Tag Archives: Ann Sheffer

Roundup: Malloy Lecture, Craig & Lindsay’s House, Longshore Sign …

Posted on February 16, 2025 | 1 comment

Since 2002, the Malloy Lecture in the Arts has brought some of the world’s most extraordinary creative voices to Westport.

Clive Davis, Arthur Miller, Joyce Carol Oates, Christopher Plummer, Salman Rushdie and others have sparked thought-provoking, engaging conversations for Westport Library audiences of all ages.

The lectures were underwritten by Westport artist Susan Malloy.

Now — thanks to the Malloy Fund for the Arts — the Library is reimagining the series.

The relaunched event will celebrate Westport’s artistic legacy, while also looking toward its future.

On March 6 (7 p.m.), the Library hosts an evening of conversation and storytelling. Some of Westport’s most influential artists will reflect on how this town has shaped generations of creatives.

Actor/director Jim Naughton — a Weston resident — will moderate the panel discussion. Participants include graphic artistMiggs Burroughs, whose work has defined the town’s artistic identity; Melody James, a leader in the arts known for fostering creative expression; and singer/ actor Melissa Newman, who launched her photo-based book about her parents, Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman, at the Library in 2023. All are Westport residents.

Ann Sheffer — a passionate arts advocate and philanthropist whose family’s contributions have helped shape the cultural fabric of Westport — will also speak.

Additional special guests will be added closer to the event.

Their conversation will explore how Westport has become a magnet for artists, performers and creatives for decades; how the town’s artistic spirit has evolved, and continues to thrive in new and exciting ways; and the role of the next generation in carrying forward Westport’s rich cultural heritage.

Susan Malloy

==================================================

Ever wished you could snag an invite to Craig Melvin and Lindsay Czarniak’s house?

I’ve never gotten one. But thanks to the New York Times, I — and anyone else on the planet with internet — can check out a few highlights.

Today’s New York Times Real Estate section — and a previous digital feature several days ago — shows a few rooms. The new NBC “Today” host reveals how the family landed in Westport (it was midway between New York and Bristol, Connecticut, where she works for ESPN), and near a train station.

He talks about their strong relationship with the town (youth sports coaching, PTA, etc.).

And he shows off his grandmother’s beloved chair, and his own candle-making equipment.

All of the comments on the Times story are favorable. Many note how genuine and hard-working the couple is. Many others cite how lived-in and well-loved the house seems to be. It’s not fake or prettified, like many celebrities’ homes.

One commenter applauded the creases in the couch, as evidence that it’s actually used.

Click here for a tour of Craig and Lindsay’s home. (Hat tips: John Karrel, Les Dinkin)

Craig Melvin’s chair, vinyl and more. (Photo/Tony Cenicola for The New York Times)

==================================================

The entrance sign at Longshore was showing its age.

There’s a new one now — courtesy of Marty Rogers, Westport’s favorite sign-maker.

It looks a lot like the old one. But it’s fresher, cleaner — and, like its predecessor, will last for quite a while. (Hat tip: David Tetenbaum)

Henry Smith and Marty Rogers, of Marty’s Sign Design.

==================================================

As a busy doctor — and the mother of 2 — Jordan White doesn’t have a lot of time to dance.

But the 1994 Staples High School graduate is making time for Dancing with the Doctors. The April event pairs a Providence doctor with a professional dancer. Proceeds benefit Hope Health Hospice & Palliative Care.

Dr. White is a consultant medical director at the Rhode Island Department of Health, and a course leader in the Primary Care-Population Medicine Program at Brown University’s Warren Alpert Medical School.

She focues on RIDOH’s refugee health program, family planning/reproductive justice, and the health of pregnant and parenting families.

Click here to vote for (and donate to) Dr. White.

Dr. Jordan White

================================================

Staples High School’s elite Stradivarius Chamber Orchestra performs a free concert on March 4 (2:45 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church).

The public is invited to this Y’s Men of Westport and Weston-sponsored event.

Stradivarius Chamber Orchestra

==================================================

Hernan Diaz — author of “In The Distance,” the Westport Library’s 2025 WestportREADS selection — entertained a large Trefz Forum audience Thursday, in a keynote conversation.

Catherine Shen — host of Connecticut Public’s morning talk show and podcast
“Where We Live” — asked provocative questions. Diaz answered scintillatingly, with depth and insight.

Catherine Shen chats with Hernan Diaz. (Photo/KT Kaminski)

=================================================

We all know the dog days of August.

Half a year away, here is a “Westport … Naturally” dog day of February.

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

==================================================

And finally … on this date in 1923, Howard Carter unsealed the burial chamber of Pharaoh Tutankhamun.

(Through snow, rain, sleet, hail — and brilliant sunshine — “06880” is here for you. We’re your 24/7/365 source for hyper-local news, events, opinions and more. Please click here to support us. Thanks!)

1 Comment

Posted in Arts, Library, Local business, Longshore

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Roundup: Traffic, Garden, “The Exorcist” …

Posted on October 23, 2023 | 6 comments

We expected the worst all weekend.

“The slide” — the simultaneously high-tech and low-tech effort to replace the aging I-95 Saugatuck Avenue bridge with a new one, constructed alongside it — began Friday afternoon.

Dire warnings of gridlock aside, traffic flowed smoothly through Westport Friday night. And all day Saturday. And Sunday morning.

Anyone who expected a long journey on the Post Road, or through Saugatuck, zipped right along.

Until yesterday afternoon.

Suddenly, things were as bad as we’ve ever seen. The Post Road was jammed for miles, and drivers were not playing nice. Running red lights, blocking side streets, pulling into oncoming traffic — if there was a way to be a jerk, they found it.

Meanwhile, Waze and similar apps were routing drivers through parts of Westport that seldom see traffic, like Gorham Avenue and Hermit Lane. Hermit Lane!

The bizarre thing is: “The slide” was completed far earlier than expected. By mid-afternoon yesterday, the new bridge was in place.

The state Department of Transportation send out this message:

So yeah, we survived “the slide.”

Now we just have to do it all over again, 2 weeks from now.

The other side of the bridge is not going to move itself. (Hat tip: Susan Iseman)

==================================================

Michael Beebe reports from the Westport Community Gardens:

“Despite the soggy weather and the pall cast by the Long Lots School Building Committee recommendation, our final workday of the 2023 gardening season was Saturday,

“24 volunteers cleaned up the garden grounds, and made them ready for winter.  We are all hopeful that come spring, we will be readying our plots for planting our seedlings, as we have for 20 years.

Erin and Steve Loranger, getting the Community Garden ready for winter.

“In many ways it was business as usual. But between loads of wood chips, there

was a lot of discussion of the town’s decision to destroy the hard work of this hearty community.

“We even had a couple of visitors: a Long Lots parent and her kindergarten daughter. They wanted to learn more about the garden, in light of the controversy. The mom seemed concerned that the controversy about the garden was holding up construction of the school.

“I pointed out that the actual debate is about sports fields vs the garden. In fact, the LLSBC had an option which left the garden right where it was — proving that the garden itself is not an obstacle to a timely start. They just chose a different option.”

Michael sent photos of “a cheerful crew doing what we have always done: getting fresh air, working together as a community, and keeping the gardens beautiful.”

Volunteering at the Community Gardens work day (from left): Andrew Giangrave, Julie O’Grady, Teresa Roth, Franco Fellah, Patty Duecy, Pipa Ader.

==================================================

Just after 4 p.m. yesterday, Westport Police were alerted to a boating incident, with missing people.

Sometime after 9:30 a.m., a small fishing boat anchored on the south side of Cockenoe Island sank, in choppy waters.

There were 5 people on the small vessel; all ended up in Long Island Sound.  The Westport Police Marine Unit rescued 3. Assisted by the US Coast Guard Marine and Air Units, Norwalk and Fairfield Police Marine Divisions, and Suffolk County Air Unit, they searched for the other 2.

The 2 missing men are from Spring Valley and Suffern, New York.  A significant language barrier hampered ability to identify the missing men.  Police are working with translators during the investigation.

Any boaters near Cockenoe Island between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. yesterday are asked to call the Westport Police Department: 203-341-6000.

=================================================

This marks the 50th anniversary of the release of “The Exorcist.”

It’s hard to remember now, but reaction to the film was vehement. Much of it centered around Regan, the girl who was possessed (and whose head swiveled completely around, and who spewed green vomit and did unspeakable things with a crucifix).

Come to think of it, maybe that reaction wasn’t so unpredictable.

Regan was played by Linda Blair. A 14-year-old Staples High School student who had been working as a model and actress since she was 6, she was chosen from  600 others for the role.

Blair earned a Golden Globe Award, was nominated for an Oscar — and received death threats for her “blasphemy.” (She also dated Rick Springfield who, age 25, was 10 years older.)

All of that background is because yesterday’s New York Times included a 50-year retrospective of “The Exorcist.” Three critics assess the film’s impact, then and now. Click here to read. (Hat tip: Fred Cantor)

Linda Blair in “The Exorcist.”

==================================================

“06880” often celebrates Westport’s rich history. We honor homeowners who preserve the past, while enhancing their neighborhoods by giving new life to old properties.

Which is why our first-ever “Historic Homes of 06880” house tour is so special. On Sunday, November 5 (2 to 5 p.m.), you’ll have a chance to check out 4 of our town’s oldest, most interesting homes.

The go-at-your-own-pace tour includes:

  • 29 North Avenue, the fascinating tiny 1700s home that Annette Norton has lovingly restored
  • 39 Cross Highway, the handsome remodeled house at the corner of Weston Road that recently won a preservation award
  • 190 Cross Highway, the intriguing barn/artists’ studio that the British passed on their way to burn the Danbury arsenal, and
  • 6 Old Hill Road, the 1707 home that was lovingly restored after a 2-year renovation project.

Homeowners, members of “06880”‘s board of directors, and our friends from KMS Team at Compass will point out cool aspects of each home. We’ll answer questions. You’ll get a brochure explaining the 4 houses too.

Tickets are $60 each, $100 for 2. Proceeds help fund “06880”‘s work — which, as always, chronicles Westport’s past, present and future.

Click here for tickets. It’s our “Donate” page. Please note “Historic Homes of ‘06880’” with your order.

29 North Avenue

==================================================

A large crowd enjoyed Neil Gaiman’s StoryFest lecture on Friday.

It also doubled as the fall 2023 Malloy Lecture in the Arts. The twice-annual event was endowed by Susan Malloy.

But who was she?

Before Gaiman spoke, Ann Sheffer — Malloy’s niece — gave some insights into the woman who devoted her life the arts, libraries, and Westport (and who would have been 100 years this coming February 28):

Ann said:

“Susan was my mother’s younger sister. They, their brother and their parents started coming to Westport in the early 1930s. In 1935 they bought a 1790 house on Cross Highway.

“My parents moved to Westport in the early 1950s, and Susan and family moved here in the early ’60s. They were all deeply enmeshed in the political, educational and cultural life of our community.

“Susan studied at the Art Students League after college. In Westport she a studio in her house, and painted every day – between carpooling, PTA meetings, and working to create the Westport Schools Permanent Art Collection and Arts Center, among other Westport institutions. She also created birdhouses for the Project Return auction.

“In our family, a common theme was a love of libraries. My grandfather, an immigrant who dropped out of school after 8th grade, loved books, bought libraries at estate sales and gave them away. He endowed libraries, including this one, through his Tudor Foundation.

“The Malloy Lecture represents the convergence of all of Susan’s interests and talents.”

Susan Malloy

==================================================

The Staples High School boys soccer team is enjoying a banner year. They head into this week’s FCIAC playoffs, and next month’s state tournament, as the #2 team in Connecticut.

To keep their program on top — and pay for things like assistant coaches, field maintenance and more — they’re running an online auction.

Items include a ski house, cooking classes, boat trips, Broadway tickets and more.

Click here to see all the items, and bid. The auction ends next Sunday (October 29, 10 p.m.).

The 2023 Staples boys varsity, JV and freshman teams. (Photo/Mark Sikorski)

=================================================

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image — of last of the fall” dahlias — comes courtesy of Peter J. Swift (and the Westport Community Gardens).

(Photo/Peter J. Swift)

==================================================

And finally … as we celebrate “The Exorcist”‘s 50th anniversary (story above):

(Welcome to another week of “06880”: your hyper-local blog. Every week, we rely on reader support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

6 Comments

Posted in Entertainment, Environment, Library, Police, Real estate, Sports, Staples HS, Transportation

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Friday Flashback #363

Posted on September 1, 2023 | 14 comments

This month marks the 70th anniversary of the opening of Coleytown Elementary School.

That seems like a long time ago. In the 7 decades since, we’ve seen a host of school changes. From a “new” (then “modernized,” and now “really new” — though already nearly 20 years old) Staples High School, to “new” schools like Burr Farms and Hillspoint that opened, closed and now are just vague memories, to schools like Bedford and Saugatuck that have changed physical locations), tens of thousands of students have passed through Coleytown’s halls.

And — though it’s been expanded a bit — members of that first 1953 class would recognize those halls easily today.

The original Coleytown Elementary School.

However, that opening day 70 years ago is not so far away. Several former students emailed memories of their first year to “06880.”

Happily, one of the first 1st grade teachers — Dorothy Hall — is still alive.

And still in Westport.

She and her husband — retired Staples High School educator Gordon Hall — live here in town.

Jane Nordli Jessep’s 1st grade classroom, with Dorothy Hall. Twelve members of that class went all the way through the Westport schools, graduating with Staples High School’s Class of 1965.

Pat Small’s taught 2nd grade, the next year.

Ann Sheffer was in Coleytown’s first kindergarten class (and was part of the first graduating class to go all the way through the school, 6 years later).

Ann’s first grade teacher was Pat Small. That year she married Paul Lane. Every student in the class was invited to the wedding.

Paul went on to coach Staples football and track teams. Like the Halls, he and Pat lived for many years in Westport. 

Ann Sheffer’s 1st grade class, with Pat Small. Ann is at the far right. 

Those early years are vivid, in the minds of the initial cohort of students. Jane Nordli Jessep remembers “Coleytown Capers.” the fundraising show drew on the formidable talents of school parents, many of whom were in show business.

Jane’s mother Betty had been a big band singer in the late 1930s and early ’40s. In “Capers” she sang a torch song called “The Girl in the Picture.” The final line was apt: “He works all day in the city, so we can live in the country, and spend all our time apart.”

Of course, plenty of parents found time to stage and perform in “Coleytown Capers.” Among the notable: Hal James. The future Broadway producer of “Man of La Mancha” was the Capers’ producer/director.

This edition of the “Coleytown Capers” ran for 3 nights. 

Harriet Wolfson Flehinger has memories too.

Her mother, Hortense Wolfson, taught for 25 years, almost from the start.

After retiring she stayed on as a substitute teacher, until she was 80.

Hortense Wolfson’s 3rd grade class, around 1960.

Harriet’s 1st grade Coleytown El teacher was “Miss Barbara.”

“We learned later that we were asked to call her Miss Barbara because her last name was Worms. It was determined that 6-year-olds could not be trusted to call their teacher Miss Worms,” Harriet recalls.

Miss Barbara, with Harriet Wolfson’s 1st grade class.

Her father, Harry Wolfson, was a stage manager in the Coleytown Capers. One year the cast and crew gave him a small award. He kept it for 30 years.

Harriet also remembers noted artist Stevan Dohanos’ mural.

“I thought it was the biggest horse in the world,” she says. “When I envision it in my mind, I still see it from the perspective of a small child.”

Stevan Dohanos’ mural.

In around 3rd grade, Harriet says, every Coleytown student lined up in the auditorium for polio vaccine shots.

That was also the era of air raid drills. Students lined up inside hallways, and crouched down hands on top of their heads. “In retrospect,” Harriet says, “that was laughable.”

Everyone was proud of the school’s innovation: an outside door for every classroom.

During fire drills, students were told, they cold empty the school in less than 2 minutes.

There was a fort out back, on the primary grade playground. Harriet always wanted to play in it, with the boys.

Finally, they let her make mud balls that they threw at each other. “I thought I was really one of the boys,” she says.

Rear view of Coleytown Elementary School, before expansion.

Harriet recalls her teachers’ names: Miss Barbara, Miss Small, Mrs. Capasse, Mrs. Walker, Mrs. Friedman, Mr Amundsen. “Funny I can remember all of them, but not what I ate for lunch yesterday!” she laughs.

As she got older and returned to the school, Harriet was struck by Coleytown’s architecture.

“It seems to fit the lay of the land so well. I’m not so sure about all the extensions. But the original building was so graceful.”

Coleytown Elementary School today …

… and the view from the air.

(Wherever you went to elementary school, you’re invited to enjoy our flashbacks, every Friday. You’re also welcome to support “06880.” Just click here — and thank you!)

Ann Sheffer’s 5th grade teacher, Mr. Donofrio.

Ann Sheffer heads off to Coleytown Elementary School.

14 Comments

Posted in Children, Education, Friday Flashback

Tagged , , ,

Ann Sheffer’s Star

Posted on April 22, 2023 | 14 comments

Ann Sheffer is a long-time Westport star.

The Westport native and 1966 Staples High School graduate has served her home town in countless ways, large and small.

After graduating with a degree in theater from Smith College, she earned a master’s in theater administration from Tufts, and an MBA from the University of Washington. Sheffer worked with a wide range of non-profit arts groups, on boards at the local, state and national levels.

A too-brief local list includes the Westport Arts Center, Westport Historical Society and Westport Library, plus literally dozens of town committees and events, from arts and education to history and culture.

She helped found the Westport Arts Advisory Committee in 1994, which thrives today.

A former trustee of the Westport Country Playhouse, she helped plan its early-2000s renovation (including procuring grants,  preserving posters from its long history).

Ann Sheffer

Sheffer has been named a WAC “Queen of the Arts,” and a Westport Weston Family YMCA “Face of Achievement.”

For 50 years she’s been a driving force behind the Betty R. Sheffer Foundation, named after her late mother.

(Her family’s roots in Westport go back even further. Starting in the 1930s, her grandparents spent summers and weekends in Westport. Their property, on the corner of Cross Highway and Bayberry Lane, predates the Merritt Parkway and Nike site — which became the Westport Weston Health District and Rolnick Observatory.)

At the national level, Sheffer served on President Clinton’s Committee on Arts and Humanities, and been an Americans for the Arts and Political Action Fund board member.

Her honors include the Athena Visionary Award, the Women Who Rule Award, and the Women In Philanthropy Award.

She and her husband, former Staples classmate Bill Scheffler*, had a second home in another arts community: Palm Springs, California.

Now Sheffer is a star there.

Literally.

Earlier this month, she became the 460th person to be honored on the town’s “Walk of the Stars.” She was cited as a “Public Art Visionary” and “Humanitarian.”

Out west, Sheffer has chaired the Palm Springs Public Arts Commission, and been part of humanitarian and philanthropic agencies like DAP Health and the Inland Empire Community Foundation.

She has received the Equality California Community Leadership Award, and the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission Community Leadership Award.

Criteria for her most recent award note that a nominee should have “greatly distinguished themselves with altruistic deeds and significant contributions to their city, state and country.  They should have received national or international recognition in the form of honors or awards. And they should be widely known by the general public to have impacted the lives of people locally or internationally, or have had a significant positive effect on…the health and well-being within the community.”

Sheffer has done all that, and more.

Of course, with Westport and Palm Springs sharing an arts sensibility — and with Sheffer’s continent-wide connections — there is an “06880” tie-in.

Six years ago, when she began chairing the Public Arts Commission, she put up a sign: “Imagine Art Here.”

Ann Sheffer, Scott Froschauer and his sign.

It was created by Scott Froschauer, a Los Angeles-based artist who was gaining attention for works that use street signs to convey more useful instructions (like “Breathe” and “All We Have is Now”).

Ann Sheffer and Bill Scheffler, with one of their Scott Froschauer works.

It turned out that Scott had gone to Staples too. He graduated in 1988.

Ann commissioned one of Scott’s signs for the Westport Arts Advisory Committee, to celebrate Miggs Burroughs and Ann Chernow’s “Welcome to Art Town” newspaper column.

But it wasn’t until the Palm Springs “Walk of the Stars” dedication — attended by Ann’s daughter, Emily Reich — that they realized Emily and Scott had been members of the same BBS (early internet site).

He remembered her by her online name.

The stars definitely aligned for that one.

*It’s no coincidence their last names are similar. They met in the same alphabetically created homeroom at Staples, then reconnected years later.

(“06880” covers the local arts scene — wherever it goes. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

14 Comments

Posted in Arts, Staples HS

Tagged , , ,

Roundup: COVID Testing, VOTE!, Dentists, Kart Racing, More

Posted on November 9, 2020 | 9 comments

As the number of COVID cases rises in Connecticut, so does testing demand.

This was the scene today before 7 a.m., at the St. Vincent’s Health Center site. The line of cars stretched far down Long Lots Road.

(Photo/Adam Stolpen)

Remember that “VOTE” sculpture that went up right before Election Day on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge?

It was created by Westporter Mark Yurkiw.

On Tuesday morning — as voters headed to the polls — this was all that remained:

Mark collected the pieces. He realized the damage did not come from the wind. If that was the culprit, they’d be scattered on the river. Instead, Mark says, all the letters were there on the ground.

He collected them, brought them home, and took this photo:

(Photos/Mark Yurkiw)

He calls this tryptic “Battered Not Broken.”

“Rock Paper Scissors” — the sculpture, not the game — was officially dedicated yesterday on Jesup Green. now that the official ribbon cutting has taken place.

Ann Sheffer — who with her husband Bill Scheffler dedicated the work — eloquently described how the influence of her Westport family encouraged her longtime support of the Westport Library, and how her desire to keep the arts thriving in Westport led to the establishment of the Arts Advisory Committee and the position of town curator (now filled by Kathie Motes Bennewitz.)

Dedicating “Rock Paper Scissors” yesterday (from left): Westport Library director Bill Harmer, town arts curator Kathie Motes Bennewitz, Westport Arts Advisory committee co-chair Nancy Diamond, donors Bill Scheffler and Ann Sheffer, 1st Selectman Jim Marpe. (Photo/Randa Trivisonno)

And one more election-related photo…

Anne Lowrie sent this along. The flag is in her back yard. It struck her as “appropriate for the current times: beat up but still flying.”

(Photo/Anne Lowrie)

The other day my dentist emailed me, requesting confirmation of an upcoming appointment. It prominently noted I’d be charged $50 if I canceled less than 24 hours in advance.

Then — less than 24 hours before my appointment — he emailed again. He had to cancel; his hygienist would not be in the next day.

I assume I’ll get $50 off my next visit. Right?

In early March, “06880” profiled Vivek Kanthan. The 10-year-old Westporter had just launched his (very successful) kart racing career.

A few days later, COVID-19 struck. Suddenly, his spring and summer plans were on hold.

When competition resumed, Vivek was ready. All told this year he competed in 16 races, and reached the podium 12 times.

Next year the young racer moves up a class, and faces even fiercer competition. it begins with 2 national events in Miami. Good luck, Vivek!

Vivek Kanthan, and his trophies.

Sharing a post-Halloween meal on Manitou Road:

(Photo/Francoise Jaffe)

And finally … speaking of dentists:

9 Comments

Posted in Children, Environment, Politics, Sports, Totally random

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Roundup: Loud Bangs, Rock Paper Scissors, Westport Inn, More

Posted on November 6, 2020 | 17 comments

A reader writes:

“Dan, have you heard reports about random loud bangs going on all over town at night? It was on Facebook “Westport Front Porch” again last night, and also on my private street group text (Old Hill area). We all experienced it a few nights ago, and each thought it was outside our own house.

“As far as we know the police get called, but nothing comes of it.”

What’s going on? If you know, click “Comments” below.

This hasn’t gotten much publicity. But the Westport Inn — Westport’s only hotel — has been sold.

It’s closed for renovations. The website says “We look forward to welcoming you back in January 2021.”

The Water Rats swim team is crawling out of the pool long enough to do some land-based good.

Tomorrow (Saturday, November 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.), they’re holding a food drive to benefit the Bridgeport Rescue Mission.

Water Rats are collecting Thanksgiving-themed food items and other non-perishables. Drop-off is the gravel parking lot at the Westport Weston Family YMCA. You don’t even have to get out of your car!

Click here for a list of requested items.

 

“Rock, Paper, Scissors” is the latest attraction on Jesup Green by the Westport Library.

No, not the game. This is the a very cool sculpture of the same name.

The gift of Ann Sheffer and Bill Scheffler is already attracting attention. Moments after installation was complete, a young couple with a toddler strolled by.

“Wonderful work! Great spot!” they said. “Kids will love it.”

By which they of course meant “kids of all ages!”

Westport arts curator Kathie Motes Bennewitz (far left) with the “Rock, Paper, Scissors” installation team. Not pictured, but part of the crew were Westporters Rob Haroun and Scott Rochlin. 

And finally … in honor of Westport’s newest outdoor art (above):

17 Comments

Posted in Arts, Downtown, Library, Local business, Westport life

Tagged , , ,

Rock Paper Scissors Coming Downtown. Everyone Wins!

Posted on May 3, 2020 | 16 comments

If you thought the giant “Typewriter Eraser” sculpture on Beachside Avenue was cool, you’ll love this news.

An equally large piece is being donated to Westport.

And it’s planned for a much more visible location than a Greens Farms lawn.

“Rock Paper Scissors” monument is a gift from longtime arts philanthropists Ann Sheffer and her husband Bill Scheffler. The 9-foot high artwork will be placed at the top of Jesup Green, near the new path leading down to the river. It will complement nearby sculptures.

Kevin Box’s “Rock Paper Scissors” monument. This is obviously not its location in Westport.

The Board of Selectmen have already reviewed the gift. It goes before the Planning & Zoning Commission on May 14, and then must be accepted by the RTM.

In its application request, the sponsoring Westport Arts Advisory Committee said that sculptor Kevin Box “pushes boundaries of traditional metal casting by creating sculptures that are so delicate, detailed and weightless that they appear to be made simply of paper.”

Combined with the “fortitude of metal,” that results in “whimsical, fun and beautiful pieces with surprising weight, both literally and figuratively.”

Sheffer — a 1966 graduate of Staples High School, who as a 6-term member of the RTM chaired its Library, Museum and Arts Committee — and her Staples classmate Scheffler have long been involved with the town’s arts scene, as well as the Westport Library.

(For more details on the “Rock Paper Scissors Monument,” click here.)

16 Comments

Posted in Arts, Downtown, Library, People

Tagged , , , ,

Westport Museum Posts Statement

Posted on January 20, 2020 | 21 comments

Eagle-eyed “06880” reader Amy Bauer has discovered a statement from Westport Museum for History & Culture board chair Sara Krasne. In it, she addresses the controversy following the renaming of the Sheffer Gallery, after receiving a large donation from an estate.

Krasne’s statement — under the heading “Statement From Board Chair” — appears far down on the home page of the museum’s website, underneath information on upcoming events. She says:

I asked Ann Sheffer if this statement accurately represented her conversation with Krasne. Ann said:

Although I appreciate the apology from Sara about not contacting me personally before issuing the press release about removing my parents’ names from the WHS exhibit hall, our conversation in no way clarified what the Historical Society plans to do to rectify the situation.

I have also had a conversation with Dick Orenstein, the trustee of the Daniel Offutt estate. We had a very productive discussion about responsibility to donors both historic and current, and I am awaiting his report after he has had a chance to talk with Historical Society board members.

Unfortunately, there are a number of other issues regarding recent policies that should be addressed as well. I don’t feel that there is yet any acknowledgement of this, or openness to discussion within the affected parties and the community at large.

 

21 Comments

Posted in Organizations, People

Tagged , ,

[OPINION] Eve Potts: Another Former WHS Board Member Speaks Out

Posted on January 13, 2020 | 51 comments

Among the many longtime Westporters — and Westport Historical Society volunteers — who are saddened, distressed and/or outraged by the recent decision of the newly rechristened Westport Museum for History & Culture to remove the Sheffer name from the exhibition gallery to accommodate a new donation, it’s hard to find one with a deeper, stronger connection than Eve Potts.

She joined the WHS board in the 1970s. Here are her thoughts on the changes at the downtown institution, whose own history dates back to 1889.

Eve writes: 

This is a sad, sad story. The present Westport Museum for History & Culture embarked on making a transformational change without the benefit of any knowledge of its own history.

Mollie Donovan was, like many other Westporters, a longtime Historical Society volunteer with an interest in the arts.

Unfortunately a huge vacuum, left by the deaths of an incredible number of faithful, knowledgeable unpaid volunteers like Barbara Raymond, Katie Chase, Susan Wynkoop, Mollie Donovan, Barbara Van Orden and Maggie Fesko, enabled a strategic plan to be put into place that changed the focus of the Society and decommissioned the period rooms, to make way for “museum quality programs and exhibits.”

And now, the announcement that the Sheffer Gallery will be erased and replaced by a name that is totally unknown to most Westporters: the Offutt Gallery.

I have been on the board of the Westport Historical Society since the late 1970s, when we used the home across the street as our headquarters and looked longingly at handsome Wheeler House, then occupied by the elderly Mrs. Avery.

At the time, Betty Sheffer (Ann Sheffer’s mother) and Shirley Land curated the costume collection. They spent many hours conserving and documenting the vintage materials.

The Sheffers, from the very start, were totally supportive, and financially available to help achieve the goals of the Historical Society (as well as every other non-profit organization in Westport).

Ann has always had a world-view vision, and a hands-on ability to bring together diverse factions to reach the goals we all were striving to meet. For Ann, Bill and her family to be handled in such a thoughtless and cavalier fashion by the present board is simply not in the tradition of the stated mission of the Westport Historical Society.

When Mrs. Avery died, I went over to Town Hall to check out the Probate Court records. I discovered that the house had been left to Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.

Along with Eleanor Street, Joan Dickinson, Barbara Elmer, Bob Gault, Peggy Henkle, Mollie Donovan, Fran Thomas, Barbara Van Orden and a group of other active unpaid volunteers, we worked with the church to put together a plan to purchase the house.

Our goal was $300,000. Through massive fundraising events — and the support of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, and the combined fundraising efforts of Jo Fuchs, Connie Anstett and many willing volunteers — we managed to come up with the funds, as well as the expertise to refurbish the house to its Victorian era splendor.

Wheeler House, on Avery Place.

In 1987 I wrote the book, “Westport…A Special Place,” with Howard Munce as its graphic designer. All of our efforts and expenses were totally without charge to the Society. In addition, we contributed all funds (well over $100,000) from that effort to the WHS, to support future publications to benefit the Society.

Those funds have supported the publication of a whole string of other important historical publications and videos. [NOTE: The Eve Potts Book Fund supported publication of my own book, “Staples High School: 120 Years of A+ Education.” — Dan Woog]

In 2014, with incredible support from then-president Dorothy Curran and the board, we mounted a very successful exhibit. “Cover Story” (in the Sheffer Gallery!) was admired by Fiona and  Andrew Bentley, along with thousands of visitors.

So intrigued were Andrew and Fiona with the artistic New Yorker history of Westport that Andrew got in touch with me. We collaborated on a book about the New Yorker covers.

The cover of Eve Potts and Andrew Bentley’s book.

Thanks to the vision of Ed Gerber, who was president at the time, the book — “The New Yorker in Westport” — was published without cost to the WHS, with funds from the Bentleys and from the Potts Book Fund.

All funds raised from the sale of that publication have gone directly to the Society’s regular yearly budget. They were desperately needed at that time for necessary repairs, including a roof, new furnace and lighting system. The book continues to sell well, and funds continue to go to the WHS annual budget.

It is pitiful to see how all the hard work of so many dedicated Westport volunteers over so many years has been totally disregarded in a determined effort to erase the past by the unwitting actions of the present Westport Museum hierarchy.

51 Comments

Posted in Categories

Tagged , , , , ,

Westport History Museum Removes Historic Name

Posted on January 13, 2020 | 132 comments

Ann Sheffer is a native Westporter. The Staples High School Class of 1966 graduate’s family arrived here nearly a century ago.

Her father Ralph served on the RTM for 16 years, 10 as moderator. He chaired the Nike Site Committee, which managed the difficult task of bringing two military facilities to town, on North Avenue and Bayberry Lane. As chief fundraiser for the Westport Library, he helped spearhead the move from the Post Road to its present location.

Ann’s mother Betty was an active town volunteer. After her death at a young age, the Betty R. Sheffer Foundation provided major funding for arts, education, health care and history projects.

Ann Sheffer

Ann has carried on the family tradition. She is involved in literally dozens of town committees and events, including arts, education, history and culture.

For many years, the main exhibition space at the Westport Historical Society was called the Sheffer Gallery.

The institution’s name change — it is now the Westport Museum for History & Culture — as well as new leadership has brought many changes. Among them: The Sheffer Gallery will now be called the Daniel E. Offutt III Exhibition Hall.

A number of Westporters who were long associated with the WHS have expressed dismay at the changes — including the renaming of the Sheffer Gallery. Ann Sheffer is among them. She sent this open letter to the Westport History Museum:

Last week I drove by Wheeler House. I was pleased to see that the bricks that I bought to commemorate my family’s tenure in Westport are still there (and my husband Bill’s name is now spelled correctly), as are Miss Liberty and Uncle Sam, who have graced the porch or lawn of the house since we donated them in 2000 as part of the Millennium celebration.

Bricks bought by Ann Sheffer and her husband Bill Scheffler, honoring the extended Sheffer family.

As the bricks note, my family has been part of Westport since 1930, and also very involved with the Westport Historical Society. I don’t want to recite all of the volunteer positions we’ve held, contributions to the archives we’ve made, and most significantly, the major contribution to the expansion of the building, which resulted in the naming of the Exhibition Hall in honor of my parents.

So I was dismayed to receive a letter from your board president, Sara Krasne, with the following vague, disingenuous “notice” that the Westport History Museum had received “a significant donation for the purpose of upgrading the exhibition hall to a modern, state-of-the-art standard in return for naming the hall after the donor.”

First, it’s very unprofessional of you to send me a letter rather than speaking to me in person — and trying to understate the fact that you are taking my parents’ names off of the Exhibition Hall. I’m disappointed that you don’t value our history of support for the organization enough to be honest about what you are doing.

Second, it is a fairly serious breach of faith and fiduciary responsibility to remove a donor’s name from a building without having the courtesy to ask their permission.

“Uncle Sam” and “Miss Liberty” — donated to the Westport Historical Society in 2000 by Ann Sheffer and Bill Scheffler — were almost sold last year. They still remain at what is now the Westport Museum for History & Culture. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

I would note that my family’s contributions are recognized by a number of other cultural organizations in town, most notably the Westport Library — whose director, Bill Harmer, called me as soon as the plans for the recent renovation were announced, to discuss how we would like our family’s name to be displayed in the new design.  Not only were we delighted to be consulted, but his approach resulted in our making additional contributions.

I’m very disappointed that an organization that is ostensibly dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of Westport would be so insensitive and dismissive of the historical contributions that have insured their existence.

I have no interest in any further discussion with you. But I sincerely hope that you will not treat other donors in such a dismissive fashion, and that you will make an effort to honor the founding principles of the Westport Historical Society despite your name change.

Westport is, as we often say, a special place, with a long history worth celebrating — and the Westport History Museum has a responsibility to preserve that history in an ethical and professional manner.

 I asked executive director Ramin Ganeshram to respond. She emailed back: “Please find the official press release regarding the exciting opportunity to upgrade the Exhibition Hall in order to continue the Museum’s transformative path toward excellence in providing world class exhibits in the tradition of our award-winning ‘Remembered: The History of African Americans in Westport.'”

Here is that press release, dated Friday, January 10 but suddenly sent yesterday morning:

Westport Museum (formerly Westport Historical Society) is honored to announce that it will be naming its main exhibit hall after local philanthropist Daniel E. Offutt, III following a significant donation from the Daniel E. Offutt, III Charitable Trust. Mr. Offutt, who lived in Weston, was a generous donor to many local nonprofits both during his lifetime and via his estate.

The gift is the largest single donation ever received by the Museum. The main exhibit hall was formerly named after Ralph & Betty Sheffer, longtime supporters of the Museum who provided the major funding to complete the space in 2002.

“We are thrilled to be able to name this significant cultural resource after Mr. Offutt who was a generous and active member in the local community. His interest and support has helped many cultural organizations here and around the nation,” says Ramin Ganeshram, Executive Director of Westport Museum. “I only wish Mr. Offutt were with us to see the value his good work will bring to this and surrounding communities.”

Daniel Offutt had a lifetime interest in history and in art as both a collector and an artist. A self-described “farmer,” he was more aptly described as a “Renaissance Man”: a tennis player, traveler, sailor, metal sculptor, wood worker, fixer of anything, collector of everything, lover of projects, stock market investor, and a good friend. Mr. Offutt lived for more than 30 years in Weston, Connecticut in a house that he built himself.

The gift from Mr. Offutt’s Trust will enable Westport Museum to make much needed upgrades to its main exhibit hall, in keeping with national museum standards to provide quality experiences with universal access to the widest audience. The goal of upgrading exhibit spaces at the Museum is part of a multi-year strategic initiative to create a world class regional Museum in Westport.

“As Trustee, I am pleased to support the growth and improvement envisioned for the Museum,” said Richard H. Orenstein. “Working with Ramin has been an easy and creative endeavor.”

“Thanks to this significant gift we will be able to create our next ground-breaking exhibit with the highest standards in mind,” said Ganeshram. The first exhibit to open in the newly remodeled space will be in late 2020 about Westport’s indigenous people who inhabited the town and surrounds for 7500 years before European colonization.

While the name change is effective immediately, a plaque will be formally installed to rename the gallery “The Daniel E. Offutt III Exhibition Hall at Westport Museum” at a ceremony to take place at the opening of the 2020 indigenous people’s exhibit in November.

132 Comments

Posted in Looking back, Organizations, People

Tagged , , , , , ,