06880

Pic Of The Day #1371

Posted on January 17, 2021 | 3 comments

Burying Hill Beach (Photo/Nancy Breakstone Photography)

3 Comments

Posted in Beach, Pic of the Day

Tagged Burying Hill Beach

Roundup: Sound App, Y’s Men, More

Posted on January 17, 2021 | 8 comments

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There’s an app for everything. Including remote audience and applause sounds.

Westporters Mark and Faith Sargent have developed iCrowd. It allows anyone — by themselves, or with just a couple of people — to make the same crowd sounds as if they were attending an event in, well, a crowd.

You can applaud with different levels of enthusiasm, boo, groan or make other crowd sounds.

The sounds selected by all of the users are transmitted to the cloud, then combined using the Sargents’ proprietary algorithm to form an aggregate crowd noise, which is transmitted back to each user.

Each user hears a combination of the sound they selected, and the combined crowd sound.

The crowd sound can be played over speakers where the event is taking place, so athletes, performers or others can hear the sound of the remote audience.

There’s also a chat for each event. So members of the remote audience can comment on the sound — or anything else — in real time.

The possibilities are endless. It’s great for sports events, plays and music performances (even those done virtually, like Facebook Live), or a TV show watch party. Politicians can use it for speeches too. Family members celebrating an online birthday can add applause and cheers when the cake is cut. Office workers can react to the boss’ presentation.

And if COVID knocks out our annual “06880” party again this summer, we can use iCrowd to make some noise.

To learn more, click here.

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The Y’s men continue to hike — COVID, age, and gray skies be damned.

On Friday, a group of septuagenarians covered 14,500 steps and over 6 miles, despite the weather.

They were socially distant, of course. But close enough to talk about the coronavirus vaccine, and how to get it.

Interesting in joining the hiking group? Email mhehen@gmail.com.

From left: Brian Fradet, Peter Eyes, Mike Johnston, Sal Mollica, Chris Lewis. (Photo/Michael Hehenberger)

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And finally … Howard Johnson died last week in Harlem, following a long illness. He was 79.

A tuba player (among other instruments) and arranger, his work transcended jazz, rock and pop.

He played with Charles Mingus and McCoy Tyner; contributed arrangements and horn parts for John Lennon and Taj Mahal, but was best known as an original member of the “Saturday Night Live” band.

And you’ve gotta Howard Johnson’s joyful work with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band on “I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream.”

FUN FACT: It was written in 1927 by Howard Johnson — but a different Howard Johnson. And neither of those 2 are related to the Howard Johnson who later created the restaurant franchise that boasted 28 flavors of — yes — ice cream.

8 Comments

Posted in Organizations, technology

Tagged Faith Sargent, iCrowd, Mark Sargent

Photo Challenge #316

Posted on January 17, 2021 | 20 comments

One of the great things about chess is that you can play it anywhere.

Including outside the Westport Library, on the bank of the Saugatuck River.

A chessboard is built into one of the tables outside the lower level, by the Riverwalk.

It’s our answer to Washington Square Park. And Diane Johnson, Fred Cantor, Andrew Colabella, Joelle Malic, Seth Schachter, Susan Iseman and Caroline Sherman all correctly identified last week’s Photo Challenge. (Click here to see.)

Check, mates!

This week’s Challenge is intriguing. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.

And if you know the back story — which I sure don’t — add that too. I’m sure it’s a good one.

(Photo/Frank Rosen)

20 Comments

Posted in Library, Photo Challenge

Tagged Westport Library

Change In The Air At Saugatuck Rowing Club

Posted on January 17, 2021 | 2 comments

You’d think the Saugatuck Rowing Club‘s biggest COVID concern is its regattas.

Sure, races are held outdoors. But rowers are packed tightly together. They breathe heavily. The cox shouts.

The coronavirus did impact competitors. All 2020 regattas were canceled. Junior rowers are still not allowed to practice until at least January 19.

But fewer than 20% of Saugatuck Rowing Club members actually row. Most adults join for the state-of-the-art fitness center (and social activities).

Saugatuck Rowing Club (Drone photo/Ward French)

So when SRC opened up again in June, one of the most important issues was air quality and circulation in the weight and cardio room.

Which led the club to something most rowers and coaches never think about: ionization.

After diligent research, SRC installed “needlepoint bipolar ionization” —a technology used in hospitals, airline terminals and office headquarters around the country that deactivates airborne bacteria and viruses by up to 99%, while reducing allergens and mold — in their 9 HVAC systems.

They overhauled their infrastructure, making the entire building — including the restaurant — as safe as possible.

Ionization work at the Saugatuck Rowing Club fitness center.

The $12,000 job was completed in November.

“You can’t put a price on safety,” says director of marketing, membership and events Diana Kuen. “It was important to do more than just open windows and hope for the best.”

That’s not all. Owner Howard Winklevoss took advantage of the downtime to replace the entire back wall with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, creating a sweeping view of the river.

New full-length windows in the Regatta Room.

He’s adding a full-service café, and replacing the carpet with (cleaner) hardwood floors.

A big party is planned — as soon as large crowds can gather again.

Meanwhile, a new app allows the club to monitor usage (only 12 people are allowed on the gym floor at a time), and trace contacts. (As much fitness training as possible is still done outdoors.)

Outdoor workouts, at the Saugatuck Rowing Club.

A special website allows members to take classes from home (Zoom or livestream), or in person. There are over 100 group fitness videos in the library.

Because only 4 junior rowers are allowed on site at a time, the club lent 70 indoor rowing machines to those who did not already have them. They’re continuing winter training via Zoom, 5 times a week for 2 1/2 hours a day

Meanwhile, Kuen continues to coach the breast cancer survivors (“Survive-OARS“) 3 days a week.

The pandemic has not slowed them — or any other member — down.

And when they work out inside, they are grateful to do so surrounded by newly ionized air.

(To learn more about the ionization technology, email SRC general manager Scott Armstrong: sarmstrong@saugatuckrowing.com.)

2 Comments

Posted in Environment, Local business, Saugatuck, Sports

Tagged Coronavirus, COVID-19, Diana Kuen, ionization, Saugatuck Rowing Club

Pic Of The Day #1370

Posted on January 16, 2021 | 1 comment

Saugatuck River, and Riverwalk (Photo/Rowene Weems)

1 Comment

Posted in Downtown, Pic of the Day

Tagged Riverwalk, Saugatuck River

Roundup: Vaccine, Y’s Women, More

Posted on January 16, 2021 | 10 comments

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For those eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine — and are frustrated with the complicated sign-up procedures of the CDC or state Department of Health — Yale New Haven Health is a great option.

They offer several locations throughout Connecticut, including Fairfield (near the traffic circle), Trumbull and Greenwich.

Click here to schedule an appointment. Click here for more information on who is available to receive the vaccine.

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How are the Y’s Women doing during the pandemic?

Just fine!

President Barb Stephen reports that meetings for the group of retired and working women are going well. And the virtual meetings are available for viewing long after they’re live (the 2nd and 4th Mondays of every month).

You don’t have to be a member, either

Recent guests have included actor James Naughton, TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey, musician Chris Coogan and tech guru David Pogue. To view any of the chats, click here.

Up next: Dr. Richard Prum discusses the evolution of beauty (January 25); Jane Ferreira describes the work of Mercy Learning Center (February 8), and Bill Harris previews the opening of Sacred Heart University Community Theatre (February 22).

But that’s not all. This Thursday (January 21), Tours of Distinction president Tyler Zajacz will lead “Travel Trivia.” Participants can win a free day trip (once the Y’s Women resume traveling together). Sorry — members only! But for more information on the Y’s Women — including how to join — click here.

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Staples High School Class of 1969 graduate Scott Karsten died earlier this month of a heart attack. He was 69 years old, and lived in Glastonbury.

A state heavyweight wrestling champion at Staples, (and organist in a band), he graduated from Wesleyan University, and was 3rd in his class at the University of Connecticut School of Law.

To deepen his understanding of his profession, Karsten served as a police officer and president of the police union in West Hartford. He founded his own law firm, focusing on complex civil actions at the state and federal levels.

After his wife Beth died of cancer at 41, Karsten was a devoted single parent.

He was an avid fisherman and hunter; a skillful cook, wicked card player, smooth dancer and “surprisingly effective karaoke singer.”

Karsten is survived by his partner Gail Petersen; daughter Jules; mother Jayne; sisters Tracey Karsten Farrell and Jill Karsten; brother Kurt, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

His service will be livestreamed on Monday (January 18, 11 a.m.); click here to see.

Scott Karsten

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And finally … Sylvain Sylvain died Wednesday, at 69, after a 2-year battle with cancer.

Rolling Stone called him a “punk icon and guitarist for New York Dolls whose riffs bridged the gap between punk and glam.” His wife, O’Kelley Mizrahi, said, “Please crank up his music, light a candle, say a prayer and let’s send this beautiful doll on his way.”

10 Comments

Posted in Organizations, People

Tagged Scott Karstein, Y's Women, Yale New Haven Health

Remembering Dr. Jack Shiller

Posted on January 16, 2021 | 15 comments

Dr. Jack Shiller — pediatrician to generations of Westport Baby Boom boys and girls, co-founder of Willows Pediatrics, and founder of the Westport Weston Health District — died Wednesday in his home in Redding. He was 92 years old.

The Brooklyn native graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1947, and Columbia Medical School in 1952.

Dr. Shiller received the Connecticut Veterans Wartime Service Medal for his service in the Air Force as captain of the 47th tactical hospital stationed at Sculthorpe, England.

After training at Bellevue Hospital and The Babies Hospital in New York City, he was board certified in pediatrics.

He established his own private practice in Westport before forming Willows Pediatric Group in 1973 with Dr. Albert Beasley. Dr. Beasley died this past June.

Dr. Jack Shiller

He was active on the staff of Norwalk Hospital, where he started the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and later served as interim chief of pediatrics. He continued academic ties to Babies Hospital as teaching staff.

He was an advocate of equal representation, disease prevention, and education during and after helping to form the Westport-Weston Health District in 1967. It was the first of 20 such districts in the state.

He was named director of the district he formed, and was named the Champion of Immunization by the Governor of Connecticut.

Dr. Shiller was proud of his published works — especially “Childhood Illness and Childhood Injury: A Commonsense Approach,” which helped new parents recognize and treat common childhood ailments and injuries at home. This practical resource remains relevant today.

He is survived by daughter Bethanne McCarthy (husband Steven) of Savannah, Georgia; sons Stephen (Emily) of Ridgefield and son Andrew David (Raaya) of Jerusalem, Israel; brother Marvin (Annie) of Manhattan, and grandchildren Shane, Krystle, Jessica, Matthew, Samantha and Naama.

A graveside funeral service will be held tomorrow (Sunday, January 17), at Mt. Hebron Cemetery in New York. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only immediate family will be in attendance.

In lieu of flowers, donations in the name of Dr. Jack Shiller can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

(Hat tip: Dick Lowenstein)

15 Comments

Posted in Organizations, People

Tagged Dr. Albert Beasley, Dr. Jack Shiller, Westport Weston Health District, Willows Pediatrics

06ArtArt0 — Week 43 Gallery

Posted on January 16, 2021 | 2 comments

Art makes us think. This week, we’ve had plenty to think about.

Recent and ongoing national events influenced this week’s art gallery — both subtly and unsubtly.

Each week, “06880” highlights works from local artists. You don’t have to be a pro, or even experienced. We want it all!

Art should be inspired by, relevant to, or somehow, in some way, connected to our current lives. Student submissions of all ages are especially welcome.

Email dwoog@optonline.net, to share your work with the world.

“Our Divided Nation” (Amy Schneider)

“Homework” (Jo Ann Davidson)

“COVID Still Life” (Molly Alger — she made the hat)

Untitled (Greg Puhy)

“Sand Fish at Compo Beach” (Karen Weingarten)

“The View From My Couch” (Lawrence Weisman)

“Just a Little Pinch … Saves Lives” (Ellin Spadone)

“Trying to Stay Positive” (Roseann Spengler)

Untitled lithograph (Ann Chernow)

2 Comments

Posted in Arts

Tagged Amy Schneider, Ann Chernow, Ellin Spadone, Jo Ann Davidson, Karen Weingartaen, Lawrence Weisman, Molly Alger, Roseann Spengler

Westport Masks Winding Down

Posted on January 16, 2021 | 2 comments

In the first frightening days after COVID-19 brought Westport — and the world — to a locked-down, uncertain halt, a group of women found a way to help.

In a month, they made over 1,000 masks — and gave them all away.

Recipients included Westport’s Public Works, Parks & Recreation and Highway departments; the post office; elderly residents; Open Door Shelter in Norwalk; Food Rescue US; Thomas Merton Family Center in Bridgeport; Stamford Hospice, Norwalk Hospital and more.

Two of Westport Masks’ many creations.

Then they pivoted. “Westport Masks” — a name as simple as their generosity was boundless — continued to donate to frontline and vulnerable groups. But they also created masks for friends, family, children and the general public.

In return for small financial donations, the women used 100% of the funds to buy supplies. They suggested $10 — but they never let anyone go without a mask if they needed one.

They’ve been going strong every since.

But nearly a year later — with masks readily available, vaccines available and the hope of some normalcy some time ahead — Westport Masks is closing down.

Their legacy: over 5,600 masks made, $2,500 donated to local food pantries, and 5,000 meals funded.

“Closing Westport Masks is bittersweet,” say co-founders Virginia Jaffe and Marisa Zer.

“Our mask making journey is ending, but it also means that hope is on the horizon. We will have a small team of volunteers continuing to make masks for charitable donations only, until our supplies run out.

“Everything Westport Masks achieved over the last 10 months was due to the generosity of local residents, coupled with the generosity of time and skills given by over 20 Westport volunteers, cutting, sewing and delivering so many masks,” the founders say.

“This endeavor not only helped our community, but also provided an amazing distraction from the chaos of the pandemic. It gave everyone who helped a sense of taking back some control over an uncontrollable situation.”

Westport Masks is selling their final stock of 2-layer, quality cotton, adjustable masks with a removable neck strap. A variety of styles are ready for pickup, in large, medium and kids’ sizes.

Email westportmasks@yahoo.com for details; pay by Venmo or with cash at pickup.

2 Comments

Posted in Organizations

Tagged Coronavirus, COVID-19, Marisa Zer, Virginia Jaffe, Westport Masks