WESTERLY â Michael âSpikeâ Lobdell, founder, president and CEO of New England Science & Sailing in Stonington, has joined a distinguished group of local residents.
Lobdell, widely applauded for creating one of the most successful community sailing programs in the country, is this yearâs Citizen of the Year, an award bestowed by the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce and considered by many to be the highest honor for business leaders in the two-state region.
Established in 1957, the award recognizes the âoutstanding leadershipâ and the âexceptional contributionsâ made by award-winners to the greater Westerly-Stonington region. In selecting the person to honor each year, chamber members consider qualities like community leadership, integrity and creativity. Candidates must also possess âstrong communication skills and broad social perspectives,â said Chamber President Lisa Konicki in a statement announcing the award.Â
WESTERLYÂ â Despite pandemic-related restrictions limiting in-person interactions, there s one spot in the heart of downtown Westerly that s seen an uptick in activity lately.
Washington Trust Community Skating Center â about to celebrate a decade downtown â has been a busy spot, said Tanner Evak, the property director for the Ocean Community YMCA, which oversees the rink. I think people are just so happy to be outside and have something to do outdoors where they can feel safe, Evak said. It s really been very positive.
On a recent weekday afternoon, he counted more than 75 people on the ice at 4 p.m. That is rare for a Thursday, said Evak, who skates regularly with his wife, Molly, and daughters Hazel, 8, and Harper, 5.Â