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Rowing Shells – Elite Old-Timers and Today’s Best Eights




 


Rowing Shells – Elite Old-Timers and Today’s Best Eights

Concord, NH and New London, CT

In the past 10 days I have been privileged to witness races using both classic and the most- ultra modern rowing shells. I have also had a chance to see buffed 20 somethings in top condition as well as my 65+ year old peers continuing their rowing for the gold!

A hiking injury prevented me from rowing #6 for the Shattuck crew at our St. Paul’s School (Concord, NH) Reunion last weekend.  Instead, I was fortunate to photograph both our Shattuck and as well as the Halcyon crews in, reportedly, the first time that two fully matched, classic boats raced 500 meters for a 50th reunion sprint.

While I took the S.P.S. photos with no pre-thought of writing this comparative blog article, Sunday my wife and I had a chance to watch the Second and First Varsity Yale and Harvard crews begin races (3 mile and 4 mile) in their sleek shells on the Thames River at The U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT.  Before the final race I was able to admire and photograph the varsity Y and H boats.

My photos here are provided to show two beautifully matched 1972 Pocock wooden shells – best in the world for racing teams “in our day”- and the very latest of German Company Empacher’s shells used by both Yale and Harvard after Harvard introduced them with great success a few years ago.  These images are primarily of the shells and oars but please also enjoy a few images of young as well as slightly older (!) rowers out doing what gets into our blood and never leaves. My blue team, the S.P.S. Shattucks, was trounced; but my other blue team (Yale) performed beautifully and successfully, setting a new up-stream record! On to Henley for these crews, and back to the Concept 2 ergometer for me for the next 5 years, preparing for 2020!

Peter Otis

Peter Otis Photos, LLC

PLACES… Plants… PEOPLE… PLUS OTHER GEMS

Please enjoy the additional slideshow images from both race days.



1972 Pocock Shell at St. Paul's Scool
1972 Pocock Shell at St. Paul’s Scool


Turkey Pond, Concord, NH
Thames River, New London, CT

 

Filed Under: Blog, Uncategorized Tagged With: Concord, CT, Eight oared shells, Harvard, Heavyweight crew, NH, Peter Otis Photos, St. Paul's School, Thames River, The Race, Turkey Pond, Yale, Yale-Harvard

Keeping Their Faiths Alive: Age-Old Traditions of Admitting Episcopal and Jewish Adults

Trinity Episcopal Church, Branford, CT
Congregation Mishkan Israel, Hamden, CT
Trinity Episcopal Church, Branford, CT

Both sanctuaries demonstrate biophilic/ natural elements.  Trinity Church’s Gothic style has wooden features resembling tree branches and forest canopy and windows that direct one’s eyes higher and higher.  Congregation Mishkan Israel’s sanctuary also rises high with its blue, blue, windows making this viewer think of sky and sea.

 

Branford and Hamden, Connecticut

On two successive Saturdays in May I was privileged to photograph two very different religious ceremonies that also shared the equally significant purpose of admitting new adults into their faith communities.

I was present at a confirmation service at Trinity Episcopal Church in Branford and a Bat Mitzvah at Congregation Mishkan Israel (CMI) in Hamden.  Confirmation is the sacramental rite in which the candidates “express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 860). In the Branford service about 35 teenagers and adults from 6 Shoreline parishes were either “confirmed” or “received” into the Episcopal Church.  In Hamden one very poised young woman shared her knowledge of Hebrew, the Torah and life in front of assembled parishioners, classmates, family and friends at her Bat Mitzvah. “Depending on the congregation, boys and girls may conduct all or part of the service, read or chant the b’rachotover the Torah (an aliyah), read a section from the Torah portion for that week, read or chant the b’rachot for the haftarah, read a section from the haftarah, and deliver a sermon.” [http://www.reformjudaism.org/bar-and-bat-mitzvah].

Diocesan Bishop Ian Douglas, Episcopal Church In CT,  and CMI’s Rabbi Herbert Brockman personified the presence of the Holy Spirit through their speaking and actions such as the laying on of hands or describing and teaching about traditions.  Rabbi Brockman described the Torah from Czechoslovakia, including its being studied, saved during World War II and then being passed down from times long ago to the newest bat mitzvah through her parents.  Both services provided public affirmations of the entrance into adulthood of the participants.

 

After a candidate makes affirmations, a bishop in apostolic succession lays hands on the candidate and prays a prayer of confirmation.
As part of the historic succession, the candidate walks the Torah through the sanctuary.
Rabbi Brockman comments on the tallit (prayer shawl) handed down through the family for many generations.

 

Both worship areas are blessed to have lovely stained glass windows:

Stained glass windows on the East side of Trinity.
Cantor Arthur Giglio in front of the windows depicting persons representing the “modern prophetic tradition.”

 

No service would be complete without a meal:

Bishop Douglas and The Rev. Sharon Gracen preparing the elements
“The Gifts of God for the People of God.”

Kiddush, literally, “sanctification,” is a blessing recited over wine or grape juice to sanctify the Shabbat. (Wikipedia)
Sharing the Challah bread

One final note about these two weekend services… After the service I spoke with the organist at CMI.  Among many of his professional musical pursuits, he is an organist for both local synagogues and churches.  My  interfaith photography and his interfaith music, reminded me about our shared Judeo-Christian heritage.

Following the worship at each service, honorees and their loved ones celebrated their accomplishments and admission as adults into their faiths.  All blessings and well wishes to these new members who will strive to keep their faiths alive!

I am ready to take on my next photo assignment.

Peter

Peter Otis Photos, LLC

PLACES… plants… PEOPLE… plus other gems

 

Filed Under: Blog, Uncategorized Tagged With: Bat Mitzvah, Bishop Ian Douglas, Branford, Congregation Mishkan Israel, CT, Episcopal Church, Peter Otis Photos, Rabbi Herbert Brockman, Rev. Sharon Gracen, Trinity Church

The Sultan’s Kitchen – A Colorful and Tasty Boston Eatery

Recognized as a gem in Boston for Turkish food
Recognized as a gem in Boston for Turkish food
Welcome to the Sultan's Kitchen, 116 State Street, Boston
Welcome to the Sultan’s Kitchen, 116 State Street, Boston

Passing through Boston this past Friday on a bitingly windy day I hiked from South Station to North Station but stopped off for lunch at The Sultan’s Kitchen.  Until this January it had been probably been 10 years since being taken there for our first time. I arrived at 11:30 and was the only lunchtime customer for a few minutes.  In addition to ordering delicious sustaining goodies (and a bag of baklava to take on to my next destination), I captured a few more photos on my smart phone to share.  Introducing himself as “Onan” to me,  founder, chef  and owner Ozcan Onan wished me a safe trip and invited me back. He is also author of the Sultan’s Kitchen cookbook displayed prominently on the counter.  Egg Lemon soup, falafel, hummus, pita bread and rice pudding… what a treat for a hungry traveler.  I personally can’t wait to return again soon.  Thank you, Onan, and crew!

 

This is a favorite lunch spot near the Old State House and the Financial District.
This is a favorite lunch spot near the Old State House and the Financial District.
Sultan's Kitchen food offerings- It's hard to narrow down one's choices!
Sultan’s Kitchen food offerings- It’s hard to narrow down one’s choices!

 

Ozcan Onan's book- autographed- is available here as well as on Amazon, etc.
Ozcan Onan’s book- autographed- is available here as well as on Amazon, etc.
Reflecting in the mirror is food preparation central.
Reflecting in the mirror is food preparation central.

Filed Under: Blog, Uncategorized

Thank you, Cathi Bosco, and C&D Studios, Madison, CT

Peter Otis Photos web site on display at C&D Studios
Peter Otis Photos web site on display at C&D Studios

Cathi Bosco's C&D Studios - Creative Art & Web Design, Madison, CT
Cathi Bosco’s C&D Studios – Creative Art & Web Design, Madison, CT

Peter Otis Photos, LLC relies heavily on Cathi Bosco at C&D Studios for our website that keeps evolving and getting better.

Several years ago I discovered Cathi while contributing landscape photos to the Guilford Land Conservation Trust’s new website. Although my photography skills and internet use were at a high level, when I decided that Peter Otis Photos needed a web site, I reached out to Cathi to help me.   In addition to her fine graphic skills, she has worked with many types of businesses and organisations on their web presence.  No matter whether one’s business has a simple and static or a complex web presence, C&D Studios can help create what is right for one’s field and audience.  Cathi understands artists’ needs.  As a photographer, I have relied on Cathi’s sensitivity to me and her selection of a WordPress theme that allows me to showcase images in galleries, tell current stories with the use of my blog, and begin to highlight fine images that are for sale through the site. Thanks to Cathi, my site is also now easily viewed on hand held smart phones, and other devices as well!

Yesterday I took a trip to her lovely new office near the East River on the Madison/ Guilford border for a review session, coaching and motivating.  If you ever decide you need the types of services you can see listed on the C&D Studios page shown here, reach out to Cathi!

“It’s how the world sees you” … that’s what Cathi stresses.  I have found a member of my team who helps me share Peter Otis Photos, LLC with each of you!  Thanks, C&D Studios.

Thanks very much for reading this blog article and visiting my website.

Two final requests… (1) Please share this article with others who might be interested, connect with me through the web and link through social media (Facebook and LinkedIn).  (2) Please alert others about my eagerness to photograph events and gatherings.   I am available to capture images that tell the stories people want to tell their audiences!

Peter

 

 

Filed Under: Blog, Uncategorized

Back to the CT River Museum and Train Show in Essex, CT

The Connecticut River Museum  is a favorite spot to visit.
I have produced other albums from previous visits and at other times of the year. Yesterday’s trip with some new friends gave us a chance to see the displays and the annual train show.

Mural depicting the April 1814 British invasion of Essex and destruction of its fleet
Amazing 3 story mural depicting the CT River from VT/NH to CT
Amazing 3 story mural depicting the CT River from VT/NH to CT
Part of the Annual Train Show 26 foot table layout
Part of the Annual Train Show 26 foot table layout

To see  more photos from yesterday’s trip, please go to my Picasa album:

‘Can’t wait to get back.  And, of course, to have another meal at The Gris!

Mares' tails in the sky at sunset over the CT River, indicating more snow for the night

Mares’ tails in the sky at sunset over the CT River, indicating more snow for the night

Filed Under: Blog, CT, Uncategorized

A Very Special Place – Guilford’s Grass Island – Even on a Chilly Winter Day!

DSC_7229 Grass Island from Guilford Marina
Grass Island from Guilford Marina
DSC_7238 solitary bird
Solitary Bird
DSC_7249- Fitzy the dog and companions
Fitzy the dog and companions

As many family and friends know, Grass Island here in Guilford is a favorite iconic spot of mine at all times of the day and year. Yesterday’s trip after this week’s 1 foot of snow, despite briskly cold but clear conditions, gave me the same excitement and opportunities to capture the red shack in its surroundings. The main challenge was dredging equipment brought in to deepen the harbor for boats. Nevertheless, I think I captured the equipment when I wanted to, but I was also able to shoot around it for most of my images. Regrettably, there is the most graffiti I have ever seen on this lovely, but frail building– a shame.

In addition to my destination shack, the water, the snow, the invasive but pretty phragmites, copious shells, birds and a new friend, Fitzy the golden retriever, all provided a perfect 2 hours at 18 degrees F.

Join me some day- or night!

In the mean time, connect to my Picasa Album for even more photos of this special place.
Peter

DSC_7291_ Grass Island Shack with snow
Grass Island Shack with snow
DSC_7279- Beautiful BUT invasive- Phragmites
Beautiful BUT invasive- Phragmites
DSC_7351Grass Island Shack and sunset
Grass Island Shack and sunset

Filed Under: Blog, Guilford, Uncategorized

Bean Town – A Special Place for a Birthday Hike

IMG_9216 Leonard Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge
IMG_9216 Leonard Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge
DSC_7159 Harborwalk North End sign
Harborwalk North End sign
Here's the Old State House and modern neighbors
Old State House and modern neighbors

Thursday was a perfect day for me to get away and head up to Mass to reunite with family. It was a birthday that included rides on two trains, a 1.5 ish mile hike through Boston, a delicious lunch and an opportunity to meander and shoot photos. I hope you enjoy the pictures that I am sharing with you.
Take me back to Bean Town soon!!

If you would like to see more pictures and descriptions, GO to my Picasa Album

Peter

 

Dewey Square Park by South Station
Looking across to historic Charlestown
DSC_7158 Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus

Filed Under: Blog, Uncategorized

When the days begin to lengthen, the cold begins to strengthen…

It’s darn right cold here- even in shoreline CT.  Nearly zero degrees absolute temp this morning. We had a teasing of snow Saturday before the Arctic Blast settled in.  Enjoy these few images from our Green and from our favorite provider of locally grown roses– Pinchbeck’s/ Roses for Autism.

The Congregational Church at the Top of Guilford's Green- 2015 Jan 4
The Congregational Church at the Top of Guilford’s Green- 2015 Jan 4
Guilford's Young Christmas Tree with a bit of snow- 2015 Jan 4
Guilford’s Young Christmas Tree with a bit of snow- 2015 Jan 4

Guilford Green- 1st snow before heavy rains wiped it clean- 2015 Jan 4
Guilford Green- 1st snow before heavy rains wiped it clean- 2015 Jan 4
Pinchbeck's/ Roses for Autism Greenhouse with snow squall approaching- 2015 Jan 7
Pinchbeck’s/ Roses for Autism Greenhouse with snow squall approaching- 2015 Jan 7

 

 

Filed Under: Blog, CT, Guilford, Uncategorized

Lots of NEW in Guilford to highlight our OLD: Dedications Weekend- June 6 – 8

June 6 – 8, 2014 was an incredibly busy weekend in Guilford with 375th Anniversary related activities.  Bewteen Friday and Sunday four significant events unveiled 4 new sites for residents and visitors to enjoy and use.

First – Murals of Guilford iconic spots painted by Guilford school students were dedicated on the bridge over the East River on Sullivan Drive.  This bridge is at one of the trailheads for the East River Preserve.

 

South side of East River Bridge
Trail head for East River Preserve
Hiking through a field on the Preserve

Blazes on tree and East River below- just upstream from Foote Bridge
Guilford Train Station
New England Trail logo

Guilford’s Grass Island shack on the East River
September Guilford Agricultural Fair parade
Long Island Sound, etc.

 

Second – Rollwood Park at the corner of Stonehouse Lane and Old Whitfield Street was dedicated.  This little pocket park was once the site of the home of Governor Rollin Woodruff, 62nd Governor of Connecticut, who held the office from 1907 to 1909.  The Guilford Garden Club and the Town have been enhancing it with cleanups and plantings recently.  It is a lovely addition to the South Guilford District!

Michael McBride, Curator of the Henry Whitfield State Museum, telling about the property.
Michael McBride, Curator of the Henry Whitfield State Museum, telling about the property.
Words from the Guilford Garden Club
Words from the Guilford Garden Club
Flowering beauty
Flowering beauty
The iconic old fire place
The iconic old fire place

 

Third –  The Covenant Stone  that has the very powerful Guilford Covenant (aka “The Plantation Covenant”) and the names of our founders engraved in a large slab of Guilford pink Granite was dedicated. Located at “Covenant Point” at the intersection of New and Old Whitfield Streets across from the Whitfield State Museum (i.e. the oldest stone house in New England), the program included speeches and a re-signing of the Covenant by elementary school students. The original signed covenant and deed were on display in Town Hall, making this 2014 event even more meaningful.

Guilford’s Stone House Museum- built in 1639 – oldest stone house in New England. It was decorated in a fashion similar to its appearance for our 250th anniversary!
Enjoying the roses
The soon-to-be 2014 Covenant signers walking from the Stone house

Each student laid a rose on the Guilford pink granite stone
Raised hands of those whose ancestors signed the Covenant in 1639
Carl Balestracci, who successfully carried out his dream to have the Covenant Stone become a reality for Guilford

A current day female Guilford Covenant signer
A current day female Guilford Covenant signer
On display in Town Hall for one month- The Covenant with all the 2014 signatures
The original Indian Deed- Executed on September 29, 1639 and signed by Rev. Whitfield and Squaw Sachem Shaumpishuh, grantor of the deed and chief of the local tribe. Notice her bow and arrow signature.

 

Fourth- The Southern terminus of the New England Trail –  the latest and the eleventh addition to the the Nation’s National Scenic Trail system was dedicated.  Located at Chittenden Park, the day included music, speeches and a ribbon cutting for the boardwalk that leads from Long Island Sound to Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire.

The Southernmost point of the NET- leading over the beach to LI Sound
Dic Wheeler, Executive Director of ARTFARM in Middletown - stilter- with kids
Dic Wheeler, Executive Director of ARTFARM in Middletown – stilter- with kids
Walking on the board walk

Standing on the board walk – view from the beach end
Local hiker and organizer extraordinaire, Paul Mei, with one of the commemorative New England Trail posters
Local hiker and organizer extraordinaire, Paul Mei, with one of the commemorative New England Trail posters
Speaking above one of the NET signs- former Congressman John Olver (D-MA) who introduced the New England Scenic Trail Designation Act in 2007

The ribbon has been cut!
Some of the joyous attendees, standing on the board walk, for a group photo
Local blue grass duo- The Rosenthals- Phil and son Daniel

Thanks for viewing these images from our exciting dedications weekend! Do study the Covenant Stone.  Do hike the New England Trail and see the murals done by the students.  Do visit the Stone House Museum and rest a bit in Rollwood Park!

Peter

Filed Under: CT, Guilford, Guilford 375th, Uncategorized

Take a look at my new Facebook page for Peter Otis Photos

This week I have slowly begun to expand my use of Facebook.  Please take a look at the posts I have begun to create on my Peter Otis Photos, LLC page.

Filed Under: Blog, Uncategorized

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