Westport’s Finest Receive Awards Monday Night; Det. Marc Heinmiller Named 2020 Officer of the Year
Westport Police DepartmentOn the evening of Monday, September 13, 2021, the Westport Police Department held its annual awards ceremony. During this special night, the department recognized the commendable acts of its officers for the year 2020.
Instead of something formal, the department opted for a more family-centered event which was held outdoors at Westport’s Remarkable Theatre. As the officers and their families enjoyed pizza, they had an opportunity to catch up with one another and celebrate each other’s accomplishments. Police Chief Foti Koskinas congratulated the officers who received awards but was quick to note how proud he was of the entire police department’s professionalism, dedication, and never-ending commitment to the community. Further, the Chief thanked Sgt. Sereniti Dobson for spending countless hours planning the ceremony.
The various awards given out included, among other things, unit citations, certificates of recognition, meritorious service awards, investigator ribbons, and life saving awards.
Detective Marc Heinmiller is the 2020 Officer of the Year. He was given this prestigious award because of his outstanding performance during 2020. He is an incredibly accomplished and effective investigator who successfully closed a number of complicated cases over the last year. Det. Heinmiller’s knowledge and dedication to his investigations has undoubtedly improved the safety and quality of life for all of Westport’s residents and visitors. When congratulating Det. Heinmiller, Chief Koskinas stated that “Marc is an outstanding officer who is highly respected by his peers, and I feel very fortunate that he is a member of the Westport Police Department.”
Boat Rides and Beer Gardens all Part of the Slice of Saugatuck Next Saturday
Westport Weston Chamber of CommerceThe Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the 9th Annual Slice of Saugatuck Festival will once again be taking over the streets of Saugatuck on Saturday September 25th from 2pm – 5pm. (Rain date Sunday September 26th).
The highly successful food tasting and retail experience will have over 50 businesses participating. Each year over 2000 people have come to see what Westport’s Saugatuck section has to offer by going venue to venue and sampling all the restaurants, merchants and activities that this mom and pop driven area has created.
“We’re back and Saugatuck is stronger than ever,” said Matthew Mandell Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce. “Everyone embraces this event, from the merchants and restaurateurs right down to the residents who come out to see what’s up. Where else can you just walk the streets with friends and neighbors and enjoy what a community has to offer.”
This year the footprint expands to include Riverside Realty with a band in their parking lot and both the VFW and Westport Paddle Club just across the street. The Maker Faire area, put together by Remarkable Steam, will once again be on Luciano Park. Due to Covid precautions, there will be no bouncy houses, but hopefully will be back next year. All attendees are encouraged to wear masks when unable to remain socially distant. Hand sanitizer will be available at all ticket booths.
There will be live music located at seven different locations all playing at the same time, with notable local bands: Outside Chance, Silver Steel, Otis and the Hurricanes, The Howling Barncats, Elana Zarabi, Accidental Breakdown and The School of Rock. There will also be roving theatrical performances and Tai Kwan Do demonstrations. New this year will be boat rides provided by Carefree Boat.
The event will also have two “Beer Gardens” with wine as well, located on Bridge Square and Railroad Place which will allow adult eventgoers to enjoy a cold one and watch the bands. Many of the restaurants will also be offering specialty drinks inside their venues. The 2pm to 5pm time slot has proven to be a winner and stays the same this year. Many of the participating venues will be holding a special Saugatuck Happy Hour offering festival attendees the opportunity to return to enjoy more food and libations after the event.
The price will again be $15 per adult, but with a two for $25 option, kids under 13 remains $5, with age 5 and under free. Cash only.
The Chamber has donated over $30,000 to the Gillespie Center’s food pantry from the proceeds from the prior events. “The Slice of Saugatuck is a unique event that helps fill our pantry and supports the most vulnerable with food insecurity in our community,” said Helen McAlinden Executive Director of Homes with Hope. “We thank the Chamber and all the merchants for their support in putting on this wonderful festival that highlights a gem of Westport.”
For more information on the event and see participants a map go to www.westportwestonchamber.com/saugatuck - Tickets go on sale onsite only at 1:50pm day of the event, cash only.
Westport COVID-19 Cases Up 14; State Positivity Rate 4.21%, Hospitalizations Up 11
The Westport Weston Health District reported 14 new COVID-19 cases for Westport since yesterday. The State’s daily test positivity rate was up to 4.21%, and hospitalizations were up 11.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 1,984 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 31 deaths.
State Daily Test Positivity: 4.21% [down from 2.92%]
State Hospitalizations: 338 patients [+11]
MoCA Westport Announces Free Gallery Admission for One Year, Thanks to Anonymous Donor
MoCA Westport [Museum of Contemporary Art, Westport] announces that admission to MoCA Westport’s gallery is now complimentary for all visitors for one year, made possible through the generous gift of an anonymous donor.
“This gift supports our belief in the power of art to educate, enrich and build connections between us - a power that should be equally accessible to all in the community,” stated Ruth Mannes, MoCA Westport’s Executive Director.
“Visit our exhibition, come back to show your friends what you found to be thought-provoking and meaningful, or bring the kids for a quick drop in, all at no charge,” she added.
The Museum has also announced that Bar MoCA, a full-service bar in the Museum, is now open during Saturday and Sunday gallery hours in addition to a weekly Happy Hour on Thursdays. The Museum will also offer free drop-in studio time for ages 4-12 from 12-2:30 PM on Saturdays. Experience the exhibition, visit the play space and garden, listen to live music, and relax in the Museum’s vast outdoor space.
As of September 16, MoCA Westport’s Fall Gallery Hours are: Wednesday: 12 - 4 PM | Thursday: 12 - 7 PM | Friday: 12 - 4 PM | Saturday & Sunday: 12 - 4 PM. The Museum is located at 19 Newtown Turnpike in Westport, CT. For more information contact the Museum at info@mocawestport.org or 203/222-7070.