-

mance improvements with measurable outcomes. An investment by the state of Connecticut in P2E has shown great returns with more than 80% of participants returning to work at an average annual wage of $51,500. Beginning with a five-week preparatory program, P2E helps participants confront barriers to employment through coaching, skills assessments, career readiness workshops and programs to rebuild confidence

and improve employability. P2E covers the cost of wages during a trial period where employers can evaluate if a candidate is a good fit for an open position. Graduates at the ceremony were joined by several state legislators, including Reps. Mitch Bolinsky of Newtown, Joseph Gresko of Stratford and Anne Hughes of Easton, Redding and Weston. Visit workplace.org for more information on P2E.

STEPPING STONES ANNUAL HARVEST FUNDRAISER

Litchfield Crossings Executive Director Kristen N. Gizzi and Lt. Sean Delaney of the Water Witch Hose Company No. 2 joined together to thank vendors, retailers and nonprofits that participated in the center’s Community Day to raise funds for Water Witch Hose Company’s new fire engine. Participating individuals and businesses included Denice Wittmann of Eklektikos, purveyor of fine jewelry, apparel and accessories; Rachel Rimmer and Tiffany Morrison of Two Knotty Hippies, who displayed their line of jewelry and fashion items; and Sheila Silvernail of Silver Dust with her fragrant soaps and scented candles. Thanks also went to JK Crafty with their homemade gifts, wall art, décor and glassware; and Heidi Mongan of HZM Creations for her crocheted blankets, sweaters, wooden signs and candle holders. Jerry Surovy of Quilted Things Etc., creator of small and large quilts, and Denise Reiss of Mojilife with her home fragrances also received thanks. Litchfield Crossings is located at 169 Danbury Road in New Milford.

From left: Simon Little of Stamford; John Signes of Trumbull; Annette Febres of Bridgeport; and Jannie Williams of Norwalk.

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Houlihan Lawrence announced the addition of the Metalios Group. A team led by Metalios Group’s Joy Kim closed more than $78 million in sales in 2018. Kim said, “Joining Houlihan Lawrence and being supported by the market share and resources of the No. 1 brokerage in Greenwich will be a tremendous benefit.”

STATUE OF CHEF JACQUES PÉPIN UNVEILED Legendary chef Jacques Pépin was honored with a bronze statue designed by world-renowned sculptor Zenos Frudakis and installed at Stone Acres Farm in Stonington. The Yellow Farmhouse Education Center partnered with The Jacques Pépin Foundation to host a Harvest Tribute fundraising event on Sunday, Oct. 13, to benefit The Jacques Pépin Legacy Fund and the Yellow Farmhouse Education Center. The Yellow Farmhouse Education Center connects people to each other and to where their food comes from through culinary and farm-based education.

HABITAT HOLDS INTERFAITH VOLUNTEER WORK DAY

At last year’s FriendsGiving Harvest Dinner, from left: Stepping Stones board members Jeff Kaplan and Sandra Miklave, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), board member Natasha Hill and FriendsGiving event chair Kris Granetz. Photo courtesy of Mark Tibor Photography.

On Thursday, Nov. 14, Stepping Stones Museum for Children will be hosting its fourth annual FriendsGiving fundraiser at its facility in Norwalk’s historic Mathews Park. Proceeds from the event will support Open Arms, the museum’s children’s accessibility initiative, which provides thousands of children, caregivers and teachers

each year with opportunities to experience the museum’s educational offerings for free or at a reduced fee. In 2019, Open Arms will serve more than 70,000 children and their family members, educators and other community partners throughout the region at a cost of more than $1 million.

Space for FriendsGiving is limited. Single ticket prices start at $275 and a table of eight can be reserved for $2,250. Special pricing for members is $250 per ticket. For more information, contact Laura Downing at 203-899-0606, ext. 289, or visit steppingstonesmuseum.org/ friendsgiving.

Housatonic Habitat for Humanity recently held its first interfaith volunteer workday, which was led by interfaith coordinator Jim Wheeler. More than 15 volunteers from local congregations met at Housatonic Habitat’s ReStore at 51 Austin St. in Danbury before heading to New Preston. The teams painted two-car garages that are part of the Myfield project. Housatonic Habitat recently began construction on its first of eight new homes as part of the Mygatt project. Individuals or groups interested in volunteering should contact volunteer@ housatonichabitat.org.

Information for these features has been submitted by the subjects or their delegates.

TEDDY BEAR CLINIC DRAWS HUNDREDS OF FRIENDS

CONNECT WITH westfair communications Michael G. Iovanna

LAW FIRM’S NEW ASSOCIATE ANNOUNCED Michael G. Iovanna has joined the Neubert, Pepe & Monteith PC law firm as an associate. He is a civil litigation attorney whose practice focuses on construction litigation, commercial litigation and professional malpractice and insurance defense. A graduate of the University of Central Florida and University of Connecticut School of Law, Iovanna was a competitor in the highly selective American Association for Justice (“AAJ”) Student Trial Advocacy Competition while he was in law school.

All types of plush animals came to be treated by the doctors and nurses at Greenwich Hospital’s 21st Teddy Bear Clinic on Oct. 6. An estimated 1,375 youngsters and parents from Fairfield and Westchester counties took part in the outdoor mini-hospital under tents. More than 550 children

from infants to pre-teens attended the free event. Twenty-one hospital departments were represented, including emergency, maternity, pediatrics, respiratory services, surgery, pharmacy, cancer prevention, orthopedics and cardiology.

WISH KID’S MAGICAL MEMORY

Also represented were the Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital Pediatric Specialty Center and Northeast Medical Group Pediatrics in Rye Brook, New York. Greenwich Library was on hand for story time and Greenwich Emergency Medical Services provided ambulance tours.

westfaironline.com wagmag.com

SMART WALK FOR SMART KIDS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES

Attorney Robert Tudisco and motivational speaker Jane Ross, founder and executive director of Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities. Photo courtesy of Rodolfo Sanches Carvalho. Charlotte White (center, wearing a blue Make-a-Wish shirt) and her family at Disney World.

Eight-year-old Charlotte, nicknamed Cha Cha, was diagnosed with an endocrine disorder when she was born. At a very young age she underwent a liver transplant, resulting in endless medical visits. In June, Make-A-Wish Connecticut granted Charlotte’s wish to go to the Walt Disney World Resort with her family. Prior to her trip, Charlotte decided to pay it forward by hosting

a lemonade stand and donating all the proceeds to Make-A-Wish Connecticut. Make-A-Wish Connecticut creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. It seeks to bring every eligible child’s wish to life because a wish is an integral part of a child’s treatment journey. For more information contact ct.wish.org/donate.

PRINT JOURNALISM: BECAUSE IT STILL MATTERS.

More than 200 parents, children, professionals and supporters joined together for the second annual Smart Walk for Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities on Sunday, Sept. 22, at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport. The event raised more than $30,000 for the Norwalk-based nonprofit that provides educational programs, youth mentoring, parent networking and extensive resources for families. The afternoon celebrated the strengths and talents of young people with learning disabilities and ADHD, rejected the stigma attached to these issues and

empowered parents. Leading the opening ceremonies was Robert Tudisco, a disability rights attorney with Barger & Gaines, author and motivational speaker, and also an adult diagnosed with ADHD. Student speaker Tori Ingulli of Redding, a junior at the Wooster School in Danbury, spoke about how she embraced her learning disabilities, which helped her work harder, learn more and discover new passions. Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities has grown to include chapters in Stamford/Greenwich, Westport/Wilton, northern Fairfield County and Hartford.

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OCTOBER 21, 2019

Facts & Figures

ON THE RECORD

Commercial

Norwalk Roofing, Norwalk, contractor for 104 West Cedar Street LLC. Remove and reroof 104 W. Cedar St., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $28,000. Filed May 2.

I M G Contracting LLC, Norwalk, contractor for Stephen Barbo. Renovate garage and add dormers at 56 Rowayton Ave., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $25,000. Filed May 10.

Mahoney Construction Inc., Norwalk, contractor for Jordan S. Davis. Repair structure from floor trusses to loft area at 1 Island Drive, Unit 26, Norwalk. Estimated cost: $26,880. Filed May 1.

A Team Contracting LLC, Bridgeport, contractor for Firestone Capital. Fit-up for subway restaurant at 930 Main St., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $110,802. Filed May 23.

OC Roofing LLC, Bridgeport, contractor for HOCAP Comp. Replace roof at 144 Island Brook Ave., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $15,950. Filed May 21.

Marek & Morawski, Norwalk, contractor for Marek & Morawski. Remove all appliances at 45 Summitt Ave., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $5,000. Filed April 16.

Group LLC IJ, Norwalk, contractor for Group LLC IJ. Replace stairs at 69 Wall St., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $4,000. Filed April 16.

Pavarini North East Construction Company LLC, Norwalk, contractor for ESRT Merritt view LLC. Replace total area and first-floor ceiling at 383 Main Ave., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $611,170. Filed April 26.

Intrieri, Michael, Norwalk, contractor for Michael Intrieri. Renovate master bedroom, add master bath, convert full bath to half bath and closet at 18 Lorena St., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $20,000. Filed April 9.

BUILDING PERMITS

Howard Gardner, Bridgeport, contractor for Kam Wong. Remodel grocery store at 256 Wade St., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $12,000. Filed May 24. Iranbo Inc, Northvale, New Jersey, contractor for Cell Tower Lease Acquisition LLC. Remove and replace antennas at 1330 Chopsey Hill, Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $25,000. Filed May 14. Main Avenue LLC 458, Norwalk, contractor for Main Avenue LLC 458. Perform alterations for tenant at 456 Main Ave., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $1,000. Filed May 7. Melbourne Realty Company LLC, Norwalk, contractor for Melbourne Realty Company LLC. Update tenant second floor at 111 East Ave., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $1,000. Filed May 8. Merritt 7 Venture LLC, Norwalk, contractor for Merritt 7 Venture LLC. Perform a tenant fit-up for third, fourth and fifth floors office space of Relies at 201 Merritt 7, Norwalk. Estimated cost: $2,070,099. Filed April 17.

Items appearing in the Fairfield County Business Journal’s On The Record section are compiled from various sources, including public records made available to the media by federal, state and municipal agencies and the court system. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this information, no liability is assumed for errors or omissions. In the case of legal action, the records cited are open to public scrutiny and should be inspected before any action is taken. Questions and comments regarding this section should be directed to: Bob Rozycki c/o Westfair Communications Inc. 701 Westchester Ave, Suite 100 J White Plains, N.Y. 10604-3407 Phone: 694-3600 • Fax: 694-3699

OCTOBER 21, 2019

Posigen Connecticut LLC, Norwalk, contractor for Thomas M.J. Steel and Catherine Steel. Install roof-mounted solar panels at 10 Loomis St., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $21,120. Filed May 10. REI LLC SJ, Norwalk, contractor for REI LLC SJ. Install vinyl windows, vinyl siding and remove and re-roof 83 Main St., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $45,000. Filed April 25. Russell Senerchia, Norwalk, contractor for Norwalk Land Development LLC. Install two elevators and four escalators, at Bloomingdale’s, 100-101 N. Water St., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $549,000. Filed May 2. TR South Water Street LLC, Norwalk, contractor for TR South Water Street LLC. Build foundation and develop retail space at 123 Water St., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $2,500,000. Filed May 7. West Avenue LLC, Norwalk, contractor for West Avenue LLC. Construct work rooms for tenant Serenity Brows Organic Studio at 606-614 West Ave., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $7,000. Filed May 1.

Residential Executive Craftsmen Inc., Norwalk, contractor for Meredith L. Gold. Repair structure from tree damage to kitchen at 25 Hillwood Place, Norwalk. Estimated cost: $32,884. Filed April 10. Falsey, James, Norwalk, contractor for Two St. James Place. Build foundation for a two-car garage at 7 Westmere Ave., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $30,000. Filed April 5.

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Jacob, Kurt, Norwalk, contractor for Matthew D. Rideout. Install retaining wall at 291 Highland Ave., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $7,500. Filed April 30.

Martin, William Reimer, Norwalk, contractor for William Reimer Martin. Renovate a single-family residence at 9 Geneva Road, Norwalk. Estimated cost: $23,792. Filed May 7.

Joe Lavalle Building Company LLC, Norwalk, contractor for Doyle R. James Jr. Add bathroom and laundry room to rear of a single-family residence at 5 Craw Ave., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $20,000. Filed April 16.

Mathews, Walden H. and Susan Mathews, Norwalk, contractor for Walden H. Mathews and Susan Mathews. Renovate a single-family residence at 56 Cove Ave., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $4,000. Filed May 7.

Jose de Jesus, Bridgeport, contractor for Shoe Girl LLC. Remodel bathrooms and kitchens at 81 Aldine Ave., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $16,500. Filed May 21.

MFXA Construction, Bridgeport, contractor for Kayon and Donald Paul. Alter kitchen, bedroom and bathroom at 100 Pearl St., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $10,000. Filed May 16.

Kerschner Development Company LLC, Norwalk, contractor for Elaine Van Reesema. Construct a stone patio at rear of a single-family residence, 5 St. James Place, Norwalk. Estimated cost: $75,000. Filed April 25.

Mileo Group LLC, Norwalk, contractor for Mileo Group LLC. Renovate a single-family residence, expand bathroom, kitchen and remove chimney at 46 Rampart Road, Norwalk. Estimated cost: $50,000. Filed May 6.

Kurtzman, Richard S., Norwalk, contractor for Richard Kurtzman. Replace rotting wood on rear deck at 46 Noah’s Lane, Norwalk. Estimated cost: $5,000. Filed May 8.

Muralles, Guilver, Bridgeport, contractor for Guilver Muralles. Replace roof, remodel kitchen, replace windows and finish basement at 159 Vincellette St., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $21,560. Filed May 23.

Lamontagne, Daniel M., Norwalk, contractor for Tyler Emily Griggs Maguire. Renovate and expand existing single-family residence,including bathroom, master bath, new siding, windows and front porch at 94 Witch Lane, Norwalk. Estimated cost: $239,805. Filed April 23. Landmark Exteriors Inc., Norwalk, contractor for Ronald F. Carapezzi and Newell H. Carapezzi. Remove and Reroof 83 Old Saugatuck Road, Norwalk. Estimated cost: $94, 886. Filed May 1. Leading Edge Exteriors LLC, Norwalk, contractor for Darlons Terrace Condo. Remove and re-roof 199 Gregory Blvd., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $159,243. Filed May 7.

O&C Roofing LLC, Norwalk, contractor for Trust U/A V1 Residence. Remove and reroof 44 Assisi Way, Norwalk. Estimated cost: $6,850. Filed April 29. O’Ramos Home Improvements LLC, Norwalk, contractor for Charles F. Raikes. Remove and re-roof 26 Crooked Trail Road, Norwalk. Estimated cost: $7,480. Filed April 23. Olivera, Paul, Norwalk, contractor for Paul Olivera. Install vinyl siding at garage and house on three sides at 60 Magnolia Ave., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $5,000. Filed April 16.

Olivera, Paul, Norwalk, contractor for Paul Olivera. Install vinyl siding to rear of property at 60 Magnolia Ave., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $2,000. Filed May 8.

Ramirez Contractors, Bridgeport, contractor for Orlando Vicens. Build a second-story deck at 54 Ashley St., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $14,000. Filed May 22.

O’Neil, Kathleen L. and Roger J. Lapointe, Norwalk, contractor for Kathleen L. O’Neil and Roger J. Lapointe. Replace rear deck at 6 Senga Road, Norwalk. Estimated cost: $5,000. Filed May 10.

Riga LLC, Norwalk, contractor for John E. Karr and Patricia M. Russo. Remove and re-roof at 19 Heron Road, Unit 20, Norwalk. Estimated cost: $15,500. Filed May 1.

Perez Auto and Sales, Bridgeport, contractor for Strobro Knowlton LLC. Repair vehicle facility at 72 Knowlton St., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $6,000. Filed May 21.

Rochefort, Morgan L., Norwalk, contractor for Morgan L. Rochefort. Renovate full bath, replace tub and shower at 3 France St., Unit B, Norwalk. Estimated cost: $7,000. Filed May 7.

PG Home Improvement LLC, Trumbull, contractor for 99 Trumbull Ave LLC. Demolish roof and rebuild second floor at 99 Trumbull Ave., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $32,500. Filed May 21. Pitasi, Dominick J., Norwalk, contractor for Dominick J. Pitasi. Create new master bathroom while renovating 55 Chesnut Hill Road, Norwalk. Estimated cost: $35,000. Filed April 23. Posigen Connecticut LLC, Norwalk, contractor for John E. Drake Ford. Install roof-mounted solar panels at 12 Country Club Road, Norwalk. Estimated cost: $21,120. Filed April 29. Posigen Connecticut LLC, Bridgeport, contractor for Ramiro Buendia. Structural reinforcement for solar panel installation at 305 Alexander St., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $1,000. Filed May 16. Pro Custom Solar LLC, Norwalk, contractor for Joan Michael Chacua Diaz. Install roof-mounted solar panels at 16 Cutrone Road, Norwalk. Estimated cost: $18,839. Filed April 23. Pro Custom Solar LLC, Norwalk, contractor for Joyce E. Diamond. Remove and re-roof 3 1/2 Jarvis St., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $5,759. Filed May 1. Pro Custom Solar LLC, Norwalk, contractor for Camilo Agudelo. Install roof-mounted solar panels at 40 Girard St., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $23,792. Filed May 13.

COURT CASES Bridgeport Superior Court Allen, Susanne M., Wilton. Filed by JPMorgan Chase Bank National Association, Columbus, Ohio. Plaintiff’s attorney: Bendett & McHugh PC, Farmington. Action: The plaintiff was assigned the defendant’s mortgage who then defaulted on the terms of the agreement and has failed to pay the plaintiff the amount due. The plaintiff claims foreclosure of the mortgage, possession of the mortgage premises, monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other and further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. FBT-CV19-6087522-S. Filed June 28. Flittner, Rudolph M., et al, Stratford. Filed bythe tTown of Stratford. Plaintiff’s attorney: Jackson Law Group Connecticut LLC, Shelton. Action: The plaintiff filed a certificate tax lien for the defendants’ property for the unpaid tax with interest fees and charges. The plaintiff claims foreclosure of the mortgage, possession of the mortgage premises, monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other and further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. FBT-CV19-6087005-S. Filed June 12.

Facts & Figures Hemmings, Denise M., Trumbull. Filed by John N. Rosado, Trumbull. Plaintiff’s attorney: Lawrence J. Merly, Bridgeport. Action: The plaintiff suffered a collision allegedly caused by the defendant and sustained severe and painful personal injuries. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other and further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. FBT-CV19-6089019-S. Filed Aug. 19. Lopez, Veronica, Bridgeport. Filed by Beatriz Perez, Bridgeport. Plaintiff’s attorney: Cooper Sevillano LLC, Bridgeport. Action: The plaintiff suffered a collision allegedly caused by the defendant and sustained severe and painful personal injuries. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other and further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. FBT-CV19-6087909-S. Filed July 12.

Danbury Superior Court Berson, Nancy C., Ridgefield. Filed by Discover Bank, New Albany, Ohio. Plaintiff’s attorney: Schreiber/Cohen LLC, Salem, New Hampshire. Action: The plaintiff is a banking association, which issued a credit account for the defendant who agreed to make payments for goods and services. The defendant failed to make payments. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages less than $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs. Case no. DBD-CV-19-6031717-S. Filed June 5. Cordio, Anthony, Danbury. Filed by Allstate Insurance Co., Northbrook, Illinois. Plaintiff’s attorney: Blackwell & Spadaccini LLC, Manchester. Action: The plaintiff undertook an investigation regarding an explosion allegedly caused by the defendant who failed to perform a leak check on the gas piping system causing damages to the property. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other and further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. DBD-CV-196032670-S. Filed July 29.

Great Northern Insurance Co., et al, Whitehouse Station, New Jersey. Filed by Shelly Persaud, Yonkers, New York. Plaintiff’s attorney: Moore O’Brien & Foti, Middlebury. Action: The plaintiff suffered a collision allegedly caused by the defendant and sustained severe and painful personal injuries. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other and further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. DBD-CV-19-6031233-S. Filed May 7. Thompson, Todd R., et al, Torrington. Filed by Lisa D. Brackett, Sandy Hook. Plaintiff’s attorney: James Owens Gaston, Bridgeport. Action: The plaintiff suffered a collision allegedly caused by the defendants and sustained severe and painful personal injuries. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other and further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. DBDCV-19-6032466-S. Filed May 15.

Stamford Superior Court Klein, Samuel, et al, Greenwich. Filed by Bank of America NA, Columbus, Ohio. Plaintiff’s attorney: Locke Lord LLP, Hartford. Action: The plaintiff is owner of the mortgage and note of the defendants’ property who defaulted on the terms of the agreement and have failed to pay the plaintiff the amount due. The plaintiff claims foreclosure of the mortgage, possession of the mortgage premises, monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other and further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. FST-CV19-6042894-S. Filed July 26. One Hundred Norwalk LLC, et al, Great Neck, New York. Filed by Michelle Velazquez, Darien. Plaintiff›s attorney: Carter Mario Injury Lawyers, North Haven. Action: The plaintiff was lawfully on the premises of the defendants, when she was caused to fall due to an accumulation of snow and ice, thereby causing her to suffer injuries. The fall was caused by the negligence of the defendants by not keeping the premises safe. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other and further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. FST-CV-19-6042938-S. Filed July 30.

Plantemoli, Leonard J., et al, Stamford. Filed by U.S. Bank National Associatio, as trustee, Fairfield. Plaintiff’s attorney: Glass & Braus LLC, Fairfield. Action: The plaintiff was assigned the defendants’ who defaulted on the terms of the agreement and have failed to pay the plaintiff the amount due. The plaintiff claims foreclosure of the mortgage, possession of the mortgage premises, monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other and further relief the court deems appropriate. Case no. FST-CV-19-6042711-S. Filed July 15.

Loizzo, Anthony and Jonathan Smith, Greenwich. Seller: US Bank N A, Salt Lake City, Utah. Property: 4 Willow Run Road, Greenwich. Amount: $565,000. Filed July 3.

Shaikh, Abdulkadar, Stamford. Filed by Rafael Alvarez-Ramirez, Stamford. Plaintiff’s attorney: Martinez Alex J. Law Offices LLC, Stamford. Action: The plaintiff suffered a collision allegedly caused by the defendant and sustained severe and painful personal injuries. The plaintiff seeks monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs and such other and further relief as the court deems appropriate. Case no. FST-CV-19-6042801-S. Filed Aug. 22.

Nationstar Mortgage LLC, Coppell, Texas. Seller: Jean M. Desmond, Norwalk. Property: 30 Richmond Hill Road, Norwalk. Amount: $369,472. Filed May 15.

DEEDS Commercial Durso, Christopher and Kerri Durso, Greenwich. Seller: Alison B. Setterberg, Greenwich. Property: 17 Candelight Place, Greenwich. Amount: $0. Filed July 8. Huang, Zeng Gul and Na Chen, Norwalk. Seller: Amin Construction LLC, Norwalk. Property: 35 Homer St., Norwalk. Amount: $710,000. Filed May 6. Kalunian, Adam and Valerie Kalunian, Norwalk. Seller: Valdemar LLC, Norwalk. Property: Lot 31, Hazel St., Norwalk. Amount: $345,000. Filed May 16. LeFloch, Graham, Norwalk. Seller: Anton Bataj, Greenwich. Property: 31 Etti Lane, Greenwich. Amount: $927,000. Filed July 5. Lehv, Geoffrey and Katherine Lehv, Houston, Texas. Seller: Pall Construction LLC, Monroe. Property: 450 Woodridge Ave., Fairfield. Amount: $875,000. Filed May 24.

M and G Brunner LLC, Westport. Seller: 33 Miller Street LLC, Miami, Florida. Property: 33 Miller St., Fairfield. Amount: $940,000. Filed June 3. Munoz Ramos, Miguel A., Stamford. Seller: Hedgerow Properties LLC, Weston. Property: 1165 Reservoir Ave., Bridgeport. Amount: $180,000. Filed May 6.

Panza, Maura and Scott Panza, New York, New York. Seller: D. Charles LLC, Southport. Property: 395 Wormwood Road, Fairfield. Amount: $1,100,000. Filed May 22. Ramachandran, Anand and Santhi Vellappilly, Fairfield. Seller: LB Properties LLC, Park City, Utah. Property: 240 Sunnyridge Ave., Unit 99, Fairfield. Amount: $206,000. Filed May 24. Rivas, Jocelyn, Fairfield. Seller: DLJ Mortgage Capital Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah. Property: 211 Church Hill Road, Fairfield. Amount: $281,000. Filed June 5. Sabia, Joseph, Fairfield. Seller: Wilmington Savings Fund Society, Irvine, California. Property: 5737 Park Ave., Fairfield. Amount: $327,200. Filed May 28. Soundview and Cliff LLC Darien. Seller: Michael Siladi, Wilton. Property: Lot 3, Map 260, Norwalk. Amount: $460,000. Filed May 17. Stugotz Properties LLC, Greenwich. Seller: Morgan Avenue LLC, Greenwich. Property: Lots 27, 28 and 29. Map 828, Morgan Ave., Greenwich. Amount: $1. Filed July 8.

Residential Cohen-Bolduc, Justine and Jeffrey P. Bolduc, Greenwich. Seller: Philip William Richards, Greenwich. Property: 102 North St., Greenwich. Amount: $2,940,000. Filed June 26.

D’Amico, David and Theresa Rose D’Amico, White Plains, New York. Seller: Catherine Stambaugh and Anthony Poccia, Guilford. Property: Lot 2, Map 5632, Locust Road Associates. Greenwich. Amount: $10. Filed June 25. Hibbs, Elizabeth C. and David G. Hibbs, Fairfield. Seller: Frank A. Strohm and Mary Banks Strohm, Fairfield. Property: 104 Rowland Road, Fairfield. Amount: $835,000. Filed May 22. Honig, Ira and Barbara A. Honig, Greenwich. Seller: Valerie A. Rocco, Norwalk. Property: Unit 2M, Nor-West Condominium, Norwalk. Amount: $190,100. Filed May 14. Jamison, Matthew G. and Courtney N. Jamison, Fairfield. Seller: Donald F. Leslie and Charlotte I. Leslie, Fairfield. Property: 160 Hunter Road, Fairfield. Amount: $635,000. Filed May 29. Johnson, William R. and Ann L. Johnson, Fairfield. Seller: Elizabeth Brown, Fairfield. Property: 986 S. Pine Creek Road, Fairfield. Amount: $740,000. Filed May 22. Kastanaras, George and Sarah Kastanaras, Fairfield. Seller: Alan K. Gorenstein, Fairfield. Property: 168 Sky Top Drive, Fairfield. Amount: $560,000. Filed May 24. Klein, Frederick A. and Jill G. Klein, Norwalk. Seller: E. Nikolas Tavlarios and Maria L. Tavlarios, Norwalk. Property: 26 Indian Sring Road, Norwalk. Amount: $1,490,000. Filed May 23. Kropp, Carl, Danbury. Seller: Senay Johnson, Fairfield. Property: 360 Wilson St., Fairfield. Amount: $340,000. Filed May 28. Landon, Jason and Christina Landon, Fairfield. Seller: James H. Stirling and Julianne F. Stirling, Fairfield. Property: 766 Old Post Road, Fairfield. Amount: $1,690,000. Filed May 31. Lauro, Amanda Elizabeth, Bridgeport. Seller: Angela Reichelt, Bridgeport. Property: 462 Glendale Ave., Unit 16, Bridgeport. Amount: $107,000. Filed May 6. Li, Ganghu and Tina Cui, Norwalk. Seller: Jennifer Webb, Norwalk. Property: 11 Garfield St., Norwalk. Amount: $369,900. Filed May 21.

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Liscinsky, Brett, Norwalk. Seller: Melissa Slattery, New Canaan. Property: 11 Talmadge Place, Norwalk. Amount: $325,000. Filed May 23. Liu, Xing Wu and Xiu Zhen Chen, Maspeth, New York. Seller: US National Association, Coppell, Texas. Property: 35 Hillwood Place, Norwalk. Amount: $291,375. Filed May 23. Mallozzi, Vincent and Brooke Mallozzi, Greenwich. Seller: Ruthann Hallas, Greenwich. Property: Lot 5, Hickory Drive, Greenwich. Amount: $875,000. Filed July 8. McCloat, Meghan and Silvestro Accettullo Jr., Easton. Seller: Charles E. Ferguson, Fairfield. Property: 2815 Redding Road, Fairfield. Amount: $580,000. Filed June 3. McFate, Clifton J., Norwalk. Seller: Cynthia Khammmouch, Norwalk. Property: Unit 21, Horizon Townhouse Condominium, Norwalk. Amount: $260,000. Filed May 13. Morris, Lisa and Christian Morris, Fairfield. Seller: Nancy J. Savas, Fairfield. Property: 181 Eastfield Drive, Fairfield. Amount: $537,500. Filed May 16. Noriega, Nicholas A., Fairfield. Seller: James Ryan Watson, Cornelius, North Carolina. Property: 1866 Stratfield Road, Fairfield. Amount: $340,000. Filed May 17. Oestreicher, Alisa and Matthew J. Oestreicher, Bronxville, New York. Seller: Charles C. Funkhouser and Janeth L. Funkhouser, Cumberland, Rhode Island. Property: Lot 26, Dunnlead Road, Fairfield. Amount: $825,000. Filed May 31. Oestreicher, Alisa and Matthew J. Oestreicher, Bronxville, New York. Seller: Joseph H. Maloney, Fairfield. Property: Lot 26 Hullmanor, Duunlead Road, Fairfield. Amount: $825,000. Filed May 31. Oliveira, Walace and Renata Sasseron-Oliveira, Greenwich. Seller: Patrick Galvin and Marisa Galvin, Norwalk. Property: 46 Lockwood Lane, Norwalk. Amount: $510,000. Filed May 10. Ondricek, Nathan Levi and Megan Ondricek, Norwalk. Seller: Steven J. Pennella, Redding. Property: 39 Scribner Ave., Norwalk. Amount: $525,000. Filed May 13.

OCTOBER 21, 2019

Facts & Figures O’Rourke, Michael and Victoria O; Rourke, White Plains, New York. Seller: Jill Kelly, Fairfield. Property: 158 Redding Road, Fairfield. Amount: $600,000. Filed May 16.

Aibangbee, Adesuwa Sweet, et al, Creditor: VFS Lending Services VI LLC, Titusville, Pennsylvania. Property: 860 Clinton Ave., Bridgeport. Mortgage default. Filed June 19.

Passero, John Michael and Montana Kay Thares, Norwalk. Seller: Steven Canale and Maria Canale, Fairfield. Property: 63 Lockwood Road, Fairfield. Amount: $537,000. Filed May 24.

Alvarez, Annie M., et al, Creditor: MTGLQ Investors LP, Houston, Texas. Property: 294 Seaver Circle, Bridgeport. Mortgage default. Filed June 24.

Petrone, John and Vutheikanya Huon, Stamford. Seller: Stephen Hilker and Marimer Maldonado-Hilker, Northbrook, Illinois. Property: 110 Warren Ave., Fairfield. Amount: $415,000. Filed June 5. Pickman, Stephanie and Robert Martineau, Fairfield. Seller: Charles McCullough III, and Julie C. McCollough, Fairfield. Property: Lot 3, Church Hill Road, Fairfield. Amount: $455,000. Filed June 3.

Prest, Samuel and Vanessa Prest, Richmond, California. Seller: Kevin Osvay and Kristin Cavaluolo Osvay, Fairfield. Property: 667 Wilson St., Fairfield. Amount: $477,500. Filed June 3. Ralston, Ryan T. and Meagan George, Norwalk. Seller: Kyle Sherwood Ralston, Fairfield. Property: 4177Park Ave., Fairfield. Amount: $350,000. Filed June 5.

FORECLOSURES 500 North Avenue LLC, Creditor: JRB Holding Company LLC, Bridgeport. Property: 1794 Barnum Ave., Bridgeport. Mortgage default. Filed June 20.

Daigle, Sheryl, Creditor: Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC, Buffalo, New York. Property: 121 Doreen Drive, Bridgeport. Mortgage default. Filed June 24. Eaton Investments LLC, Creditor: Lendinghome Funding Corp., Anaheim Hills, California. Property: 900 Central Ave., Bridgeport. Mortgage default. Filed June 24. Gelman, Ian M., et al, Creditor: Statebridge Company LLC, Greenwood Village, Colorado. Property: 44 Haddon St., Unit 1., Bridgeport. Mortgage default. Filed June 24. Hoy, Juan P., et al, Creditor: Wells Fargo Bank NA, Fort Mill, South Carolina. Property: 2001 Park Ave, Bridgeport. Mortgage default. Filed June 25 Kantzas, Emmanuel, et al, Creditor: Bank of America, NA, Westlake Village, California. Property: 109 Emerald St., Bridgeport. Mortgage default. Filed June 17. Nelson, Moses, et al, Creditor: Bank of America NA, Plano, Texas. Property: 757 Iranistan Ave., Bridgeport. Mortgage default. Filed June 19.

Simmons, Keith, et al, Creditor: Midfirst Bank, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Property: 850 Atlantic St., Unit 205, Bridgeport. Mortgage default. Filed June 18.

Danko, David M., Fairfield. $888, in favor of Wilton Anesthesia Associates, Wilton, by Philip H. Monagan, Waterbury. Property: 59 Cedarhurst Lane, Fairfield. Filed July 2.

Keller, Richard, Greenwich. $225,000, in favor of Beth Keller, Greenwich, by Halloran & Sage LLP, Hartford. Property: 15 Echo Lane, Greenwich. Filed July 18.

Thomas, Freddie J., et al, Creditor: Residential Asset Management LLC, Titusville, Pensylvania. Property: 336 Bond St., Bridgeport. Mortgage default. Filed June 21.

Davidson, Boga, Norwalk. $5,680, in favor of Norwalk Hospital Association, Norwalk, by Lovejoy and Rimer PC, Norwalk. Property: 4 May Drive, Norwalk. Filed June 26.

Keller, Richard, Greenwich, $225,000, in favor of Beth Keller, Greenwich, by Halloran & Sage LLP, Hartford. Property: 15 Echo Lane, Greenwich. Filed July 18.

Wickett, Autumn, et al, Creditor: CitiMortgage Inc., Ewing, New Jersey. Property: 881 Lafayette Blvd, Unit 5J, Bridgeport. Mortgage default. Filed June 19.

DeJesus, Noel, Norwalk. $7,366, in favor of Discover Bank, New Albany, Ohio, by Schreiber Law LLC, Salem, New Hampshire. Property: 56 Magnolia Ave., Norwalk. Filed June 24.

Lopez, Americo, Bridgeport. $1,888, in favor of Hop Energy LLC, Bridgeport, by William G. Revelry, Tolland. Property: 189 Tremont Ave., Bridgeport. Filed June 12.

Wilson, Ruby L., et al, Creditor: Freedom Mortgage Corp., Mount Laurel, New Jersey. Property: 80 Robin St., Bridgeport. Mortgage default. Filed June 18.

Dossous, Dieudele, Bridgeport. $1,612, in favor of Cavalry SPV I LLC, Valhalla, New York, by Tobin & Marohn, Meriden. Property: 2612 North Ave., Unit E18, Bridgeport. Filed June 11.

JUDGMENTS Betances, Milagros, Norwalk. $18,732, in favor of American Express National Bank, Salt Lake City, Utah, by Zwicker Associates PC, Enfield. Property: 7 Myrtle St., Norwalk. Filed June 24. Ceesay, Amie, Fairfield. $18,192, in favor of Discover Bank, New Albany, Ohio, by Schereiber Law LLC, Salem, New Hampsire. Property: 111 Judd St., Fairfield. Filed July 15. Daddona, Dianne, Stamford. $9,920, in favor of The Connecticut Light and Power Company, Berlin, by AGS Law, Waterbury. Property: 19 Half Moon Way, Stamford. Filed July 9.

Senior Engineer (WorldQuant, LLC / Old Greenwich, CT). Dvlp core cmponents of compny’s trading systms; dvlp the graphicl user intrface (GUI) framewrk for tradng systms. Reqs Bach or higher in Comptr Science, Comptr Engnrng, Electricl Engnrng, or Mathmatcs & 3 yrs exp in job offrd or 3 yrs exp as Sr Engnr, Leadng Softwre Engnr, &/or Quantitatve Dvlpr, or as a Sftware Engnr in the finance, technlgy, or engnrng indstries. Bkgd in educ, traing or exp must incl exp in Linux envirnmnts; distributd computng; dmnstratd skills in use of C++, Boost libraries, XML, CSS, HTML5, Python, JavaScript, Qt, CMake, SQL, & TCP. Approx 5% trvl reqd (primarily domestic) for meetings, confernces, & implementatn; no telecommutng benefit, no alt work or residnce locatn availble. Send resumes to Sandra.DiCairano@worldquant.com; ref job title in subject line.

OCTOBER 21, 2019

FCBJ

Efkarpidis, Tarra, Norwalk. $1,208, in favor of Midland Funding LLC, San Diego, California, by Schreiber Law LLC, Salem, New Hampsire. Property: 304 W. Cedar St., Norwalk. Filed July 15. Feican, Maria E., Norwalk. $1,367, in favor of Cavalry SPV I, LLC, Valhalla, New York by Tobin & Marohn, Meriden. Property: 16 Beau St., Norwalk. Filed June 20. Ferdinand, Michael, et al, Norwalk. $11,541, in favor of Norwalk Hospital Association, Norwalk, by Lovejoy and Rimer PC, Norwalk. Property: 25 Sniffen St., Unit E, Norwalk. Filed June 11. Gonzalez, Ezequiel, Bridgeport. $2,294, in favor of Cavalry SPV I LLC, Valhalla, New York, by Tobin & Marohn, Meriden. Property: 197 Roger Williams Road, Bridgeport. Filed June 11. Gonzalez, Marilyn, Bridgeport. $3,558, in favor of Cavalry SPV I LLC, Valhalla, New York, by Schreiber/Cohen LLC, Salem, New Hampshire. Property: 374 Taft Ave., Bridgeport. Filed May 22. Guzman, Angela Y., Norwalk. $7,895, in favor of American Express National Bank, Salt Lake City, Utah, by Mark Sank & Associates LLC, Stamford. Property: 38 N. Bridge St., Norwalk. Filed July 2. Guzman, Angela Y., Norwalk. $7,895, in favor of American Express National Bank, Salt Lake City, Utah, by Mark Sank & Associates LLC, Stamford. Property: 38 North Bridge St., Norwalk. Filed July 2.

LIENS Federal Tax Liens Filed Blue, James E., 19 Yost St., Norwalk. $6,843, civil proceeding tax. Filed July 15. Brown, Lisa and Daniel Acosta, 80 County St., Apt. 1J, Norwalk. $13,397, civil proceeding tax. Filed July 22. Capital Realty Services Inc., 280 Connecticut Ave., Norwalk. $12,521, civil proceeding tax. Filed July 22.

Iosifides, Demetrios, 19 Elm St., Norwalk. $71,768, civil proceeding tax. Filed July 22. J. Miller Cleaning Services LLC, 7 Pogany St., Unit B, Norwalk. $21,861, civil proceeding tax. Filed July 17. Levene, Melaine P., 231 Ely Ave., Norwalk. $7,405, civil proceeding tax. Filed July 22. MacDow, Craig M., 25 Ward St., Norwalk. $6,221, civil proceeding tax. Filed July 22. MacIver, Donna L., 3 Elmcrest Terrace, Apt. 202, Norwalk. $16,534, civil proceeding tax. Filed July 15. Maidique, Mark, 66 W. Norwalk Road, Norwalk. $19,296, civil proceeding tax. Filed July 10. Mesa, Russell and Viviana M. Arango, 9 Walter Ave., Norwalk. $28,322, civil proceeding tax. Filed July 15. Mirsky, Keith M., 37A Ward St., Norwalk. $23,684, civil proceeding tax. Filed July 22. O’Brien, Thomas K., 9 Bayne Cottage, Norwalk. $10,600, civil proceeding tax. Filed July 22.

Clarke, Alison L., 80 Fair St., Apt. 214, Norwalk. $19,830, civil proceeding tax. Filed July 15.

Prentice Jr. Richard M., 300 Flax Hill Road, Apt. 12, Norwalk. $70,559, civil proceeding tax. Filed July 22.

Crash, Howard, 597 Westport Ave, Unit C447, Norwalk. $19,567, civil proceeding tax. Filed July 8.

Quinn, Candece L., 142 East Ave., Apt. 306A, Norwalk. $22,293, civil proceeding tax. Filed July 8.

Diaz, Yessenia and Jermaine Kee Sr., 39 Van Zant St., Norwalk. $11,686, civil proceeding tax. Filed July 8.

Tinto, Gizelle L., 2 Naples Ave. No. B, Norwalk. $1,334, civil proceeding tax. Filed July 15.

Fedor Auto Body Works Inc., 32 Woodward Ave., Norwalk. $123,518, civil proceeding tax. Filed July 8.

Troy, Ellen M. and Peter A. Troy, 62 Winding Lane, Norwalk. $33,809, civil proceeding tax. Filed July 15.

Flayhan, David and Jacqueline Flayhan, 8 Blackstone Drive, Norwalk. $2,157, civil proceeding tax. Filed July 10.

Valadares, Candido A., 6 Styles Lane, Norwalk. $22,899, civil proceeding tax. Filed July 17.

Geignetter, Kevin, 332 Chestnut Hill Road, Norwalk. $5,665, civil proceeding tax. Filed July 10.

Young Jr. Kenneth M., 156 Winfield St., Norwalk. $140,427, civil proceeding tax. Filed July 22.

Hegedus, Amy L. and John Hegedus, 18 Dover St., Unit 2, Norwalk. $18,208, civil proceeding tax. Filed July 8.

Zorowits, Steven, 8 Union Ave, Apt A1, Norwalk. $8,402, civil proceeding tax. Filed July 15.

Facts & Figures Mechanic’s Liens Campfield Drive Properties LLC, Fairfield. Filed by Sunshine Floor Supplies Inc., Bridgeport, by Razvan Tata. Property: 50 Campfield Drive, Fairfield. Amount: $6,336. Filed May 17.

LIS PENDENS Martinez, Vincent S., et al, Stamford. Filed by Frankel & Berg, Norwalk, for The Windemere Condominium Inc., Property: 300 Broad St., Unit 601, Stamford. Action: foreclose defendants’ mortgage. Filed June 6. McLaren, Donya, et al, Stamford. Filed by Acerbly & Ward, Stamford, for the Stamford Water Pollution Control Authority, Property: 7 Jessup St., Stamford. Action: foreclose defendants’ mortgage. Filed May 6. McManus, Dorothy H., et al, Bridgeport. Filed by The Marcus Law Firm, North Branford, for Tower Fund Services as Custodian for Fig CT13, LLC. Property: 79 Earl Ave., Bridgeport. Action: foreclose defendants’ mortgage. Filed April 30. Millett, Rachel, et al, Stamford. Filed by John P. Regan, Stamford, for the city of Stamford. Property: 180 Glenbrook Road, Unit 27, Stamford. Action: foreclose defendants’ mortgage. Filed June 3. Mix, Frederick R., et al, Stamford. Filed by McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce LLC, Hartford, for Finance of America Reverse LLC. Property: 40 Lakeview Drive, Stamford. Action: foreclose defendant’s mortgage. Filed May 24. Mones, Mark and Kim Mones, Stamford. Filed by Ackerly & Ward, Stamford, for The Kingswood Association Inc. Property: Unit 1-X the Kingswood Association Inc, Stamford. Action: foreclose defendants’ mortgage. Filed May 10. Nationstar Mortgage LLC, Stamford. Filed by thee Law Office of Vincent J. Freccia, Stamford, for the city of Stamford. Property: 31 Hanrahan St., Stamford. Action: foreclose defendant’s mortgage. Filed May 21.

Parkington, Jed, et al, Stamford. Filed by Ackerly & Ward, Stamford, for the Stamford Water Pollution Control Authority. Property: 263 Oaklawn, Stamford. Action: foreclose defendants’ mortgage. Filed June 3. Petersen, Julie, Stamford. Filed by Prince Law Group, Stamford, for H. Justin Cosell. Property: 154 Cold Spring Road, Unit 54, Stamford. Action: foreclose defendant’s mortgage. Filed June 12. Pflueger, Derek, et al, Stamford. Filed by Bendett & McHugh PC, Farmington, for Ditech Financial LLC. Property: 421 Glenbrook Road, Unit 5, Stamford. Action: foreclose defendants’ mortgage. Filed May 29. Rinaldi, Frank E., et al, Stamford. Filed by Marinosci Law Group PC, Warwick, Rhode Island, for Loancare LLC. Property: Lot 6, Map 3462, Hope Street, Stamford. Action: foreclose defendants’ mortgage. Filed June 20. Sabaoan, Marivic E., et al, Stamford. Filed by Bendett & McHugh PC, Farmington, for Wells Fargo Bank. Property: 59 Liberty St., No. 28, Stamford. Action: foreclose defendants’ mortgage. Filed June 20. Saenz, Giselly Yanella, Stamford. Filed by Mark Sank & Associates LLC, Stamford, for Roberto P. Miranda. Property: 115 Lockwood Ave., Unit 1, Stamford. Action: foreclose defendant’s mortgage. Filed June 21. Simms, Catherine, et al, Stamford. Filed by Bendett & McHugh PC, Farmington, for Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. Property: 3043 High Ridge Road, Stamford. Action: foreclose defendants’ mortgage. Filed June 12. Thaqi, Mete, et al, Stamford. Filed by Bendett & McHugh PC, Farmington, for Bank of America NA. Property: 466 Wire Mill Road, Stamford. Action: foreclose defendants’ mortgage. Filed June 12. The Coleman Towers Tenants Association Inc., Stamford. Filed by Ackerly & Ward, Stamford, for the Stamford Water Pollution Control Authority. Property: 72 Spruce St., Stamford. Action: foreclose defendant’s mortgage. Filed June 21.

Vines, Johnny, et al, Stamford. Filed by Ackerly & Ward, Stamford, for Greenway Condominium Association Inc. Property: 60 Lawn Ave., Building H, Unit 43, Stamford. Action: foreclose defendants’ mortgage. Filed June 17.

LEASES Almodóvar, Maritza, by Marylou Weeks. Landlord: Success Village Apartments Inc., Bridgeport. Property: 100 Court D, Building 28, Apartment 51, Bridgeport. Term: 99 years, commenced June 20, 2019. Filed June 28. Doshi, Girish G. and Chitralekha D. Doshi, by John Jordan, Landlord: Putnam Park Apartments Inc. Greenwich. Property: 139 Putnam Park, Greenwich. Term: 31 Years, commenced July 31, 2019. Filed Aug. 1.

MORTGAGES Basore, Geoffrey G. and Danielle E. Basore, Stamford, by Clare Bolduc. Lender: JPMorgan Chase Bank NA, 1111 Polaris Pkwy., Columbus, Ohio. Property: 20 Fenway St., Stamford. Amount: $480,000. Filed July 8. Johnson, Marie, Stamford, by Diany Bryan. Lender: Amerisave Mortgage Corp., 3525 Piedmont Road, Suite 600, Atlanta, Georgia. Property: 637 Cove Road, No. D16, Stamford. Amount: $124,500. Filed July 8. Kalapos, Jeffrey Z. and Kelsey A. Kalapos, Stamford, by Tara Melissa Allen. Lender: Webster Bank NA, 145 Bank St., Waterbury. Property: 418 Hunting Ridge Road, Stamford. Amount: $110,000. Filed July 9. Larm, Bryan, Stamford, by William W. Ward. Lender: First County Bank, 117 Prospect St., Stamford. Property: 25 Forest St., Stamford. Amount: $279,000. Filed July 9. LaRocca, Christopher and Yesenia Caputo, Stamford, by Joseph C. Coco. Lender: Citizens Bank NA, 1 Citizens Plaza, Providence, Rhode Island. Property: 534 Fairfield Ave., Stamford. Amount: $360,000. Filed July 9.

Lofaro, John A. and Alexandra Lofaro, Stamford, by Glen J. Moore. Lender: Santander Bank NA, 824 N. Market St., Suite 100, Wilmington, Delaware. Property: 202 Club Road, Stamford. Amount: $621,000. Filed July 8. Lowes, James H., Stamford, by Joshua F. Gilman. Lender: Quicken Loans Inc., 1050 Woodward Ave., Detroit, Michigan. Property: 2289 Bedford St., Unit A6, Stamford. Amount: $313,500. Filed July 8. Mentone, Kristina M. and Cole Studebaker, Stamford, by Maria C. Miller. Lender: JPMorgan Chase Bank NA, 1111 Polaris Pkwy., Columbus, Ohio. Property: 405 Haviland Road, Stamford. Amount: $75,000. Filed July 9. Pasten, Alejandro, Stamford, by Jonathan T. Hoffman. Lender: HomeBridge Financial Services Inc., 194 Wood Avenue South, Iselin, New Jersey. Property: 91 Strawberry Hill Ave., Unit 833, Stamford. Amount: $194,750. Filed July 9. Poulos, Mary and John C. Clapp. Stamford, by Edward F. Nemchek. Lender: Loandepot. com LLC, 26642 Towne Centre Drive, Foothill Ranch, California. Property: 110 Knox Road, Stamford. Amount: $447,200. Filed July 9. Rodriguez, Joseph, Stamford, by Ridgely Whitmore Brown. Lender: SMTG LLC, 2 Bouton Lane, Darien. Property: 59 Manhattan St., Stamford. Amount: $217,000. Filed July 8. Sciglimpaglia, Aimee, Stamford, by Steven J. Berod. Lender: Savings Bank of Danbury, 220 Main St., Danbury. Property: 43 Lancer Lane, Stamford. Amount: $370,000. Filed July 8. Sethi, Anirudh and Priyanka Parti, Stamford, by Joshua F. Gilman. Lender: Evolve Bank & Trust, 6070 Poplar Ave., Suite 200, Memphis, Tennessee. Property: 39 Maple Tree Ave., Unit 14, Stamford. Amount: $441,000. Filed July 8. Velez, Luis R. and Maria T. Velez, Stamford, by John R. Fiore. Lender: GHA Federal Credit Union, 5 Perry Ridge Road, Greenwich. Property: 4 Noble St., Stamford. Amount: $100,000. Filed July 9.

Zotto, Matthew P. and Sarah Delinski, Stamford, by Christian W. Bujdud. Lender: Morgan Stanley Private Bank, 4270 Ivy Pointe Blvd., Suite 400, Cincinnati, Ohio. Property: 27 Lindstrom Road, Unit 8B, Stamford. Amount: $376,000. Filed July 9.

Polanco Auto Details, 79 Elmcroft Road, Apartment B, Stamford 06902, c/o Inmer Polanco. Filed May 13.

NEW BUSINESSES

Schule of Music LLC, 102 Blackwood Lane, Stamford 06903. c/o Michele M. Schule. Filed May 22.

DBA Beri Handyman, 16 Wishing Well Lane, Stamford 06902, c/o Beri H. Recinos Cruz. Filed May 20. Fred L. Myers & Son Co., 175 Greenwich St., New York, New York 10007, c/o Diageo Americas Supply Inc. Filed May 21. Fred L. Myers & Son, 175 Greenwich St., New York, New York 10007, c/o Diageo Americas Supply Inc. Filed May 21. Galeano Property and Fence Installation, 699 High Ridge Road, Stamford 06907, c/o AG Landscaping and Masonry LLC. Filed May 21. Greenwich Education Group DBA, 44 Commerce Road, Stamford 06902, c/o Peter L. Newman. Filed June 4. KBJ Chef’s Diner, 127 Jefferson St., Stamford 06902, c/o Elvis Jonathan Hernandez Cabrera. Filed May 20. Kelley’s-A Salon, 29 High Ridge Road, Suite 307, Stamford 06901, c/o Bimberly Forger. Filed May 20. LJF Flooring, 56 Leonard St., Stamford 06906, c/o Luiz O. Franchi. Filed May 30. Meso Athletics, 42 Scofield Ave., Apartment 1, Stamford 06906, c/o Fabian Garvey. Filed June 4. My Picture, 135 Alpine St., Stamford 06905, c/o Faryna Childre’s Entertaiment LLC. Filed May 30. Orange Theory Fitness, 1101 High Ridge Road, Stamford 06902, c/o VO2 Max Stamford LLC. Filed June 4.

Pro Finish Auto LLC, 53 Halloween Blvd., Stamford 06905, c/o Nicholas Frank Hanzlik. Filed May 29.

PATENTS Apparatus, method and system for a tunnelingclient access point. Patent no. 10,447,819 issued to Scott McNulty, Rowayton. Assigned to Ioengine LLC, Norwalk. Dual edge registered sheets to mitigate print head jet dry out on short sheets within inkjet cut-sheet printing. Patent no. 10,442,219 issued to Joseph M. Ferrara Jr., Webster; Stephen B. Williams, Marion. Assigned to Xerox, Norwalk. Emulsion aggregation toner for sensor and antibacterial applications. Patent no. 10,444,650 issued to Valerie M. Farrugia, Oakville, California. Assigned to Xerox, Norwalk. Location tracking system for networked print devices in an environment. Patent no. 10,440,221 issued to Fritz Francis Ebner, Pittsford. Assigned to Xerox, Norwalk. Material feeder for engineering polymer ejection system for additive manufacturing applications. Patent no. 10,442,174 issued to Peter J. Nystrom, Webster; Barry P. Mandel, Fairport; David A. Mantell, Rochester. Assigned to Xerox, Norwalk. Method for loading a media feeder to accommodate users with disabilities. Patent no. 10,442,642 issued to Reid W. Gunnell, Wilsonville, Oregon. Assigned to Xerox, Norwalk.

Pinot’s Palette, 25 Harbor Point Road, Stamford 06902, c/o Chad M. Smith. Filed June 4.

FCBJ

OCTOBER 21, 2019

INE L D A E D N O I T NOMINA

O T D E D N E EX T 5 2 R E B O T OC stfaironline.com g o to we

Winners will go on to be our thriving thirty and will be honored at a special event in April.

Large company, midsize company or small company; all will be considered. NOMINATION REQUIREMENTS: • To be nominated the company must be a member of a business organization and have a physical location in Fairfield County. • The nominator must also be a member of a business organization and be a Business Journal subscriber. If not – no worries. We will gift you a year’s subscription.*

AWARD CATEGORIES: • Most Entrepreneurial company • Most Family-friendly company • Greenest company • Most Pet-friendly company • Most Promising for the upcoming generations • Most Socially Conscious company • Most Visionary company

Business organizations partnering with the Fairfield County Business Journal are: Bridgeport Regional Business Council, The Business Council of Fairfield County, Darien Chamber of Commerce, Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce, Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, Stamford Chamber of Commerce, Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce For information, contact: Olivia D’Amelio at odamelio@westfairinc.com. For sponsorships, contact: Barbara Hanlon at bhanlon@westfairinc.com or 914-358-0766.

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