Fairfield Living Magazine, March/April 2020 by Moffly Media

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the STATE of REAL ESTATE

LIVING the DREAM Smart investments along the journey of homeownership, from first home to the ultimate luxury property

Is this your dream home? “The Nest” in Southport is on the market.

pg. 36

spring fashion! the latest designer colors and styles

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contents MAR/APR 2020 vol. 10 | issue 2

features

departments

12 EDITOR’S LETTER 15 STATUS REPORT

HOME SWEET HOME

BUZZ MoneyCubez for young savers; classes at The Art Studio; Lion’s Paw pounces on events; English food finally gets respect at Gruel Britannia; hot sauce to go from Geronimo; concierge medicine

Buying or selling, there are plenty of good reasons to check in on the health of local real estate. Here are the results. by jill johnson

GO Maximizing your trip to Maui; smooth ride in BMW’s 745E

LIGHTEN UP Take a peek inside designer Yvonne Ferris’s home— it’s stunning proof of the power of restraint.

27 PEOPLE & PLACES 32 FINANCE FIX

Spring cleaning your finances

by judy ostrow

63 INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

64 CALENDAR

SPRING FASHION Out with the old, in with the new! Here are fresh looks from the designers you’ve long loved. Ready for a style overhaul? Of course! Here’s where you start.

on t he c ov er : th e ne st, a gorge ous li sti ng on pe quot ave n ue

by megan gagnon

FAIRFIELD LIVING MAR/APR 2020, VOL. 10, NO. 2. FAIRFIELD LIVING (ISSN 2163-7555) is published bi-monthly by Moffly Media, Inc., 205 Main St., Westport, CT 06880. Periodical postage paid at Westport, CT, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes (Form 3579) to FAIRFIELD LIVING PO BOX 9309, Big Sandy, TX 75755-9607. U.S. Subscription rates: $19.95/1 year, $34.95/2 years; Canada and Foreign $44/1 year, $72/2 years.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTIN OSVAY

phot o gr a ph: c ourte sy of m ich e lle &c ompa ny at w i llia m r ave i s re a l e state

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digital content & MORE

mar/apr 2020

FAIRFIELDLIVINGMAG.com

CELEBRATING THE SCENE STEALERS OF OUR TOWN

PARTY PHOTOS

COMING UP! SOCIAL MEDIA

Visit our galleries for more fun

THE CELEBRITY VISITS, FABULOUS FASHIONS AND MOVING MOMENTS FROM THE HOTTEST EVENTS

EVENT

Here’s your chance to ask the influencers your own questions. Our event—WOMEN IN BUSINESS: A SOCIAL MEDIA EXCHANGE—features a discussion with them. Network, make friends and learn the tricks to being social-media savvy. Save the Date: May 14. womeninbusinessfc.com

PLUS! BUY LOCAL Scoop up great finds from local makers and crafters on our site: connecticutcollective.com.

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PHOTOS OF GREENWICH RIDING AND TRAILS ASSOCIATION BY MOFFLY MEDIA’S BIG PICTURE/JENNA BASCOM; SIDEBAR IMAGE BY ©KASPARS GRINVALDS - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

In the May/June issue, we get social with our first-ever feature on SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS. What’s the secret to Instagram success? These local digital pros tell us what they do and why it works.

Heaven in ConneCtiCut Far from the madding crowd, in the Litchfield Hills, lies a quiet getaway. Set on 113 acres and bordering extensive woods and lakes, Winvian Farm was created to recharge and indulge. The five-star cuisine, the wines, the spa and the service are as unexpected as the experiences that one ultimately enjoysâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just around the corner.

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For over a century, Cummings & Lockwood has provided sophisticated legal representation to individuals, families and businesses.

vol. 10 | no. 2 | march/april 2020 creative director

Amy Vischio executive editor

Cristin Marandino

editorial editor

Diane Talbot Sembrot market editor

Megan Gagnon

Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning

International Estate and Tax Planning

advisory editor

Philanthropic Giving

Business Succession Planning

assistant editor

Probate and Estate Administration

Corporate and Finance

Wealth Protection Planning

Litigation and Arbitration

Fiduciary and Trustee Services

Donna Moffly Joey Macari books correspondent

Emily Liebert

Commercial and Residential Real Estate

contributing editors

Elizabeth Hole - custom publishing Julee Kaplan - new canaan • darien copy editors

Terry Christofferson, Kathryn Satterfield contributing writers

Carol Leonetti Dannhauser, Kim-Marie Evans, Beth Cooney Fitzpatrick, Chris Hodenfield, Jill Johnson, Judy Ostrow

www.cl-law.com

STAMFORD

GREENWICH

WEST HARTFORD

| NAPLES

| BONITA SPRINGS | PALM BEACH GARDENS

editorial advisory board

Nancy Conroy, Linda Coursen, Bridgett Csapo DiBonaventura, Dana McCreesh, Marybeth McGee, Caren Hart Nelson, Gerard Pampalone, Lynne Taikowski, Donna Twist

art senior art director

Venera Alexandrova senior art director, status report

DREW KLOTZ KINE T IC SCULPTURE

Garvin Burke art director

Tim Carr contributing art director

Kim Gilby new canaan • darien production director

Kerri Rak design assistant

Taylor Stroili contributing photographer

Nancy Ferris

digital media digital media manager

Amber Scinto digital editor

Diane Sembrot Calendar@MofflyMedia.com Editor@FairfieldLivingMag.com Weddings@FairfieldLivingMag.com

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please call Kerri Rak at 203-571-1645 or email reprints@mofflymedia.com. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without express permission of the publisher. ©2020 Fairfield Living magazine is a registered trademark owned by Moffly Media. The opinions expressed by writers commissioned for articles published by Fairfield Living are not necessarily those of the magazine. FOR QUALITY CUSTOM REPRINTS/E-PRINTS,

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vol. 10 | no. 2 | march/april 2020

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Rick Johnson–rick.johnson@moffly.com REAL ESTATE / LAWYERS

Build Healthier Futures. Americares saves lives and improves health for people affected by poverty or disaster so they can reach their full potential.

Learn more about our work at americares.org

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John W. Moffly IV & Donna C. Moffly

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T H E A L Z H E I M E R ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N CO N N EC T I C U T C H A P T E R

Celebrating Hope 2020 T H E Eighth A N N U A L

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editor’s letter

MARCH/APRIL 2020 / DIANE SEMBROT

t’s that time of year again! No, not the return of glorious spring. I mean our annual State of Real Estate issue—our chance to take a look at the local market and see whether property values are holding, rising or...well, let’s not say it. You’ll find Jill Johnson’s feature inside the issue. If you’re like me, you’re not actively looking for a new home—but that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy looking. Of course, I do! I love to see what other properties are available, imagine what it would be like to live there, and, yes, compare them with my own house. Plus, I appreciate the various styles across Fairfield. Sometimes, I dream of moving into a historic home, where I can imagine the families who once lived there. What were their days like? How much did they love the morning sun that streamed through the kitchen window? I can easily enjoy the creaky wooden floors and the delightful wave in antique windows. I recently learned that my family roots are very deep in Fairfield’s history, so I find myself wondering if my ancestors may have visited certain local historic houses. Other days, I can’t resist the appeal of a new custom property. The latest fresh designs make the most of family life, with clever storage and plenty of natural light. I appreciate the soothing, harmonious colors and the emphasis on natural and high-end materials, which have an authenticity all their own. Plus, it would be very appealing to live in a home where everything works just as it should— no drips, no drafts. Today’s efficient homes regularly surpass my expectations and make life not only more beautiful and customized to

fairfieldlivingmag.com

personal lifestyles, but also easier, safer and in some ways healthier. From the grand homes of Southport and the stunning estates of Greenfield Hills to the new upmarket beach bungalows and longloved family Capes across town, there are plenty of active listings to get me daydreaming anytime I need a fun little escape. Fairfield is a playground for those of us who check the real estate scene occasionally as something of a hobby. For the more financially minded and savvy, watching the local market (and especially their own properties as investments) is a wise practice. If you’re up for a fresh outlook, but not for a whole new home, I get it. I haven’t moved in well over ten years, so, yes, I do understand. The option is easy: Change yourself. Actually, let’s make it even easier: Change your closet. We let Fairfielder Megan Gagnon loose on all things spring fashion 2020! You’ll love what this market editor found for you. New colors, new prints and plenty of options for how to style spring’s eye-catching outfits. If you want a lot of change or just a bit of a refresher, now is the time—right in step with the change of the season. As the blooms begin to pop, pick pretty floral dresses. And as spring returns to its vibrant best, sure, wonder if the grass is really greener in the neighbor’s yard. Best wishes, Fairfield!

Stay in touch! diane.sembrot@moffly.com

PHOTO BY BRUCE PLOTKIN

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buzz STATUS REPORT

above: MoneyCubez is a new way for kids to learn about saving their money, with a purpose.

BE THE CHANGE PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTIN OSVAY

arin Zannella brought us Hairbanglez, a functional and stylish way to wear ponytail elastics on a cute bracelet. Within a couple of years, she sold the business to a competitor. Suddenly, she had time, for a bit. “The entrepreneurial bug is still going strong,” she says, introducing us to her new launch: MoneyCubez (moneycubez.com). “It’s a new spin on the favorite childhood classic, the piggy bank. We make saving money fun while

teaching kids the value of a dollar in a simple and affordable way. As a mom of three boys under seven, I realized that they really don’t understand the value of a dollar or a coin because everything today is digital.” The personalized money boxes are five-by-five–inches and made of clear acrylic. They’re durable enough to stand up to what kids put things through. Each box can be personalized with a MoneyDisc, which is

MONEYCUBEZ TEACHES THE VALUE OF A DOLLAR, KID-STYLE by diane sembrot

attached with Velcro and can be swapped out for new ones over time. Additional discs are sold separately. As she did with Hairbangelz, Karin wanted to make something functional that is also appealing to kids. Kids learn and have fun at the same time. Karin has faith that children’s big dreams start with good planning, saving, sharing and financial decisionmaking skills. She’s not betting on that view; she’s investing in it.

MARCH/APRIL 2020 FAIRFIELD LIVING

GET TO GIVE TO OTHERS MoneyCubez teaches kids about giving to others. Each MoneyCubez comes with the opportunity to create a GivingCubez. Simply use the cardboard box that the MoneyCubez was shipped in: Decorate it, tape it up, have your kids choose who or what they will raise money for (a charity, a family or a child in need) and start contributing money to it. They get off to a good start, as MoneyCubez donates $1 with each box.

buzz

PAINT THE TOWN THE ART STUDIO OF FAIRFIELD ERASES NEWBIE NERVES

by joey macari

above: With a passion for home design, Anna Nowak of Lion’s Paw & Co. embraces events, too

House Party Lion’s Paw & Co. brings the party to the people with new event services

HE ART STUDIO (thestudiofairfield.com) in Fairfield has a new canvas for many, many creations to come. The studio moved into its new space on Ruane Street behind TD Bank to become a destination for both kids and adults to flex their best brushstroke skills and to be part of the bustling arts community in town. As spring awakens and our body and mind unthaw from the long winter, there’s no better time to pick up a creative hobby. For inspiration, co-owners Christine Orlando and Priscilla Perotti Ingram share five tips for beginners to know before their first class.

5 ART TIPS FOR BEGINNERS: 1 // BE KIND to yourself. 2 // No-one starts out as a perfect artist—just like with sports, you need to practice what you’ve learned. 3 // Sketch daily from life, even if only ten minutes. 4 // MISTAKES ARE OK—they can lead to masterpieces. 5 // Surround yourself with positive artistic people who lift you up (The Art Studio is a wonderful place for that).

TRY IT! The Art Studio offers day and evening pottery classes, Mondays, 7–9 p.m., for six weeks. If you just want to try the wheel, ask for a one-hour class. See website for additional upcoming classes for kids and adults.

fairfieldlivingmag.com

ne thing’s for sure, Fairfield has style. A town so rich in culture and personality, it’s no surprise that that unique aesthetic extends to the homes across town. Lion’s Paw & Co. (lionspaw.co) has been serving the community custom design and top brand home furnishings and accessories for more than seven years. Recently, owner Anna Nowak launched a high-end, eventplanning service. When designing for an event, she gets to know her clients; their story, their brand, their personalities and, of course, the special occasion. Then she creates a theme tailored to their specific needs and taste. Pulling from top designer like Scalamandre, Cowtan TOUT and Emmanuel Conovas, and working with local businesses like Greenscape Designs and Garelick & Herbs, Anna and her team value style and substance. The plans span many different areas, including tablescapes, greenery, lighting fixtures, table setting, linens, working one-to-one with local caterers and selecting lighting, to name a few. “We have to meet in a place to achieve an overall vibe,” she says. “We create an event that tells a story and makes our guests feel like they’ve stepped into a different time and a different place. The response has been wonderful. There is an eclectic mix of people in Fairfield who have been very friendly, outgoing, in the know, and well-connected, and they appreciate our artistic event abilities.” —Joey Macari

PHOTOGRAPHY: PAINT BRUSH © BY ANDREI KUZMIK, ADOBESTOCK.COM; ALL OTHERS, CONTRIBUTED

above: While offering art classes for children and teens, The Art Studio also offers sessions to adults.

Jolly Good

Luckily, her Austro-Hungarian parents were good cooks and helped initiate her love for food. When she was seventeen, Karen moved to New York to work as a nanny but, because she didn’t have a visa, eventually moved back to England. Her father, who was on the board of the Foreign Press Association, got her a job there when she was twenty-one years old as a server. Soon after starting, she became the organization’s chef. That catapulted her into a culinary career at organizations, including the Williams Club, Pequot Yacht Club and even the prestigious New York Times executive dining room. Here’s the kicker: Karen has not had formal culinary training. Ever. Throughout her career, she always wanted to do her “own thing,” but as a single mother of two boys, she needed a job with benefits. Now her boys are older, and the opportunity to open Gruel Britannia presented itself. Gruel is a comforting, nutritious food consisting of a cereal, but at Britannia, English classics lace the menu. Think Bangers & Mash, Fish & Chips and even something called a Bacon Butty (a buttered roll filled with back bacon and HP sauce—a brown sauce that is to Brits what ketchup is to Americans).

Chef Karen Hubrich Redefines What Americans Understand About British Food by georget te yac oub

above: Sautéed kale and sweet potato bowl with egg and avocado

hen you walk into Gruel Britannia (gruelbritannia .com), it feels as if you had momentarily stepped out of Fairfield County into the kitchen of an old English cottage. It’s warm and cozy—not perfect, but comfortable. The dinnerware is delightfully mismatched. And everyone seems to know one another. Karen Hubrich, owner and chef, especially seems to know everyone who walks in. Karen opened Gruel Britannia in May 2019 after quite an impressive career in the culinary world. Despite that, she doesn’t consider herself a chef. “I’m a cook,” she says. “I like to cook for people. Cooking is about family and being together. Sitting down and enjoying a simple meal is kind of a lost art and I wanted to create that in this place.” Karen grew up in London and, ironically, hated traditional English food.

above: Fish & Chips with mushy peas and tartar sauce

To Karen, British food is comfort food with simple ingredients that are prepared well. “British food has a terrible rep, but the food in England is unbelievable now.” When asked what it was that made her take the leap in opening her own spot, Karen said, “I never want to look at life and say, ‘I wish I had done that. If it failed, at least I did it. But it’s just gone nuts,” she laughs. “On weekends, it’s mobbed!”

HOT STUFF GERONIMO NOT ONLY SERVES THE HEAT, IT BOTTLES IT

CONTRIBUTED IMAGES

hings are heating up at Geronimo Tequila Bar and Southwest Grill (geronimobarandgrill.com). It just relaunched its hot sauce, now called Camacho Habanero. Executive Chef Arturo Franco-Camacho created a fresh mix of ingredients, including habanero peppers, carrots, onions, lime juice, vinegar, garlic and salt. You can grab it for just $7 at the Fairfield location of the restaurant (maybe stay for tacos, quesadillas or tamales and, of

Geronimo bottled the heat to take home.

HOT TIME Live tunes by local bands and musicians every Friday evening, from 9 to 11 p.m.

MARCH/APRIL 2020 FAIRFIELD LIVING

by diane sembrot

course, some tequila). It boasts the largest selection of tequila on the East Coast: more than 400 choices. Also, it is one of only forty establishments in the world to receive a CRT Award T Certification from the Mexican government’s Tequila Regulatory Council, recognizing the restaurant’s commitment and knowledge of tequila. Quench your thirst at the bar, which pours more than forty varieties of Mezcal, plenty of wine and top-shelf liquors. 3/06 Tony Ferrigno 3 /13 A&R Duo 3/20 Nick Sproviero 3/27 Ryan Sage

4/03 Tony Ferrigno 4/10 Nick Sproviero 4/17 Michael Cusato 4/24 A&R Duo

buzz

Going to a concierge doctor means you have access to 24/7 on-call care.

CONCIERGE CONVERTS medical one, but with higher technology and a very personal touch.” Going concierge allows Karol to carefully limit how many patients she sees, which enables her to listen closely and do diagnostics in the office instead of sending people to many specialists or for unnecessary testing. Dr. Puglisi cites one example how concierge care can be life changing. He mentions a fiftyfive-year-old male patient who was obese,

PRIVATE PRACTICE

Pros and cons of going concierge PROS ●

24/7 on-call physician care ●

Personalized attention and detailed wellness plans

●

Insurance coverage for some tests, procedures and medications

CONS ●

Pay an annual membership fee

●

You will likely need to have a health insurance plan in addition to the concierge doctor Most large insurance plans will not cover concierge services

●

here’s a good deal of buzz surrounding “concierge” medicine, as well as an equal amount of debate about whether it’s a service that only the wealthy can afford. Recently, we sat down with a couple of concierge doctors to separate fact from fiction. Dr. Glen Puglisi, cofounder of Glenville Medical Concierge in Greenwich, says he started his practice five years ago because he was searching for a way to provide more time for his patients. He saw a concierge practice as a way to do just that. “While the concierge model has fully delivered on that promise, the benefits have been even more profound than I originally envisioned,” he says. “My relationships with patients, nurtured with undivided attention and a deepening knowledge of what’s going on in their lives, have grown to the point where I consider each a member of my extended family—and I care for them in just that way.” Similarly, Dr. Nina Karol at Concierge Physicians of Westport says her decision to go concierge occurred as a result of factors affecting medical care across the country. “The increased pressure to see more than twenty patients daily and document every detail in a cumbersome electronic record culminated in some burnout,” she says. “I wanted to get more control over my medical career and derive more enjoyment from seeing my patients. My partners and I wanted to run a new practice more like an old-fashioned

fairfieldlivingmag.com

prediabetic and sedentary when he first visited. The concierge practice allowed time for them to work together on a wellness plan, with constant communication and ongoing monitoring. “We completely reversed the course of his condition,” he explains. “He lost twenty-five pounds as a result of eating and exercising very differently than he had previously. He is no longer prediabetic, dramatically decreased his risk of cardiovascular disease and, most important, is enjoying all the benefits of a fuller, more vibrant life. Being able to achieve that transformation is the greatest reward of being a concierge physician.” So, are there any downsides? “As soon as you say the word ‘concierge,’ people assume this is a service only for the very wealthy,” Dr. Karol says. “We all pay a lot for our medical insurance, me included. What people do not understand is if something goes wrong, how important it is to have a personal guide helping to steer you. Not having a caring, involved doctor is like trying to navigate choppy seas in the dark without a boating license when you are at your most vulnerable. Our practice accepts insurance and is in-network, something patients do not associate with concierge care.” While all concierge practices structure their fees individually, most of them assess an annual membership fee, typically around $2,500, and also submit bills to insurance.

PHOTO BY © LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

A NEW TREND IN PERSONALIZED MEDICINE IS NOT JUST FOR THE ULTRA WEALTHY by christ y c ol asurd o

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SEAS THE DAY FINDING THE MAGIC IN MAUI IS ABOUT FAR MORE THAN THE

undreds of guidebooks have been penned promising visitors access to the “real” or “hidden” Hawaii. They include advice on where to find secret waterfalls and unspoiled beaches, and which stop on the Road to Hana will lead to the “Hawaii of your dreams.” The thing these guidebooks miss—and it’s at the heart of experiencing authentic Hawaii—is meeting the Hawaiians themselves. There is a Hawaiian word, mana, that means the life energy that flows through all things and humans. Though I have traveled to this remote island chain

many times, I had never experienced mana. Until, as unlikely as it sounds, I checked into a very special beachfront hotel on Maui. Kaliko Storer’s title is Cultural Advisor at the Andaz Maui. However, it’s not possible to reduce what she does to a simple title. To those of us with scant knowledge of Hawaiian history, this role could seem unnecessary. As I peppered her with trite questions about where to find the elusive real Hawaii that greenwich magazine readers would be eager to visit, she gently returned me to the same answer again and again. Meet the people, sit, listen, be. I had a lot to learn.

MICHAEL MAXWELL - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

GORGEOUS BEACHES AND STUNNING LANDSCAPE

TO DO ON-PROPERTY

BELOW: PACIFIC DREAM PHOTOGRAPHY

above: The outrigger experience is a must-do activity righ: Chef Isaac at the Andaz Maui below: Wilson Evans explores the beach

We know that Hawaii became the fiftieth state in 1959, but what many of us don’t know is that natives believe their monarchy was overthrown and their land illegally annexed. Teaching the Hawaiian language was banned until 1987. And by then, only 1 percent of the population could speak it fluently. Part of the resurgence of the local culture is the language. Kaliko’s job isn’t just teaching tourists, but also the staff. One of her many efforts is to normalize the Hawaiian language. “We have a Hawaiian word of the day program that we launched. I think it’s important to reclaim the Hawaiian names for places and other things.” Disney’s Moana taught us that ancient voyagers could navigate the stars using just their hands. Standing under the boundless night sky measuring the distance to the North Star with my palm, I learned that I could as well. Classes on celestial navigation are another of Kaliko’s educational efforts. Kala Tanaka looks a bit like Moana, young and sweet. But she is a serious Wayfinder

who guided an entire crew and hulking double-hull canoe through dark waters using nothing more than her diminutive hand. When asked how she would know if we were off course, she replied that she could feel it—in the waves and in the wind. Learn more about the legacy of ancient voyaging at hokulea.com. Though the Andaz Maui was recently voted one of the best hotels in the world by Conde Nast Traveler, it’s not the modern design or the cascading infinity pools that make it worth a visit. The resort spans fifteen beachfront acres just up the coast from the more well-known Four Seasons Maui. The term “house reef ” is used by hotels to indicate that guests can swim to a coral reef from the property’s shore. The Andaz has a house reef, and a swim around the rocky corner reveals an entire playground of sea turtles. Though you can borrow snorkel gear and rent a kayak, you won’t meet an octopus without a little help from an expert. Book the MARCH/APRIL 2020 FAIRFIELD LIVING

Get a Lomilomi massage at the Awili spa, ask for Jamie. The one-hour massage is $190. Add the custom oil blending experience and create your own massage oil using local ingredients; for $55 you’ll leave with your creation and the hotel will keep your recipe on file for future use. Book a Chef’s Table dinner at Ka’ana kitchen. Only four guests are seated per night and the six-course meal is created “a la

minute” for each guest and can be accompanied by expert wine pairings. Ask for Charlie the sommelier, and if you’re lucky he might pour some of his 1927 port or other rare vintages. Capture the perfect photo with a complimentary session from Pacific Dream Photography. The forty-five-minute shoot is free and guests get a $50 credit toward prints. Digital images start at $79.

TO DO OFF-PROPERTY

two-hour outrigger snorkel expedition ($139 per person). Ask if you can get on Koa’s boat. Kekoa Cramer is the beach crew manager, a competitive outrigger canoe rower and erstwhile sea-life whisperer. We had been in the water for about ten minutes when he swam up cradling an octopus. He assured me that as soon as he “calmed it down,” I could hold it. On a two-hour trip, we met Honu (sea turtles), octopi and all manner of tropical fish. Though the hotel offers guests complimentary new GoPro video cameras, leave it in the room for this outing. Be in the moment, and Koa will snap the photos. left: According to Open Table, Mama’s Fish House is the second-most popular restaurant in the United States. below: Rooms with a view at the Andaz Maui

GETTING THERE:

There are no direct flights to Maui from the East Coast. Either fly to Honolulu from JFK and then connect to Maui (airport code OGG) or connect through San Francisco or Los Angeles. The Andaz has 301 rooms, including thirty-five suites and eleven private villas. All rooms have a private lanai.

Eat at Mama’s Fish House. It sounds like a tourist trap, but it’s not. This iconic waterfront restaurant serves up some of the best— and most expensive— food you’ll ever eat. Reservations are hard to come by, so book early. Taxis are expensive on the island; rent a car from the hotel’s on-site Enterprise. While there, drive a mile up the road and watch the real surfers ride the waves at Ho’okipa. If you’re not an expert, don’t try to get in on the action; a lifeguard will stop you. Some lessons are learned the hard way. mamasfishhouse.com Spend the day relaxing on nearby Makena Beach, also known as Big Beach. Follow signs for Makena, the beach is through the trees. Though it’s rated the No. 1 beach in Maui, it’s not crowded and is great for boogie boarding, though the shore break can be rough. The beach has lifeguards, restrooms and food trucks.

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CONTRIBUTED; TOP PHOTOGRAPH BY ©FOTOGESTOEBER - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

above: Makena Beach is one of Hawaii’s largest undeveloped beaches—a perfect place to escape the crowds of some on Maui’s more crowded beaches.

Learn to surf in nearby Kihei. The combination of warm, shallow water and gentle rolling waves makes this the perfect place to learn. Maui Waveriders promises that you’ll stand up during your first lesson or it’s free. A private lesson, $150 for two hours, includes the board, rash guard and booties. Your glory will be captured by photographers from No Ka Oi—it’s only $30 for all your digital images. (Fun fact: historians believe the phrase “pursuit of happiness” in the constitution was inspired by surfers.) mauiwaveriders.com

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ELECTRIFYING THE LUXE BMW’S 745E ADDS A TOUCH OF HYBRID POWER by chris hodenfield

magnificence. Our optioned-up tester had it all, including the “Panoramic Sky Lounge LED roof,” the M Sport package, and luxury rear seating complete with TV monitors and massage seats. For the price, you’d expect the sound acoustics of Carnegie Hall, and Harman-Kardon Surround System does in fact present a sonic wallop. Mastering the controls was not difficult (an area in which some manufacturers have failed miserably). BMW offers other engine packages that either lessen or increase the cost. All of them feature the 7-series’ burly front

Fairfield County. Driving to the station on a cold winter’s morn, you are sparing the engine while the electric motor (which alone will take you to 80 mph) eases you silently down the road. When the EV battery is drained, the gasoline-fueled turbo 6 alone is a mighty accomplice. Long-distance drives take you past 400 miles. Normal jaunts around town will deliver a combined mileage in the mid-30s. The all-wheel-drive system adds to driver assurance. On the road, the 745e again presents two faces. For all its heft, it’s devilish fun to drive even as it coddles you in a soft leather

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grill, which is something you’d expect in a monster truck. In an era when luxurious SUVs hold sway, it is still a welcome, regal romp to light out in a swift, well-made sedan like the 745e.

STATS BMW 745E XDRIVE Base price: $95,550, as tested: $119,875 Drivetrain: 280 hp 3.0-liter turbo 6 with 111 hp electric motor. 388 hp combined. AWD EPA mileage ratings: 19 city/ 26 highway EV range: 18 miles

CONTRIBUTED

MW’s new 745e delivers just what you want out of a posh German styler: an opulent interior, confidence in the curves, and hell-raising power. The “e” tag in the name signifies something else—100 horses’ worth of electric boost. The 745e is what you might call a “sorta hybrid.” Officially it’s a plug-in hybrid, although in my thoroughly wonderful week in this car, I never actually bothered to plug it in. Braking and coasting will restore juice to the EV battery, which supplies a max 18 miles of added, electric-only range. It’s a useful configuration for

7.65 x 4.5

SAT U R DAY , A P R I L 25 , 20 20 | 6 : 0 0 P . M . TO M I D N I G H T N E TJ E TS H A N G A R | W ESTC H EST E R CO U N T Y A I R P O RT Co-Chairs: Leah Butler and Olivia Walker To learn more, visit redcross.org/redandwhiteball2020

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LEARN MORE at www.elephants.com MARCH/APRIL 2020 FAIRFIELD LIVING

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people&PLACES by joey macari

PHOTOGRAPHS BY NEIL LANDINO 1

GOLF CLASSIC / Near & Far Aid

Full Swing

ear & Far Aid hosted its popular and productive annual Golf Classic at the prestigious Country Club of Fairfield. Golfers signed up to “Crush Poverty.” The event helps the organization raise funds that support programs aimed at closing the opportunity gap for low-income individuals and families in Fairfield County. Fairfield County Bank served as title sponsor at this year’s golf tourney, and Moffly Media served as a proud, presenting sponsor that day. »

1 Ryan Morgan, Stuart Zarich, Tim Powers and Kevin Owens 2 Edgar Cullman, Barbara Isreal, Bruce and Susan Barnet 3 Graham McConnell and Evan Healy 4 Patrick and Sarah Berges, Debra Kendall and Dave Berges 5 Event Cochairs Samira Cwanek and Lindsey Muldoon 6 Andrew Kello MARCH/APRIL 2020 FAIRFIELD LIVING

people 1

1 The Hart family 2 Actor/emcee James Naughton at the podium 3 Family rides for charity 4 Bikers race to the finish line 5 Chris, Ryan and Meghan Raveis 6 James Naughton and Bill Raveis 7 Volunteers pose at the photo booth 8 Friendly game of tug-a-war 9 Danielle and Ryan McGrath 10 The Raveis family

WILLIAM RAVEIS RIDE + WALK / William Raveis Charitable Fund

Ride On

he annual William Raveis Ride + Walk fundraiser took place at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk with an enthusiastic and generous crowd of local supporters. The proceeds from this family-friendly event directly benefited the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, which funds the most promising scientists conducting cutting-edge research to find a cure for cancer. The Ride + Walk included a 5K walk, a 12-mile, 25-mile and 50-mile bike ride, as well as a children’s 100-yard dash and other entertainment. Tony Award–winning Broadway, television and film actor, James Naughton, served as master of ceremonies. »

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY KYLE NORTON

Over 170 juried artists, local food and drink, live music & family art activities in beautiful downtown Westport.

New Dates!

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Sat & Sun, May 30-31 10:00AM - 5:00PM

Visit our expanded Emerging Artists Exhibition In partnership with MOCA Westport

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BUILDING CONNECTIONS for HEALTHY MINDS A SYMPOSIUM ON MENTAL HEALTH

The Westy Mission

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people 1

1 Jennifer Ferrante, John Walsh, Nancy Lewis 2 Staples High School musicians 3 Jeff Wieser greets guests 4 Jim and Mary Ellen Marpe, Mo and Jen Tooker 5 Wendy and Ross McKeon, Leslie and Chan Wheeler, Dee and Brian Chapman 6 Terry Eldh, Luisa Francoeur, Will Page and Lisa Goodrich Page

STAND UP FOR HOMES WITH HOPE / Homes with Hope

Take a Stand

he Twelfth Annual Stand Up for Homes with Hope was a huge success at The Quick Center for the Arts. The nearly sold-out crowd gathered under the party tent for a pre-gala, then strolled over to the theater to be entertained by comedian Pete Holmes and opening act Lara Beitz. The evening raised about 15 percent of the housing agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual budget and allows Westport-based Homes with Hope to expand its care for more than 100 area homeless individuals and families every night. fairfieldlivingmag.com

PHOTOGRAPHS BY VIDELER PHOTOGRAPHY

people 2

LIGHTING THE WAY / Star, Inc.

Star Light

CONTRIBUTED

ver 300 guests attended the eighteenth Annual Fundraising Dinner and Auction at Woodway Country Club in Darien to benefit STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way. The event raised more than $350,000 for the organization. Partygoers enjoyed cocktails, hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres and a Mediterraneanthemed dinner, and participated in silent and live auctions. A highlight of the night: STAR participants and family members shared stories of the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s positive impact and support in their lives. The money raised will fund programs helping people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in Fairfield County towns. F

1 Brennan Glasgow, Kristy Jadlos, Peter and Julie Moeller 2 Jennifer and Jack Murphy 3 Dee and Andrew Stefanou 4 Lou and Christen Garcia 5 Tom, Barbara and Todd McInerney 6 Flo Carbone, Nella and Joe Viesta 7 Dounya and A. J. Discala 8 Andy and Meredith Pettijean 9 Henry and Madeline Vasquez and Barbara Fitzpatrick 10 Friends of Peter and Julie Moeller of Darien

MARCH/APRIL 2020 FAIRFIELD LIVING

fınance fıx

MONEY / BY CAROL LEONETTI DANNHAUSER

SPRING CLEANING TAX TIME IS A CHANCE TO GET YOUR FINANCES IN ORDER

ax time means hunting for documents in creaky file cabinets, overstuffed shoe boxes and worn-out envelopes, only to shove them back again once returns are filed. This season, maybe you can get your financial documents in order just as you tackle the rest of your spring cleaning. Then when you’re done, ahhh, everything is in its place. A systematic approach works best: gather, organize, shred, take action. Pick a day (or weekend or month) and commit to the task. “Pull the Band-Aid off,” says Daniel E. Paige, Director of Financial Planning at Wunder Financial in Westport. “It’s an effort outweighed by many benefits.” First, gather all of your account statements, whether paper or electronic. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, look to your tax return for help. “Lots of people have money sprinkled all over the place,” he says. “You can use your 1099s to inform you. They list

Is there an old card that you’re not using anymore? Is it worth getting a new card?” Paige says. Online calculators, such as on bankrate.com, let you compare mortgage variables. Wallethub .com helps you compare credit card rates, fees and features. While you’re online, order a free annual credit report, just to make sure everything is in order. Look to annualcreditreport.com, the only website authorized by the Federal Trade Commission for a free report. Track your budget. (The free tool mint.com can help.) “Even for many high-net-worth folks, there’s an emotional stress to spending. You might feel a sense of deprivation” if you don’t buy what you want, Paige says, but spend too much and your pile shrinks too fast. You’ll need to

know how much you take home, after taxes, retirement funding and everything else. In these days of direct deposits, many people aren’t paying attention to how much actually gets deposited. Then, gather a year’s worth of credit card and bank statements to see where your money goes. Try not to judge; you’re on a reconnaissance mission. Consider a bucket approach: Create goal-specific accounts (include fun purchases) and automatically fund them each month. X goes into the recurring bills fund, Y into the new car fund, Z into the vacation fund. The key is to automate the savings. F Note: Daniel E. Paige uses Wunder Financial as a marketing name for doing business as representative of Northwestern Mutual (NM). Wunder Financial is not a registered investment adviser, broker-dealer, insurance agency or federal savings bank. Paige is a representative of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company®, a subsidiary of NM and limited purpose federal savings bank. Financial Representatives do not render tax advice; consult a qualified tax professional.

SHRED IT AND FORGET IT WHAT SHOULD YOU KEEP? » Seven years of tax returns and supporting documents » One year of bank statements » Your annual credit card statement » Shred your old insurance policies when the new ones arrive. » Hang on to your homeimprovement receipts at least until you sell your house, and then treat them as tax-supporting documents. » Keep annual 401(k) statements until you retire.

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HEADSHOT, CONTRIBUTED; SHREDDER, © LOLOSTOCK - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Daniel E. Paige

the source of your income, gains, interest, distributions and the like.” Bundle similar accounts— savings in one pile, checking in another, retirement in a third, and so on. First, compare fees. Then reduce your number of savings accounts and maximize the interest on your cash stash. Your savings accounts might be earning a small percent interest rate right now, when there’s a chance you could earn more in a CD or high-yield savings account. A financial advisor can recommend an account best suited for your individual financial needs. And consider poking around online sites such as nerdwallet.com and bestcashcow.com to get an idea of what is offered. Consolidate 401(k)s and other retirement accounts, but consult with an advisor or accountant to avoid costly tax errors. While you’re at it, rebalance your asset allocation. If you don’t have an advisor, the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (napfa.org) can help you find a fee-only planner nearby. Do the same with your debt— car loans, credit cards, student loans, mortgage, etc.—with an eye on reducing interest. “I don’t think a lot of people understand that they can have lower debt. Look at your statements. With your mortgage, what’s the rate and the terms? Is it worth refinancing? With your credit card, look at the fees, the interest and the benefits.

Photograph by Kyle Norton

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HOME GUIDE TO HOMEOWNERSHIP

A Must-Read

ou’ve dreamed about it for years. You’ve pored over the real estate section, imagining the day when that walk-in closet or wine cellar is yours, when you’ll never put a quarter in a washing machine again, and your kids have a neighborhood to explore and a door where their heights can be etched for posterity. Your first home. How sweet. It can be, but it also can go sour quickly—or in the long run—if you aren’t careful to protect your investment with smart updates and wise planning. Some of Fairfield County’s finest realtors are here to guide you through the steps to keeping your house, and its resale value, in tip-top shape.

right: 454 South Pine Creek, Fairfield, is a new 4,531-square-foot Nantucket-style Colonial, with five bedrooms, gourmet kitchen, master bedroom suite, five and a half baths and more: $1,249,000 / Victor Vitti with Higgins Group

by jill johnson

by ji ll joh ns on

MARCH/APRIL 2020 FAIRFIELD LIVING

BEFORE YOU BUY

HOUSE HUNTING

Looking for a home? Michelle Genovesi suggests working with a good realtor to understand the market and learn about the towns and schools.

“Determine how much house you can afford by getting pre-approved. Understand how much down payment you will need and don’t forget to factor in closing costs. Research neighborhoods to find the best fit…. Open houses are a good way to discover neighborhoods and value.”

above: Called The Nest, this glorious property on Pequot Avenue is new construction, designed by architect Mark Finlay and landscape by designer Doyle Herman Design. Aside from over three acres of waterfront with private beach, the 11,000-square-foot, seven-bedroom home has a rooftop observation deck. below: Pool pavilion and sun-filled room listed: $16,500,000 / Michelle&Company with William Raveis

michelle genovesi michelle&company

fairfieldlivingmag.com

POWER OF NEGOTIATION

PHOTOGRAPHY: OPPOSITE PAGE, ALL COURTESY WILLIAM RAVEIS REAL ESTATE; THIS PAGE, ALL IMAGES CONTRIBUTED

Are you hesitant to negotiate your buying offer? You’re not alone.

“Don’t just look at houses on the Internet. The pictures don’t tell the full story. People are looking at fewer houses because the Internet has so much information, and they are excluding homes they should be looking at.… Buyers are looking at the asking price of houses and not really testing the waters. Sellers are looking for people to bid. There needs to be more communication. New buyers today have grown up in the Internet age, where they look at Amazon, see the price, and that’s the price. But a seller may have grown up in an era when everything was negotiable. A good agent will help you figure out who is negotiable and who isn’t.”

todd gibbons

william pitt/sotheby’s international Realty

above: 4 Middlebrook Lane, Wilton, offers 7,465 square feet on 2.77 acres atop open and beautiful Middlebrook Meadow. Built in 2016 by Bear Paw Builders, the home is timeless. listed: $2,799,000 / Todd Gibbons with William Pitt/Sotheby’s International Realty

MAKE YOUR MOVE

How many homes should you see before you buy? There’s no magic number.

“If you see a home that you like, then move on it— especially if it’s priced well. If it’s appealing to you, chances are it is to other buyers as well. Despite what you may read, homes that are priced well do sell at list and above, particularly if there are multiple offers. It’s like a relationship—you can’t always describe what works, but when it does, you know it.”

above: 193 North Avenue, Westport, a 1763 Colonial on 12.7 acres is called “Wisteria Court.” It’s been renovated and expanded with pool and tennis court. listed: $5,600,000 / Al Filippone Associates. LLC MARCH/APRIL 2020 FAIRFIELD LIVING

al filippone

al filippone associates, llc

Around-theHouse To-Do List of Home Improvement Ideas, per Michelle Genovesi.

EARLY YEARS The deed to your new house is in your hands. Now what? (One tip from personal experience with my less-than-organized hubby: Do not put it in a pile of junk mail!) Here’s some key advice: KEYS: “Change the locks—all of them. You don’t know who has a key from the previous owners: babysitter, dog sitter, Uncle John who came to water the plants, the handyman for easy access, the ex who didn’t want to sell in the first place. There was a reason there was only one key at the closing!” SMOKE ALARM: “Did you know that the test button on your smoke detector only tells you if the alarm sound works, not if the detector works? The alarm sound is important and should be checked, but so should the ability to detect smoke! The way to check that the smoke detector works is to light a long, wooden kitchen match, blow it out and hold it near the unit. If the smoke sets off the alarm, you are good. If not, replace the batteries and try again. If it is still not

working, buy a new detector.” WINTER PIPES: Every winter, disconnect and store all exterior hoses. Keeping them connected can trap the water and you run the risk of frozen pipes. UPKEEP: Regular maintenance for your AC and HVAC is a must to keep the systems running smoothly and avoid surprises. CURB APPEAL: Keep up with the exterior maintenance of your home. LANDSCAPE: Don’t plant trees too close to your home: eight to ten feet for small trees (thirty feet tall or less) and thirty to fifty feet for medium to tall trees.

GET COOKIN’

The kitchen is the heart of the home, so it is smart to be sure it is current and updated.

STEP TO IT

Refresh your home by repainting as well as maintaining floors and carpeting.

ADD SPACE

Add square footage by finishing a lower level or attic space to boost value.

TOP IT OFF

Stay on top of any wood rot or roof issues.

HEAD OUTSIDE

Add outdoor living vignettes with landscaping and decks.

SAVE YOUR ENERGY

nancy pantoliano

berkshire hathaway homeservices

Consider ways to save energy, such as improvements to windows and insulation.

MIDDLE YEARS

above: 1852 Hillside Rd., Fairfield, a 6,122-square-foot home with six bedrooms, was completely renovated and rebuilt in 2006 with more updates in 2019 for a light, bright look—plus, chef’s kitchen, outdoor fireplace and patio on flat 2.57 acres: $1,980,000 / Linda Blackwell with Houlihan Lawrence

linda blackwell

HOME IAMGES BY CTPLANS

houlihan lawrence

It’s been three to ten, or more, years. You have settled into your new home and finally find yourself with some time and money to make a few updates. Congratulations! Here are some ideas from Nancy Pantoliano.

“The kitchen is the heart of the home and the most valuable room. Keeping it current helps maintain a home’s value. With innovative remodeling ideas, you can enjoy a kitchen that reflects a fresh style, improves the layout and lighting, and adds entertainment flexibility, convenience and ease of cooking. Enjoy the updates now and get great return on your investment later.” KITCHEN

FLOORS

Upgrade kitchen cabinets. Choose high-quality doors, hinges and drawers for long-lasting value, as you spend so much time in the kitchen and they add value and functionality.

Replace wall-towall carpet with hardwood floors. They add instant value and warmth to your home.

achieve the “style de jour.” When you go to sell in ten years, you will be glad you did.

HEATING & COOLING

STYLE

Upgrade your old thermostat to an energysaving, programmable one.

Stay away from the latest trendy fad. Opt for timelessness, and accessorize to

MARCH/APRIL 2020 FAIRFIELD LIVING

UP TO CODE If you’ve bought near the water and your house is not FEMA compliant, raising the house may be a consideration or even razing and rebuilding in some cases. “FEMA’s codes are always changing,” says Todd Gibbons. “A house that was

compliant four years ago might not be now. Raising a house makes a big difference in resale value—if it’s a house that makes sense to raise. Buyers don’t want to go through that process.”

WHY PERMITS ARE NOT OPTIONAL

THE LONG HAUL

fter a decade in a home, the kids may start heading off to college. You may ponder if you need so much space or should save more for retirement. “If you have a mortgage, it might pay to downsize to a smaller mortgage to reduce your monthly expenses,” says Michelle Genovesi. “Downsizing also means spending less to maintain your home and property and helping your cash flow, so you aren’t drawing from your investments. A disadvantage can be having less space for guests and family to visit and having to downsize your furniture and other possessions.” Draw up the pros and cons of selling. “If you aren’t ready to make a change, you will not be in the mindset to make smart decisions about price.”

“Always, always, always get permits for work you are doing on your home,” says Nancy Pantoliano. “Check with your local town building department if you are not sure whether you need one. There are three very good reasons for this.” 1. SAFETY “Usually, there is an inspection to be sure that the work is done to safety standards and codes. Consider the liability if the deck you just had built collapses during your first BBQ. Someone gets hurt and your homeowner’s insurance won’t pay because you did not get the proper permits to insure that it was safely built.”

2. PAPERWORK

above: 418 Harbor Road, Southport, built in 1874, has twelve-foot-plus ceilings and magnificent architectural details. listed: $2,395,000 / Amy Curry with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, New England Properties

they are exposed to the best architects and designers, in restaurants, hotels, shops and housing. Everything is new and shiny and that’s what they are looking for.” Al Filippone agrees: “Updated kitchens and bathrooms sell homes. Maintain your home with annual touch-ups and maintain your property. Just before placing your home on the market, give areas that are worn a fresh coat of paint, de-clutter extensively and ensure that your home presents itself impeccably.’”

How do you know if you’re ready to stay with your longloved home or make a clean break and start over some place new? According to the pros, you have work to do. Consider what you love about the home you are in and what you are looking to change, says Nancy Pantoliano. How much of your “stuff” are you willing to let go? Do you want room for guests? In the long-term, might you need one-level living or to take in an aging parent? Are you looking to eliminate or reduce mortgage payments? If you do decide to sell, Todd Gibbons emphasizes

that buyers today tend to be averse to homes that need work. “Overall maintenance is critical.…Buyers fifteen years ago would paint and fix this and that, because that’s how they grew up,” he says. “Buyers now often don’t know how to fix things, don’t have time with a long commute, and want everything ship shape. The people looking in our area are coming from the city, where

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“Any buyer will want to know that there are permits to insure any work was done properly. (A potential buyer’s mortgage company may insist on permits.) If you don’t get them now, it will cost you much more to get them later. You may even need to pull out any/all of the work you did if it is not to code.”

3. MONEY “Your uncles/brothers/ friends just may not know what they are doing. If you have work done and there is an issue, like a fire, as a result, good luck with your insurance. No permit, no payment.”

PLAYING FAVORITES

SPECIALTY ROOMS FOR YOUR PERFECT HOME

n the second half of 2019 we saw a shift in attitudes of buyers of luxury properties in Fairfield County,” says Ryan Raveis, copresident William Raveis, Inc. and a Fairfielder. “The decline of average sales process of higher end has slowed, and buyers are beginning to realize the bargains are out there. Already this year we have seen increased traffic in our open houses and are bullish on the 2020 real estate market.” Desirable luxury homes distinguish themselves by boasting exceptional building materials, excellent design, abundant space and, of course, stunning views. But there’s more—they’re also customized to the owner’s specific interests. Here, we peek inside a few specialty rooms in homes currently listed with Raveis. Though that could make anyone happy, these passion projects especially please the current homeowners. –Diane Sembrot

PHOTOGRAPHY: WINE ROOM BY VIRTUAL 203 FOR LESLIE CLARKE HOMES / WRRE; THEATER ROOM BY BORGATTA PHOTOGRAPHY; ALL COURTESY WILLIAM RAVEIS REAL ESTATE

“

1 1

HOME THEATER This home theater begs one to stretch out and enjoy a good movie. It’s tucked away inside “The Nest,” an exceptional listing at 1125 Pequot Ave., Southport. With a billiards room, pool house and pool with jaw-dropping views of the Long Island Sound, it’s a dream for entertaining or escaping at home.

2 2 3

WINE At fifteen by twenty-seven feet, this architectdesigned wine cellar at the listing 33 Woodside Ave., Westport, can hold 1,800 bottles. With temperature and humidity controls and framelessglass entry, in-wall speakers, mahogany shelving, it allows for spontaneous tastings and proper aging.

GOLF Having your own golf simulator can be a true game-changer. Rain or shine, perfect your swing, shave shots from your score and let go of your stress. With this system at a home that sold just before press time, the new homeowner can experience playing top-tier courses worldwide, without leaving home.

MARCH/APRIL 2020 FAIRFIELD LIVING

LIGHTEN This designer loves to renovate. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how she gave A LIFT TO THE OLD HILL HOUSE she now calls home.

by judy ostrow

In the living room, a Husk lounge chair and ottoman from B&B Italia and a pair of chairs by Patricia Urquiola for Moroso in a Holly Hunt patterned fabric flank Tom Dixon coffee tables.

fairfieldlivingmag.com

phot o gr aphs by nancy hill

UP S

ome homeowners like to periodically renew the interiors and exteriors of a home they keep for a generation or more. Others, the more peripatetic variety, finish a house, live in it for a while, and then fall in love with another one. Yvonne Ferris puts herself in the latter category. As an interior designer, she is in the business of transforming environments. As a homeowner, she will find a place with potential, perform a makeover, spend a few years there and then move on. “I had recently sold a house that I renovated in Southport and was looking for a new home,” she recalls. “I love renovating, so I was definitely open to something that needed work. I truly enjoyed living in Southport, but I had come to really like Westport as well, so my focus was on finding something there.” What she found was a shingle-and-stone house in the Old Hill neighborhood. The home’s original section had been built in 1938, similar in style to many of the fieldstone houses built by Frazier Forman Peters in Old Hill, around Westport and in the surrounding towns in the 1920s and ’30s. Added to in the 1980s, the place she found was large and well-sited, and Ferris saw the possibilities. “I wanted to peel back the layers of the house and get it to a more minimal place. It had great bones but felt dark and heavy inside,” she says. While the exterior remained as she found it, except for the addition of two more windows, she went to work on the interiors. “There was so much stone; the walls were painted in dark colors, the floors had a dark stain, and even the stair rails were black wrought iron. This house has many large windows, so I wanted to capture all the light that they brought into the space.” To accomplish this, she removed almost all of the stone from inside the house, including the cladding on the family room and living room chimneys. In the family room, which has

MARCH/APRIL 2020 FAIRFIELD LIVING

above: The white marble countertop is beautiful and practical. below: A Lindsey Adelman chandelier illuminates the dining room table. opposite: The kitchen cabinets are the original oak installation, augmented by updated hardware, absolute black granite countertops and farmhouse sink, and an oversized kitchen island in the same oak as the cabinetry, with a marble top.

exposed wood beams and ceilings that soar, she raised the firebox to create a plinth for sitting or fireplace accessories; here, she also painted all the walls white, including the fireplace wall. All that remains of the home’s old stone accents is the fireplace surround in the living room. She loves its clean angles and the look of the St. Laurent marble. BRIGHT OUTLOOK Ferris’s go-to paint color—decorator white— has been used throughout the house on walls and ceilings, except for the media room, for which a darkened environment is logical; there, her choice was a shade called Day’s End. But even with its subdued palette for optimal video viewing, Ferris chose a white sectional sofa to continue her light-and-bright theme. “I like the look of pale wood and very light stains on floors,” says Ferris. To accomplish

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I wanted the look and durability of a commercial KITCHEN, and this stone is bombproof.

left: The living roomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arrangement gets a pop of caramel color and lots of comfort with an Extra Soft multilevel sofa by Living Divani. below: The informal dining area off the kitchen displays the designerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s penchant for mixing chairs for table seating; four fabric chairs are Tom Dixon, the other two are from Bertjan Pot for Moooi. right: The powder room is a fun mixture of custom old world plaster walls by master painter Nilson Vitti, an antique chair in Holly Hunt fabric, concrete vanity and shelf, and an ultra-soft sheepskin rug underfoot.

We use the dining room for Thanksgiving and Christmas... when we dine there, WE ALWAYS HAVE A FIRE GOING in the living room, which is open to the dining room.

above: A white Cloud sofa from Restoration Hardware and cocktail table from Property New York create counterpoint to the dark media room walls. below: Ferris designed the family room sofa, covered in a blue Rogers & Goffigon velvet; above it hangs a painting by Erin Parish.

MARCH/APRIL 2020 FAIRFIELD LIVING

This house has many large windows, so I WANTED TO CAPTURE ALL THE LIGHT

that they brought into the space.

fairfieldlivingmag.com

this aesthetic, which harkens to many Belgian interiors, she sanded the home’s existing floors and then bleached them several times to achieve the effect she wanted. “Making them lighter also makes the rooms feel brighter and larger,” she notes. In the kitchen, the designer retained the lightstained oak cabinets, adding simple modern hardware with a scale and heft that harmonize with the room’s other metal fittings. Ferris, who has two children in college, wanted a kitchen that would be durable and low maintenance. For working countertops, backsplash, an integral farmhouse sink, and two inserts in the wood floor in front of the sink and stove, she chose absolute black granite. “I wanted the look and durability of a commercial kitchen, and this stone is bombproof,” says Ferris. The kitchen is also well scaled for the family’s entertaining needs. Ferris had the large island made with the same oak as the cabinets, adding an elegant white statuary marble top so friends and family can gather around for informal dining and snacking. And while the adjacent dining room is spacious and glamorous, it tends to be a special occasion space. “We like to hang out more in the kitchen and the family room than in the formal dining room,” says the designer. “We use the dining room for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and when I have more than six dinner guests. When we dine there, we always have a fire going in the living room, which is open to the dining room.”

left; The designer’s office provides plenty of space for creation. Its details include a Paper Chandelier from Moooi, vintage zinc file drawers, and a seriously modern 1946 Reale table by Carlo Mollino.

THE DARK SIDE Although every room speaks to lightness, modernity and comfort, Ferris also built in a bit of surprise with the first-floor guest powder room—always a spot for a unique and ingenious treatment. “It has a very distinct look based upon the mix of its components. The walls have an old world waxed plaster finish in black, which master painter Nilson Vitti did for me. The sink and MARCH/APRIL 2020 FAIRFIELD LIVING

I like the look of PALE WOOD AND VERY LIGHT STAINS on floors...making them lighter also makes the room feel brighter and larger. above: A soft and peaceful arrangement for her dreamy white master bedroom includes some sparkling highlights; Ferris designed the silver shams with fabric from Leather by Edelman. below: The sophisticated use of blackand-white contrast

opposite above: Ferris has fun with details, like the ballerina legs of a table she found at ABC Carpet and Home in New York. The clear side table with stacked books is a clever way to add visual space to the room. opposite below: The white â&#x20AC;&#x153;porcupineâ&#x20AC;? on the wall, bottom, is actually an African headdress.

shelf are made of black concrete—a total antithesis to the plaster walls. We used rose gold as the metal for the taps, a Holly Hunt upholstered antique chair, handmade Allied Maker sconces, and a gray sheepskin rug that is great when barefoot. I love the powder room.” Deciding on her favorite room is difficult. “There are so many great spaces,” she says. “While the idea is always to renovate and sell, I always fall in love, especially with this house. It is very different from any of my other houses, but it has incredible soul. It is a happy house, and my kids love it—as does everyone who walks through the door. While its exterior seems a bit serious, once you get inside, it is white, bright and welcoming. I would definitely like to stay here for awhile.” Resource: Yvonne Ferris Interiors, 606 Post Rd. E., Ste. 583, Westport; yvonneferrisinteriors.com

SP R I N G FA SH IO N 2 0 2 0

BEST OF

produced by megan gagnon

A STYLISH NEW SEASON OF COLOR, PRINTS AND CLOSET STAPLES, FRESH FROM THE RUNWAY AND READY TO SHOP NOW

2020 TREND

HAUTE CHOCOLATE Make cocoa your new fashion flavor

CULT GAIA

Eden heel; $398. cultgaia.com

4 OSCAR DE LA RENTA

Wood link earrings; $250. Neiman Marcus, The Westchester; neimanmarcus.com

FENDI

Logo Mania brown belt or crossbody convertible bag; $1,690. Mitchells, Westport; shop .mitchellstores.com

1 HOBBS

Bess skirt; $290. Greenwich; hobbs.com

NEW NEUTRAL “brown t ones are extremely versatile and have a warm, sophisticated richness t o them. a great alternative t o bl ack, they'll take you effortlessly from summer through winter. i l ove pairing a cho c ol ate silk slip dress with ch unky cashmere and a gold str appy sandal.” –Michelle Farmer founder + president, Michelle Farmer Collaborate

fairfieldlivingmag.com

5 KARLA COLETTO Joana ruched underwired swimsuit; $396. Soleil Toile, Westport; soleiltoile .com

OSCA R D E

LA R E N TA

6 JOHANNA ORTIZ

Ruched cottonblend top; $495. modaoperandi.com

O R T RY T H I S

7 HENRY'S

Zip top tote; $750. Greenwich; henrysleather .com

SEEING RED A bold and bright take for spring STUART WEITZMAN

Espadrilles; $295. Greenwich; stuartweitzman .com

RO KS AN DA

GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI

Betty knot sandals; $895. giuseppe zanotti.com

VIC TOR IA BEC KHA M

J.CREW

FARMER PHOTO BY NEIL LANDINO, FASHION IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

Blouse; $98. Greenwich, New Canaan, Westport; jcrew.com

YUZEFI

Dolores leather satchel; $595. Saks Fifth Avenue, Greenwich; saks.com

VINCE

Double breasted blazer; $485. Greenwich, Westport; vince.com

10 MANDKHAI

Yak wool ribbed jumper; $622. Michelle Farmer, Greenwich; michellefarmer.com

MICHELLE FARMER

Silk pants; $575. Michelle Farmer, Greenwich; michellefarmer.com MARCH/APRIL 2020 FAIRFIELD LIVING

2020 TREND

MIX MASTER

PIERRE-LOUIS MASCIA Blouse; $475. West, Westport; west2westport.com

Tie together silky scarf motifs, graphic florals and bold color for maximum effect

6 VERSACE

Pleated silk skirt; $1,225. versace.com

4 LELE SADOUGHI

Small paper lily earrings; $125. lelesadoughi.com

1 HERMÈS

SPRING MIX

Clic H Panoplie Equestre bracelet; $700. Greenwich; hermes.com

“get your spring on with b old pat chworks and bright scarf prints. d on't be afr aid t o mix and mat ch pat terns, just be sure t o stick with c omplimentary c ol ors. our team of st ylists are here t o help you find the perfect print and make it your own.”

3 2 VALENTINO

Valentino Garavani VLOCK Carpet Reedition shoulder bag; $2,945. farfetch.com

ETRO

Patchwork print kimono jacket; $2,830. etro.com

ER DE M

fairfieldlivingmag.com

–Andrew Mitchell-Namdar co-owner, Mitchells, Richards

O R T RY T H I S

7 ALICE AND OLIVIA BY STACEY BENDET

Deonna pleated dress; $595. Greenwich; aliceandolivia.com

TO DYE FOR

Hippie-chic meets high fashion

GI VE NC H Y

D IO R

MITCHELL: CONTRIBUTED; FASHION IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

LA VIE REBECCA TAYLOR

Sleeveless tie dye jumpsuit; $325. Fred, Westport; thefredshop.com

THINK ROYLN

Wingman bag in denim tie dye; $218. thinkroyln.com

8 CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Spetsos sandal; $595. us.christianlouboutin .com

9 LA DOUBLEJ

Palazzo pants; $620. ladoublej.com

MARCH/APRIL 2020 FAIRFIELD LIVING

JIMMY CHOO

Love Oasis tie dye pump; $625. Mitchells, Westport; Richards, Greenwich;Â shop .mitchellstores.com

2020 TREND

BUSINESS CASUAL Work these earth-toned separates—vests, utility pockets and all—into your wardrobe

4 MAX & MOI

Vanille camel blazer; $513. Perfect Provenance, Greenwich; theperfect provenance.com

5 WANDLER

Anna leather bag; $660. net-a-porter.com

SHONA JOY

Eames utility linen playsuit; $320. intermix online.com

TOP THIS

CLUB MONACO

Peechie flat; $198.50. Greenwich; clubmonaco.com

CAR OLI NA HER RER A

1 AGNONA

“i l ove trench c oats and bl azers this season. the trench has a very cl assic l o ok cl osed and belted—great for business—or kept open with the belt tied in the back. l ayer with a great t-shirt and a fl are or skinny je an for a hip, chic, sp ort y l o ok. as for bl azers, a singleor d oublebreasted st yle is one of the best go -t o items you can have in your wardrobe.” –Tina Dragone owner, Tina Dragone

Silk pleated trench; $3,790. Bergdorf Goodman; bergdorfgoodman.com fairfieldlivingmag.com

O R T RY T H I S

6 JOIE

Brently pant; $228. Greenwich, Westport; joie.com

JO N AT H AN

PUFF LOVE When it comes to these sleeves, bigger is better ZARA

Poplin top with bow; $39.90. Greenwich, Norwalk; zara.com

SI M KH AI

VERONICA BEARD

KATE SPADE NEW YORK

WARBY PARKER

Beale sunglasses; starting at $95. Greenwich; warbyparker.com

Anouka vest; $395. veronicabeard. com

Exotic bloom poplin dress in hot cider; $498. katespade.com

DRAGONE: CONTRIBUTED; FASHION IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

ULLA JOHNSON

Puff sleeve cotton blouse; $195. Nordstrom, The SoNo Collection; nordstrom.com

GUCCI

Princetown GG canvas slipper; $790. gucci.com

10 LOVESHACKFANCY

L'AGENCE

Celine jacket; $325. Tina Dragone, Darien, Westport; tinadragone.com MARCH/APRIL 2020 FAIRFIELD LIVING

Rikki floral cotton top; $265. loveshackfancy .com

EXTENDS OUR DEEPEST GRATITUDE TO

Mitchells FOR THEIR 25 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP

WE RAISE OUR GLASSES WITH A TOAST TO THE MITCHELL FAMILY AND THEIR EXTRAORDINARY PHILANTHROPIC COMMITMENT TO BRIDGING THE OPPORTUNITY AND SERVICE GAPS IN OUR COMMUNITY

MIND THE GAP B:7.9" T:7.65" S:7.4"

SUNDAY

APRIL

QUICK CENTER

FOR THE ARTS

Dancer: Ailey II's Kyle H. Martin Photo by Nir Arieli

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B:4.75"

5:30PM

Order your tickets today: call 203.254.4010 or visit quickcenter.fairfield.edu

T:4.5"

Honoring Dorothy Nevas Freedman and The Artists Collective of Westport

S:4.25"

26 2020

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CELEBRATE YOUR WEDDING

ART & ANTIQUES

Drew Klotz Kinetic Sculpture......................................................... .8

AUTOMOTIVE

Land Rover Fairfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cover 4

BUSINESS & FINANCE

Cummings & Lockwood LLC ......................................................... .8

EDUCATION & CHILDREN

Brown University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Brunswick School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Columbia University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Fairfield University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

ENTERTAINMENT

Fairfield University Quick Center for the Arts ��9

EVENTS

6th Annual Greenwich Restaurant Week �� 23 A-list Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 The Alzheimer's Association Connecticut Chapter/ Eighth Annual Celebrating Hope 2020 ��11 American Red Cross/A Salute to Service and Valor Red & White Ball ..................................................... . 25 Best of the Gold Coast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 E•A•T End Allergies Together ..................................................... . 26 Greenwich International Film Festival �� 26 Near & Far Aid Thank You ............................................................ . 62 Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County Presents: The Next Generation of Dance: Ailey II �� 62 Optimus Healthcare/Building Connections For Healthy Minds: A Symposium on Mental Health Featuring Lorna Luft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Westport Fine Arts Festival........................................................ . 29 Women in Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

FASHION

Mitchells/Richards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 3

FOOD, CATERING & LODGING

2013 JAVIER SÁNCHEZ MINGORANCE-STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Winvian Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Hospital for Special Surgery Orthopedics/ Stamford Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Nuvance Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cover 2 Yale New Haven Health/Bridgeport Hospital ��5

JEWELRY

Henry C. Reid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

LANDSCAPING. NURSERY & FLORISTS

We welcome wedding announcements together with candid photographs. Weddings should have a current Fairfield family connection and must be submitted within three months of the wedding day. Regretfully, we are unable to run every wedding submitted.

Homefront Farmers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cover 3

Send Information to: weddings@fairfieldlivingmag.com Fairfield Living Magazine 205 Main Street Westport, CT 06880

NONPROFIT

Americares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 The Elephant Sanctuary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

MISCELLANEOUS

Westy Self Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 MARCH/APRIL 2020 FAIRFIELD LIVING

calendar

MARCH / APRIL 2020

by joey macari

Crushin’ It TUESDAY, APRIL 28 David Archuleta has been a mainstream recording artist since his breakout performances on American Idol. Now, you can see him live at the Warehouse at Fairfield Theatre Company. Archuleta will perform hit songs like “Crush.” VIP meet-and-greet tickets can be purchased for this concert. Show is at 8 p.m. For tickets, go to fairfieldtheatre.org.

TUES. 17 ST. PATRICK'S DAY The Warehouse at Fairfield Theatre Company

MARCH THURS. 5–SUN. 8 THEATER

You may or may not have loved the movie adaptation, but you’re sure to love the touring company of Cats headed to the Shubert Theatre this month. Tickets to see this hit musical by Andrew Loyd Webber start at $44 for mezzanine. For tickets and info, go to shubert.com.

SUN. 8 MUSEUM

Celebrate International Women’s Day at the Fairfield Museum and History Center. Guests

can participate in a special, sash-making activity to commemorate 100 years of the suffragette movement. Admission is free for all visitors, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more info, go to fairfieldhistory.org.

SUN. 8 QUICK CENTER

Join the Quick Center at Fairfield University for a special celebration of Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250th birthday. Pianist and Fairfield Emeritus Professor Orin Grossman will be joined by several astute members of chamber orchestras across the country in a one-ofa-kind performance of

Beethoven’s work. For tickets, visit quickcenter.fairfield.edu.

THURS. 12 MUSIC

Experience a taste of New Orleans right here in Fairfield. Funk group, Soul Rebels, will take on Fairfield Theatre Company at Stage One and perform songs from their new album, Poetry in Motion. Show starts at 7:45 p.m. For tickets, visit fairfieldtheatre.org.

TUES. 17 ST. PATRICK'S DAY

Join Fairfield Theatre Company for the biggest St. Paddy’s Day party in

fairfieldlivingmag.com

Feeling lucky? Head over to Penfield Beach to join in the festive St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with the Keltic Kick Holiday Concert at Penfield Pavilion. Tickets to see the band start at just $25. The event is BYO drinks, snacks and Irish pride. Visit fairfieldrecreation.com for more info.

APRIL SAT. 4 BEACH

The second annual Penguin Plunge is the best reason to hit the beach before summer this year. This amazing cause at Jennings Beach is one of the largest grassroots fundraisers to benefit Special Olympics Connecticut. Soak in the

chilly Long Island Sound, and know you’re making a difference for others. To register, go to soct.org.

SAT. 11 RACE

Join Fairfield Parks and Recreation for an Easter celebration that is sure to please the little ones. The first-ever Beach Bunny 5K starts at 9 a.m., followed by an awards ceremony, annual egg scramble, plus food trucks, family fun and more. To register, visit fairfieldrecreation.com.

SAT. 18 ART

It’s Family Day at the Fairfield Art Museum. Explore the wonders of ancient Roman art inside the museum’s beautiful Bellarmine Hall Galleries and Smart Classroom for drop-in arts-and-craft activities and child-friendly gallery tours. Sessions that day are 1–2:30 p.m. and 2:30–4 p.m. To register, go to fairfield.edu. F

SAVE THE DATE: MAY 2 Ready your best dapper attire and big hat for Derby Day at Pequot Library. More at pequotlibrary.org.

PHOTO BY DAVID GRAY

town. The Warehouse at FTC will be going all-out on a St. Patrick’s Day– themed event from 5 to 10 p.m. The Guinness will be flowing, as will live music from the Highland Rovers and Rude Boy George, the photobooth will be flashing, and more. Check out fairfieldtheatre.org for more event info.

YA R D TO TA B LE

WE SOW THE SEEDS, YOU REAP THE REWARDS

Who doesn’t love the taste of summer? Crisp lettuce and deep green spinach,

EN . . S ...............

weekly visits from April through November, ensuring that your garden is as

That’s where Homefront Farmers comes in. We’re the area’s leading experts

M E RG A R

VEG

A ............ O R G

grow their own successfully.

.....

MEFRO

tender new potatoes. Unfortunately, not everyone has the time or knowledge to IN

. BUI LD . MA

fresh-picked strawberries bursting with flavor, juicy vine ripened tomatoes, or

ETABLE

in producing homegrown, organic food. Our trained organic gardeners make bountiful as it is beautiful. Feel free to join them to learn for yourself! If you don’t have a garden yet, let us build you one of our handcrafted raised bed beauties. Seedlings are already growing in the greenhouse, so don’t wait until the season is upon us to plan your own backyard farmer’s market. Give us a call — we’d love to get you growing! 203 .470.3655 : info@homefrontfarmers.com : homefrontfarmers.com : Like Us on Facebook