WHDD still seeking funds to fix lightning damage

SHARON — The Northwest Corner’s own National Public Radio station, WHDD-FM91.9 (robinhoodradio.com) is still working hard to recoup a financial blow that hit it in July — in the form of a lightning strike.

On a stormy night in July, the station (which is located at 76 Main St.) was hit by a lightning bolt that destroyed nearly $25,000 in essential equipment. Co-owners Marshall Miles and Jill Goodman have been working hard since then trying to drum up funds and community support to help cover those unforeseen costs.

Computers, a telephone system, broadcast equipment and satellite equipment were just some of the gear that was destroyed.

“Lightning is an equal opportunity destroyer,†Miles said. “When I got to the station some of the equipment was literally smoking. I have been in radio since 1971, and I have never seen a lightning strike like this.â€

Despite taking many precautions, Miles stressed that nothing could have been done to prevent the damage.

Fortunately, the station returned to the air a few hours afterward. However, all that equipment had to be replaced. The station’s insurance policy will not cover the loss.

The station is now looking for donations to cover the cost of replacing the equipment.

“If every person who listens to this station can send $10 to $20, we can cover the rest of this,†he said. “We need people who love National Public Radio and our local programming to step up to the plate.â€

There will be a fundraiser for the station  Sunday, Sept. 20, at American Legion Post 178 in Millerton.

The $10 entrance fee will go directly to the radio station. Hamburgers, sausage-and-pepper grinders and french fries will be sold. And there will be an old-fashioned corn toss.

The event starts at noon; games will begin at 1 p.m. Purchase tickets at the door or call “Nascar†Dave MacMillan at 914-475-5918.

To send donations to WHDD-FM, which are tax deductible, write to: WHDD-FM, 67 Main St., Sharon, CT 06069. Make all payments out to the station’s parent company Tri-State Public Communications.

Latest News

Water main cleaning in North Canaan

NORTH CANAAN – Aquarion Water Company today announced a water main cleaning project in the company’s North Canaan system. The project is scheduled to take place from Monday, April 1 through Tuesday, April 16, and is being undertaken to ensure customers in North Canaan continue to receive the highest quality water.

The cleaning for April 1 and April 4 (subject to change) will take place on the following streets:

Keep ReadingShow less
Tuning up two passions under one roof

The Webb Family in the workshop. From left: Phyllis, Dale, Ben and Josh Webb, and project manager Hannah Schiffer.

Natalia Zukerman

Magic Fluke Ukulele Shop and True Wheels Bicycle Shop are not only under the same roof in a beautiful solar powered building on Route 7 in Sheffield, but they are also both run by the Webb family, telling a tale of familial passion, innovation and a steadfast commitment to sustainability.

In the late ‘90s, Dale Webb was working in engineering and product design at a corporate job. “I took up instrument manufacturing as a fun challenge,” said Dale. After an exhibit at The National Association of Music Merchants in Anaheim, California, in 1999, The Magic Fluke company was born. “We were casting finger boards and gluing these things together in our basement in New Hartford and it just took off,” Dale explained. “It was really a wild ride, it kind of had a life of its own.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Robert Cray’s soulful blues coming to Infinity Hall

Robert Cray

Photo provided

Blues legend Robert Cray will be bringing his stinging, funky guitar and soulful singing to Infinity Hall Norfolk on Friday, March 29.

A five-time Grammy winner, Cray has been inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame and earned The Americana Music Awards Lifetime Achievement for Performance. He has played with blues and rock icons including Albert Collins, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, The Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, Eric Clapton and many more.

Keep ReadingShow less