Tag Archives: COVID vaccine

Board Of Ed Discusses Capital Projects, Vaccines, Student Surveys

Posted on February 24, 2021 | Comments Off on Board Of Ed Discusses Capital Projects, Vaccines, Student Surveys

After an announcement about capital projects and their impact on new grants, last night’s Board of Education meeting focused primarily on COVID, social health issues, and an upcoming equity study.

Brian Fullenbaum reports that the board learned that 6 capital projects across multiple schools from 1998 to 2006 were not properly closed out. That affects new grants for those schools; there is a 20-year waiting period between grants. The board will explore statutory ways to solve the issue.

The COVID news is relatively good. Westport is no longer in the “high level” risk category; only 9 student cases were reported in the previous 2 weeks.

As of March 1, the vaccine will be offered to all educational staff. Some schools might be used as vaccination sites for staff, perhaps as early as next Thursday.

As previously announced, Staples High School is moving to a 75% in-school model on March 1, meaning students will learn in person 3 days a week. Administrators see a trend of students leaving distance learning, and returning to school.

Board members discussed a possible tutoring program for remote learners at the high school and middle school levels. High school students could be utilized as tutors.

With the number of quarantining students decreasing, school officials have looked at seating charts and bus videos for a more critical analysis of which students should quarantine. Greater accuracy would lead to even fewer quarantines.

A survey from assistant superintendent Michael Rizzo, coordinator of psychological services Dr. Valerie Babich, townwide director of human services Elaine Daignault and Margaret Watt of Positive Direcctions provoked a long discussion.

The survey would be distributed to 7th through 12th graders next month. Questions would address social, emotional and physical health of students, and include a racial injustice module. Parents could opt their children out of the survey.

A long discussion about the survey — concerning privacy and other issues — followed. The issue was not resolved.

Another study, on equity, provoked less discussion. Done in conjunction with NYU, it would collect benchmark data to analyze possible systemic inequalities in education in Westport education. The goal is to create a multi-year plan to address any inequalities. Data would be collected in March, with an action plan ready by September.

After a brief discussion of 2 drafts for the 2022-23 school year calendar, the board heard an early report on a policy on recruiting minority staff members to the district.

 

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Lamont Vaccine Plan Adds Age Groups, Educators — But Removes Pre-Existing Conditions

Posted on February 22, 2021 | 8 comments

Governor Lamont announced today that he is expanding eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine, based almost entirely on age.

Here are the age groups, and the date on which they can schedule an appointment:

  • Ages 55 to 64: March 1
  • Ages 45 to 54: March 22
  • Ages 35 to 44: April 12
  • Ages 16 to 34: May 3.

In addition, preK to grade 12 teachers and staff, and professional childcare providers, can receive the vaccine in March, at clinics set up especially for them.

Lamont said that this was the least complex and confusing scenario for vaccination, and one that would not exacerbate inequities in distribution. He said he is working with the state Department of Public Health to ensure that vaccines will go to people in the highest-risk communities.

Healthcare providers and medical first responders were included in the first group of recipients, followed by those 75 and over, and then 65 and over.

Not included in the rollout: people who underlying medical conditions, and those considered “essential workers” in other states, like transportation, grocery and agricultural workers.

Lamont’s decision drew a quick response from one “06880” reader. He says:

As a 33-year-old living with type 1 diabetes, I feel left out to dry after multiple reassurances from the governor about vaccination efforts for people with pre- existing conditions.

My timeline is in May, with the largest and youngest bracket. People need to ask why people with pre-existing conditions (who are at the most risk) are being delayed for arbitrary age brackets. Did the governor and his team just assume that most of these conditions will be “mostly” covered in the elderly age brackets?

People living with these conditions have put their lives on hold. Some of us were just told our lives don’t matter because of age.

For more information on Connecticut’s COVID vaccination plan — including how to schedule an appointment — click here.

 

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Roundup: Vaccine, Venues, Jeera Thai, More

Posted on February 20, 2021 | 1 comment

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Based on erroneous information, I reported yesterday that the  St. Vincent’s COVID testing site on Long Lots Road would close March 1.

Nope! They’ll remain open: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 8 a.m. to noon. And no appointment is needed — just drive in.

Meanwhile, Bridgeport Hospital and Yale New Haven Health will open a new drive-thru COVID testing station at 140 Mill Plain Road in Fairfield on March 1.

The 2-lane site near the train station can accommodate 450 appointments a day, 7 days a week. Scheduling will be available online.

Yale New Haven Health operates several other COVID testing sites throughout the state. For information, call 833-275-9644.

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With declining positivity rates, Connecticut will loosen COVID-19 restrictions on some events next month.

Starting March 19, private, social and recreational events at commercial venues can increase indoor capacity to 50%, capped at 100 people. That’s up from 25 people under current rules.

Outdoor event capacities can rise to 200 people (up from 50).

Interstate athletic competitions will be allowed starting March 1. Youth sports events may have spectators up to 25 percent of venue capacity, with a 200-person cap.

We’re not quite back to this kind of wedding reception. But we’re getting there.

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Happy 5th anniversary to Jeera Thai!

Quietly, lovingly and deliciously, the small Post Road restaurant across from Design With Reach serves some of the most flavorful, authentic cuisine in town.

Or anywhere else this side of Thailand.

Through blizzards, hurricanes — and the pandemic — owner Pook and her staff are there. They serve their many loyal customers (and anyone else who wanders by, or orders online) with love. And without dumbing down their menu for the American palate.

Pook uses “correct” herbs. She pays a bit more to import brands from Thailand. It’s certainly worth it.

Jeera Thai is a Westport gem. Here’s to the next 5 years — and many more after that.

Pook (foreground) and her staff, at work.

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Former Westporter Arthur Powers Jr. died Monday. The 60-year-old struck a tree while skiing at Stowe Mountain in Vermont.

He moved to Easton in 2019, after many years on Spicer Road. The Easton Courier wrote:

Known for having a comedic actor’s sense of humor and drama, Art was an inventor and manufacturer of state-of-the-art outdoor speakers who designed music systems for 40 years. He also played drums in numerous bands in a career as a musician.

Art’s many hobbies included music, motorcycles, and mountain biking. He was an automotive enthusiast who raced cars and motorcycles. He loved being in the mountains, in the woods, and on the beach, and was an accomplished biker and skier.

In addition to his life partner of 20 years, Dr. Patricia Hart, he is survived by his daughter Kelly Poweers Bluien; parents Arthur Sr. and Evelyn; siblings Kenny, David and Corrine Powers Barton, many cousins, nieces and nephews, and a menagerie of dogs, cats and goats.

A celebration of Art’s life will be held in late summer.

Art Powers

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And finally …on this day in 1877, Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake” premiered at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.

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COVID Vaccine: One Nurse’s View

Posted on February 12, 2021 | 18 comments

Allegra Gatti Zemel is a Westport mom of 3, and a registered nurse. Her current task: administering the coronavirus vaccine at Griffin Health Shelton Vaccine Center. 

Earlier this week, she wrote:

The clinic was pretty slow today. It was snowing, then raining, then sleeting— the kind of weather no one wants to go out in, let alone seniors. That’s the population presently eligible to get the COVID vaccine.

So I only vaccinated 22 people today, during my shift from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There were a lot of birthdays in the 1930s and ’40s — veterans, retired teachers, parents whose grown children had navigated VAMS (with multiple attempts) and made the appointments for them.

Allegra Gatti Zemel, RN

There was an old couple who got their vaccines together, side by side. He spoke for her until we realized she could nod to answer my yes-or-no screening questions despite her voice box.

There was a man 3 weeks out from triple bypass surgery. He was thrilled to still be alive, and did not stop sharing that.

There was an alternative-looking younger fellow who seemed to have some emotional issues. He was getting vaccinated, because he cares daily for a 20-year-old with severe autism.

There was an old Italian woman from Calabria. She was tiny, with giant hands, and explained she needs her arms to not be sore for her second job: making pizza.

There was an older Turkish woman brought in by her 2 grown daughters. They translated. and said she was very nervous.

It’s really not a bad injection at all, I explained — no worse than a flu shot. But when I gently hit her bone and quickly pulled back a little, I realized she’d probably had unpleasant vaccinations in her skinny arm in the past. I’d be nervous too. She left, relieved and fine.

There was another daughter bringing in her Puerto Rican mother. Their eyes looked similar, gleaming over their masks.

And there was a son who encouraged his father to ask again for his blood pressure to be taken before the vaccine, since he reported feeling a little light- headed that morning and they did it last time, remember?

He was stable, good to go. His second vaccine is now in the books.

Hartford Healthcare’s Keith Grant was among the first in Connecticut to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in December. Governor Ned Lamont looked on.

I’m in awe of the children who dote on their aging parents, and of the trust between generations.

I’m also in awe of the aging parents who still have a lot of spunk, and are well informed. They accept help, but still call their own shots — right arm, or left?

They are all gushingly grateful to me, especially when I confirm with them it wasn’t that bad, right? I hand them their vaccination card, bringing them another step closer to escaping the death sentence this virus can be.

The best today though, was the old man, born in 1937 — the same year as my dad. He hustled over to my station in the corner with his cane. “When a beautiful young woman waves you over, you don’t waste any time getting there,” he said as he lowered himself into the hard plastic chairs.

He greeted me with, “why did the teddy bear stop eating his dinner?”’

“Hmmmm,” I said. “Why?”

“He was stuffed!” he said, a smile escaping his mask through old glossy eyes.

I asked him why the square went for a jog. He thought earnestly for quite a few seconds, while I looked up his appointment and verifiers

“Why?” he said.

“He wanted to stay in shape!”

He chuckled. We went back and forth like that for the 7 minutes he spent at my station, before I told him one last riddle: my favorite, for some reason.

While he put his arm back in his shirt and grabbed his jacket, I asked, “what did the ocean say to the sound?”

“Nothing. It just waved!”

He gave me a knowing wave, then shuffled over to the next room for observation, an innocent and wise old grin on his face.

(Hat tip: Amy Saperstein)

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Marpe Offers Latest COVID Vaccine Info

Posted on February 9, 2021 | 7 comments

1st Selectman Jim Marpe says:

Yesterday, Governor Lamont announced that residents over the age of 65 will be eligible to schedule COVID-19 vaccination appointments starting this Thursday (February 11), as the state rolls into the next part of Phase 1b of its vaccination program. Vaccinations for individuals over the age of 75 and those within Phase 1a will continue.

Governor Lamont claims that the 350,000 individuals in the 65-74 category should be vaccinated relatively quickly, based on the state’s anticipation of 60,000 weekly doses from the federal government. The state is also working with pharmacies such as Walgreens, CVS and Walmart, to offer vaccines at some locations. This projection is subject to change due to unknown variables, including vaccine supply distribution and population demand.

The expanded vaccine eligibility comes at a time while many in the 75+ category continue to experience difficulties with the registration and scheduling processes. To manage the increased volumes, the state has enhanced its phone line capacity and its ability to assist with vaccine scheduling. It is anticipated that vaccination appointments will be made within 5 minutes or less. Appointments for both the first and second vaccine can now be made simultaneously.

Do not wait for an appointment in Westport to schedule your vaccine. Eligible residents are encouraged to make vaccine appointments at any available clinic, and not wait for availability specifically in Westport. It is strongly suggested that those 65+ in the next phase consider booking appointments wherever available, recognizing that 75+ still need to be vaccinated locally and may have ambulatory or technological barriers to booking out of town.

To view a statewide list and map of COVID-19 vaccine clinics, click here.

As supplies to Westport increase, the opening of more clinics, including pharmacies and travel clinics, is anticipated.  The important point is that residents use the resources currently available to schedule vaccines and remain patient if delays occur.

There are several ways to register and schedule an appointment for the vaccine.

Online using the Vaccination Administration Management System (VAMS). This online scheduling portal allows you to create an account, and search for a vaccine clinic near you.

Through a third party VAMS clinic, such as:

    • Griffin Health Care Center in Shelton & Derby at (203) 433-3394

By phone:

    • Connecticut’s COVID Vaccine Appointment Assistance Line is (877) 918-2224 or 2-1-1 and is available every day from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Additional trained contact specialists are answering calls and have expanded capability of booking vaccine appointments through the VAMS portal. If delays occur, a call-back option may be offered when contact specialists are busy assisting other callers. Please note, this state phone line is experiencing very heavy call volume.

The following drive-thru options are available through VAMS:

  • The Community Health Center, at Lord & Taylor parking lot 110 High Ridge Road, Stamford.
  • Pratt & Whitney Drive-through, Runway Road, East Hartford.

For tips or a video tutorial on how to use VAMS, use the following links:

For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on the vaccine roll out, residents are encouraged to visit https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/COVID-19-Vaccinations. As nearby pharmacies, travel clinics or other sites begin to participate in vaccine administration, that information will be available at www.WWHD.org

The State of Connecticut is managing the vaccine rollout and its prioritization. Connecticut is currently in Phase 1b of the vaccine distribution.  Until Thursday, February 11, only those in Phase 1a or those 75 and older can register online to get the vaccine.

Individuals included in Phase 1a:

  • Healthcare Personnel
  • Long Term Care Facility Residents
  • Medical First Responders

 ndividuals included in Phase 1b:

  • Scheduling now:  Individuals 75 and older
  • Scheduling 2/11/21:  Individuals between the ages of 65 and 74
  • Scheduling information coming soon: Frontline essential workers and individuals with underlying medical conditions with increased risk for severe illness

Important Information from the Westport Department of Human Services:

The Westport Department of Human Services (DHS) is working with Senator Will Haskell’s team to contact those who are 75 years and older to ensure that they are aware of the need to schedule a vaccination appointment if they have not yet done so.

NOTE:  Human Services staff does not have access to the VAMS portal and cannot register on a resident’s behalf. However, residents may also contact (203) 341-1050 or (203) 341-5037 or humansrv@westportct.gov for additional assistance, as needed.

DHS has prepared a frequently asked questions document for residents in need of assistance with vaccine registration and scheduling at www.westportct.gov/vaccine

 

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Roundup: Vaccines, Christopher Plummer, More

Posted on February 6, 2021 | 5 comments

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United Way of Connecticut is expanding availability and access to vaccine scheduling.

Beginning Monday (February 8), 125 contact specialists will take phone calls to schedule appointments from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week. They can book up to 10,000 appointments at 12 locations across Connecticut. Call 877-918-2224.

For more vaccine information, click here. The state is focused on vaccinating residents 75 and older, but priority groups will expand this month as more vaccine becomes availabl.e

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In the wake of Christopher Plummer’s death yesterday in Weston, Hedi Lieberman sends along this video of a “CBS Sunday Morning” profile from 2011. It includes scenes of the legendary actor at the venue where he made his American stage debut in 1953: the Westport Country Playhouse.

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Yesterday’s Friday Flashback offered some long-forgotten views of Westport during the 1950s construction of I-95 (Connecticut Turnpike).

They showed Saugatuck and the South Compo areas. But Beachside Avenue was also impacted and altered, as a new bridge rose then between Greens Farms Road and Burying Hill Beach.

Nearly 7 decades later, it’s being replaced. The result is a novel look at the area — whether you’re driving past on Greens Farms, or underneath on the highway.

(Photo/Scott Smith)

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Longtime Westporter John Caggiano died peacefully at home last month, of complications from Alzheimer’s.  He was 82 years old.

Growing up in Brooklyn, his family instilled in him a great love of his Italian heritage. It stayed with him all his life.

John studied art after high school, then went into advertising. He spent most of his career at Doyle Dane Bernbach, rising to creative director and driving award-winning campaigns for Volkswagen, IBM, Sony, Hershey and Colombian Coffee. He brought originality and flair to every project.

After retirement John pursued art with a passion, honing his sketching and painting skills at the Silvermine, Rowayton and Westport Arts Centers, and the Westport Senior Center. His work was often seen at local art shows.

He enjoyed the many activities activities Westport offers, including boating, tennis and golf at Longshore, and Old Mill and Compo Beaches.

John loved animals. He loved walking his rescue dog Bella around Compo Beach and Winslow Park. He was known and adored by both the humans and dogs who visited these spots.

John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Anita; his son Marco, daughter-in-law Elena, and beloved grandchildren Caroline and John; son Roman; sister Linda Brienza (Dr. Gene); sister-in-law Dolores Paliseno, and nieces and nephews.

John was filled with bluster and heart.  He was known for his humor and his legendary stories.

Donations in John’s memory can be made to the Westport Senior Center, 21 Imperial Avenue, Westport, CT, 06880, or Homes With Hope, PO Box 631, Westport, CT, 06881.  A memorial service will be held in late summer.

John Caggiano

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The other day, Rindy Higgins gave herself a 72nd birthday present: a penguin mold.

Here’s the result, on the corner of Madeline Avenue and Harbor Road. At least, it looked like that a couple of days ago. It’s all melted now.

(Photo/Rindy Higgins)

Just wait. There’s a winter storm warning for tomorrow. An accumulation of 5 to 7 inches is forecast.

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Next up in the Westport Astronomical Society’s free virtual lecture series: “Mapping the Haystack While Finding the Needles: How Crowdsourcing Science is Solving Big Data Problems in Research.”

Dr. Lucy Fortson of the University of Minnesota speaks February 16 (8 p.m.). Click here for the link.

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And finally … in one of his most famous roles (“The Sound of Music”), Christopher Plummer’s voice was dubbed by Bill Lee. Here is a clip from that film, with his singing “Edelweiss” himself:

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Roundup: The Porch At Christie’s, Kids’ Food, Vaccinations, More

Posted on February 5, 2021 | 18 comments

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Renovations are coming along well at The Porch at Christie’s — the new  breakfast/lunch/dinner-to-go (plus brunch, coffee, smoothies, baked goods and ice cream) spot that will build) upon a Cross Highway tradition dating back to 1926.

Owners Andrea and Bill Pecoriello — “proud Westporters since 1994” — already own Sweet P Bakery in Norwalk, providing job training and employment for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Sweet P will supply most of the baked treats for The Porch. Graduates of its programs will bake there, with 2 amazing pastry chefs. Additional Sweet P staff will work in front-of-house operations.

As the sign below notes, The Porch will open this spring — offering “local food, community and purpose.” Follow online, or on Facebook and Instagram (theporchatchristies; @sweetpbakeryct). For more information, email info@theporchatchristies.com.

(Photo/Wendy Cusick)

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Carrie Kerner and her husband moved to Westport in September.

She owns a PR firm (CG Social Inc.) and is a social media influencer (@CarrieGeorgette). Her husband Brian is an anesthesiologist at Yale Hospital.

They are foodies, and conscious of what they feed their 1-year-old daughter Chloe — mostly homemade, organic, healthy meals.

Yesterday morning, “CBS This Morning” featured the family in a story on a government report that baby foods are tainted with dangerous levels of arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury.

It’s not something she’s thought about before. Now she will. Click here for the full, frightening story.

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There’s a new COVID vaccination site, not far away.

Harry Evans reports it opened this week at 110 High Ridge Road in Stamford (the Lord & Taylor parking lot). He called Wednesday to schedule an appointment, and I got one for the next day.

He was in and out yesterday in 20 minutes — including the 15-minute waiting time after the shot itself.

“Everything was easy and very efficiently run, and extremely easy to reach from Exit 35 on the Merritt,” he reports.

“When the word gets out it may be mobbed. But right now it is the only drive-through facility in Fairfield County.” Harry called Connecticut’s COVID assistance hotline: 877-918-2224.

Though Connecticut is one of the leading states in the nation in terms of percentages of vaccines administered, it is still available only to people over 75, healthcare personnel, medical first responders, and residents of long-term care facilities. The next phase will include people 65 to 74.

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In 2005, Deborah Dohme got a parking ticket in New Canaan.

Six years ago she moved from Westport to Tucson.

Yesterday she got a letter, demanding $30. It was the first notice she’d gotten as a scofflaw.

“Is New Canaan that desperate for money, that they hired a debt collector for $30 after 16 years?!” she wonders.

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Overheard at the library, by Michael Catarevas: “Excuse me, but there is no sitting allowed in the library.”

“That sums up the pandemic perfectly,” he says.

The Westport Library Forum, way back a year ago.

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Today’s New York Times includes a story on Samuel Fisher — aka Brad Holiday — the 2007 Weston High School graduate/misogynistic dating coach arrested last month for his involvement in the January 6 insurrection at the US Captiol.

Investigators found a shotgun, machetes and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition in his Chevy Tahoe

Despite plenty of information about Fisher/Holiday’s social media posts celebrating his role on the storming of the building — along with other videos “denigrating women (and guides on) how to defeat Communists, expose what he claimed were government pedophilia cabals, and properly wield a Glock.”

However, the Times story does not mention Weston. It says simply that he “grew up in New Jersey.” Click here for the full story.

Samuel Fisher in Washington on January 6.

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And finally … happy 77th birthday to the multi-talented Al Kooper.

He wrote hits like Gary Lewis & the Playboys’ “This Diamond Ring” …

… played organ on Bob Dylan’s groundbreaking “Like a Rolling Stone” …

… was the Blues Project’s keyboardist …

… and discovered, produced and performed with Lynyrd Skynyrd.

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Roundup: Vaccines, Liquor Stores, Real Estate, More

Posted on February 4, 2021 | 6 comments

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How many Westporters have been vaccinated?

As of February 1, 2,289 Westport. That’s 8% of our total population.

According to Westport Patch, we have 2,094 residents over the age of 75 — the first group in line for the vaccine (along with medical personnel and first responders). Nearly 54 percent — a total of 1,095 — have received their first dose.

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Westport has plenty of small, independently owned liquor stores. Nearly every Westporter has a favorite.

Now a “superstore” has entered the mix.

Yesterday, trucks delivered supplies to BevMax’s new outlet in the former Pier 1 store — the Julien’s Pizza shopping center on Post Road East. In other words: directly opposite Castle Wine & Spirits.

BevMax has 8 locations in Fairfield and New Haven Counties, plus a nationwide shipping office in Stamford. There’s a BevMax in Norwalk, near Stew Leonard’s.

They bought the license of Saugatuck Grain + Grape, which had relocated from Railroad Place to Post Road West. The owner of a liquor store can move anywhere in Westport that zoning allows.

Last year, plans were underway to convert the entire Julien’s shopping center — except for the Bluepoint Wellness medical marijuana dispensary — into medical offices. The plaza has since reverted to retail use.

(Photo/Jack Krayson)

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The other day, “06880” posted a few “sizzling real estate” statistics. Here are a few more:

January saw a continued swift pace, despite the decrease in months of supply in inventory. Here is a quick snapshot of this past month:

  • $70,956,000 total sales, vs. $33,796,846 total January 2020 sales — a more than 100% increase.
  • 40 single-family and condo units sold in January; 25 single-family and Condo units sold in January 2020 — up 60%.
  • $1,318,000 was the median home sales price; in January 2020 it was $1,012,500. That’s more than a 30% rise.
  • The home inventory supply was 2.4 months; a year ago it was 9.3 months. That’s a 74% decrease.

The highest sale in January was a 5-bedroom, 8-bathroom home listed with Brett and Jean Lieberman at 4 Bluewater Lane: $5,125,000. (Hat tip: Jody Peters, the Riverside Realty Group)

4 Bluewater Lane

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Seven Staples High School athletes signed letters of intent yesterday to play sports at NCAA Division I universities.

Congratulations to (from left in photo below): Kevin Lynch, University of Massachusetts lacrosse; Julia DiConza, Lehigh University lacrosse; Carter Kelsey, Seton Hall University baseball; Autumn Smith, Marist College soccer; Laine Ambrose, Boston College field hockey; Shira Parower, James Madison University lacrosse; Sam Milberg, College of the Holy Cross football.

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Speaking of Staples: Composting has come to the high school cafeteria. It’s an initiative of the school’s Zero Waste Committee. Students will serve as monitors.

Composting is already underway at several Westport schools.

Greens Farms Elementary School offers 3 choices for waste. The same options are now available at Staples High.

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MoCA Westport and Up|Next Teens are partnering to present a Winter Lights Festival at MoCA. It’s set for Saturday, February 27 (noon to 6 p.m.).

The Festival features a maker and crafts space in a large outdoor tent, with supplies and step-by-step instructions for families to work together to create winter-themed decorations. The decorations will be incorporated into a walk-through Light Path, to be lit at sun down. The public can view the experience through the following weekend.

Also planned: live performances by high school musicians, food from The Melt truck, and hot cocoa.

The Festival includes free entry to MoCA ’s exhibition “Hindsight is 2020,” showcasing nearly 200 high school student artists from across the region.

Click here for tickets.

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And finally … happy birthday to Alice Cooper. He was born on this day in 1948. In other words, he’s no longer 18.

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Roundup: 103rd Birthday, COVID Vaccine, Insurrection Arrest, More

Posted on January 22, 2021 | 4 comments

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Happy 103rd birthday today to the incomparable Lee Greenberg.

The long-time — very long-time — Westporter (and Rotary Club member) — is as active as ever.

Arlene Yolles writes: “I first met her at Compo, where we played backgammon (she’s pretty good) with a set with 2 checkers missing. In their place, she used stones from the beach.

“You can find her there, with her lady Gina, around 3 p.m. almost any day of the year, by the one tree on South Beach. Her car tag says ‘Lee Gee.’

“I’ve attended several of her Cultural Salons (think Gertrude Stein in Paris) in her lovely home. She has a grand piano, and invited accomplished, talented musicians to perform.”

Lee Greenberg is a Westport treasure. The entire town honors her today!

PS: Just how “long-time” a Westporter is Lee? She’d already been here for years when, in 1957, she and her husband Nat rented their Long Lots Road home to Liz Taylor and her husband, Mike Todd.

Lee Greenberg celebrated her 100th birthday with Zefera, one of 4 great-grandchildren.

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All around town, Westporters are asking friends and neighbors about the COVID vaccine.

On Thursday, February 11 (7 p.m.), you can hear all about Pfizer’s creation and rollout of it, from 4 of the company’s top executives. They’re familiar to us, too — they’re our friends and neighbors.

The Westport Library virtual event features Jeremy Price, director of clinical innovation and strategic partnerships (and a Library trustee); Westport resident Rady Johnson, executive vice president and Pfizer’s chief compliance, quality and risk officer; Southporter John Kelly, vice president, quality operations and environment, health and safety, and Rob Goodwin, vice president and head of global product development operations’ Center of Excellence.

They’ll provide an in-depth look at the Pfizer vaccine, from the first days of research to manufacturing and distribution.

Click here to register for the free online event. Unfortunately, samples are not available.

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Speaking of vaccines: The Senior Center was a site yesterday. This was the scene.

If you are a glass-half-empty person, you’d see a long line.

If you’re glass-half-full, you’d think about all the folks who already got inside, and received shots.

(Photo/Ted Horowitz)

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And speaking still of vaccines:

According to State Senator Will Haskell, Connecticut has released more information the vaccination rollout, although all dates are tentative and largely dictated by federal supply chains. Individuals over the age of 75, health care workers, and seniors who reside in long term care facilities are currently eligible to receive the vaccine.

Individuals over the age of 65 will likely be able to sign up for their shots in early February. Frontline essential workers and adults with health conditions that put them at higher risk will be able to sign up in late February or early March. Future phases, which will include residents under the age of 65 who are not frontline workers and do not have high-risk conditions, are likely to go into effect in May and June.

According to state statistics, people over 75 make up just 8 percent of Connecticut’s population, yet represent just over 71 percent of all COVID deaths in the state. Those over the age of 70 also make up half of all COVID-19 hospitalizations in the state.

Meanwhile, individuals over 65, who represent 18 percent of the population, make up 88 percent of all deaths in the state. By focusing high-efficacy vaccine doses on this vulnerable population, Connecticut aims to save lives and reduce hospitalizations.

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The FBI has arrested another man accused of carrying several guns to Washington, for the insurrection at the Capitol.

Samuel Fisher lives on the Upper East Side. But he’s a 2007 graduate of Weston High School.

Using the name Brad Holiday, he’s got a series of YouTube videos and a website dedicated to sales and business.

But he also wrote provocative posts — like this one in which he predicted that on January 6 Ted Cruz and others would betray “Trump and We The People”; that “they will allow Antifa and BLM to run roughshot [sic] in the streets of D.C. and bear spray, search and arrest patriots,” or that perhaps if “1 million Patriots”  showed up for Donald Trump’s speech, he “just needs to fire the bat signal… deputize patriots… and then the pain comes.”

Fisher/Holiday had a handgun, rifle, shotgun, 1000 rounds of ammunition and 2 bulletproof vests when the FBI took him into custody.

He was not hard to find. He posted photos of himself inside the Capitol on social media, and was quoted in the Daily Beast: “It was awesome. It was dangerous and violent. People died … but it was fucking great if you ask me …. i got tear-gassed and pepper-sprayed.”

And now, arrested.

Click here for the full New York Post story.

Samuel Fisher in Washington on January 6.

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And finally …  The Apple Macintosh 128 — the first consumer computer to popularize a mouse, built-in screen and graphical user interface, bundled with the brand-new MacWrite and MacPaint — was introduced through a now-historic “1984” Ridley Scott Super Bowl XVIII ad.

Meanwhile, do I know what the #1 song was on January 22, 1984? Yes …

 

 

 

 

 

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Roundup: Vaccine, Scavenger Hunt, Art, More

Posted on January 15, 2021 | 3 comments

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The COVID vaccine is now available in Connecticut for people 75 or older. They (or someone helping them) can sign up online (click here). After registration, they’ll get an email detailing next steps.

There may be an initial delay in scheduling, but access should grow quickly soon.

More than 100 healthcare providers statewide will offer the vaccine. More locations and a map of them will be available in coming weeks.

The scheduling link also contains a list of frequently asked questions about the vaccine.

People without internet access, or who need help, can call 877-918-2224 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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Brendan Murphy’s works are drawing raves at his one-man show at the POP’TArt gallery downtown.

In return, the fast-rising contemporary artist asked curator Jennifer Haviland how he could support Westport. She chose an organization she loves: Wakeman Town Farm.

Murphy chose one of his 8-layer silver-based chrome heart sculptures, and offered it for auction. Measuring 24 x 24 x 8 inches, it’s valued at $18,000.

The heart is on display with Murphy’s show, “96% Stardust” at POP’Tart (1 Main Street).

Auction co-chair Nicole Gerber says, “Wakeman Town Farm has a rich history in Westport, and resides at the heart of our community. The Farm is committed to inspiring local residents through sustainable practices, education opportunities, and community service. In this crucial time in our history, The Farm is actively supporting local organizations focused on alleviating food insecurity in our area. We are honored to support a nonprofit that allows the people it serves to serve others as well.”

Bidding starts at $5,000, by email: BrendanHeartWakeman@gmail.com. For more information on the auction, click here. For more information about Brendan Murphy, click here.

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The Westport Parks and Recreation Department invites you to participate in a socially distanced “scavenger hunt”, hosted by the Goosechase App!

Who doesn’t love a scavenger hunt?

Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department is organizing one, for families or teams.

Registrants first download the GooseChase app on their phones, search for the “Westport Winter Goose Chase,” then click here to receive a game password.

Winners get a gift basket of items from Westport businesses. For more information, click here.

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One River — the art and design school — is sponsoring a downtown show. The opening next Sunday (January 24, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.).

David Waldman and BTS Realty donated their storefronts: 33 Elm Street, Brooks Corner and Sconset Square. Two hundred works — from children to adults — will be on view through February 7.

Also included: One River’s high school portfolio development class, with traditional and digital works.

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It’s official: Most high school winter sports can begin tryouts and practices this Tuesday (January 19). Basketball, ice hockey, swimming, gymnastics and indoor track got the go-ahead yesterday from the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference.

Games may begin February 8, except for track which cannot compete until March. The number of games is limited; there will be no state tournaments, though a “post-season experience” can be held (similar to fall sports).

In addition, athletes will be required to wear masks during competitions. Coaches and players will also have to wear masks and be socially distanced on the sidelines. Officials are required to wear masks at all times.

There will be no wrestling or competitive cheer, however. The state Department of Public Health categorized those as “high-risk activities.”

Football — a fall sport — had hoped to play a shortened late winter/early spring season. However, the CIAC canceled that option yesterday.

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And finally … happy 87th birthday to the brilliant mezzo-soprano, Marilyn Horne!

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Posted in Arts, Downtown, Local business, Organizations, Sports, Staples HS

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