Dr. Alvin Greenberg. Police Chief Francisco Ortiz was presented with the organization’s Distinguished Community Service Award. The invocations offered by Bishop Peter Rosazza and Rabbi Rick Eisenberg set the tone for the evening and heralded ADL’s mission to fight discrimination, to promote understanding and to secure justice and fair treatment for all. Speakers included co-chairs Ron Shaw and Steve Saltzman, both well known for their national service to ADL and their professional and volunteer efforts in the New Haven community. Marvin Lender and Marna Borgstrom served as the other co-chairs. Doug Skalka was there as chair of the Connecticut ADL board and Bev Levy as chair of the Development Committee. The program at Congregation B’Nai Jacob, including video production, was the work of Steve Shaw. Attorney General Dick Blumenthal offered brief remarks prior to the presentation made by Mayor John DeStefano and ADL Executive Director David Waren to Cisco.
Alvin Greenberg is not only a respected neurosurgeon, but a well known serial entrepeneur; he partnered to build the medical building on Temple Street and the New Haven Hotel; he is the owner of the Owl Shop. He is the only man to have served two different terms of office as the president of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven. In his “spare time” he is a proficient tennis player and golfer. His array of activities and enthusiasm have endeared him to those in each of the spheres. They wanted to enjoy his special evening.
At one table, State Representative Cam Staples, State Comptroller Nancy Wyman, and State Senator Joe Crisco were thoroughly captivated by the demonstration of ADL’s extraordinary education initiatives. Thousands of people participated in trainings throughout the state; participants included students, teachers, police departments, city administrations, faith congregations and private corporations. The leadership of Marji Lipshez-Shapiro has been recognized internationally. The exuberance of key education staff members Michele Pincince and Deb Colucci is echoed by more than 100 facilitators, trainers and volunteers.
Bank of America, represented by Jeff Klaus, hosted a number of professionals from Amistad Academy, including Pat Sweet. People’s Bank is a statewide corporate sponsor. Webster Bank is a benefactor. Citizens was there in the Patron category. Bank North was a Fellow. Milford Bank was also on the roster. The representation from the legal community was led by Brenner, Saltzman and Wallman, with David Schaefer and Steve Saltzman. Day, Berry and Howard and Wiggin and Dana are both state-wide sponsors. Murtha Cullina is a Benefactor. Neubert, Pepe and Monteith and Susman, Duffy and Segaloff and Tyler, Cooper and Alcorn, Carmody and Torrance and the Pellegrino Law Firm were also Patrons. The partners turned out in force. Albertus Magnus, University of New Haven, Southern CT State University, Quinnipiac, and Yale were there with their dignitaries. Both Yale New Haven and Saint Raphael Healthcare System are loyal supporters. David Benfer (St. Raphael CEO) was also a committee member); they were joined by Anthem Blue Cross (Dave Fusco) and scores of doctors, including: Drs. Steve Stein and Emily Fine, Dr. Irwin Braverman, Dr. Gerry and Barbara Berg, Dr. Arnie and Myrna Baskin, Drs. Jerry and Roz Meyer, Dr. Bill and Lauren Ortman, Dr. David and Ina Fisher, Dr. Gerry and Marilyn Fishbone, Dr. Peter Blume, Dr. Bert and Martha Weisbart,Dr. Zeno Chicarilli, Dr. Lycurgus Davey, Dr. Susan Richman and Dr. Walter Spigelman, Dr. Steve and Linda Meisel, Dr. Bernie and “Sis” Levine, Dr. Karen Johnson. Dr. John Hogan, Dr. Noel McCarthy, Drs. Sandra and Howard Stern, Dr. Virginia Stuermer, Dr. Howard and Sandy Taubin, Dr. Peter Rogol, Dr. Milt and Joan Wallack, Dr. Norm and Laura Kaplan , and Dr. Steve Wolfson.
Murray, Gillie, Marvin and Helaine Lender added their presence and foundation support to that of the Eder Family, Marshal and Arlene Elovich, Dr John and Bev Levy.
Tony Rescigno (Chamber of Commerce), Roger Harrison (Regional Growth Partnership),Will Ginsberg (Community Foundation) and Randi Whitcomb (United Way) represented interests of the public and private sectors. There was not a business or profession that was not in attendance. The crowd could have handled any need from “womb to tomb”, with Jimmy Shure also present.
Alvin was applauded by family and friends. Daughters Leslie and Allison returned to New Haven, with their spouses, to attend with their brother Glen (Levy, Miller, Maretz). Special friends Harriet and Seymour Shapiro, Bev and Morty Lavietes, Tom Prezioso, Gloria Hoder, Lindy Lee Gold and Lynn Fusco were among the celebrants.