3 Locations
11 Beautiful Years in Business
7,000+ Patients & Families Served
$200,000+ Donated to Local & National Philanthropies
1 million+ Botox ® Units Administered
December 2024 Publisher’s Letter
The holidays are here and as the spirit of the season is among us, we often try to replicate what made the season feel so magical to us in our youth. The traditions we set for our own families often mirror some of what we experienced as a child whether it is the smells, the sounds, the lights, the holiday activities or a combination of it all that reflect that best. This month, we wanted to highlight the magic of the season and what our town has to offer that helps spread holiday cheer. We’ve compiled a gift guide to make your shopping easier and that also supports our local businesses. We also wanted to share what our area has to offer this holiday season for entertainment and ways to give back. While this season can be beautiful for some, it can be painful and lonely for others, especially those who have recently lost a loved one. In the true spirit of the season, let’s take care of those in our community that need assistance or who are alone. My hope for you this season is that you feel love and peace and that we all remember to take care of each other extending grace, empathy and love.
Happy Holidays!
BRUCE BERNSTEIN, PUBLISHER
@FAIRFIELDLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE
December 2024
PUBLISHERS
Bruce Bernstein | bruce.bernstein@citylifestyle.com
Mindy Katz | mindy.katz@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Samantha Beranbom
samantha.beranbom@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Pam Antonacchio | pam.antonacchio@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Kelly Berlin
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Heidi Curran Photography
Dariusz Terepka Photography
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster Learn
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
Fairfield University Arts & Minds Season Kick-Off Celebration hosted by Fiona Garland and Andrew Bentley. 1: Deborah Murtaugh and Lance Lundberg 2: Andrew Bentley , Lori Jones, Victor Torchia, Geri Derbyshire, Nina Bentley, Ben Ortiz and Phil Maroney 3: Andrew Bentley and Joshua Harkey 4: Fiona Garland , John Meditz, Jack Hollihan, Bob Schnurr, Rosellen Schnurr and Carey Weber 5: Bill and Joan Grabe 6: Lisa Ferraro, Esmee Trimbos, Michael Vigario and Gail Harris 7: Becky Goss, Rondi Charleston, Steve Ruchefsky and Mike Goss
Photography by Cortney Wood Photography
Fairfield University Arts & Minds Season Kick-Off Celebration hosted by Fiona Garland and Andrew Bentley. 8: Celeste Lacroix, Tess Long and Paul Burger 9: Stunning art in the Pool House 10: Jim and Mary Ellen Marpe 11: Andrew Bentley and Noor Deeb 12: Marc Minker, Marie-Laure Kugel, Philip Eliasoph, Susan Minker, Shelley Driesman and Mitch Driesman 13: Don Siegel and Norman Lacroix
Photography by Cortney Wood Photography
Flavors of Hope ‘24 at Fairfield Museum and History Center 14: Jacqueline Dalmage, Brett Dunne and Raeann Bromark 15: Guests enjoying the evening for a good cause 16: Ira and Donna Altman, Dr. Anna Gertsberg, Howie Altman 17: Brett and Tanya Dunne 18: Heather Latorre and Janet Freimuth 19: Howie Altman, Brett and Tanya Dunne 20: Jacqueline Dalmage, Jennifer Siberon, Katherine Pastrana, Raeann Bromark, Lisa Milone and Phil Schneidermeyer Photography by Dariusz Terepka Photography
107 John Street, Southport, CT 06890
(203) 327-1212 | www 5thstreetadvisors com
Shane Pendley, CFP® | spendley@5thstreetadvisors.com
Cesar Manent, CFP® | cesar@5thstreetadvisors com
Abelardo Curdumí, CFP® | curdumi@5thstreetadvisors com
Ryan
Sheppard | CPA,CFF Managing Partner
Shelter Interiors
Award-winning Shelter Interiors oversees every aspect of your project. Whether it’s new home construction or renovation, they manage the entire process. From creating detailed construction drawings and specifications to adding the finishing touches of furniture, accessories, and window treatments. Since 2007, they’ve worked with families to build their dream homes as well as international companies to create spaces that are effective and on brand. Shelter’s work has been featured in several magazines and publications. shelterinteriorsllc.com
Photography by Sequined Asphault Studio
C.
Alina's Cakes and Cookies
We are a full service bakery specializing in custom cakes, gourmet cupcakes, pastries, cookies and desserts. Our menu is an irresistible blend of comfort-oriented classics, traditional European specialties and elegant baked goods. All items are handcrafted from scratch with the finest natural ingredients. After 10 years in Fairfield, we are proud to announce the opening of our second location in Westport, CT, featuring breads, patisserie and breakfast. alinascakes.com
Ocean Blu Boutique
Ocean Blu Boutique is an artisanal gift shop with an eclectic collection of jewelry, home decor, baby items and more. Curated with a focus on showcasing emerging artisans and local small businesses, Ocean Blu offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes it feel like you’re shopping in someone’s beach house. Come meet our team, browse and find your next perfect gift (or a little something for you) at 2480 Black Turnpike. oceanbluboutique.com
Photography Provided by Ocean Blu Boutique
Agusto's Italian Deli
Experience the essence of authentic Italian flavors at Agusto's Italian Deli, where only the highest quality food and meats are combined with the freshest Italian bread delivered daily. agustositaliandeli.com
Photography by Heidi Curran Photography
& found
In a world filled with too many disposables, & found offers an elevated collection of furnishings that have lived a previous life or have been thoughtfully made by human hands. Every piece has a backstory. Our pieces are curated by owner and designer, Nicole Kofoed with the belief that the history and imperfections of vintage and artisan-made pieces breathe soul into a space, making it truly one-of-a-kind. By appt: 3002 Fairfield Avenue, Black Rock andfoundfurnishings.com
Photography by Beth Nori @nori_studios
Bluepoint Home
Meet Samantha Kilcoyne, the creative force behind Bluepoint Home in the Fairfield Brick Walk. With over two decades of interior design expertise and nearly ten years as a retail store owner, Samantha brings visions to life through style and functionality. Partnering with her husband, Scott Kilcoyne, she delivers seamless, end-to-end design, while Scott contributes his architectural expertise through Bluepoint Design. Together, they transform homes into inspired works of art, merging creativity and craftsmanship. bluepointhomellc.com
We welcome the opportunity to work with you to deliver a personalized and stress free design project. Benefit from our 20 plus years of extensive industry knowledge & experience.
NEW HOME DESIGN RENOVATIONS
KITCHEN + BATH
Junk Bear Clean Out Services
WHAT STARTED AS A ONEMAN SIDE JOB HAS BECOME A THRIVING COMPANY
ARTICLE BY LUCINDA JAMISON PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEBB GRAFF
“Out with the old” is the idea behind the locally family-owned and operated junk removal company, Junk Bear. Owner Rob Paradis began the business in 2019, working evenings, weekends and lunch hours with his mid-size Toyota Tacoma and a small utility trailer to clear out junk and clutter for area family and friends.
The company’s home-improvement focus during the past several years allowed Rob to leave his corporate job as an operations manager. His small, part-time business, based in Southington, has now grown into a full-time operation servicing five
mid-state and northwestern counties. The business employs eight full-time and four part-time people that process an average of 40 properties a week — more than 2,000 clean-ups in 2022.
“We’re grateful at how far we’ve come,” Rob says. “We’re proud to serve local communities with this valuable service.”
Junk Bear’s menu of services offers everything from hauling away old furniture and appliances, yard debris, old pools, and hot tubs to complete home, basement and garage clean outs, even helping with moving-truck load-ups.
Rob Paradis and his wife Kim.
“People always have stuff to get rid of. We’re here to help them. We service jobs of all styles, from one-item pickups to full truckloads and whole house clean outs. Our biggest job was a single home that required 31 truckloads with 465 cubic yards of materials. No job is too big or too small.” – Rob Paradis
“People always have stuff to get rid of. We’re here to help them. We service jobs of all styles, from one-item pickups to full truckloads and whole house clean outs. Our biggest job was a single home that required 31 truckloads with 465 cubic yards of materials. No job is too big or too small.”
Junk Bear is proud to be a community-based business that employs local workers and supports their growth in the company, by encouraging them to set and pursue career goals. Rob says he’s also proud that his company is able to respond with same-day and next-day service that similar nationally franchised companies can’t deliver. He’s also gratified by the company’s more than 400 highly-rated Google reviews.
Junk Bear seeks to support their employees as they grow their business. “Our business model is rooted in the belief that we succeed best and quickest by helping others succeed.
We achieve our goals when we give back to our team as well as our customers.”
Junk Bear is also committed to helping the environment by recycling as much as possible what they collect. Tools and equipment are repurposed, books are donated to local libraries, usable clothing and furniture to shelters, metals and batteries are funneled to appropriate collection centers. All of which keep materials out of landfills.
Junk Bear LLC Online: Junk-Bear.com On Faceboook: @JunkBear 860-544-5163
From L-R, Rob Paradis' son Bjorn, his brother Aaron, Rob holding the family dog, Berkley, his wife Kim, and his daughter Katelyn.
Rob Paradis, founder, Junk Bear.
Rob Paradis with the family dog, Berkley.
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WINE N CHEESE DAY SPA OFFERS AN ELEVATED CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
A Touch of Luxury
ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA SCHOENGOLD BERANBOM PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEIDI CURRAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Wine N Cheese Day Spa owners Mike and Jacinth
Walking by Wine N Cheese Day Spa in the heart of downtown Fairfield undoubtedly makes passersby slow down in their tracks. This unique addition to The Post Road is part spa, part bar and part event space, offering an elevated customer experience, superior client engagement, and exceptional service.
This holiday season, Wine N Cheese Day Spa is the perfect place to glow up before a party, stop in for a holiday drink or gather friends to celebrate the season.
We recently sat down with the dynamic and charming owners Mike and Jacinth to learn more about this cool spot.
FLM: TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR CONNECTION TO FAIRFIELD.
Mike: Jacinth and I have over 30 years of combined experience working in Fairfield County, with Jacinth contributing more than 20 years here in Fairfield. The town offers the vibrancy of a city paired with the welcoming atmosphere of a small community where everyone supports and encourages your success.
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FLM: WINE N CHEESE DAY SPA IS A CREATIVE AND BRILLIANT ENDEAVOR. CAN YOU TELL US HOW IT CAME TO BE? WHAT IS THE ORIGIN STORY FROM IDEATION TO LAUNCH?
Mike: Wine N Cheese Day Spa was born out of Jacinth’s less-than-ideal experience at a New York spa. After her visit, she felt the service fell short and the experience didn’t live up to expectations. We created our concept because we understand customers seek more than just a service—they want a memorable experience. While massages, facials, manicures and pedicures can be found at countless other places, our unique approach sets us apart. Our guests can enjoy wine and cheese before, during, or after their service, offering the kind of indulgent experience that resonates in this market. So we began down this road of understanding how to provide exceptional service with a touch of luxury in a spa setting.
FLM: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE WINE N CHEESE DAY SPA TO SOMEONE WHO HAS NEVER BEEN THERE?
Mike: What can you do at Wine N Cheese Day Spa? Enjoy any one of our services, such as a massage, facial or manicure. You can also stop in and enjoy a craft cocktail, glass of wine, and one of our signature artisanal charcuterie boards or add it in to level up your spa experience.
FLM: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR PACKAGES OR SERVICES YOUR CUSTOMERS ENJOY?
Mike: One popular service is our Gold Spa Pedicure, which includes everything you need to create a stunning, sparkling look perfect for any occasion. Along with your treatment, you can enjoy a glass of wine and a delightful mini charcuterie board followed by a hot stone massage to help with tension and ease sore muscles, finishing with a paraffin treatment to hydrate your skin. Another customer favorite is the Stress Relief Massage. This massage is focused on deep relaxation and stress relief of achy, tired muscles, incorporating a percussion gun, deep tissue massage, and CBD oil. Our Date Night packages are popular for couples, especially for special occasions and celebrations. Couples can enjoy a 1-hour massage and 30-minute facial over a bottle of Champagne & a charcuterie board for two.
FLM: IS ANYTHING NEW OR NOTEWORTHY HAPPENING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON? IS THERE ANYTHING COMING UP IN THE NEW YEAR THAT NEW AND EXISTING CUSTOMERS CAN LOOK FORWARD TO?
Mike: We have a few exciting upcoming events. Our Wine N Cheese Day will feature several events. We will launch our monthly Sip N Spa where customers can enjoy “all you can handle” mimosas during or after your spa services paired with our new breakfast-style charcuterie boards. Or grab your friends for fun Paint N Sip events to show off your skills as you and your friends sip on a craft cocktail or glass of wine. Our Wine N Cheese tastings pair our artisanal cheeses with red, white and sparkling wines. We are also looking forward to our anniversary party. It will be a fun night as we celebrate turning 1. Be sure to check our website for more details.
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FLM: ON THAT NOTE, WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST SIGNIFICANT LESSON IN THIS FIRST YEAR OF BUSINESS? WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST VALUABLE TAKEAWAY?
Mike: Teaching and coaching is constant if you want to develop a great team.
FLM: WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE RECEIVED AND UTILIZE EVEN TODAY?
Mike: Provide exceptional service to cultivate long-term customer relationships.
FLM: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF BEING A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER IN FAIRFIELD? WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST REWARD?
Mike: The biggest reward has been the strong support from the community and town employees and creating an environment that offers customers a unique spa experience.
Wine N Cheese Day Spa 1330 Post Rd, Fairfield, CT 06824 (475) 999-8752 winencheesedayspa.com
Enjoy their Triple Chocolate Dipped Holiday Cookies
The Sweetest Season
Add Sea Salt Baking Co. to your gift giving list this year. Their gourmet cookies and cakes packages can be customized and delivered right to your recipients front door.
@seasaltbakingco | seasaltbaking.com
INGREDIENTS
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup white chocolate
• candy canes
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large bowl with a paddle attachment, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium high until fluffy and light in color. Add the egg, vanilla extract and mix until combined.
2. Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Beat on low until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
3. Scoop the cookie dough into balls using a small ice cream scooper. The dough will be thick and sticky. Refrigerate for 20 mins. Roll the cookies to make smooth balls.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the dough balls 2-3 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake the cookies for 8-11 minutes or until the edges appear set.
5. Cool cookies for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, and then transfer to a cooling rack.
6. Melt the white chocolate in the microwave for 1 min. Stir until smooth. When cool, dip each cookie halfway into the white chocolate and place onto parchment paper. Decorate with crushed candy canes on top of the white chocolate before it sets.
ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA SCHOENGOLD BERANBOM
Holiday Cheer Starts Here!
SHOP LOCAL FOR THE PERFECT GIFTS THIS SEASON
You can check unique gifts off your holiday shopping list this year. Fairfield is brimming with thoughtful, distinct ideas from our local small businesses, artisans, vendors and local online retailers. Fight the algorithm of ordinary gift giving clicking the same old purchases and shop local this season to find the extraordinary. Instead of run-of-the-mill, generic options, you’ll find gifts from businesses with stories and the incredible people behind them. These are the people that help make our town and neighborhoods so special. Shopping local allows you to connect with shop owners who offer personalized recommendations, making your gift even more thoughtful. They offer a know-how and personalized care for their customers that is truly unmatched. Local shop owners take the time to get to know their customers,
1/ Mikimoto Baroque Cultured Pearls
ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA SCHOENGOLD BERANBOM
1/ Mikimoto Baroque Cultured Pearls, price upon request, Lenox Jewelers 2/ Holiday Spa Gift basket, $299, Wine N Cheese Day Spa 3/ Banwood Tricycle in Vintage Red, $195, Toy Polloi 4/ Puffer Hobo Bag, $58, The Give Collective 5/ Soleil Reed Diffuser, $90, gldesignhome.com
2/ Holiday Spa Gift basket, Heidi Curran Photography
3/ Banwood Tricycle in Vintage Red
4/ Puffer Hobo Bag
5/ Soleil Reed Diffuser, Frances V. Isaac Photography.
offering thoughtful recommendations based on your preferences and needs - not past clicks and fleeting trends. They can introduce you to rare, beautiful items you’d never discover elsewhere. Plus, the experience of browsing in person—feeling textures, sampling treats, and chatting with knowledgeable staff—adds a level of care and connection that an algorithm can’t replicate. Even small direct to consumer online shops and marketplaces offer a better customer experience than those big name monoliths.
Whether it’s suggesting the perfect gift or offering customization options, small businesses provide a level of care that algorithms can’t match. This holiday season, skip the automated lists and find gifts with meaning and connection by shopping local. There is something for everyone on your list right here in our backyard. Shop Local for the Perfect Gifts This Season!
1/ Peppermint Dog Sweater, Wild Root Moments Photography
1/ Peppermint Dog Sweater, $58, shopchloandco.com 2/ Twinkle Drop Earrings, $38, pinkmoonbybrooke.com 3/ Swiftie Sweatshirt $58, Kelli & Crew 4/ Milk & Honey mug, $38, rockwaterpottery.com 5/ The Pom Pom Dot Collection, starting at $2600, Lenox Jewelers
2/ Twinkle Drop Earrings
3/ Swiftie Sweatshirt
4/ Milk & Honey mug
5/ The Pom Pom Dot Collection
ARTICLE BY KELLY BERLIN
Close to Home Festive Winter Getaways
Snow covered hills that are perfect for sledding, charming town centers twinkling with fairy lights, cafes serving up steaming mugs of hot cocoa, beautiful boutiques brimming with treasures…
The festive season is finally upon us, and luckily, we live in one of the most beautiful destinations to enjoy winter’s wonders.
Whether you’re looking for a rustic chic ski getaway, an inspired culinary journey, a weekend of wellness, or a dreamy oceanside escape, it’s all possible within a few hours’ drive.
So bundle up in something cozy, throw your oversize tote in the trunk, and crank up your favorite holiday tunes…it’s time to hit the road for your next great winter escape.
CHATHAM BARS INN – CHATHAM, MA
While Chatham Bars Inn, the iconic grand dame of the Cape, is well known as a summer beach destination, the hotel’s beautifully appointed cottage rooms featuring gas fireplaces, its classically cozy Sacred Cod Tavern, its convivial bar and lounge complete with chess boards and reading nooks, and a serene spa haven located amidst Japanese Zen gardens, make it an idyllic locale for a warming winter getaway. Plus, if you’re up for a little festive fun, the Inn’s holiday calendar is filled with fabulous events running from mid-November through January – with highlights including Wreath Decorating Workshops, Teddy Bear Afternoon Teas, a family Hanukkah Party and Menorah Lighting, Make Your Own Eggnog Mixology classes for adults, and Gingerbread Making classes for the children. As the waves crash on the sand, bundle up with a hot cocoa and join carolers on the Bayview Terrace to croon out holiday classics under the twinkling lights in the wake of a beachside bonfire, or organize a magical visit from one of Santa’s elves, who will hand-deliver milk and cookies to your kiddos and read them a special holiday storybook before bed.
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Photos provided by Chatham Bars Inn
THE LODGE AT SPRUCE PEAK – STOWE, VT
Alpine adventures and a host of festive fun await at The Lodge at Spruce Peak, an elevated ski-in ski-out hotel located at the base of Stowe Mountain in Vermont. Rooms are a cozy home away from home with the Residences featuring full kitchens, but you’ll definitely want to venture out to experience the expansive spa and slopeside swimming pools. Up your après game with chef-led dining experiences at Solstice and local microbrews at Hourglass. Kick off the season at their annual Spruce Peak Lights Festival on Saturday, December 21st featuring complimentary activities and tastings including Photos with Santa and Ice Dancing performances. Sip a steaming mug of apple cider as you countdown to the Village Tree Lighting, followed by a dazzling firework show over the mountaintops.
Photos provided by The Lodge at Spruce Peak
WILDFLOWER FARMS, AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION – HUDSON VALLEY, NY
Soak up the natural wonders and agricultural treasures of the Hudson Valley this winter, in the most glamorous way possible, at recently opened Wildflower Farms. Enjoy privacy and camaraderie in equal measures with a stay in one of 65 free-standing cabins dotted across the meadows in configurations which cater to couples and families alike. At Wildflower, days start with collecting eggs for breakfast from the chicken coops at the property’s working farm and end with fireside s’mores and hand-shaken cocktails on the communal Great Porch, with plenty of time for holistic treatments and renewing wellness practices at Thistle Spa in between. Stealing the spotlight this winter is a collaboration with renowned landscape designer Lily Kwong, who will be creating stunning holiday installations throughout the property – the ideal backdrop for inspired seasonal programming, from a Thanksgiving Gratitude Hike to a Watercolor Holiday Card Workshop to a Festive iteration of their much-adored Rising Blooms Focaccia Baking Classes, and more.
Photos provided by Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection
OCEAN HOUSE – WATCH HILL, RI
A storied seaside retreat within easy driving distance, Ocean House shines during all seasons with guest rooms, dining experiences and service that evoke the glamour of a bygone era. As winter approaches, the hotel lights up with an enticing roster of festive activities – from a Nutcracker inspired brunch to an ice cream social with the Mystic Aquarium penguins to a Latke and Vodka cooking workshop to Holiday Painting classes for both kids and adults. Plus, we’ve recently received a hot tip that during weekends in December, Santa Claus sneaks away to Ocean House for a well-deserved respite! Families are invited to visit his festively appointed guest room for a personal meeting with Santa himself, complete with photos and special gifts, ensuring a truly memorable weekend away.
Photos provided by Ocean House
The details:
CHATHAM BARS INN
297 Shore Road
Chatham, MA 508.945.0096 chathambarsinn.com
THE LODGE AT SPRUCE PEAK
7412 Mountain Road Stowe, VT
844.367.1672 sprucepeak.com/stay/the-lodge/
WILDFLOWER FARMS, AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION
2702 Main Street Gardiner, NY
855.472.3188 aubergeresorts.com/wildflower-farms/
OCEAN HOUSE
1 Bluff Avenue Watch Hill, RI 855.678-0364 oceanhouseri.com
Kelly Berlin began her career at Travel + Leisure Magazine in New York and followed her passion for travel to Hong Kong, where she co-founded groundbreaking startup media company Dim Sum & Then Some. While in Hong Kong, Kelly also served as the Editor in Chief of AWARE Magazine, and has worked as a copywriter for hotels, restaurants, and member’s clubs for over a decade. Kelly is now based in Ridgefield, Connecticut with her husband and two daughters and is a Luxury Travel Agent with SmartFlyer, specializing in multi-generational trips, family travel, and honeymoons. For more travel inspiration, follow her on Instagram @jetsetinspire
Vale Foot & Ankle Surgery, PLLC
Making Spirits
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.com
events
DECEMBER 1ST
The Hits of Frankie Valli & More: Christmas Special !
Bijou Theatre | 6:00 PM
Fun for all ages! Enjoy a tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. For tickets and other upcoming events visit bijoutheatrect.spacecrafted.com
DECEMBER 6TH
Holiday Caroling Party
Pequot Library | 5:00 PM
Pequot Library’s signature winter event, full of festive holiday cheer: crafts, choirs, treats, horse-drawn carriage rides, surprise visitors from the North Pole, and a holiday market featuring local vendors. All ages are welcome. pequotlibrary.org
DECEMBER 7TH
Winter Whimsy & Annual Tree Lighting
Old Town Hall & Museum Commons | 4:00 PM
Bring the family to enjoy school choirs, food trucks, a beer garden, music, petting zoo, carriage rides, pictures with Santa and more! Tree lighting at 5:00 PM. https://fairfieldrecreation.com
DECEMBER 11TH
Holiday Shop & Stroll
Around Town | 5:00 PM
Check off everyone’s wish lists and find the latest fashion apparel, home décor, jewelry, toys, sporting goods, dinner gift cards, best-selling books and more! Enjoy special discounts at participating stores and other festive happenings around town! Visit for more information experiencefairfieldct.org
DECEMBER 15TH
Pop Shop Holiday Market
Elicit Brewing Company Fairfield | 12:00 PM
Shop from a selection of elevated, curated vendors offering perfect holiday gifts for everyone on your list—hostess gifts, teacher gifts, accessories, clothing, décor, apothecary items, jewelry, and more! Enjoy delicious cocktails and bites at Fairfield’s hottest new venue, Elicit Brewing Company. Fun for the whole family, and admission is popshopmarketct.com
DECEMBER 15TH
Judy Collins
SHU Community Theatre | 7:00 PM
The Christmas concert series will feature a program of holiday classics, songs from Judy’s latest album, Spellbound—her 55th album and her first ever complete album of originals—and beloved songs culled from her six-decade career. shucommunitytheatre.org for tickets.
ONE OF A KIND CRAFTSMANSHIP
