The Westport Library is closed (though it’s online presence is more active than ever). But its MakerSpace is wide open — and doing its part to make and supply PPE to medical personnel across Connecticut.
Westport has partnered with other spaces in the region — Fairfield County Makers Guild in Norwalk; Make Haven in New Haven; Danbury Hacker Space — to assemble face shields. Ours is the only maker space affiliated with a library.
Led by Mike Altis, the MakerSpace has already 3D-printed more than 200 pieces of PPE, such as plastic headbands. After printing, parts are dropped off for final assembly at partnering maker spaces.
Mike prints a headband every 4 hours on the library’s two best 3D printers.
Due to a shortage and slow shipping of supplies, and the need for strict distancing guidelines (only one person in the space at a time), the Westport Library has not produced completed face masks itself.
Fortunately, Mike just received materials. Soon, he and his helpers will assemble completed face shields in their own space.
MakerSpace masks at the library.
Rothbard Ale + Larder posted on Facebook yesterday: “Rothbard will be closing permanently, but we hope this is not goodbye.
“Walrus Alley will be taking its place, with American southern-inspired flavors and dishes you are sure to enjoy. Stay tuned for the occasional Rothbard pop-up, especially in October.
“We hope to see you again.”
Trader Joe’s is closed again today. It is believed another employee contracted the coronavirus.
Like many musicians, 2007 Staples High School grad Drew Angus has been hit hard by the coronavirus.
All gigs through the end of May were canceled. So too have many through August. As a “non-traditional” worker, he’s had a tough time accessing federal and state unemployment benefits.
How’s he coping?
Creatively. After a successful Zoom happy hour for friends last week, he launched “Zoom Pop-Ins.” You can book Drew for a song (or a few) for online birthday parties, Mother’s Day, anniversaries, business meetings, happy hours, whatever. They work especially well as surprises. Click here for more info
Drew also offers drive-by concerts for anyone stuck at home in a 15-mile radius of Westport. He pulls into your driveway, stays safely away, opens his mobile sound system, and plays.
And he teaches virtual guitar and voice lessons. (“Pick up a new quarantine skill!” he suggests.) Email DrewAngusMusic@gmail.com for concerts and lessons; click here for his website.
Finally, click here for his new single, Mr. Gemini — an introspective rock tune about understanding yourself. (If you buy it on Bandcamp, 85% goes directly to Drew.)
Here’s the stop-motion video. He made it with his marketing manager, Weston High graduate Shari Goldenberg. While strictly socially distancing, of course!
Robert Jacobs has found a new way to self-isolate: soaring solo in a sailplane.
Alone in the sky 8,000 feet above the earth — with no other aircraft around — he feels safe and joyful. The other day, he shot this video:
A reader writes: “My wife and I are looking more closely at our 2020 charitable giving. This is a year for priorities. We want to give where it will have the most immediate and needed benefit, starting with our general community and moving outwards from there.
“For us, food, health, and shelter will come first. Most everything else is on hold. That includes many other very worthy areas.”
How about it, readers. What are your priorities, and why? There are no wrong answers, just opinions. Click “Comments” below.
Spotco — Tommy Greenwald’s marketing, advertising and branding agency — is renowned for its work with Broadway shows.
But with the Great White Way dark, what can they do? Well, how about an uplifting, inspiring video starring Lin-Manuel Miranda?
In just 60 seconds, he manages to let everyone know that after this “intermission,” Broadway will be back with a great 2nd act; offer a way to help people in need, and also provide info on options to assist those in the industry. Take a peek:
Seen on the internet, and worth repeating: “You know all those small businesses you always ask to help out for your silent auction, program book or other fundraiser? Well, it’s time to repay the favor.”
And finally … thanks, Kelly Clarkson, for your words of wisdom!
I hope Trader Joe’s is doing some contact tracing and keeping those “crew members” that were in close contact with this individual and the individual that caused last week’s store closure at home and out of the store, preferably with full pay. Hopefully, the most recent case was not the result of Trader Joe’s failure to do just that.
Thanks for sharing Drew Angus’ fun and catchy song. A little light in these dark days.
On a different note just heard the Chief on MSNBC talking about drone use here. Definately not cool with the Orwell thing. They are keeping all the data. Hope ACLU gets on that
Near and Far Aid (nearandfaraid.org) has a covid emergency relief fund and
Has done a remarkable job vetting donees.
They have done the homework.
Friday morning update: Trader Joe still closed. Saturday reopening scheduled.