There is a fervor to know more, understand more, and appreciate more of the Shaker heritage that has made such an indelible mark on our area. The annual gala at Shaker Museum | Mount Lebanon is proof of that. On Saturday, August 18, the museum honored Sharon Duane Koomler and Jerry Van Grant for their many years of service to the museum and their innumerable contributions to the study of the American Shakers. Supporters mingled beside the imposing Great Stone Barn and stepped into The Vault — formerly the manure barn — for hors d’oeuvres and ambience. A dinner catered by The Farmer’s Wife, a live auction (including a day of farmers market shopping with actress and Shaker aficionado Frances McDormand) and a concert by Syd Straw followed.

Executive Director Lacy Schutz, Jeff Daly, chair emeritus and Paul Cassidy, board chair, flank the guests of honor, Jerry Van Grant and Sharon Duane Koomler.
Ellen and Alan Goldner, who have a house in Chatham.
Sean Howard from Taconic Engineering, and Diana Howard.
Mike Hursa, Linda Hursa, owner of Angels Trumpet Florist, and Shawna Fitzsimmons, director of operations.
Arlene Hutton, Lisa Seymour, collections manager, Brad Seymour, Melissa Peters, administrative associate, and Brian Peters.
Britton Limes and Nikki Carchedi of Stone House Properties.
Hiroshi Kazo and Janet Kazo.
Cynthia Noe and Dawn Murad.
Lesley Oelsner, Amy Butler and John Dax, board vice president.
Margaret Sullivan and Sheila Aleixo-Cramer; both work at Taconic Engineering.
Bob Werner and Suzanne Werner, who own Green River Hollow Farm in Hillsdale, New York, and who are opening an alpaca shop in Hudson.
Elizabeth Shoobs, Adrian Shoobs and Rebecca Ghanie.

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Written by
Lisa Green