CNLA update

Ted Andreadis Will Become the New Director of the Experiment Station

The veteran staffer at the Station with 35 years of experience there in entomology will succeed Lou Magnarelli, who died recently.  Andreadis becomes Connecticut's chief plant regulator.  "Although my focus has been on arthropods of public health importance and  the disease-causing microorganisms they transmit in the region, please be reassured that I stand ready to work closely with the horticultural industry in the State," he said.  "I fully appreciate the importance of the industry to the economy of Connecticut and look forward to establishing an equally close relationship as did my predecessors, Paul Waggoner, John Anderson and Lou, under whom I have served for the last 35 years."  The Station's current Vice Director, Kirby Stafford, will resume being the Head of Entomology and the State Entomologist.

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On October 1, A New Personnel File Law Takes Effect

CNLA's labor attorney Bob Noonan advises that the law imposes new requirements on Connecticut employers with respect to (1) notifying employees of discipline and termination documents; (2) providing current and former employees with access to their personnel files; and (3) informing employees of their right to submit a rebuttal to any performance, disciplinary or termination documents. Among these new requirements, please note that employer will now have 7 business days to turn over copies or allow inspection of the file for current employees who so request, and 10 business days with respect to former employees; until now, the law only required employers to act "within a reasonable time." The Connecticut Department of Labor is now charged with setting an appropriate fine of up to $500 for the first violation related to an individual employee, and up to $1,000 for subsequent violations involving the same employee.

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CNLA's Executive Director Will Retire to A New Life in Vermont
 
CNLA's officers and directors announced last week that Bob Heffernan will leave the post he's held since 1998 to become an innkeeper at the Sugarbush ski area in Vermont.  "I wanted to go out at the top of my career and allow CNLA to bring in new talent that will exceed my own abilities," Bob said. A search committee is being appointed to recruit his replacement. He worked to modernize the Association in the digital age, and helped bring in over half a million dollars in grants to benefit members with such projects as the CT Garden & Landscape Trail and consumer marketing research. He also was the state's most prominent horticultural spokesperson, routinely performing three or more news media interviews every week. Bob moved to Vermont this week to take ownership of the White Horse Inn in Fayston/Waitsfield, Vermont with his husband Allen, but will still be managing CNLA as needed up to the end of November and aiding in the transition to the new executive director.

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Kim Gliha Has Resigned from the CNLA Board
 
Citing family and work pressures, the newest Director on CNLA's Board from the Garden Barn in Vernon stepped down September 30. Her seat will be filled at the CNLA Annual Meeting in January. CNLA President Dave Taddei praised Kim for her contributions and input this past year.

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OSHA Construction 10-Hour Training
Coming November 6-7

This training program provides basic awareness information for workers and employers on the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of safety and health hazards in the workplace. The program also provides information regarding workers' rights, employer responsibilities, and how to file a complaint.  Workers must receive additional training specific to the hazards they are exposed to at their workplace.

In the State of Connecticut all employees who will be working on a public works project, must obtain a 10 Hour OSHA Construction card prior to working at the site once ever 5 years. Also, many of the surrounding States have similar requirements.

This two-day program will be sponsored by Hortica Insurance & Employee Benefits and taught by instructor Zachery Bruce, CSP.  Attendees will receive their OSHA 10 Hour Construction card within 90 days of the completion of the class. Complete attendance is mandatory to receive the OSHA Card.

Training Outline:
>> Introduction to OSHA
>> OSHA Focus 4 Hazards (Falls, Electrocution, Struck-By, Caught In/Between)
>> Personal Protective Equipment
>> Health Hazards in Construction
>> Trenching & Excavation Safety
>> Materials Handling
>> Ladder Safety
>> Landscape Equipment Safety
 
YOU MUST ATTEND BOTH DAYS
 
November 6 from 8:00am-4:00pm and
November 7 from 8:00am-Noon.
at the Experiment Station's Valley Lab, exit 37 off I-91 in Windsor.
Lunch will be served the first day. 
Space is limited to 40 persons.
Register Online Now.