Valley Council for Health & Human Services 

Annual Meeting

Incoming Chair Joyce Barcley (L) presents a thank you award to Karen Spargo as she completes her term as Valley Council Chair.

The Valley Council for Health and Human Services held its Annual Meeting and Awards Presentations on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at Grassy Hill Lodge, Derby. The meeting and awards presentations were made possible through generous funding from Naugatuck Savings Bank. Peter Galla, Asst. Vice President Commercial Lending, at the Bank gave welcoming remarks at the start of the meeting.

Robert L. Genuario, Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management for the State of Connecticut wase the keynote speaker. Secretary Genuario’s enlightening presentation focused on the current state of Connecticut’s economy and its impact on the Valley community. The Office of Policy and Management, a staff agency reporting directly to the Governor, plays a vital role in the formulation and implementation of public policy in the state.

Secretary Genuario provided insights into the difficult economic conditions and their devastating impact on the state's budget turning a projected surplus earlier into the year into a looming deficit. He expressed concerns about budgets for the next two years and the negative impact that will have on the entire state and the nonprofit community. Though optimistic about the state's long term prospects, he warned that the budget decisions  facing state legislators will be difficult and painful and will fesult sin cutbacks in service.

On a more positive note, the Council presented its annual awards (click here for story) and elected its new leadership team. Karen Spargo fro the Valley Health District, Chair of the Council, has competed her term, and Joyce Barcley of the Workplace will become Chair. John McGann of Catholic Charities in Ansonia will become Vice Chair. Richar Knoll of TEAM, Inc. will be the treasurer.

Photos by Fred Ortoli