34 minute read
STATUS REPORT
editor’s letter
NOVEMBER 2022 / CRISTIN MARANDINO
SCAN TO EXPLORE OUR DIGITAL SIDE
HOW TO SCAN: OPEN, AIM & TAP
LIGHTING THE WAY
For more than a decade we have presented our annual Light a Fire awards as a way to celebrate all that is right with the world. Here we give center stage to people who have given of their time, financial resources and hearts to bring about change.
But making a difference can be scary. The challenges can be daunting. Sometimes the darkness is so vast or the job that needs to be done seems so big that it’s easier to shut it all out. However, the passion of the men and women that we honor (page 68) shows us that it’s always possible to light up the darkness. Between them, they have spearheaded life-changing programs, rallied communities and raised millions of dollars for dozens of charitable causes.
For one of our honorees, her drive to shift the paradigm for those in need continued even after a life-altering stroke. Think about that: Instead of allowing fear or despair consume her, she faced it head on and said, “You will not break me. I will use you to become stronger.”
For others, their passion was borne of empathy, compassion and the belief that it is our obligation to leave the world in a better place than when we found it. All of them work tirelessly for their causes. Whether it’s championing mental health, diversity, the arts and environment or helping refugees, the elderly and abused, they show us that every hand you hold, every smile you share, every dollar you raise can indeed change the world. We are lucky to count them among our friends and neighbors.
There is no better time than this, the season of gratitude, to meet these advocates of change. We hope that they will inspire you as much as they did us.
founder’s page
NOVEMBER 2022 / DONNA MOFFLY
“You see gentlemen you know having their hair dyed, which is kind of poetic.” OF TALES FROM THE HAIR HOUSE
If you need an excuse to get your hair done by a pro, November is a good time to head back to the beauty parlor. Covid is winding down, the nonprofits are squeezing in as many luncheons and galas as possible before Thanksgiving, then come the big-time holidays.
At twenty-six, when I was pregnant with Jonathan, I figured I’d reached “matron’s estate” and was entitled to regular do-s. I was, after all, my mother’s daughter. How well I remember her weekly visits to the beauty parlor, mostly because they gave Little Me a very grown-up job to keep me occupied. Her hairdresser, Betty LeFevre, would hand me a long stick with a magnet at the end and challenge me to lift every stray bobby-pin off the floor of the rather large salon. Boy, what a heavy-duty responsibility.
Mother thought that I needed permanents like she did for her extra-fine hair and talked me into having a nice tight one the day before my wedding in 1959. But when Jack and I hit the heat of Jamaica on our honeymoon, my new curls turned into a Brillo pad. She’d also loaded me up with Dramamine in case I got airsick; then I managed to get a coral infection in my leg from falling off a surfboard. Jack enjoyed telling the story about his zombie bride with the red Afro limping along behind him on crutches at the Plantation Inn.
I’ve found beauty parlors everywhere we’ve traveled, but the classic was in Oaxaca, Mexico. They washed my hair with cold water and the equivalent of Lava soap, then sat me under a drier outside on the sidewalk for all the passersby to see. Plus, my ears stick out. It was total embarrassment.
You learn a lot at the hair house. Hairdressers like to cook, especially if they’re Italian; and they talk food all the time. But they’re generous about sharing recipes. You can find out what good movies are playing, who just came down with shingles, what’s going on at Edgehill and whose husbands are having flings with their nannies. You see gentlemen you know having their hair dyed, which is kind of poetic. They shouldn’t be there anyway. It’s like turning a guy loose in the ladies’ locker room. I mean, there you are with your hair in foils like a porcupine or your head covered with black goo. Ugh.
Kids are all right, though, sitting on booster seats like pint-sized princesses being fluffed and fussed over. Then they move on to the manicurist for polish topped with a tiny diamond on one pinky—the highlight of our granddaughters’ sleepovers.
Memorable things happen at the hairdressers. Elaine Leegstra was at Pierre Michel in Trump Tower in New York, where a young operator (good word for him) named Stuart was giving his client the de rigeur neck
and shoulder massage. But it ended with him sliding his hands down the front of the lady’s blouse, and guess what? She didn’t bat an eye!
Cristin Marandino was at Warren Tricomi when a tippling socialite came in for a blow-dry minutes after hitting somebody’s dog. When the Greenwich police arrived to take her down to the station, she made a quiet exit but returned afterwards to finish having her hair done.
When Netty Schieferdecker went to Beaumont Salon for haircuts, her stylist, a gospel singer, would serenade her. “It was really quite lovely,” she recalls.
As for me, where to begin? I was at the hairdresser when we got the news that Kennedy was shot. It was a dismal scene, with stunned ladies milling around commiserating in flowing plastic capes, like a heavenly choir with their hair in rollers.
I’ve been there when peddlers passed through—a Korean from New York with counterfeit movies, a stoned truck driver off I-95 with hot TVs. But the girls selling sandwiches are always welcome.
I was at the hairdressers when a crazed woman locked herself in the loo and wouldn’t come out. When someone was having a facial, and her water broke. And when an archrival threatened a newly-opened salon, and the police were called to come check for bombs under cars and in the big rubber plant that arrived with no gift card.
I was at Panache in Old Greenwich a while back when my house was trying to burn itself down, which I didn’t know until I got home. I just heard the hook and ladders roaring out of the Sound Beach Fire Department across the street and wondered what poor souls were in trouble. It turned out to be me (and Jack).
Funny things happen at beauty parlors. Once when Panache lost power, my hairdresser, Gary Yovan, took me next door to the Sports Shop to finish my comb-out by candlelight.
Then there was the morning we had to put our wonderful old golden retriever to sleep. I was tearfully sharing the news with Gary when a grumpy woman in another chair shouted: “Stop talking about death!” That, of course, became one of our favorite lines. (Ironically, shortly thereafter, the lady and her husband were sitting in their apartment watching television when the ceiling fell down on their heads. But they survived.)
“It’s a sitcom in there,” says Libby Tracey, who livened things up one day by stepping outside onto Sound Beach Avenue in her smock and foils to ask people if they’d like to come in and have their hair done. Dora Faugno, the owner of the salon, almost fainted.
We had an amazing neighbor who at 104 was still sharp as a tack, still enjoyed a Scotch and water in the evening and still got down to Panache every Tuesday to get her hair and nails done. So think of her for inspiration if you’re tired of getting an eyeful of shampoo in the shower and worrying about your old hair dryer blowing up. There’s help out there. And hey, it’s November! G
singular in design
Condé Nast Traveler
winvianfarm.com
SHREVE, CRUMP & LOW
SHREVECRUMPANDLOW.COM | @SHREVECRUMPLOW
Shreve, Crump & Low is a premier family jeweler with locations in Greenwich and Boston. In addition to having one of the best collections of fine jewelry and JEWELRY BRANDS SHREVE CRUMP & LOW, CHOPARD, IKIGAI, While Shreve, Crump & Low caters to several generations of families who have chosen them OSCAR HEYMAN, for life’s biggest milestones, the jeweler also ac PICCHIOTTI, DINH VAN, VINTAGE TIFFANY & CO., quires pieces for modern tastemakers like celebwatches, the company shines in exceptional customer service and sourcing for its clients.
Founded in 1796 in downtown Boston—and set-up just across the street from Paul Revere— the jeweler has a rich history of taking part in distinguished commissions, while staying true to its New England roots as a family business. Run by the Walker Family—Brian, Bradford and Olivia Walker—the siblings are leading the company after their late father, David Walker, passed away in 2021. The Walkers, who come from a long line of jewelers, share the same passions and devotion as the generations before them.
The company recently launched the David G. Walker Collection of Magnificent Jewels—a one-of-a-kind collection featuring some of the world’s rarest and finest diamond and gemstone jewelry. Nearly all pieces were handpicked and curated by the late Mr. Walker himself. With his talent, skill and natural gifts, he graciously left behind one of the most impressive collections available today. VINTAGE CARTIER rities and professional athletes. No matter who AS WELL AS the client is, the store is committed to serve those AN EXTENSIVE ESTATE COLLECTION looking to follow traditions or begin their own. This holiday, the jeweler features timeless WATCH BRANDS AUTHORIZED RET AILER: pieces as well as must-haves like statement BELL & ROSS, BREITLING, pearls and eternity rings with bright, colored CHOPARD, TAG HEUER, gemstones. Other top sellers include stacking BREMONT, OMEGA, ZENITH, IWC, NOMOS, BLANCPAIN, tennis bracelets, fine gold jewelry, and architecHUBLOT, PANERAI, JAEGER- turally unique estate pieces—especially old EuroLECOULTRE, PIAGET, VACHERON-CONSTANTIN, pean and antique-cut diamonds. GREUBEL FORSEY, Shreve, Crump & Low offers the following tips H. MOSER & CIE, when shopping this season: “Look to honor a reLAURENT FERRIER, GIRARD-PERREGAUX cent milestone in the recipient’s life, pay attention to their personal style, and pick a piece that can easily transition between everyday wear and special occasions.” To ensure that holiday gifts are a true surprise, the store recommends items that don’t require checking a size. Consider purchasing pieces like pendant necklaces, earrings, or diamond and gemstone tennis bracelets. This will help keep your gifts under wraps.
VOCK AND VINTAGE
VOCKANDVINTAGE.COM | @VOCKANDVINTAGE
24 FIELD POINT ROAD, SUITE 3A, GREENWICH | 28 WEST 44TH STREET, SUITE 910, NEW YORK CITY
Vock and Vintage is a high-end jewelry salon and world leader in collectible, colored gemstones. They feature an assortment of timeless estate jewelry COLLECTIONS BULGARI CARTIER statement jewelry, an appreciation for Old World craftsmanship and a passion for collecting. VAN CLEEF & ARPELS “A big percentage of our client base are successAND OTHER WELL-KNOWN ful women self-purchasing,” says Vock. “Another such as Bulgari, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and other luxury brands known for style, quality and value. Customers appreciate the level of personal attention and custom work, which includes design solutions, as well as restoration and repair services.
In 1990 Vock and Vintage opened its first location in New York City, and after much success, debuted the Greenwich design salon in early 2021. The salons are a spin-off of ProVockative Gems, a family-owned gem business based in Manhattan. Vock’s husband Alex is a world-renowned specialist in precious gems and natural pearls, and the couple’s son Elias joined the firm in 2021. The family lives in New Canaan.
“Our strength is in knowing the market,” says owner and designer Donna Vock. “We do this via extensive travel and participation in events worldwide, where we buy opportunistically and continually update our inventory to suit demand.”
Vock and Vintage’s wide-ranging fans share a love for LUXURY BRANDS segment are men who not only love the giftgiving aspect of jewelry buying, but also appreciate the long-term benefits of having these hard assets.” This season, Vock and Vintage sees clients gravitating toward color and dressing up more, with formal jewelry coming back strong. Some on-trend items include vintage chunky gold daywear jewelry, Baroque-shaped white pearls and pearl earrings, and precious colored gemstone rings like emeralds, rubies and sapphires. “Important diamond necklaces are back,” Vock says. “Nothing makes a woman feel more beautiful or stand up taller than wearing a serious diamond necklace that flatters her.” When it comes to holiday gifts, Vock advises buyers, “Step up and purchase that one thing where your partner resisted temptation! If you’re not sure, ask us. We always know the one or two things she may be ‘secretly’ coveting.” Vock and Vintage is open by appointment only, but the shop also schedules Open Houses.
MANFREDI JEWELS
MANFREDIJEWELS.COM | @MANFREDIJEWELS
Specializing in luxury watches, jewelry and wedding rings, Manfredi Jewels has been a purveyor of fine jewelry for more than 30 years. Owner Roberto ChiapWATCHES BLANCPAIN BREGUET derway in the Greenwich shop as well, which will feature a new area for Vacheron Constantin, BULGARI Breguet, Blancpain and Zenith. GIRARD-PERREGAUX GLASHUTTE Holiday trends are on point at Manfredi this pelloni, who is an avid watch collector, recalls “turning my passion into my profession” when he partnered with Manfredi to open the Greenwich store in 1988.
“By working with a brand known for fine craftsmanship and innovative creativity,” he says, “I was inspired to pass that onto my clients. That credibility and excellence is still something that Manfredi is known for today.”
Clients come here not only for the most-wanted luxury watches and jewelry, but also to discover something new. The Greenwich flagship stocks over 30 watch brands and specializes in artisan independents, while the New Canaan location carries sought-after names like Rolex, Tudor and Hermès.
To keep up with the demand in New Canaan, Manfredi is doubling the size of its store. The expanded space will include a dedicated section for Pomellato, a Milan-based brand known for colorful gem combinations and an international following. There is a renovation unGRAND SEIKO season, with effortless jewelry that can be worn HERMÈS daily. Clients will find everything from watches LONGINES OMEGA with unique watch dial colors to multi-hued ROLEX stackable bracelets, tennis bracelets/necklaces and TUDOR VACHERON CONSTANTIN ZENITH bracelet watches. Color wise, green, orange and red are big, and pieces are available in different finishes. “Both men and women are seeing a reJEWELRY BRANDS BUCCELLATI surgence of fantastic choices from many different CHOPARD brands, which are offering rose and even yellow ROBERTO COIN ESTATE JEWELRY gold on watches and bracelets,” says Chiappelloni. MARCO BICEGO When selecting a holiday gift, Chiappelloni MESSIKA recommends starting early, finding out the recipMIKIMOTO POMELLATO ient’s style, and picking out something sentimenTACORI tal. Sharing special details about the person you are shopping for will enable the Manfredi experts to help choose the perfect present. “We have over 100 years combined experience on our sales floor,” says Chiappelloni. “Our associates are good listeners who love to help clients find the perfect gift for that special occasion.”
46 Carriglea Drive, Riverside, CT
4 Bedrooms | 3.1 Bathrooms | 3,334 SF
Updated contemporary with spectacular water views. West facing with beautiful sunsets. Just over an acre of land in a private setting. 150+ feet of water frontage, entertaining platform at water’s edge and private dock with boat lift. Ann Simpson | 203.940.0779 | $6,295,000
2 Vista Avenue, Old Greenwich, CT
5 Bedrooms | 4.1 Bathrooms | 5,921 SF
Incredible opportunity to live on one of the most desirable streets in Old Greenwich! This 5-bedroom, 4 and 1/2 bath home has nearly 6,000 square feet of living space and sits on a private oversized .70 acre lot with deeded water access in Greenwich Cove Park. Alison Leigh | 203.667.7832 | $5,395,000
3 Wahneta Road, Old Greenwich, CT
4 Bedrooms | 3.1 Bathrooms | 2,560 SF
South of Old Greenwich Village on a quiet, coveted road, this classic Colonial awaits a new owner ready to enjoy the Old Greenwich lifestyle. Oversized property-level, no flood zone - .44 acre in R-12 zone allows for expansion of multiple amenities. Helen Maher | 203.249.4489 | $2,595,000
229 Cognewaugh Drive, Cos Cob, CT
4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 3,520 SF
Lovingly expanded and updated Colonial set on a beautiful private acre presents a unique opportunity for the next owner to personalize the home and add their own distinctive finishing touches. Ten minutes to train and downtown. Robin Bartholomew | 203.253.3575 | $1,795,000
GREENWICH | 136 East Putnam Ave.| 203-869-0500 OLD GREENWICH | 200 Sound Beach Ave. | 203-637-1713 BHHSNENYHVP
Search all homes for sale at bhhsNEproperties.com
Building Blocks
HOW ONE EXCEPTIONAL ORGANIZATION IS
HARNESSING THE ABILITIES AND DREAMS OF THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS TO FOSTER INCLUSION AND COMMUNITY
buzz STATUS REPORT
by valerie foster
top: Sophia Moubayed at The Café at Darien Library middle row: Mae Sanchez and Kristy Kasmarski at Abilis Gardens & Gifts; Travis Baskin at Home Depot in Norwalk bottom row: Christian Young, an Abilis Project SEARCH graduate and now an employee at the Darien YMCA; Nicole Cohade at Greenwich Dental Group; Melanie Luchetta at The Café at Greenwich Library
When you have special needs, life skills are often elusive and difficult to learn. What many take for granted—having a sense of purpose and a reason to get out of bed each morning, being part of a team, possessing the ability to earn a living—are the soft skills that need nurturing and support to achieve and maintain.
That’s where Abilis steps in, a nonprofit that provides services and assistance to more than 800 individuals with special needs and their families. Since its inception in 1951, Abilis’s goal has been integrating people with special needs into the community with programs that begin at birth and continue through retirement.
Here, we take a closer look at the Competitive Employment Program, which fills the gap between high school and retirement with training skills, encouragement and support in all aspects of life. For Abilis, it’s all about integration and access to resources: helping those with special needs live, work, thrive and enjoy the community they call home.
Amy Montimurro, president and CEO of Abilis, says that the organization is supporting close to 450 individuals in the program, some residing at one of the sixty-one Abilis residential locations throughout Fairfield County. “We help them build needed skills and customize career plans, so they can live more independent and fulfilling lives,” says Amy.
Luis Velazquez, vice president of Day and REACH services, which support those who are able to live independently, explains that many go through training at one of three places—Project SEARCH with Greenwich Hospital, Coffee for Good, and Abilis Gardens & Gifts with partner, Nielsen’s of Darien. For some, volunteer posts are a stepping stone for employment.
For others it is employment at more than 100 companies and organizations. For example, Abilis runs the coffee shop at Greenwich Library. It’s there that we met staffer Mary Weglowski. At forty-four, Mary, who has been with Abilis since she was two years old and lives in an Abilis-supported residential apartment, proudly says she works four jobs, including the Café at Greenwich Library, office filing at the Therapy Center at Abilis and working with the Abilis Cleaning Crew. She is also a trainee at Coffee for Good. “I love my work,” she says, smiling. “People appreciate that I am thorough and that I have initiative.”
You’ll also often see Abilis employees at Stop & Shop, Island Beach Concession, Gregory’s Coffee and Feinsod Ace Hardware, where Jay Feinsod took on his first Abilis employee, Tommy Toledo, more than ten years ago. Abilis supported Tommy through his transition from a student at Darien High School to internships and finally this job. “We need Tommy,” Feinsod says. “I wish he could work more. He’s our Weber grill master, putting them together. And if you’ve ever done one, you understand how many parts there are. Tommy is good at it, he’s quick, and he’s very self-sufficient.” In addition to his pay, Feinsod’s wife, Esta, rewards Tommy with her chocolate chip cookies.
Overseeing all the workers, including Mary and Tommy, is Abilis job coach Kristy Hickman. Although her hours can be long, her job is fulfilling. “At the end of each day, to hear their excitement on the phone or see their smiling faces, I know they are happy. Their lives have meaning and purpose and give them a reason to get up in the morning. I tell them to call me any time and I mean it. This is more than a job to me. I am their friend and a support to each of them.”
above: Michelle Yoon with Governor Ned Lamont at The Café at Greenwich Library below: Abilis employees at the Island Beach Concession stand. Abilis provided inclusive employment at the stand the past two summers.
HAND-IN-HAND
These Greenwich organizations and businesses provide training, employment and volunteer opportunities. There are more than 100 throughout Fairfield County and Port Chester.
• ACME • BEACH HOUSE • BELLE HAVEN COUNTRY CLUB • BEST PLUMBING • BOARD OF EDUCATION • BOXCAR CANTINA
• BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB • BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA/CAMP SETON • COBS BREAD BAKERY • COFFEE FOR GOOD • FAMILY CENTERS • FEINSOD ACE HARDWARE • FRENCH FARM • GRANOLA BAR • GREENWICH DENTAL GROUP • GREENWICH GREEN AND CLEAN • GREENWICH HOSPITAL • GREENWICH LIBRARY
• GREENWICH POINT CONSERVANCY • GREENWICH TOWN HALL • GREENWICH WOODS • GREGORY’S COFFEE
• HAPPINESS IS…BACK COUNTRY MARKET • JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES • KING STREET NURSING • LITTLE PUB • MCARDLE’S FLORIST AND GARDEN CENTER • NATHANIEL WITHERELL
• NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR • PAT-A-CAKE PLAYSCHOOL • RIVERSIDE COMMONS • ROUND HILL CLUB • SMART KIDS • SOMETHING NATURAL
• SPLASH • SPLURGE • STANWICH COUNTRY CLUB • STAPLES • STOP & SHOP • THE CAFÉ AT GREENWICH LIBRARY
• WHOLE FOODS • YMCA OF GREENWICH • YWCA OF GREENWICH
home
by megan gagnon RICH COPPER TONES TO WARM UP YOUR SPACE
1
ARHAUS
Hand-hammered copper bowl; $349. The SoNo Collection, Norwalk; arhaus.com
3
LAWSON-FENNING
Moreno sofa; starting at $4,200. lawsonfenning.com
2
CONSTANCE GUISSET
Vertigo pendant lamp; $1,295. MoMA Design Store; store.moma.org
5
TRANSPARENT ATELIER
Collins sconce; $6,018. transparent atelier.com
—terri ricci, terri ricci interiors
6
ROCHE BOBOIS
Tapis Terre hand-tufted wool rug; starting at $3,250. Greenwich; roche-bobois.com
7
AGUIRRE DESIGN
Kaimana desk; price upon request. carlylecollective.com
4
TERRAIN
Antique copper decorative tray; $148. Westport; shopterrain.com
ON THE BALL THESE STATEMENT FEET ARE THE NEW SPHERES OF INFLUENCE
1
2
3
6
—cara woodhouse, cara woodhouse interiors
4
1 CARA WOODHOUSE × ABC STONE
The Rock & Roll bathtub, in Grand Antique marble; price upon request. abcworldwidestone .com 2 LE BERRE VEVAUD
Olbia commode; starting at $21,895. theinvisiblecollection .com 3 SARAH ELLISON
Yoko bed; $5,995. Design Within Reach, Stamford; dwr.com 4 ROBERT McKINLEY
Sphere of Influence coffee table; price upon request. moneanewyork.com 5 KELLY WEARSTLER
Morro ottoman; $3,690. kellywearstler.com 6 VISUAL COMFORT
Cleo orb base desk lamp by Kelly Wearstler; $579. Greenwich; circalighting.com
5
7
7 NATHAN ANTHONY
Alais daybed; to the trade nafurniture.com
do
by liz barron
HEART OF THE MATTER
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CARDIAC HEALTH AND YOUR KIDS
Constant exposure to media and the internet these days allows us access to a wealth of medical information that exceeds far beyond what was once available to the average person. However, more isn’t always better, particularly when we’re faced with an influx of scary information that we don’t truly understand. Between stories of long Covid–related heart problems in children, hearing about teenagers collapsing on sports fields and conflicting information regarding vaccine safety, it’s no wonder many of us feel confused.
We turned to expert doctors and assistant professor in pediatric cardiology at Columbia, Allison Levey, M.D. and Michael Monaco, M.D., of Pediatric Cardiology in Darien to help clear up some fallacies and provide advice we can trust.
503 Faulconer Drive, Ste. 5 Charlottesville · VA · 22903 p: 434.295.1131 f: 434.293.7377
MCLEAN FAULCONER INC.
Farm, Estate and Residential Brokers
Stephen T. McLean c: 434.981.1863 e: smclean@mcleanfaulconer.com
◆ PEA RIDGE FARM◆ 317 acre estate that has it all: location, views, water, stunning main residence, event center and more! The 15+ acre lake is centered among lush rolling fields of rich grass and a spectacular 5-bedroom home with tall ceilings, heart pine floors, 4 fireplaces, study, and garages. Add to all mentioned above a large metal barn, handsome log cabin with fireplace, stunning party barn and a 2-bedroom cottage. Located 25 minutes west of Charlottesville. Additional acreage available. MLS#631962
◆ ROUND HILL◆ Magnificent panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and scenic Rivanna Reservoir frontage is offered from this spectacular 120-acre Albemarle County estate featuring a 5-bedroom manor home with wonderful indoor and outdoor spaces. The land is gently rolling with approximately 85 acres of open lawn, fields, and pasture, about 35 acres of mature forests, pond, and several creeks. Excellent location close to the city limits and the Charlottesville-Albemarle airport! MLS#625402
WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST TRENDING ISSUES WITH PEDIATRIC HEART HEALTH THESE DAYS? “The long-term cardiac manifestations of Covid and vaccine-related concerns—specifically myocarditis—are definitely at the top of people’s lists. With that said, vaccine-related myocarditis is extremely rare; and the risk of having a cardiac issue from the virus itself, while also uncommon with the current strains, is significantly higher. We have also seen an increasing number of young patients post-Covid with complaints about endurance issues, slow returns to play for sports and faster than normal heart rates,” says Dr. Levey.
“Reassuring parents that myocarditis is extremely rare continues to be a frequent conversation. In doing so, we are trying to emphasize that part of the reason that myocarditis from Covid seemed so daunting was because so many people got sick at once, not because it was actually becoming more prevalent. In fact, myocarditis from the flu is far more common. But with the flu we have never seen as many people sick all at the same time the way we did with Covid. The rare evidence of myocarditis that was found related to the vaccine was mostly documented in young adult males. In our area, we do not know of a single case documented in children under twelve. And while still a very uncommon issue, the good news is that studies have shown that even those who did develop myocarditis from the vaccine have all recovered,” says Dr. Monaco.
HOW COMMON ARE PEDIATRIC HEART ISSUES? “Real congenital cardiac issues, where the heart forms abnormally, occur in roughly one percent of the population,” says Dr. Levey. “The vast majority of things that are found in utero that we end up monitoring will correct on their own,” says Dr. Monaco. “Other issues that bring patients in, like chest pain, are incredibly common, but chest pain from actual heart problems are incredibly uncommon,” says Dr. Levey.
HOW ARE THESE ISSUES GENERALLY DIAGNOSED? “The most severe issues are usually diagnosed during routine prenatal care and by prenatal ultrasound. The vast majority of congenital heart disease is picked up in utero, and some cases will require treatment or surgical intervention. Issues like heart murmurs and low oxygen levels are generally found during routine care in the well-baby nursery and routine pediatric visits after a baby is born,” says Dr. Monaco.
“One of the most important tools when assessing our pediatric patients is taking a family history, as well as getting an understanding of specific symptoms. Physical exams help us to check for any abnormal sounds or rhythms. In-office diagnostics like electrocardiograms— EKGs and echocardiograms—allow us to monitor heart rhythms and look at the structure of the heart,” says Dr. Levey.
AS A PARENT, OTHER THAN KEEPING UP WITH WELL-CHILD APPOINTMENTS, WHAT CAN WE DO TO KEEP OUR KIDS’ HEARTS HEALTHY? Both doctors agree that focusing on exercise and modeling a balanced diet and healthy nutritional habits early on are the core components of setting our children up for optimal heart health.
ARE THERE ANY RED FLAGS FOR PARENTS THAT COULD INDICATE THAT THEIR CHILD’S HEART MIGHT NEED TO BE CHECKED OUT BY A DOCTOR? “Your child’s pediatrician for a general evaluation is always a good place to start. Exertional symptoms are always a concern to us. Chest pain, fainting, palpitations—especially with exertion, shortness of breath and a change in endurance are all things that we would want to see a patient for,” says Dr. Levey.
“In babies, trouble feeding can sometimes signal an issue. Because eating is the only exercise that they get, it’s something to pay attention to, especially if they are sweating or having trouble breathing while feeding,” says Dr. Monaco.
WHAT’S A NORMAL HEART RATE FOR CHILDREN, AND HOW DOES IT CHANGE WITH AGE? Heart rate varies by age, and as children get older, it decreases. A typical school-aged child will have a heart rate of around sixty to 100, with peak exertion being 220 minus the child’s age.
ARE THERE CHILDREN WHO COULD BENEFIT FROM A CARDIOLOGY SCREENING BASED ON HEALTH HISTORY? “The first line of defense is to be sure to tell your child’s pediatrician about any family history of cardiac events or heart disease,” says Dr. Levey. “Additionally, any new or worsening symptoms that come on with exercise and exertion shouldn’t be ignored. When we hear about these situations where young athletes have died suddenly during sports and look back at the cases, quite often the children had made complaints about symptoms long before the actual event occurred,” says Dr. Monaco.
Connecticut Gold Coast
640 Sasco Hill Road | Fairfield, Connecticut | $17,900,000 | Rick Higgins 203.520.6778
Overlooking beautiful Southport Harbor and tranquil Long Island Sound, this 16-room majestic property sits on 2.5 acres that overlooks a golf course and has horizon views of the Manhattan skyline. Features include an additional guest house, indoor & outdoor pools, Squash Court, Ballet Studio, and an English Garden. Approximately 1 hour from Manhattan.
eat
by mary kate hogan
Check Inn for Thanksgiving
One more thing to be grateful for? NOT HAVING TO COOK
There’s no place like home for Thanksgiving … or is there? When you want to avoid all the prepping, cooking, cleaning and let the pros host, these inns serve up a beautiful feast for families large and small. Whether your group lives locally or includes out-of-towners, you have the option to spend the night, so you can enjoy an extra glass of wine and drift up to bed in a tryptophan daze, no worries about driving.
Here, a few great places to celebrate the holiday in style.
GRAYBARNS, Norwalk
203-489-9000; graybarns.com
On the site that was once the Silvermine Tavern, a historic stagecoach stop, this inn was reimagined by The Glazer Group as a boutique luxury hotel and tavern with a modern sensibility. The property overlooking the Silvermine River includes a 100-seat tavern that features New American cuisine showcasing produce and ingredients from local farms and purveyors, as well as its own kitchen garden. The Tavern is a sought-after reservation any night of the week but particularly for this holiday dinner. Tables are
available from 12 to 7 p.m.
Executive chef Ben Freemole prepares a special three-course
prix-fixe meal. For the main, traditionalists can indulge in heritage turkey with cranberry, cornbread stuffing, gravy and greens; and there’s also a choice of braised short ribs, branzino and a roasted honey-nut squash with chestnuts for mains. The firstcourse options include a pear and gorgonzola salad, lobster bisque or a tuna tartare, plus supplements of oysters, shaved truffles and caviar service.
Sides of Brussels sprouts with lardons, cranberries and spiced maple; whipped potatoes with roasted garlic and parsley butter; sweet potatoes with honey butter and pecans; and smoked cauliflower with buttermilk dill and lemon are available for preorder at GrayBarn’s Mercantile, as are the seasonal pies and desserts.
If you dine in, only a lucky few will get to spend the night after dinner, as there are just six rooms.
CRABTREE’S KITTLE HOUSE, Chappaqua
914-666-8044 crabtreeskittlehouse.com
Dating to the late 1700s on a property that served as a working fruit farm and nursery, this restaurant and inn has been owned by the Crabtree family for nearly four decades. The farm-
to-table restaurant is known for its exceptional wine selection (noted in Wine Enthusiast’s “Restaurant Hall of Fame”) with a collection of 65,000 bottles in its
cellar. The restaurant has strong ties to local farms, and the menus reveal the sources for produce, seafood and meats.
This year’s Thanksgiving menu begins with a choice of squash and apple bisque, lobster bisque, Scottish smoked salmon and pumpkin gnocchi among the starters. Sides are served familystyle to accompany the applecider brined Goffle Farm turkey. Salmon, striped bass, short ribs and cauliflower steak are alternate mains. For dessert, there’s a crown maple pumpkin pie with cinnamon crème anglaise, a pecan pie with caramel sauce, apple cobbler, gelatos and a chocolate “Kittle Kat” crunch torte.
The cost for dinner is $105 per person. A take-out menu is also available. There are twelve rooms at the inn for those who wish to stay.
THE GRISWOLD INN, Essex
860-767-1776; griswoldinn.com
Visit the picturesque New England village of Essex along the Connecticut River for a Thanksgiving feast and then spend the night at this historic inn. The “Gris” dates back nearly 250 years, first as a haven for shipbuilders and tradesmen and later as a destination for steamboats and sailors and even a source for “spirits” during Prohibition. Today the inn has multiple dining options and warm ambience—it’s been called the coziest restaurant in the state—with lots of dark wood, antiques and art and three fireplaces.
Thanksgiving is the most popular holiday at the inn, with seatings from 11 a.m. to
6 p.m. After a couple of years’ hiatus, the much-loved buffet is back, featuring traditional carving stations of turkey with sage and sausage stuffing as well as cornbread and veggie stuffings for vegetarians. There’s an array of all the classic sides along with salads and fish and pasta options.
Classic pies and a chocolate dessert round out the meal. Go-to cocktail post dinner? The hot buttered rum. There’s a jazz piano player in the tap room and a live band for those who want to carry the festivities into the evening.
BEDFORD POST INN, Bedford
914-234-7800 bedfordpostinn.com
At this luxury Relais & Chateaux retreat set on fourteen lush acres—a circa-1860 farmhouse restored by actor Richard Gere in 2007—families can enjoy a holiday meal at one of several venues on property. The inn accepts
Thanksgiving reservations for its wine cellar (up to twelve guests), the Barn Loft (up to twenty guests) The Barn dining room (up to thirty guests) and the private dining room, for up to forty people.
Depending on the size of your party, you can savor a private Thanksgiving feast in a beautiful country setting.
On the menu from executive chef and co-owner Roxanne Spruance: a traditional roasted heirloom bronze turkey with classic sides served family style, including sausage stuffing, a harvest salad, butternut squash soup, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, mac and cheese and green bean casserole.
For dessert, there’s pumpkin pie with cinnamon whipped cream. You can also order ahead to purchase an entire Thanksgiving feast to go and serve at home.
The inn has eight suites available for those who want to stay for the night or the weekend.
THE INN AT POUND RIDGE, Pound Ridge
914-764-1400 theinnatpoundridge.com
At this renovated inn, renowned chef Jean-Georges brings seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine to a contemporary, country setting that envelops you in rustic warmth.
Since opening in 2014, the Inn has become a local favorite that’s also an ideal spot for Thanksgiving with its four working fireplaces and
special prix-fixe menu. At press-time that menu was still being finalized, but based on past years, guests can expect a stellar rendition of seasonal dishes and festive favorites. G
