Immediate Release: April 05, 2008
SINA celebrates 30 years of service to Hartford’s South End
Southside Institutions Neighborhood Alliance, otherwise known as SINA, took advantage of its 30th Anniversary celebration recently to recognize the outgoing CEO of Hartford Hospital as well as launch its new website and premiere a short documentary on its three decades of service. Dignitaries and neighborhood members joined SINA staff and board in celebrating the 30th anniversary at The Hartford Club on Saturday April 5th. Emcee, former local TV celebrity Lew Brown, introduced all the guests of honor which included three of the four former Executive Directors; Ivan Backer, Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez and Jose Perez (Bob Pawlowski was unavailable). Current Executive Director Luis Cabán launched SINA’s new website sinainc.org and presented a documentary about the 30 year old organization produced by Connecticut award winning producer, Frank Borres and which will soon be available on line.
Honored was Hartford Hospital CEO, John Meehan for his 19 years of service to the community through his support of SINA. Board President Kevin Kinsella recognized Meehan by saying, “John Meehan had the spirit and enthusiasm to improve the place where we live and work, an outstanding advocate.” Kinsella also thanked his fellow board members and talked about SINA’s contributions throughout the years.
Cabán spoke about the ongoing future of the organization as a catalyst in the comprehensive approach of improving neighborhoods through housing development, improved public safety, education, and economic development. SINA received proclamations from Governor Rell, the State Legislature and the City of Hartford for its activities which included spearheading the 112 million dollar Learning Corridor project. Kinsella said the Learning Corridor on the 16 acre urban campus of public magnet schools now engages more than 1500 students from Hartford and more than 40 suburban school districts. SINA was recognized as a National Model suited for replication as is already happening in Hartford’s Asylum Hill neighborhood.
In presenting the City Proclamation Hartford Mayor and former SINA Executive Director Eddie Perez said, “30 great years for SINA have been 30 great years for the Barry Square and Frog Hollow neighborhoods.” Fourth District State Representative Kelvin Roldan and State Senate Deputy Majority Leader John Fonfara presented the State Legislature’s proclamation.
The event sponsors were Aetna Foundation, Bank of America, Mayo Crowe, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, Hartford Hospital, Trinity College, the Corporation for Independent Living, People’s United Bank, and The Phoenix Companies.
