Arty Selkowitz gives his acceptance speech at the ambush for the Stamford Citizen of the Year award at Purde Pharma's offices
On behalf of the City of Stamford, The Jewish War Veterans Fred Robbins Post 142 is pleased to announce the selection of Arty Selkowitz as the 2011 City of Stamford Citizen of the Year.
Mr. Selkowitz was "ambushed" Thursday morning at the offices of Purdue Pharma in Stamford in what has become the traditional way of braking the selection news to the honoree.
On hand for the surprise were local dignitaries and business leaders.
Mr. Selkowitz was recognized as "A person who, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, has demonstrated a belief in interfaith harmony, possesses the highest standards of responsibility in civic life, has helped in the promotion of projects for the public welfare, and who has personally worked with distinction to benefit Stamford on a community-wide basis," according to the criteria for selection of one of Stamford's most prestigious Community service/volunteer awards.
"Arty has been a tireless champion for the City of Stamford, but none as profound as in his leadership of the Mill River Collaborative. I wholeheartedly support his selection as Citizen of the Year," said Stamford Mayor Michael Pavia. "Arty has taken a vision that has been talked about for decades and made it a reality not just for Stamford's current citizens but for generations to come."
Besides being the chariman of the Mill River Collaborative, Mr. Selkowitz is a board member of the Stamford Museum and Nature Center, a board member of the Avon Theatre, past president of the Stamford Jewish Community Center, 2008 season "star dancer" at Curtain Call's Dancing with the Stars fundraiser and a supporter of many other local organizations.
Mr. Selkowitz, almost a lifelong resident of Stamford (he moved here at the age of four) and his wife Betsey, have two sons, Adam and Jed.
Two upcoming events will celebrate the 2011 Citizen of the Year. The first is when Mr. Selkowitz's name plaque is added to those past recipients previously honored, and the second is the 67th annual Stamford Citizen of the Year dinner that will be held in early spring. Details to follow and will be available at www.StamfordCoty.org.
