The smoky odor that pervaded much of Westport was due to a wildfire.
In Great Barrington, Massachusetts.
Smoke from the Berkshires drifted southward, then hung around.
Fire Marshal Terry Dunn says, “Smoke in the air is a stark reminder of how quickly fires can spread under the right conditions. We urge all residents to remain diligent, and respect the outdoor burning ban to keep our community safe.”
As seen from Sherwood Island State Park, smoke from Massachusetts lingers over Cockenoe Island. (Photo/Chris Swan)
They were named Counry Music Association Vocal Group of the Year for the 7th time. That beats Little Big Town’s 6 awards.
Old Dominion’s lead guitarist, Brad Tursi, is a 1997 Staples High School graduate (and former soccer star). Last month, he wowed a sell-out Levitt Pavilion crowd last month, as a solo artist with a different backup band.
Old Dominion, at last night’s Country Music Association awards. Westport native Brad Tursi is at far left. (Hat tip and photo/Tricia Summers)
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The other day, “06880” reported on harsh, homemade and very un-neighborly sign posted by a Fillow Street resident.
She was (rightly) upset by very-unneighborly neighbors who neglected to pick up the dog poop deposited on her lawn.
I think she reads “06880.” It’s been replaced by this much smaller, more reasonable, and decidedly neighborly one:
The largest crowd ever turned out for last night’s Artists Collective of Westport show opening, at the Westport Country Playhouse’s Sheffer Barn.
All works — over 100, in a wide variety of styles, genres and materials — are available for purchase. And all are 12″ x 12″, making them easy to ship.
The show runs through Sunday, November 24 (noon to 4 p.m., Sheffer Barn at Westport Country Playhouse).
Nina Bentley is one of the many artists whose 12×12 work is on display at the Westport Country Playhouse’s Sheffer Barn. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
Alisan Porter (Staples High School Class of 1999) and Drew McKeon (SHS ’00) are hitting the road in New England this week, support Alisan’s new record, “The Ride.”
The longtime friends co-wrote the single “Nothing’s Broken,” which Drew produced in his “tiny Manhattan apartment bedroom,” his parents’ Westport basement, and his friend Tim Walsh’s home studio in Black Rock.
Drew finished with vocal tracking at Charlie Chaplin’s old Hollywood lot.
Drew and Alison perform a set of Alisan’s original music spanning her career — including selections from her winning season on NBC’s “The Voice” — this Saturday (November 23) at the intimate Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Other performances include The Cut in Gloucester, Massachusetts (November 30), the Music Hall Lounge in Portsmouth, New Hampshire (December 2), and Boston’s City Winery (December 4).
Alisan Porter and Drew McKeon.
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Speaking of Staples alumni entertainers: “The Good Whale” — a new 6-episode New York Times podcast about “Free Willy” orca star Keiko, once the cameras stopped rolling — includes an original song by Staples High School graduate Justin Paul, and his writing partner Benj Pasek.
They’ve already won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony. Can whatever award is given for podcast music far behind? (Hat tip: Ann Humphrey)
Speaking of music: Weston High School junior Owen Daniel has just released his debut single.
“Fear of Losing You — the first song he ever wrote — was produced at Norwalk’s Factory Underground Studio. It is available on all streaming outlets. Click here to listen and download.
More entertainment news: This Sunday (November 24, 7 p.m., Fairfield Theatre Company), Westporter Hannah Levin (Greens Farms Academy Class of 2015) screens her short film, “Golden Child,” as part of the FTC Short Film Festival.
The plot: a young woman is reunited with her childhood friend at a pool party, and reckons with the fact that he used to pee on her when they were kids.
Former Staples High School football star Willard “Buz” Leavitt — part of the 1964 backfield that included Bill During, John Bolger and Jack Forehand — died on November 13. He was 77, and lived in Blythewood, South Carolina.
Buz moved from Burnt Hills, New York to Westport as a junior. After his stellar Staples seasons, he headed to Wake Forest University. He earned ACC Offensive Player of the Week mention, and graduated in 1970.
He met his wife Anne there. They married in 1969, and were together for 55 years.
Buz spent 32 years with Procter & Gamble in Charlotte, as sales manager and special events director.
For spent decades coaching youth sports, and was admired by players and parents alike.
Buz is survived by his wife Anne; sons Chris (Darla) of Greenville, South Carolina, Charley (Heather) of Charlotte, and Courtney (Shelley) of Blythewood; brother Scott (Bridget), of Charlotte; sister Susan Pittman, of Roswell, Georgia, and grandchildren Riley, Zoe, Lila, Ian, Banks, Ella Chase, Eliza and Olivia.
A service to celebrate his life will be on November 22 (1 p.m.), at the Clubhouse at Cobblestone Park in Blythewood.
In Lieu of flowers, a gift in Buz’s memory can be made to Baby Bundles, a Charlotte nonprofit that provides essential baby items to families in need.
Longtime Westport realtor Margherita (Marj) Basili died last Friday. She was 94, and also lived in Palatka, Florida.
The New Haven native worked her way through New York University, and graduated with a degree in business.
She worked as a management consultant, then worked for the Australian Consolidated Press in New York.
In 1957 Marj moved to Naples, Italy, where she supported the 6th Fleet as a buyer and merchandising manager in the Naval Postal Exchange (PX).
She married in Italy, then and returned to the US in 1960 to start a family. She taugh in Milford and Westport elementary schools.
By 1969, a single mother of 3 young boys, she shifted into commercial and residential real estate
Her family says, “Marj curated a large group of friends, knitted together by her interests in life and her empathetic approach to others. She reveled in helping others. No problem was insurmountable to her.”
She survived by her sons, Giuseppe (Dean) of Norman, Oklahoma, Gianfranco (Allison) of St. Augustine, Florida, and Roberto (Sara) of Bergen, Norway, granddaughters Alexandra Basili Gunther (Ben) and Johanne, and grandsons Benjamin and Filip.
At Marj’s request, no funeral or memorial service will be held.
And finally … in honor (or at least recognition) of yesterday’s visit from Great Barrington:
(Many “06880” readers contacted us yesterday, wondering about the smoky smell. We’re glad the town turns to us. But we rely on your support to keep us going. Please click here to help. Thanks!)
When the Board of Education meets tonight (Thursday, November 21, 7 p.m., Staples cafeteria), they’ll receive 2 reports.
One describes what happens in the classroom: standardized testing, college acceptances and more, for Staples High School’s Class of 2024.
The other tells what happens outside of school: the most recent youth survey of students in grades 7-12.
Let’s begin with the seniors, who graduated in June.
The 426 graduates are attending 176 different post-secondary institutions. The overwhelming majority — 93.1% — are in 4-year colleges.
Another 2.1% are in 2-year colleges. Just 0.5% are at post-grad, vocational or other higher education institutions.
1.7% of the Class of ’24 are taking a gap year. 0.9% entered the military. 1.6% went directly into the workforce, or are classified as “other.”
The Top 5 college in terms of attendance are Syracuse University (14 current Staples freshmen), the University of Connecticut (including regional campuses — 12); the University of Colorado (11), and Indiana University and Northeastern University (10 each).
The top 5 college in terms of applicants from last year’s seniors: UConn (152 applications), Indiana (85), Pennsylvania State University (81), the University of Colorado (76) and Elon University (64).
28% of students applied for local or community scholarships. 13% said they intended to play an intercollegiate sport. 7% said they applied to a visual or performing arts program.
40% of students submitted test scores to all colleges. 26% submitted some. 34% did not submit test scores to any college.
The 3 most important factors in the college search and selection process were academic programs, location, and activities/campus life, students said.
In terms of standardized testing, the composite mean ACT score was 29.3. The total mean SAT score was 1229.
Last spring, a total of 577 students (including non-seniors) took a total of 1,338 Advanced Placement exams. The mean score was 4.3.
So what happens outside beyond the school day?
Last February, Westport’s Departmentn of Human Services and Positive Directions sruveyed a random sample of students in grades 7-12. Among the findings:
Use of alcohol, cannabis and vaping has decreased since the 2021 survey. Other substance use (tobacco, misues of prescription drugs) remains minimal, at 1%.
Substance use rates are “particularly low at the middle schoo level, and remain low through 10th grade.”
The “large majority” of high school students do not report any substance use. According to the survey, 75% of Staples students do not drink; 91% do not use cannabis, and 92% do not vape.
Most Westport teenagers 16 and older do not drive under the influence of alcohol or cannabis, the report found. However, 8% report that they have ridden with a driver under the influence. And 12% have texted while driving.
Fewer than 10 Staples students reported using hallucinogens, meth, heroin, fentanyl, MOMA, cocaine, crack or inhalants.
Students with Individualized Education Programs use cannabis at three time the rate of students without IEPs, and vape at twice the non-IEP rate. In 12th grade, 53% of students with IEPs reported using cannabis.
Alcohol use among Westport seniors is 1.6 times the national rate (38% here, versus 24% nationally).
The report says the local rate “may reflect a common parenting misperception that youth should ‘learn’ to drink before college.”
In 2021, 60% of seniors said that they drank.
Though cigarette smoking in 12th grade is low (4%), it is double the 2% reported in 2021. 5% of students use nicotine pouches.
22% of 7th graders do not believe it is harmful to binge drink 5+ drinks once or twice a week.
15% of 7th gaders do not see vaping nicotine or marijuana as risky.
In 12th grade, 51% of students believe that using cannabis once or twice a week is not harmful.
The report also notes that fewer than 2/3 of teenagers say that their parents “takek steps to prevent youth from accessing or using substances at home.”
54% of youth who drink get their alcohol from an adult family member, with permission.
More than half of students who use alcohol or cannabis do so at their own home, or a friend’s home.
39% of youth who drink do so at home, with a parent or guardian present.
Finally, the report says, “gambling is emerging as a popular risky behavior.” 23% of students have gambled on fantasy or real sports, scratch tickets, online, or poker.
(“06880” regularly covers education, youth issues, and Westport life. If you appreciate our work, please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
Sure, our fall weather has been more North Carolina than New England.
But a sure sign of winter is this: The Westport Police Athletic League skating rink at Longshore opens on Friday, November 29 (unless we have a really warm week).
For the 27th year (!), skaters of all ages will swarm to the very cool Sound-side rink, all winter long.
One view of the Longshore PAL skating rink …
But that’s not all.
This year, the rink will sparkle even brighter. Holiday lights are bringing extra cheer to the experience.
Their generous sponsor is Donny Macaluso. His Don’s TEL company specializes in tree services, excavation, landscaping — and holiday light installations.
… and another. (Photo/Teona Pipiya Johnson)
This is no random idea. Donny grew up playing PAL sports, and worked at the Longshore rink during his Staples High School years.
Now — as a coach for Staples lacrosse — he continues to give back to the community. The lights are just one more way.
(NOTE: For a free estimate of holiday light installation, call 203-644-6167.)
PAL also thanks Tony Lantier — rink manager and owner of Thin Ice Management — plus his great team. They keep the rink well maintained, and ready for large, enthusiastic crowds.
Longshore pavilion, ready to welcome another year of skaters. (Photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)
Beth Atlas has been an active member of the Westport community for nearly 30 years. In addition to raising 3 children, and running her own nutrition and chiropractic business, she has always found time to volunteer and help others.
Beth Atlas
For the past 17 years Beth has spearheaded the Holiday Store Event for children in Bridgeport. This program provides gifts to over 100 families each year — families who otherwise would have nothing over the holiday season.
The idea is simple. Children at Bridgeport’s Ralphola Taylor Community Center after-school program earn points for good behavior, and trying their best in class.
Then youngsters then use their points to “buy” holiday gifts for their family members.
Incentives for children to behave well and try hard in school are strong, as those who earn the most points shop first.
Ralphola Taylor Holiday Store shoppers …
To stock the Holiday Store in the Ralphola Taylor Community Center gym, Beth organizes the collection of hundreds of donations each year.
She then sets up the donations like a store. Children cruise the aisles to select gifts for their families.
Yet the holiday would not be complete if the children did not receive a gift themselves.
Each child makes a wish. Beth coordinates with the Westport Young Woman’s League to make sure each wish is fulfilled.
Often, these are the only gifts the families receive for the holiday.
Thank you, Beth for creating and continuing this holiday tradition, for nearly 2 decades!
… and volunteers.
Beth does her job. Now “06880” readers can do ours.
Donations of new, unwrapped presents are being accepted through December 10. There will be a collection, facilitated by What Up Westport, at the Imperial Avenue parking lot (across from Thomas Road) on December 7 (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.). To drop donations off other than that time, contact Marcy Sansolo through What Up Westport on Facebook.
Gift ideas for children include books, dolls, board games, stuffed animals, educational toys, arts and crafts, cars and trucks, Legos, games and sports equipment.
Gif ideas for men include cologne, tools, scarves, hats, gloves, wallets, grooming kits, headphones, slippers, mugs, watches and electronics.
Gift ideas for women include perfume, costume jewelry, scarves, hats, gloves, makeup kits, manicure sets, nail polish sets, slippers, toiletries, books and picture frames.
You can roder online using special links. All items will be picked up by Marcy Sansolo. Savvy + Grace (for all donations, the store will add an ornament with your name to a Westport Downtown Association Christmas tree). Awesome Toys. Amazon.
Old Mill Grocery & Delis’s picnic tables, gelato cart and liquor license are now, officially, legal.
On Monday night, the Planning & Zoning Commission approved — with a modification — a text amendment covering outdoor eating areas, and associated uses, for retail food establishments in residential zones.
Commissioners tweaked the prooposal, ensuring that tables at 2 other establishments — The Porch at Christie’s, and The Country Store on Wilton Road — would not encroach on their property boundaries.
The P&Z cited the “strong sense of community and connection with one’s neighbors” provided by those 3 establishments, as part of the reasons for adopting the text amendment.
Old Mill Grocery & Deli’s picnic tables have been there for decades.
Due to extreme fire danger in the area, outdoor burning is prohibited. This includes fire pits; open flames (for example, brush or leaf pile burning), chimineas, and other outdoor flame devices. Violators may face legal consequences.
For indoor fireplaces or wood stoves, follow these safety tips:
Ensure chimneys and flues are professionally cleaned and inspected.
Burn only dry, seasoned wood to minimize creosote buildup.
Avoid overloading your fireplace or stove.
Use a protective screen to contain embers.
As drought conditions persist, water conservation tips include:
Limit outdoor watering and use of irrigation systems.
Fix leaks in faucets, pipes, and appliances promptly.
Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.
Use rain barrels to collect water for outdoor plants.
Are you interested in electric vehicles, but unsure which is the “best”? (Or, more accurately, the best for you?)
The EV Club of Connecticut hosts a special online event December 3 (7 p.m.).
Gabe Shenhar — a Westport resident, EV Club member, and associate director of the auto test program for Consumer Reports — will review 8 vehicles: Mercedes EQE SUV; Genesis GV60; Cadillac Lyriq; Acura ZDX; Lexus RZ; Chevy Equinox EV; Tesla Cybertruck. and Volvo XC60.
The session is free, but registration is required. Click here to sign up, and for more information.
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Next month, prominent musicians and music scholars gather at the Westport Library to honor one of America’s greatest composers.
“Speaking of Music: The Life and Genius of Duke Ellington (December 7, 7 p.m.) features a multimedia presentation by Dr. John Edward Hasse.
The longtime curator of American music at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will discuss Ellington’s legacy as a musician, including his impact on popular music of the late 20th century.
Then, James Langton and Dan Levinson’s New York All-Star Big Band will perform music from the innovative artist.
Tickets are $40. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
But they’re not the only prizes in the film universe.
ETHOS Film Awards celebrate purpose-driven films that promote peace, diversity, inclusion and environmental sustainability.
All genres and lengths are eligible. Under-represented voices — including the neuro-diverse and disability community — are encouraged to apply.
This past weekend in Santa Monica, California, Wynston Browne earned an ETHOS as “Best Impact Actor.”
The Staples High School senior — a non-speaking autistic teenager whose communication via a typing device has opened up his own world, and shown the rest of the world his remarkable, wide-ranging and tremendous intelligence — starred in (and inspired) “Presumed Incompetent.”
Directed by Staples High School graduate Cynthia Gibb, written by longtime Westporter Jill Johnson Mann, and filmed here in 2023, the film tells the story of an exceptionally bright young man — overlooked for his neuro-diversity, and “presumed incompetent” — overcoming his disabilities, and blazing a path for inclusion.
Wynston did a talkback — using his communication devices — following the screening in California.
But he and his film don’t stop there. On December 12, “Presumed Innocent” will be screened at the Big Apple Film Festival (657 West 57th Street, 5:45 p.m.; click here for tickets).
Congratulations, Wynston. We always knew you were a star!
Speaking of entertainment: First Folk Sunday is going Irish.
Four fine Irish musicians come together Sunday, December 1 (noon), at the Saugatuck Rowing Club.
Californian John Brennan began his career as a guitarist with Poco, the Eagles, Graham Nash, and The Byrds discovered his Irish roots when he relocated to New York City.
For First Folk Sunday, he brings together accordionist Loretta Egan Murphy (Cherish the Ladies, Shamrock Traditional Music Society); Eugene Bender (Sligo style traditional Irish fiddler), and Mark Demchak (bodhran player – the Irish drum).
First Folk Sunday’s Irish lass Suzanne Sheridan joins them. She recently traveled to Ireland, and has taken her homeland’s music to heart.
The music cover charge is $15 (click here for reservations). Table service is available for brunch or lunch. Cocktails and beverages are offere too.
Sure, and it’s an Irish First Folk Sunday.
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Here’s an interesting spin on mental health:
Over 75 people turned out recently for Positive Directions’ first spin fundraiser.
More than 150 donors — including some of the town’s top officials — rode almost 625 miles in 90 minutes.
Police Chief Foti Koskinas, 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker take spins.
Their hard work raised over $30,000 for Positive Directions. Funds will help the non-profit behavioral health organization address mental health needs, and ensure that mental health treatment is available to all who need it.
The Westport Country Playhouse 2024 Script in Hand season concludes December 2 (7 p.m.) with “True Art.”
It’s a “sharp and funny tale of ambition, deception, and self-discovery in the high stakes and cutthroat art world.”
All tickets are $30. Click here for tickets, and more information.
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There were treats for doggies — and humans — last night, as Spot on Vet celebrated its grand opening.
The new veterainary center replaces Men’s Wearhouse, on Post Road East between Christian Siriano’s boutique and Starbucks.
Spot On Vet offers emergency medical care; day care and boarding for sick, injured or recovering animals in “luxury accommodations” (well-lit cubicles with small beds).
Owners can watch their pets via camera. Pets can also listen to their favorite music or TV program.
Spot On Vet also offers dental care, a full pharmacy, facilities for major surgeries including orthopedic procedures, medical testing that often can’t be done in a regular veterinary office, physical therapy, and a valet service to pick up pets from home.
Everyone was welcome at Spot on Vet’s opening. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
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Speaking of man’s best friend: Our “Westport … Naturally” features often bring smiles to readers’ faces.
But today you’ll actually laugh. Just look at this laughing dog:
(Photo/Pat Weist)
“We all need a good laugh these days,” photographer Pat Weist says.
And finally … in honor of Positive Directions’ fundraiser (story above):
(No matter how you spin it, “06880” is your hyper-local source for news, opinions and much more. As always, we rely on reader support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
A disturbing antisemitic incident has had a very positive outcome.
Late Monday evening, Rabbi Michael Friedman sent this message to his Temple Israel congegants:
Dear Friends,
A few weeks ago, on the day before Kol Nidrei, and just a few days after the first anniversary of October 7, a swastika was etched on the football locker of a Jewish student at Weston High School.
A swastika etched on a Jewish student’s locker is different from a swastika drawn, for example, on a bathroom stall or the seat of a school bus (both of which have also happened locally in recent years), because this is a targeted act.
But the story I want to tell you is not one of persecution and antisemitism. Instead, this is a story of resilience and pride, and about the great faith we should have in the next generation.
The student on whose locker the swastika was etched — who grew up here at Temple Israel — was brave enough to inform coaches and the athletic director.
Weston High School athletics
Then later that very evening another Jewish student on the football team — also a Temple Israel student — recorded a courageous and emotional message to his teammates about the impact this swastika had on him, and posted it on the team’s internal chat.
The school administration and town police swiftly coordinated a thorough investigation, according to the policies and procedures that they have in place. Ultimately the investigation was inconclusive; we don’t know who etched the swastika.
A group of Temple Israel teens had recently formed the Jewish Student Union at Weston High School, and swiftly jumped into action.
They approached the principal and administration, advocating for a schoolwide assembly to address the incident. These teen leaders envisioned, shaped, organized, executed and led that schoolwide assembly on Friday morning. They demonstrated initiative and leadership throughout the process.
The assembly included words from the targeted student, the testimony of a Holocaust survivor which was paired with an engaging video, and a message from Senator Blumenthal that the students them themselves had reached out and obtained.
The students also asked me to speak. I taught about the power of symbols, which not only stand for something concrete but also invoke certain emotions and feelings.
I showed a series of symbols on the screen and asked students to share what that symbol made them feel.
When we got to the swastika, Jewish students were able to share in front of their peers how the etching of a swastika on a Jewish student’s locker made them feel targeted, and how the act reverberated throughout the Jewish community of our town.
Finally a representative from the ADL taught about strategies by which one can oppose hate.
The assembly was an excellent and impactful educational experience for the entire school. I want to underscore that the students themselves envisioned, created, shaped and ran the assembly from start to finish. And I credit the school administration for trusting and supporting them, and for giving them the opportunity to stand up and lead.
I am so very proud of the Temple Israel teens who took action following this antisemitic incident.
When the response to an act of hate could have been fear or silence, what the high school community saw instead was courage and pride. Each of them — starting with the one whose locker was targeted, continuing to his football teammate, and then to the many leaders of the JSU — provide a model for all of us.
Many of them began in our Early Childhood Center. All of them were (or are) students in our Kesher program. They embody what success looks like for all our children: to be knowledgeable and proud Jews, and when the time comes for them to act in the world, they do so with courage and integrity.
Thanks to them, even in these trying times which can often feel very dark, we know that the future is very bright.
Steffi David was born in Berlin in 1925 — a century ago, next year.
Her idyllic childhoood — visiting museums with her dentist father, skiing in Czechoslovakia, summering in Switzerland — ended abruptly when Hitler gained power.
In 1937, she and her fellow Jewish classmates were banned from German schools.
The next year — 2 weeks before Kristallnach — 13-year-old Steffi, her father, mother and sister escaped by train to Amsterdam. They had transient visas.
They moved on, penniless, to Panama. At 15 Steffi moved once again, this time — alone — to live with an aunt and uncle in Queens. Within 2 months, she was fluent in English.
Encouraged by a teacher, Steffi earned a scholarship to the Art Students League in Manhattan. She took night classes at the Pratt Institute. During the day, she worked.
Her first job was as a graphic artist. She gave half her salary to her parents, who had finally joined her in America.
After marrying Bridgeport native Al Friedman, and building a home on Yankee Hill Road in Westport, she gave up her career to raise 3 children.
Steffi Friedman
When the youngest was in junior high, Steffi began studying sculpture at the Silvermine School of Art. Her teacher and mentor, Stenley Bleifeld, was later named International Sculptor of the Year.
After 8 years as a student, Steffi became a teacher herself — first at Fairfield University, then for 30 years in her home studio.
She also volunteered, working with talented inner city youth through Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County.
For 19 years she ran Camp Terra Cotta, teaching people from around the world in Vermont.
Steffi worked into her 80s. She was prolific in terra cotta, bronze and stone.
Her work is now part of over 100 private collections. It was shown in galleries throughout the US.
It lives on in Westport too. Temple Israel commissioned several pieces, including one of Golda Meir.
Steffi Friedman, with her Golda Meir sculpture.
“Never Again” hangs on an outside wall. Dedicated in 2004 as part of the temple’s “Tolerance Center,” Steffi considered it her most important work.
“Never Again,” at Temple Israel.
Steffi’s “Pas de Deux” ballet has a place of honor in the Staples High School courtyard. Earthplace features a large piece — “Free to Be Me” — in the atrium, and another smaller work. She also donated 2 sculptures to the Westport Library’s children’s section.
“Pas de Deux,” in the Staples High School courtyard.
“Her art was how she expressed her emotions,” Steffi’s daughter Margie says. “She was so pleased these pieces are all over town.”
Steffi Friedman died in 2019, after complications of a stroke and dementia. She was 94.
Margie Friedman
When her daughter emptied the home her mother had lived in for 67 years, she found hundreds of photos and slides of Steffi’s work. Worried they might be lost — but unsure what to do with them — Margie shipped them to her home in Santa Monica, California.
Soon, she realized she had enough material for a book.
Maggie scanned the images, cleaned them up, found a self-publishing company, wrote text, and created layouts
It took 2 years. Margie — a 1972 Staples graduate — worked around her full-time job, as a TV producer.
The result is “Steffi Friedman: Sculpture.” The 118-page book, printed handsomely on glossy paper, includes dozens of photos of the artist’s work, along with her compelling, first-person bio.
In one section, Margie explains the importance of Jewish themes to her mother’s work. Other sections include figurative sculptures, ballet dancers, children, portraits, fairies and nymphs, stone, abstracts, nature, commemorations and illustrations.
The audience is both local (Steffi’s friends, fans and former students in Fairfield County) and global. Margie has sent copies to Holocaust and Jewish museums and organizations worldwide — including one in Berlin, which holds her mother’s family’s artifacts and writings.
Feedback has been gratifying.
“People love the breadth and depth of the artwork,” Margie says.
“A lot of people didn’t know her story. She didn’t talk about it for years.
“She would have loved this.”
(“Steffi Friedman: Sculpture” is available at the Westport Barnes & Noble. It can also be ordered from Maggie. Email wgwmargie@aol.com for details.)
Steffi Friedman’s “Free To Be Me” is now on view at Earthplace.
(“06880” often covers Westport’s arts scene — its past, present and future. If you enjoy that coverage, or anything else on our hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
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The assembly was an excellent and impactful educational experience for the entire school. I want to underscore that the students themselves envisioned, created, shaped and ran the assembly from start to finish. And I credit the school administration for trusting and supporting them, and for giving them the opportunity to stand up and lead.
