January 2012 Issue
First Selectman Paul DeStefano:
State of the Town
Upon taking office two years ago I implemented a plan to get Haddam back on track. What none of us fully appreciated at the time was the added burden that our nation's depressed economy, impoverished state government and plummeting real estate markets would have on our effort to reinvigorate our community. Yet despite these challenges we continue to make progress and the State of Haddam is better today than it was this time last year.
As we enter 2012, we celebrate our 350th Anniversary as a town. I am struck by the steadfast character, resilience, commitment, and fiber of our residents. To enter a race with a sprained ankle, maintain a steady forward pace, get to a place where the finish line is in sight, then be hobbled by elements beyond our control can be not only a humbling experience, but moreover one that can test our resolve to make our community a better place to live.
Looking Back
We knew what our limitations were when we entered the 2011 calendar year, and we knew what we had to do to overcome them. We knew that we had to replenish basic community services and I am pleased to say that we are finishing the year with two grocery markets, a pharmacy, several retail expansions, the implementation of a new transfer station, an impending ‘dial a ride’ transit facility to connect to neighboring towns, a revamped interactive emergency response program, an expanded senior center activity calendar, a student intern program, a newcomer information system, and the availability of an economic development coordinator to help businesses work their way through the regulatory and permit processes.
(The Full Article)
People of The Town Offices
This is the seventh in a series of profiles of the people at Haddam’s Town Office Building,
who they are and what they do to serve the residents of our community.
Robin Munster: Haddam’s Personal Banker by Alan Aronow
Munster was born and raised in Clinton, and attended Eastern Connecticut State University where she earned a BS degree in Biology. In 1995, she married Eric Munster, who grew up in Haddam and shortly thereafter, they moved to Hawaii (we should all be so lucky!) After living in Hawaii five-years the couple started to become a bit homesick for New England. When a situation arose to relocate back to Haddam they jumped at the opportunity.
“Five-thousand miles is a long way to be away from friends and family,” Munster said. “Believe it or not, I really missed the changing seasons!”
Before assuming the role of town treasurer, Munster worked in the retail industry. While living in Hawaii, she was involved with opening and running a fashionable Coach Leather store. The last seven years of her retail career were spent managing catalog/web sales for Waterworks, the internationally renowned kitchen/bathroom fixture supplier based in Danbury.
The Munster’s have a 5-year old daughter, Victoria, who is in kindergarten. Robin Munster is active locally; serving on the town’s recently established Code of Ethics Committee, as well as being a member of the Haddam Junior Women’s Group. She enjoys gardening, knitting, and photography.
(Full Article)
