Hey Greenwich! Did You Know ... There's a Police App for That?

Today is Monday, May 14, 2012 and it's National Buttermilk Biscuit Day.

This day in history:

A year after the United States doubled its territory with the Louisiana Purchase, the Lewis and Clark expedition leaves St. Louis, Missouri, on a mission to explore the Northwest from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean in 1804.

In 1948, in Tel Aviv, Jewish Agency Chairman David Ben-Gurion proclaims the State of Israel, establishing the first Jewish state in 2,000 years, and with Ben-Gurion becoming the first premier.

In 1998, the legendary singer, actor and show-business icon Frank Sinatra dies of a heart attack in Los Angeles, at the age of 82.

Things you should know:

Greenwich Police now have a iPhone, Smart Phone apps

Over the weekend, the department began using a comprehensive Smart Phone application to increase contact with the community. The application, available as a free download for both Apple iPhones and Android-based Smart Phones, permits citizens to interface with the department a number of ways. In addition to making electronic mail and telephone contact with the department’s command staff, citizens also can:

• Submit tips about crime (anonymously or otherwise)
• Include photographs (either taken with the phone or uploaded to it) and GPS location tags with submitted tips
• Provide the department feedback on performance and ask questions
• Get direct links and access to the Department’s website, news and information page and Facebook page
• Participate in departmental and community surveys
• Commend an officer or other employee for a job well done
• Get contact information for the department
• Get GPS-enabled directions from wherever you are directly to police headquarters

While all of the contact forms can be sent anonymously, the department is encouraging residents to provide an email address or phone number to permit a direct response. Police hope residents will use the ability to include a photograph or a GPS location tag to better explain a parking issue or identify a graffiti complaint.

In a statement, Police Chief James Heavey said, “As part of our on-going community outreach efforts, we are pleased to have another way to interact with citizens. No one knows our community better than our citizens and we rely them to help keep us informed.” He added, “The use of Smart Phones has become ubiquitous. We have a responsibility to keep up with technology to meet the service needs and expectations of all of the people we serve and protect.”

For free download information:

• Apple App Store: Search for “My Police Department™” or “MyPD™” or visit: http://bit.ly/npAsE7
• Android Market: Search for “My Police Department™” or “MyPD™” or visit: http://bit.ly/gra4Bf

Greenwich Hospital's Corvino Receives Leadership Award

The American Hospital Association Grassroots Champion Award was given to Greenwich Hospital President and CEO Frank A. Corvino at last week's AHA Annual Membership Meeting.  As a 2012 Grassroots Champion, Corvino was recognized for his leadership in generating grassroots and community support for issues of importance to hospitals and healthcare.

The Grassroots Champion Award is presented annually to one individual from each state.

“During last year’s state budget debate, Mr. Corvino played a key role in the development and implementation of the successful ‘Protect My Hospital’ grassroots campaign, which sought to support hospitals in state and federal budget actions,” said CHA President and CEO Jennifer Jackson.  “Mr. Corvino is a dedicated, tireless advocate on behalf of his hospital and community, and is incredibly deserving of this award.”

During his 20-year tenure as president and CEO of Greenwich Hospital,  Corvino has been at the forefront of healthcare innovation in such areas of patient safety and satisfaction, integrative medicine, wellness programs, care for the aging and the “green” movement, according to a hospital statement.

Traffic alert:

Connecticut Light & Power continues its power line and equipment upgrades. Drivers should expect some delays on:

• North Street, between the Merritt Parkway and Fairfield Road
• Sound Shore Drive
• Station Road
• Indian Field Road
• Circle Drive
• Loughlin Avenue
• Bruce Park Avenue Extension

Meetings today :

07:00 PM  RTM Votes on Budget at Central Middle School, 9 Indian Rock Ln.

If you prefer the clicker instead of being there, there's Greenwich Community Television (GCTV) on either Fios Channel 24 or Cablevision's Channel 79.

And if you prefer movie entertainment, here's the schedule for:

*Sources: history.com