THE WESTPORT NATIVE TALKS HIS FIRST SOLO RECORD PLUS 20+ MORE STORIES OF PEOPLE, PLACES, AND BUSINESSES THAT MAKE WESTPORT SPECIAL IN OUR "LOVE LOCAL" ISSUE
Love Local
Dear Readers,
February is a time to celebrate love in all its forms—whether it’s for our family, friends, partners, or, in the case of this issue, our community. This month, we’re focusing on what makes Westport so special, from its hidden gems to the people and businesses that bring our town to life.
When it comes to celebrating love, there’s nothing quite like sharing a meal with those we care about. Marcia Selden Catering helps us embrace the art of entertaining, offering expert tips for hosting unforgettable dinner parties. Whether you’re planning an intimate Valentine’s Day celebration or a gathering with friends, their ideas are sure to inspire.
Our community is full of innovation, creativity, and local pride, and this issue highlights just a few of the startup remarkable businesses that embody that spirit. PrepZone is bringing student sports to life with dynamic coverage that rivals ESPN, celebrating our young athletes in a whole new way.
This month, we’re also shining a spotlight on Westport as a hub of creativity and pop culture. From its role in iconic movies and television shows to the artists who call our town home, Westport has become a place of influence and inspiration. One such example is Brad Tursi, guitarist for the award-winning band Old Dominion and our cover feature. Brad’s journey reflects not just his talent but the kind of support and creative energy that define our community.
We also hear from First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker, who shares her perspective on the state of Westport and the bright future ahead. Her leadership underscores the strength of our town and the shared sense of pride that brings us all together.
This issue is a love letter to Westport, a celebration of the people, businesses, and culture that make our town so unique. As you read, I hope you feel inspired to explore, support, and embrace all the wonderful things our community has to offer—not just this month, but all year long.
MARISA MACLEAN, PUBLISHER @WESTPORTLIFESTYLE
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Marisa MacLean | marisa.maclean@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sara Gaynes Levy | sara.gayneslevy@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jennifer Tooker, Robin Selden, Tyler Shane
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Bevy Rutledge, John Videler
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
inside the issue
Something New
Westport's Brad Tursi, the guitarist for Old Dominion, on how his solo project changed everything for him.
From Wrecker to World Series
Staples High ‘17 alum Ben Casparius reflects on his whirlwind year with the World Series champion-L.A. Dodgers.
The Art of the Dinner Party
Tips from Marcia Selden Catering on hosting an evening of connection— with food and friends.
Estevao Divino’s Staples High sports podcast PrepZone has a captive audience.
Brad Tursi, a Westport native and lead guitarist for country act Old Dominion, recorded his first solo album last year.
Mason Allen
city scene
1: Artist Craig Alan spoke at an event at Clarendon Fine Art celebrating his work. 2: Guests with Benjamin Lagasse. 5: Clarendon Fine Art Gallery Manager Eve Gianni with guests. 6: Art fans of all ages enjoyed Craig Alan's work. 7: DJ Mo Prester.
Photography by John Videler
8: A Winter edition of Books On The Beach at Kerri Rosenthal's flagship Westport store. 10: Books on the Beach founder Carrie Kerner, far right, with guests. 11: Lauren Cosenza and Carrie Kerner. 14: Squeeze massage provided massages for guests.
Photography by Carrie Kerner
15: The Staples High Orphenians serenaded guests outside Westport Lifestyle's Readers’ Choice party, held at Nômade. 16: Felicia Sale, Dwayne Hagenow, and Jara Negrin. 17: Nicole Ruscio, Jennifer Tooker, and Jason Ruscio. 18: Eve Gianni, Christy Charise, Jen Berniker, and Iris NetzerGreenfield enjoy custom gin cocktails by Tuck Gin. 19: Jessica King and Julie Mountain, with bubbly from Fine Wine Company of Westport. 20: Dr. Mark Fisher, Dr. Flora Levin and Dr. Deanne Mraz. 21: Julie Mountain, Zac Mathias, and Dana Noorily.
Photography by Bevy Rutledge
Danna & Jen are the Team to Choose
Buying or selling a home can be a stressful process if you don’t have the right real estate agent. With a proven track record, 20 years experience, over 250 properties sold, and our signature “hand-holding” service, you can rely on us to get you the best possible result.
“We have known both Jen & Danna for years but have never worked with them as Realtors until recently. They guided us through the selling and buying process with knowledge of the market, knowledge of sales and a warm “bedside manner” that all led to a success on both the buy and the sell. Feel lucky to call them each our friend and agent.” - B & A
30 Elm Street Bedford Square, Westport CT 06880 dannarogersandjenkass.com
Danna Rogers (917) 282-6292 • dannakrogers@gmail.com Jen Kass (203) 368-8032 • jenkass32@gmail.com
22: Jeffrey Selden, Josh and Stacey Levkoff, and Robin Selden. 23: Lewis Derogene, Cathy Castiblanco 24: Westport Lifestyle editor Sara Gaynes Levy, Nina Clarke, Ashley Cannon, and Laura Sabia. 25: Kate Taylor and Kyra Lang of Lenox Jewelers, which provided jewelry for the WLM team.
26: Pamela Cornfield, Ashley Cannon, and Doug Bross of the Bross Chingas Bross team. 27: Caroline C. Barney and Sarah True of True Event, WLM's event planner. 28: Anna Barnes and Nina Clarke.
by Bevy Rutledge
29: Sylvie Fortin of Be Chocolat. Chocolates from Be Chocolate were featured in the gift bags. 30: Carole Orland with Marisa MacLean.
31: Alison Gurley with a friend. 32: Hannah Spencer, Bernice Zhang, Penny Yi, and Ashley Langer. 33: Betsy Perna and Ronnie Molinari. 34: Jacqueline Feehan and Alex Oracheff. 35: Penny Yi, winner of Best Nail Salon for La Beaute Artistry.
Photography by Bevy Rutledge
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36: Guests with florals by Blossom Stem. 37: The Westport Lifestyle team with Sarah True, in the photobooth by Studio Z Photobooth. 38: Local band Teacup Sallie performed. 39: Custom signage was done by Erica Jean Calligraphy. 40: The gift bags included Be Chocolat and Westport Is The Bestport hats. 41: Mark Wilhelm, Tom Ayres, and Amanda Mas. 42: Randi Lehman and Stephen Kempson.
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STUDIO Z
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SOPHIA ANDERSEN
MARISA MACLEAN
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Westport's Craig Melvin Takes Over For Hoda Kotb
Our June 2021 cover star Craig Melvin slid into the TODAY Show co-anchor chair vacated by Hoda Kotb on January 13th. A 14-year veteran of NBC News, Craig now co-hosts the 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. hours alongside Savannah Guthrie.
Westport Country Playhouse Brings "Native Gardens"
A comedy about neighbors who feud over their backyards is relatable fodder for many suburbanites, and that's exactly what Native Gardens, a play by Karen Zacarías, explores. Native Gardens is part of the Playhouse's "Season of Laughter." The show runs February 18 through March 8. Tickets from $40, at westportplayhouse.org
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Joins Church Lane
A new scoop shop hits Westport: Van Leeuwen, the NYC-based chain that also has locations in Greenwich, Darien, and New Canaan, is now on Church Lane, at 31 Church Lane. Van Leeuwen is known for their seasonal creations, as well as non-dairy and vegan options.
Q & AMessage For More
Four local businesses building their brands— mostly online.
ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY
DIPPED FROM A TO Z HEAD TO TAIL BOOKS
In early spring of 2021, Amy was on a mission to find unique dessert gifts to spark a little joy. After searching sweet shops and coming up empty, she began creating custom chocolate boxes herself.
Her first creations were chocolate-covered matzo and chocolate seder plates for Passover, along with candy kebobs and custom-name chocolate bars for Easter. They were an instant hit and led to her first big request—to create desserts for a bat mitzvah.
From there, Amy took off. She began designing custom platters with cookie assortments. That’s when she realized: “Wow, this could really turn into something special.” And with that, Dipped from A to Z was born, named after her two kids, Ashley and Zach. “I decided to see how far I could take this,” Amy recalls. As word spread and orders poured in, Amy expanded beyond simple desserts. Today, Dipped from A to Z offers cookies, themed classes, birthday parties, candy walls, cookie walls, dessert bars, and more. “I’ve been blown away by the love and support from this community,” she says. “It’s incredible to see how everyone rallies around you, cheering you on to grow and succeed.”
To order, visit @dippedfromatoz
Michele has always loved books— she went to library school, worked with rare book libraries while earning her master’s, and served as the special collections cataloging librarian at Columbia University. So it was no surprise that she wanted to parlay her expertise in rare books into her new venture, Head to Tail Books, which offers rare and collectible books and launched in January 2023.
At Head to Tail (the name comes from her dog, Luna, who served as inspiration for the logo, and the fact that the top of a book is the head, while the bottom is the tail), you’ll find everything from vintage editions of classics to meticulously bound miniature books. “I love to get my hands on the books and make them available to people. And I love knowing that a book has found a good home.”
To see Michele’s current inventory, visit headtotailbooks.com
“I love knowing a book has found a home.”
MARKETPLACE MAMAS SUGARKRISP
When Kelli and Amber met at a dinner, they realized they had a unique shared interest: helping people sell their things. “We started talking about how friends were asking us to sell things for them. And we joked— oh, maybe we’ll start a business one day doing it,” says Kelli. As time went on, they say, more people started asking for help, and the joke turned into something real— Marketplace Mamas, which launched in early 2024.
Sellers reach out to the duo with an item— which should have a resale value of at least $100— and Amber and Kelli do the rest. They take photos and measurements, write item descriptions, calculate pricing, and monitor the listing to help guarantee the item sells. (They can also sell items long-distance if the seller provides enough photos and information.) “Once a sale is confirmed, we coordinate with the buyer, we can meet with them for you, and even hire movers for you,” says Amber. Their model is commission-based: “It’s a win-win. We don’t make money unless you make money, and we’re helping families reduce waste.”
Since Marketplace Mamas launched, they’ve been having a blast. “It’s such a passion of ours,” says Kelli. They’ve sold everything from a full-sized shed that found a second life as a goat shelter to high-end pieces from recent home renovations that designers and homeowners ended up not needing. “There’s nothing too unique!” says Amber. “I love the thrill of selling an item with a lot of life left in it. It’s really fulfilling.”
To work with them, visit @mktplacemamas
On New Year’s Eve in 2022, friends Melissa and Rachel were trying to think of a cute, festive dessert for their kids. “We thought, ‘why don’t we come up with something that looks like sushi?’” recalls Melissa. The candy-and-Rice-Krispies sushi platter, which they served that night, was a smash. “People loved it,” Melissa says. They decided to go official with SugarKrisp, a play on famed NYC sushi eatery Sugar Fish. Things took off from there. “People started reaching out about party favors, weddings, bridal showers, any kind of fun event,” says Melissa. SugarKrisp has become a nationwide phenomenon. They attribute their success to networking— Melissa says in the early days they connected with lots of local sites (a boon was being featured on CTBites) and Westporters like Craig Melvin, who helped Melissa and Rachel get SugarKrisp featured on the TODAY Show. “Within 30 seconds, we were getting orders from Hawaii,” says Rachel. “It was exciting!” You can order platters and bento boxes for local delivery or nationwide shipping, and they do wholesale as well. “When a client receives a platter and we get a message saying ‘my kid was so happy, you made the birthday party,’ that makes me feel so good,” Melissa says.
To order, visit sugarkrisp.com
Kelliand Amber of Marketplace Mamas .
“I’ve been blown away by the love and support from this community.”
W E ’ V E A R R I V E D
The Agency is coming to Fairfield!
Our future home at 1636 Post Road will bring our global reach & boutique service to the heart of this amazing community.
From Fairfield to Westport to beyond, I can’t wait to welcome you!
WESTPORT
IS EVERYWHERE
Fun facts about our town's special place in pop culture.
photo by John Videler
Actor Michael Douglas lived in Westport from 1956 until 1963. A few years ago, he shared photos of his Westport home on Facebook, writing “revisiting my home in Westport, Ct [sic] (1956/63) where I lived with my mother Diana, brother Joel and step-father William Darrid.”
Both The Stepford Wives and American Housewife take place in Connecticut towns based on ours, and the series Billions is based on a Westport-headquartered hedge fund.
In the final season of I Love Lucy, Lucy and Ricky move to Westport. A famous episode saw Lucy posing as our very own Minute Man statue, as part of the celebration of the episode’s “Yankee Doodle Day.”
Westport's Minute Man
Photo by John Videler
by John Videler.
In the musical RENT, the character of Benny has an unseen wife, Alison, who Benny reveals lives on an “estate” in Westport during the song “Happy New Year.”
“In 1950, composers Stephen Sondheim and Mary Rodgers, and actor Larry Hagman were all interns together at Westport Country Playhouse. Other well-known Playhouse interns include actors Tammy Grimes (The Unsinkable Molly Brown), Bruce Weitz (Hill Street Blues), Cary Elwes (The Princess Bride), Rhonda Ross (Another World), author Christina Crawford (Mommie Dearest)… and local graphic artist Miggs Burroughs.” -courtesy Westport Country Playhouse
In addition to the impressive Staples High alums featured in this issue— Ben Casparius (page 54) and Brad Tursi (page 48)—notable alumni include actors Paul Lieberstein (The Office) and Christopher Lloyd ( Back to the Future, Taxi ), and composer and lyricist Justin Paul ( La La Land, The Greatest Showman, Dear Evan Hansen).
Stephen Sondheim as a Playhouse intern. Courtesy Westport Country Playhouse.
Photo
Thank you for voting us best event planner three years in a row! It is such a gift to get to work with so many incredible clients producing unique experiences & events! We are so thankful to be able to do what we love and to be part of such a supportive community.
XO, Sarah
Photo by Leila Brewster Photography
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER TOOKER
THE STATE OF Westport
FIRST SELECTWOMAN JENNIFER TOOKER SHARES AN UPDATE ABOUT HOW OUR VIBRANT COMMUNITY IS CONTINUING TO THRIVE.
Westport is known for many things—great schools, beautiful beaches and natural assets, a vibrant arts community, amazing restaurants and retail shops, the only five-star library in the state—just to name a few.
As First Selectwoman and Second Selectwoman before that, I want to ensure that Westport continues to be the best place to live, work, play, and learn in the region – a place where everyone is welcome and feels like they belong. That is the North Star that guides me every day.
"I want to ensure that Westport continues to be the best place to live, work, play, and learn.... where everyone feels like they belong."
At Westport Lifestyle's Reader's Choice Awards party.
Photo by Bevy Rutledge
We don’t always talk enough about what makes Westport the best place to work and our incredibly engaged business owners who contribute so much to our community! Year in and year out, they support our residents, schools, nonprofits, and each other, creating an environment where everyone wins. A vibrant economy is a critical piece of what makes Westport so special. The dedication, talent, and energy our business owners bring to our community, many of whom are Westport and Weston residents, help propel our town to new heights. I have a long history of supporting our amazing business community through various initiatives.
Back in 2018, when the local economy was struggling, we launched Westport Means Business, a series of events designed to bring local business owners and entrepreneurs together to establish connections, exchange ideas and promote Westport as the best place to start and grow a successful business.
In the last few years, we’ve seen many tech founders and funders make Westport their home. As a result, StartUp Westport was launched. It is our goal to activate an ecosystem of tech and innovation leaders to enable and encourage entrepreneurship. Since its inception in 2023, we’ve hosted dozens of events, delivering content and offering networking opportunities that hundreds of you have attended. We’ve also started a Mentorship Program and Special Interest Groups (SIGs). Today, this public/private partnership is well on its way to making Westport the startup tech and innovation hub of Connecticut!
Recently, we recognized the growing desire for professional women of all industries and career paths to form a community. Westport is for Women has just been launched to offer networking opportunities, content delivery, and a support system for all local women. Please join us at our next event!
One of the things that I’ve learned in my role as your First Selectwoman is that some of the best ideas come from conversations with our business owners and residents. That’s why being out in the community and speaking to and learning from all of you is so important to me. Together we can continue to make Westport the best place to live, work, play, and learn in the region. And remember, please support our outstanding local business community – or become part of it!
Photo by Jerri Graham.
SOMETHING
WESTPORT'S BRAD TURSI, THE GUITARIST FOR OLD DOMINION, ON HOW HIS SOLO PROJECT CHANGED EVERYTHING FOR HIM.
ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARINA CHAVEZ AND MASON ALLEN
Brad Tursi formed his first band as a 15-year-old student at Staples High School. (They dubbed the band Cyrus McCormick—Cyrus for short— after the inventor of the mechanical reaper whom their drummer learned about in history class.) “Since then, I’ve never not been in a band,” Brad tells Westport Lifestyle. “I knew right away it was what I wanted to do.”
Brad taught himself guitar after finding his dad’s in the attic of their Westport home. “I remember opening the case up— it was this bright red velvet— and I was just like what is this thing? I never really put it down after that." He would listen to artists like Alabama, James Taylor, the Allman Brothers, and Guns ’n' Roses, learning to play by ear. For two summers, he went to the National Guitar Summer Workshop, a program in Litchfield. “I spent all my waking moments practicing,” he says. After Cyrus, he joined another band in college at James Madison University, and another after graduating.
In 2012, Brad joined country group Old Dominion as their lead guitarist, alongside fellow James Madison alums Geoff Sprung and Whit Sellers. Since joining, Brad has written many of the band’s songs, and has penned tracks for other artists like Luke Bryan and Kenny Chesney. But over the years, he also wrote songs that were more personal, more acoustic— ones that didn’t feel right for anyone else but him. “When I start writing [something] about my life, I don’t want to take that to anyone else,” he says. Eventually, he accumulated enough of these type of songs to try his hand at a solo record, which came together as his 2024 album Parallel Love.
It's his first solo effort, and exploring his craft as a solo artist has been an invigorating experience for Brad. Though he loves Old Dominion, “I had been playing the same songs for 12 years,” he says. “It’s been fun getting to play music with new people, and making different music,” he says. (Brad describes his solo style as more “folky and vibey” than his band's.) The title track
Photo by Marina Chavez.
Photo by Marina Chavez.
NEW SOMETHING
photo by Mason Allen.
BRAD
photo by Mason Allen. photo by Mason Allen.
photo by Mason Allen.
TUR SI
TUR SI
Parallel Love— which is about a romantic relationship– also took on a second meaning as Brad explored recording and touring on his own, alongside his career in one of the biggest country acts. “It didn’t dawn on me right away, but I realized: not only is this a great message for relationships, it’s my journey as a musician,” he says. “Musicians ebb and flow and grow together. It really made sense [to name the album after that song] when I started thinking about it like that.”
This past October, Brad returned to Westport to headline at the Levitt Pavilion in a homecoming show. “I’ve played thousands and thousands of shows, but touring [this record] almost feels like the first time I’m doing it again, which feels really good,” he says. “The Levitt was where I played one of the first shows I ever played, with Cyrus. It was incredible to be back, with so many old friends and parents of old friends and people from the community.” (The after party was even held at the brand-new restaurant The Bridge at Saugatuck– owned by Brad’s high school friend and fellow Staples alum Doug Pardon.) Being back was also a reminder of how special it was to grow up in Westport. “I didn’t realize how lucky I was to be surrounded by a culture that supports the arts and allows kids to dream, surrounded by people who have accomplished a lot,” he says. “I think that’s something that I took from being raised in Westport.”
Brad is still on his Parallel Love tour— his next appearance is on February 22 in Milwaukee—and enjoying every minute. “I think the thing that’s most amazing to me is that this album has kind of allowed me to have a rebirth in an industry I’ve been in my entire life,” he says. “It felt great to write the songs, to record the songs, and to have people respond to the songs. It’s given me a new appreciation for how lucky I am to be able to do this. I’m very grateful for it all.”
photo by Marina Chavez.
photo by Mason Allen.
photo by Mason Allen.
FROM WRECKER TO WORLD SERIES
ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY
JON SOOHOO AND SUE JO//LOS ANGELES DODGERS
In Westport’s nearly 400-year history, the town has produced two Major League Baseball players. The first, Hezekiah Allen, played in exactly one game, for the Philadelphia Quakers on May 16, 1884. The second, Ben Casparius, just brought home a World Series ring in his first season on the active roster for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ben says his baseball career was shaped by his childhood in Westport, from “early memories” playing Little League with his dad as his coach, on to Westport District Baseball, and then Staples High School, where he was a standout on a talented team. “I had a really good freshman year,” Ben remembers. “I knew I was going to play in college. But I think sophomore year [was when I realized] I think I could do this professionally.” By the time he graduated from Staples in 2017, he had been named the Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year and led the Wreckers to a state title. After high school, Ben started his college career as a two-way player at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, but transferred to the University of Connecticut after two years. “[At UNC] I was in a weird position being a two-way player, so I was pitching and hitting, and I didn't think I was making enough impact on the field to get drafted,” he says. His sophomore year, he began focusing on pitching only. “When I was in the transfer portal, I ended up visiting UConn. I fell in love with it. They've had a really good track record with pitchers, and they've built a powerhouse program.” His MLB draft prospects also looked promising as a Husky: “A lot of people don't know that when you're getting scouted by professional teams, there's regional scouts and then there's crosscheckers nationally. I didn't have a relationship with any scouts besides the Northeast scouts from the high school circuits,” he explains. Transferring to UConn “was probably the best decision I've made for my career.”
CONTINUED >
STAPLES HIGH '17 ALUM BEN CASPARIUS REFLECTS ON HIS WHIRLWIND YEAR WITH THE WORLD SERIES CHAMPION-L.A. DODGERS.
It’s easy to see why Ben feels that way. At UConn, he had to sit out the 2020 season due to transfer rules, and then, as a red-shirt junior, was drafted in the fifth round of the 2021 draft by the Dodgers. “I was watching the draft with my family. My grandma was here, and we were just sitting on the couch, waiting. And I ended up getting a call from the Dodgers in the fifth round. It was a pretty special moment. And it was weird too, because it was my first full year pitching ever.” Things moved quickly from there— in 2024 alone, he went from the AA Tulsa Drillers to the AAA Oklahoma City Baseball Club to making his MLB debut with the Dodgers in August, and had an oblique injury in the middle of it all. “Mentally, that was really difficult for me because I was told by a few people there was a chance I was going to debut during the time frame of my injury,” he explains. “But that's probably the proudest I was this year, because I flipped a switch and was like, okay, this [injury] happened. But I don't care. I'm gonna get back up there.”
Not only did he make the active roster, he picked up his first MLB career win on his first day on the Dodgers mound, in a late August game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. His first MLB start came two months later, in game four of the World Series against the New York Yankees, in Yankee Stadium, on his mom’s birthday. “I remember coming out of the tunnel and seeing my family and joking to my mom ‘Oh mom, happy birthday! That’s your gift!’” he says with a laugh. “It was just the most incredible thing. I’ve dreamt—multiple times—of pitching in the World Series against the Yankees. Because they’re the Yankees! It was unbelievably perfect.” Ben, who had mostly been relief pitching since debuting in the majors, pitched the first two innings. “I’m pretty proud of that too—I thought I did a good job when it was the first time I've ever actually done that, and it was at the pinnacle of my sport.”
The Dodgers clinched the series the following night, giving Ben a championship in his first season on the active roster. “There are a lot of guys who have amazing careers, but they don't have a ring, or they haven't been able to play in the World Series. So I just told myself that there were plenty of guys who could have started that game and they chose me, and it felt really good that they trusted me,” he says.
Ben says there are lessons from his Westport days he still carries with him, even as he gets ready for next season. “I’m really close with my summer coach, Pat Vigilio— he’s like my second dad, honestly. And his biggest message was preparation. If you’re prepared, you don’t need to be nervous.” The advice reminds Ben of a moment on the morning of Game Four when he called his dad from a coffee shop in midtown Manhattan, nervous because he didn’t feel well and knew he’d be pitching in a few hours. “I told my dad ‘I don’t know what to do. I feel horrible.’ And my dad said, ‘well, what are you gonna do?’ And I said: ‘I’m gonna pitch.’” Tapping into that preparation tuned out all the noise. “I did it. I pitched in the pinnacle of our sport. And I was able to go out there and treat it like any other normal day.”
CONTINUED >
"I’VE DREAMT OF PITCHING IN THE WORLD SERIES AGAINST THE YANKEES. IT WAS UNBELIEVABLY PERFECT.”
OF THE THE ART
DINNER PARTY
ARTICLE BY ROBIN SELDEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STUDIO LEON BY NICO LEON
Gratitude cards, with calligraphy by Erica Jean Calligraphy.
Tips from Marcia Selden Catering on hosting an evening of connection— with food and friends.
In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, the art of intimate dinner parties offers a refreshing opportunity to reconnect with the people who matter most. We need to celebrate the joy of gathering with friends and family for an evening of great food, engaging conversations, and meaningful moments. From hand-calligraphed gratitude cards that spark heartfelt discussions to craft cocktails and a curated three-course dinner, our hope is to inspire readers to embrace the beauty of being present. With an emphasis on setting aside digital distractions (which are so present these days), we invite you to create a warm and memorable experience that honors connection and community; after all, as caterers, we are tasked with being memory makers evoking joy one bite at a time. My hope is that these recipes and images inspire you to do the same.
Our ideal menu this time of year features a delicious cocktail, a cozy soup, a hearty main (your choice!), and a beautiful dessert. And to make your dinner party truly special, we love to add gratitude cards to the table: these pre-set cards invite guests to share what they’re grateful for, adding
a personal and interactive element to the evening. The hope is that everyone will take a moment to share theirs around the table. In our family, we do this every year at a family get-together and it's so special for us all.
Level up a classic Bee's Knees cocktail with this refreshing recipe. Tangy grapefruit soda, delicate honey, and a pop of fresh lemon make the perfect drink!
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 ½ oz. Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
• 1 oz. fresh lemon juice
• 1 oz. honey syrup
• 2 oz. grapefruit soda
• Lemon wheel
METHOD:
Shake 1 1/2 oz of Empress Indigo Gin, the lemon juice, and honey syrup on ice. Strain into your glass on fresh ice. Add 2 oz of grapefruit soda and layer the remaining Empress Indigo Gin on top. Garnish with a lemon wheel and edible flowers.
Calligraphy by Erica Jean Calligraphy by Erica Bryniczka. Florals by Lauryn Soden, Founder and Floral Designer, Stems + Co.
The Violet Buzz cocktail.
flowers and a hand-poured soup elevate this first-course's wow factor.
TABLESIDE-POURED BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP:
An elegant tableside restaurant quality moment featuring a rich, velvety butternut squash soup poured piping hot in a pre-garnished bowl that arrives at the table looking like food art.
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 4 ¼ pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1 inch cubes
• 4 ¼ cups chicken (or vegetable) broth
• 2 Gala apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• ½ cup apple juice
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• Salt and pepper, to taste
METHOD:
Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions, apples, and nutmeg; sauté until onions and apples begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
Add squash, chicken broth, and apple juice. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer uncovered until the squash is tender, about 30 minutes. Let cool.
Working in batches, purée soup in blender until smooth. Return soup to pot. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Bring soup to a simmer, thinning with more broth if desired. Makes 8 servings.
Edible
Flowers by: Lauryn Soden, Founder and Floral Designer, Stems + Co. Calligraphy on gratitude card and menu card: Erica Jean Calligraphy by Erica Bryniczka
Braised short rib with red wine demi, butternut squash purée, and grilled asparagus.
A selection of dainty, hand-crafted cookies. Each one a tiny masterpiece of flavor and design, perfect for indulging without guilt.
Miso-glazed Chilean sea bass with forbidden rice, mango, edamame, cilantro and haricot verts confetti.
Estevaoconducting
post-gameinterview .
In The Zone
Estevao Divino's Staples High sports podcast PrepZone has a captive audience.
Two years ago, Estevao Divino came home one day to find his younger son Brian talking about making flyers to post all over the school. Brian, at the time a sophomore on Staples High's volleyball team, explained that his team was at risk— not enough boys were signing up to play. Estevao’s wife, Alessandra, who is a real estate agent at Compass in Westport, encouraged Estevao to build a website to help get the word out that the team needed more players, just like he had done to help Earthplace Nursery School back in 2008. “When the next season started, they had just barely enough numbers for the JV team,” Estevao says. He wanted to keep the momentum going, so he started writing articles about the games and taking photos of boys' volleyball games and posting them to the site he’d made. Parents and students read the site voraciously. “I noticed that if I missed a stat or something, my son was getting texts saying ‘hey, your dad missed my stat.’ And then parents started asking me if they could print my articles and include them in their child’s college applications. I realized people were watching very closely,” he says. He considered that,
perhaps, there was an untapped audience for content about Staples High sports. “When the [volleyball] season was over, I was sitting with my wife and kids on the patio [his older son, Steven, graduated from Staples in 2023], and I asked them: If I started a podcast about Staples High School would you guys listen?” They all said yes.
And that is how PrepZone, a podcast hosted by Estevao that covers the world of Staples High School athletics, was born. The first episode was published in August of 2023, and the concept took off immediately. The success is thanks to Estevao’s beat-reporter commitment to covering every detail of Wreckers sports fastidiously— and supportively. “One thing that I think really sets us apart is that we keep things very positive,” he explains. “We’re covering students. I choose to always focus on the positive.” So, if a student-athlete has, say, multiple mistakes in a game or misses the winning shot, Estevao is careful to attribute that to the team , rather than the individual. “Those things can really stick with a kid," he says. His goal is to free them from that pressure.
“We’re covering students. I choose to always focus on the positive.” “
Every month PrepZone awards a student-athlete of the
Wreckers soccer.
Estevao Divino of PrepZone presents the Restore Player of the Game award to Staples Quarterback Nick Weil.
Wreckers volleyball.
month, which collects over five thousand votes.
The Divino family: Steven, Brian, Alessandra, and Estevao. Photo by John Videler.
"You can still report accurately, without using names and numbers."
PrepZone covers, on average, five to six games per week with post-game interviews, articles, and photos. New episodes come out on Mondays, and have featured coaches, players, and athletic staff from a wide swath of sports at the school. “But our plan for PrepZone is to really cover the school as a whole,” says Estevao, who hopes to spotlight other aspects of student life like the renowned theater program, Staples Players. “I’m fascinated by these kids who are putting in so much work and countless hours— basically living an adult life,” he says.
Estevao’s background isn’t in journalism— he’s in sales— but he has a unique interview talent with guests on the podcast, and both guests and listeners love the feeling of connectedness the show provides. (The PrepZone Instagram account had, at press time, nearly 3,000 followers of devoted Wreckers fans.) “I think the hyper-focus on Staples is a big part of our success— the fact that we’re only covering things near and dear to our listeners' hearts really drives people to follow along,” he says. “I can’t tell you how many people say, ‘the minute I leave the game, your channel is the first one I go to.’”
A cheering section.
Estevao recording the podcast.
It’s not a responsibility he takes lightly. “As the game is going on, I’m taking notes, I’m getting prepared for the post-game interview,” he says. “When the [record light] goes on, I am very serious and professional about what I’m doing.” Some of his favorite feedback has been from coaches: many of them have told him they’ve been treated and looked at differently by parents and players alike after sharing personal stories and the intricacies of their lives on the podcast. “A lot of people see the coaches as the person who benches their kids, or who doesn’t play their kids, or the one yelling at the field. By having themshare their philosophy, why they do what they do, their family life, it has really humanized them,” says Estevao.
Listeners have wondered if PrepZone will continue after Brian, now a senior, graduates this spring. For Estevao, there’s no question. “When we started this, it was about my wife and I trying to make sure our son had a team to play on,” he says. (And, yes: the boys’ volleyball team at Staples is still going strong.)
“Having my wife and son going to games with me, it’s our family project, and the support of my family means everything to me. And now, we’re doing this for the community. I feel like I’m getting way more than I’m giving!”
Find episodes of PrepZone on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, and follow them on Instagram at @pprepzone.
Wreckers field hockey.
ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY
WESTPORT'S POET LAUREATE, DONNA DISCH, IS ON A POETRY MISSION.
POETRY IN MOTION
This past September, Westport appointed its newest Poet Laureate, Donna Disch. It’s a unique position— there are only 50 towns and cities in Connecticut with Poet Laureates—and Donna is only the third to occupy the role in Westport, succeeding Jessica Noyes McEntee. The Westport Arts Advisory Committee instituted the position to “promote poetry as a form of communication, inspiration, and entertainment in the life of town residents,” and this objective was a personally resonant one for Donna. “As a child, I was a daydreamer—I composed little
"POETRY
Caracas, Venezuela. She then lived in Manhattan for many years and worked as a textbook editor. As Poet Laureate she plans to introduce Westporters to the burgeoning wealth of America’s contemporary poetry scene in the hope that they will become future poetry readers.
Since assuming the role in September, Donna has already done much towards this goal. She wrote a poem entitled "Day of Remembrance" for the annual Veterans Day event and at the Tree Lighting ceremony, she read her poem, "Lights Up.” She says
IS ESSENTIAL TO LEAD A MORE BALANCED AND VITAL LIFE.”
stories that helped paint and explain the world to myself. But I was really composing poems with no notion of poetry,” Donna tells Westport Lifestyle
“My college years availed me of poetry’s mother load. It wasn’t that [poetry] explained life, but acknowledged life’s intricacies, mysteries, beauty, brightness, tragedies, and sorrows in exquisite language. It was the full-throttled, imaginative conversation I intuited and reached for as a child.” She says she came to view poetry as “essential to lead a more balanced and vital life.”
Donna moved to Westport twenty-five years ago. Before that she earned an MFA from Vermont College, taught English at Vermont Academy and at an international school in
she plans to write and read an original poem at every public event in Westport during her laureate appointment (in Westport, Poet Laureates serve twoyear terms). “I support injecting art into our public events,” she says. She’s also working closely with the Westport Library— she presented a three-part seminar, Robert Frost: Poet of Wonder, in January and is working on an upcoming series about Sylvia Plath— and is helping to plan a “robust” celebration of National Poetry Month in April for the town.
Perhaps her most visible contribution to Westport so far is the Poetry Box, which was erected at the corner of Compo Road South and Hillside Avenue with the support of Jennifer
>
Tooker, Nancy Diamond, co-chair of Westport’s Arts Advisory Committee, and Rick Guinta of Parks and Recreation.
The box displays a curated, one-page poem that rotates weekly on the beachside path. “The point is to offer the reader a breather, a respite, a fresh perception,” says Donna. “If it’s a poem that awakens you, photograph it and read more of that poet online. Each time I switch out the poems in the Poetry Box, I have met a grateful reader.”
Ultimately, Donna hopes to help Westporters become confident, proficient poetry readers. “This gift of poetry–whether the poetry box, or a reading or a seminar, or poems projected on the screen in our library’s forum—is something restorative and free,” she says. We can all benefit from spending more time contemplating this beautiful art form, especially with Donna’s expert guidance. “The more poetry in your life, the more porous and aware one becomes,” she says. “When one becomes a more perceptive reader, one leads a more perceptive life.”
The Poetry Box. Photo courtesy Donna Disch.
THREE DECADES OF EXCELLENCE
Over the past 30 years, Speedsport Tuning has grown from a small Porsche specialty shop to a full service, independent company serving Porsche street, competition and vintage enthusiasts nationwide.
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ARTICLE AND
BY TYLER SHANE
A PERFECT M ARRIAGE SOUP AND BREAD:
Hearty food nourishes the body during cold winter months
PHOTOGRAPHY
As we continue to embrace the cold weather, we may find ourselves craving heavier and grounding foods as we retreat into hibernation. This change in appetite reflects our body’s desire to align with the cycles of nature. Moving into the New Year, it can be common to place more discipline or restrictions on our eating habits. But what if instead of dieting, we nourished ourselves by choosing to support the ebb and flow of our body’s seasons? What if we chose connection — cooking seasonal meals and allowing ourselves to pause to truly enjoy our food? Maybe cheesy bread could be served without the side of guilt.
This Italian wedding soup recipe is simple in its approach, but the result is a hearty and brothy dish. Chunky meats and vegetables add texture to the rich, savory broth making it the ideal meal to help you retreat from the cold temperatures. The Hasselback bread loaf is a straightforward, melty wonder and the perfect vessel for sopping up any leftover broth and goodies in your soup bowl. Together, the soup and cheesy bread make for a well-rounded meal to ground you this season, with a little indulgence.
HASSELBACK MOZZARELLA BREAD LOAF
INGREDIENTS
• 1 Italian bread loaf
• 1 cup butter
• 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 8 oz. bag of shredded mozzarella cheese
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Cut foil that is 3 times the length of the bread loaf and lay flat on countertop.
3. Place bread loaf parallel to the length of the foil.
4. With a serrated knife, cut bread in ¾ in. slices, making sure not to cut all the way through.
5. Melt butter in a bowl. Add garlic and seasonings. Stir to incorporate.
6. With a pastry brush, coat the slices of bread with butter mixture. Be generous with your butter! If you have leftover butter, pour the rest over the entire loaf.
7. Grab handfuls of mozzarella cheese and stuff in between each slice.
8. Cover the bread loaf with foil and place in oven. Bake for 20 minutes, uncovering the foil for the last 5 minutes until the top of the bread is golden brown.
ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP RECIPE
4 Servings
INGREDIENTS
• 1 lb. fresh or frozen pre-made meatballs
• ½ cup carrots, diced small
• ½ cup celery, diced small
• 1 cup onions, diced small
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• 48 oz low sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup orzo pasta (or any small, short noodle)
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped roughly
• 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley
DIRECTIONS
1. Whether freshly baked or cooked from frozen, prepare your meatballs and set aside. Meatballs can be prepared ahead of time and kept in the fridge.
2. Bring a medium-sized pot to medium heat. Add oil and butter.
3. Add vegetables to the pot and sweat until onions are translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir occasionally.
4. Add the bay leaf, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to vegetables. Turn heat to medium-high.
5. Bring broth mixture to a rolling boil for five minutes. With tongs, add meatballs to the boiling broth.
6. Add orzo to the broth, stirring continuously to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
7. Continue to cook the pasta for 6-7 minutes. Taste test to make sure pasta is al dente.
8. Throw the fresh herbs into the soup and add salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve immediately.
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Valentines dangers for dogs
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
FEBRUARY 1ST 26th Annual Crossword Puzzle Contest
Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road 1:00 PM
Will Shortz, the New York Times crossword puzzle editor, will lead a timed crossword contest in a battle of the puzzlers to see who is Westport's crossword champion. It's $30 to compete, and spectators are allowed for the final round only. To register or for more information, visit westportlibrary.org
FEBRUARY 3RD
Script In Hand
Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Ct | 7:00 PM
February will see another installment of the Westport Country Playhouse's wildly popular Script In Hand series, which features actors reading through plays on a bare stage, with simple lighting, inviting the audience to conjure the imagery in their minds. Tickets start at $30, at westportplayhouse.org
FEBRUARY 4TH
WestportREADS Book
Pub at Walrus Alley
Walrus Alley, 90 Post Road E. | 6:30 PM
Join a open-to-all book club discussion of the 2025 WestportREADS book, The Distance by Hernan Diaz, at BBQ spot Walrus Alley. Registration is free (and encouraged) at westportlibrary.org
FEBRUARY 8TH
Moon Over Buffalo
Music Theater Of Connecticut, 509 Westport Ave, Norwalk | 8:00 PM
In this play by Ken Ludwig, two washed-up 1950s Hollywood stars plan for their big comeback. Through February 23. Tickets from $50, at musictheaterofct.com
LOVE, LAUGH, SPA
*Scan for Valentine’s Day Specials and to Purchase Spa Day Gift Cards
CONTINUED
FEBRUARY 14TH
Alliance Love Our Community Fundraiser
The Waterview, 215 Roosevelt Dr, Monroe | 6:30 PM
Join the Alliance for Community Empowerment for their 5th annual "Love Our Community" event to celebrate the strength and love for our community. The evening consists of a red carpet experience, four-course dinner, silent auction, and more. This year's will be MC'd by Rashaan Langley. Tickets from $100, at alliancect.org
FEBRUARY 18TH
Native Gardens
Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Ct. | 7:00 PM
A comedy about neighbors who feud over their backyards is relatable fodder for many suburbanites, and that's exactly what Native Gardens, a play by Karen Zacarías, explores. Native Gardens is part of the Playhouse's "Season of Laughter." The show runs through March 8. Tickets from $40, at westportplayhouse.org
