The Wassaic Project: Summer Benefit honors inaugural chairman, Janet Offensend

WASSAIC— The Wassaic Project commemorated a milestone at its 10th Annual Summer Benefit on Saturday, June 16.

Dressed in chic summer attire, guests began arriving around 5 p.m. to the festivities held on the Maxon Mills’ front porch. Community members and artists alike mingled underneath a big white tent, often popping into the mill to explore this year’s summer exhibition, “Change of State.” Before long, the front porch was alive with music, conversation and camaraderie. While the adults chatted, children contented themselves with coloring paper spinning wheels.

Guests satisfied their taste buds with a delicious medley from Trough Catering. Wine, cider and beer were available as were tasty cocktails.

Raffles were held for numerous prizes, including a private cocktail party for 50 people at Maxon Mills, an evening meal for eight at the Tamarack Preserve and patron membership at Storm King Art Center. Additionally, a raffle was held for visitors to purchase pieces of art from the project’s residential artists.

Wassaic Project co-director  Bowie Zunino and Wassaic Project Board of Directors Chairman Dan Sternberg thanked the community for its support, along with inaugural chairman Janet Offensend.

“You represent our neighbors, our colleagues, our supporters, our artists, our residents and, most important, our friends,” Sternberg said. “I want to thank you for coming out to celebrate our 10th birthday.”

Sternberg also expressed gratitude for Offensend for her mentorship, leadership and friendship. 

Stepping up to the microphone, Zunino was eager to share The Wassaic Project’s milestones over the past decade. With her eyes tearing up, she thanked the community for ensuring The Wassaic Project’s continuation.

Wassaic Project co-director Jeff Barnett-Winsby narrated the story of how Offensend started her journey with The Wassaic Project and continued to be one of its greatest supporters in between her involvement with other organizations. Celebrating the best moments of their lives and comforting them through the worst, he said Offensend was always there for the organization as she shared in its happiness, struggles, stories and accomplishments.

“Janet, thank you for all you’ve done and all you’ve continued to do,” Barnett-Winsby said. “You inspire us to do better.”

As a token of their gratitude, Barnett-Winsby said he, Zunino and co-director Eve Biddle commissioned artwork especially for Offensend from the art series, Ghost of a Dream.

“It’s been a sensational honor to work with this group,” Offensend said. “I think the main thing I want to say is ‘Thank you to you all.’”

“As The Wassaic Project is celebrating its 10th year, I think Janet and I are realizing that our friendship goes back 35 years,” said New York State Assembly member Didi Barrett (D-106). “That only suggests the commitment Janet has to social services… and it’s been my great privilege and honor to be her friend for those 35 years.”

Barrett presented Offensend with a certificate from the New York State Assembly recognizing her retirement as the inaugural chairman of The Wassaic Project Board.