rippowamlabs

We set up shop in a parking space last night in front of the Labs – and we were blessed with spending time with some interesting people! From the 80-year-old lady who learned to pick her first lock to the DSSD Ambassadors who stopped by to check out our bike lights, the night was well worth it! Thanks to  Beth and Carla for helping to make this happen!

No one knows what’s going to happen at the RipLabs PARK(let) space – and that’s just how we want it. Swing by our space to find out what these crazy kids are up to!!

Our very own Chandni Thawani ROCKED THE HOUSE at Stamford Ignite tonight. We’re all so prone to chuck our clothes in the washing machine and dryer after only one wear – but this wears out your clothes quicker. She told us about the CEO of Levis, who said he only washes his jeans once a year – TOPS! If you have a stain, rub it out with a tooth brush.

Besides this, Chandni said the average person discards 68 pounds of clothing every year. She said there are other things that can be done … the biggest example is repurposing these clothes into something new. Whip out that sewing machine and get creative!

We all think Chandni is the greatest! And now the crowd at Stamford Ignite know how great she is too!!

BTW, she is teaching a sewing class tomorrow night (9/10) at 6:30 pm. Feel free to stop by and learn from the master!!

We will be creating our own “park” in one of the parking spaces in front of our makerspace at 482 Summer St. Swing by and visit!! The downtown will be alive that night, so you won’t want to miss it!

Cameron did a great job with his intro to HTML/CSS class last week. Here he is in action. He heads back to school soon and we all hope he drops by when he comes home on break.

A few of us will meet to build off of what he taught us. Let me know if you’d like to join us!

This is the kind of stuff we’re doing at our space these days …

Chandni’s new clothing line was a bit hit last night at Franklin Street Works, as the organization opened up their doors for her to show off her latest creations.

This was a big day for our fellow Rip Labs maker. She had 6 models strutting their stuff all over the patio and she gave away a whole stack of cards. It was a surprise to so many that she designs and makes these clothes right here in Stamford.  I’m glad the word is starting to get out.

If you didn’t happen to make the event last night, you can see her creations at http://www.smartactiveeco.com/.

Last night’s event was all part of the opening of ARTWALK in Stamford. There was events going on all over the Downtown. I’ve never seen so many people walking around. It was absolutely rockin’ last night!

The League of Women Voters of Stamford, along with the Ferguson Library and Rippowam Labs invites you to attend a Public Forum on Open Data in Stamford.

July 8, 6:30-8:00pm

Ferguson Library

One Public Library Plaza, Stamford CT 06904

What is Open Data? And Why Should I Care?

with panelists

Tyler Kleykamp, CT Chief Data Officer

Sabina Sitaru, Chief Innovation Officer of Hartford

Jack Dougherty, Trinity College

Frank Skornia, Digital Librarian Ferguson LibraryDo you know exactly how much of your tax money is spent on street lights or on cancer research? What is the shortest, safest bicycle route from your home to your work? Where in your region will you find the best job opportunities and the highest number of trees per capita? When can you influence decisions about topics you care about, and whom should you talk to?

The answers to these and many other questions, exist in the data generated by public bodies and community organizations. Creating a centralized access point for sharing and formatting regulations makes it Open Data; a tremendous resource that is as yet largely untapped.

In 2014, the State of Connecticut launched CT Open Data (data.ct.gov) in response to Executive Order No. 39 (2013) which committed the state to creating an open data portal containing data collected across all state government agencies to be shared with the public. The website also includes access to economic development data that was made public under Executive Order No. 38. A microsite within CT Open Data was created for the City of Stamford in October 2014.

Any programmers out there who would like to take part in this project are encouraged to attend the meeting, or contact me at management@rippowamlabs.org. This effort will provide many learning opportunities and participants will gain experience with the latest in open source technologies.

Chandni will be debuting her NEW clothing collection at Art Walk this Friday 5-8 PM at Franklin Street Works Gallery. Complimented by Cara Socci’s handmade body jewelry! 😀

Come join us for free wine, snacks and art!!
It will be a FUN evening, so invite your friends!

FRANKLIN STREET WORKS
41 Franklin Street, Stamford, CT 06901

Parking available at Downtown Garages, Target & Street meters free after 7PM

Look forward to seeing you!!!