It’s pretty clear that most American high school seniors will not have traditional graduations this year.
Caps and gowns, speeches, photos, the parties afterward — all will fall victim to COVID-19.
Searching for something to salvage, a senior named Lincoln thought: Why not ask Barack Obama to deliver a “national commencement address”?
On Tuesday he tweeted the former president. He added the hashtag #ObamaCommencement2020.
Then he watched his idea take off. As of last night, over 207,000 people had liked Lincoln’s tweet. It was retweeted over 41,000 times.
What makes this “06880”-worthy is that the student — Lincoln Debenham — is a former Westporter.
He lives now in Los Angeles, where he will graduate — with or without Obama — from Eagle Rock High School. But he’s got deep roots here.
He grew up here. He started at Staples High, before moving. Like his older brother Eli, he follows politics avidly.
(“06880” profiled Eli in 2016, when he helped run the phone banks for the Westport Democratic Town Committee. The next year, the entire Debenham family was featured, hosting their traditional Thanksgiving dinner for dozens of random people.)
Clockwise from top left: Eli, Lincoln and Matt Debenham, Caissie St. Onge.
But now Lincoln has snagged the national spotlight alone.
His message to Obama said: “Like most high school/college seniors, I’m saddened by the loss of milestone events, proms & graduation. In an unprecedented time, it would give us great comfort to hear your voice.
“We ask you to consider giving a national commencement speech to the class of 2020.”
The former president has not yet responded, though he was reported to be aware of the request. And flattered.
Meanwhile, national media picked up the story.
Lincoln told CNN that Obama is “someone who speaks for my generation. that’s what this is about. Hearing that voice of hope again.”
Like Lincoln Debenham, we’ve got our fingers crossed.
Eve is a Staples High School graduate, now a social worker. That is considered an “essential” job — yet for now she is able to work from home. As she tries to make sense of “the intense feelings and questions this pandemic raises about what is truly essential,” she writes:
Why are social workers left out of conversations about individuals and work forces providing essential services related to COVID-19? Social workers are essential personnel, even though we don’t talk about their role and importance in the context of health workers on the front lines of the pandemic.
The outbreak has exacerbated social isolation, unemployment and underemployment, food insecurity, homelessness and house insecurity, stress and mental illness, along with familial changes related to illness and death.
Social workers are there. At the same time, while I am proud to advocate with and for social workers, I grapple with what is essential at my unique workplace in this pandemic.
I know I am far from alone in worrying about the risk I am willing to take — and, for my particular job, whether working on the front lines requires being there in person at my organization. I marvel at the range of our reactions. As we adjust to this new “normal,” some of us assume superhero powers overnight, while others withdraw and are overwhelmed with the uncertainty of it all.
But why am I considered essential in the non-acute setting where I work? I am not keeping people alive.
I am hit by a wave of denial and aversion. I don’t mean to devalue the important work we do, but I struggle to believe my work as a vocational counselor is or should be considered “on the front lines” because at this time, I don’t serve folks in acute conditions.
Eve
I work with individuals with chronic mental illness, mostly “stabilized” in a long-term residential setting. For them, staying physically in the group home is essential for their mental health recovery. There are few residents still at the program at this time, and the greatest need is staff to help with cleaning and cooking.
Meanwhile, I have been working tirelessly by surveying the needs of our community and rolling out virtual offerings that have reached far beyond the clients I worked with in-person pre-coronavirus.
We are learning to work with ambiguity in new ways. Fostering community and promoting their well-being during this time has been my number one priority — and I am confident in the multitude of ways I’ve been an ambassador of this from my self-quarantine.
Still, the fiscal pressures for this non-profit continue to grow. I am working remotely for now because I can fulfill my primary job duties remotely, but I could see potentially losing my position in the months to come.
I attended the annual American Group Psychotherapy Conference in New York. I stewed in my bedroom for 3 hours on March 2nd deciding whether to listen to my fiancé’s growing anxiety and cancel the trip, or simply exercise abundant caution during my week there.
I consulted my therapist, my professor and several others. By Friday I could not concentrate. I moved up my plans, squeezing in a lunch with my childhood best friend from Westport.
We did not hug. We talked about the virus briefly. I marveled at her belly for the first time, remembering how we dreamed of being pregnant at the same time.
Eve and her fiance, in less anxious times.
My anxiety was rapidly growing. I decided nor to attend the alumni dinner, the popular conference dance or luncheon on Saturday. I used a wipe to hold the subway pole, carried sanitizer in my purse throughout the week, avoided handshakes or hugs successfully.
I scurried through Grand Central, sensing a growing fear as if making eye contact with people would give me the virus. I could not have imagined that hundreds of group therapists around the world would be providing indefinite virtual support groups and telehealth for peers, patients, healthcare workers to cope with a range of difficulties.
On Wednesday I received an email informing 1,000 group therapists that numerous conference attendees tested positive. Dozens more were reporting symptoms in hundreds of emails on our list-serve (those from China could attend this year). It felt like the worst game of Bingo, reviewing the list of which workshops each person who tested positive had attended.
For now, I am privileged to feel safe in my home. Our new normal is anything but normal. In the face of COVID-19, we are all confronting our existential vulnerability, and the determination of personal responsibility (notwithstanding public health guidance) as we seek meaning and understanding of what is happening within and around us. Perhaps the silver lining may be that we are forced to grapple with ethical questions, our broken systems, and recognize our undeniable interconnectedness.
Last Wednesday, Westport thanked doctors, nurses and all frontline workers during the pandemic with our first “Ringing of the Bells.”
So many people had such a great noisy, community time that we’re doing it again. All Westporters are invited to join in today, from 5 p.m. to 5:02.
Church bells, musical instruments, pots, pans — whatever you’ve got to make noise is joyfully welcome.
Anne Lawton put together this video, featuring Greens Farms Church and many local participants. The former news anchor (Fox 5 New York, News 8 New Haven) appears at the end urging everyone to join in.
Besides bells, Americans are howling.
Staples High School 1979 graduate David Stalling reports from Missoula, Montana, where every night at 8 p.m. he hears large packs of people — and dogs — howling loudly. They (the humans) are doing it for the same reason others ring bells: to honor healthcare and other frontline workers.
“It’s strangely fun and therapeutic,” he says. “Get out and howl!” Here’s a video from Missoula:
Speaking of animals, “06880” readers have noted an increased number out and about. They’ve commented on how many birds are singing too.
Wendy Cusick reminds Westporters to keep all dogs on leashes. There are coyotes and skunks galore!
This may be Easter without filled churches. But kids can still have a bunny and a basket.
Aarti Khosla — the generous owner of Le Rouge Aartisan Chocolates — is creating 200 Easter baskets. Thanks to the Westport Downtown Merchants Association, the Easter bunny will stand on Church Lane at the turn-in by the Christ & Holy Trinity courtyard. Families can drive by, wave, and do a contactless basket pickup.
It’s 12 to 2 p.m. Sunday — first come, first served!
Of all the things I miss about life BC — before coronavirus — my daily swim at the Westport Y is near the top of the list.
I’ve substituted daily walks. In addition to far fewer endorphins, I’m limping around with a severely pulled calf muscle. (I’m not the only one. Several people told me of similar issues. Go figure.)
Normally I’d suck it up (and ice it). But without my daily exercise, I’d go batshit.
So I called EJ Zebro. The owner of TAP Strength Lab, he helps everyone from high school athletes to 80-somethings “move better through life.” I wanted to feel better (fast!), and reduce the likelihood of another idiotic overuse injury.
A guy like EJ is very hands-on. Of course, that’s the last thing he can do now. But he’s pivoted well. We FaceTimed. I showed him my calf; he showed me stretches and exercises, and patiently answered my questions. (Yes, I can bike.)
EJ is one small example of how our world has changed. TAP is one small but important business that’s figuring out how to continue to help, in new ways. It’s not easy — but I am very grateful that EJ is still around.
EJ Zebro
Sydney Newman turned 17 yesterday. The Staples High School student celebrated the new 2020 way: with a few friends, all properly distanced. Happy birthday, Sydney!
Everyone has something they miss about their old lives. Here’s Stephanie Bass’ contribution:
And finally, for all those celebrating Passover — and even those who are not:
(From Wikipedia: ‘”Dayenu’ is a song that is part of the Jewish holiday of Passover. The word ‘dayenu’ means approximately ‘it would have been enough,’ ‘it would have been sufficient’ or ‘it would have sufficed.’ This traditional upbeat Passover song is over 1,000 years old. The song is about being grateful to God for all of the gifts he gave the Jewish people, such as taking them out of slavery, giving them the Torah and Shabbat, and had God only given one of the gifts, it would have still been enough. This is to show much greater appreciation for all of them as a whole.”)
Posted onApril 7, 2020|Comments Off on Staples Tuition Grants Announces Covid-19 Community Challenge
One month ago, Staples Tuition Grants was wrapping up its 2020 efforts.
For 77 years they’ve helped high school seniors — and graduates — close the gap between the cost of higher education, and what they could afford.
Applications were in. Interviews were scheduled. In June there would be a ceremony at which over 100 students would receive over $300,000 in grants.
Then the coronavirus pandemic struck. Suddenly, life got much tougher for Westporters. Loss of income was compounded by plunging portfolios — many of which included college funds.
In response to this urgent need, STG has partnered with a small group of generous donors. Together, they have pledged $50,000 to establish the STG COVID-19 Community Challenge.
Now they’re challenging Westporters — and Staples grads around the country — to meet (or exceed) an additional $50,000 in donations. The goal is $100,000.
All funds raised in this campaign will go to this year’s STG student grant recipients. They’ll supplement whatever other grants will be awarded in June, for the upcoming 2020-21 school year.
STG says:
You know our grant recipients. They are your neighbors, babysitters, camp counselors, lifeguards, baristas, and local restaurant and retail store staff.
Many lost those jobs — this summer and beyond — and live with a parent or grandparent who also lost income or college savings through this crisis. For most of our grant recipients, their ability to pursue or continue higher education this fall will be determined by the amount of financial aid they receive in the next few weeks.
The STG COVID-19 Community Challenge is your opportunity to help! If you have a current college student receiving a refund on tuition, room and board, please consider donating a portion to this effort. If you planned to attend a fundraiser or charity event this spring that was canceled, please consider directing part of what you had planned to give to this challenge.
This is our opportunity as a strong and united community to show Staples graduates attending college next year that Westport supports them.
Click here to donate to the STG Covid-19 Community Challenge. STG also accepts checks, made out to “Staples Tuition Grants” and sent to PO Box 5159 , Westport, CT 06881-5159. Include your name as you’d like it to appear, your address and email, and write “Community Challenge” in the memo field.
A highlight of the annual Staples Tuition Grants ceremony is when recipients meet people with a fund named after a loved one. Several years ago Dr. Al Beasley posed with Megumi Asada, who received the Dr. Jean Beasley Award. Megumi has gone on to a career in medicine.
Comments Off on Staples Tuition Grants Announces Covid-19 Community Challenge
You’ve got 2 choices as you turn from Compo Beach Road into the main entrance. (We’re talking about the pre-, and hopefully post-, coronavirus days.)
You can look right, into the entrance drive between the basketball courts and playground.
Or you can look left.
Most people are intent on getting into the beach. But the view to the left is of Craig “Doc” Davidson’s house.
It’s a handsome old beach house — recently flood-raised — on the corner of Bradley Street.
And there — on the chimney — is the anchor that was the subject of last week’s Photo Challenge. (Click here to see.)
Some Westporters thought it was at Ned Dimes Marina. But Pat Saviano, Lyne Kiedaisch, Diane Silfen, Lynn Untermeyer Miller, Brian Duchan, Jonathan McClure and Mary Ann Batsell all knew it belongs solely to Doc.
Who is he?
Doc is a 1970 Staples High School graduate. He’s a realtor. And a documentary filmmaker. (His nickname came long before that career.)
In addition to his wonderful chimney, Doc owns the most interesting fence in Westport.
The inner side — visible only to Doc and his guests — is a fantastic, faithful mural rendering of Ebbets Field. You can read about it (and see it) here.
Doc is a huge baseball fan. One of his films is about the great Satchel Paige. Click here for that story.
Now that you know everything about the chimney, the house, and the man who lives there, it’s time to play ball.
With this week’s Photo Challenge. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
The Westport Country Playhouse is dark. But it lights up on both Facebook and the Playhouse’s own YouTube channel on Friday, April 17 (7 p.m.).
It shines with Westport’s own Kelli O’Hara, and 10 randomly selected Fairfield County High School students. They’ll chat with the Broadway star, and perform musical theater selections.
Students can click here between tomorrow (Sunday, April 5, 10 a.m.) and Wednesday (April 8, 10 a.m.). Upload a video of yourself performing any musical theater song.
In addition to the 10 students chosen, 10 “understudies” will be selected to submit a question for Kelli to answer during the show.
“I’m a firm believer in the healing magic of the arts,” the Tony Award-winning (“The King and I”) actor says. Most recently, she earned a Tony nomination for “Kiss Me, Kate.”
All videos submitted will be featured in a compilation, released on Playhouse social media channels. For more information, email education@westportplayhouse.org.
Now Friends of Westport Public Art Collections is doing the same. Here’s the hook: If your work is accepted by Friends, it will be featured in the public schools’ 2020-21 calendar.
Submissions can be new — or something already painted, drawn, photographed or digitally created. Click here for details.
Many people have seen this photo from Yale New Haven Health. Front line personnel are pleading with everyone to keep physical distance.
But you may not know that the nurse in the far left of the front row is Nick Kiedaisch. The 2012 Staples High School graduate — and varsity baseball star — is among the medical heroes. Let’s do all we can to make his and his colleagues’ jobs easier. (Hat tip: Jeff Mitchell)
Lifelong Westporter Deborah Johnson is a well-known designer and decorator, with her own drapery business.
Over the years she has assembled plenty of extra fabric. Now she’s using it to make face masks. If you’d like to help, or know someone in great need, email wsptgirl@yahoo.com. (Hat tip: Steve Crowley)
Speaking of masks: Yesterday’s Roundup story on Virginia Jaffe’s project raised immediate funds, delivered 4 sewing helpers — and brought a request from the director of STAR Lighting the Way. Today, Virginia and her crew are donating 80 masks for their staff. Well done!
Virginia Jaffe, in her workroom
It’s looking increasingly unlikely that the spring high school sports season will happen.
That’s devastating news to hundreds of Staples athletes — and hundreds of thousands more across the country.
Which brings up this local/national news: In a just-released preseason poll, the National High School Baseball Coaches Association ranked the Wreckers 31st, in the entire country.
They might also lose the opportunity to see how much further they’d climb in the rankings. Normally at this time of year, anticipation and excitement would be high.
Opening day was supposed to have been today.
Instead of “Play ball!” it’s “Keep away!”
So right now, guys, we’re sorry. Congratulations on being #31 in the nation will have to suffice. (Hat tip: Vince Kelly)
And finally, what’s Saturday without a dance party?
C’mon! It’s time to throw down. Nobody’s watching! And even if they are …
The coronavirus put an abrupt end to countless events. Many were months in the making.
But few came to a more crushing close than “Seussical: The Musical.”
Over 100 Staples Players cast and crew members prepared for the spring production since December. Just 2 days before opening night, Westport schools closed.
Sets, choreography, lighting, music — poof! It all vanished, into the infectious air.
Seussical” is fun …
Fortunately, Players videotaped the Tuesday night rehearsal show, performed before an audience of 100 parents.
Tomorrow (Saturday, April 4, 7 p.m.) and Sunday (April 5, 2 p.m.), Players will broadcast that now-historic recording.
Anyone who bought tickets to any of the scheduled performances will receive an email link on Saturday to the livestreams. Intermission features special video appearances by former Players, all now involved in the arts.
But — in typically creative Players fashion — you don’t have to have had a ticket to see this “Seussical.”
The organization set up a GoFundMe page. Though a few staff stipends are paid by the town, the rest of the award-winning program is funded almost entirely by ticket sales.
… for all ages. (Photos/Kerry Long)
They pay for lumber, paint, lighting equipment purchase and rental, costume construction and rental, props, set designers, sound equipment and microphone rental, pit musicians’ salaries, makeup, wigs — and much, much more.
An average show — though Players are far from “average” — costs well over $50,000 to produce.
That’s a lot of money. But it’s also an amazing educational experience for hundreds of Staples students. Plus of course, a wonderful treat for the community.
Players has been on solid financial ground for over 15 years. Because of sellout audiences and great support from Westporters, they consistently recouped the money they spent. They seldom ask much financially from the community.
Now — having lost the opportunity both to produce “Seussical,” and benefit financially from it — they’re asking for help.
The Players know: “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”
This weekend, we can smile along with them. How lucky we all are that the one performance happened.
Emma Straight’s interest in medicine was strong. Certified as an EMT when she was just 16, she spent 20 hours a week with the Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service. Her usual shift was 6 to 11 p.m.
In addition, at Staples High School Emma founded and led the Prosthetic Hand Club.
After graduating last spring, she headed west to Santa Clara University. She intended to major in biology. But an Introduction to Public Health class in the first quarter — covering the spread of disease, our healthcare system and the socioeconomic impact of illness — sparked her interest.
She switched majors, to public health.
Emma Straight
Emma had no idea of the public health crisis just around the corner. But when her college shut down in mid-March and she returned home, she knew exactly what to do.
On March 16, Emma headed to WVEMS. She’s been working 3 shifts a week ever since.
“I always felt comfortable there,” she says of the Jesup Road headquarters next to the police station. “It was a calming place for me.”
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it still is.
Despite the public health crisis, it’s also a very safe place, Emma emphasizes.
“I’m really, really proud of our leaders, like Marc Hartog and Kevin Doherty,” she says. “They prioritize our safety, and give us a lot of up-to-date information. We have to be safe. If we get sick, we can’t help anyone.”
The safety protocol begins with detailed questions asked by dispatchers, for every call. Many are now COVID-related. EMTs must be certain of every situation, before they arrive.
Once on scene, EMTs keep their distance while asking their screening questions. If a patient shows symptoms of the virus, they don protective gear.
But, Emma says, “Our patient care is the same as always. It hasn’t changed at all.
“We’re super cautious,” she reiterates. “We don’t know who has been exposed to what. Everyone is on edge. But there are so many precautions, we feel good.”
The public has been great about donating masks too, Emma notes.
When she was in high school, Emma felt good about giving back through WVEMS. Now rather than just sitting home, she feels “really, really good. I feel like I’m really able to do something, at a very tough time.”
As of 4:30 p.m. yesterday (Monday, March 30), Westport had 115 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up 1 from the previous day. Weston had 24, up 3.
Of Connecticut’s 2,571 confirmed cases, the largest number continues to be in the 50-59 age group. The over-80 group has the highest rate of hospitalizations and deaths. Click here for a detailed look at the statewide spread of the disease.
Connecticut’s hospitals, nursing homes and medical facilities are in desperate need of medical volunteers. The state has embarked on a campaign to urge people with healthcare or medical backgrounds. Click here to register.
Rizzuto’s, Amis and Terrain restaurants have closed, until further notice. All had provided curbside and takeout dining during the coronavirus crisis.
As healthcare workers and first responders work tirelessly to keep us healthy, we should do the same for them.
“Mission Nutrition” helps. As described by Westporter Lisa Adelmann (whose husband and 2 brothers are local physicians), the goal is to deliver healthy care packages to hospitals, nursing homes, and police and fire departments around the country.
Packages contain protein shake mix, protein bars, energy and hydration drinks, and herbal tea. Some have hand cream.
To minimize human contact, each care package is assembled in a warehouse, and shipped directly to a hospital or first responder site.
Funds are needed. No donation is too small (or too big). To donate, Venmo @missionnutrition. Questions? Email donatetohelp.lisa@gmail.com.
The town of Westport now offers online tax preparation, with no in-person contact.
Volunteers — led by Westporter Mark Spivack — are the same IRS-certified tax preparers who have offered these services for years. The site is safely encrypted.
Users need a smartphone or computer, WiFi access, a working phone number and email address.
Though the US tax filing deadline has been extended to July 15, many Westporters have time on their hands now to “be prepared.”
For more information and to access the service, click here.
Bill Vornkahl reports that although the Greens Farms Fire Company’s 69th annual Easter Egg Hunt has been canceled, the Easter Bunny will make rounds throughout town starting early afternoon on Sunday, April 12.
Be on the lookout for him! (Although, Bill says confidentially, Westport’s Bunny is really a her.)
Not the Greens Farms Volunteer Fire Company’s Easter Bunny. (Photo/Hannah Hall)
Need info on the federal government plan to distribute direct payments to individuals and families? Congressman Jim Himes sends along this link to frequently asked questions. To learn more, call his office: 203-333-6600.
Linda Hall offers a special shout-out to Sue Pfister: “My parents never expected the Senior Center director to be their Meals on Wheels delivery person. But last week, there Sue was — by herself, in a downpour.” Thank you, Sue!
Sue Pfister (seated, right), at her beloved Senior Center.
Staples High School Class of 2011 graduate Nicki Brill now works as a middle school math teacher.
She says she is “lucky to be healthy and quarantined with my family.” She wants to recruit volunteers to help neighbors in need.
Click here for her form for healthy volunteers. Click here if you should not leave home (immunocompromised, older, other pre-existing conditions, quarantined). and need help with groceries or errands.
Looking to help in other ways? Click here for a link to many great ideas.
Nicky Brill
Village Pediatrics posted this, on social media. Their “kids” do grow up!
(Dr. Nikki Gorman adds, “We really need these, to use as reusable masks over our N95s that we can wash daily with the new washer dryer we are installing in our office — and for patients’ parents and some patients who could be asymptomatic carriers of COVID.”)
COVID-19 put a brutal end to the Staples High School girls basketball team’s magical season, just hours before the state semifinal game tipped off.
Senior co-captain Marisa Shorrock wrote about that emotional end for The Ruden Report. I reposted her insightful story on “06880.”
ESPN got into the act. Her essay was featured on the sports network.
Then last night, the entire team got a shout-out on ESPN’s Senior Moments feature. Scott Van Pelt did the honors — and quoted from Marisa’s story.
It’s not the state championship they probably would have won. But it’s nice to get a bit of well-deserved national recognition! Click below (skip to 1:44, if all you care about are our Wreckers).
(Hat tip: Russell and Don Kubie)
A bogus website claims that the Greens Farms post office is closed. (Here it is — but don’t click on any links inside it. You can never be too safe!)
The cute little post office by the train station is not closed. They’re still open, still serving customers in their homey, neighborhood way. Officials are aware of the fake site, but have been unable to shut it down.
(Photo/Lynn U. Miller)
Though the awards ceremony for TEAM Westport’s annual teen diversity essay contest is postponed, the group — town’s multicultural committee — has announced the 3 finalists.
Staples High School seniors Sahiba Dhindsa and Zachary Terrillion, and sophomore Victoria Holoubek-Sebok, are in the running for prizes of $1,000, $750 and $500.
This year’s prompt asked teens to describe experiences involving stereotypes focused on race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity, and consider steps that organizations, schools or individuals could take to counteract those stereotypes.
Westport musician Jon Saxon has performed for the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce at Supper & Soul and the Levitt Pavilion.
Tonight at 8 p.m. he livestreams a 30-minute concert. Click here for the Zoom link. The meeting ID is 901 431 6011.
It”s free — but he encourages donations during the show (or any time!) to benefit Yale New Haven Hospital. Click here to contribute.
Many supermarkets take strong measures to guard against COVID’s spread. Stew Leonard’s goes extra far. They’ve put Plexiglas shields on all registers and express lines, and at the customer service and coffee departments. Their hot and cold bar food is all pre-packaged now, and employees serve hot food and soup.
And finally, I love the song “500 Miles” by the Proclaimers. This isn’t it. (It’s a lot less Scottish, for one thing.) But it’s almost as good.
By this point, nearly everyone in Westport knows someone who has suffered from COVID-19.
And by now, everyone should know that it does not strike only the elderly, or those with underlying health issues.
If you don’t believe that — or don’t think you know someone affected by the coronavirus — think again.
Ari Edelson is a 1994 graduate of Staples High School. After starring with Staples Players — including directing their groundbreaking production of “Falsettos” — and graduating from both Yale and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, he earned international fame as a producer and director in the US and Europe.
A few years ago, Ari Edelson was honored with a Westport Arts Center Horizon Award. (Photo/Emily Hamilton Laux)
On Sunday, Ari — who is in his mid-40s, and has been in excellent health — posted this on Facebook:
Hi, folks. Many of you have been amazing over the last 2 weeks as I dealt with being both home quarantined and put totally through the wringer with COVID-19. I just wanted to share my most heartfelt gratitude as I’m coming out the other side of it.
On March 15, I started having a minor elevated temp and cough, which then fully exploded into 8 days of delirious fevers of 103, coughs, and drenching sweats.
After a 2-week nightmarish battle, I have now been afebrile for 2 days, comfortable and gaining strength.
Julia Levy has been a superwoman through it all, not only taking care of me, but also somehow also keeping Eliot and Leo on their best behavior, coordinating care with my father (my forever medical hero), not to mention coming up with home school ideas for hundreds of thousands of other families through her work at Sparkler and Noggin.
Ari Edelson, Julia Levy and their son Eliot, in 2017.
She is truly phenomenal, as is the rest of my family. I am so thankful to the generous folks at Weill Cornell and Yale New Haven, who provided me and my family desperately appreciated guidance.
I am more than happy to answer questions for anyone, if my experience can be helpful. To one question I am getting already: Even though I went through New York State’s intake process to be tested on March 20, I was never able to get a test, and never even got the promised return phone call.
I cannot blame the state for it — they are more than overrun. But the failure of full national leadership to address this one fundamental issue and own up to it should give anyone pause about how you take care of a populace that you cannot even test.
If you cannot test, you cannot plan, and the data we are all seeing currently is faulty at its core. I will continue to be one of the likely hundreds of thousands of COVID cases that are unreported, an entire quadrant of data that may entirely shift understanding of the disease and our planning for it.
One other thing that we learned through this process was the importance of acquiring a pulse oximeter, a tiny little finger meter used to measure 02 circulation. With consistent use it kept us on top of this horrible virus as best we could, highlighting my luck in maintaining sufficient lung function and providing the light and sanity that kept us focused on convalescing and not taxing precious healthcare resources.
We were lucky that my O2 levels never went beneath the 92% threshold, but having the tools to monitor them made all the difference. If I can recommend anything to the many of you who have yet to have this virus hit your house, it is to say that knowledge is power, and science is to be heeded and trusted. Science is real.
And go get yourself a pulse oximeter to be safe.
And then — proving the coronavirus could not conquer his sense of humor — Ari posted this:
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
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Now they’re challenging Westporters — and Staples grads around the country — to meet (or exceed) an additional $50,000 in donations. The goal is $100,000.
Players has been on solid financial ground for over 15 years. Because of sellout audiences and great support from Westporters, they consistently recouped the money they spent. They seldom ask much financially from the community.
Once on scene, EMTs keep their distance while asking their screening questions. If a patient shows symptoms of the virus, they don protective gear.
One other thing that we learned through this process was the importance of acquiring a pulse oximeter, a tiny little finger meter used to measure 02 circulation. With consistent use it kept us on top of this horrible virus as best we could, highlighting my luck in maintaining sufficient lung function and providing the light and sanity that kept us focused on convalescing and not taxing precious healthcare resources.