Why Community Matters
Local creativity is overflowing in communities as moms, dads, small business owners, nonprofit leaders and volunteers are finding new ways to communicate in this new world of social isolation. Their coping strategies and ingenuity are beyond inspiring!
We are proud to introduce you to these innovators in “Why CommunityMatters”, a series made possible by LIFEWTR.
Meet Westport business owners Dr. Robinson and Dr. Klein
With the new norm of practicing social distancing, how are you finding creative ways to connect with family and friends?
Like many, we have been relying on technology to stay connected and even celebrate special moments with friends and family. We’ve used FaceTime, HouseParty and Zoom to celebrate special occasions including birthday parties, Easter and Passover.
Both of us have used digital tools to stay connected with each other and our Modern Dermatology patients. We're seeing a surge in stress-induced flares in conditions like Shingles, Rosacea, Psoriasis and Acne and in many cases, we are able to effectively diagnose and treat patients using Telemedicine, which has been great.
If you are a parent, have you found creative ways to engage kids at home?
We are both moms to four kids and agree that the most helpful strategy here has been getting the kids outside as much as possible! A bouncy house, nature walks, family bike rides and soccer games are some of the outdoor activities of choice. On rainy days, our kids have enjoyed virtual art classes through local Ridgefield business, Recess Playworks. Evening activities include themed dinners (the Robinson's did a 70s theme!) and Karaoke night at the Kleins!
Do you know of any local businesses or nonprofits innovating to serve communities during this difficult time? How?
Yes, we're so proud of our fellow business owners for stepping up to the plate in innovative ways. From curbside pickup to virtual programming across the web and social media we are so impressed with what we've seen. Perhaps most notably we've seen a lot of effort to support one another, through collaborations that drive awareness to small businesses. For example, we did a guest blog post for Recess Playworks and have an Instagram giveaway coming up with Eleven11. We were also proud to see that Near & Far Aid (Modern Dermatology's official philanthropic partner) was able to quickly establish a Covid-19 Emergency Relief Fund to support the disproportionately impacted lower-income individuals and families across Fairfield County. So far they've already granted $75,000 to 17 local agencies in need.
Note: As an essential business our office is currently open with limited appointment availability and specific guidelines to ensure social distancing during patients' visits. View details here.
Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, FAAD and Dr. Rhonda Klein, MD, MPH, FAAD are the Founders of Modern Dermatology in Westport, CT. They are also both local Fairfield County moms to 4 kids (each!) and like many of us have added the role of home school teacher to their resumes. They've been creatively using technology to stay connected with family, friends, staff and patients. As an essential business in CT, their office is currently open with limited appointment availability and specific guidelines to ensure social distancing during patients' visit. View details here and email info@moderndermct.com or call (203) 635-0770 if you need to get in touch.
Community matters - now more than ever. We are thankful to LIFEWTR for helping us to connect and stay strong.