FAIRFIELD COUNTY GOOD THINGS HAPPENING

BRIDGEPORT ROTARY GIVES NBFA A HELPING HAND

New Beginnings Family Academy (NBFA) in Bridgeport, a Pre-K through eighth grade public charter school with emotionally responsive practices, received a $25,000 grant from the Bridgeport Rotary for its STRETCH after-school program, the "STRETCH Academy." The STRETCH Academy offers an array of after-school STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and sports-based enrichment activities that support the recreational and developmental needs of its students. Students engage in activities that will foster creativity, teamwork and physical activity. Students receive daily character building instruction on STRETCH values, which include self-control, thoughtfulness, responsibility, empathy, tenacity, conscientiousness and hard work.

BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM AWARDED PERFECT SCORE

Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., a pharmaceutical company based in Ridgefield, was recognized by the 2017 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a national benchmarking tool administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation used to rate businesses on corporate policies and practices pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees. This is the ninth time that the company received a perfect score and has been designated as a "Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality." The 2017 CEI rated 1,043 businesses concerning LGBT-related policies and practices, including non discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency programs and public engagement with the LGBT community. Boehringer Ingelheim's CEI perfect score is the latest accolade in a series of recent honors, including Science magazine's "Top Employer" list and Working Mother magazine's 'TOO Best Companies."

WITHUM WELCOMES GENTILE OF FAIRFIELD

WithumSmith+Brown PC (Withum), an accounting firm based in Princeton, New Jersey, welcomed Marina A. Gentile of Fairfield as senior manager of its international services group and its forensic and valuation services group. In this role, Gentile will spearhead Withum's global transfer pricing practice, focusing on serving and expanding its client base in the New York metropolitan area. She has more than 20 years experience advising multinational companies and their international affiliates, directing clients in how to navigate their transfer pricing needs. Prior to joining, Gentile served as a consultant with Alix Partners LLP in New York City, director of transfer pricing with Thomson Reuters' global tax strategy division in Stamford and senior manager with KPMG's Boston, Melbourne, Australia and New York offices. She holds a master's degree in international business studies from the University of South Carolina and her bachelor's degree in business administration from Northeastern University.

FCCF GRANTS $15,000 TO CGC

The Child & Family Guidance Center (CGC) based in Bridgeport, an organization that addresses the emotional and psychological wellbeing of children and their families, with additional clinics in Fairfield, Norwalk and Stratford, received a $15,000 grant from Fairfield County's Community Foundation (FCCF), an organization that promotes philanthropy as a means to create change in Fairfield County, to help fuel its strategic planning and board development initiatives. CGC is a community-based agency providing mental health care and prevention and behavioral support to Fairfield County's most vulnerable children and their families. More than 88 percent of their clients live in poverty and services are never denied based on the inability to pay. This grant will support the CGC's hiring of two consultants, Chuck Loring and Sharon Danosky, who will provide guidance on board development and strategic planning.

GREENWICH YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS DONATE 2,514 POUNDS OF FRESH FOOD

The Greenwich Jr. United Way (GJrUW), an organization created and led by teens that strives to solve problems in the Greenwich community, partnered with the Greenwich Youth Football League (GYFL) and the Greenwich Youth Cheerleading League (GYCL) to virtually collect healthy food options and fresh produce for Neighbor to Neighbor during the 2016 GYFL year. Neighbor to Neighbor is a nonprofit dedicated to serving residents in need throughout the Greenwich area. The food drive was designed to allow fans to support their neighborhood team by making a healthy food donation online through the Amp Your Good (AMP) website. AMP was founded on the notion that technology can improve the efficiency of philanthropic action. The GYFL season ended with a series of award dinners in late November that concluded the drive with teams reaching the following amounts of pounds donated: Cos Cob Crushers (721 lbs), Riverside Gators (741 lbs), Putnam Generals (469 lbs), Glenville Mavericks (459 lbs), North Mianus Bulldogs (110 lbs) and BANC Raiders (38 lbs). For more, visit greenwichunitedway.org.

FIRST COUNTY BANK ANNOUNCES FIRSTPRIZE SAVINGS WINNER

Stamford-based First County Bank announced that Brooke Bean of Stamford is the first winner of its FirstPrize Savings account $1,000 drawing. The account is a basic savings account with a cash prize drawing component to promote personal savings. With each eligible deposit of $25 or more, the account holder earns an entry into a drawing for a $1,000 prize. The drawing occurs four times per calendar year. Responding to the need for consumers to increase their savings, First County Bank designed the FirstPrize Savings account inspire those over the age of 18 to save by encouraging frequent and consistent deposits.

PRESIDENT OF GREENWICH FIRM NAMED FIVE-STAR WEALTH MANAGER

Loretta Nolan of Loretta Nolan Associates LLC, a Greenwich-based, fee-only advisory firm, was named a "Connecticut 5-Star Wealth Manager" by Five Star Professionals a market research company based in Minneapolis, Minn, that publishes a list of reputable professionals in 45 markets throughout the U.S. and Canada. Loretta Nolan Associates LLC provides financial planning, investment management, income tax planning, executive compensation and employee benefits consulting services, in addition to survivor planning services to assist those facing life-changing financial issues, including divorce, the death of a spouse or job loss. Nolan, the president and founder of the firm, is a member of The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, The Estate Planning Council of Lower Fairfield County, the Professional Advisors' Council for the Fairfield County Community Foundation and Connections, a Greenwich-based community leadership organization.

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY GIVES BACK

Meadow Mdg«, a senior living community in Redding, has been collecting food, monetary donations and other nonperishable items for families in need as part of its annual food drive. Started more than a dozen years ago by longtime resident Muffy Nichols, it has since grown into a community wide initiative with drop-off bins placed at various locations around the campus. According to the town of Redding Social Services, as of this fall, there were approximately 44 households eligible for The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as Food Stamps), 19 of which are seniors. In addition to the food drive, Meadow Ridge is also sponsoring two of these senior families in need by providing other gifts. Meadow Ridge staff will bring all donations to the Heritage Center in Redding to help stock its food pantry. For more information, contact Ben Green at [email protected].

WILLIAM PITT SOTHEBY'S WELCOMES ROHR

William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty welcomed Jennifer Rohr as a sales agent based in the firm's Southport brokerage. William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty manages a $3.9-billion portfolio with more than 1,000 sales associates in 28 brokerages spanning Connecticut, Massachusetts and Westchester County. After completing her bachelor's degree from Pace University, Rohr proceeded with a career in corporate sales. Her love for design and new construction renovations, coupled with her inclination to help people, led Rohr to acquire her real estate license in New York, as well as Connecticut, where she has lived for the past five years. She is also a founding member of the John Maxwell Team, where she pursues her passion for personal and professional development.

iSERVE RESIDENTIAL CONTINUES EXPANSION WITH MOLLICA

iServe Residential Lending LLC. a mortgage banker offering a full line of loan programs with a location in Stamford, welcomed Frank Mollica as part of its continuing expansion to meet the increasing need for mortgage loan financing in southwest Connecticut. Mollica, a licensed mortgage loan officer, joined the firm to serve the residential real estate mortgage financing needs of customers. A graduate of Hamilton College, Mollica previously held positions with Indigo Part ners, an information technology firm, and global banker UBS in Stamford.

ZAEHRINGER APPOINTED TO THE FEDERAL GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE

Murtha Cullina. a law firm with an office in Stamford, announced that attorney Kristen L Zaehringer has been appointed to the Federal Grievance Committee by the judges of the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut. She will serve a three-year term through Dec. 31,2019. The Federal Grievance Committee is a committee of attorneys that review complaints alleging misconduct against lawyers admitted to practice in the federal court. Zaehringer is a member of the litigation department at Murtha Cullina, as well as its labor and employment practice group. She is on the District of Connecticut Local Civil Rules Advisory Committee and she serves on the board of the Friends of New Haven Legal Assistance Association. She holds a bachelor's degree from George Washington University and a law degree from Quinnipiac University School of Law.

CARTUS PROMOTES BAILOR TO VICE PRESIDENT

Danbury-based Cartus Corp., an international relocation services provider, promoted Robert Bailor to vice president of international assignment compensation services. Bailor is to replace WIMam Bailey, who is retiring from the position. Bailor will serve as the practice leader, responsible for the global delivery of Cartus' international compensation services. Bailor holds a bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in finance and management from the University of Maine and a master's degree from Fairfield University.