GREENWICH contents
DECEMBER 2024
56
A SEASON TO REMEMBER
It’s time to deck those halls and let your holiday spirit shine. We’ve got plenty of inspo for you—from gifts that wow and style that pops to festive décor and family traditions.
by eileen bartles
ANIMAL INSTINCTS
Photographer Diana Haskell certainly knows her way around a camera (that comes with the job). But what’s truly special is the bond that she captures between pets—from a ginormous Great Dane to a sweet little hedgehog—and their humans.
by beth cooney fitzpatrick
GREENWICH MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2024, VOL. 77, NO. 10. GREENWICH MAGAZINE (USPS 961-500/ISSN 1072-2432) is published ten times a year 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 GREENWICH MAGAZINE PO BOX 9309, Big Sandy, TX 75755-9607.
departments
12 EDITOR’S LETTER
14 FOUNDER’S LETTER
Of Perfect and Imperfect Presents
17 STATUS REPORT
BUZZ We celebrate the World Childhood Foundation’s 25-year fight to save children around the globe. SHOP There’s the family you’re born into and the family you create. The folks at Famille, a stunning jewelry destination, are focusing on the latter. GO Miami has always been known for its party scene but in recent years that scene has gotten a major glow-up. We check out the high-end hotspots. HOME Join us on a visit to Ali Mahon’s chic antique treasure trove—The Barns. DO Who says winter means hibernation? Head up to Orvis Sandanona to test your outdoorsman skills. EAT Step inside The Pub—a cozy spot inside the historic New Canaan Playhouse that’s serving up big flavor; Looking for authentic Korean cuisine? We’ve got the place.
40 G-MOM
Where to pick up sweet locally-themed ornaments and how to make your own; Out and about with Greenwich Moms this holiday season
45 PEOPLE & PLACES
Hospital for Special Surgery; Six Love Tennis; Adopt-A-Dog; Daughter’s of the American Revolution; The Carlos Rondón Foundation; Orvis Sandanona; WELL/BEINGS
55 VOWS Chieco–Mentonis
77 CALENDAR
83 INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
84 POSTSCRIPT We’re getting into the howl-iday spirit around here.
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LIFE TO LIFESTYLE SINCE 1 9 47
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editor’s letter
SCAN TO EXPLORE OUR DIGITAL SIDE
LET’S GET MERRY!
Ilove the holiday season in all its goldgilded, garland-strewn glory. I enjoy the stress of shopping and the time commitment of wrapping. I revel in the exhaustion of too many parties and not enough sleep. I buy the tree the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas-ize every room by Cyber Monday. Yup, I love a few good festive weeks. It’s a time to not only enjoy, but also be thankful for the privilege of where we live, how we live and who we live it with.
This is the season for making memories, whether it’s the warmth of family time, the excitement of trying something new or the simple pleasure of giving thoughtful gifts. We know how important it is to make the season merry and bright, so we’ve packed this issue with ways to help you celebrate in style. Our wildly creative writer Eileen Bartles has once again scoured the area to find fun, quirky and unique ideas for activities, décor, gifts and more (“A Season to Remember,” page 56). Need a gift that wows? We’ve found some that go beyond the ordinary—from custom pet portraits to beachy retro cars. Thinking
about wellness? It might be the perfect time to gift someone a rejuvenating escape to The Ranch in the Hudson Valley, or maybe even splurge on an at-home sauna and/or coldplunge pool.
For those looking to add a little more sentimentality to the season, why not create new traditions? Take the family on a magical train ride to the North Pole, gather around the kitchen at Sur La Table for a cooking class, or start the year with a refreshing polar plunge at Tod’s Point. If you’re hosting a party, don’t miss our tips on themed celebrations. Turn your home into a cozy ski lodge, go full-on Southern charm or throw a quirky Southwestern bash.
As you flip through these pages, we hope you find inspiration on how to make this season truly memorable. Here’s to a holiday filled with laughter, joy, a little bit of magic and a whole lotta sparkle.
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founder’s page
“Then there was the ultimate re-gifter— Jack’s mother. She’d come up with the darndest things.”
OF PERFECT AND IMPERFECT PRESENTS
’Tis the season to remember that it’s more blessed to give than to receive. Even so, what fun it is to look back on some of the memorable gifts we have been given over the years.
Here’s a sampling from our staff.
President Jonathan Moffly was ecstatic over the battery-operated Stutz Bearcat that arrived from Cleveland in a giant box when he was four—from his bachelor uncle Mike Clegg. Our little redheaded boy loved nothing more than careening around the driveway in his new red convertible. For Artist Garvin Burke, it was the new refrigerator from his partner, which looked so good they had to redo the whole kitchen. “It was the gift that keeps on giving,” he says.
For Editor Ali Gray, it was a little black-andwhite bunny from her college boyfriend; but “Nina” took to nibbling away at her roommate’s designer leather handbags, so Ali had to take her home—for good. For Artist Lisa Servidio, it was her boyfriend’s poorly-timed Christmas present when she was recovering from major surgery—a paddleboard. But she was back on her feet to enjoy it that summer. For Editor Cristin Marandino it was the lid-lift she had requested from her father. And for Editorial Advisor Bobbi Eggers, it was the big red “I love you” message her boyfriend spray-painted in the snow on her front lawn on Valentine’s Day.
As for myself, I can recall many standout gifts. One was from our five-year-old daughter Audrey, who staggered in the kitchen door bearing the giant head of a sunflower from a neighbor’s yard. “Here, Mommy,” she said. “This is to make you smell better.”
Fast-forward four decades to January 2009— a bad time in our economy and especially in publishing. Arriving at our house for a birthday sleepover, Audrey’s nine-year-old son Duncan surprised us by announcing he didn’t want
any presents, but under pressure he finally reluctantly agreed to open the art kit we’d gotten him. Then he reached into his pocket and withdrew a crumbled handful of dollar bills. Six, to be exact. “This is my leftover lunch money,” he told us. “I want you to have it for your business.” (I still have those bills tucked away awaiting something like his rehearsal dinner.)
Of course, there was the gold pendant Jack gave me to commemorate our 50th wedding anniversary—a miniature greenwich magazine, it’s four pages engraved with a tribute to our partnership in business and in marriage, our children and grandchildren. The talented elves upstairs in Betteridge Jewelers’ workshop were thrilled with the project, and so was I.
Then there was the ultimate re-gifter— Jack’s mother. She’d come up with the darndest things. Often they were fascinating “guess me” surprises like the baleen from a whale she had seen flensed in Iceland, a wooden clacker that once woke sailors for their watch or a Tibetan mold used by Buddhist monks to make butter sculptures. But sometimes they were just things that cluttered up her house. Once she gave Jack a silver shot glass, not noticing it was an engraved usher present from his friend Bill Prickett. Another time it was his father’s wallet (empty). When Jack’s niece Sara called us one Christmas and we were comparing gifts from Granny, she said, “Well, I got a pair of Aunt Miriam’s old shoes.”
Never mind. As I look around my house today (and yes, I plan to “age in place”), I understand exactly how Granny felt. There comes a time when you don’t want more things unless you can eat, drink or, I might add, experience them.
Humm. Let’s see. What could I wrap up around here? It would sure save a lot of shopping. Have a jolly—and memorable—holiday. G
by jill johnson mann
SPEAKING UP
WITH HELP OF GREENWICH RESIDENTS, THE WORLD CHILDHOOD FOUNDATION HAS BEEN FIGHTING CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE FOR 25 YEARS
In 1999, the subject of child sexual abuse was still a topic discussed in whispers, if at all, in many places. At the time, Queen Sylvia of Sweden had become aware of this global problem, and she knew hushed tones would do nothing to end the suffering.
Monika Heimbold, who had emigrated from Sweden to the U.S. and whose husband would become U.S. Ambassador to
Sweden in 2001, attended a dinner with the Queen at a friend’s apartment in New York.
“Her Majesty was talking about her international travels and the terrible sexual abuse that children were faced with, especially in the trucking industry in Brazil at that time,” recalls Monika, a Greenwich resident. “She was inspired to start an organization to protect children from these types of crimes that were taboo
topics of conversation back then.”
Monika had a full-time job as a clinical social worker in Westchester, with a focus on young children, many of whom had been sexually abused.
“My husband Charles and I spent a lot of time talking about this and how we wanted to bring awareness to this difficult situation,” she says. She knew she wanted to be involved in the Queen’s mission.
Queen Sylvia founded the World Childhood Foundation that year, twenty-five years ago, with Monika as a founding board member.
“Queen Silvia is a very hardworking person who was brave enough not only to start talking about CSAE [child sexual abuse and exploitation] but to commit her time and energy into doing something about it,” says Monika, who still sits on the board today.
above: Princess Madeleine of Sweden, Vice Honorary Chairperson for World Childhood Foundation, speaking at the Childhood USA 2023 gala
“I had the opportunity to visit Brazil with Her Majesty and also Russia on five separate occasions. I toured prisons, orphanages, schools, hospitals, daycare centers and families in their homes,” says Monika. “These visits changed my life and reinforced how important it was to move forward with a global approach.” Childhood USA (the U.S. division of the organization) has donated $10 million in grant funding over the years to support grassroots projects grounded in clinical
research, advocate for children at risk and build global awareness.
Artificial intelligence and the explosion of digital activity in children’s lives pose new problems for the organization, which recently hosted a “Digital Guardians: Combating Online Child Sexual Abuse” symposium in New York, with Emmy-winning journalist and Greenwich resident Jeff Glor moderating a panel of experts. “How we manage— as an international family—the governance of AI and children’s
digital lives, really weighs on my mind,” says Monika. “I’ve watched my grandchildren grow up with technology, and some of it is wonderful; but honestly, the most fun I ever saw them have was with their friends playing outside.”
Inspired by her mother, Joanna Heimbold earned a master’s in Early Childhood Education and is now also actively involved with the foundation as well. She cochaired the 25th Anniversary Gala, which took place in November in New York. “Our honorees were the Ericsson corporation and Jim Cole. And our emcee was once again the hugely talented Julia Chatterley from CNN,” says Joanna. “Ericsson, led by the visionary CEO Borje Eckholm, represents the gold standard when it comes to corporate participation in this incredibly complex problem. Over a 34-year career, Jim Cole, our Humanitarian Honoree, has chaired the INTERPOL Specialists Group on Crimes Against Children and pioneered the Homeland Security Victim Identification Program.”
WHAT WE NEED TO DO
Childhood USA
Executive Director Dr. Mary Pulido on Protecting Children Online
PARENTAL/GUARDIAN AWARENESS
Many parents are simply unaware of the dangers their children face online. Educating parents about these risks is crucial.
LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
Everyone needs to get involved in advocating for stronger online safety laws to protect their children from predators.
EMPOWERING CHILDREN
It is never the child's fault when they fall victim to online or in-person exploitation. The abuse involves manipulation and coercion, which children cannot understand or resist. Parents/concerned adults must ensure that their children feel safe coming to them if something bad happens online or in person. childhood-usa.org
above: Her Majesty Queen Silvia at the United Nations • Queen Silvia at the Childhood USA 2023 gala • Joanna Heimbold, Monika Heimbold, Princess Madeleine, Queen Silvia and Dr. Mary Pulido at the Swedish residence in New York City for a diiner honoring Her Majesty, hosted by Ambassador Erik Ullenhag
above: The 2024 Childhood Summit: Moderator, Jeff Glor (left), Princess Madeleine and Queen Silvia (center) with panelists Elizabeth Letourneau, Dr. Mary Pulido, Sarah Garner, Camille Cooper and Jim Cole
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FAMILY TIES
HOW A GLAM LEGACY CONTINUES TO SHINE ON
Afew months after they retired last year, Randy Lapointe and Warren Lagerloef’s customers started calling in search of jewels. “It was, ‘My daughter’s getting married and you know her, so I want you to make the ring.’ Or, ‘It’s my wife’s birthday and I need something special and you already know what’s in her jewelry box,’” Lagerloef recalls.
After spending 40 years selling fine jewelry together at Greenwichbased Betteridge Jewelers, the duo had established a multigenerational clientele that felt more like family. Between them, they kept a vast collection of international
customers spanning from grandparents to grandchildren. They knew birthdays, anniversaries, their customers’ style, wish lists and even kept their confidences.
And the longtime colleagues had distinct but complementary skill sets. So even though they both decided to retire after Betteridge was sold in 2021 to the Watches of Switzerland Group, they started working on designs at their kitchen tables.
For Lapointe—”the diamond guru”—who grew up in his family’s Massachusetts jewelry business and then ventured out on his own to learn the diamond
trade working at Tiffany—the requests he fulfilled were often for bespoke engagement rings, wedding or anniversary bands. For Lagerloef—“the expert in all things estate jewelry”—his commissions often involved finding or creating something unique, rare and stunning. If they needed something sourced, their next call was usually to Kim La Du, another former Betteridge colleague, who had spent years as a buyer for several of Fairfield County’s luxury jewelers. La Du has cultivated international contacts who can help her track down specific gemstones and
elusive estate finds. “My favorite phrase is, ‘I found it,’” she says.
Not long into their collaboration, the colleagues-turned-friends realized opening their own business just made sense. “Forty years is a long time, but none of us were ready to retire after Betteridge was sold,” says Lapointe. “Working at our kitchen tables was actually kind of fun in its own way, but we just did not feel like we were done.”
So together they launched Famille (pronounced Fah-Me), an intimate and elegant jewelry boutique housed in a renovated former art gallery off Greenwich Avenue on Lewis Street.
Kim La Du, Randy Lapointe, Warren Lagerloef, Betsy Welke • Astre diamond clusters in graduated sizes
by beth cooney fitzpatrick
They picked the French word for family to reference the charming Parisian-inspired jewelry boutique they imagined when they conceived of the retail space, as well as the bonds they had formed over the years with their customers and each other. “We work with generations of families. We as a team feel like family. We are a family business,” LaPointe explains. “It felt like the perfect name.”
In keeping with that all-in-thefamily spirit, the store’s interior— replete with hand painted de Gournay wallpaper imported from Paris and a soothing pale green color palette—was designed by Lagerloef’s daughter, Tiffany, of New York City-based TL Interiors.
Famille’s cases were then appointed with a mix of glittering diamonds, of-the-moment keepsakes from current brands including VERDURA, Seaman Schepps, Norman Silverman and Cicada. There are also estate finds mixed in with contemporary originals that in some cases could pass for vintage. “The atmosphere we knew we wanted to create was warm and welcoming,” Lagerloef says. “We wanted it to include a cabinet of curiosities—a charming place to visit and even just sit down and learn about jewelry.”
What you won’t find at Famille is anything that feels too trendy or mass produced. There are lots of finds in their cases that have an of-the-moment shine to them, but the team doesn’t want to replicate
“We work with generations of families. We as a team feel like family. We are a family business. It felt like the perfect name.”
—Randy LaPointe, Famille Co-Owner
cookie-cutter baubles.
“Our focus is on things that are sophisticated, classic and timeless,” explains La Du. “Because beautiful, well-made jewelry is always in fashion.”
Since they opened last spring, the partners have been joined by Betsy Welke, another former Betteridge colleague, who brings strong experience in fine jewelry sales as well as a passion for customer service to her role.
“One of the things that sets us apart is our commitment to service,” she explains. Because of their vast expertise, she notes that Warren and Randy can offer appraisals for estates and insurance, restoration and repair of jewelry (including heirlooms) and can customize designs to specific needs.
Recently, that included crafting an engagement ring for the grandson of a longstanding client. Lagerloef, who hand draws designs so exquisite they could be framed, made the rendering; and the team went to work sourcing diamonds and created the custom keepsake. A few weeks later, the ring was presented during a proposal at the Summer Olympics in Paris.
It was a big moment for the family, but in its own way it was a big moment for us, too,” says LaPointe. “Because over the years, we have been part of moments like this in so many families. And it means something to us to have families trust in us this way once again.”
BUILDING YOUR BAUBLE WARDROBE
In the same way every woman’s closet needs a little black dress, a crisp white blouse and a great pair of jeans, building a fine-jewelry wardrobe involves collecting and mixing the classics in a way that reflects your personal style. The team at Famille suggests starting with these timeless staples.
diamond or pearl earrings
“Earrings are so important because they are close to your face and frame it,” says La Du. Whether they are studs, or have a slight dangle, start your collection with these essentials. “Diamond studs can be a great place to start, but if you prefer pearls, they are just as versatile.”
diamond necklace
Whether it’s a simple solitaire or a line necklace or something featuring old or new cuts or fancy shapes, a diamond necklace is a beautiful and versatile way to complement a woman’s look.
something in yellow gold
“It’s always in style,” says La Du, who notes this metal lends itself to layering whether its big and bold or delicate layers of necklaces, bracelets or both.
a statement piece
Once you’ve covered the basics, add a unique and interesting piece to your collections that says something about your personality. It’s your chance to go bold and even be a little outrageous. It’s also a great way to add an estate piece to your wardrobe.
a right-hand ring
Whether it’s plain gold, appointed with diamonds or gemstones, a ring can make its own statement or be layered for occasions like weddings and anniversaries. For added interest, consider something with pink sapphires or aqua emerald cuts.
something sentimental
Things like charms and signet rings monogrammed with initials or family crests add a meaningful personal statement to your jewelry wardrobe. G
(above left)
Classic vintage pieces by Raymond Yard • (above right) Timeless platinum and diamond jewels
by kim-marie galloway
Miami Makeover
ART, FORMULA 1 AND HIGH-END HUBS STEAL THE SCENE
Maybe you’ve seen the viral ads: Miami Beach has officially broken up with spring breakers. They’ve traded drunk college kids for glitzy art collectors and moneyed F1 racing fans, bottomless margaritas for rare spirits and signature cocktails. Miami’s design district has become more than just a street packed with designer handbag and jewelry stores. It doesn’t just reflect what’s cool, it creates it. As the kids say, Miami has had a glow-up.
Art Basel, arguably the flashiest of art fairs, is staged in only four global cities: Basel, Switzerland, Hong Kong and Miami Beach. Last year, art collectors from more than 92 countries came to Miami to party and purchase. Art sales in the hundreds of thousands and even millions are common, but last year’s $20 million sale of Philip Guston’s Painter at Night (1979) set a new record.
This year, Art Basel is bringing the most significant influx of fresh exhibitors in more than a decade. Bridget Finn is the new director and is shaking things up. She comes from the Casey Kaplan Gallery in New York and is adding 34 galleries. And you won’t just find art neatly tucked in the Miami Beach Convention Center; it spreads throughout the city like a saxophone playing on a hot summer night.
West of Miami Beach and north of downtown, the neighborhood of Wynwood, once a collection of aging warehouses, has become a cultural hub. A tour of the Wynnwood Walls, an outdoor museum with enormous murals created by artists worldwide, only costs the energy it takes to walk there. A standout will
opposite page, top: An Art Basel gallery bottom: Artist José Parlá, working on Pathways above: Miami Beach's Ocean Drive
be the debut of Times Square Arts’ Midnight Moment program, showcasing video works by 30 artists projected nightly on Miami Beach’s SoundScape Park. (December 4 to 6 is for private guests and VIPs; December 6 to 8 is for the public.) Download the Eventbrite app to learn about every party and pop-up surrounding the official art fair.
Fans of Netflix’s hit series Drive to Survive are familiar with Grand Prix winner, Lando Norris, and all the challenges he faced to take home his first win for McClaren. The splashy Formula 1 Race is returning to Miami for the fifth time in May.
A massive McClaren-themed grandstand will join the variety of VIP venues that allow serious race fans to get close to their favorite
cars and drivers. You can watch the races from a trackside seat for $217 or go all in with a start to finish package from F1 Experiences for $3,026. You’ll get access to the pits, tour the track and even have your picture taken with the authentic World Championship Trophy. The package also includes premium seating and hospitality.
The international jet set has also added the Miami Design District to their travel lists. This compact 18-block area hits all the high notes, with restaurants like Michelin-starred chef Joel Robuchon’s L’Atelier and Pharrell’s SWAN. You’ll find all the brand names you’d find in Paris or on Rodeo Drive, but they’re housed in art-forward storefronts and galleries that swing from the fabulous to the absurd. There’s even a private Padel club.
In the middle of it all, the brand-new Moore Hotel opened just a few months ago. The 13-suite property is on the fourth floor of the historic Moore building, which also houses an unparalleled social club. It has it all under one roof—sexy bars, a high-design workspace, karaoke, a hidden bar called the Rabbit Hole (we could find no photos), and the signature restaurant Elastika, which is housed within architect Zaha Hadid’s installation of the same name. The work of art sprawls the length of the four-level central atrium and serves as a visual anchor of the restaurant. Room prices range from $800 to $2,000 per night (for now). Hotel guests can access the membersonly social club venues; Elastika restaurant is open to the public.
lounge area in the Moore Hotel
Elastika restaurant • A simple elegant guest room
home
by mary kate hogan
TIME CAPSULE
WE GO TREASURE HUNTING WITH ALI MAHON AT THE BARNS
Looking to feather your nest with one-ofa-kind finds and pieces that stand the test of time? Interior designer and antiques dealer
Ali Mahon can be your guide at The Barns, a by-appointment shopping experience on the grounds of her 1804 home. Inside the two beautifully restored red barns on the property, she is showcasing her collections, which include American, Swedish, French, Spanish and Italian furnishings, art and accessories, whatever catches her eye.
“I buy what I love,” says Ali, who is a Greenwich native. Coming from a long line of collectors and following in her mother’s footsteps as an antiques dealer, she has a history of acquiring pieces with history. “I love the objects. I love the pieces of the puzzle and, to me, interior design is like the whole puzzle coming together.”
Now she’s helping clients and homeowners to source those pieces with provenance, finds that will give their spaces character and make them memorable.
“The best homes come from taking your time, layering, having stories, having heirlooms, the things that were your parents’, or the little things that your kids remember,” she says. “It’s so much more meaningful and gives the home personality.”
Though some people associate antiques with older people, Ali says there’s a new audience for pieces that are recycled and repurposed. Young couples moving up from the city are taking an interest in a more collected look and pieces built to
left: One of the many charming vignette’s you’ll find at The Barns: a barn star, contemporary still life painting by Thad Hayes and an early American fish trade sign flanked by Wicker chairs and newly upholstered x-benches in Quadrille fabric right: Ali Mahon takes a seat amidst her treasures
“THE BEST HOMES COME FROM TAKING YOUR TIME, LAYERING, HAVING STORIES, HAVING HEIRLOOMS, THE THINGS THAT WERE YOUR PARENTS’, OR THE LITTLE THINGS THAT YOUR KIDS REMEMBER.”
— ALI MAHON
last, rather than starkly modern or “fast” furniture that wears out quickly. Ali likes to refresh some older pieces, she says, pointing to a pair of Chinese Chippendale armchairs she sourced from the Greenwich estate of the late designer Mario Buatta, with cushions she covered in a contemporary Sanderson fabric.
The Barns bring together a wide range of collectibles, from Italian brass urns, trade signs, weathervanes and game boards to a circa-1860 American painted cupboard and 1770 Gustavian Medallion-back armchairs finished in Colefax & Fowler fabric. Ali has a keen eye for repurposing older pieces, like an antique wooden barrel top that has such an interesting grain and texture, it works well as wall art.
Ali’s well-edited collection balances old with nearly-new featuring handsome rattan chairs from 2019 alongside a painted Danish table from 1790. “I love the mix,” she says. For example, “mixing true contemporary art with the old. That’s how you make it not look stuffy.” In addition to in-person shopping at The Barns, there’s also an online shop and Ali’s frequently updated Instagram. If she doesn’t have it, Ali is open to wish lists and hunting for specific items. “If there’s something you want, I can find it.” thebarnsbyalimahon.com
top to bottom: A one-of-a kind Rebekah Miles lamp, a Nantucket basket and vintage sign • An early-American architectural louvered fan over an Italian ceramic fruit bowl, a pair of cast stone cherubs, a child’s Windor chair from Sotheby’s and a Jose Reyes Nantucket Basket Purse • Ali with her trusty sidekick, Decker
above: A pair of 18th-century Gustavian chairs, French Jespe pottery, a portrait found on Nantucket and a pair of 19th-century French stools with vintage Scalamandre Leopard fabric below: A monumental 19th-century Swedish Dala Horse and a Peter Hunt dowry chest sitting upon a Neoclassical table from Denmark—surrounded by early American weathervanes and folk art such as carnival targets
do
by jamie marshall
GET OUTSIDE
DON’T LET CABIN FEVER SET IN DURING THESE CHILLY WINTER DAYS. WE’VE GOT THE PERFECT WAY TO GET SOME FRESH AIR AND PUT YOUR OUTDOORS SKILLS TO THE TEST
December can be tricky. On one hand it’s a festive month filled with holiday parties and celebrations. On the other, it signals the onset of winter when daylight is at a premium and cold—often snowy weather— sets in.
One way to beat the winter doldrums? Take a daytrip to Orvis Sandanona in Millbrook, New York, the oldest licensed public shooting and fly fishing preserve in the U.S. Part of the Orvis family since 1995, its nearly 400 acres of land—a breathtaking mix of forests, fields, streams and ponds—is the perfect spot to spend time immersed in the great outdoors.
The discreet entrance on Route 44 leads down a long dirt road that crosses a pretty trout stream and heads up to the log-cabin-style
lodge—part of which was built during the presidency of Thomas Jefferson. Inside, the retail shop is a treasure trove of cool gear and clothing. There are waxed Barbour jackets and checked flannel shirts, Dubarry leather boots and Le Chameau rubber boots. There are gloves and protective eyewear, hats and vests. There’s even a glass humidor filled with cigars.
A small bistro serves lunch daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a rotating menu of homecooked items. There are leather chairs for lounging by the massive stone hearth in the winter, and Adirondack deck chairs for relaxing on the front porch when the weather is fine. A small casting pond sits off to the right; a bigger pond lies at the far side of the property, where guides teach private and group lessons. Also, toward the
above: From shooting clays to fly fishing to duck hunting, Orvis Sandanona is an outdoorsman's paradise set on nearly 400 acres.
ONE WAY TO BEAT THE WINTER DOLDRUMS? TAKE A DAYTRIP TO ORVIS SANDANONA, THE OLDEST LICENSED
PUBLIC SHOOTING AND FLY FISHING PRESERVE IN THE U.S.
back of the property, tucked away out of sight, is a woodland swamp—close to four acres and ringed with a variety of trees—maples, oaks and birch. It’s a peaceful spot with eight duck blinds, several of which are over the water. “It’s more of a gentleman’s shoot,” says Andrew Johnson, the preserve’s general manager. “This is not a place where hunters are expected to sit in the mud.”
It is, however, a place where everyone is welcome to experience the thrill of the Orvis
Fee Schedule
A ROUND OF SPORTING CLAYS
100 targets: $100
Gun rental: $50
Cart: $65
PRIVATE SHOOTING INSTRUCTION
$175 per hour
($25 per additional shooter up to four people)
GUNFITTING SESSIONS: $250
PRIVATE INSTRUCTION
ON A CLAY COURSE:
$175 per hour plus sporting clays fee (up to five participants)
WINGSHOOTING SCHOOL
One-day: $575 per person
Two-day: $1,149 per person
UPLAND SCHOOL
One-day: $995 per person
Two days: $1,795 per person
To book school reservations
866-531-6213
To book sporting clays
845-677-9701
orvis.com/sandanonashooting-grounds
lifestyle. “At the core of our business is wing shooting, fly fishing and conservation,” says Johnson. “Everything else branches off from that.” Throughout the year, there are myriad ways to take advantage of the club’s offerings, including the art of falconry and the annual Game Fair in September. In winter, when the ponds freeze and the trout burrow deep for warmer water, sporting clays take center stage. Daytrippers have several options, including a one-hour intro class, where the focus is on gun safety, stance and proper gun mount. More experienced shooters may opt for a two-plus-hour-round on one of two courses—the Woodland Course or the Upland Course. For a little extra fun, there is a Wobble stand and a Fivestand and Helice, a competitive sport that combines the unpredictable nature of bird hunting with shooting clays. (Those intereted in shooting live birds can inquire about waterfowl and upland hunting memberships.)
Private lessons are available, as are Orvis’s signature one- or two-day Wingshooting Schools and Upland Schools, for a more immersive experience. And the good news for newbies? It’s one-stop shopping. You can rent (or buy) shotguns, purchase ammunition and all the warm gear you need. Eye and ear protection are provided for free. orvis.com
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PUB CULTURE
CHEF LUKE VENNER TEAMS UP WITH CINEMA LABS TO ELEVATE THE CLASSIC TAVERN EXPERIENCE AT THE PUB AT THE NEW CANAAN PLAYHOUSE
by elizabeth keyser
photography by venera alexandrova
The Pub’s curated menu of craft brews, domestic and international wines and contemporary and classic cocktails includes a dramatic Smokey Espresso Martini.
It’s the smallest, cutest pub in the center of New Canaan. Seating 18, with sidewalk seating adding room for 30, The Pub’s palette of blues and greens sets a tone of cozy, relaxed conviviality. Art, design and craftsmanship draw the eye everywhere; even the air conditioning ducts are clad in copper. Kirsten Childs and Daniela Parker Bowles design directors at Cinema Lab, a development and management company specializing in boutique theaters, took their cues from the historic 1923 New Canaan Playhouse. They sourced unglazed Victorian tiles, salvaged a 100-year-old bar and added a plush emerald banquette.
The smell of buttered popcorn wafts through the door of The Pub—not a surprise, as it is located inside the New Canaan Playhouse, the gorgeously renovated 100-year-old movie house that recently reopened with two screening rooms. The Pub’s menu is intentionally small and blends New England coastal with English comfort food expertly prepared by Chef Luke Venner of Elm, just down the street. Working on The Pub’s concept with Cinema Lab CEO Luke Parker Bowles allowed Venner to step outside the realm of fine dining to create the pub burger of his dreams and crack the code of English “chips” (essentially American steakhouse fries) and refine them.
Before food, The Pub offers a bountiful choice of drink, selected by bar beverage manager Javier Santoro, alum of the Jean-Georges Vongerichten empire. This is, after all, a pub—a family-friendly place to nurse a pint of craft brew or sip a glass of wine, perhaps trying a Pieropan Soave instead of the usual Sancerre. Santoro has also created a menu of ten classic cocktails, including a Smoky Espresso Martini. (Moviegoers can take drinks into the screening rooms.)
Appetizers are shareable. The chef roasts fresh and briny East Coast oysters beneath a wasabi-tinged crust and sprinkles them with Meyer lemon juice for a warm, buttery mouthful of sea minerality with a touch of
heat. He pipes deviled eggs high with creamy, mustardy yolks, scattered with chives and Spanish paprika. They are soft, rich and satisfying. More virtuous, yet still tasty, the smoked carrot hummus comes with crudités and grilled sourdough.
The Caesar Salad features crisp Little Gem lettuce, parmesan croutons and anchovies. Chinois Chicken Salad—the Wolfgang Puck classic devoured by many a Hollywood star since its creation in 1983—is crunchy with cabbage, cashews and wonton strips tossed in a vinaigrette of honey mustard.
The two mains are Fish and Chips and the Pub Burger. Both come with Chef Venner’s
above left: Chef Luke Venner's ideal Pub Burger. above right: Chef Luke Venner and Cinema Lab's CEO, Luke Parker Bowles
Clockwise from above: The Pub’s menu is also served in the second floor members’ Marquee Lounge. • Luke Parker Bowles in the lobby of the renovated movie house, which boasts two plush screening rooms. • From the the original marquee to the vintage-style wallpaper to the old-fashioned concession stand, stylists Kirsten Childs and Daniela Parker Bowles were inspired by the theater's rich history.
“ creating the menu, chef luke and i had to overcome the language barrier of the meanings of fries, frites and chips, as i tried to explain what we needed for the fish and chips. one day he said ‘i’ve cracked it! you want steakhouse fries.’” —luke parker bowles, cinema lab ceo
cross-Atlantic chips/steakhouse fries, which he cuts into flat, long rectangles before deepfrying. Halibut is the white flaky fish inside the golden brown batter. The English are known for drenching the fish in malt vinegar, which The Pub serves on the side in a ramekin. Americans are more likely to spread on the remoulade, which the chef has spiked with chopped kimchi, adding a mild pickled tang.
The Pub Burger is the most popular—a thick patty of dry-aged Pat LaFrieda beef blend, simply topped with sharp English cheddar,
crisp, shaved Vidalia onion and a secret sauce aptly named “Hollywood,” given The Pub’s location inside a cinema. Well-seasoned and juicy, the burger is served with sweet breadand-butter pickles and the aforementioned luscious flat rectangles of golden-fried potatoes sprinkled with sea salt.
Dessert is sticky toffee pudding, a far cry from Luke Parker Bowles' dreary English boarding school dessert memories. This rich, moist cake is drenched in banana dulce de leche and topped with vanilla buttercream.
The Pub’s menu is also offered on the second floor in the Marquee Lounge for members. The Playhouse’s concession room, across the entry alcove and open to the public, serves coffee all day, and locally baked sweet and savory treats, like empanadas and cookies.
Parker Bowles wants The Playhouse and its public and private spaces to become places for people to gather or just hang out. They are available for private rental, too. Parker Bowles, who lives in Montclair, New Jersey, is a movie producer determined to bring back historic cinemas with pubs to the center of American cities and towns. New Canaan Playhouse is the fourth theater Cinema Lab has opened, and more are slated.
A photo of Parker Bowles' father, Simon, hangs on the wall of The Pub. He owned and operated the prominent Mayfair restaurant, Greens, in London from 1983 to 2016. Politicians and members of the royal family were frequent guests. (Simon's brother Andrew is the ex-husband of Camilla, the Queen Consort to King Charles III.)
The photo of Simon “looks over the place, given his 60 years of experience in the restaurant world,” says Luke. “The picture also reminds me to be a good host, a kind person and a professional operator. Just as he was and is.”
The Pub is indeed a place that invites one to linger over an early or late lunch or dinner. Alone, with a friend or in a group, it’s the kind of place where you’ll probably start chatting with a stranger. There’s a lot to talk about. Open every day at 11:00 a.m. playhouse.cinemalab.com
Deviled Eggs (above) and Fish and Chips (left) are naturals on the menu of a pub that combines New England classics with English comfort food.
KIMCHI MASTERS
and meat-eaters alike. Though trained in Japanese cuisine, Chef June Seo cooks the dishes of her homeland at Ginger’s: hot stone bibimbap, kim bap rolls and teteokbokki (sticky rice cakes).
KOREAN CUISINE SHINES AT STANDOUT GINGER’S SEOUL BAR & GRILL IN STAMFORD by
elizabeth keyser
Korean cuisine has been simmering in the background of Fairfield County’s culinary scene, and it’s time to move it to the front burner. Ginger’s Seoul, which opened quietly last January on High Ridge Road (the expanded site of the former Kit’s Thai
Kitchen), is just the restaurant to do it.
Many of us are familiar with Korean barbecue, fried chicken, kimchi and gochujang pepper, but Ginger’s Seoul’s extensive menu dives deeper into a range of dishes that’ll wake up the taste buds of vegans, vegetarians
To start, homemade cucumber kimchi, flecked with sesame seeds, is fresh, crunchy, spicy and garlicky. Vegan summer rolls, filled with avocado, cucumber, carrot, are wrapped in rice paper or pickled radish. Kim bap (kim means nori or seaweed and bap means rice) are rolls filled with seasoned sushi rice, vegetables and cooked meats. Choices abound, starting with white, brown or black rice (the latter is particularly dramatic).
The traditional kim bap roll is filled with grilled sausage, egg, cucumber, carrots and pickled radish. The substantial fried shrimp bao, pairs a plump shrimp in a crisp tempura-like batter with strips of cucumbers between a soft lotus bun spread with spicy mayo.
The menu features some serious comfort food too. If you’ve never had rose teteokbokki before, try it. It looks like gnocchi in a bowl of red sauce, but the pleasing texture of the chewy rice cakes and sweet, spicy, creamy sauce is infinitely more interesting. It’s a dish you
crave the next day.
Bibimbap is the ultimate Korean comfort dish. Served in a hot stone bowl, the dish arrives sizzling. You can choose vegetarian or meat toppings. Pour in gochujang pepper paste, and use two spoons to break up the egg, toss the vegetables and protein, and lift up that crunchy rice from the bottom. Paired with Chef June’s homemade pickled radish and kimchi, this is a thoroughly satisfying dish, with the textures of the rice, julienned vegetables, and the flavor combinations of pickled and raw vegetables with the grilled bulgogi (beef rib eye).
Pizza is a universal food, so don’t be surprised to see it on the menu. The dining room features a dedicated oven, and kids can watch the chef pull out ooey-gooey three-cheese pies. Toppings include pepperoni and veggies—and, yes, there are Korean-style kimchi and bulgogi pies.
Owner and CityRepresentative James Grunberger outfitted the dining room with Honduran mahogany tables and comfortable chairs. The restaurant is spacious, with 55 seats and 45 more on the new patio, and invites lingering over a meal. Geonbae! gingersseoul.com G
from left: Tofu and rice-stuffed inari, vegan rolls and kim bap rolls, which are similar to sushi, but filled with pickled vegetables and grilled meat; the dining room at Ginger's Seoul is warm and minimalistic; Chef June makes the kimchi from scratch.
left: Mandu starters (dumplings stuffed with beef, pork or tofu, and chives) are steamed or fried. right: Grilled, marinated short ribs come with pickled radish and steamed white rice.
g–mom
SHOP OUR TOWN
SPLURGE
39 Lewis Street; splurgegifts.com
Every holiday season, Splurge features local ornaments and a host of other perfect gifts—from Greenwich to Connecticut to East Coast themes.
IT
ORNAMEN
GREENWICH HISTORICAL SOCIETY
47 Strickland Road; greenwichhistory.org
LShop in-person or online. Check out the ornaments featuring local landmarks like the Cos Cob Train Station, Bush Holley House or Toby Tavern. For the navigators and sailors in your life, check out the Greenwich Chart Map ornament.
HOUSEWARMINGS
264 Sound Beach Avenue housewarmingsct.net
Pick up one of Greenwich resident Felicity Kostakis’s beautifully handcrafted oyster shell ornaments (right top and bottom) while they’re in stock. Each shell is harvested from the Greenwich shores and is one-of-a-kind.
by eileen bartels
FRIENDS OF GREENWICH POINT
Decorate your tree and support Greenwich Point in the process. Friends of Greenwich Point has been selling annual commemorative ornaments to support its mission since 2013. It is committed to responsible stewardship and public education to preserve and enhance Greenwich Point’s diverse natural environments and beauty. This year you can find the ornaments at Habitat in Cos Cob, the Greenwich Historical Society Museum Shop, Housewarmings in Old Greenwich and online at the Friends of Greenwich Point website for $25. A limited number of past years’ ornaments are also available on the website. The 2024 ornament features the Seaside Garden at Greenwich Point in the springtime with flowers in bloom and the water beyond. friendsofgreenwichpoint.org
BACK40 MERCANTILE
264 Sound Beach Avenue back40mercantile.com
There is an array of gifts and ornaments available in this Old Greenwich shop. This year’s version is a chic and simple painted ball featuring Tod’s Point (above).
HABITAT
234 East Putnam Avenue habitatgreenwich.com
Tucked in Cos Cob, Habitat is brimming with items to make a house a home and is one of the local retailers featuring the commemorative Friends of Greenwich Point annual ornament.
MAKE YOUR OWN KEEPSAKE ORNAMENT
Create a bit of holiday magic by planning a craft session with your family. Make your own custom ornament from the Greenwich shores, courtesy of the expertise of local artist Felicity Kostakis. Felicity’s work has strong ties to the sea with scenes of boats, seascapes and underwater. So it comes as no surprise that when she turns to crafting, she creates art out of the gifts from the sea at her Riverside doorstep— oyster shells. The stunning shell ornaments are available at Housewarmings in Old Greenwich.
Crafting these little works of holiday art is just another expression of creativity for Felicity. A member of the Development Committee for the Bruce Museum and serving on the Board of Directors of the Greenwich Arts Council, she actively supports the local arts community and hosts art and crafting sessions for children and adults. She has taught children at local schools how to make an at-home version of her keepsake ornament. Here, Felicity shares her tips.
THE TOOLS
Glue: Modge Podge is a decoupage lacquer that adheres images to a surface, dries clear and seals the designs. It comes in several styles, from shiny to sparkly to luster. Felicity favors luster.
Shells: The beaches of Greenwich are filled with plenty of empty oyster and clam shells. Take a trip with the kids to pick up a bucket-full.
Images: Holiday napkins and hostess paper hand towels are great decorative tools. (Designs like a Christmas tree can be cut from the napkin or a whole section can be used to fit the inside the shell.) Felicity also notes that you can use photographs or printed images. Or those with good handwriting can paint zip codes, years or family and town names. For those less sure of their calligraphy skills, simply pick a font on your computer and scale the text to the correct size.
Paint: Pick up simple craft paint, such as a basic white, to paint the shell base and a metallic paint for the trim.
Ornament
String:
THE PROCESS
STEP 1
Prepare the shells
• The treasures from the sea will be dirty and stinky so give them a good scrub in the sink. Then fill a bucket with water and bleach and leave outside to soak at least overnight. Scrub and repeat until the shells are clean and devoid of any signs of marine life.
STEP 2
Set the table
• Cover a table to allow for some mess. Provide shells, scissors, design options like photos or decorative napkins.
STEP 3
Create
• Shell prep involves painting a base coat on the inside of the shells so the surface is clean, white and easy to apply a design onto. Let dry. Basic white paint is fine, but a waterproof base coat like Kilz allows crafters the option to create items like a soap dish.
A glue gun or a strong home glue can be used to attach a string. A simple thin twine adds a complementary rustic look. Add a pearl for an extra touch (and to cover any glue spot).
For more information about Felicity’s artwork, classes, commissions of boats, landscapes and furry friends, visit her website: felicitykostakis.com
• Brush a light coat of Modge Podge on the shell’s inner surface and attach the image. If you decide to use holiday napkins, make sure to use only the top ply sheet—some napkins can have up to three layers. Dab a light coat of Modge Podge over the image. Let dry and repeat.
STEP 4
Finishing Touches
• Once the shell is dry to the touch, paint the outer ridge in a metallic color.
• Glue a string to the back of the ornament to attach a loop. Professional designers like Felicity will drill a small hole into the shell to attach a more decorative hanging loop.
• As with any project, think about the age of the participants. Make the project focused on fun by preparing the shells in advance and do the finishing work of attaching hanging loops on your own.
SEASON’S GREETINGS
No. 1 ALL ABOARD
There’s no shortage of festive holiday train shows in our area. Take a drive and get your jolly on.
Holiday Train Show at the NY Botanical Gardens
Friday, November 16–Monday, January 20 nybg.org
Santa Express & Northern Lights Limited at the Railroad Museum of New England, Thomaston
Saturday, November 23–Monday, December 23 rmne.org
Great Holiday Train Show at the Wilton Historical Society
Friday, November 29–Monday, January 15, Wednesdays through Saturdays wiltonhistorical.org
Winterfest and the Tunnel of Lights at the CT Trolley Museum, East Windsor Friday, November 29–Monday, December 30, Fridays through Sundays ct-trolley.org
Santa Train at the Danbury Railway Museum
Saturdays: November 30, Dec 7, 14, 21; Sundays: Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22 danburyrail.org/santa
GREENWICH IS A MAGICAL PLACE TO BE IN DECEMBER, FROM THE LIGHTS ON GREENWICH AVENUE TO ALL THE WONDERFUL COMMUNITY EVENTS . WE'VE ROUNDED UP A FEW OF OUR FAVES BELOW
by layla lisiewski
No. 2 FAMILY MATTERS
Greenwich Moms is at it again with a fun event for local families. In partnership with Food52, the group is hosting a holiday cookie swap and family festival that will include a variety of workshops, musical acts and activities. Food52 is an online marketplace that brings together chefs and home cooks alike. Registration is required. Saturday, December 7, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Arch Street in Greenwich; greenwichmom.com
No. 3 TRIMMING THE TREE
Our favorite activity before the holidays is picking out the tree, grabbing a photo with Santa and shopping two levels of Christmas ornaments at Troy’s in Bedford. Choose from a large selection of fresh-cut trees ranging from two to 16 feet. After you’ve picked your perfect tree, head into 100-year-old barn that’s filled to the rafters with the greatest selection of decorations. We love the feeling of holiday warmth the moment we step inside. Troy’s also offers tree delivery, installation and lighting. And Santa makes an appearance on Sundays. Troy’s Garden Nurseries, 97 Bedford-Banksville Road; troysnurseries.com
No. 4 SANTA’S IN FOR A TREAT
These festive cream sandwiches are perfect for a Christmas party—or as a new spin on milk and cookies for Santa. Thank you to Katie Witten, the Old Greenwich mom and recipe creator behind wittenkitchen.com for sharing.
Ingredients: Serves 30
Cookies:
• 3 cups AP flour, plus more for dusting
• 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
• ¾ tsp. kosher salt
• ½ tsp. baking powder
• 1 ½ stick of unsalted butter (12 Tbsp.)
• 2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate, melted over water bath
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• White sparkling sugar crystals (purchased at many craft and baking stores)
• Frosting of your choice or marshmallow fluff
Instructions:
• Preheat oven to 350° F
• Whisk together the flour, cocoa, salt, and baking powder together in a bowl
• In a small bowl over a hot water bath, melt the semisweet chocolate, set aside and cool
• In an electric mixer with the paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar until fluffy
• Add in the chocolate and
vanilla extract, mix again
• Add eggs, mix well
• Add in the dry ingredients, bit by bit, until completely mixed together
• Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight
• When ready to bake, line a cookie sheet with parchment paper
• On a floured counter, roll out the dough until about ¼-inch thick
• Cut into desired shapes. You may have to put more flour on top of the dough as you roll out; this will bake off
• Put onto the lined cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes until firm around the edges and puffed in the middle
• Transfer to a wire rack, sprinkle with the sparkling sugar and allow to cool
• Take the frosting of your choice—we like marshmallow fluff or simple vanilla—and spread between two cookies
• Keep refrigerated until 1 hour before serving G
Every month Layla Lisiewski, Greenwich mom of four and founder of Greenwich Moms and its parent company, The Local Moms Network, shares some of her favorite things to do—from seasonal activities to can’t-miss events. Follow @greenwich_moms on Instagram, sign up for the newsletter and check out the calendar at greenwichmoms.com.
MEET FLOWCODE, THE NEXT GENERATION OF QR CODES
Go ahead, try it out. Point your phone’s camera at the Flowcode to scan.
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Medical Mission
Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) recently held its 39th-annual tribute dinner at the American Museum of Natural History in Manhattan, raising more than $5 million for education, research and patient care. The gala honored Kenneth C. Griffin, founder and CEO of Citadel and founder of Griffin Catalyst. HSS announced a $12 million multiyear gift from Mr. Griffin to support a first-of-its-kind research initiative focused on transforming treatment for debilitating knee conditions. Dave Price, weather anchor for NBC4, hosted the event which also featured a special performance by five-time Grammy award winner Jon Batiste. hss.edu »
1 Robert Steel, Kenneth Griffin, Bryan Kelly 2 Samuel and Jennifer Taylor 3 Lynette Buck, Sheeraz Qureshi, Marina Kellen French 4 Molly Helfet, David Helfet, Michelle Carlson 5 Jordan Roses, Chloe, Hollis, William and Gillian Potter
Grace and Tony Spring
A Grand Slam Evening
It was a beautiful evening at the Milbrook Club to support Six Love Tennis. The evening was hosted by Emme Pecorin, president of the Volunteer Council and a 2025 Greenwich High School Girls Varsity Tennis captain. Six Love Tennis is a local nonprofit dedicated to inspiring and educating children through tennis, breaking down socioeconomic barriers and providing opportunities for all. The event raised funds to send Six Love’s young athletes and their families to experience the thrill of the US Open. Community spirit, philanthropy and the love of tennis came together in perfect harmony. sixlovetennis.org »
1 Cliff Paulson, Matt Stanton, Jason Halio, Gillie McCreath, Giles Coppel, Pat Woodring 2 Billy Mann 3 Jan Eric Sucic, Marc and Elise Libow 4 Carl and Ginger Stickel, Terri Paulson, Cheryl Resnick, Jane Gering 5 Jane Pecorin, Angela Chambers, Ana Dean 6 Game, set, match at Milbrook 7 Ruth Sreenan, Diana Murrer, Cathy Cassidy, Emme Pecorin, Julian Doshi
8 Aman Singh, Emme Pecorin, Marcus Hooks 9 Julie Attkinson, Carey Halio, Kathryn Prince, Jillian Cartwright, Eva and Jane Pecorin
SIX LOVE TENNIS / The Milbrook Club
Who Let the Dogs Out?
Roger Sherman Baldwin Park was a sight to behold for Adopt-ADog’s beloved event, Puttin’ On The Dog. Guests had the opportunity to meet and adopt lovable dogs, puppies, cats and kittens seeking their forever homes. Pet Pantry Warehouse received the Humanitarian Award for its outstanding contributions to the well-being and welfare of countless animals in need. AdoptA-Dog is a leading nonprofit organization whose mission is to save, socialize and secure loving homes for unwanted or abandoned pets. adoptadog.org »
1 Staff from Saving Paws Rescue 2 Katherine Freilich with London (dog) 3 Melissa Nisenson, Adam Muriello from Palome Skye Band 4 Adam Kisler and Jake Fixel, “Barktenders” at the Pet Pantry Bone Bar 5 A blue ribbon winner with its human 6 The sweetest lil pup 7 Christine Amato, Adam Jacobson, Joshua Roth with daughter, Sonia; Emery Kriegsman holding son, Caden 8 Three cats ready to find their forever homes 9 Sherry Winter, Leila Smith holding Artic 10 Emery and Stephanie Kriegsman, (holding baby daughter Cami) with son Caden
/ Roger Sherman Baldwin Park
Liberty’s Legacy
On August 20, 1824, the Marquis de Lafayette visited Greenwich— his first stop in Connecticut. The stop was part of a 24-state Farewell Tour of America requested by President James Monroe to celebrate 15 years of our independence. Lafayette was the last living general of the Revolutionary War and received a hero’s welcome at every stop. Greenwich celebrated the 200-year anniversary of his visit with several events in partnership with the Horseneck Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Greenwich Historical Society and the Alliance Francaise Greenwich. »
OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION / Greenwich Historical Society
1 Virginie, Heloise, Adelaide de Lafayette 2 Sam Marasso, Louise Marasso, Debra Mecky 3 Guests honoring the American flag 4 Fred Pinto, Fred Camillo, Olympian Donna de Varona, Kelly Bridges 5 Charles Mallory 6 Catherine Ladnier, Renee Amory Ketcham 7 Susan Joy Minker, Chuck Schwam 8 Michael Halpert, Bill Drake, Wendy Dziurzynski, Riona McKersie 9 David Wold, Tom Gorin 10 Karen K. Polett, Georgia von Schmidt 11 Heather Lessard, Cynthia Makara
PHOTOGRAPHY VIDEOGRAPHY SOCIAL MEDIA
Moffly Media is one of the leading providers of professional event photography and marketing services in Fairfield County. We capture compelling, high-quality images of individuals and groups at meaningful events. With our wide range of capabilities from video to social media, Moffly will customize a marketing program that’s just right for you.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: BOB CAPAZZO, KRISTIN HYNES, MELANI LUST & MARSIN MOGIELSKI
All in The Family
The Carlos Rodón Foundation recently held its inaugural Willow Gala at the Greenwich Delamar Harbor hotel and, boy, did they knock it out of the park. Carlos Rodón, a pitcher for the New York Yankees, along with his wife Ashley, founded the nonprofit and the Willow Grant (named for their miracle daughter) after suffering the devasting loss of multiple pregnancies. The organization supports families experiencing the challenges and financial struggles of infertility and raises awareness of the cause. rodonfoundation.org »
1 Gerit and Amy Cole 2 Whitney Sharpe, Ashley Rodón 3 Harry Jaffe, Andi Sinkin Jaffe 4 Lindsey Squilante, Tony Pecrolli 5 Lana and Ben Welsh 6 Lori and Chuck Paddock
7 Aubrey Jacknow, Samantha Parater, Elise Boran 8 Brittany Crystal, Adam Vohra, Fernanda Sheridan 9 Nic and Nicole Ledger 10 An incredible balloon display 11 Rene Little, Brian O’Connor
THE CARLOS RODÓN FOUNDATION / Delamar Harbor Hotel
12 Clay and Ashlyn Holmes 13 Olivia and Luke Weaver 14 Alex and Yami Verdugo, Ashley and Carlos Rodón 15 Meredith Keller, Patrick Binkowski, Franny Wang 16 Yankee’s jerseys in the silent auction 17 Rob Tracz, Victoria Parisi 18 Connor Truely, Connor Conforto, Jende Akinleye, Steven Stern, Kuldeep Mandan, Joseph Gaglio, Spencer Foley 19 (standing) Dr. Mark Leondires, Amy Matton, Dan Simpson, Dana Gilland, (seated) Amy Overman, Robin Mangieri 20 First Selectmen Fred Camillo, Hope Yates, Dr. Paula Brady, Adam Vohra 21 Carlos Ashley Rodón, Sen Ryan Fazio 22 Carlos, Ashley, Julie, Carlos Sr. and Willow Rodón 23 Ken and Laura Rhuda, Nikki Beatty, Peter Claus-Lind »
Nature deserves a blue ribbon for the weather for the ORVIS Game Fair & Sporting weekend in Millbrook, New York. Guests enjoyed two fun-filled days of uber-chic country sporting experiences like cast and blast, fly fishing and Wingshooting School. From shopping luxury British goods to test-driving the latest Land Rover
1 A beautiful barn owl 2 Reps from Polaris Adventures
Tom Smith, Steven Lucius 4 Longthone gunmakers
A few gentlemen testing out rods
Gabriella Mays, Colin Henderson 7 Guests on Bob White Bluff
A young guest enjoying a ride through the countryside in
Jonathan Moffly, Wesley Lang
Under the tent with Fairfax & Favor
ORVIS / Millbrook, New York
Nurturing Nature
WELL/BEINGS cofounder Breanna Schultz, along with Monogram Mary’s Brooke Shepard, hosted a lovely evening at The Village in Stamford to celebrate the importance of ocean health. The event benefited the nonprofit’s Save the Mangroves, Save the Ocean campaign. With catastrophic climate events occurring more frequently, mangroves are the unsung heroes of our planet’s health. They absorb more carbon than any rainforest, trap pollutants headed for the ocean and protect coastal communities from extreme weather like hurricanes and tsunamis. wellbeingscharity.org G
1 Breanna Schultz, Grace Bronstein 2 Brooke Shepard, Lara Spencer 3 Jess Zackman, Brooke Shepard, Courtney Montgomery 4 Lauren Sullivan, Daisy Sanders 5 Ladies having fun learning about the ocean 6 Happy Hour at The Village rooftop bar
Download a wedding submission form at greenwichmag.com or email our weddings editor Ali Gray at Ali.Gray@moffly.com
We are looking for fantastic photos of Greenwich and Greenwich people to feature every month on our new back page. If you would like a chance to be published in Greenwich magazine and win $100 here’s what you should know:
• Photos can be whimsical, historical, serene, funny or beautiful but they all must be taken in Greenwich.
• Photos must be submitted digitally to photos@mofflymedia.com and be 300 dpi and 7 inches high or larger.
• We will need:
1 Photographer’s name, address, phone number and e-mail
2 Subject of the photograph (identify people in the photo)
3 Location of the photograph
4 Inspiration behind the photograph
5 Any interesting anecdote about the photograph or featured subject We can’t wait to see your view of Greenwich!
vows
Good things come to those who wait. Although Max and Jennie became friends when they met at Fairfield University’s freshman orientation, it wasn’t until after graduation that they began dating, in 2021. Two years into their courtship Max proposed on a white sandy beach in Aruba. A wedding followed a year later to the day.
The Rev. Alan Murchie officiated the ceremony at Delamar Greenwich Harbor, where a reception followed. Following the ceremony, the newlyweds boarded a small boat, where they enjoyed some private time with champagne and hors d’oeuvres before returning to celebrate with family and friends—several Fairfield U alums among them.
The bride, daughter of Peter and Rose Ann Checo of Bedford, graduated from Sacred Heart Greenwich, Fairfield University and University of Phoenix. Jennie is a Nurse Supervisor at the Diagnostic Endoscopy Center in Stamford.
The groom, son of Gina Mentonis of Delaware and the late Harry Mentonis, graduated from St. Augustine Prepatory School and Fairfield University. Max is a Unified Communications Engineer at Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven.
The newlyweds honeymooned in Lake Como, Italy, and Paris before returning home to Norwalk.
6 The newlyweds 7 Sealed with a kiss
1 Jennie and Max 2 Daniel Kennedy, Harry Mentonis, Max, Rock Magnotta, Vincent Tenaglia 3 Deena Mentonis, Emily Molinelli, Michelle Chieco Lenz, Jennie, Dr. Deanna Chieco, Julia Brown, Annie O’Neill 4 The bride dancing with her father, Peter 5 Jennie and Max heading to their reception
JENNIE ROSE CHIECO & MAXWELL WILLIAM MENTONIS
by alison nichols gray
A season
It’s time to make the holidays merry and bright. And we’ve got you covered
remember to
by eileen bartels
Gifts Wow that
RENEW AT THE RANCH BEACH BOUND
theranchlife.com
You no longer need to take a long flight to Los Angeles to find renewal at celeb favorite THE RANCH. This newest entry to the East Coast health and fitness world is in the Hudson Valley. Put it at the top of your Santa list for that deserving someone (or wisely book a post-holiday trip for yourself). This wellness retreat offers four- and five-day programs and is the perfect reset. theranchlife.com
carriagehousemotorcars.com
Drive by CARRIAGE HOUSE
MOTORS on Railroad Avenue and you’ll see an array of dream cars that may have Santa rethinking his sleigh. Wow that special someone with a 1970 Fiat 500 Jolly with a removeable colorful cabana-stripe roof and wicker seats. Known as the Hampton Jolly, these streetlegal cars boast a maximum speed of 60 mph (but you probably want to avoid 95). Whether you use it to zip
down to the grocery store or stash at your summer house for beach runs, this car makes you feel like you’re always on vacation.
Carriage House sells more than 25 of these every year and usually has one of each of the ten available colors in stock. If your particular color combination is not in stock, it can be ordered with a one month wait time. Carriage House can ship to most locations in the U.S.,
custom wrapped or tied with a big bow. If you’re looking to purchase one for the holidays but not use it until warmer weather, Carriage House will store the vehicle after purchase until needed. Call for prices but expect to spend around $75,000 including license, paperwork and delivery. »
HIRE A COACH
performanceoptimalhealth.com
The best gifts are often things someone would not do for themselves. Give a loved one the extra support and encouragement that comes from hiring a personal coach. PERFORMANCE OPTIMAL HEALTH’s coaching and performance support is not just for athletes. It’s for everyone—those recovering from an injury, aiming to improve a tennis game or just needing support in other area such as mobility and flexibility. No need to be a top-flight golfer or D1 athlete. The coaches at Cos Cob’s POH work with clients to achieve their goals mentally and physically.
SOME LIKE IT HOT … OR COLD
Medical research shows that saunas have tangible benefits for your health. And the good news is that building a home spa is relatively easy these days. Pair a sauna with a cold-plunge bath and you have an in-house spa your family will be lining up to use. For a backyard that would make Wim Hof (also known as the Iceman) want to visit, go for the classic outdoor barrel sauna and cold plunge. Builder Tony Wynne is seeing more requests for spa installation. THE PLUNGE online retailer carries both cold plunge tubs and indoor saunas that are sure to be the perfect complement for
any home gym. The Plunge’s Contrast Therapy Bundle features a sauna and plunge tub starting at $19,000.
If you don’t want to a build a full spa in your home, varying scales of free-standing infrared saunas and free standing cold plunge baths are available and as simple to use as plugging in. In Fairfield, REDWOOD IN THE ROUND sells Finneleo infrared saunas and outdoor real barrel saunas. PRISCO HOT TUBS in Banksville sells hot tubs and cold plunges. THE NORDIC WAVE offers Viking Vertical Cold Plunges in three colors and is simple to set up at home for $5,999. plunge.com priscohottubs.com thenordicwave.com redwoodintheround.com
THE GIFT OF PEACE
hausofhush.com
A gift card to HUSH allows recipients to choose from a number of rejuvenating and unique experiences. Go from a cold-plunge bath to an astrology reading. Consider gifting yourself a centered 2025 with the Mindful Lifestyle Membership. For $155 a month it includes five services ranging from sauna, cold plunge, red light therapy, crystal chakra bed, Himalayan salt room and compression therapy. Or for $255 gift the Transcend Lifestyle Membership, which includes the unlimited services listed above and 10 percent off practitioner services, classes and workshops such as soundbaths, meditation workshops, yoga, reiki, breathwork, astrology readings, stretch and massage therapy and lymphatic drainage.
higherdose.com
For portable wellness tech, HIGHER DOSE has a range of infrared devices that are targeted at specific needs such as neck rejuvenation (red light neck enhancer, $349), hair growth (hidden red light baseball cap, $449) and relaxation (sauna blanket, $699). Additionally, the company sells two- to three-person Full Spectrum Infrared Saunas that are easy to set up ($8,999).
Gifts Travel Essentials
ALWAYS IN CHARGE
tumi.com; pwrmobile.shop
Give the power to travel this season. TUMI sells an elegant, simple universal charger ($95) that should be in everyone’s travel bag. Also the PWR Universal Charger is the perfect semester-abroad gift coming with attached adapters, the ability to charge numerous devices at once and a battery power bank ($119).
STYLE MEETS SUBSTANCE
liveoffsite.com; dariensportshop.com
Strength meets style with the new OFFSITE Work to Water Bag. Made from the world’s strongest fabric, Dyneema, it also features uber-strong load-bearing, quick-release buckles. Functionality includes a dream list of features: the ability to increase bag size by 25 percent, padded shoulder strap and stowaway backpack straps, passport, water bottle and lined toiletry pockets, AirTag sleeve, padded laptop hammock and a whole lot more. And for each bag sold, Offsite makes a donation to the Reef Ball Foundation, an organization that helps preserve marine habitats ($1,200). The bag debuts this holiday season at the Darien Sport Shop.
Complementing the bag’s durability is the elegance of the brushed aluminum handle with natural wood inlay.
TRES CHIC
Francophiles or anyone who appreciates a unique French gift should order from MARIN MONTAGUT—a specialty shop in Paris. From vases to mugs, it carries a number of unique handmade French pottery and glassware. Choose from mugs featuring classic French street names or custom pieces with a specific Rue or Avenue that holds meaning for you. marinmontagut.com
Looking for a great way to wrap it up with a Parisian twist? MERCI is a Paris store that offers everything from fashion to housewares. Put a special touch on any gift by wrapping it up in the signature tote (starting at $20). merci-merci.com
SMEAR IT ON
weezietowels.com
Want to be the perfect houseguest? Toss WEEZIE eye towels in your bag. These lush face towels come in navy and black, and are face makeup friendly. The dark colors mask mascara and foundation stains so you won’t get your host’s towels messy. They can also be monogrammed. (Sets start at $40.)
PACKING HEAT
moonnude.com
For curling irons and other hairstyling tools that are tricky to pack, MOON NUDE makes beautiful printed, quilted hair tools bags. Buy alone or pair with the line of matching makeup and toiletries bags. Hair tool bag, $39
CELEBRATE A SEMESTER ABROAD
jetsetcandy.com
A semester abroad is the experience of a lifetime. JET SET CANDY’s 14K gold
U.S. Passport charm can be customized to include the passport stamps of up to ten countries ($1,598). Personalize it with the stamps of each country your traveler visited. It can be worn on a necklace or charm bracelet. »
step
Get holiday glam this season with some support from the professionals
style out in
CROWNING GLORY
@rachellhair
From film sets to fashion runways, New York Cityand Miami-based celebrity hairstylist and makeup artist RACHELLE HAWKINS has her finger on the pulse on what you’ll be seeing this holiday season.
“Whether you’re attending a holiday party or heading out in your favorite T-shirt and jeans, accessorizing your hair always completes the look. This season I’m seeing a lot of bows of all different sizes. From dainty petite pre-tied bows to oversized handmade bows. All variations are trending.
and leave in for 10 to 20 min. When you take the braid out, you’ll have a slight wave and the spray will help hold the style in place. From here you can do a super cute half-uphalf-down style and attach the bow in the back.
Another trend I’m seeing is chunky gold or silver hair jewelry. Lelet NY sells gorgeous pieces that have been seen on many celebrities and influencers. Couple the Glossy Double Arch Pony with the Glossy Bar Barrette from Lelet NY for a gorgeous low pony. Scrunch in Leonor Grey Eclat Naturel Texturizing Cream for shine and texture. This gives the hair a slight beachy look with added shine.”
“whether
you’re attending a holiday party or heading out in your favorite t-shirt and jeans, accessorizing your hair always completes the look.”
– RACHELLE HAWKINS
I like to prep hair with Pureology’s Beach Waves Sugar Spray for added texture and light volume. If you have wavy hair, spraying this in and letting air dry or blow drying it in with a diffuser helps enhance natural texture. For straighter locks, spray on Beach Waves Sugar Spray and tie a loose braid. Using your blow dryer, dry the braid
BLOW THEM AWAY
indulgesalonandbeautybar.com
Splurge on professional help. Book pre-event and party blow outs for the month ahead. Hair salons all over town, like Old Greenwich’s Indulge Salon owned by TORRI VARBERO, offer special blow out packages at a discount when you buy several in advance. Remember to arrive with a photo so the stylist can replicate the blow out, updo or braid you envision. »
pacaiskincare.com
Holiday stress can bring unwanted breakouts from lack of sleep and stress. Restore that glow by scheduling self-care this month. Facialist ALVINA BERTULIS at Pacai Skincare can customize a facial to meet your needs. A trip to a skin care professional is also a great gift for teens, new moms or anyone on your gift list who deserves a little me time. Gift cards are available.
Deck Halls
MAKE A PERSONAL STATEMENT
greenwichhistory.org
Craft your own centerpiece courtesy of the GREENWICH HISTORICAL SOCIETY (GHS) at the Festive Holiday Centerpiece workshop. Join in for an evening in the barn making arrangements of pine cones, berries and fresh flowers. December 12, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. ($100 members and $110 nonmembers).
Or bring home a readymade tabletop tree from the Festivalof Tabletop Trees benefiting GHS. View, purchase or bid on a tree at the silent auction beginning on Wednesday, December 4 running through Saturday, December 7.
HOURS Wed.–Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Gather friends and celebrate with any one of the following ideas (or all of ’ em)
CHEERS TO CHEER
jujucantina.com; sirenrestobar.com
Every good party needs a signature cocktail. Borrow from the clever minds behind Siren RestoBar and JuJu Cantina. Managing Partner, ANSHU VIDYARTHI offers up this holiday creation.
UN BOMB Ó N
The use of Mezcal gives it the smokiness that puts a new spin on an espresso martini. The Ancho Reyes Chili Verde liqueur gives it just a hint of spice and pepperiness.
INGREDIENTS
1 oz. Mezcal
1 oz. simple syrup
1 oz. Cantera Negra Café Liquer
1 oz. espresso
½ oz. milk
½ oz Ancho reyes chile verde liqueur
Important Note: Never use Baileys or Kahlua
MIX all ingredients with ice in a shaker and shake until very cold.
STRAIN into a chilled martini or coupe glass.
DUST cocoa powder on top (optional)
GARNISH with a few espresso beans.
BE MOBILE
thevintagehorses.com
Elevate your event and leave the mixology to a professional. THE VINTAGE HORSE MOBILE BAR combines crafted cocktails and seamless service. From set-up to clean-up, glass wear to drink supplies, your party planning list just got shorter. Go a step further and check out the bites menu, which features options like grazing tables and portable charcuterie cups.
THINK THEMES
A theme can be the perfect way to tie a holiday party together and make planning easier. It helps focus décor, menu and even gift favors. Consider putting a regional spin on your next celebration.
WINTER FEST
A ski lodge party is perfect inside or out. But avoid the mess and fuss by hosting outdoors and take the opportunity to use your outdoor fireplace or fire pit. Or invest in a Solo Stove (less than $300). Encourage guests to dress in ski wear. Think festive warm drinks— hot toddy’s or warm cider punch. Fill a fondue pot with cheese or chocolate. Finish with decor you can use like Shot Skis, which are exactly what they sound like—a ski with shot glasses attached. As a favor, send guests home with cocktail glass rim tins from Snowy River Cocktails BONUS: This party also gives you the perfect excuse to break out the Gorsuch catalogue and buy those furry boots you’ve always wanted. theshotski.com; gorsuch.com; snowyrivercocktails.com
SOUTHERN CHARM
Go elegant and Southern. Décor is easy with a glossy magnolia wreath or garland adorning the staircase and mantle. Greenwich’s McArdle’s is the perfect stop for those shiny touches or order directly from the Magnolia Company. Southern charm means good food, so serve pimento cheese and be sure to slice the pecan pie. Be sweet and send guests home with local honey available at Back 40 Mercantile. mcardles.com; themagnoliacompany.com; back40mercantile.com
SOUTHWEST STYLE
A bounty of red poinsettias and blooming amaryllis set the stage for a Southwestern holiday party. Go funky and string hot pepper lights, hire a mariachi band and serve a holiday margarita. Send a bloom from the desert home with guests by wrapping up small Christmas cactus available at Trader Joe’s. »
Family
Try out some new traditions to freshen up your holiday season and kick off the New Year
LET THE GAMES BEGIN
funkymonkey.toys
Nothing brings a group closer than a good game. Order online or pick up at local stores like FUNKY MONKEY on Greenwich Avenue. Can’t miss games are classics like Jenga, Scrabble and Scattagories. More complicated, but worth the learning curve, is Settlers of Catan. The great ice breaker game of the year is Blank Slate. The table uses cards with a two-word phrase, but part is blank. Players answer, and when the boards are revealed, points are awarded for matching other players’ answers. Blank Slate allows up to eight players and is the perfect postholiday meal activity.
Ties
HEAD TO THE NORTH POLE
theholidaywish.com
The Holiday Wish Express returns to the STAMFORD TOWN CENTER this year. This virtual train ride to the North Pole is open November 16 to December 24. Join Teddy’s Christmas Adventure and embark on the holiday wish train, meet Santa’s reindeer, spend time with Mrs. Claus and the elves. This immersive walk-through 20,000-squarefoot holiday-themed event is located above Barnes and Noble. The experience lasts approximately 35 minutes and is appropriate for all ages. Kids two and under are free with paid guardian. (Price was not available at press time.)
SPECIAL DELIVERY
events@ccfpp.org
Santa gets pretty busy this time of year. To ensure he arrives at your house, the COS COB FIRE POLICE PATROL offers Operation Santa, a special program that gives Santa a ride to your home on a fire truck. Santa (and, for those who dare, The Grinch) will deliver gifts (that you pre drop off) for up to eight people. Santa and the Grinch are available Saturdays and Sundays, December 14, 15, 21 and 22 between 10 a.m.and 2 p.m.
Operation Santa benefits the all-volunteer Cos Cob Fire Police Patrol, which is celebrating its 97th year of service to the town of Greenwich. The not-for-profit organization responded to over
1,000 emergency calls last year. For a $300 donation, you can make your holiday one of a kind. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day deliveries are available for an additional donation. To participate, send an email with your desired date and time and one of Santa’s elves will respond to arrange the details.
SNUGGLE UP!
cadenlane.com
Nothing’s quite as cute as family holiday pajamas, and CADEN LANE has you covered. Choose from the Happy Challahdays footed baby sleepers ($36) and matching pajama sets for every member of the family. There are also a host of personalized options—pet bandanas ($19), wooden dreidels ($19), holiday swaddle blankets and ceramic first Hannukah ornaments ($23). Whether your family celebrates Hannukah, Christmas or both, this shop has a huge selection of gifts at an excellent price point for one-of-a-kind gift-giving.
FRAME FIDO
benlenovitz.com
For more than five years BEN LENOVITZ was the instore pet portrait artist at the iconic NYC tableware store Fishs Eddy. For the perfect gift for that special pet lover or to immortalize your own furry family member, Ben is your guy. His whimsical portraits start at $250 for a petite pet portrait and go up
to to $2,500 for a jumbo 36inch by 48-inch oil on wood panel. This gift takes a while, so be sure to contact Ben with plenty of lead time.
GET CRAFTY
make-modern.com
Learning a craft and making a gift is a win-win. MAKE MODERN in Cos Cob features craft classes from candle-making to knitting. Plan an outing with the kids and sign up for one of the classes or buy a gift card to give the experience to a friend.
DOG DAYS
aspenandarlo.com
If you’re looking for unique gift wrap that stands out from the pack, check out ASPEN & ARLO. Dog lovers will delight in thee Snow Days themes featuring specific breeds from Corgis to Goldendoodles. Heavyweight and tear resistant, there are also charming winter and holiday scenes. Rolls start at $19 and ship within three days. »
STOCKING THAT WILL HOLD UP
standingstocking.com
You may hang your stockings by the chimney with care, but after Santa slips in a few presents, they often fall right down. Enter the STANDING STOCKING. Keep your classic family heirloom stockings, but come Christmas Eve, try these to make Santa’s job a little easier. It comes in 24inch and 30-inch sizes and a variety of colors and patterns. For a little sparkle, some stockings contain LED lights (starting at $89).
MUSIC TO OUR EARS
artscenter.org
For more than 30 years Rob Mathes’ Holiday Concert has gotten everyone in the spirit of the season. This year he’ll once again perform with his all-star band at THE PERFORMING ART CENTER AT PURCHASE COLLEGE on Friday, December 20 at 8 p.m., Saturday, December 21 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, December 22 at 3 p.m. This concert of rock, jazz, blues, holiday classics and original tunes from the Greenwich native could even get the Grinch into the holiday spirit. Mathes has performed, produced, arranged and recorded with everyone one from Bono to Tony Bennett. Each year he hosts this not-tobe-missed musical tradition. Tickets start at $21.25 with discounts available for students and senior citizens.
GRAB YOUR APRON
surlatable.com
Just up the road in Darien, SUR LA TABLE offers cooking classes every day of the week and in the evenings. Consider making a family tradition of taking a cooking class. The menu of classes gives families the chance to cook in someone else’s kitchen and learn from a pro. Perfect for families who have teens getting ready to cook for themselves or those who just want to share in creating a special menu. Classes range from how to cook a steak to international themed cuisine to sweet treats ($89 and up). Every class concludes with all the chefs dining on their creations.
RACE INTO THE NEW YEAR
nyrr.org
Put a new spin on New Year’s Eve by taking the family to the Midnight Run. Every year the NEW YORK ROAD RUNNERS host a Midnight Run in New York City’s Central Park. The four-mile run kicks off at midnight with a bang as fireworks illuminate the route. Runners enjoy a pre-race festival that includes refreshments.
MAKE A SPLASH !
Rinse off the old year with the family by taking the plunge—a polar plunge at TOD’S POINT. Don those bathing suits under layers of sweatsuits and jackets, pack the towels and maybe even bring your dog (as of December 1 leashed dogs are allowed at the beach). Every New Year’s Day, hundreds of Greenwich residents gather at noon to rush into the water for this unofficial town Polar Plunge. Arrive early, as cars often line up to enter the park starting at 11:30 a.m. G
Czech National Philharmonic Orchestra of Moravia
The Czech National Philharmonic Orchestra of Moravia is one of the leading and oldest symphony orchestras in the Czech Republic. For their first U.S. tour, their program will feature the works of Antonín Dvorák. February 6 • 7:30 p.m.
Global Theatre Series Sing Sing
The Global Theatre series returns with a film screening that highlights the power of theatre. Based on a real-life rehabilitation program, the film shares the story of a theater troupe finds escape from the realities of incarceration through the creativity of putting on a play. Cast from the film will join us after the screening for a conversation.
January 29 • 7 p.m.
HOW ONE PHOTOGRAPHER CAPTURES THE BOND BETWEEN PETS AND THEIR PARENTS IN A MOST UNIQUE WAY
Animal Instincts
by BETH COONEY FITZPATRICK
opposite: Scruffles from Fairfield was Diana's only cat client to signal when he needed a little break. He'd go for a walk in the yard and come back ready to continue. this page, top: Dr. Jessica Melman of Weston lounges with her entourage of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Bernese Mountain Dog, aptly named Bear. bottom left: Jennylynn Jankesh of Greenwich wanted a portrait wearing a red gown specially made for an event in Paris. Covid happened; the event did not. She decided that amid uncertain times, no matter what, she had her beloved Linus. bottom right: During a family session when no one was watching, Logan Bieling of Fairfield had a special moment with his furry bestie, Lincoln.
Tell me about him, ” Diana Haskell says, turning her studied gaze to Winston, an eight-year-old Goldendoodle whose profile serves as the cell phone screensaver for a visitor to her Fairfield photography studio.
The pet, like most well-loved domestic animals, holds a venerated place in his family. And according to Diana, the affection she sees is completely mutual.
“ You can tell how much he adores whoever took that picture, ” she says, confident in her assessment of this animal ’ s emotions. “ Because dogs don ’ t look at just anyone quite that way. ”
Diana is certain of this connection because she spends so much time looking through her lens at pets and people who love each other.
The photographer has amassed an international clientele who seek out her talents to document unique and special relationships with their beloved creatures. Her work goes beyond capturing awe-worthy portraits of treasured family pets. While many of her subjects are incredibly photogenic dogs and cats, Diana’s gift is for honing in on the emotional bond that exist between pets and their owners.
“I love this art form and capturing animals this way because I think you can see and feel these in-between moments that you couldn’t capture if you were painting a portrait,” she says.
“It’s like seeing the love in that animal’s eyes. There are these subtle things you just find with a camera that you can’t access any other way.”
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Diana relocated from Manhattan to Fairfield in search of space in the months after adopting her now tween daughter, Lucie, from China. “Having her in the city during a lockdown was just no way to assimilate,” she says. So, they settled in an antique home (fittingly, an 1890 veterinary hospital) where Diana set up her studio in a converted barn on the property perched on a pond in a rural part of town.
The artist quickly established local connections—and her growing Fairfield County clientele—by putting an open social media call out to town women and their canines to sit for portraits.
She curated these dog-mom bonding sessions into a glossy coffee table book, Moms of Fairfield and the Large Dogs Who Love Them. That led to a January 2024 exhibition at the Fairfield Museum and a current, ongoing project that will feature as many as 70 women from throughout the county posing with a diverse menagerie of animals. »
opposite page: Finnegan the hedgehog has his close-up moment. below, left: Great Dane Sophie gets some posing help from mom, Stephanie Schechter of Westport below, right: Sarah Ackerman of Fairfield and her Sheepadoodle, Peppa, were part of Diana's Moms of Fairfield and the Large Dogs Who Love Them project.
“ THE ANIMALS AND THIS WORK HELPED ME HEAL SO WE COULD FIND EACH OTHER.”
—Diana on overcoming health issues and adopting her daughter, Lucie
above: Diana and Lucie with their beloved Shepadoodle, Luka Longlegs below: The Haskell family at home in their converted 1890 veterinary hospital
“I started thinking, ‘Why is a Saint Bernard more important than a hedgehog, if a hedgehog is what you love?’, ” Diana says of her decision to expand her subject matter. “So, if someone wants to pose with their pet snake, I want to include that. To me, that love is beautiful, too.”
Although she traces her deep connection to animals and photography back to childhood, she took a circuitous route to her current vocation. “As a kid, there was always a leash in my hand and just as often, a camera,” she says. “But there were a lot of unexpected detours.”
Let’s start at the Bronx Zoo, where Diana as a teenager talked her way into a job. She later worked with animals (including a favorite orangutang who liked her so much she could hang in his cage) at the London Zoo. Yet her pragmatic and ambitious side told her working with animals couldn’t be more than a diversionary hobby.
She pursued social work and then got her MBA at Columbia. She settled in Fairfield County for the first time decades ago during her days as a hard-charging, up-and-coming General Electric executive. “I lived and breathed work. It was GE’s heyday; the Jack Welch era, and I loved it. If I wasn’t at my office, I was at the gym or sleeping.”
Things changed when Diana’s health began to mysteriously decline. In 1993, she was diagnosed with an extreme case of Lyme Disease that caused a cluster of devastating neurological issues. She spent several years virtually bedridden, unable to work and desperate to recover. Healing took years of curative trial and error. She took up the ancient Chinese discipline of Qigong, traveled to India and now declares herself, “a reformed Type A.”
She picked up her camera and turned her lens to landscapes and then animals as a way to connect to the exhilarating life she missed. “I am from this incredibly active family,” she explains. “And sometimes, looking through my lens was the only way I could participate in what was going on around me.”
In 2011, she felt well enough to begin
photographing animals full-time. While she takes commissions from zoos and ventures outdoors whenever she can to document animals in their natural habitats, it’s her work capturing what she calls “animal love stories” in her studio that has become her signature. “We all zip around so much,” she says. “I prefer to focus on what matters.”
Her workspace is outfitted with expansive panels curated from her sittings; each comes with a story that has left an imprint on the photographer. There is a golden retriever nuzzling with a newly expectant mother. “She didn’t think she could have children, and he was always there for her. You can see the closeness; how important they are to each other.” There is the proud owner beaming as she holds her puppy toward Diana’s lens; the portrait was a birthday gift from the woman’s husband. “She has it hanging over her bed,” says Diana. “She says she always hates her pictures, but she loved this one.”
And, of course, there are mesmerizing portraits of Diana’s German shepherd and poodle mix, Luka Longlegs, frolicking with Lucie. Now a middle-schooler, Lucie experienced significant trauma as an infant and has several physical limitations, including partial paralysis on one side. Diana says Lucie is thriving at her Fairfield school, and her home studio makes it possible for her to work and parent with ease.
“I feel like my connection to animals made it possible for me to be able to welcome her into my life as an older, single mother,” she says of adopting Lucie when she was 52. “The animals and this work helped heal me so we could find each other.”
Motherhood has also made her approach her work with more intense appreciation for those poignant, fleeting moments she finds behind her lens. “Animals are a gateway to our deeper connection to nature, our children, our families and ourselves,” Diana says. “What I really love is helping people remember the joy and gratitude that they have for their pets as well as for each other.” G
BEHIND THE LENS
Diana travels for special commissions but prefers to work in her studio whenever she can. Her process begins with a long “discovery call” where she talks to family members—often several of them—about the pet they’ll be posing with and their relationship. “It helps me understand the story we want to tell,” she says.
During a session, the focus is on making her clients feel relaxed and natural in front of the camera. “We play music, get hair and makeup done, make sure their pet is happy and then let the magic happen,” she says. “No one is rushed. It’s a day for them.”
Diana charges a $399 sitting fee, but that base price is a starting point. Commissions can cost from several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the scope of the project and what her clients choose to order. Her specialties include curating beautifully bound “Love Story” books as well as gallery-quality wallhangings that often feature multiple images from a session.
Animal guests are always welcome to join in on their family’s “reveal session.”
Our 17th annual Light a Fire event honors individuals and organizations from across lower Fairfield County who have accomplished incredible feats to support our community, families, schools and at-risk individuals. This year’s honorees were nominated by the community and the final award winners were selected based on their incredible work.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2024
Photos by Kyle Norton
calendar
DECEMBER 2024
Flinn Gallery
We always look forward to the shows at The Flinn, and this month’s show Extra Extra looks amazing. The exhibit will be on display from Thursday, November 14 through Wednesday, January 8. It displays work by Palma Blank, Stephen Maine and Doreen McCarthy, each dedicated to abstraction. Some say viewing these works elicits a physical experience that can be mesmerizing and momentarily jarring. The Flinn Gallery is a nonprofit organization sponsored by Friends of the Greenwich Library. The Gallery welcomes visitors daily Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday until 8 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. 101 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich Library, 2nd floor.
ART & ANTIQUES
ALDRICH MUSEUM, 258 Main St., Ridgefield, 438-0198. Tues.–Sun. aldrichart.org
AMY SIMON FINE ART, 1869 Post Rd. East, Westport, 259-1500. amysimonfineart.com
BRUCE MUSEUM, 1 Museum Dr., 869-0376. brucemuseum.org
CANFIN GALLERY, 39 Main St., Tarrytown, NY, 914-332-4554. canfingallery.com
CARAMOOR CENTER FOR MUSIC AND THE ARTS, Girdle Ridge Rd., Katonah, NY, 914-232-1252. Caramoor is a destination for exceptional music, captivating programs, spectacular gardens and grounds, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. caramoor.org
CAVALIER GALLERIES, 405 Greenwich Ave., 869-3664. cavaliergalleries .com
CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY PRINTMAKING, 299 West Ave., Norwalk, 899-7999. contemprints.org
CLARENDON FINE ART, 22 Main St., Westport, 2930976. clarendonfineart.com
CLAY ART CENTER, 40 Beech St., Port Chester, NY, 914-937-2047. clayartcenter.org
DISCOVERY MUSEUM AND PLANETARIUM, 4450 Park Ave., Bridgeport, 372-3521. discoverymuseum.org
FAIRFIELD MUSEUM AND HISTORY CENTER, 370 Beach Rd., Fairfield, 259-1598. fairfieldhistory.org
FLINN GALLERY, 101 W. Putnam Ave., 622-7947. flinngallery.com
GERTRUDE G. WHITE GALLERY, YWCA, 259 E. Putnam Ave., 869-6501. ywcagreenwich.org
GREENWICH ARTS COUNCIL, 299 Greenwich Ave., 862-6750. greenwichartscouncil.org
GREENWICH ART SOCIETY, 299 Greenwich Ave. 2nd fl., 629-1533. This studio school offers a visual arts education program for kids and adults. greenwichartsociety.org
GREENWICH HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 47 Strickland Rd., 869-6899. greenwichhistory.org
KATONAH MUSEUM OF ART, Rte. 22 at Jay St., Katonah, NY, 914-232-9555. katonahmuseum.org
KENISE BARNES FINE ART, 1947 Palmer Ave., Larchmont, NY, 914-834-8077. kbfa.com
LOCKWOOD-MATHEWS MANSION MUSEUM, 295 West Ave., Norwalk, 838-9799. lockwoodmathews mansion.com
LOFT ARTISTS ASSOCIATION, 575 Pacific St., Stamford, 247-2027. loftartists.org
MARITIME AQUARIUM, 10 N. Water St., S. Norwalk, 852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org
MoCA, 19 Newtown Tpke., Westport, 226-7070. mocawestport.org
NEUBERGER
MUSEUM OF ART, Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase, NY, 914-251-6100. neuberger.org »
Queue by Doreen McCarthy, 2024, inflated vinyl, 84H x 84W x 90D in.
2nd floor, Greenwich, sandramorganinteriors.com
SORELLE GALLERY, Bedford Square, 19 Church Ln., Westport, sorellegallery.com
SOROKIN GALLERY, 96 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 856-9048. sorokingallery.com
STAMFORD ART ASSOCIATION, stamfordartassociation.org
STAMFORD MUSEUM & NATURE CENTER, 39 Scofieldtown Rd., stamfordmuseum.org
TAYLOR GRAHAM GALLERY, 80 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, 489-3163. taylorandgraham.com
UCONN STAMFORD
Stamford, 251-8400. artgallery.stamford.uconn.edu
New Haven, 432-2800. britishart.yale.edu
YALE UNIVERSITY
ART GALLERY, 1111 Chapel St., New Haven, 432-0611. artgallery.yale.edu
YANKELL LEGACY GALLERY, 61 Studio Court., Stamford, 610-213-2749. yankelllegacygallery.com
Reindeer Festival
Santa Claus and his three live reindeer are coming to town! Join in on all the festive fun when they return to Greenwich for the much-anticipated 16th-annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop presented by Jenny Allen Real Estate at Compass. “North Pole on North Street” will take place at Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North Street from ursday, November 29 to Tuesday, December 24. greenwichreindeerfestival.com »
CONCERTS, FILM & THEATER
AVON THEATRE FILM CENTER, 272 Bedford St., Stamford, 661-0321. avontheatre.org
CURTAIN CALL, The Sterling Farms Theatre Complex, 1349 Newfield Ave., Stamford, 329-8207. curtaincallinc.com
DOWNTOWN CABARET THEATRE, 263 Golden Hill St., Bridgeport, 576-1636. dtcab.com
HARTFORD HEALTHCARE AMPITHEATER, 500 Broad St., Bridgeport, 345-2300, hartfordhealthcareamp.com
LECTURES, TOURS & WORKSHOPS
ALDRICH MUSEUM, 258 Main St., Ridgefield, 438-0198. aldrichart.org
AUDUBON GREENWICH, 613 Riversville Rd., 869-5272. greenwich.audubon.org
AUX DÉLICES, 231 Acosta St., Stamford, 326-4540, ext. 108. auxdelicesfoods.com
BOWMAN OBSERVATORY
PUBLIC NIGHT, NE of Milbank/East Elm St. rotary on the grounds of Julian Curtiss School, 869-6786, ext. 338
BRUCE MUSEUM, 1 Museum Dr., 869-0376. brucemuseum.org
CLAY ART CENTER, 40 Beech St., Port Chester, NY, 914-937-2047. clayartcenter.org
CONNECTICUT CERAMICS STUDY CIRCLE, Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr. ctcsc.org
FAIRFIELD MUSEUM AND HISTORY CENTER, 370 Beach Rd., Fairfield, 259-1598. fairfieldhistory.org
FAIRFIELD THEATRE COMPANY, On StageOne, 70 Sanford St., Fairfield, 259-1036. fairfieldtheatre.org
GOODSPEED OPERA HOUSE, 6 Main St., East Haddam, 860-873-8668. goodspeed.org »
Four-legged fur babies rejoice! Tod’s Point is now open to dogs starting Sunday, December 1 through March (pup pictured, Lola).
GREENWICH BOTANICAL CENTER, 130 Bible St., 869-9242. greenwichbotanicalcenter.org
GREENWICH LIBRARY, 101 W. Putnam Ave., 622-7900. greenwichlibrary.org
JACOB BURNS FILM CENTER, 364 Manville Rd., Pleasantville, NY, 914-773-7663. burnsfilmcenter.org
KATONAH MUSEUM OF ART, 26 Bedford Rd., Chappaqua, NY, 914-232-9555. katonahmuseum.org
LONG WHARF THEATRE, 222 Sargent Dr., New Haven, 787-4282. longwharf.com
RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, 438-9269. ridgefieldplayhouse.org
RIDGEFIELD THEATER BARN, 37 Halpin Ln., Ridgefield, 431-9850. ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org
SHUBERT THEATER, 247 College St., New Haven, 800-228-6622. shubert.com
STAMFORD CENTER FOR THE ARTS, Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford, 325-4466. stamfordcenterforthearts.org
STAMFORD MUSEUM & NATURE CENTER, 39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford, 977-6521. stamfordmuseum.org
WESTPORT COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE, 25 Powers Ct., Westport, 227-4177. westportplayhouse.org
The Maritime Aquarium
This holiday season, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer shines in an all-new 4D Experience at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. Guests can join his epic adventure to save Christmas through January 2. maritimeaquarium.org »
TOP DOCTORS
The January issues of all Moffly Media titles will help readers find the right doctor by highlighting 500+ area practitioners in Fairfield County on our annual Top Doctors list. Put your practice in the spotlight in our Medical Profiles section. Here you can provide information on your practice philosophies, background and qualifications. Reach an audience of 200,000+ discerning readers who expect the best of the best.
elastin but also works on the muscle to lift and improve the overall muscle tone of the face without surgery. Ellacor is a game changing technology, which uses fractionated micro-coring to remove microscopic cores of skin to improve wrinkles, remove excess skin on the face or other areas of the body.” Dr. Haven offers Emsculpt Neo for body contouring which can build muscle by 25% and decrease fat by 30% after a series of treatments. Dr. Haven is consistently ranked in the top 1% of injectors nationwide, and she personally performs 100 percent of all Botox and filler treatments. Dr. Haven was once again selected as one of America’s Top Cosmetic Dermatologists. Dr. Haven believes in designing an individualized anti-aging treatment plan for each patient to ensure desirable results. With a focus on noninvasive rejuvenation,
KIDS’ STUFF DECEMBER 2024
ALDRICH MUSEUM, 258 Main St., Ridgefield, 438-4519. aldrichart.org
AUDUBON GREENWICH, 613 Riversville Rd., 869-5272. greenwich.audubon.org
AUX DÉLICES, (cooking classes), 23 Acosta St., Stamford, 326-4540 ext. 108. auxdelicesfoods.com
BEARDSLEY ZOO, 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport, 394-6565. beardsleyzoo.org
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF GREENWICH, 4 Horseneck Ln., 869-3224. bgcg.org
BRUCE MUSEUM, 1 Museum Dr., 869-0376. brucemuseum.org
DISCOVERY MUSEUM AND PLANETARIUM, 4450 Park Ave., Bridgeport, 372-3521. discoverymuseum.org
DOWNTOWN CABARET THEATRE, 263 Golden Hill St., Bridgeport, 576-1636. dtcab.com
EARTHPLACE, 10 Woodside Ln., Westport, 227-7253. earthplace.org
GREENWICH HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 39 Strickland St., 869-6899. greenwichhistory.org
GREENWICH LIBRARY, 101 W. Putnam Ave., 622-7900. greenwichlibrary.org
IMAX THEATER AT MARITIME AQUARIUM, 10 N. Water St., S. Norwalk, 852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org
KATONAH MUSEUM OF ART, Rte. 22 at Jay St., Katonah, NY, 914-232-9555. katonahmuseum.org
MARITIME AQUARIUM, 10 N. Water St., S. Norwalk, 852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org
NEW CANAAN NATURE CENTER, 144 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan, 966-9577. newcanaannature.org
RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE, 80 East Ridge Rd., Ridgefield, 438-5795. ridgefieldplayhouse.org
STAMFORD CENTER FOR THE ARTS, Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford, 325-4466. palacestamford.org
STAMFORD MUSEUM & NATURE CENTER, 39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford, 977-6521. stamfordmuseum.org
STEPPING STONES MUSEUM FOR CHILDREN, 303 West Ave., Mathews Park, Norwalk, 899-0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org
WESTPORT ARTS CENTER, 51 Riverside Ave., Westport, 222-7070. westportartscenter.org
WESTPORT COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE, 25 Powers Ct., Westport, 227-4177. westportplayhouse.org G
Our Mission
The mission of Breast Cancer Alliance is to improve survival rates and quality of life for those impacted by breast cancer through better prevention, early detection, treatment and cure.
To promote these goals, we invest in innovative research, breast surgery fellowships, regional education, dignified support and screening for the underserved.
To learn more visit breastcanceralliance.org
Breast Cancer Alliance, 48 Maple Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830 info@breastcanceralliance.org
Yonni Wattenmaker, Executive Director
SANTA PAWS
Who says the holidays going to the dogs is a bad thing? Certainly not little Miss Daisy. We thought we’d bring out our favorite Postscript model one more time as we close out 2024. Here’s wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season and a 2025 filled with love and laughter. We’ll see you next year! G
Have a photo that captures a moment in Greenwich? Send it to us at editor@greenwichmag.com for a chance to win $100. Please write “photo submission” in the subject line.
photograph by melissa mccann santangelo
Nationally eminent surgeons caring for you, their neighbors
Oren M. Tepper, MD
Director, Aesthetic Surgery; Director, Craniofacial Surgery, Montefiore Einstein and Associate Professor, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
From cosmetic procedures to craniofacial reconstruction to pediatric craniofacial and plastic surgery, Oren M. Tepper, MD, provides care that balances traditional aesthetic concepts with modern technology and minimally invasive techniques. A pioneer in stem cell therapy and 3D surgical innovation, his advances have revolutionized patient care and earned international recognition.
After graduating among the top of his class at New York University School of Medicine, Dr. Tepper trained at the
renowned Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, NYU Langone Medical Center, completing his plastic surgery residency as well as fellowships in craniofacial reconstruction and pediatric plastic surgery.
Dr. Tepper lives in Greenwich, provides specialized care from Manhattan to Connecticut and consults worldwide. He is acclaimed for his role in the separation of conjoined twins Jadon and Anias McDonald, performing similar surgeries twice more in Brazil.
