Every 9/11 ceremony at Sherwood Island State Park — the site of Connecticut’s official memorial — is special.
Yesterday’s was especially moving. It marked the 25th anniversary of that terrible day.
The site, just a few yards from Long Island Sound, is where the Twin Towers could be seen, on a clear day. It was also readied for use as a staging area on September 11, 2001. Sadly rescue operations were not needed.
The names of 161 men and women with Connecticut ties — all killed that morning — are engraved in the memorial.
State officials and victims’ families spoke yesterday. Afterward, Andrew Colabella captured the scene as roses were laid on top of the stone of Westport resident Jonathan Uman. and a visitor took in the beautiful sunset.
(Photo/Andrew Colabella)
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During 12 years at the helm of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, Matthew Mandell has turned the business organization into a well-rounded civic force.
He has helped launch 14 Slice of Saugatuck festivals, 10 Westport Dog Festivals, dozens of Supper & Soul shows, COVID concerts, the Great Westport food competitions, Restaurant Week, monthly Business After Hours networking, the Halloween Window Painting contest, and this year’s “Your State, Your Business speaker seriess.
The Chamber raised and donated over $100,000 to local non-profit organizations like Homes with Hope, TAILS and many others.
During his tenure, membership in the Chamber nearly tripled.
Yesterday, Mandell announced he is retiring as executive director and president. His resignation is effective at the end of the year.
.Mandell will continue to serve on the Representative Town Meeting (RTM0, and Earthplace board of trustees. He will also advise the Chamber on upcoming events.
“It has been an exceptional experience, one that has been an honor for me to be a part of. When you love the subject matter, Westport, it’s easy to put your heart and soul into something like this. But it’s time to find a new path with different opportunities and go from there,” he says.
Paul Lebowitz, chair of the Chamber’s board of directors, says, “Matthew’s greatest contribution may be the events he created that brought our business community and the people of Westport together, ,,,Matthew was our chief cheerleader, tireless promoter, and advocate. His enthusiasm was contagious. His commitment to the organization, the businesses we represent, and the town has been remarkable, and we are grateful for everything he has given.”
The Chamber board seeks resumes from interested candidates. Click here for information on how to apply.
Matthew Mandell
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TEDx is coming to Westport.
On Sunday, November 8 (4 p.m., Town Hall), 8 speakers will discuss “ideas worth spreading.”
Created in the spirit of TED Talks, TEDx brings passionate speakers with compelling stories and thought-provoking ideas to the stage.
Click here for tickets (use code TOWNHALL25 for a 25% discount).
NOTE: The Westport Library hosted TEDx talks a dozen or so years ago. This event is not affiliated with the Library. The planning committee is led by executive director Sholeh Janati.
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Westport Animal Control officer Peter Reid follows up on yesterday’s Roundup story about illegal shellfishing in Westport waters. He writes:
“I have tried to orchestrate a state ENCON (Department of Energy & Environmental Protection) environmental conservation police) response in past years, to little avail.
“One of my big concerns was that these people were harvesting juvenile diamondback terrapins. There were anecdotal reports of turtles in the harvesters’ buckets last summer.
“I have been in touch with the DEEP turtle biologist, and folks at the Western Connecticut State University terrapin conservation initiative. They are willing to help us.
“Perhaps we are too late this year. But I encourage citizens who see this kind of activity to contact Westport Animal Control, reporting time and scope of activity. We will see if we can get this stopped.”
Nighttime shellfishing at Old Mill Beach. (Photo courtesy of Connecticut Centinal)
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The Democratic Town Committee has nominated Mike Durkin as its new registrar of voters. He would replace longtime registrar Deborah Greenberg, who is stepping down.
The DTC says Durkin is “a longtime Westporter with experience in strategic marketing, sales and business operations. Mike’s work spans fields including technology, e-commerce, sports marketing and entrepreneurial ventures.” smoothly.
The DTC will vote oon his nomination at their meeting on Tuesday (7:30 p.m., Zoom). Registered Democrats may make nominations from the floor.
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Longtime Westport artist and Staples High School graduate Michael Brennecke is currently featured at One River School of Art & Design.
His abstract paintings explore the relationship between color, texture, and intuitive markmaking.
A graduate of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and
Tufts University, his work is inspired by artists like Paul Klee.
A reception is set for next Thursday (September 17, 6 to 7 p.m.). The exhibition runs through October 23.
Michael Brennecke
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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between September 2 and 8.
A 24-year-old Bronx man was charged with larceny of a motor vehicle and operating a motor vehicle under suspension, after an officer on routine patrol was alerted by a license plate reader of a stolen Kia Forte traveling eastbound on Post Road West. He was held on a $10,000 bond.
A 55-year-old Norwalk man was charged with 2 counts of violation of a protective order, after twice coming to the victim’s residence despite a court order of protection. He was released on a $75,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
- Failure to obey stop sign: 7 citations
- School zone violation: 3
- Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
- Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3
- Texting while driving: 2
- Distracted driving: 2
- Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 3
- Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
- Improper use of markers: 2
- Assault: 1
- Breach of peace: 1
- Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
- Speeding: 1
- Traveling unreasonably fast: 1
- Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
- Failure to drive to the right: 1
- Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 1
- Failure to renew license: 1
- Failure to renew registration: 1
- Operating a motor vehicle without proper instructor: 1
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Justin Reed contributes today’s “Westport ,,, Naturally” featured photo.
It’s one of the most soothing images of Compo Beach we’ve ever seen.
(Photo/Justin Reed)
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And finally …. happy National Substitute Appreciation Week!
(“Who” loves you? We do! And if you love “06880,” please click here to support us with a tax-deductible donation. Thank you!)
I want thank Matt for what he done with the chamber great job Matt thanks for turning the chamber around doing a lot more stuff you will be missed Matt
Wait, so Matt is not part of triplets? Producing one event is hard enough, let alone the staggering number of hugely successful productions he was undertaken. My sense (and hope) is that when one of Matt’s many hats comes off, another two will take its place!