Westport, CT January 2025

TO YOUR HEALTH WESTPO RT' S DR. TAN IA ELLIOT T WANTS 2025 TO BE YOU R H E ALTH IEST YE AR EVER

JA N UA RY 2 02 5

Cheers to making delicious memories together in 2025!

Connecticut 203.353.8000 | marciaselden.com | New York 212.921.4100

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AVAILABLE AT

LIFESTYLE LETTER

The Health + Wellness Issue Dear readers, As we prepare to welcome a new year, it’s the perfect time to focus on health and well-being.

Our Health + Wellness issue is here to inspire and motivate you with stories of resilience, innovation, and community support.

This month, we’re honored to feature Dr. Tania Elliott on our cover. A Westport resident and national wellness advocate, she is widely recognized for her engaging social media presence. Her ability to demystify health and wellness topics has helped hundreds of thousands of people embrace healthier, more balanced lifestyles.

When it comes to self-care, we’ve got you covered. Our spotlight on fitness and health professionals in Westport to watch highlights those making an impact in our community.

Westport’s new massage spa Squeeze, the winner of our 2024 Readers’ Choice Best Day Spa, offers an oasis of relaxation. And Restore Hyper Wellness is revolutionizing recovery with innovative treatments designed to help you feel, look, and perform your best.

Health care extends to our pets, too, and SpotOn Vet is setting a new standard in veterinary care. As the 2024 Readers’ Choice Best Veterinarian, SpotOn Vet combines cutting-edge technology with a compassionate touch, providing a stress-free experience for pets and owners alike.

In the world of extraordinary achievements, Westport’s own Norma Minkowitz stands out. At 87, she continues to break national and world records in her age group, most recently in the mile at this summer's Nutmeg Games. But Norma’s talents extend beyond athletics—her stunning artwork, showcased in prominent galleries, is a testament to her boundless creativity and drive.

Amid these stories of triumph and innovation, we also reflect on the power of generosity. Aitoro Appliance owner Tony Aitoro recently received a life-saving organ donation, a beautiful gift for someone known for giving back to countless community initiatives. His story reminds us how acts of kindness can ripple outward, changing lives in profound ways.

For parents, Abby Dixon offers a fresh perspective on motherhood, helping moms infuse more joy and practicality into their post-kid lives. And Dr. Gilda Boroumand shares healthy New Year’s resolutions for anyone hoping to take better care of their health in 2025.

Lastly, for those embracing Dry January, Zac Mathias highlights chic, zero-proof drink options that prove you don’t need alcohol to celebrate in style. These sophisticated choices are perfect for maintaining wellness goals without sacrificing festive vibes.

Here’s to a year filled with health, happiness, and wellness!

M A R I SA M AC L E A N , P U B L I S H E R @WESTPORTLIFESTYLE

January 2025 PUBLISHER

Marisa MacLean | marisa.maclean@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Sara Gaynes Levy | sara.gayneslevy@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Sara Gaynes Levy, Meredith Guinness, Zac Mathias C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

John Videler, Bevy Rutledge, Abby Cole Photography

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

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Westport Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Westport area’s most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.

Visit our Instagram CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/WESTPORT

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Westport Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

It's a new year, new YOU!

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inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 5 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

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Featured

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Runner's World

Westport's Norma Minkowitz, 87, is breaking world running records.

The Greatest Gift

Aitoro Appliance owner Tony Aitoro needed a new kidney. He found one on Facebook.

Ones To Watch

Seven healthy Westporters share how they are helping change the ways our community sees wellness.

Healthy New Year

Westport's own Dr. Tania Elliott is helping our community—and her 380,000 followers— live healthier lives.

58 On the Cover

Departments

Dr. Tania Elliott, board-certified doctor and Westport resident with more than 380,000 followers on Instagram, in the sauna.

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Lifestyle Letter

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City Scene

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Business Monthly

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Get Active HEALTH + WELLNESS

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Giving Back HEALTH + WELLNESS

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Now Open HEALTH + WELLNESS

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Self Care HEALTH + WELLNESS

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Local Limelight HEALTH + WELLNESS

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Hometown Hero LIFE + CULTURE

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Pet Care HEALTH + WELLNESS

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Must See HEALTH + WELLNESS

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Healthy Lifestyle HEALTH + WELLNESS

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Trend Setter FOOD + BEVERAGE

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Events

It’s Simple.

Work. Life. Balance.

CLOSETS • GARAGES • HOME OFFICES • ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS • WALL BEDS • PANTRIES CRAFT ROOMS • LAUNDRY ROOMS • MUD ROOMS • WINE ROOMS

Call (203) 616-5847 for a free in-home design consultation and estimate or visit us online at closetfactory.com Showroom 100 Wooster St., Bethel, CT 06801 Showroom 110 Post Road, Darien, CT 06820 the art of organization ©2023 Closet Factory. All rights reserved.

www.saugatuck-financial.com | 203-221-5275

2024 NAMED #1 IN CT TOP FINANCIAL SECURITY PROFESSIONALS

Thank You Westport!

While our team is incredibly proud of our national accolades, being voted best in Westport by those who know us personally is truly the greatest honor.

Saugatuck Financial has been voted the Best Financial Advisor/ Wealth Manager

by Westport Lifestyle Readers since the inception of the award in 2021 and we couldn’t be more grateful.

Thank you! We appreciate the vote of confidence and look forward to supporting the continued financial success of our clients!

Justin Charise uses Saugatuck Financial as a marketing name for doing business as a representative of Northwestern Mutual. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (NM) (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Justin Charise provides investment advisory services as an Advisor of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company®(NMWMC), Milwaukee, WI, a subsidiary of NM and federal savings bank. Justin Charise provides investment brokerage services as a Registered Representative of Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS), a subsidiary of NM, registered investment adviser, broker-dealer and member FINRA and SIPC. Justin Charise is an Insurance Agent of NM. Northwestern Mutual Private Client Group is a select group of Northwestern Mutual advisors and representatives. Saugatuck Financial and Northwestern Mutual Private Client Group are not registered investment advisers, broker-dealers, insurance agencies, federal savings banks or other legal entities. Forbes Top and Best-In-State Top Financial Security Professionals and Best-in-State Wealth Advisors research and ranking provided by SHOOK Research, LLC. Northwestern Mutual and its advisors do not pay for placement on 3rd party rating lists, but do pay marketing fees to these organizations to promote the rating(s). Rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success. Westport Lifestyle Magazine Readers Choice Award for Best Financial Advisor (2021, 2022, 2023) is based on online voting completed in September & October each year. No compensation is provided for eligibility.

Happy New Year!

IN-HOME & IN-CLINIC

VETERINARY CARE

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JANUARY 2025

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

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1: Pink Aid held Pink After Dark at Mitchells this year, raising more than $1.4 million. 2: Dale Heussner, Bonnie Hammer, and Jamie and Glen Camche. 3: Pink Aid Founders Renée Mandis, Amy Gross, Andrew Mitchell-Namdar and Amy Katz at the event. 4: Stacey Griffith, cofounder of Love & Sports, author, and founding senior master instructor at SoulCycle. 5: This year's Pink Purse recipient, Shelenna McKissick. 6: “Pink After Dark” Co-Chairs Amy Lane and Raquel Koback 7: Westport Lifestyle's Sara Gaynes Levy and Marisa MacLean with Robin and Jeffrey Selden of Marcia Selden Catering.

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COCO EVENTS

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8: Operations Advisor/Past President Michele Corenman, Event Co-Chair Amy Lane and Past President Tammy Zelkowitz. 9: Event Sponsors Barbara and Tim Boroughs. 10: Auction Chair Marissa Saporta and her husband Hy. 11: Fashion Show by Brunello Cucinelli. 12: Pink Aid Warrior Stephanie DeLara and her son John (JT). 13: Pink Aid Presidents Courtney Prussin and Nicole Bonn. 14: Pink Heart Award Honoree Attorney Ben Crump.

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DAVE KOTINSKY/GETTY IMAGES FOR CONNECTICUT CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION.

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DAVE KOTINSKY/GETTY IMAGES FOR CONNECTICUT CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION.

DAVE KOTINSKY/GETTY IMAGES FOR CONNECTICUT CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION.

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DAVE KOTINSKY/GETTY IMAGES FOR CONNECTICUT CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION.

DAVE KOTINSKY/GETTY IMAGES FOR CONNECTICUT CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION.

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COURTESY OF CONNECTICUT CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION

15: The Golden Ticket Gala benefitting Connecticut Children’s drew Westport friends to Hartford. 16: Patient/Painter Ana Cyr with the winners of her artwork: Board member Andrea and Dan Hurley. 17: Connecticut Children’s physician-in-chief, Dr. Juan Salazar, and pediatric cardiologist Dr. Olga Toro-Salazar. 18: David Roth, Bob Duncan, Senator Richard Blumenthal, Brent Morin, Jack Salafia, and Jim Shmerling. 19: Abigail Carnivale & ESPN’s Gary Striewski. 20: Omar Ali & ESPN’s Elle Duncan. 21: Richard Schiff, Sheila Kelley, David Del Rio, David Sullivan, Brent Morin, Jason Ritter, Jimmy Akingbola.

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D R . M A S H A KO G A N & D R . V I R G I N I A R O M A N O

READERS’ CHOICE 2022

CITY PICK 2021

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city scene CONTINUED

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22: Michael Halpy at the Lenox Jewelers x Breitling celebration of 140 years. 24: Westport Lifestyle's Sophia Andersen, Marisa MacLean, and Sara Gaynes Levy. 25: Sara Gaynes Levy, Michael Halpy, Marisa MacLean, and Sophia Andersen. 28: The Lenox Jewelers team with the Breitling team.

Want to be seen in the magazine?

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business monthly A ROUNDUP OF NEWS F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

SEE WELL LIVE WELL state of the art technology and compassionate eye care in your community

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Sweet P Bakery Now Ships Colossal Cookies Nationwide Colossal Cookies from Sweet P Bakery— the delicious cookies that have been available locally at The Porch at Christie's— are now available anywhere, thanks to their new nationwide shipping. A six-pack of cookies is $65, and every purchase supports Sweet P's mission of providing training and employment for adults with disabilities. For more info and to order cookies, visit sweetpbakery.org Photography by Abby Cole Photography

Local Artist Kerstin Rao Debuts Her 2025 Wildflorals Calendar Westport-based artist and entrepreneur Kerstin Rao, who is also a member of the Artists Collective of Westport as well as the Greeting Card Association of the U.S., designed this 2025 calendar full of beautiful wildflorals with her original art. The calendar is $42 and available at vividcottage.com/ product-page/2025-calendar-floral Photography by Abby Cole Photography

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Happy New Year!

Considering a real estate move this year? Let’s connect to strategize for the competitive market ahead – reach out and discover the unique difference!

Erica is a top 1% ranked Realtor globally. Her philosophy includes providing concierge level service while presenting insightful and analytical real estate recommendations tailored for each client’s success. Serving Westport & surrounding areas.

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JANUARY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

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business monthly CONTINUED

Let me help you find the insurance that fits your needs Life | Health | Medicare Supplemental | Long-Term Care

Melissa Bernstein Inducted Into Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame Melissa Bernstein– the Westportbased co-founder and former CEO of Melissa & Doug Toys, as well as the founder of well-being brand Lifelines —was inducted into the Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame in October.

First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker surprised Melissa, who Westport Lifestyle profiled in July 2024, at her induction in Hartford.

Photography Courtesy of Melissa Bernstein

Jeff Boley Licensed Insurance Agent Licensed in CT, FL, NC, NJ, NY, OH, SC, TN, TX & VA

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JBoley@HealthMarkets.com HealthMarkets.com/jboley HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. is licensed as an insurance agency nationwide except in MA. Not all agents are licensed to sell all products. Service and product availability varies by state. Sales agents may be compensated based on enrollment. No obligation to enroll. ©2024 HealthMarkets

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Head to Tail Books Offers Rare and Collectible Books Head to Tail Books, which specializes in buying and selling rare and collectible books, is now available for in-person appointments or online anytime at headtotailbooks.com.

They can help you find the perfect book to enhance your personal collection or to present as a unique gift. Head to Tail Books is owned and operated by Westporter Michele Wan. Follow the shop at @headtotailbooks, or check out headtotailbooks.com Photography Courtesy of Michele Wan

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See how we stand apart.

MICHELLEANDTEAM.COM | 203.454.4663 (HOME) JANUARY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

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business monthly CONTINUED

Iris Netzer-Greenfield

Kim Schwartz-Finkelstein

Treat yourself to Acupuncture this winter!

EARLY HOURS AVAILABLE — AT 8AM NOA HEALTH & ACUPUNCTURE 37 FRANKLIN ST, SUITE 1, WESTPORT, CT (203) 635-5151 IRIS@NOACENTER.COM NOAC E NT E R .C OM

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Bloom Beauty Is Now Downtown Exciting news!

Alyssa and Nikki are thrilled to announce that Bloom Salon is moving to downtown Westport, at 14 Elm Street. Join us for our grand opening on January 28th! At Bloom Salon, we specialize in custom color and luxury extensions, all while creating a space full of good vibes and great hair. We can’t wait to welcome you to our new location and share our passion for beautiful, personalized transformations. For more, visit bloomsalonwestsport.com

FS8 Opens In Fairfield FS8, a new fitness studio from F45, is now open in Fairfield. The workout combines elements of reformer Pilates, strength training, and yoga to deliver a low-impact, full-body workout in a fun group setting. The studio is located at 855 Post Road in Fairfield. For more, visit fs8.com

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G E T I N T O U C H AT CIT YLIFEST YLE .COM/ WESTPORT JANUARY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

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RU N N ER' S WORLD

WESTPORT'S NORMA MINKOWITZ, 87, IS BREAKING WORLD RUNNING RECORDS. ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY

Photo by Jeff Mitchell.

The world record mile time for a woman aged 85-89 is nine minutes, 45 seconds, 55 tenths of a second. And it belongs to Westport resident Norma Minkowitz, 87.

Norma competed in this past summer’s Nutmeg Games and smashed the previous world record mile time (10:55.25) for her age group.

“By the first lap I could tell I was on world record pace,” she says. “But I asked the announcer not to say that I was going for the world record— I didn’t want to feel stressed while competing if I

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couldn’t do it.” Norma was on the track alongside athletes aged 11-65, and she knew she would be the last one running. “And then they announced ‘Norma Minkowitz in the yellow hat, in the 85 to 89 age group is going on world record time,’ and everyone in the audience started screaming. It was cool, because I said to my coach that it felt like I was all alone out there. But he said ‘no, you weren’t. The crowds were with you.’ Everyone was standing up and yelling my name.”

Norma began running in her 40s. “I’ve always been athletic, but I never participated in any kind of competition until I started running in 1985,” says Norma. She got involved, initially, with the Westport Road Runners, directed by Westport’s Laddie Lawrence. “I was running [around town], and someone said 'there’s a Road Runners club that meets every Saturday.'”

She joined and was hooked. As she progressed, she started signing up for local races, “I always seemed to come in first or second in my age group,” she says. “I just like competing.”

For many years, she did long-distance running, competing in three New York City Marathons. “But I did a few track races and I was so much faster than everyone in my age group that I was running against, that I thought I could do even better.” She started not just competing in these shorter distances, but winning. In the 2019 Senior Olympics, she came in first in every race she participated in. She holds the national record in the 800meter race for her age group, set at the 2023 USATF Masters Indoor Championships, and set a World record in her age group for the 400-meter event at the same event and a 400-meter national record at the 2023 National Senior Games. “I like running fast, and getting gratification sooner if you do well.” In

“I always seemed to come in first or second in my age group,” she says. “I just like competing.” recent years, she started working with a running coach, Steve Kurczewski, and doing weight training at Performance Optimal Training with trainer Chris Nolan. And even though last year she had surgery on her meniscus and her knee “has never been the same,” the training paid off. “My trainer was giving me an exercise and I asked ‘what’s this for?’ And he said, that’s for your quads, because the more muscle I build around the surgical knee, the more support I have. My legs are really strong.” Clearly!

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Norma won the Westport Road Runners season in her age group in 2022.

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Norma with her artwork. Photo by Tom Grotta, owner of browngrotta arts.

Norma typically exercises six days a week, mixing two days of strength training with running, elliptical workouts and race walking. “I can’t not train, because my coach is watching me!” she says, laughing. “But I’m motivated to work out, because if I don’t, I’m not going to do well competing.” The drive in Norma may be related to the fact that she’s a world-renowned fine artist — her gallery is browngrotta arts in Wilton— and “running always combined well with my artwork,” she explains. (She primarily works with fiber and mixed media, mostly incorporating crochet in her artwork, and is in the permanent collection of 35 museums worldwide.) “There’s a connection between running and art, the way I do it— my work is in fiber, and the process is to do this crochet stitch over and over. It’s very repetitive, as is running.” And as is true for both: the more you do it, the better the results.

Setting world records might not be the motivation for every 87-year-old runner, but for Norma, it’s working. “I hate to say this because it might sound shallow, but you asked what motivates me and I guess, I like winning!” she says with a laugh. “I like working to achieve something.”

To learn more about Norma’s artwork, visit browngrotta.com

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After setting the world indoor record for the 400 meter run.

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Giving Back TO O U R CO M M U N I T I ES

Rob Vaccaro

Westport Chamber of Commerce Westport Farmers’ Market Westport Little League Westport Lobsterfest Westport Police Athletic League Westport Rotary Club Westport Softball Westport Sunrise Rotary Club Westport Uncorked Westport-Weston YMCA WSR 21st Century Foundation Gillespie Center Mid Fair�eld County Board of Realtors

Homeowners

Tom Ayres

Auto

PRIVATE CLIENT INSURANCE

Mark Wilhelm

Eli Zimmer

The Great Duck Race Darien Little League Darien Youth Hockey Fair�eld Chamber of Commerce Fair�eld High School Hockey Fair�eld Little League Fair�eld Prep Hockey Fair�eld United Baseball Fair�eld Youth Football Near & Far Aid Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce Norwalk McMahon Hockey

Seasonal Homes

Watercraft

Peter Dell’Olio

Trumbull High School Girls Volleyball Children’s Day School of Wilton Wilton Little League The Boys & Girls Club of Stamford Catch a Lift Fund Enthuse Foundation Homes for the Brave Mercy Learning Center People 1st Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Staples Gridiron Club Sterling House Food Pantry Total Mortgage Foundation

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The Greatest Gift Aitoro Appliance owner Tony Aitoro needed a new kidney. He found one on Facebook.

Tony Aitoro was enjoying a well-deserved vacation with his family 35 years ago, when his mother-in-law, a nurse, said she was worried about him.

“She looked over and said, ‘You’re drinking water constantly,’” the Norwalk appliance store owner remembers. “I think you have diabetes.”

Turns out her concern was well-founded.

Not only did Aitoro have Type 2 diabetes, but last fall, he got some related news that rocked his world. “I worked on the diabetes over the years, but it started getting worse and worse and worse,” he says. “My doctor said if it kept up I would have kidney failure. I went to NYU and they said, ‘you’re going to need a new kidney.’ I almost died. I was so surprised.”

From there, things started to move at lightning speed. Soon he was at Yale New Haven Hospital undergoing a battery of tests and consultations. In came a social worker, an anesthetist, a psychologist, and a surgical team. They were all professional and caring, but the message was clear: Tony needed a new kidney, or he had only three to five years to live. And he would need to join a waitlist of about 110,000 people.

“What happens if you don’t get one?” he recalls asking. “They said, ‘People die. Do you know many people? Start asking around for donors.’”

ARTICLE BY MEREDITH GUINNESS

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Stunned, Tony called a friend who works in public relations in Hollywood. The pair crafted a poignant letter he could address to his 6,500 friends on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. On June 27, 2024, they hit send.

At her home in Long Beach Island, N.J., Maureen Hickey Hines was scrolling on her phone. Having retired from teaching preschool at Christ and Holy Trinity School in Westport, she and her husband, Jim, were enjoying their days reading and playing pickleball. She saw a long post from Tony Aitoro, a longtime family friend, and stopped to read it.

“I wondered 'what’s that about?' Tony’s a man of few words in his posts,” Maureen says. “Then I read it and I was, like, holy cow. I immediately thought 'I have to see if I can help.' I told my husband and he said, ‘Of course.’”

Maureen was one of a dozen people who answered Tony's plea on the first day it was posted, and it’s easy to see why. Since 1972,

Tony Aitoro and Maureen Hickey Hines.

Aitoro Appliance.

he’s been working at his 77-year-old Norwalk family business, Aitoro Appliance, finding perfect refrigerators, clothes dryers, and dishwashers for families across Fairfield County, just like his father Vincent and grandfather Anthony before him.

In addition to being a trusted businessman, Aitoro has a long history of giving back to the community, most notably offering up the Aitoro Showroom for an annual Make-a-Wish Foundation event with celebrity chefs and youngsters with life-threatening illnesses.

A previous Make-a-Wish event at Aitoro Appliance.

“I have an appliance store, but I don’t just sell dishwashers if you know what I mean,” says Tony, 67. “We do something with charities every month. It’s what I do. I’m a giver.”

This time around, Tony would be on the receiving end – but not before Maureen went through her own set of tests, including an EKG, 24-hour urinalysis, a stress test, a CAT scan, and a conversation about being psychologically ready to donate an organ. (She appreciated the added bonus of knowing she was in optimal shape.)

The Yale team pronounced Maureen, 58, a compatible donor.

If the surgery was successful, they told her, it could add 20 years to Tony's life.

“Good health is the most important thing you can have and I had an opportunity to share that with a really remarkable person,” she tells Westport Lifestyle.

On September 24, Maureen and Tony lay in adjacent operating rooms. The team removed Maureen's kidney and carried it “in a salad bowl,” says Tony with a laugh, across the hall to the other operating suite. When he woke up in the recovery room, Jim was there with Tony’s wife, Liz, and two of his three grown children, Caroline, A.J., and Michael.

CONTINUED >

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Tony Aitoro.

Recovering at home.

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Within 48 hours, the high creatinine levels in his body that had doctors concerned he would need dialysis to live had plummeted down to the normal range. He was in the hospital for three days and was back to the store, with reduced workdays, the following month.

“I’m on 27 pills a day right now, but that’s OK,” Tony says.

For Maureen, the experience is an example of the beauty of life.

“The world can sometimes feel like a dark place,” she says, her voice quavering. “I can’t even describe how happy I was afterward. How grateful.”

For Tony Aitoro, it was an answer to many prayers. As fall turned into the holiday season, he said he knew he was on the mend when his wife and daughter felt comfortable enough to go on vacation, leaving him to rest at home by himself for a week.

“My wife has been a rock. I can’t say it enough. And my kids,” he says. “But Maureen? She’s an angel. She really is.”

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WESTPORT'S NEW Squeeze Nicole and Jason Ruscio, center, with the Squeeze team.

NICOLE AND JASON RUSCIO BELIEVE IN A WAY BETTER MASSAGE. ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN VIDELER

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Each massage at Squeeze is customized for the individual.

Nicole Ruscio, with Jason, chooses a scent at the aromatherapy wall.

When Nicole and Jason Ruscio moved from Westchester County, New York to Southport in 2021, they “instantly fell in love with the community,” says Nicole.

“We both knew once we moved here: this is where we’re going to put down our roots,” she says. Before moving to Fairfield County, Nicole worked in the ad tech industry, but she says she and her husband Jason wanted to build something of their own, now that they’d found their forever home. Then inspiration struck: Jason, who works on Wall Street, has always been passionate about fitness, but found it was getting harder to recover physically as he aged. He began to incorporate massage therapy into his routine and immediately noticed the benefits. So the couple decided to bring Squeeze, a way better massage experience, to Westport.

“When we came across Squeeze several years ago, we invested in a concept and a brand that we truly believe in,” says Jason. “It fills a gap in the marketplace between a high-end spa experience— which is amazing, but maybe not practical to incorporate into a regular wellness routine—and the discount chains, which have a great price point, but CONTINUED >

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perhaps miss the mark on the overall experience,” he explains. Squeeze was created by the co-founders of Drybar, a blow-dry bar that revolutionized how people thought about booking salon appointments, and it does the same for massage therapy. Squeeze offers both "Pay-Per-Squeeze" booking ($129 for 50 minutes, $159 for 80 minutes) and a monthly membership fee ($95 for one 50-minute massage per month and $125 for one 80-minute massage per month), making incorporating massage into your regular self-care easy.

You can book appointments (same day, even!) on their app.

And once you’re there, you get a fully customizable experience—you can choose an aromatherapy scent, select your music, and customize your massage with your therapist.

“Squeeze allows guests to not have to choose between experience and price,” says Jason.

Another part of the Squeeze experience that sets it apart is the team. “Squeeze puts an emphasis on prioritizing our team members,” says Nicole.

“We are firm believers that if you treat your team well, it will show through to the customer. We work hard to make this a place where our team actually enjoys coming to work.” (One example: each team member gets a free massage every month!). And

that culture starts with Jason and Nicole, working together as a husband-and-wife team. “We pick each other up and encourage each other when we need to,” says Nicole. “We’re in this together.”

Since opening Squeeze, Nicole and Jason have seen the impact that getting regular massages can have on people. “If you're active in sports, or working out, or running, massages are a really important factor in recovery,” says Nicole. “As a parent [they have two kids, ages 8 and 4], I would say massage is also great for reducing your stress. We're open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., which allows a commuter from the city or a parent who puts their kids to bed and wants to end their night with a massage that flexibility.”

“The feedback from the community has been amazing,” agrees Jason. “When guests walk in who have been having a crummy day or have expressed something difficult happened in their life and they're feeling down, seeing the difference in their mood when they walk out really touches our hearts,” says Nicole.

Squeeze is located in The Village Center shopping center at 625 Post Road E. To sign up for a membership or book an appointment, visit squeezemassage.com or download the Squeeze - Massage app from the App Store.

“When we came across Squeeze several years ago, we invested in a concept and a brand that we truly believe in.”

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FEELING

Re s t o r e (d ) There's a menu of vitamins to add to an IV drip therapy. Restore's onsite nurse helped me choose.

ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY

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S ELF CA R E | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

Restore Hyper Wellness.

As a writer covering health and fitness for the last 15 years, I’ve tried lots of wellness innovations. From activated charcoal lemonade to zero-gravity treadmills to stateof-the-art sports bras to leggings that can sense which muscles you’re activating, I love testing things in the name of science. So when Restore Hyper Wellness (877 Post Road E., restore.com) invited me to come in and try out some of their services, I didn’t hesitate.

Co-owner Felicia Sale described Restore to me as a “one-stop shop,” and that’s exactly what it felt like. Restore isn’t your typical day spa environment— you won’t find tinkling piano music or cucumber lemon water– but you can walk out of a session there feeling just as good, and, most importantly for busy Westporters, in half the time. I started my treatments with the Neveskin facial, a coldtemp facial that uses a smooth, ice-cold disk to rejuvenate skin, in combination with Jan Marini products. The facial instantly plumped my skin. The Neveskin device is chilly, but not freezing—it’s like a giant ice roller, I’d say— and as soon as I looked in the mirror I could see how much fuller and healthier my skin looked. If you’ve got a big event coming up or your skin is being zapped

by Connecticut winter weather, a Neveskin facial is a great way to get your glow back.

After my facial I met with one of their onsite nurses and got set up with an IV drip. These are great for hydration, and we chose addons for my specific areas of interest: beauty-boosting vitamins like proline and lysine to help seal in the effects of my facial, and vitamin B12 to help boost my energy. While the IV dripped, I strapped into a pair of their compression boots, which boost circulation and help with muscle recovery. The compression is very pleasant, particularly if you exercise a lot— it felt like a targeted lower body massage. I did an express version of the IV, so the combined drip and compression treatment took about 25 minutes. It was amazing how rejuvenated I felt after such a short session— like the best power nap ever.

Before I left, I did red light therapy. While the red light therapy isn’t quite as immediate in terms of seeing results, it’s efficient as well:

During the Neveskin facial.

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The Restore The Restore Hyper Wellness WestportHyper staff.

Wellness Westport staff.

Red light therapy.

the therapy is 12 minutes, an easy tack-on to an afternoon of taking care of yourself in ways that go beyond skin deep. And that’s what red light therapy literally does— it can work below the skin to boost collagen production and encourage cell turnover, leaving you with younger-looking skin. While it takes a few sessions to see results, it’s pleasant to lie in the warm glow while the lights do their work!

My biggest takeaway from my day at Restore was that you don’t need a lot of time to care for your whole body. In under two hours, I could see visibly healthier skin, felt hydrated and energized, had less muscle fatigue, and set my skin up for continued success. Where else in Westport can you do all that?

To book an appointment visit restore.com

The cryotherapy chamber.

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Restore Hyper Wellness offers cryotherapy, red light therapy, infrared sauna, and compression as core services. They also offer several IV drip therapies and intramuscular (IM) shots. Skin health services include Neveskin™ facials, HydroPeptide custom facials, Jan Marini resurfacing peels, Hydrafacials™, and Keravive scalp treatments. Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy, biomarker assessments, and weight management are also available.

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Betsy Perna. Photo by Janet//Planet Photo.

Betsy Perna Trainer, Fit To You Fitness fittoyoufitness.com

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN FITNESS?

I have always been into working out. In classes, I’d find myself wanting to help people that were compromising their form, and could get hurt, but didn’t want to be ‘that’ person. I decided I could start my own fitness experience, make it fun, and make sure everyone was getting an effective workout.

HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO BUILD YOUR BUSINESS HERE IN WESTPORT?

So many people I know are interested in working out more, but they get into a rut where they get bored. Being able to set up at someone’s house, have fun, blast music, and get a great workout seemed to be a great way to get people to sweat it out!

WHAT SURPRISES PEOPLE ABOUT BEING A FITNESS PROFESSIONAL?

The amount of work it takes. I write out every class that I teach. They’re my “lesson plans.” And the amount of stuff I bring— I’m a portable gym!

HOW DO YOU PRACTICE SELF-CARE?

By giving myself “me” time every day. Being a mom is a busy and exhausting job. I make it a point every single day to move no matter how much time I have. It helps clear my mind, resets my brain, and makes me a better parent.

WHAT ASPECT OF YOUR CAREER BRINGS YOU THE MOST JOY?

I love that I get to plan workouts to cater to my clients. I love that they laugh with their friends during class. I love when I get texts telling me how sore they are. I love when they ask if we could do a move again next session. I love all of it!

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Iris Netzer-Greenfield. Photo by Maya Porrino.

Iris Netzer-Greenfield, L.Ac Founder, Noa Health & Acupuncture noacenter.com

instead of commuting into NYC as often. I now have busy practices in both locations but commute way less.

WHAT’S ONE THING THAT SURPRISES PEOPLE ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE?

For those who are new to it, it surprises them that they don’t feel the needles. It’s also relaxing. Patients fall asleep all the time on my table. I often say “if all acupuncture helps with is reducing stress, then it’s worth it.”

HOW DO YOU PRACTICE SELF-CARE? HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED IN ACUPUNCTURE?

The idea started back in the ‘90s, when my aunt told me that she was going back to school to study Chinese medicine. I was intrigued. I always had an interest in biology and alternative approaches to things in general.

HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO BUILD NOA HERE IN WESTPORT?

My youngest child was in preschool, so, at the time, my husband thought it would be nice for me to see people in Westport

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I try to live a balanced life. Like many of my patients, I’m a mom and I work. The juggle is constant. Exercise, eating well, quality sleep and time for myself is crucial.

WHAT ASPECT OF YOUR CAREER BRINGS YOU THE MOST JOY?

I love making people feel better and helping them reach their personal / health goals. If I can inspire in any way, whether it’s through acupuncture or friendly advice, I feel golden.

Sarah Sadie Newett. Photo by Jessica Thibault.

Sarah Sadie Newett Founder, SSN Method sarahsadienewett.com

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN FITNESS?

As a dance/theater major at Emerson College, Pilates was part of my curriculum, and it transformed my dance ability and body. I became certified in mat Pilates and began teaching. I then got certified in yoga, Pilates equipment, Thai massage, barre, and a few more. In 2011, I found aerial silks and it changed my life.

Everything I loved about dance, flexibility, strength, fluidity, and performance came together.

HOW DID YOU CREATE THE SSN METHOD?

The SSN Method was born from hearing that my work was “so different” from anything my clients had tried. After nearly 20 years, I’ve found that curated, effective movement that creates structural strength and length are things women everywhere want. I’m so grateful for the community here in Westport and for all the women who have embraced the SSN Method.

WHAT’S ONE THING THAT SURPRISES PEOPLE ABOUT SSN?

Within their first session, all SSN clients learn they can do more than they think.

I take photos to capture their flexibility and strength -- it’s all about them seeing for themselves just how amazing they are!

HOW DO YOU PRACTICE SELF-CARE?

I committed to getting sober in 2016 and began what has been the biggest self-care journey of my life. For me, it’s a true miracle.

WHAT ASPECT OF YOUR CAREER BRINGS YOU THE MOST JOY?

Seeing my clients light up when they accomplish something, or see themselves as beautiful. I believe everyone can do more than they think they can. Showing my clients this is the hallmark of my method. If joy isn’t a part of your movement practice, my question is, “Why not?”

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Dr. Emily Driesman. Photo by Abby Cole Photography.

Dr. Emily Driesman Owner and Orthodontist, Embrace Orthodontics westportortho.com

HOW DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO BECOME AN ORTHODONTIST?

Both my parents are physicians, which inspired my interest in healthcare. I knew I wanted to make an impact, and orthodontics allows me to engage with people.

Growing up, I also loved painting and sculpting, so orthodonture—where I work with my hands to create beautiful smiles— was a great fit.

HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO BUILD YOUR PRACTICE IN WESTPORT?

I grew up in Westport. When I graduated from my residency, my first job was in Fairfield. Then Dr. Steve Scher, a veteran orthodontist in Westport, asked if I would consider taking over his practice. Thus, Embrace Orthodontics was founded. It was a little scary, but I felt ready to create and grow my own practice.

WHAT SURPRISES PEOPLE ABOUT BEING AN ORTHODONTIST?

How fun it is to come into our office. We focus on creating a light-hearted atmosphere for patients and staff. I enjoy hosting events at my office for my patients and Westport residents, like a moms night out, or an ice cream social where kids can stop by for a free ice cream.

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HOW DO YOU PRACTICE SELF-CARE?

I wake up early to dedicate time to myself, whether it’s hitting the gym or enjoying a walk outside. This routine energizes me and sets a positive tone for the day.

WHAT ASPECT OF YOUR CAREER BRINGS YOU THE MOST JOY?

The deep connection I share with my patients, particularly because I can relate to their experiences, having once been a teenager with braces growing up in Westport! My biggest reward is seeing my patients with their new smiles grow into confident individuals.

Alyssa Lavy. Photo by Kaitlyn Casso.

Alyssa Lavy, MS, RD, CDN, CPT Registered dietitian and personal trainer alyssalavy.com

WHAT SURPRISES PEOPLE ABOUT BEING A DIETICIAN?

People are usually surprised to learn that I don’t practice extremes in my own life, nor do I recommend extremes for my clients. I recommend balance, variety and consistency – and that’s what I practice, too!

HOW DO YOU PRACTICE SELF-CARE?

As a mom of two young kids running a business, I don’t have a ton of time, but I try to prioritize self-care in ways that work for me. Some days it may be a barre class or a walk or meeting up with a friend, but oftentimes it may be as simple as taking 5-10 minutes to sit with my coffee or tea with some music (or silence)!

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN NUTRITION, SPECIFICALLY GUT HEALTH?

In college I took a course that focused on nutrition and health and fell in love (and switched my major). I was also diagnosed with GERD when I was 11. After years of medication, I was able to manage my symptoms with diet and lifestyle. It was a natural niche for me once I started studying nutrition. The rest is history!

HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO BUILD YOUR PRACTICE HERE IN WESTPORT? I was raised in Westport, and knew that Westport was home.

WHAT ASPECT OF YOUR CAREER BRINGS YOU THE MOST JOY?

Working with clients is always rewarding – I love helping people improve their relationship with food, their body and their health. I also love the creative aspect– I work with brands offering nutrition consulting. And it brings me so much joy when I see someone enjoying my recipes.

I love it all!

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Dr. Masha Kogan and Dr. Virginia Romano. Photo by Jenaè Weinbrenner.

Dr. Masha Kogan & Dr. Virginia Romano Dental Center of Westport dentalcenterwestport.com

WHAT SURPRISES PEOPLE ABOUT BEING A DENTIST?

Our job goes beyond fixing teeth. There is an emotional aspect, as many patients come in feeling anxious, stressed, or even embarrassed about their teeth. It’s our job to help them feel comfortable.

Also, while most people think of a dentist’s role as reacting to problems, a significant portion of what we do is educating about the importance of preventative oral health in relation to overall well-being.

HOW DO YOU PRACTICE SELF CARE IN YOUR OWN LIVES?

WHY DID YOU WANT TO BECOME DENTISTS?

Dentistry offered an opportunity to blend two things we’re passionate about: helping people and expressing creativity. But what truly drew us in was the chance to approach dental care with a holistic mindset—where both body and mind are cared for—and to bring artistry into our work.

WHY DID YOU BUILD YOUR PRACTICE IN WESTPORT?

Westport residents focus on their health and are proactive about their well-being. We saw an opportunity to create a dental practice that aligns with this, going beyond traditional dental care by emphasizing the mind-body connection.

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In order to care for others, we need to care for ourselves. We prioritize a nutrient-dense diet, focus on strength training and cardio, use meditation and acupuncture to help with stress management, prioritize rest, and value quality time with family and friends.

WHAT ASPECT OF YOUR CAREER BRINGS YOU THE MOST JOY?

The positive impact we make on a patient’s health and confidence. When we see a patient leave the office with a brighter, healthier smile, but also a sense of renewed self-esteem and comfort, that’s when we feel the most fulfilled.

Adriana Gatti Liberatore. Photo by Abby Cole Photography.

Adriana Gatti Liberatore, MS, RDN TrulyWell

trulywellrd.com

HOW DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO BECOME A DIETITIAN?

Coming from an Italian family that loves fresh, beautiful food I’ve always been involved in nutrition. When I worked in corporate finance, I became aware of how important nourishing myself was for remaining healthy. Becoming an evidence-based RD uses what I already love to do and lets me share it with other people.

HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO BUILD YOUR PRACTICE HERE IN WESTPORT?

We moved from Italy to Westport in the ‘90s; it’s where I grew up. A return to my community felt like a return to family.

WHAT SURPRISES PEOPLE ABOUT BEING A DIETITIAN?

People’s perception is that I’m going to regiment what they eat and how they live.

They’re surprised and delighted to find out that I flip the script. You can have your cake—and eat it too!—and see results.

HOW DO YOU PRACTICE SELF-CARE?

You’ll see me walking pretty much everywhere in town. Moving, sunlight, and

fresh air are what give me energy. Strength training, nutrition, and stress management are the cornerstones of physical and mental self-care, and staying connected with my personal and professional community is the foundation of my happiness.

WHAT ASPECT OF YOUR CAREER BRINGS YOU THE MOST JOY?

The joy comes from empowering people to make positive changes for themselves; it’s witnessing someone’s confidence, health, and happiness bloom as they experience improvements they assumed were impossible.

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HEALTHY NEW YEAR WESTPORT'S OWN DR. TANIA ELLIOTT IS HELPING OUR COMMUNITY—AND HER 380,000 FOLLOWERS— LIVE HEALTHIER LIVES.

ARTICLE BY LAUREN BROWN WEST-ROSENTHAL

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“I always say drastic changes won’t be effective or long-lasting.

Go for quick, simple, and easy swaps that are doable.”

If you’re one of Dr. Tania Elliott’s 380,000 Instagram followers, you know her approach to healthcare is anything but clinical. Yes, she’s board-certified in both Internal Medicine and Allergy/Immunology, but connecting directly with patients is at the core of how Dr. Tania navigates medicine. Early in her career as an allergist, she noticed how counterintuitive it felt to see patients in an office rather than their home environment. “I’d ask, ‘Do you have carpeting? Bedding? Upholstered furniture? What does your HVAC look like? Do you use candles? What creams and soaps do you use?” she explains. “When you ask someone to strip down into a gown, you miss cues like if they wear a uniform, or have stains on their clothes because they work with paints or acrylics. All those things are cues for me to be able to make a diagnosis. Trying to identify triggers didn’t make any sense [in an office].” It’s how her new business, called Welth, was born. Welth provides access to resources, education, and a comprehensive care team via telemedicine, text, video, or phone to help people navigate their health and feel their best. Tania’s goal? To bridge the gap between healthcare and wellness.

As she prepares to expand her brand and reach in 2025, she spoke with Westport Lifestyle about living happily and healthily.

WHAT’S YOUR OVERALL PHILOSOPHY ON HEALTHCARE?

[Medicine generally focuses] on individual organs—you see the pulmonary doctor for your lungs or the cardiologist for your heart. Well, you're not a lung, you’re not a heart—you are a whole person. People would come

to me when they had a diagnostic dilemma and had already been to a bunch of doctors who only looked at a piece of things. An allergist is trained to look at the whole picture—the root cause as well as factors in the environment. Is it a food that's reacting with you? Is it something in your home?

You have to look at the whole person. That’s when I realized maybe I could Skype with my patients. I started doing telemedicine before it was cool!

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TELEMEDICINE WHEN DIAGNOSING ALLERGIES?

You want a doctor who can access you at the exact moment when you don't feel well. Say you have a rash. By the time you get in to see me, the rash has gone away. When patients can immediately send me a photo, I know right away if it is hives, or bed bugs, or dermatitis. But how can I make that diagnosis later?

WHAT'S YOUR APPROACH TO CREATING SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT?

I want to be relatable and aspirational, in some way. So sometimes I'll do a post in my workout clothes, and that's intentional. If I can look like [a wellness influencer], and provide accurate information, I'm going to do that. If it's the summertime and I'm sitting by my pool and say, ‘This is what my friends ask me about introducing food allergens to their kids…’ well, that’s actually how I do talk to my friends who sit by my pool and ask questions about their kids! People say ‘no one's going to listen to a doctor in a crop top.’ But I want to be a relatable friend—who happens to be a credible physician.

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YOU’RE KNOWN FOR SHARING “HEALTHY SWAPS” IN YOUR INSTAGRAM VIDEOS. WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND SWAPPING OUT IN YOUR HOME THIS YEAR?

Stop using dish sponges. And if you want to use a sponge, put it in the dishwasher or boil it every night—it’s full of bacteria and fungus. Instead, I recommend Swedish dishcloths that are plantbased and become hard when they're dry.

WHAT ABOUT SWAPS FOR HEALTHIER MEALS AND SNACKS?

I always say drastic changes won’t be effective or long-lasting. So quick, simple, and easy swaps that are doable. If you like having a snack at night, figure out the best snack for you to have. Have a handful of pistachios and walnuts (which are a natural source of melatonin) before bed instead of potato chips.

HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR OWN FAMILY HEALTHY?

Ten minutes of sunshine every day. I get up in the morning and watch the sunrise. It’s mood-boosting! And for sleep hygiene, I sleep in a pitch-black room with an eye mask. In our family, we also got rid of night lights in our kids' rooms, so their bodies can create natural sleep hormones. To help them feel more comfortable in the dark, a fun adventure we've implemented is night walks. We look at the moon and the stars. When you're in the dark for about ten minutes, your eyes adjust, and it doesn’t feel that dark.

WHAT ARE SOME HEALTHY HACKS YOU’VE DISCOVERED LIVING IN WESTPORT?

Cold plunges! I go to Compo Beach and do a cold plunge. It shocks the system and releases natural endorphins like dopamine. The cold is also numbing, so it can help with pain and inflammation.

And the sunrises and sunsets are incredible by the beach. I love to start and end my day there. I even started drawing what I see with colored pencils. I never thought of myself as an artist! And having the beach and forests so close to one another is topography that I love. Enjoying the natural beauty of Westport has been huge.

For more tips from Dr. Tania Elliott, follow @drtaniaelliott

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Start planning your trip today.

Scan here to speak with Rene!

Westport, CT (866) 869-1760 | grandexplorations.com 62

JOIN IN JANUARY For this month only, sign up for a Squeeze membership and save $20 each month for your first 3 months!

It’s a relaxation resolution. Use code WPJANMBR. SCAN TO JOIN

Valid 1/1/2025-1/31/2025. New members only. Westport location only.

ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEVY RUTLEDGE

SPOTON VET OFFERS CUTTING EDGE HEALTHCARE FOR PET OWNERS.

Dr. Putter.

THE HOT SPOT 64

P E T CA R E | HEALTH + W ELLN E SS

Health is for everyone: not just us humans, but our pets, too. This belief is what led Philip Putter to become a veterinarian. “I often hear from my colleagues ‘I knew I was going to become a vet when I was five years old,’” he says. “My primary interest was always medicine—for animals and humans.” It was actually his now-wife Becky who first suggested becoming a vet to marry Philip’s interest in healing with his affection for animals. As it turned out, she was exactly right.

medicine, acupuncture, Eastern medicine, and the best of Western medicine all under one roof. When they finally found the perfect place to do it, Spot On Vet opened a brick-and-mortar location in Stamford. “Our phrase is ‘one spot for all your pet’s needs,’” says Philip of the name. Spot On in Stamford was an immediate hit with the community when it opened in 2017.

“And once we established ourselves in Stamford, we decided we wanted to branch out to Westport,” says Philip.

“I LOVE INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE, AND WESTPORT IS A PERFECT COMMUNITY FOR THAT." After getting his degree in veterinary medicine at Ross Veterinary School, Becky and Philip moved to Connecticut. They started a business doing veterinary house calls in 2015, traveling all over Fairfield County treating animals, with Becky acting as the director of operations. “We did that for several years, but what we identified was we wanted to provide service at a higher level, with more attention to individual clients and patient needs,” says Philip. The couple had a vision for a one-stop-shop with not just basic veterinary services, but boarding, daycare, training, grooming, integrative

“We like to say our son born in 2015 is our first baby, Stamford is our second baby, our daughter born in 2019 is our third baby, and Westport is our fourth,” says Becky.

Philip and Becky say that they chose Westport because they already had a host of clients traveling from our area to Stamford for appointments. Their new facility, which offers the same cutting-edge veterinary care as their Stamford location opened in the summer of 2024.

“One of the things I love most is integrative medicine, and Westport is a perfect community for that.

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The Spot On Vet van.

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We happened to find a building across the street from Earth Animal, which is a Mecca for people who want to delve into nutrition and holistic healthcare [for their pets],” says Philip. “We’ve been so welcomed in Westport,” agrees Becky.

And now that Spot On is here, animals that visit the office for care are in the most dedicated hands. “What I’m always after is getting to the foundation of a problem for an animal,” says Philip. “I could see an animal who comes in with watery eyes and ear infections and bad skin, and I could give them antibiotics, but they’re gonna be back next season with the same problem. I wanted to venture out into identifying the foundational reasons and by using the best of Eastern and Western medicine and technology we can diagnose and treat symptoms in a way where hopefully that pet never has that problem again.”

More than anything, Philip and Becky want you to know that you can trust that your beloved family members are in good hands with their family (you can often find their nine-year-old son greeting folks at the front desk!). “You have to trust [your vet] enough to interpret for your pet that you love, who can't speak. And you have to trust that I know what to do to help your animal. And maybe I'm recommending things that don't make sense to you. But where we thrive is we are willing to spend time with each of our patients and their owners to figure out what path they want to follow. I want to improve the quality of life for people and their pets in a luxurious, calm, trustworthy environment.” If you’ve ever set foot in Spot On, you’ll know they really do provide that. ““People tell us ‘I didn’t know you could elevate veterinary medicine to this level,’” says Philip. “That makes it all worth it.”

Spot On Vet Westport is located at 950 Post Road E. For more information or to make an appointment, visit spotonvet. com or call/text: 203-303-9933. New clients receive their first vet exam free.

Becky and Dr. Philip Putter.

NEW YEAR. NEW SKIN. NEVESKIN.

Dr. Putter with Dr. Larson.

START THE YEAR STRONG WITH SELF-CARE THAT LIFTS, TONES & RENEWS.

20% off Neveskin treatments in the month of January

Scan Here to Learn More & Claim 20% off www.restore.com | 203.557.0644 877 Post Rd E | Westport JANUARY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

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interior design | architectural design | project management www.d2interieurs.com

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646.326.7048

studio@d2interieurs.com

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.

uncompromising excellence of our competition department.

Speedsport Tuning’s skilled preparation and support services have helped our clients achieve hundreds of podiums and countless championships.

Our vintage department is globally recognized for its expertise and skill, developed over decades of working on some of the world’s most coveted Porsches. Utilizing specialized tools and a watchmaker’s precision, our vintage technicians deliver the care discerning owners can trust, even on the rarest of Porsches.

For modern street Porsches, we’ve been the trusted resource for those seeking an alternative to the dealer service department. Our factory trained technicians can even care for your Taycan.

Track enthusiasts at every experience level benefit from the

COMPETITION • STREET • VINTAGE

We understand the passions that drive Porschephiles are as diverse as the cars themselves. No matter which Porsche you drive, or how you drive it, we’ve got your back.

203-730-0311

service@SpeedSportTuning.net SpeedSportTuning.net • 52 Miry Brook Road, Danbury, CT 06810 facebook.com/SpeedSportCT

@speedsporttuning

BR INGING MOR E JOY

Abby Dixon helps new parents feel their happiest during a challenging time.

ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY PHOTOGRAPHY BY ABBY COLE PHOTOGRAPHY

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Starting a family is one of the most profoundly life-altering experiences a person can go through. For new moms, their worlds shift, often in ways they could never imagine. That time is what Abby Dixon is most passionate about. Abby is a

“I want to help moms and moms-to-be overcome feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, stress, and self-doubt.”

Westport-based perinatal mental health specialist who focuses on the pre- and postnatal experience.

“My passion is helping moms build a community and support network,” says Abby. She lost her own mom at 26, and navigated having young children in the height of the pandemic. “It highlighted to me how critical support is during this transformative time,” she says.

With her background, she was inspired to launch Joywell, an online pregnancy coaching and maternity concierge service. “I want to help moms and momsto-be overcome feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, stress, and self-doubt,” she says. “We focus on action plans, built around your existing strengths.”

And Abby helps prepare moms for the unexpected— like, say, the challenge of making and maintaining friendships as a new parent. “We work to identify

your values pre-baby, and make sure they’re being honored and attended to post-baby,” she says. "This isn’t a birth prep class or a registry checklist. This is a holistic, full-self approach that centers both mother and child."

While Joywell is an online program, Abby will soon bring her services to local, in-person groups where moms can build community together in Fairfield County. She envisions features like on-site lactation support and real-life opportunities for connection, so desperately needed for new parents. It may take a village, but it’s harder to build that village than ever before. Abby and Joywell are here to make it a little less difficult.

For more information or to book services, visit thejoywell.co

JANUARY 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / W E ST P O RT

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•

JANINE KELLY Attorney at Law

BONNIE AMENDOLA Senior Partner, Attorney at Law

JACQUELYN CONLON Senior Partner, Attorney At Law

Representation with Compassion, Strength & Integrity MATRIMONIAL AND FAMILY LAW SERVICES LITIGATION | ARBITRATION | MEDIATION | CUSTODY | PRENUPTIAL & POST-NUPTIAL AGREEMENTS (203) 803-2943 • WWW.CONLONAMENDOLA.COM Now welcoming clients in our new Southport location

THE HISTORIC 281 Pequot Avenue, Southport, CT

STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR COMMUNITY FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

Good news happening right in your neighborhood.

Inspiration for your best local life.

Exclusive giveaways.

Hidden gem alert!

Local content by local creators.

SCAN TO CONNECT

WESTPORT LIFESTYLE™ 72

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 EVENT DESIGN & COORDINATION | WWW.TRUEEVENT.COM | @TRUEEVENT Photo by Leila Brewster Photography

Dr. Gilda Boroumand.

O T

H R E U A O LT Y H

It's a new year, and while making resolutions to eat more fruits and vegetables and exercise frequently are great, that's not all there is to health. Westport Lifestyle spoke to Gilda Boroumand, M.D., a breast imaging radiologist at Connecticut Breast Imaging, to get her best health resolutions for a truly happy and healthy 2025.

1. PRIORITIZE YOUR PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN "First, make sure you have a primary care physician— a lot of people assume they're healthy and think they don't need to have a primary doctor," she says. "It's always harder to get an appointment when something urgent comes up. So make sure you have a primary care physician and actually make an appointment with them. Even if you feel healthy, you need them to help you stay on top of your preventative care."

Dr. Gilda Boroumand shares five New Year's resolutions for your healthiest 2025.

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2. CHECK IN ON ANY AGE-BASED CANCER SCREENINGS Milestone birthday coming up this year? See if it lines up with cancer screening recommendations. "Once you hit age 45, you should be having a colorectal cancer screening, ideally with a colonoscopy," she says. "But there are potentially other options, and that's something you should talk to a GI physician or a primary care doctor about." Additionally, "annual screening mammography, starting when you're 40, saves the most lives, and I would urge all women to make sure they're getting a 3D mammogram [from that age on]."

3. SCHEDULE YOUR DENTAL CLEANINGS "I know a lot of people hate the dentist more than they hate coming to see me for a mammogram!" she says. "But there's a lot of truth to the idea that your oral health is the window to your general health. So go ahead and see your dentist."

4. GET TO KNOW YOUR OWN BODY "I think it's important for women—really, all people—to get to know their own bodies.

You don't have to drive yourself nuts, but I tend to tell people to do a self-exam about once a month, about three to seven days after their period starts, so that they know what their body feels like and they know what their normal breasts feel like."

5. SHOOT FOR MORE SLEEP "This is something I've been trying to do myself," she says. "They really say aim for seven to nine hours. We [as a society] pride ourselves on working hard and getting through it, but I think taking care of yourself also means your sleep. It's something I personally have tried to focus on this year, and I think it's really helped me."

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ARTICLE BY ZAC MATHIAS PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEVY RUTLEDGE & ZAC MATHIAS

Dry January...But Make It Chic SOBER CURIOUS DOES NOT HAVE TO BE BORING

Zac Mathias.

While we have all heard the term "sober curious" a thousand times, it does not have to be boring! Here are six of my go-to mocktails and mocktail mixers— that can all be found at Whole Foods!—for when I want something a little fun but don't want to regret it the next day.

When creating the perfect mocktail, it is just like creating any drink, and I like to find fun garnishes and introduce interesting flavors to ensure my drink is always chic. A few things to always have on hand are fresh citrus, salt or tajin, fresh herbs, and fresh ginger juice. Oh, and of course a really great sparkling water (sometimes flavored!) works too!

SWOON: BE TT Y BUZ Z : This mixer is great with seltzer and a fresh slice of grapefruit! Add a salt rim and trust me you won't miss the tequila.

I love the ginger lemonade and will add fresh herbs and ginger juice for a extra kick.

BETTY BUZZ:

M I NGLE :

I love the Betty Buzz mixers so much because they also look pretty set out, and a drink tastes better when it's pretty!

Bethenny Frankel loved this product so much she invested! The cranberry cosmo is my favorite and it comes in a can, too!

G ORGI E: I love an energy drink filled with benefits and none of the nasties. I pour it over ice and seltzer with a splash of cherry juice for a tart mocktail.

BEA R'S FRUIT: These seltzers have really interesting flavors that lend themselves well to making mocktails! Get creative with them!

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OV ER 50 Y E A R S OF E X PERT INDOOR POOL DESIGN A ND CONSTRUC TION

C OM M ERCI A L & R E SIDE N T I A L 20 3 - 4 8 7-5 7 79 • a l l a m e r i c a n p o o l s .c o m 153 Dewey Street, Bridgeport, Ct 06605

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS...

JANUARY 2025

events A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LO C A L E V E N T S

JANUARY 23 R D

Broadway Scores Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Ct. | 7:00 PM A concert of show-stopping favorites! A night of Broadway’s most memorable songs at the Playhouse, reimagined as you’ve never heard them before. Music from the Golden Age as well as recent musicals featuring new arrangements created for a powerhouse band of musicians and new interpretations performed by a cast of Playhouse favorites and Broadway veterans. Tickets: $35-65, at westportplayhouse.org JANUARY 25TH

CALLER: HELLO, DR. NOONAN, UM, CLIFFIE IS VOMITING NOONAN: SORRY TO HEAR THAT, IS THERE ANY POSSIBILITY HE COULD HAVE EATEN SOMETHING? CALLER: WELL....

ANOTHER TALE FROM THE CASE FILES OF

THE ANIMAL DOCTOR OF WESTON DR. CHUCK NOONAN ANIMAL DOCTOR OF WESTON CURING ANIMALS: MORNING NOONAN NIGHT (203) 221-1440 | DRCHUCKNOONAN.COM 202 WESTON RD, WESTON, CT 06883 80

EVE N TS

WestportREADS Family Event: Pioneer Sewing Bee Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road 11:00 AM Celebrate the WestportREADS book, In The Distance by Hernan Diaz, by attending this crafting event to make your own pioneer-style drawstring bag. No registration required, but children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information visit westportlibrary.org

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events

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It’s 2025! Bring it!

Step into the New Year Feeling Relaxed, Refreshed, and Ready to Shine!

This year, put self-care at the top of your list.

JANUARY 28TH

Bloom Beauty Grand Opening 14 Elm Street Alyssa and Nikki are thrilled to announce that Bloom Salon is moving to downtown Westport, at 14 Elm Street.

Join us for our grand opening on January 28th! We can’t wait to welcome you to our new location and share our passion for beautiful, personalized transformations. For more, visit bloomsalonwestsport.com

From head to toe, we have everything you need to kick off 2025 with confidence & style!

Hair | Body | Spa Scan to Learn More

Want to be featured?

260 Post Road East, Westport 203-222-0344 www.artistexsalon.com 82

EVE N TS

G E T I N T O U C H AT CIT YLIFEST YLE .COM/ WESTPORT

136 MAIN STREET WESTPORT 203.227.1300 GLASTONBURY MOHEGAN SUN WEST HARTFORD WELLESLEY LBGreen.com