Hello Westport,
Needless to say these are unprecedented times and we are still going through uncharted waters. As we enter our third month of closed businesses, social distancing and a lack of a clear outcome,* we should still realize that as a community we are strong and together as a community we will triumph.
All of us have seen great deeds, actions and support for those who otherwise might not have faired well. Donations to the food banks, shopping for the elderly and of course our first responders and medical personnel answering the call to aid those in need showed Westport's true colors.
Ensuring our local and state economy gets back on track is a prime focus as we look to reopen Main street, Saugatuck and our Post Road businesses. Their success is ours, as we and the town rely upon their vibrancy and continued existence. Going the extra mile to shop local and support our friends and neighbors will benefit all of us.
Hopefully in our time of isolation we found a silver lining in what was otherwise a very dark cloud. Family dinners, game nights, household projects, reading books, learning an instrument or watching movies are all things we might never have had time to do or appreciate. Yet, most of us did have that time and those with families got to share unique moments with them. Technology has been a savior with even those who found themselves alone could be brought into the mix for a holiday celebration, a virtual happy hour or just to say hello and say nice to see you.
We may not know what the new normal will be for a while, but when it occurs I know Westport and her residents will be there to enjoy it together.
Matthew Mandell
* This letter was written on April 15th
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Matthew Mandell
Executive Director & President
Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce