Greenwich - November 2021 by Moffly Media

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LIGHT

FIRE

AWA R DS

2021

CAUSE

EFFECT Meet the unsung heroes who show us that together we rise

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THE VILLAGE

How the fashion industry can help save the planet

Behind the scenes of the game-changing development

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| GREENWICH, CT | PRICE UPON REQUEST

Representing one of the most significant properties in the Round Hill area. High elevations, this lakefront has two-parcels and is part of the coveted Khakum Wood Association. Panoramic vista of the lake will mesmerize you all seasons. This Georgian Revival features a floating staircase, noble size public rooms, gracious symmetry, striking moldings, sophisticated six fireplaces, opulent modillions and more. Completely renovated in recent years. Famous Master Architect, 1934 Mott Schmidt designed this profoundly eloquent Georgian Revival. Known for his stately homes, designed for the Rockefellers, Astors, Vanderbilts, Gracie Mansion plus more prominent owners. Spectacular private pool pavilion for summer’s enjoyment. Rich in history. Make this majestic home, yours forever.

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© Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks used with permission. Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Equal Housing Opportunity.

6 Windrose Way 6windroseway.com | GREENWICH, CT | $15,750,000 Stunning waterfront home in the exclusive, 24hr guard-gated Mead Point Association. Designed by NYC architect Constantin Wickenburg, the 8,111 square foot, 6 bedroom home offers unparalleled views of the water. Rooftop terraces and decks act as seamless extensions of the indoor living spaces for formal and informal gatherings. This breathtaking custom-built home is nestled alongside a private 5-acre park with a 160’ deep-water dock, exclusively enjoyed by residents of Windrose Way. The beautifully landscaped grounds feature 230’ of premier Indian Harbor shoreline, western-exposure terraces, a heated pool and rolling lawns.

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GREENWICH

contents/NOVEMBER 2021 vol. 74 | issue 9

departments

16 EDITOR’S LETTER 20 FOUNDER’S LETTER Of House Guests and Havoc

CAUSE AN EFFECT

It’s time for some good news in the world. And we’ve got it. Our Light a Fire awards celebrate the unsung heroes among us who are affecting change in incredible ways.

27 STATUS REPORT BUZZ Greenwich travel expert Michelle Orr gives us the dos and don’ts on traveling abroad. SHOP The new Rebag boutique is ready to take your closet to a new luxury level. GO From an unparalleled African safari to the trip of a lifetime around the Americas—these two tours should be on everyone’s bucket list. DO The season of giving doesn’t have to give you extra pounds—Nikki Glor shares fitness tips and tricks. EAT Fab food, chic décor, great people watching. Welcome to the Wheel.

b y j i ll joh n s on m a n n

MAKING A FASHION STATEMENT Greenwich native Stephanie Benedetto is on a mission to save the environment—one bolt of fabric at a time. And it’s working.

44 MONEY MATTERS Planning for smart charitable giving

46 G-MOM

b y t i mot h y d um as

Ways to beat the winter blues; Great ideas for cool weather fun from Layla Lisiewski of the Greenwich Moms Network

CREATORS & CONNECTORS

51 PEOPLE & PLACES The return of the Greenwich Town Party; Children’s Learning Centers of Fairfield County; Bruce Museum Green Gala; Jewish Family Services of Greenwich

The Village in Stamford is not just a new super-sleek home for entertainment, private equity and technology companies. Greenwich’s Brent and Courtney Montgomery have created a gleaming hub of community, connectivity and culture.

60 VOWS Sotzing–Thompson

95 CALENDAR 103 INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

b y chri s hode n f i e l d

104 POSTSCRIPT A stunning November light show

on t he c ov e r : c el e b r at i ng ou r 2021 l i gh t a f i re h onore e s c ove r phot o g r aph s by m el an i lu st

GREENWICH MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2021, VOL. 74, NO. 9. 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. greenwichmag.com

CROWD AND FOOD BY KLYE NORTON; INTERIOR BY NEIL LANDINO

features

•

Selling homes. It’s about getting creative. At William Raveis, creativity is key to our success. And yours. We empower our agents to excel, providing an entrepreneurial environment in which they can truly express themselves. Acting as an accelerator of talent, through our coaching and mentorship programs. Equipping our team with state-of-the-art tools to make selling effortless. Providing a framework in which they can flourish. And become the real estate entrepreneur they want to be. Getting creative is better for everyone. Homes sold easier. Homes sold faster. Homeowners happier. Call for a confidential consultation.

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GREENWICHMAG.com CELEBRATING THE SCENE STEALERS

nov 2021

LET’S BE FRIENDS! Show us your love and us on social!

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ENJOY OUR ARTICLES AND POSTS ON THE PEOPLE AND PLACES THAT MAKE LIFE BETTER HERE

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@GREENIWCHMAG Check out store openings, see what’s coming up in the magazine, and enjoy photos of iconic places around town— follow us on Instagram, Like us on Facebook. Together, we make living here the best!

PLUS! LIGHT A FIRE

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Join us DECEMBER 2 for the most inspiring event of the year as we thank those who volunteer and give back! Get details and tickets at ilovefc.com/lightafire

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My Commitment My Commitment Kevin Sneddon Kevin Sneddon Licensed Real Estate Broker Licensed Real Estate Broker Founder & Managing Director Founder & Managing Director The Private Client Team + Network The Private Client Team + Network at Compass at Compass M: 917.952.8329 O: 212.913.9058 M: 917.952.8329 O: 212.913.9058 kevin.sneddon@compass.com kevin.sneddon@compass.com

Luxuryresidential residentialreal realestate estatebrokerage brokerage Luxury notonly onlywhat whatI Ido, do,it’s it’swho whoIIam. am. isisnot And who I am is a dedicated, hard-working, And who I am is a dedicated, hard-working, resourceful and accomplished professional committed resourceful and accomplished professional committed to elevating the real estate broker profession. So if to elevating the real estate broker profession. So if you’re in the market to buy or sell luxury real estate in you’re in the market to buy or sell luxury real estate in NYC, Greenwich, or beyond, please consider the totality NYC, Greenwich, beyond, please consider the totality of my team, my or network, Compass, and my commitment ofwhen my team, my network, Compass, and my commitment deciding upon your brokerage representation. when deciding upon your brokerage representation.

Kevin Sneddon is a licensed associate real estate broker affiliated with Compass in New York and Compass Connecticut, LLC in Connecticut. The Private Client Team is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass and Compass Connecticut, LLC, each a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changesisina price, condition, sale,real or withdrawal without notice. Photos may be virtually staged or digitallyConnecticut, enhanced and may not reflect actual conditions. Kevin Sneddon licensed associate estate broker affiliated with Compass in New York and Compass LLC in Connecticut. The property Private Client Team is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass and Compass Connecticut, LLC, each a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

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GREENWICH L I F E T O L I F E S T Y L E S I N C E 1 94 7 vol. 74 | no. 9 | november 2021 editorial

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editor’s letter

NOVEMBER 2021 / CRISTIN MARANDINO

LIGHTING THE WAY F

HOW TO SCAN: OPEN, AIM & TAP

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inclusion globally via an unlikely (and adorable) mascot, advanced the mission of several vital nonprofits, championed the fight against child abuse and changed the lifepath of inner-city kids. As we enter this season of giving, take a moment to sit back in a quiet place and read about these women and men who give so generously and tirelessly. Consider the effect that just eleven people have had on our world. We hope they inspire you, encourage you and comfort you. Can the world be a scary place? It sure can. We just need to part the darkness and let in the light. We thank our honorees for doing just that. Please join us on Thursday, December 2 at 5:45 p.m. for a virtual celebration of our honorees. Actor, singer and philanthropist James Naughton will host the event from the Wall Street Theater in Norwalk. Visit lightafireawards.com to register. WILLIAM TAUFIC

SCAN TO EXPLORE OUR DIGITAL SIDE

or more than a decade, every November we have taken the opportunity to cast a spotlight on the unsung heroes in our community. They step up to right wrongs, eliminate disparity, offer hope and champion kindness. Ever since that fateful March in 2020, so many headlines have been dominated by despair, divisiveness and disparity—making it easy to throw up our hands, retreat to the safety of our bubbles and hope for the best. Not so for the men and women we honor in “Cause an Effect” (page 62). In spite of a global pandemic, and in some cases because of it, this group set out to bring about change. They would not be deterred and, as a result, their impact is strong and far-reaching. They have raised funds to send 300 seriously ill children to summer camp, provided financial and emotional support to parents in need of assistance for learningchallenged children, offered care and compassion to the elderly, raised nearly $5 million for Connecticut nonprofits, celebrated a community and its place in history, made the vaccination of 40,000 residents possible, promoted empathy and

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NOVEMBER 2021 / DONNA MOFFLY

“See those trains?” I asked him. “They go to New York, and you’re going to be on the next one unless you promise to shape up.”

ometime around Thanksgiving, the guest room often becomes a revolving door with our children’s college roommates, visiting grandparents and friends swinging through Connecticut. Of course, last year was different because of Covid. Many of our kids did come scampering home from far-flung jobs and campuses and stayed on and on, but they shouldn’t count as houseguests. Houseguests are … well, here are some memorable examples. One of our first was a business associate of Jack’s from Cleveland. We had invited Bob Dick and his wife for the weekend in our new house in Riverside, along with twenty others for a Saturday buffet. Butterflied lamb, Jack insisted—something I’d never cooked before. On the grill—somewhere I’d never cooked before. Bill Crane had talked Jack into sailing in a “little race around the buoys” that afternoon while the Dicks took in Manhattan. But it turned out to be a 150-mile ocean race. At five o’clock I got an emergency ship-toshore call: The host couldn’t get home before dawn. Poor Bob became bartender and chef, in the process ripping his new Pucci pants on the grill. We sang lustily around the piano ’til midnight and left the dirty dishes for Jack to clean up when he finally slunk into the house at 6 a.m. with Bill Crane as bodyguard. greenwichmag.com

Fast-forward several years. Bob’s now-ex-wife is doing a solo in our guest room. Except she couldn’t sleep and woke me up to ask for sleeping pills. Now I couldn’t sleep. Still, the next morning I groggily drove to a Grace Notes rehearsal, parking on the steep uphill driveway beside the Second Congo. Then, in the middle of “Sunrise, Sunset,” a big burly Greenwich cop walked in wanting to know who owned the Ford with MOFCAR plates. I did. “Well,” he announced, “it’s over near Janet Sloane’s.” I hadn’t put the brake on properly, and it had managed to roll backwards downhill and across all four lanes of the Post Road without hitting a thing. One of our littlest houseguests was threeyear-old Sarah McKnight, a real daddy’s girl, who was staying with us while her parents went sailing. The first night she had a major meltdown about going to bed, but with a light smack on the bottom of her Dr. Denton’s, I got her settled down. Soon thereafter I heard strange noises, came out of our bedroom in my nightgown to investigate and found her father sneaking up the stairs to kiss her goodnight. He’d returned to his house across the street to get something they’d forgotten. “Phil McKnight, you go near that kid, and you can take her out of here right now!” said I. He turned tail and left. Years later, at Sarah

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OF HOUSEGUESTS AND HAVOC

and Andy Burdick’s engagement party, my name tag read “First Spanker.” Then there was Stevie, a Fresh Air boy who stole Jonathan’s bike and hid it. So I drove him down to the Riverside station. “See those trains?” I asked him. “They go to New York, and you’re going to be on the next one unless you promise to shape up.” Sufficiently contrite, he offered to cook us an authentic Lebanese dinner that night, and we went to the Food Mart for ingredients. It was delicious. Stevie stayed on. The Best Sport Award should go to Sarah Thorson, daughter Audrey’s classmate who got stuck at our house during an ice storm. Without a generator, we shivered in the dark, laughed a lot and learned what not to do—try to cook spaghetti in the fireplace. Gert Fries, a lanky teenager from Denmark, landed on our doorstep one summer on a student exchange program touted by St. Paul’s Church. He’d written that he liked sailing and theater. Perfect. He could teach Jonathan to sail

and take part in the Summer Youth Festival at Eastern. Turned out Gert didn’t know how to sail—just thought it would be cooler out on the water—and had hoped we’d drive him up to Stratford to see some Shakespeare. Barring that, all he wanted to do was sit in his room and watch television, not even hobnob with the other students. Exasperated, we sat him down for a talk. “Have you ever heard of Hans Christian Andersen?” said Jack. “Yah, Yah,” answered the kid from Copenhagen. “Well, he writes fairy tales, and that’s what television is. Make-believe!” Jack explained. “I bet your mother and father would be furious to know how you’re wasting your time over here!” So Gert changed his ways. For years we got letters addressing us as “Dear Parents.” Our ninety-pound golden retriever loved houseguests, but the feeling wasn’t always mutual. After Charlie tried to climb in bed with my stepfather one morning, my mother and Ellis stayed at a hotel when they came

East. And once, at the top of the stairs and at the top of her voice, we heard Aunt Jane Tuck screaming “Charlie, Charlie, let go!” and found them having a tug of war—she clutching one end of her pink chiffon peignoir and he, the other, his mouth full of marabou feathers. He probably thought it was a duck. We’ve had ushers for weddings, cousins for funerals and non-residents for the Commodore’s Ball. But the most we’ve had at one time was during an October snowstorm when the junior Mofflys abandoned powerless Weston—nine strong, including five kids. We honored Elena’s parents from Moscow with the guest room beds, and the rest slept in bags all over the place. The Vostrikovs had never witnessed Halloween and were somewhat bewildered by all those funny-looking little people who kept ringing the doorbell. So who are you expecting over the holidays? Better change the sheets and fluff the pillows. You never know. G

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PLANNING AN INTERNATIONAL GETAWAY? HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

emember when revenge travel became a thing? We couldn’t wait to slip our toes into the warm sand, sip a tropical cocktail and post our swoon-worthy images. Take that, Covid. While some borders have opened up, travel restrictions and requirements are constantly changing, and hotels and rentals cars are sold out. So, what’s a weary traveler to do? We sat down with Greenwich native and founder of Master Travel Michelle Orr to find out how she’s been saving vacations one traveler at a time.

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RULES TO FLY BY

No.1

GM: What challenges are your clients encountering as they plan to travel in these “interesting” times? MO: Where do I start? Space is a significant factor. With so many people having travel credits from 2020 and rebooking trips and the pent-up demand for travel due to the whole world spending a year inside, travel demand is unprecedented. Additionally, with so many countries being closed, there’s limited inventory. The second challenge is the airlines. Flight schedules are constantly changing, even after you’ve booked. When I went to Italy in July, Delta changed my schedule five times. And most of those were not changes that could be traveled—like a thirty-minute layover. So I needed to call. Twice, the wait times were nine hours without a callback feature. When there was a callback feature, they called me at 3 a.m. GM: What horror stories have you seen when travelers don’t understand the regulations or don’t have the proper forms when traveling? MO: The most common issue is missing flights. Even if you’re prepared, the person in front of you in line might not be. When people get to check-in without the proper documentation, they hold up the entire process. Sometimes

they argue, making it take longer. Even worse, when they miss their planes, they go to the counter to rebook. Because the airlines are short-staffed, the lines are longer than usual. So, if you’re the person who gets to the airport last-minute, you will miss your plane. It’s important to know that if you’re traveling to a destination with Covid protocols, you can’t bypass check-in with an airline app. All travelers must check in and show paperwork, even if you᾿re not checking luggage. When leaving Rome recently, I arrived at the airport three hours before departure. By the time I reached my gate, the plane was already boarding. Despite leaving plenty of time, I almost missed my flight. There was a line to check your antigen test, then a check-in line, and even though I was flying first class with a priority check-in line, there were three groups in front who had missed their planes, because they did not have the proper paperwork.

that are working well. Also check how long the destination’s been open to tourism. If it’s been open for several months, you’re probably good to go. But if you choose to go to a country that just opened, the experience may not be what you expect. It can take several months for hotels to get their staffing in order, restaurants to rehire people, and markets to start selling wares that would interest tourists. GM: Any disasters you’ve helped clients avoid? MO: A new client had booked her dream wedding and contacted me to help with the final details. The destination where she was set to have her wedding had changed its rules due to Covid—no alcoholic beverages could be served after 3 p.m. and there was a 6 p.m. curfew. The celebration would have been dry and shut down by six. It was just eight days before her wedding, and she did not know about the new rule, but I did. I managed to move her entire wedding to another location, a luxury villa that accommodated her wedding and was right on a beach in the Caribbean. My air department moved everyone’s airline tickets. We put her in contact with the wedding coordinator at the new resort, who did more in seven days than the other resort had done in three months. mastertravel.org

GM: What factors should people consider when they’re planning international travel? MO: Look at the history of the destination this past year. Did it open and close multiple times? If so, I would avoid it. If the country has been committed to receiving foreigners consistently, they probably have protocols in place

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No.2

Check Covid Protocols Talk to your doctor about a Covid-19 booster. Some countries like Croatia only accept tourists whose last shot was within nine months of travel.

No.3

Read the Small Print Read the fine print on everything, especially what your travel agent has sent you. Travelers to specific destinations must complete paperwork forty-eight hours before departure. No, they will not make an exception and allow you on the plane because you forgot to read it.

No.4

Make a Backup Plan Rules are changing faster than TikTok trends. The destination that’s open today could be closed tomorrow. To ensure you don’t miss out on your vacation, book a Plan B. A good travel advisor can help with this.

CONTRIBUTED

Around the world with Michelle: From the turquoise waters of Jamaica to King Tut’s tomb and the pyramids of Egypt

Look at Your Passport If it expires in one year or less, start the renewal process—now. Most international destinations require six months of validity after you arrive in their country, and renewals take up to four or five months.

One standard. One goal. Proven Excellence. The only Comprehensive Lung Program in the Northeast. From the benign to the malignant, from the simple to the complex. Our Program’s team includes pulmonologists, lung surgeons, lung transplant surgeons, nurses and more, working together in one place, under one leader. Clear communication with you, not to mention convenience. That’s what you get with comprehensive lung care at Montefiore-Einstein. Whether it’s disease management, lung surgery or transplantation, your lungs will get the treatment they’ll need to get you healthy again. For more information about Montefiore’s Comprehensive Lung Program: Visit montefiore.org/lung or phone 718-920-LUNG (718-920-5864) For Referrals: Call 718-920-LUNG (718-920-5864) or email lung@montefiore.org

shop by k ate ho gan by mary megan gagnon

Luxe C Redux EVERY SAVVY FASHIONISTA’S DREAM COME TRUE MAKES ITS DEBUT ON THE AVENUE

oveting a Kelly bag but don’t want to pay full price? Wishing you could trade your Chloé crossbody for a Fendi baguette? There’s a new place in town that specializes in pre-loved designer goods, where you can trade in your well-maintained purses and invest in gently used designer bags as well as watches, jewelry and accessories. Rebag is a digital brand with an in-person presence, and the newly opened Greenwich shop is its ninth brick-and-mortar location, with others in Manhattan, California and Florida. Inside the elegant showroom you can browse the selection of Birkins, Evelyns, Louis Vuitton Speedys and other exclusive bags on the shelves or scope out the full inventory of 25,000 to 30,000 items on the site. “The reaction has been phenomenal,” says Michael Evangelista, director of retail and

Tuesday to Saturday, 12 to 6 p.m. and by appointment. 107 Greenwich Avenue, 844-373-7723, rebag.com

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digital sales. He says they have many customers stopping by to trade in bags as well as to purchase them. “People love that they can bring in pre-loved items and get instant offers.” Rebag’s staff educate clients on the resale market and investment pieces, helping them be savvy shoppers. They can authenticate a pre-owned bag within twenty-four hours and offer cash or a credit of 25 percent more than that amount to go toward another bag, an incentive to make the sustainable choice of opting for gently used. So, for example, you could swap your $1,000 evening bag and get a credit for a $1,250 tote. To find out how much a bag is worth, you can use the in-store Clair kiosk, which will scan your bag and tell you its value. For home scanning, there’s a similar function available on the Rebag app. Cleaning out your closet has never looked this good.

RACHELLE BALAGTAS

Offering gorgeous pieces from coveted luxe labels, Rebag is the perfect way to keep your accessory collection fresh.

AMY AIDINIS HIRSCH INTERIOR DESIGN

amyhirsch.com

203 661 1266

A stunning view of Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls, otherwise known as Mosi-oaTunya, one of the seven wonders of the world

by kim-marie evans

Glamorous Globetrotting T

here was a time when long-haul travel meant steamer trunks, bespoke transportation and a sense of unbridled excitement. There were no maddening crowds fighting for space, no wasted hours in check-in lines, just five-star service effortlessly delivered in the wildest reaches of the globe. For those looking for luxury in unspoiled nature, we found two fabulous, curated offerings.

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UNSLASH/JASOM ZHAO

TWO COMPANIES THAT ARE TAKING TOUR TRAVEL TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL

TAKING RESPONSIBILITY

CONTRIBUTED

above: A suite at the Matetsi River Lodge below: Four-star dining along the river

A SAFARI LIKE NO OTHER For big game without the big crowds, Roar Africa and its founder Deborah Calmeyer escort just ten guests aboard a specially outfitted Emirates A319 jet for the safari of a lifetime. (Upcoming trip is August 26 to September 7, 2022.) Roar is the first and only company that Emirates has allowed to customize an aircraft. The inaugural Greatest Safari on Earth embarked in August of 2021 and was a huge success. But at $125,000 per person, it doesn’t come cheap. It’s fitting that such an overthe-top travel experience begins with a stay at the glittering Bulgari hotel in Dubai. Guests then board the customized Emirates jet, along with Deborah and her expert team, including Dr. Ian McCallum, renowned poet, conservationist and psychiatrist, and Dr. Lucy King, a zoologist. The first stop is in Zimbabwe to visit one of the world’s seven wonders—Victoria Falls, NOVEMBER 2021 GREENWICH

The luxury of this experience is matched only by its intention to support local communities and wildlife. Deborah and her team have long been committed to conservation, humanitarian work and economic education and development in Africa. Conscious that flying on the new A319 Executive Private Jet creates a significant carbon footprint, Roar Africa ensures the entire trip (flights and on-the-ground emissions) are carbon-neutral with high-quality offsets. Environmental projects that were funded from the inaugural journey include the installation of sixty-nine solar panels in Rwanda, the planting of 1,300 trees, access to fresh water for 3,000 Kenyans and donations to Rhinos Without Borders in Botswana. Deborah reflects on her venture: “Witnessing the transformation of our guests as they were immersed in the wilderness reaffirmed the importance of returning humans to wild spaces. It’s my sincere hope that this journey will inspire a new wave of responsible tourism to Africa. The enormous pride and unending hope of the African people in each country made us all the more aware of the essential role tourism plays in Africa, and I can’t wait to do it all over again in 2022 and 2023.”

otherwise known as Mosi-oaTunya (The Smoke that Thunders). Lodging is at Matetsi Private Game Reserve, which sits on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. All meals are included, and each suite has a private plunge pool to refresh after a day of adventure. Days are spent on game drives at both Matetsi and the nearby Moremi Game Reserve. One day is set aside for a riverboat cruise along a private stretch of the river, which is home to the hippos, exotic birds and crocodiles. Also, expect to see vast elephant herds wander down to the water for a drink as you float past. Next stop is the Xigera Safari Lodge, located in a quiet corner of Botswana often referred to as Africa’s “Last Eden.” At Xigera (pronounced Kee-jeera), you create and curate your own dining experience. The talented chefs have an “anything, anytime” approach. Whether it’s a bush breakfast or a picnic on your private deck, the chefs are always happy to oblige. The third stop is perhaps the most extraordinary. You’ll camp at Angama Mara, which is located high above the floor of Africa’s Great Rift Valley. The lodge takes its name from the Swahili word for “suspended in midair.” The camp is a collection of tented suites overlooking Kenya’s Maasai Mara, considered the loveliest game reserve on the continent. You can choose to drift across the Mara in a hot air balloon, take a walking safari with the local Maasai, or enjoy a picnic in the same location where scenes from Out of Africa were filmed. Here is your chance to witness a portion of the “Great Migration.” This is the journey of millions of wildebeest, accompanied by zebra, gazelles, elands and impalas, that stampede about 1,800 miles in search of greener pastures. Pure magic. The last stop at Singita Kwitonda in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, allows guests to observe endangered mountain gorillas. About 600 mountain gorillas, which make up more than half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, live in the area of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. The trek to meet the majestic beasts is considered one of the most dramatic, thrilling and poignant wildlife experiences.

above: Amangiri, Utah left: Amanyara, Turks and Caicos

COMING TO AMERICA ( S )

below: Amangani, Wyoming

Prefer to adventure closer to home? This January, Aman Jet Expeditions is launching its “Adventures in the Americas” journey. Fourteen guests will be whisked from one Aman resort to the next by private jet. Instead of searching for the Big Five game animals, you’ll hit the Big Four luxe resorts: Amanera (Dominican Republic), Amanyara (Turks and Caicos), Amangiri (Utah) and Amangani (Wyoming). The fourteen-passenger excursion departs on January 23 and

of Amanyara, a secluded resort in Turks and Caicos. The resort is an 18,000-acre nature reserve overlooking half a mile of the North West Point Marine National Park. Here, you’ll explore the surrounding cays on a private yacht, hike with a naturalist, learn to kite-board or explore the coral reefs and marine life with the help of a motorized Seabob-jet. Leaving the lapping waves of the Caribbean behind, the next stop is the American desert. Guests are taken from the Bombardier jet to the famous Amangiri hotel via helicopter, following an aerial tour of the Grand Canyon. Once settled, there are options to explore the majestic setting with a three-canyon hike (led by a Navajo guide), horseback rides and trips out to Monument Valley or Zion National Park. The journey wraps up in Jackson Hole at the Amangani resort, the perfect place to visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. In addition to daytrips to the parks to spot wildlife, guests enjoy activities such as skiing, snowmobiling, dogsledding, snow coach tours, and photography workshops. Need more adrenaline? The hotel can also arrange heli-skiing and helicopter photo flights over Yellowstone. left: Amanera, Domincan Republic

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CONTRIBUTED

returns February 4, 2022. Cost per person: $69,888. The journey begins in the Dominican Republic at Amanera, an ultra-luxe resort tucked between the ocean and the rainforest overlooking the sands of the Playa Grande. Guests can horseback ride through teak forest plantations, take a ceviche cooking class, wreck-dive in turquoise waters, kayak through mangrove forests, explore colonial Santo Domingo and learn the Dominican art of cigar rolling with a maestro. The next leg is to the white sand beaches

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elliman.com 75 ARCH STREET, GREENWICH, CT 06830 | 203.622.4900 © 2021 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE, THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, NUMBER OF BEDROOMS AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PROPERTY LISTINGS SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.

do by nic ole gl or

THANKSGIVING SPREAD

’ll admit, even as a fitness instructor, just researching and writing this story was a little depressing. But if you do a little writing of your own in a Thanksgiving exercise journal and add the “two-a-day” football trick, reading it doesn’t have to get you down. Before you turn the page in a huff, hear me out. It’s hard to believe, but according to the Calorie Control Council (a trade group that studies Thanksgiving over-indulgence), the average person eats between 3,000 to 4,500 calories in one Thanksgiving meal and about 230 grams of fat. Walking off a 3,000– to 4,500–calorie feast takes about ten hours for a 180-pound adult. Jogging off the meal takes about six hours, or about five hours of high intensity interval training (HIIT). It sounds daunting if you leave it all for Black Friday. So, my advice is to break it down into smaller workouts throughout the week. Here are some helpful tips. greenwichmag.com

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FIGHT HOLIDAY WEIGHT GAIN WITH A FEW SIMPLE TIPS AND TRICKS

LIFE

Strengthened. Strength of mind, body, and spirit are the cornerstones of a life well lived. As we prepare our boys for life in a fastchanging world, we’re especially dedicated to cultivating the whole boy, to building in every student the habits-ofmind that will nourish and fortify him for the rest of his life.

RSVP FOR OUR

N O V. 7 OPEN HOUSE

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do THANKSGIVING DISH-TO-EXERCISE BREAKDOWN APPLE PIE (1 slice) 411 calories 5K Turkey Trot (35 min.)

PUMPKIN PIE (1 slice) 316 calories Yoga (60 min.)

BUTTERED ROLL 210 calories Flag Football (20 min.)

200 calories Spinning (18 min.)

FOR BEGINNERS If you don’t generally work out much during the week, try walking an hour in the morning and an hour at night (a “two-aday workout” like the football players do) Monday through Friday of Thanksgiving week. Make it fun by treating yourself to an audiobook while you stroll. The new habit might just stick, and you can finally start that gentle workout routine you’ve been putting off.

FOR MODERATE EXERCISERS

FOR THOSE WHO WORK OUT 5 TO 6 DAYS A WEEK

If you currently work out three days a week, consider doing your normal cross-training routine early in the day and adding an hourlong afternoon jog with weightlifting or body weight intervals daily during Thanksgiving week.

Plan for some spinning, running, power yoga and weight training early in the day, then add some HIIT workouts in the afternoon or evening all week. Sign up for that Turkey Trot, and after the big meal, try my power yoga gratitude flow or Slimnastics HIIT/yoga fusion workouts. Traveling? You can still meet your goal with my Fit Travel Workout video that requires no equipment. A bonus for all these groups is that after putting this much time into fitness during the week, you may think twice about putting second helpings on your plate.

HOW DO YOU GET INSPIRED? Keeping a journal and enlisting a workout buddy are two great ways. Add one to ten things you’re grateful for in that journal to help stave off holiday stress.

PRO TIP Consider healthier recipes for traditional favorites.

Find Nikki's videos on instagram @Nikkifitness or on the NikkiFitness App.

One of my favorite ways to re-create a healthier and delicious option for Thanksgiving stuffing is an apple, apricot and almond stuffing from the Frog Commissary Cookbook. And it's pretty! The red, orange and brown ingredients give it a festive autumn look.

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TURKEY BREAST (6 oz.) 195 calories Ice skating (50 min.)

EGG NOG (1/2 cup) 190 calories CrossFit (13 min.)

STUFFING (1/2 cup) 180 calories Stair running (10 min.)

CORN BREAD (2 oz.) 160 calories Swimming (15 laps)

RED WINE (6 oz.) 150 calories Walking (35 min.)

MASHED POTATOES (1/2 cup) 120 calories Weight training (35 min.)

GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE (1/2 cup) 70 calories Dancing (15 min.)

GRAVY (1/4 cup) 45 calories 50 burpees

CRANBERRY SAUCE (1/4 cup) 37 calories 60 push-ups Source: The Daily Burn

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SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE (1/2 cup)

Greenwich Skiers: Looking For A New Ski Shop?

One of the best ski shops in the country is just 15 minutes from Greenwich. Learn more at hickoryandtweed.com

Here’s something we’re all looking forward to: skiing and snowboarding. Join us at Hickory & Tweed in Armonk to make the most of the coming season. lMake

an appointment for ski leasing or equipment fitting: Visit hickoryandtweed.com. We will also take walk-in’s, but there may be wait times. lGet first dibs on our ski and snowboard leasing equipment: We offer leasing for the entire family. No deposit required. lCheck out our wide range of ski gear: We feature Volkl, Dynastar, Black Crows, Lange, Tecnica, Burton and more. lPreview our new ski fashions: Choose from Amundsen, Bogner, Kjus, Spyder, Helly Hansen, Arc’teryx, Obermeyer, Marmot, Patagonia and more.

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eat

Scan here for more great places to EAT & DRINK!

above: Andalusian G&T: Tanqueray gin, Fever-Tree Indian Tonic, kaffir lime and juniper • Smoked ricotta and squash blossom pizza with heirloom cherry tomatoes and calabrian chili

Big Wheel

by mary k ate ho gan

arm-to-table and waterfront are two categories that top diners’ wish lists. And The Wheel manages to check both boxes, striking an intersection of chic décor, a beautiful setting with water views and food sourced from local farms. In fact, some of the veggies and herbs the chefs use here could be called hyperlocal— they’re grown in the rooftop garden a few stories up. With an expansive bar and lounge, dining

room and large patio that’s also a setting for pop-up events and live music, this anchor of The Village in Stamford is a restaurant that serves many fabulous purposes. There’s an A-List team behind the food and beverage program with Mike Geller of Mike’s Organic acting as chief food curator, helping to source ingredients from forty local farms, fishermen and purveyors (all are listed on the back

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of the menu). From the cocktails to dessert, the dishes make the most of produce harvested from the garden. Beverage director Kyle Tran, whose credits include The Aviary, a James Beard awardwinning cocktail bar, has created a lineup that makes a round of drinks a must. Most cocktails can also be mixed sans alcohol for those who prefer a mocktail. Try the Tahona Mule (orange blossom is the unexpected ingredient) and the

MARY BLANK

THE NEW RESTAURANT AT THE BUZZ-WORTHY VILLAGE OFFERS CREATIVE AND DELICOUS FARE FOR EVERY PALATE

Martin Kline, Plus Minus (II), 2015, Encaustic on linen, 64 x 118 x 2 1/2 inches Photo Credit: Andy Wainwright

www.heathergaudiofineart.com 203.801.9590 66 Elm Street, New Canaan, CT 06840

above: The chic and inviting interior • Beverage Director Kyle Tran • Maine lobster with house tarragon on a brioche bun and sea salt fries • Root Beer “Float”: Madagascar vanilla bean ice cream, stout cake and Foxon Park root beer granita

hen of the woods with togarashi sauce. For our entrées, lighter dishes such as the Faroe Island salmon and heartier ones like the short ribs were equally well prepared. The short ribs, plated with fresh corn, baby spinach and mushrooms, are not heavy or overly sauced, allowing the flavor of the meat to shine through. The salmon is grilled and rests on a bed of chilled summer squash slices and a zucchini marmalade, a refreshing dish that’s likely to be tweaked for the winter season. Grilled skirt steak came out perfectly charred, topped with garden-fresh cilantro and red onions and served with a smoky tomato sauce. When a server urges me to try a chicken dish, I usually hesitate; but this brick chicken brined in Cisco beer and cooked in the hearth oven was outstanding, so juicy and served over broccoli rabe with tomatoes bursting with flavor. Creations by Pastry Chef Alessandra Altieri Lopez are prepared with finesse and creativity— and are worth the splurge. Salted caramel ice cream sundae topped with caramel popcorn and hot chocolate sauce poured from a ceramic sake flask? Yes, please. The pistachio cheesecake with blueberry sauce won raves, too, even from those

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in our group who aren’t into cheesecake; it’s light and not cloyingly sweet. As we were getting ready to leave on this Saturday night, our server let us know that jazz brunch would be launching the next day with live music and a mix of savory and sweet dishes ranging from banana-buttermilk bread and strawberry-rhubarb brioche French Toast to a lox plate, steak and eggs and a lobster roll. So, we joked, same table tomorrow morning? One more reason to give The Wheel a turn. G

THE WHEEL 4 Star Point, 475-270-1300; thevillagewheel.com HOURS Dinner Wednesday to Saturday, 5 to 10 p.m. Dinner Sunday, 5 to 9 p.m. Brunch Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WHAT IS THE VILLAGE? It’s a new indoor-outdoor office campus and event

space on the water in Stamford. Greenwich’s Brent and Courtney Montgomery developed The Village, which is home to his Wheelhouse brand, a group of multimedia companies. including Wheelhouse Entertainment, a partnership with Jimmy Kimmel. See our feature “Creators and Connectors” on page 86 to read all about it.

LOBSTER ROLL BY JEREMY BRUGO; INTERIOR BY MARY BLANK

Elderflower spritz, made with yuzu soda. We appreciated the versatile menu from Executive Chef Chris Shea, former executive chef of David Burke Kitchen in Manhattan. You can order a Neopolitan-style pizza from the hearth oven or a top-notch burger, but you can also splurge on oysters and indulge in an entrée like the ribeye with horseradish cream. While we were sitting outside at a recent dinner pondering the options, our server brought a snack of white bean spread with warm pita bread. So tasty. The burrata appetizer we tried featured fresh summery flavors: buttery cheese ringed by Adam’s Berry Farm strawberries and purple basil leaves from the garden with grilled sourdough slices to spread it on. It was luscious and, no doubt, the dish will be treated to a different seasonal presentation for the cooler months. Another starter we loved was the salmon crispy rice, heavenly bites that riff on sushi with raw salmon on top of the crunchy rice with jalapeno and a smoky soy “caramel” sauce adding to the appeal. We’ll order these every time. The blooming mushroom was a hit with the vegetarian in our group; it’s an Asian-style fried

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new venue, same fabulous night! SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OF OUR 2021 SPONSORS PRESENTING SPONSORS

AWARD SPONSOR

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VENUE SPONSOR

money matters GIFT LIST

is the season to give, give, give. Bell-ringers, bakesales, charity galas and pieces of mail filled with success stories or tales of woe compete for your attention—and your cash. ’Tis also the season to gather with loved ones. Covid-19 protocols in place, you and your kids can (hopefully) gather around the table with Grandma and Grandpa, count your blessings and dig in. In other words, the time is right for talking with your family about

ENTERING THE SEASON OF SHARING YOUR WEALTH

sharing the wealth. “This is a good opportunity to discuss what is it about money that is important to us. Who am I sharing my wealth with?” says R. Michael Parry, president of Liberty Wealth Advisors in Stamford. Parry’s firm specializes in customized wealth management for high-net-worth clients, with tax preparation a centerpiece of his practice. Many smart tax strategies used to protect wealth can also benefit charitable giving, Parry says, helping your gifts to grow while lowering the payout to Uncle Sam. Before you start handing out money, create a mission statement, the same way the big foundations do. What causes are important to you, your spouse, your children? Ask the elders around the table where and how they share their money, and talk about where and how you share yours. Lead by example, Parry says. Together, come up with a few causes that you and your family can support locally, as that’s where you can make the greatest

GOOD TO GIVE

difference. Set actionable goals. The more focused you are, the more effective your giving, versus donating haphazardly into every open hand. Next, establish a vehicle for giving. Many high- and ultrahigh-net-worth families (more than $30 million in liquid assets) establish their own charitable lead/remainder trusts and annuities, or foundations to make the most of their gifts. But you don’t need an army of advisers or eight-figure gifts and estates to receive tax benefits the way the rich do. “A donor advised fund has a lot of appeal because of how easy it is to set up,” says Parry. “It’s like having your own family foundation, without the high costs and with minimal legwork.” Many financial advisory firms sponsor donor advised funds, providing all the accounting, bookkeeping and backend support that a private foundation would have to bear. Your family can have its own account within that framework. You donate cash,

stocks, real estate and more into the fund, get a tax deduction for your gift in the year that it’s given, and then let the gift grow tax-free over time until you donate it. Consider it a charitable investment account. Your gifts can benefit your church, the local soup kitchen, your alma mater —any IRS-recognized charitable institution. “Making a gift of appreciated securities has the most bang for the buck,” Parry says. “Let’s say you put $10,000 in Apple stock, and it’s now worth $100,000. By donating that into a donor advised fund, you get the immediate tax deduction of $100,000. The Apple shares can be sold and diversified [in the fund], and there’s no capital gains owed.” That money can be left to grow in the fund or can be gifted “to any legitimate nonprofit in existence,” says Parry. Your kids can chip in a portion of their allowance, gifts or wages as well. “What a great way to be able to involve your children to talk about who the money benefits.”

(Not So Random) Acts of Kindness

With tuition to pay, mounting bills and a shrunken bonus due to Covid, it might seem like your household has no free money to spare these days. But charity does not thrive on money alone. You can donate your time or expertise to a worthwhile venture. Maybe you’re a social media maven or a natural with a hammer and nails. Each of our cities and towns in lower Fairfield County has a food pantry, a social service agency or a community action group that would be happy for your brains or your brawn. Parry, for example, volunteers at the Highland Green Foundation, serves as an elder at his church and helps raise funds for Greenwich-based Kids in Crisis.

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CONTRIBUTED

R. Michael Parry

BY CAROL LEONETTI DANNHAUSER

NOVEMBER 2021 GREENWICH

g–mom

Winter is Coming! ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO BEAT THE WINTER BLAHS IS TO PREPARE FOR THEM. HERE’S HOW b y e i l e e n ba rt e l s

UNSPLASH

hen daylight saving time has us turning our clocks back on Sunday, November 7, the sun will set at 4:44 p.m. For the next six weeks, the days will only get shorter. On the shortest day of the year, December 21, the sun will shine nearly six hours less than on the longest day of the year, June 20. These short, gray days can take a toll on our spirits. But they don᾿t have to. Battle the blues with the following ideas to help brighten the months ahead.

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THINK OF FOOD AS MEDICINE

Feeling physically good is key when the darker days make us lethargic. We all look forward to a little winter comfort food and carb-loading; but food is medicine, so make sure you’re balancing those winter treats with lots of fruits and vegetables. Having a rainbow on your plate is super important—even in the winter months, there are plenty of colorful options in the produce aisle.

UNSPLASH

SOAK UP SOME RAYS Many studies show vitamin D plays an integral role in physical and mental health. Our body creates vitamin D from direct sunlight on our skin. Make sure to schedule some daily outdoor time to soak up the rays. At your next physical, ask your healthcare provider to check your vitamin D levels, as many Americans have low levels. The best way to get vitamin D is through sunshine, but that can be challenging at this time of the year. Eating red meat, certain fish, egg yolks and vitamin-fortified foods are all ways to get more of the vitamin in your diet. If your levels are low, look

for a supplement. My favorite, Here Comes the Sun by Hum is available online and at most Sephora stores.

CREATE YOUR OWN SUNSHINE Serotonin levels, the chemical in our brains related to happiness, tend to be at their lowest in winter. People who live in the northernmost places that see little winter sun have a variety of ways to cope. Some northern Europeans schedule hourlong midday breaks from work to engage in outdoor activities. Otherwise they’d be going to work and returning home in the dark. If you can’t regularly get natural light, consider light therapy. Northern Europeans have used light therapy to combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) for years. Swedes use light therapy clinics as an alternative to antidepressants, visiting the light-filled rooms to recharge. You can also try light therapy at home. There are plenty of different lights on the market with varying degrees of brightness. Kickstarting your day in front of a light box can be a real mood booster—sit for about thirty minutes to feel the effects. It’s also a great opportunity

to set aside time to listen to an audiobook, podcast or meditate. Look for a light box with at least 10,000 lumens of light. VeriLite Happy Lite Lux has 10,000 lumens and starts at just $39 on Amazon and Bed Bath & Beyond. Light boxes are designed to filter out most UV light so they are safe for your skin and eyes, but ask your dermatologist or eye doctor for recommendations.

GET OUTDOORS AND STAY ACTIVE It’s easy to want to hibernate when it’s cold. And last winter we all had good reason to stay home. If you’ve still got FOGO (Fear of Going Out), you don’t need to be with the masses to get fresh air. Walking, hiking, skiing (cross-country or downhill) are all great options. Some German health insurances even cover programs where people are encouraged to spend time forestbathing, called waldbaden. Simply put, it’s time walking alone in the solitude of the woods to rejuvenate. Incorporating a walk through the Mianus River Park or any natural setting can be calming and restorative.

NOVEMBER 2021 GREENWICH

HEAD SOUTH! Plan a trip somewhere sunny and warm enough to wear short sleeves. Whether it’s just a weekend or a whole week with your toes in the sand, a Southern vacation between now and March should be on your list. In addition to the obvious disposition boost of a few days in the sun, the act of planning a trip gives you something to look forward to. Seeing a beach trip on the calendar will lift everyone’s spirits. And don’t forget about the afterglow.

CREATE A FLORIDA ROOM No, you don’t have to go so far as to build a glass conservatory at the back of your house. But creating a little space to take a temporary vacation in your own home is easier than you may think. Some people have a mediation corner. I suggest a sunshine spot. Go small and find a space you can spend time by a window. You won’t absorb vitamin D through a window, but natural light is a mood lifter. Fill your space with other sun-spiration like a candle with a citrus scent. The leaves may have dropped on the trees outside, but

inside you can surround yourself with greens like ferns, figs and fiddle plants from McArdle’s or Home Depot. Perch beneath an indoor palm tree. Go all out and take a spot in a spare bedroom to create your own favorite beach view. Transport yourself for a few minutes to Fiji with a removable peel-and-stick wall mural from Amazon for less than $60. Pull out a beach chair from the garage, crank up a space heater, and for a few minutes you᾽re on your own sunny beach, no matter what the thermometer reads outside.

TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR There is a difference between the winter blues and seasonal affective disorder. Many of us feel sluggish in the winter, but if your sadness is becoming hard to manage, tell your doctor. SAD is a real psychological condition affecting millions of Americans, and your doctor will have advice for how to manage it. Yes, the sun will come out tomorrow, but winters can be long so don’t suffer needlessly or in silence. Call your healthcare provider and ask for help.

g-mom

OU T & AB OUT • Greenw ich Magazine and Greenw ich Moms par tner up

CHILLING OUT

FUN THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR CREW AS THE WEATHER GETS COOLER

by l ayl a lisiewski

e love November in Greenwich! The holiday season is just getting started, and the weather is still nice enough to be outside comfortably. There are tons of ways to have fun as a family—from Turkey Trots to giving back. Here are a few of our ideas.

distribute the notes. Some great books to help the little ones understand our service men and women are Hero Mom, Hero Dad and Heroes in our Neighborhood.

No. 4

ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

MAKE A RUN FOR IT Get out and enjoy the fall air at any one—or all— of the Turkey Trots in the area. The Greenwich Alliance for Education 5K and one-mile Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, November 27; New Canaan’s 5K on Saturday, November 20; Fairfield’s five-mile Thanksgiving Day race on Thursday, November 25. Note that the Greenwich Alliance for Education has two options—one for one-milers (perfect for littles) and a 5K. Both leave from the Arch Street Teen Center. greenwichalliance.org/turkey-trot-2021

board book set about artists who changed history). Also consider enrolling your child in an online or in-person art class: futurepicassos.com; theartstudiony.com/kids-classes

No. 5

ADULTS ONLY Whether you go away with your spouse or girlfriends, a night or two without the kids can get you mentally prepared for the holiday craziness on the horizon. A few favorites of ours for short but memorable getaways are the Delamar and JHouse along with the Mayflower Inn & Spa in nearby Washington, Connecticut. All these closeto-home options offer luxe accommodations, fab spa services and great food (and drink).

No. 2

CREATE A MASTERPIECE Hit up the craft store for art supplies—canvases, paints and brushes. When you get home, take some time to learn about different artists’ styles and have each family member pick a favorite to try on their own. You may be surprised by your family’s talents, and choose to hang up the final masterpieces. Books to help inspire your younger kids: Henri’s Scissors (based on the life of Matisse); When Pigasso Met Mootisse (based on the friendship between Picasso and Matisse); Little Artist (a

No. 3

THANK A VET A great way to honor our veterans is to educate our kids on what it means to protect and serve. Take time out to remember Veterans Day on Thursday, November 11. Writing notes of gratitude to our retired and active members of the military is a feel-good activity everyone can enjoy. Contact the Wounded Warrior Project— woundedwarriorproject.org.—to coordinate and greenwichmag.com

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. For more, follow @greenwich_moms on Instagram and sign up for its newsletter at greenwichmoms.com G

CONTRIBUTED

No. 1

This is the perfect time of year to show our kids how to be of service to others. You can plan a food drive through their schools, or simply collect food, clothes, toys and supplies in your neighborhood and donate to local charities. Some organizations we love to give to locally include Neighbor to Neighbor, Greenwich United Way and Kids in Crisis. Head to their websites to find out what they need most right now. ntngreenwich.org; greenwichunitedway.org; kidsincrisis.org

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people&PLACES by alison nichols gr ay

Scan the code for more PARTY PHOTOS in our gallery!

GREENWICH TOWN PARTY / Roger Sherman Baldwin Park

Worth the Wait

PHOTOGRAPHS BY GREENWICH TOWN PARTY

The annual Greenwich Town Party returned in 2021 better than ever! Ticket holders were blown away by this year’s lineup of the legendary Eagles, Zac Brown Band, New Orleansbased Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Greenwich native Caroline Jones and eight local bands. Even the showers that popped up throughout the day couldn’t dampen the spirits of concertgoers as they celebrated a decade of community spirit and town pride. All proceeds go toward sustaining the event for years to come. greenwichtownparty.org »

1. Zac Brown 2. Amanda Wilson, Justine Schwartz, Fred Crimins, Melissa Nisenson, Josh and Alexandra Friedman. 3. Katherine Allard, Tinsley Tarifi, Lily Sonnenberg 4. Iris Michaels, Mary Beth Oliver, Amy Eisenberg 5. Kendra Farn 6. Patricia Vary-Loflin, Jennifer Tomkiel 7. Adele, Charlene and Ansley Biggo 8. Caroline Jones NOVEMBER 2021 GREENWICH

el p oepeople GREENWICH TOWN PARTY Roger Sherman Baldwin Park 1

1. A birds eye view 2. Roctopus’ Jay Anderson 3. Stacy Young, Maria Ruggeberg 4. Local band Happy Accidents 5. Jones Glenn, Jen Danzi, Jane Shropshire 6. Preservation Hall Jazz Band 7. Alessandra Messineo Long, Neely and Kimberly Clarke, Zoe Khayatt 8. The Eagles 9. Parker, Matt and Jean Farley 10. Karen and Brian Hawkins 11. GTP Volunteers greenwichmag.com

ALL PHOTOGRAPHS BY GREENWICH TOWN PARTY

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12. Mark Bawol, Kim Galton 13. Sonja Hout, Sarah and Ed Keller, Sue Baker, Julie Church, Cindy and Ty Anderson 14. Gary Dell’Abate, Lara Spencer 15. Local band Roctopus 16. Jackie Budkins, Dick Kriskey, Deborah Hess, Ed Dadakis, Alexandra Walko 17. Eric and Karen Hopp 18. KP and Ben Mickelson, Rob and Ali Gray, Kathleen Godbold 19. Grace Deloe and the Byram Veteran’s Association 20. Frank, Isabella and Amanda Bosco 21. Sue Rogers, Stephanie Dunn Ashley, Andrew Sindell 22. Ken and Ann Lockyer, John Kjorlien » NOVEMBER 2021 GREENWICH

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1 Wendy Hill, Lisa Leavy Fisher, Katy Massam 2 First Selectman Fred Camillo, Sophie PelletierMartinelli, Ray Martinelli 3 Adam and Rachel Doneger 4 Martin and Donna Spellman, Marilyn and Stuart Adelberg 5 Comedian Jane Condon 6 Congressman Jim Himes, Marc Jaffe, Stamford Mayor David Martin 7 Marie Olivia, Penny Lore 8 Nick and Karen Gianuzzi 9 DJ April Larken 10 Sally Harris, May Jaffe, Mike Harris

THE CHILDREN'S LEARNING CENTERS OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY / Greenwich Audubon Center

Shall We Dance?

he Children's Learning Centers of Fairfield County (CLC) recently held its annual benefit at the Greenwich Audubon Center. DJ April Larken spun the beats for the “This Magic Moment” Dance Party, which raised more than $250,000. Award-winning comedian Jane Condon led a successful paddle raise and the dance contest was judged by Stamford Mayor David Martin and Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo. CLC plays a critical role in helping and educating children in our community. More than 150 supporters came out to celebrate CLC, the second-largest center-based early childhood education nonprofit in Connecticut. clcfc.org greenwichmag.com

PHOT0GRAPHS BY AVIVA MALLER

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BRUCE MUSEUM / A Private Residence 1. The perfect lush green venue 2. Alexandra deBourcy 3. Haruko Ogasawara, Yukiko Suzuki 4. Whitney Rosenberg, Kathleen Godbold, Melissa Levin 5. Tamara Holliday, Jen Danzi, Tina Pray 6. Lauren Yeager, Elliot Wagner 7. Rebecca Vanyo, Caitlin Davis 8. Geoff and Jennifer Ringelstein 9. Dr. Bina Park 10. Sarah Pribyl greenwichmag.com

Green with Envy

he thirty-fourth annual Bruce Museum Gala was a smashing success. The green theme was inspired by the museum’s upcoming exhibition, “The Amazon Rainforest: Beauty • Destruction • Hope.” Cochairs Shari Aser and Grace Lockhart Djuranovic, along with committee chairs, hosted a perfect evening honoring Susan E. Lynch, the museum’s first president and CEO. Thanks to generous sponsors and donors the museum will reach even more visitors of all ages with engaging programs, hands-on workshops, and art and science exhibitions. brucemuseum.org

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MELANI LUST FOR MOFFLY MEDIA’S BIG PICTURE

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21 11. Live music played all night 12. The fabulous event committee 13. Sachiko Goodman, Susan Lynch, Robert Wolterstorff 14. Tim Cohan, Audrey and Todd McNiff 15. Check Mate 16. Tyler and Stephanie Mitchell, Taylor Glasebrook, Cindy and Lee Milazzo 17. Nina Lindia, Lauren Schweibold 18. Lucy Glasebrook 19. Duncan and Elizabeth Bourgoin, Matt and Caity Lischick, Kristin Toretta Lee and Russell Collin Lee 20. Nicole and Cole Reynolds 21. Robert Wiener, Daniel Ksepka, Jim Lockhart 22. Jamal and Julia Nusseibeh 23. Holly George 24. Michael and Ashley Kreger G

NOVEMBER 2021 GREENWICH

people 1

PHOT0GRAPHS BY MARK LIFLANDER / LIFLANDER PHOTOGRAPHY

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES OF GREENWICH / A Private Residence

A Helping Hand

t was a beautiful night for reconnecting at a private home in Riverside to raise awareness for Jewish Family Services of Greenwich (JFS). Cochairs Debbie Rosmarin and Pam Liflander planned a fun-filled evening complete with a brick oven pizza truck and cocktails donated by Cap, Cork & Cellar. For nearly forty years, JFS has been providing accessible social services to the Greenwich community, often partnering with other town agencies like Greenwich Public Schools and the Department of Human Services. The event successfully raised funds for programming that supports families affected by Covid-19, addressing mental health issues, food insecurity and economic hardship brought on by the pandemic. jfsgreenwich.org »

1 The Giving Tree 2 Judy Rein, Erica Buchsbaum, Joel Rein, Matthew Buchsbaum 3 Lauren Wels, Rabbi Benjamin Goldberg Gerson 4 Hosts Stephen and Sandy Soule 5 Chandritta Evans, Dareen Hunter 6 Audrey Kahn, Rita Edelston 7 Robin Bartholomew, Cheryl Probst 8 Elyse Brown, Michael Garcia, Melissa Knee, Larry Stoogenke, Rachel Kornfeld greenwichmag.com

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KRISTEN MARIKA SOTZING & WILL ANDREW THOMPSON 2

Initially, Kristen and Will’s wedding was scheduled for August 15, 2020 at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center. But unable to have a blowout bash due to Covid, the couple decided to keep the original wedding date and elope at the Chicago City Hall (they reside in Chicago). Determined to still have a celebration with friends and family, they recently held a vow renewal celebration at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center. The bride, daughter of Elen Sotzing and the late Jim Sotzing of Riverside, graduated from Greenwich High School, University of Mary Washington and Loyola University. Kristen is a registered nurse in Chicago. The groom, son of Stephen Thompson and Linda Jacobsen of Virginia, graduated from Langley High School, the University of Mary Washington and the University of Maryland. Will is a Ph.D. student at University of Chicago. The newlyweds’ honeymoon is on the books for March 2022 in Curacao. G

risten and Will met their freshman year at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virgina. They lived in the same dorm and had a mutual friend (a high school friend of Will’s who would eventually become one of Kristen’s college roommates). The pair clicked right away and enjoyed getting to know each other by going out to dinner, attending swim team events and spending late nights talking. The evening before Kristen was to head back home to Greenwich for the summer, the pair decided to make it “official” and began dating. After a decade together, Will proposed the day before Christmas Eve at Tod’s Point—one of Kristen’s favorite spots in town. He joined her on a run and, a mile in, claimed his leg was cramping and needed to stop. When Kristen ran back to check on him, he got down on one knee, took the ring out of his glove and popped the question. 1 Kristen and Will exchanging vows 2 Ian Sotzing, Kristen and Will, Andrew Sotzing 3 The Stamford Museum and Nature Center 4 Kristen and her mother, Elen, getting ready

greenwichmag.com

PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHEYENNE LEE

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5 Kristen and Will with their families 6 The newlyweds 7 Kristina Norrgard, George Powell, Laura Carlson, Lane LaRiviere, Andrew Greco 8 The outdoor dinner reception 9 Geoff Kalan and Leslie Andriani 10 Will and Kristen heading to their reception

NOVEMBER 2021 GREENWICH

2 0 2 1 A W A R D S

tom philip • brunswick school

melissa shapiro

matthew jordan

rob fried

alan miller

L I G H T

F I R E

julie schlafman

CAUSE an

wilner joseph

grace lockhart djuranovic

christine lai

andy berman & sherry jonas

Honoring the members of our community who show us that COMPASSION, HOPE and CARING can indeed change the world by jill johnson mann phot o gr aphs by mel ani lust

there were ever a time when we need reassurance that hearts are open and love will prevail, it is now. Consider one Fairfield County resident who must have felt completely hopeless, even before any of us began uttering the word “pandemic.” His name is Piglet, and as a one-pound, deaf and blind puppy, his prospects for love were grim. Then Westport vet Melissa Shapiro, already mom to

six dogs, brought him into her fold. “The puppy completely turned our house upside-down with his anxious screaming,” says Shapiro. “We weren’t prepared for the amount of time and energy we had to devote to the little guy; but as we held him, provided him with a routine, and taught him tap signals, he started to settle down.” Shapiro was determined to give Piglet a meaningful life—you’ll have to read about how that turned out. (Hint: She overdelivered.) We were all a bit like Piglet when the pandemic hit: disoriented, upset, hopeless. Then there was the routine: the hand-washing, the disinfecting, the masks, the Netflix marathons. Perhaps the family dinners, the calm of not chauffeuring kids, the setting up of a home office and the school room. Tap, tap, tap. Little signals that this is life now and we will get through it, leaning on one another. Some of our neighbors jumped into action to help those in need—we featured an admirable lineup of those model citizens in last year’s Light a Fire. And now, when we all want the pandemic to be over but it’s not, when it feels like it is taking so much out of us, the giving continues in Fairfield County. The givers keep laser-focused on helping. Helping hospitals, helping the needy and the lonely, helping children battling cancer, helping through music, helping through sports, helping with a wee dog named Piglet. Helping love win. Every day. We are proud to introduce you to our 2021 Light a Fire honorees.

L I G H T

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A W A R D S

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JOIN US FOR A VIRTUAL CELEBRATION OF OUR HONOREES HOSTED BY

JAMES NAUGHTON

December 2 /

THURSDAY 5:45-6:45PM greenwichmag.com

WILNER JOSEPH

Best Friend to Children

ORG A N I Z AT I O N: YO U N G AT H L E T E S 4 CH ANG E

I N S P I R A T I O N

H O P E S

Words of Praise

“Wilner Joseph’s record of advocacy in our community is inspiring. His dedication to reaching the youth of Stamford by meeting them at their own level on the basketball court through Young Athletes 4 Change has undoubtedly changed many young lives for the better. On behalf of our city, I would like to offer him our sincerest gratitude and congratulations on this honor.”

D R E A M S

“First, I hope to bring peace, love and unity to the community,” says Joseph. He dreams of opening a community center, where his program can grow, with life-skills workshops, therapy for kids in need and free activities. “I dream of finding someone who believes in my mission and will fund this dream,” he says. “I’ve planted a seed here and dream of growing nationally, even globally, to help other kids. I’d love to see Young Athletes 4 Change in every city, every country!” »

—STAMFORD MAYOR, DAVID MARTIN

NOVEMBER 2021 GREENWICH

AWA R D S

Wilner with campers Aniya Gyambibi, Olivia Lorthe (center) and Christian Gyambibi

F I R E

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I N T O

Through Young Athletes 4 Change, Joseph has created events that spur conversations “about issues youth are dealing with in our communities: mental health, gun violence. These are team-building, and these are conversations that need to be had. The prevalence of social media and social media bullying is fueling violence,” Joseph says. “My brother was killed, and that made me an advocate for addressing gun violence and mental health issues that lead to violence.” In 2017, shortly after losing his brother, Joseph set up the Million Dollar Smile initiative—a line of clothing in honor of his brother Max. Funds from sales support raising awareness about gun violence with the message: “When we wear Million Dollar Smile, we represent resilience. We aim to sustain a community of young positive change makers worldwide. “We hold rallies and speeches in different communities,” Joseph says. “I’m proud to have gained attention from the mayor [of Stamford], who honored my brother and gave him his own day: May 20th is officially Max Day in Stamford, Connecticut, now. There is a big mural of my brother in Stillwater. Getting that day and the mural—I consider those two of my huge accomplishments. And seeing other kids I’ve mentored who come back and say, ‘Hey you saved my life.’ You may not save everyone; but if you save one, it’s a domino effect, because they may save the next one.”

L I G H T

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“I founded Young Athletes 4 Change to give kids in the inner-city opportunities I didn’t have when I was growing up,” says Stamford’s Wilner Joseph. “It’s about more than basketball; it’s about having a mentor and a program that offers life skills and the possibility of being a leader. Sports is what saved my life, keeping me out of trouble and connecting me to so many people: Black, White, all different communities. Those relationships were all built on our common love for the game. Sports brought that diversity to my life.” Joseph adds, “I’m inspired by seeing the impact I have on the youth I serve—guiding them in the right direction, seeing the happiness on their faces, giving them hope. Some kids come into the program with no hope and no direction. We try to provide the resources to give them a better situation.”

Words of Praise

“Rob really cares about connecting Band Central’s performances to a fundamental understanding of a nonprofit’s mission and always takes the extra step to get to know the organization and its work in a way that just feels more personal. During the pandemic, Band Central supported the Center for Family Justice in a variety of meaningful and impactful ways under the most extraordinary of circumstances.” —DEBRA A. GREENWOOD, PRESIDENT & CEO, CENTER FOR FAMILY JUSTICE

I N S P I R A T I O N “After decades of performing at nightclubs and festivals, I had the opportunity to perform alongside Meryl Streep and Paul Newman to preserve Connecticut farmland, which ignited a vision to play ‘music with purpose,’” says Rob Fried, who was in his mid-forties and “felt a need to contribute to the well-being and growth of the planet and people in it.” Combining decades of business and investment experience as a founder of the hedge fund Bridgewater Associates with his musical passion, Fried united nonprofits, musicians, donors and audience members to support local causes through themed concerts. “Band Central was born to create fundraising events that connect giving with joy and entertainment,” explains Fried. “We call it Fun-lanthropy.”

C O U R A G E

I N T O

A C T I O N

“We have helped raise approximately $4.5 million since our inception, produced more than 125 events and worked with over sixty different Connecticut nonprofits,” says Fried, who founded his organization in 2006 as “Band Together” and changed the name to Band Central three years ago. “We initiate the process by providing a grant to a nonprofit partner from the Band Central Fund, a donor-advised fund at Fairfield County’s Community Foundation. Next, the team of Audrey Nefores (director of communications), Paola Murphy (director of operations) and Andy Kadison (producer) work with me to support the nonprofit to market the event, engaging their existing donors and attracting new ones.” Band Central Radio on WPKN 89.5 FM spreads the word to the community, and Band Central draws from its network of 100-plus musicians to produce a Concert with a Cause. “It’s about many talents coming together with a sense of purpose to raise awareness and funds,” says Fried.

ROB FRIED Supporter of Nonprofits

O R G A N I Z AT I O N S : A N N ’ S P L AC E • C A R D I N A L S H E H A N C E N T E R • C E N T E R FO R FA M I LY J U ST I C E • C H I L D R E N ’ S L E A R N I N G C E N T E R S O F FA I R F I E L D CO U N T Y • C L AS P • CO M M O N G R O U N D • CO N N E C T I C U T I N ST I T U T E FO R R E F U G E E S A N D I M M I G R A N TS • C R E AT I V E CO N N E C T I O N S • M A R I T I M E AQ UA R I U M O F N O RWA L K • M I S S I O N /C T C H A L L E N G E • N E W CANAAN MOUNTED TROOP • NORMA PFRIEM B R E AST C E N T E R • O P E R AT I O N H O P E • SAV E T H E C H I L D R E N • ST E R L I N G H O U S E CO M M U N I T Y CENTER • TEAM WOOFGANG & COMPANY • WPKN

H O P E S

D R E A M S

“The social problems we face are complex, and change is difficult,” says Fried. “It requires collaboration with government. Instead of pushing through with fierce ambition, we take the Law of Attraction approach. We view ourselves as a big heart coming at people, using music to share joy so that others can enjoy their lives, feel meaning and be useful to others. At the end of the day, the people we think about are the clients of the nonprofits we work with, the people who really need a helping hand. To have a vibrant Connecticut we need to have more equality of opportunities so that different types of people can thrive.” Fried adds, “We aim to create a little more heaven here on earth so everyone transcends and moves up what we call the Maslow triangle to self-actualization.”

greenwichmag.com

CHRISTINE LAI Best Friend to Families

O R G A N I Z AT I O N S : S . E . L . F. • A B I L I S • N E X T FO R AU T I S M • CO LU M B I A U N I V E R S I T Y ’ S A LU M N I R E L AT I O N S CO M M I T T E E FO R FA I R F I E L D CO U N T Y • G R E E N W I C H CO U N T RY DAY S C H O O L • W I N STO N P R E PA R ATO RY S C H O O L

I N S P I R A T I O N

H O P E S

“Christine Lai is a passionate advocate and defender for the rights of the neurodivergent community. Her focus of ensuring children with learning challenges receive the best education possible is evidenced by her stellar leadership of the Special Education Legal Fund. Her passion is infections and her strength, charisma, tenacity and compassion translate into results for the community she serves.”

D R E A M S

“My dream for S.E.L.F. is that at some point in the future we won’t be needed, that all students will receive the education that is appropriate for them without intervention, and that all families will be able to advocate independently and successfully for their children in the special education system,” says Lai. “My dream for special education is for greater understanding of the vital role that it plays in the long-term functioning of society. A student who graduates from high school without being able to read, due to an undiagnosed or improperly supported learning disability, may have difficulty finding employment and holding a job, which could long-term have an impact on their ability to be a productive member of society.” »

—LUIS GUZMAN, DIRECTOR OF THE IMMIGRANT SUPPORT FUND, FAIRFIELD COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

NOVEMBER 2020 2021 GREENWICH NOVEMBER GREENWICH

AWA R D S

Words of Praise

F I R E

A C T I O N

I N T O

Lai formed S.E.L.F. in 2018 and partnered with Ulrika Drinkall, another Greenwich mom of a child with special needs. “We gathered a group of parents together based on this idea that the special education system works for families with resources, because they can afford the expertise that brings pressure to bear in order to get things done,” explains Lai. “We knew there were families slipping through the cracks. If you are a family who can’t afford an outside evaluation, or an advocate or an attorney in the most extreme cases, what do you do, and where do you turn?” Those families can now turn to S.E.L.F., which has provided $430,000 in grants since 2018 to families in thirty-nine school districts, ten counties and three states. “Our families are all different—some students have autism, some have dyslexia, some have mental health challenges,” says Lai, “but broadly speaking, they are all falling through the cracks, and we are grateful to provide them with a safety net.”

L I G H T

C O U R A G E

2 0 2 1

“When my oldest son entered public school about ten years ago, we really struggled to get the school and the district to recognize his disability and the impact it had on his learning,” explains Christine Lai, founder of Special Education Legal Fund (S.E.L.F.). “Many parents struggle in the special education system due to its complexity as well as the difficulties they are experiencing while this is going on—maybe the teacher is calling you every day; maybe you are balancing appointments with multiple doctors, therapists and diagnosticians; maybe your child is coming home every day in tears. Our struggle with our school lasted about twenty months from start to finish. I remember thinking at the time, what do other families do if they don’t have the time, energy and resources to fight this fight for their children? That struggle, ultimately, formed the basis of the idea that became S.E.L.F.”

MATTHEW JORDAN Teen Volunteer

ORG A N I Z AT I ON S : K I DS I N C R I S I S • STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL SERVICE LEAGUE OF BOYS

I N S P I R A T I O N “It’s difficult to read a news article or watch a current events video without being exposed to the harsh realities of our world,” says Westport’s Matthew Jordan, a devoted volunteer at Kids in Crisis (KIC). “So many children are left without the support they need. Some parents don’t have the necessary resources. Some parents get sick, pass away or endure life-changing events that make caring for children near impossible. I am inspired by the tremendous fortune of having a family and the support that allowed me to have a well-rounded childhood. The question ‘why me?’ motivates my action to help others who may not have the same opportunities.”

C O U R A G E

I N T O

A C T I O N

Despite the challenges of functioning virtually, Jordan stayed engaged and active as a volunteer for Kids in Crisis during the pandemic, recruited his Staples High School classmates to join KIC’s Youth Corps and made an impact with an array of initiatives. “Social media may be the most effective method of reaching not only adolescents, but the general public,” says Jordan. “With this in mind, KIC made a special social media campaign for National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. The KIC Youth Corps is a group of teens with the mission to make KIC social media and youth targeted events more effective. Our corps suggested enhancements to KIC’s social media presence that over time increase our community’s awareness of the issues affecting children and families. Another project, the Winter Season Scavenger Hunt, promoted local business, family bonding, and KIC services.”

H O P E S

D R E A M S

“My ultimate ambition for Kids in Crisis is to increase awareness among all who could benefit from our services,” says Jordan. “It’s troubling to know that many others could be helped, if they only knew where to find us. The majority of kids at Staples High School don’t know we have a KIC Teen Talk counselor—and, yet, she’s still busy. The pandemic and its negative effects on mental health have intensified the need for KIC’s services. The social media campaigns help to increase awareness, but a brand and reputation like Make-A-Wish—of which my grandfather was on the national board—could see KIC’s impact grow exponentially.”

Words of Praise

“Matthew has been a crucial part of our teen volunteer program, Youth Corps. Although they were virtual, he has attended all Youth Corps meetings and always offers meaningful contributions to our conversation. Matthew has been a huge help in organizing our Child Abuse Prevention campaign during the month of April. He worked hard in finding statistics and facts, and he also helped coordinate the best and most effective way to share these statistics through social media. Matthew also participated in our virtual scavenger hunt event, where he raised awareness of Kids in Crisis and helped raise funds for our organization. Matthew requested to continue volunteering throughout the summer, as he is passionate about the Kids in Crisis’ mission and the safety of all children.” —MELISSA BASILE-REOLON, COMMUNITY SERVICES AND EDUCATION COORDINATOR, KIDS IN CRISIS

greenwichmag.com

JULIE SCHLAFMAN

Grassroots Leader

ORG A N I Z AT I O NS : R E D WAG O N G R O U P • B A L L S A N D C L E ATS FO R E R I T R E A

H O P E S

Julie with her children Haley, Jack, Lily and Riley

Words of Praise

“Through her volunteer work with the School House Apartments, Julie organized a parade of donations for necessities during Covid, bringing residents toilet paper, paper towels, even rolls of quarters to do their laundry. Through the Red Wagon Group and New Canaan Moms, Julie has spearheaded so many community projects. For the last holiday season, she collected donations for the School House residents yet again to bring them joy by giving them ‘Twelve Days of Christmas.’ Julie never stops; she even partnered with one resident to help him gather old family recipes and get his own cookbook edited and published.”

D R E A M S

“We will continue to find ways we can help support the residents at the School House Apartments,” says Schlafman. “I hope the Red Wagon Group continues to foster relationships and that the community as a whole keeps School House Apartments on their radar.” She adds, “We hope to annually collect for the Eritrean Community. We dream of going over there and meeting the soccer coaches and children who benefited from our efforts. Maybe this will inspire my children to create their own nonprofit one day!” »

—MARIANNE BACHELDOR, TEACHING ASSISTANT, NEW CANAAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

NOVEMBER 2021 GREENWICH

AWA R D S

A C T I O N

F I R E

I N T O

Barely into grade school, Schlafman’s daughters spearheaded a food drive for School House apartments, a New Canaan retirement community. They gathered the goods in their red wagon and, thus, in 2016, Red Wagon Girls was formed. They went on to orchestrate a flower activity for residents and a trick-or-treating event that was such a sweet hit it became a yearly treat for residents and kids alike. And soon their annual red wagon food drives grew in girls and wagons. In third grade, the entire class participated. “Girls” became “Group,” as boys joined in. The Schlafmans drew the community together during the pandemic to provide necessities and encouraging messages for School House residents. “My dream is to have people who pass the apartments on their walk to town stop by and say hello and know that they were a part of keeping that wonderful group of residents in high spirits,” says Schlafman. After her girls read I Will Always Write Back, Schlafman expanded the family’s altruistic reach. “I wanted to teach them there is more out there in the world than just New Canaan,” explains Schlafman. “My soccer coach from Cornell is from Eritrea, Africa, and hoped to create a nonprofit to bring soccer balls and cleats to Africa. We thought we could help.” Soon, over eighty balls, 130 pairs of cleats, uniforms/jerseys and money raised through the “Schlafman Sweet Stand” were on their way to Africa.

C O U R A G E

L I G H T

“I believe it takes a village to accomplish great things,” says Julie Schlafman, a New Canaan mom of four. “I think what inspires me to give back and do community service is my children. Giving back is a value we hold in our family. Teaching them what it takes to be a part of a community and watching them thrive from volunteering inspires me to do more. By volunteering, you learn very quickly not only how appreciative others are but what a gift it is to give.”

2 0 2 1

I N S P I R A T I O N

GRACE LOCKHART DJURANOVIC Committee Member

O R G A N I Z AT I O N S : G R E E N W I C H U N I T E D WAY • B R U C E M U S E U M • G R E E N W I C H AC A D E M Y • P I TC H YO U R P E E R S

I N S P I R A T I O N “From a young age, I remember my parents and grandparents always setting a wonderful example with their dedication to service,” says Grace Lockhart Djuranovic. “I grew up watching them volunteer, and my parents [Cricket and Jim Lockhart] are still very active in the Greenwich community. This legacy of giving back instilled values that motivate me to give back every day.” Djuranovic also credits Greenwich Academy. “Community service was an integral part of my education,” she says. “Professionally, in my previous job managing sponsorships for an international bank, I worked with nonprofits all over the country. This was not only inspiring, but also educational, as I’m able to bring what I’ve learned to my volunteer work locally,” she says.

C O U R A G E

I N T O

A C T I O N

“Cochairing the Bruce Museum Night at the Museum Family Fundraiser seeded the idea for the Bruce Contemporaries, as we wanted to engage more families with young children and also young professionals,” says Djuranovic. Launched in 2018, Contemporaries now has 100 members and offers special events monthly. Djuranovic recently cochaired the museum’s biggest annual fundraiser, the Bruce Gala, which netted over $500,000. “The Greenwich United Way has also been a special organization to my family, as my mother was a cofounder of Sole Sisters, the GUW women’s initiative with the mission of ‘Women Stepping Up to Help Others Step Forward,’” explains Djuranovic. Djuranovic cochaired that event in 2018 and 2019. As a GUW board member, she has served on the Grants Committee and now is vice chair of Board Affairs and chair of the Nominating Committee. Djuranovic is also a member of Greenwich Academy’s Alumnae Association Board and supports Pitch Your Peers, a local, female-only, grant-funding organization.

H O P E S

Words of Praise

“A truly great nonprofit board member requires a strong character, an unwavering commitment to the cause, the gift of time and a willingness to use personal and professional resources to advance the organization’s mission. Grace leverages all these, and more, for the Greenwich United Way. Grace’s boundless energy and leadership has helped us assist our most vulnerable in myriad ways. From our grants to organizations to our own Direct Impact programs, Grace’s expert input, thoughtfulness and kindness exemplify what a valuable board member she is to us.”

D R E A M S

“I feel very lucky to call Greenwich my hometown, which is why I’ve focused my efforts locally,” says Djuranovic. “My hope is that these organizations keep providing the excellent services and programs that improve the lives of so many on a daily basis. I see the Greenwich United Way continuing to lead the way in addressing local human services needs, especially with essential programs like the Early Childhood Achievement Gap Solutions Program. I hope Bruce Contemporaries continues to grow as the museum grows. The New Bruce will completely transform the museum, and I am looking forward to seeing how it impacts the local art community and the town of Greenwich.”

—DAVID RABIN, PRESIDENT & CEO GREENWICH UNITED WAY

greenwichmag.com

ANDY BERMAN & SHERRY JONAS Impactful Duo

I N T O

buoying participation and sponsorship. In total, PAC has now raised almost $1 million. “We’ve sent almost 300 kids to camp,” says Jonas. “That is a gift to every person who participates or donates money, not to mention the families who get to watch their children blossom and forget about their illness, at least for a moment in time. Hole in the Wall Gang serves more than 20,000 children a year. It’s not just the camp; they also do outreach and take camp activities to hospitals and communities.”

A C T I O N

“Really, all I did was serve as a bridge between my friends who work for the city, the police, friends in the military, other trainers and coaches— and it just grew,” says Berman. It outgrew his gym, then the Levitt Pavilion in Westport, and finally landed at the Staples High School gym. “It’s for all ages and all fitness levels. No one is responsible for a certain amount of push-ups. Kids in remission, former campers, come and speak and do push-ups. That really resonates with the kids—that they can do anything. That message is so incredibly important.” “The only thing bigger than Andy’s biceps is his heart,” comments Jonas. “He does a remarkable job bullying people into participating. He has always had an incredible presence in the community.” Jonas brought her Columbia MBA and business experience to the table as Berman’s “taskmaster,”

H O P E S

D R E A M S

“I hope that more people focus on what they can do in their own community as a team and worry less about negatives,” says Berman. “We’ve proven in Westport that a small town is capable of so much. I hope to start PACs in other towns. The best thing in life is giving back. I wake up every morning looking forward to teaming up with good people to do great things.” Jonas reiterates, “I hope that PAC continues to grow as a community event but also that we roll this model out to communities around the country.” »

NOVEMBER 2020 2021 GREENWICH NOVEMBER GREENWICH

AWA R DS

—JUSTIN FARRANDS, PEER-TO-PEER COORDINATOR, THE HOLE IN THE WALL GANG CAMP

FIRE

C O U R A G E

“It has been my pleasure to work with these dedicated individuals and help them grow this event from an annual twenty– participant/$10,000 fundraiser to nearly 400 participants and $250,000 raised in one year.”

Words of Praise

When Andy Berman opened his gym, Fitness Factory, in Westport in 2009, he wanted to do something for a good cause. “I’m a huge fan of Paul Newman. I learned about Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, and I felt 100 percent that’s what I want to support,” says Berman. “I thought back on my childhood and going to camp and having such a great time, and I got a lump in my throat. For these kids, it’s the one time they can just be kids.” The camp enables seriously ill children to go to camp, with suitable medical support and adapted activities, at no cost. Berman created a pushup-athon, Push Against Cancer, twelve years ago, to support the cause. In 2017, Sherry Jonas, inspired by her fiftieth birthday falling on the same day as the event she always attended, joined his team. Jonas says: “There is a Jewish concept, tikkun olam, which means ‘repairing the world.’ For as long as I can remember I felt that tikkun olam is my spirituality, my religion. I try to give back and make the world a better place one person at a time, one event at a time.”

LIGHT

I N S P I R A T I O N

2021

ORG A N I Z AT I O N: A N DY B E R M A N : P U S H AG A I N ST C A N C E R • C ATC H A L I F T F U N D • M Y T E A M T R I U M P H • N O R M A P H R I E M B R E AST C E N T E R S H E R RY J O N AS : P U S H AG A I N ST C A N C E R • K AT E R E A R D O N M E M O R I A L S C H O L A R S H I P ( FO U N D E R )

BRUNSWICK SCHOOL Community Good Neighbor

O R G A N I Z AT I O N S : G E M S • G R E E N W I C H H O S P I TA L • H O R I ZO N S • G R E E N W I C H P U B L I C S C H O O L S • G R E E N W I C H YO U T H AT H L E T I C P R O G R A M S

Brunswick’s other campus in Western Greenwich is hosting two ambulances, while GEMS builds a facility nearby. “I bet the preschool kids think it’s very exciting,” says Philip. Brunswick also allocates two full buildings and its pool to the Brunswick Horizons enrichment program, which runs through the summer and on six Saturdays during the year. It is free for public school boys in need. “We are in our sixth or seventh year of offering the program,” says Philip. “We are now serving 130 boys. Our Horizons faculty work with public school administrators to identify kids they are concerned about. And it’s not just the kids. The families are involved as well. We weren’t able to run it in 2020 during Covid, but it was back this summer with masks.” Philip adds, “These programs are critical for the community, but they are also really good for us. A bunch of our boys and faculty volunteer. You get as much out of giving as receiving. We have a dynamic community service program, and all students are required to participate. It’s been part of our tradition for as long as we’ve been around.”

H O P E S

D R E A M S

“My hope is that when needs arise, we will be there. We are lucky to be able to help,” emphasizes Philip. “Our current priority is making Brunswick more accessible through scholarships—to first-responder families and hospital workers, for example. We want those people who are working hard for the town to be able to live nearby and send their children to the school they would like. We are very cognizant in admissions of accepting local students. We very much want to be a Greenwich school for Greenwich citizens.”

Words of Praise

“Greenwich Hospital was so fortunate to have such a great partner in Brunswick School for Covid vaccinations. They collaborated with us on every aspect to ensure that our community was able to get in and out of the school safely and quickly without interfering with their day-to-day operations of running a school. The process couldn’t have gone more smoothly. We recognize this was a significant challenge, one they took on for the greater good.”

I N S P I R A T I O N “We benefit so much from what the town of Greenwich provides, how can we not give back?” says Head of Brunswick School Tom Philip. “You can’t be a part of the community unless you are prepared to give back. We wouldn’t be the school we are without Greenwich.”

C O U R A G E

I N T O

A C T I O N

When the pandemic hit, Brunswick School stepped up and offered its parking lot to Greenwich Hospital, in case it was needed for patient overflow. “We also opened up one of our gyms to the hospital to set up a Covid vaccine clinic,” says Philip. “They were incredible and so efficient. They’ve vaccinated 40,000 people since January.” The school also set up a food bank for first responders.

—DIANE KELLY, PRESIDENT, GREENWICH HOSPITAL

greenwichmag.com

MELISSA SHAPIRO

Empathy Advocate

ORG A N I Z AT I O N: P I G L E T I N T E R N AT I O N A L , I N C .

I N S P I R A T I O N

A C T I O N

H O P E S

AWA R D S Words of Praise

“Like Piglet, Dr. Shapiro is one in a million. A compassionate vet, Melissa has chosen to use her work with rescue animals to teach the importance of empathy and overcoming challenges. The Piglet Mindset inspires children to show compassion to each other, but equally important, to show kindness to themselves.”

D R E A M S

“In order to expand and grow my educational program, I hope to build a supportive board of directors, attract corporate sponsors and increase our individual donor base,” says Shapiro. “I plan to add an advisory panel of educators, create more educational materials and reach school systems across the globe. We hope to bring Piglet’s message of positivity, inclusion, empathy and kindness to more people all around the world. When children are kind to animals, they are more likely to be kind to each other.” »

—EILEEN BARTELS, VET CLIENT

NOVEMBER 2021 GREENWICH

F I R E

The pack: Dean, Gina, Zoey, Evie, Piglet and Annie

I N T O

“Once we formally adopted Piglet, I created Piglet’s mission, which included educating about and advocating for rescued animals, particularly those with disabilities,” says Shapiro, who set up a nonprofit, Piglet International, in 2019. Piglet’s story resonated with kids with challenges, too, and Shapiro created the Piglet Mindset program and Piglet’s Inclusion Pack as a teaching model for acceptance, inclusion, empathy and kindness. “I shared Piglet’s story with media companies like The Dodo, which supported our platform by creating and circulating videos and articles. The initial Dodo video was viewed over 13 million times around the world. It was our first genuinely ‘viral’ experience with Piggy.” Shapiro also began selling Piglet merchandise to fundraise for dog rescue groups and partnered with an online T-shirt company when worldwide demand skyrocketed. “To date, we have raised just shy of $100,000 from T-shirt sales alone,” says Shapiro. She collaborated with a third-grade teacher to create lesson plans on PigletMindset.org and Melissa and Piglet make virtual and in-person visits with students and teachers. Piglet’s social media platforms—“Piglet, the deaf blind pink puppy,” on Facebook and @pinkpigletpuppy on Instagram—have over 450,000 followers, and Melissa released the book Piglet: The Unexpected Story of a Deaf, Blind, Pink Puppy and His Family in August. A children’s book is in the pipeline for 2022.

L I G H T

C O U R A G E

2 0 2 1

“As a veterinarian, I’ve been involved in dog rescue for a very long time,” says Westport’s Melissa Shapiro. “Our family has fostered a number of dogs and birds and helped them find their forever homes. So when I learned about a tiny, deaf and blind, one-pound puppy, I figured that fostering would be a helpful, temporary commitment. I was curious about what it would be like to care for and connect with such a profoundly disabled dog.” It wasn’t easy. “The puppy completely turned our house upside-down with his anxious screaming,” explains Shapiro. “We weren’t prepared for the amount of time and energy we had to devote to the little guy; but as we held him, provided him with a routine, and taught him tap signals, he started to settle down.” Two months later, Melissa realized she couldn’t let him go. “To justify adding a seventh dog to our household, I promised myself Piglet would have a productive, meaningful life,” she says.

ALAN MILLER

Community Advocate O R G A N I Z AT I O N : M U S E U M O F DA R I E N

I N S P I R A T I O N “I’ve always liked history,” says Alan Miller. “About three years ago, I became a member of the Museum of Darien and started learning more about the history of Darien and all the fascinating people from here and incredible things that happened here. Soon after, I retired from my job as an engineer and sent my last kid off to college. I realized I had time to do the volunteering I’d put off for many years.” Darien’s bicentennial was approaching in 2020, making it perfect timing for the Sikorsky aircraft engineer to dig deeper into the town’s history and make some history at the same time. Initial meetings led to the creation of the Darien 2020 Bicentennial Committee, and Miller agreed to lead it. “It’s completely different from what I was doing in my career,” says Miller, “and such a treat and educational experience for me.”

C O U R A G E

I N T O

A C T I O N

Miller, who has been chairman of the Museum of Darien’s Board of Directors since its creation in 2019, launched into a multipronged plan for the celebration of the town’s 200th birthday. Soon the Bicentennial Committee grew to more than twenty-five members and volunteers. Little did they know, the pandemic would turn a one-year commitment into three. “In spite of all the challenges, I’m proud that we haven’t scaled back or canceled any events. Some just have been postponed,” explains Miller. In January of 2020, an opening ceremony was held at the Town Hall, with 400 people in attendance and CBS correspondent Scott Pelley hosting. The Weed Beach Festival couldn’t happen until last June, but by then, 400 people were more than ready to enjoy the band Exit Ramp, a whale boat and a catered picnic from Giovanni’s. “A week later, we celebrated Anniversary Day in partnership with Daughters of the Revolution,” says Miller. At press time, the Bicentennial Committee was holding auditions for the reenactments of the Revolutionary War raids on the Middlesex Meeting House and Mather homestead. For a time capsule project, items “have been collected from people in town and from every school. The time capsule will be held for fifty years at Museum of Darien and then revealed,” explains Miller. The Darien Heritage Trail, funded by a $35,000 grant from the Darien Foundation, is also underway and will feature an audio accompaniment. In addition to the grant, Miller and his committee raised $50,000 in donations for their events. “We are also selling Bicentennial merchandise—hats, tees, ornaments,” says Miller.

H O P E S

really close to home. Once you learn about the Revolutionary battles, you realize it was really a civil war here. I hope we continue to have great events informing people about what our forefathers sacrificed so that we could have this great place to live. I hope people volunteer and, with all the chaos in the world, realize how fortunate we are to live in this part of it.” G

Words of Praise

“I doubt that anyone except a designer of helicopters could have managed this multifaceted bicentennial effort as successfully. Luckily Al has the organizational capacity to handle lots of plates in the air at once. He’s done a tremendous job keeping everyone on task and focused.”

D R E A M S

“We tend to emphasize major historical figures and battles when learning about our past,” notes Miller. “Often what is forgotten is what happened

—ROBERT J. PASCAL, PRESIDENT, MUSEUM OF DARIEN BOARD OF DIRECTORS

greenwichmag.com

TUNE IN ON

Thursday, December 2, 5:45 p.m.

Photos by Kyle Norton

Join us as we honor the extraordinary work of our community heroes! The inspiring virtual event will feature a touching awards ceremony hosted by actor James Naughton with speeches from all of our honorees. Visit ilovefc.com/lightafire to register Gold Sponsor

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How do you get a multibillion-dollar industry interested in saving the planet? Save it money. Greenwich native

COURTESY OF QUEEN OF RAW

has got a high-tech plan, and the fashion world is listening

Stephanie Benedetto, CEO and cofounder of Queen of Raw, sitting on luxury leather that would otherwise be burned or buried if not for the company’s marketplace.

Not all wonders of the world are beautiful. Consider, for instance, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a swirling wasteland of plastic flotsam twice the size of Texas. Or the Russian city of Dzerzhinsk, a chemical weapons mecca turned toxic city where life expectancy is forty-seven for women and forty-two for men. Or the textile mountains of Accra, Ghana, composed mainly of clothing that we in the affluent West donate to charity. It is this last “wonder” that we want to focus on for a moment. Ghana is home to perhaps the largest clothing resale hub in the world, the Kantamanto Market in downtown Accra. Every day, huge cargo ships from Europe and America heave into port, unloading bales and bales of castoff garments that the locals call “dead white man’s clothing.” Kantamanto merchants purchase the bales not knowing the clothing’s condition; increasingly, much of it is too damaged to sell and must be discarded. But discarded where? Accra’s official landfills reached capacity years ago (and a major landfill opened to address the problem caught fire in 2019 and is still burning). The result: tons of unsalable garments are swept daily into the city’s gutters and wind up choking creeks, riverbeds and sewers. Or they wash up half-buried on the beach in huge, knotty tangles that are difficult to extract. Or they come to rest in mounds on the banks of the Korle Lagoon, next to the Old

Fadama slum—heaping, filthy mounds atop which children frolic and cattle graze in a scene of nightmarish despoliation. Still, in the very big picture, as the planet warms, as oceans rise, as superstorms rage and wildfires roar, as the fossil fuels that drive it all continue to burn and belch, can we really afford to worry about the castoff clothing problem in Ghana? Let’s put it another way. Ghana is but a tiny snapshot of a global problem—fashion pollution—that is hiding in plain sight. The fashion industry accounts for 10 percent of global emissions annually, more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined, and second only to the oil industry. At the present pace, the industry’s greenhouse gas emissions will rise 50 percent by 2030, making fashion the planet’s single major industry hurtling backward in the fight against climate change. The industry also consumes a staggering 25 percent of the world’s annual chemical output. And it is the second biggest polluter (again, after oil) of the world’s water. Stephanie Joy Benedetto is a Greenwich native and green entrepreneur. We met her recently at a coffee shop in Rye, where she lives with her husband, Joshua Apfelroth, a lawyer, and their young sons Jacob and Jeremy. Benedetto, forty-one, has a long, highcheekboned face not unlike those painted by Modigliani, and a quick, boldly expressive way of talking. “A little coffee and we’re off to the races,” she says with a laugh. And then she launches into the complex problem and her role in solving it. Benedetto begins with a lesson we can all understand: the improbable life cycle of a single T-shirt. “One T-shirt takes 700 gallons of water to produce and another 700 gallons to wash over the course of its life,” she says. Cotton is a notoriously thirsty crop. Worse, it uses more insecticides and pesticides than any other crop, and the poisonous runoff (especially in China and India, the world’s top growers) infiltrates surrounding ecosystems. More chemicals are needed to soften greenwichmag.com

and whiten the fabric, and yet more to color it— some of them toxic. “We are so careful with the food we put in our bodies,” Benedetto observes, “but we forget about the things that are touching our skin 24/7.” (For now, organic cotton represents only 0.4 percent of the market.) Our single T-shirt is astonishingly welltraveled. One possible journey would have the cotton grown in Texas, milled in China, stitched in Bangladesh, sold as a finished product in New York, worn in Greenwich, dropped into a Goodwill bin on Holly Hill Lane, and resold in Ghana. All that global crisscrossing—by ship, by air, by truck—gives the T-shirt a staggering carbon footprint. What about synthetic fabrics? Don’t they cut out the agriculture and much of the hauling to and fro? Well, polyester, nylon, acrylic and Spandex are made from fossil fuels. Further, these fabrics do not decay like natural ones, but rather, with each washing, they shed microplastic fibers that migrate to rivers and seas, into food chains and our bodies. “We’re eating and drinking them right now,” Benedetto informs us. They’re in our bottled water, our sea salt, our fish; they’re in the fishmeal used to feed cattle, pigs and poultry. So far, Benedetto has shown us fashion pollution from two sources: discarded clothing and the process of making clothing. Now she draws our attention to a third source: fabric that has never been used. Several years ago, in her first entrepreneurial venture, she cofounded a small company called Paper No. 9, which made an all-natural leather alternative invented by her business partner, Rebecca Cole Marshall. The business gave Benedetto an inside view of factories, mills and warehouses—and of the unused fabric piled up in them. “I remember seeing all of this fabric in mint condition, millions of yards in each location, still sealed in rolls, collecting dust. And they were going to burn or landfill it,” she says. “I thought, You know, it’s great that we invented this leather alternative and that we’re selling it, but we’re still making something new. The world

COURTESY OF QUEEN OF RAW

NOVEMBER 2021 GREENWICH

COURTESY OF WEWORK CREATOR AWARDS CONTRIBUTED

Benedetto going live at the WeWork Creator Awards at LA’s Microsoft Theater in front of Ashton Kutcher, P. Diddy, Kirsten Green and Gary Vaynerchuck

greenwichmag.com

COURTESY OF QUEEN OF RAW

doesn’t need more new stuff. There’s all this perfectly good stuff out there, ready to go.” Benedetto found it impossible to believe the idle fabric, known as deadstock, wouldn’t have ready purchasers, if only they knew how to buy the stuff. “It’s just a supply and demand mismatch,” she says. “And I wondered, how can I use technology to provide the bridge?” That light bulb moment occurred in 2014; four years later Benedetto launched a textiles marketplace where businesses could unload their deadstock and where brands, designers and even beginning crafters could buy as much or as little as they needed at discounted rates. (If you’re imagining odd fabric that nobody would want, imagine again: Here were gorgeous French silks, Italian linens, Turkish shearlings, cashmere, lace, mohair, a wealth of cottons.) Benedetto called her new company “Queen of Raw”—she being the queen in question, though anyone who knows her would detect the wit in that lofty title. But how big a marketplace could it be? Industry data on deadstock was frustratingly “dark”— unknown—since record-keeping was antiquated and the problem was assumed to be minor. “We polled thousands of factories, mills and brands, and we asked them one question: ‘How much of what you make a year winds up as waste?’ Some were as low as 10 percent and some as high as 40. But the average was 15 percent.” Which meant billions of dollars in waste. The global textile market totaled about $800 billion, of which Benedetto estimated $120 billion was deadstock, taking up valuable warehouse space and destined for the incinerator or the landfill. “Through Covid, that number has only grown,” she says. Now the market is over a $1 trillion and the waste heading toward $150 billion. Meanwhile, there were signs that Benedetto’s timing was auspicious. The fashion resale market was blossoming, led by companies like TheRealReal (which sells used luxury goods), ThredUp (used casual clothing) and StockX (sneakers, streetwear, e-games). That market now totals about $24 billion—huge, but only a fraction of the potential market that Benedetto had identified. Could all that raw fabric be transformed into a market as vital as the

one for finished resale goods? Benedetto believed it could. “Deadstock is not dead,” she says. “It’s very much alive.”

IT’S IN THE GENES Not just anyone can see the value in supposedly worthless things. For Benedetto, that talent runs in the blood. Her great-grandfather, Morris Gross, a native of Austria, landed at Ellis Island as a boy in 1896 and settled on New York’s Lower East Side, home of the original Jewish garment district. “He came over with his

Benedetto creatively illustrating the waste problem

father and nothing,” Benedetto says. “He had to make a living, so he started working in the handkerchief factories. Eventually he wanted to do his own thing. He’d take in old fabric that the immigrants brought over on ships but weren’t using anymore, and he would repurpose it by hand into the most beautiful fashion garments.” Some of those garments—bolero coats and stole jackets with Gross’s label stitched in—were passed down to Benedetto through her grandmother and mother. “The quality just shows—this old-school way of doing things, the handmade, artisanal nature of it.” Gross settled in Greenwich, on the quiet, tree-shaded Brook Drive, near Belle Haven, NOVEMBER 2021 GREENWICH

and lived to the fantastic age of 104—plenty old enough for Stephanie to grow up listening to his tales of the trade. Many years later it dawned on her that her great-grandfather was what we now call a “sustainable” entrepreneur. “I laugh because he didn’t talk about it as sustainability. But at the end of the day, that’s what it was: Find what’s available nearby, make things by hand with minimal waste and minimal toxins, sell to local customers. This is the inspiration for what I’m doing today.” Benedetto’s other great-grandfather, Barney Tunick, was also what we might call a “sustainability maverick.” “He was the first Greenwich junkman, with his horse and wagon and cows and chickens,” Roberta Tunick, Stephanie’s mother, reports. “He’d go around picking up old things and resell them.” One of Barney’s sons went to Harvard Law School and became a judge; another went to Cornell and became a doctor; a third, Stephanie’s grandfather David H. Tunick, did a brisk business in Army surplus goods and built a world-class antique car collection. “The family trait I see in Stephanie is that she’s inspired and driven,” Roberta says. “I always knew she’d be a leader.” Stefani Munsky, Benedetto’s best friend from law school, echoes this view: “She’s one of the smartest people I know, both in an academic and a practical sense,” says Munsky. “She’s also fearless. I thought she was destined to be somewhere she could really shine.” Benedetto’s route to Queen of Raw, however, was decidedly oblique. After graduating from Greenwich Academy in 1998, she went to University of Pennsylvania, where she studied philosophy, political science and economics, and then to Emory University School of Law. She intended her lawyering career to focus on women and minorities—“to empower the unempowered”—but the booming aughts lured her instead into corporate law and Wall Street. “I always did think she’d be a lawyer, but when she told me she was going into corporate law, I was surprised,” her mother says. “She sort of apologized as she said it. Because I thought she’d be a

public defender or an advocate for the downtrodden.” Between the mergers and acquisitions, Benedetto did do not-for-profit work—largely immigration and asylum cases for people who had been persecuted in their own countries. She says, “This was what really spoke to me.” Benedetto looks back appreciatively to Greenwich Academy, where she served as student body president. The esteemed private girls’ school instilled in her not only the desire to achieve, but to do social good in the process. “It taught us to be different, to be independent, to be empowered to go build great things and change the world,” she says. “It taught us that there are issues to be solved, and we could be instrumental in solving them. It’s something I carry with me to this day.” With the Great Recession of 2008, Benedetto looked at the world around her—people losing jobs, companies falling apart, an age of greed and excess brought up short—and saw it as her cue to change course. It was time to fully reclaim her youthful idealism and marry it to her business expertise. “I wanted to build something that was going to make a difference and change the world.

I believed we had to do something about this planet and its people.” After she had her first son, those ambitions crystallized. “It wasn’t just about me anymore,” she says. “It was about my child and, God willing, my children’s children. And I had to do something about it today.” Benedetto teamed with Phil Derasmo, a software developer and all-round tech savant, and Queen of Raw was born. “It was fateful connection in the heart of Manhattan’s Silicon Alley,” Derasmo says. “She was looking for a technology partner, and I was looking for a meaningful project that would help improve the world.”

TURNING THE PROBLEM INTO THE SOLUTION Early on, Queen of Raw faced a lot of rejection. “I can’t tell you how many no’s there were,” Benedetto says. “We’d go to these big brands in the fashion district near where our office is. ‘Oh, that’s so nice, go talk to our sustainability officer,’ they’d say. And, of course, those were newly created positions at the time. They didn’t have a budget, and they weren’t respected. And I’d go, ‘No, no, no, this is so valuable, you’re going to save so much time and money, and your greenwichmag.com

consumers are going to love that you’re doing good.’ But it just wasn’t top of mind.” McKinsey & Co. noted as much in its 2020 “State of Fashion” report: “Despite some modest progress, fashion hasn’t yet taken its environmental responsibilities seriously enough. Next year, fashion players need to swap platitudes and promotional noise for meaningful action …” But Benedetto sensed the wave building. On one hand, millennials and Gen Z’s were questioning the planet-harming practices of big fashion brands and looking to alternatives like recycled apparel and thrifting as a brake on runaway consumption. “They’re amazingly conscious about the environment,” Benedetto says. “They have to be, because of the planet we’re leaving them. They’re demanding to know, ‘What is the story of this T-shirt, who made it, do they stand for what I believe in?’” On the other hand, clothing sales exploded by 60 percent in the present century, driven largely by behemoths like Forever 21, H&M and Zara. These brands’ chic but inexpensive garments ushered in an era of “fast” or “disposable” fashion. By 2018 real clothing prices had dropped by half, and Americans were throwing

COURTESY OF SAP

Benedetto visiting Queen of Raw fabric partners in New York City’s Fashion District

COURTESY OF QUEEN OF RAW ; (CENTER, TOP) COURTESY OF SAP ; (CENTER, BOTTOM) COURTESY OF WEWORK CREATOR AWARDS; COURTESY OF QUEEN OF RAW

Benedetto speaking at an event hosted by Companies for Zero Waste • Queen of Raw CTO and cofounder, Phil Derasmo, with Benedetto in New York City’s Fashion District shooting for a documentary • Benedetto wins the WeWork Creator Awards, after being judged by a panel including Ashton Kutcher and Florida Georgia Line. • Promotion of how textile companies can help solve the world’s water crisis

out twice as many clothes as they did in 2000. “People who think retail is dead, that fashion is dead—it’s booming,” Benedetto says. This despite the death or decline of brick-and-mortar stalwarts such as Lord & Taylor, J. Crew and Brooks Brothers. E-savvy fast-fashion companies like Asos and Shein more than picked up the slack, particularly during the pandemic. In the process, they splintered the traditional four fashion seasons into “microseasons,” offering anyone with a few spare dollars a continuous stream of trends to chase. The demand for ethical change is no match— not yet—for the flood tide of cheap clothing. That flood tide signifies a proportional overflow of deadstock. The reasons for this are various, starting with the fact that forecasting clothing sales is famously difficult, and it’s cheaper to make too much fabric rather than too little. Also, more rapidly than ever, new colors and styles come into vogue as others retreat, creating yet more deadstock. And many designs will simply miss the mark. “Maybe the jeans you thought

were going to sell well didn’t end up selling so well, so you’ve got to cut back,” Benedetto says. “But you’ve already made the fabric.” If textile overproduction is a fact of life—and it is—fast-fashion is the universally cited villain. But Benedetto, never predictable, says the issue can’t be boiled down so crudely. “People said for so long, ‘Fast-fashion brands are the evil, bad actors in the fashion industry.” It’s true, she says, that the big fast-fashion brands sharply accelerated clothing’s “make, take, throw away” cycle, and also true that “if a shirt costs three dollars, someone in the supply chain is getting paid nothing.” She does not diminish these critical issues. But missing from that equation, she says, is ourselves: “These brands wouldn’t be making anything if consumers weren’t buying it.” So, what to do? Here Benedetto’s views are controversial among the hardcore sustainable crowd. While she, too, would like to see the whole fashion industry practice fair trade and pay living wages, and she, too, would like to see toxins vanish, she knows that cheap clothNOVEMBER 2021 GREENWICH

ing is not going away. As fashion writer Cintra Wilson put it, “Zara exists because cost trumps ethics, for most people.” Ever pragmatic, Benedetto chooses to grapple with fast fashion’s unpleasant realities. “If they are such a big part of the problem, it also means they’re a big part of the solution,” she says. “So where some of the sustainability people, my colleagues, refuse to work with fastfashion companies, to me they are the most important people to work with. Because if you could change one percent of the way they do business, imagine what they could do for people and the planet.” The Chinese giant Shein is particularly reviled among sustainable diehards. But here again Benedetto takes an unexpected stance: “They’re fascinating—fascinating.” Shein is faster than fast fashion, she explains; they’re very nearly “real-time” fashion. Why is this important? “By controlling their entire supply chain from start to finish, they can actually make what you want when you want it. The theory is that that will minimize the amount of waste and inefficiency. That theory is now being tested.” (A loose parallel would be on-demand publishing: there’s

no deluge of unsold books to send back to a publisher’s warehouse.) At the far end of this theory, Benedetto adds, real-time fashion will evolve toward local manufacturing using local resources: a revolution back to old ways, though on a grand scale. But we are not there yet.

TECHNOLOGY THAT CAN CHANGE THE WORLD Queen of Raw’s marketplace is, to be sure, a novel idea. But its technology is the potential world-changer. Working with MIT Solve, a philanthropic venture fund, Benedetto and her team built a software engine that enables businesses to instantly map, measure and trace all movement within their complex global supply chains. The software engine, christened MateriaMX and unveiled to customers just this year, makes ingenious use of blockchain, best known as the technology behind bitcoin. In essence, blockchain is a digital record-keeping system of vast capability, offering a clear view into supply chains that might include hundreds of suppliers and factories. This transparency allows one to see concretely the benefits of buying and selling existing material on Queen of Raw—the water, toxins, carbon emissions and waste saved. Benedetto says, “Very large brands that shall remain nameless thought they had X amount of waste, but since working with us, they discovered they have fifteen times X waste.”

The cold, hard numbers left them sobered, Benedetto says. They had no idea of the problem’s scope. “That was the shocking thing—the sheer economic value of the waste. Waste is really bad for people and planet, obviously, but I hope the world wakes up to how bad waste is for our profit and for economics.” Only when businesses saw they could turn pollution into profit, losses into gains, did their behavior change. “We can’t change behavior just for the sake of ‘the good,’ but we can talk to a company about their dollars. So we lead with economics. It has to make economic sense or nothing will happen.” Doing well by doing good: This is how the future will work, Benedetto believes. Queen of Raw, for its part, has already saved well over a billion gallons of water and expects that figure to rise to four billion in the next four years. Its efforts are gaining extravagant notice. In 2019 Queen of Raw won a major global competition, the WeWork Creator Award and its prize of $360,000, presented by the actor and venture capitalist Ashton Kutcher. Queen of Raw meanwhile raised $1.5 million in investments from True Wealth Ventures, which stresses women-led companies with an environmental bent, and MIT Solve, which focuses on socialimpact innovation. And it has begun garnering attention in national news media—the New York Times, NPR, Good Morning America, Forbes, greenwichmag.com

WWD, Elle and Vogue, among others. Not long ago, “sustainability” was more PR strategy than business model. (A few brands, like Patagonia and Eileen Fisher, were exceptions.) This is changing. Even fast-fashion brands now embrace sustainability in some form, such as H&M’s line of organic cotton fashions. “According to the latest McKinsey report, it’s a top-three priority for every C-suite—for every CEO, CFO, CMO,” Benedetto says. “It’s core to their mission, and it’s what consumers are demanding.” Newer brands are leading sustainable innovation, whether by planting trees for every item sold, using nontoxic dyes, adhering to fair labor practices—or making ample use of deadstock. Deadstock is suddenly hip. Noting this, some people ask Benedetto a mischievous question: What happens when there’s no deadstock left to sell? She says, “Well, hopefully, someday we will write ourselves out of the marketplace business, because we’ll have solved the waste problem.” And then? The beauty of Queen of Raw’s technology is that it can apply beyond textiles—“to any raw material category, any unfinished good, across industries and around the world,” because waste is inherent in creating things. A world of green efficiency is waiting to be born. “So, when everybody’s on our software, we’ll solve the world’s water crisis,” she says with a laugh, though she might well be serious. “And then we’ll go on to the next challenge.” G

COURTESY OF STEPHANIE BENEDETTO

Benedetto’s mother, Roberta Tunick, and the Tunick family at her childhood home in Greenwich • Benedetto with her great-grandfather, Morris Gross (“Pappy”)

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RATES RATES

GREENWICH ALL TOWNS NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

DISCOUNTS STAMFORD WESTPORT FAIRFIELD LIVING

IMPORTANT DATES IMPORTANT DATES

2019

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FULL FULL 3,615

GUST 2017

WESTPORT

HALF QUARTER HALF QUARTER 2,635

1,410

2,795 2,115

1,495 1,130

2 titles: 10% 2,320 3,615 3 titles: 15% 3,105 4 titles: 20% 2,115

1,325

3,795 3,105

2,395

111

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1,130

1,540

995

2-titles: 10%; 3-titles: 15%; 4-titles: 20%; 5-titles: 25%

Issue Date Issue Date On Newsstands Top Doctors AdSection Close Commitment Section Material Due On Newsstands TopSection Doctors st January/February 2020 January 1 November 19, 2020 January/February 2022 January 7 November 19, 2021November 26, 2020

PHOTOGRAPHY: EVENT BY KYLE NORTON; CREATE SIGN BY GARVIN BURKE; BUILDING AND EGGPLANT, CONTRIBUTED

top: Outdoor festivities above, left: Whipped eggplant off the excellent menu at The Wheel restaurant above, right: Art installations add to the creativity throughout below: A wide view of the renovated space

greenwichmag.com

creators and connectors

The relentlessly optimistic and well-networked team behind Stamford’s mammoth development, the village, positions it at the center of it all

by chris hodenfield

NOVEMBER 2021 GREENWICH

efore he vowed to turn the city of Stamford into “the next Austin, the next Brooklyn,” Brent Montgomery was a kind of golden boy among TV producers. In a business where the most frequent dream is simply to get out of the next pitch meeting alive, he was the great persuader. With sunny likability and dazzling energy, he created, developed or oversaw over 100 TV series. He created an empire. Now he wants another. Right here. Brent Montgomery is only the latest media heavyweight to land in Stamford. The city is now fairly bursting with digitalstreaming-broadcast-whatever operations. Montgomery, who made his fortune with “unscripted” shows (once referred to as reality television) such as Pawn Stars, Queer Eye and Fixer Upper, took his gains and went not to outer space but to the city neighboring his Greenwich home, Stamford, where you can be sure the city authorities are receiving him with the toothiest of smiles. Why the welcome? Well, Montgomery just has a way of going large. He may already be responsible for at least 600 jobs moving here (jobholders who can afford the new apartments and houses), and he shows no signs of quitting. One partner in his endeavors is Jimmy Kimmel, the late-night comedianturned-investor. But the most important partner is Montgomery’s wife, Courtney, who knows how to take her energetic husband’s ideas and turn them into viable operations. This story is just as much about her rise in the real-estate world. Courtney likes the dynamic she shares with Brent. It was all on display not long ago at the grandest manifestation of their thinking, a beautiful new work/play building named The Village, located alongside the eastern canal in the entertainingly jumbled district of the South End. The former address of this site,

860 Canal Street, was changed to 4 Star Point. But stars aren’t the only point. A good crowd has assembled in the parking lot for the unveiling of a children’s mural about fifty feet high, and among the milling well-wishers were family and business partners and…kids? Yes, kids, because among the partnerships is a school. While Brent rushed around saying hello to family, Courtney watched on with fondness in her eye. Synergies run hot around these people. They never actually use the word, but it comes to mind as you contemplate their myriad ventures. As the curtain fell from the mural, Courtney, a Trumbull native, stood to the side. She met Brent in his early scuffling days when he was assisting production on MTV. “We worked on High School Stories, a prankreenactment show. Brent was on the creative side; I was on the operational side, dealing with logistics. We came together talking about The Bachelor, which at the time I was obsessed with. I was pumping him for information on the coming season.” A calm woman with an easy smile and blonde hair tumbling over her shoulders, she laughs at the thought.

Reinventing The Wheel

This meeting would lead to marriage and their grandest productions: three children, now between the ages of eight and three. Those kids led the family, as it has so many Fairfield County newcomers, out of the city and into the greenswards of Greenwich in 2014. “I decided to take a break from production and start investing in properties here and in L.A., places where my husband had TV shows,” says Courtney. “It was a natural transition to buy up all these properties in spots I knew and renovate them and resell them. I loved it. It was similar to what I was doing in television in the sense I was managing crews of people, schedules, budgets, and really needing to think quickly on my feet.”

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In the buying and building of area properties, she partnered up with contractor Gary Zarra, who is now her partner in Wheelhouse Properties. The name is apt, as we’ll see, given the Montgomerys’ instinct for alliances, all spinning off like spokes of a wheel. Her company developed the five-story building with the intriguing wedge-shaped entryway. The design was by CPG Architects of Stamford. “Brent had the idea for this building, The Village. This is how we’ve always worked. He has a lot of ideas and is always kicking up something,” she says. “He had this idea and I stepped in—as I did in TV—as the executional arm.” Their first base of operation was a converted piano factory on the corner of Pacific and Dock. “If it’s left to my husband, he sees a much larger vision of Connecticut. For me, I just love having a place for our kids to see what we’ve created, and for others in the community.” The others in this particular community— the current spokes of the wheel—all come with a particular set of “But wait, there’s more!” provisos. The Village is host to a Cisco Brewers, the first Connecticut outpost for the famed Nantucket brewery. Then on the ground level, overlooking the water, is the signature restaurant, The Wheel, developed by APICII, the group that did Casa Apicii in New York and the Hotel Figueroa in Los Angeles. The premier chefs are one thing, but, wait, a lot of the actual vittles are secured by The Village’s Chief Food Curator Mike Geller, head of Mike’s Organic, a local outfit that scours the local farms for the best meats and veggies and won’t stop at reaching out to the S’unaq tribe in Alaska for the best salmon. Geller is currently also at work on a new flagship store for Mike’s Organic in Greenwich at 600 E. Putnam Avenue. As the Montgomerys fit into the new local media ecosystem, so does Geller have a place in his food community. “It’s really about this ecosystem, this collection of small local

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KYLE NORTON

right: Brent and Courtney Montgomery— partners on the new work/play building, The Village, in the South End of Stamford

NOVEMBER 2021 GREENWICH

top: Mike Geller, chief food curator for The Village, and head of Mike's Organic below: The Waterside School mural by artist Patrick Ganino bottom: Plenty of outdoor event space

FOOD, PARTY AND MIKE BY KYLE NORTON MURAL PHOTO BY GARVIN BURKE: BUILDING, CONTRIBUTED

top: Mike Geller shows the garden to Waterside students above: White bean spread from The Wheel, the restaurant on the campus of The Village below: Long view of the multiuse building on the water

greenwichmag.com

farmers and vendors,” he beams, pausing in the unveiling ceremony. Geller maintains beds of herbs on the roof of the building, where he also hosts “outdoor classroom” sessions for kids at the Stamford-based Waterside School to teach them about the food system and sustainability.

Go With The Flow

The Waterside School is an interesting venture only a few blocks from The Village. Built on land donated by Building and Land Technology (BLT), it was opened on September 11, 2001. (“So, talk about overcoming your adversity,” Brent says.) The operating principle was to provide quality education for disadvantaged children ranging from pre-K to fifth grade. In the twenty years since, it has witnessed some brilliant successes. It became connected to the “big wheel” two years ago when Brent, a child of educators, and Courtney walked into the school and asked what they could do. The busy day of the mural unveiling was also a day for the valedictory speech of Duncan Edwards, Waterside’s retiring executive director. Raised in the posh surrounds of the Brunswick School, his life mission became providing a Brunswick-like environment for Stamford kids more accustomed to flintier classes. With Brent and Courtney looking on and beaming, Edwards said a fond goodbye to the kids who came to cheer. Get the kids at their earliest, he likes to say. Later, in a reflective state, he recalled a second grader he met early on. “Bright, and just the right amount of devil,” he said. The parents were supportive and only wanted the best. “Completely different to Brunswick families, but also absolutely identical.” Edwards watched as the kid graduated, went on to get into other private schools, then Columbia. Now he is in his fourth year at Google and starting up an alumnae support fund so that other families can enjoy this opportunity.

“Everything at Waterside is impossible,” he smiles, “and then you run into people who think it’s doable.” Calling Brent “a generous thinker,” he says The Village is helping create a new reality for the neighborhood. “It used to be the wrong side of town. Soon it will be the right end of town.” To help with just that, Edwards has just taken a role with The Village as head of social impact to help deepen The Village’s roots in the community and give back and forge meaningful collaborations with education at the forefront, similar to that of the Waterside initiative. When Brent paused in the swirl of the day, he was asked what inspired him on his mission. He instantly nodded his head across the parking lot to a happy bunch and said, “Two women right over there. My mom, my sister. Along with my aunt and uncle, all educators.” His brother Tanner walked over and socked him on the arm. Brent grinned and jostled with him. “We were military brats, so that was probably a big part of it. Any place we went, we had to adapt.” The phrase used here often is “creative hub.” Notions of this amiable concentricity keep circling around in every conversation. “We want to have all the TV producers here and work with kids, teach them how to make television, how to make podcasts.” He put on the raffish sunbeams and said, “If any of them are crazy enough to want to learn how to do private equity at eight or nine years old, we got that covered. The whole idea of this building is to dream big, and why not do it with someone who’s young enough not to have the trappings of life.”

Location, Location, Location

In the early 1900s, the building housed a wire and cable company. This rejuvenation is just one more act in a long-running play about the changes of South End, which was once called Rippowam by the Siwanoy tribe, who, around 1650 saw visiting Englishmen

NOVEMBER 2021 GREENWICH

come by and sample their shellfish and then settle. In the 1870s it was called Hoytville. After Yale & Towne created a big factory, the neighborhood was referred to as Lock City. Office-equipment giant Pitney Bowes would enter the picture in 1917. By the 1980s, many of the abandoned factories had become lofts for artists, including the later recording star Moby. The location, still alternately funky and gleaming, was just too good to abandon. Thanks to massive building projects by BLT, it is now a thriving residential area and just ripe for the likes of the Montgomery team. It may not be Rockefeller Center, but it does have access to a picturesque marina out back. Most important, the South End provides plenty of great raw material for a selfwinding, grand-designing media magnate like Montgomery. Where does his kind come from, anyway? It was more than just San Antonio, Texas. Brent’s entrepreneurial drive was kick-started early by a helpful father, a military man who took his family around the country and was always there to assist in his sons’ enterprises. Mowing lawns? A baseball-card business? We can do that! “My father always wanted to do things beyond the military,” Brent says. “He was always inspiring me to take risks.” In Brent’s early scuffling days in Brooklyn, trying to get something going in TV, he became enamored of the man Walt Disney, who started as a humble animator and finished as a giant of American culture. “The great thing about Disney, as a business and an organization, is that it has a physical place for you to have an experience. Everybody talks now about being ‘experiential,’ but Walt Disney did that in the 1950s. And we joke that The Village is our version of Disneyland. You’ll meet all the Wheelhouse characters; you’ll meet the ITV characters. And for us, that’s where things really happen: in person, around the tables, around good food, around the drinks and conversation.” Before Wheelhouse, there were the years of conceiving and then selling the quirkiest of TV entertainments. Who knew that something like Pawn Stars, a reality show

Federation, CBS Interactive, Jerry Springer and the other media hothouses here, not to mention all the films in production. “I was giving a tour to a guy I really respect,” says Brent, “and he said, ‘You gotta think bigger with this place. You gotta think about Silicon Valley.’ And I started thinking. Why can’t Stamford be the Silicon Valley to Greenwich just like Silicon Valley is to San Francisco? And all of a sudden I started working with the governor and his team and the mayor and his team, just to woo and bring in some of the bigger businesses that were ready to move into the state in the last six months. I mean, the state has done an incredible job with Covid.” Stamford as Silicon Valley? Some might find that faintly amusing, but that’s the sort of energy that produces zeitgeist-altering, pop-culture hits.

“I think Stamford has the potential to be the next Nashville, Austin or Brooklyn,” he opines in the parking lot, a bouncing maelstrom of contagious energy. “And I think that’s only going to happen if a bunch of people come together with the right purpose. We’ve tried to partner with all the great local entrepreneurs who want a place that feels like it wants to reach national, global heights.” He offers a happy interrogation, as if to say: You get this? You coming along? I’ve only just met the guy and already he seems like an old pal. “I’ve met some really great people,” Brent adds, “and they’ve all said, ‘We just needed a place to go.’” Then someone in the celebrating crowd grabs him and pulls him off to other whirling conversations. He and Courtney have places to go.

ROOF GARDEN BY KYLE NORTON; BUILDING, CONTRIBUTED; THE KITCHEN BY NEIL LANDINO; GUITAR WALL BY GARVIN BURKE

about a twenty-four-hour pawn shop in Las Vegas, would be such a hit nineteen seasons later? As his company, Leftfield Pictures, racked up success after success, so would his company accumulate other production companies until it was the largest independent unscripted group in the United States at the time. In 2014, 80 percent of Leftfield was sold to ITV America for $360 million. Brent would run that operation for two years before launching Wheelhouse. ITV America would go on to snap up other production entities and become quite large. It now takes up the fourth floor of The Village. These simple statements do not reveal the sheer amount of talent now breathing in the Stamford air above that canal. Presumably, if they’re not dining in the Wheelhouse, they’ll be competing for table reservations with players from NBC Sports, World Wrestling

above: A view of Stamford from the rooftop garden below: Weather permitting, The Village is a great space for outdoor events right, top: The Chef's Kitchen on the fifth floor right, bottom: Guitar collection in the lounge on the fifth floor

greenwichmag.com stamfordmag.com

BAR BY GARVIN BURKE: OTHERS BY NEIL LANDINO

top, left: The indoor bar on the fifth floor—one of multiple bars on-site top, right: Spaces can be outfitted for formal occasions below: The Village hosts live music performances—here, a lounge on the fifth floor

NOVEMBER 2021 GREENWICH

GreenwichReindeerFestival.com NOVEMBER 26–DECEMBER 24

Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North Street, Greenwich, Mon–Sat 8:30am–6pm PHOTOS WITH SANTA (Families & Pets)

WE’RE BACK! November 26, 12pm–6pm

Monday–Friday, 12pm–6pm, Saturday, 9am–6pm Christmas Eve, 9am–3pm Closed Sundays

SANTA AND HIS REINDEER ARRIVE Photos with Santa begin! Visit GreenwichReindeerFestival.com for more details

Reindeer Festival Hosted By

Presenting Sponsor

Santa’s Workshop Sponsor

Santa’s Raffle Sponsor

Reindeer Sponsors

To Benefit

Premier Media Sponsors

NURSERY & GREENHOUSES, LLC EST. 1930

Greenwich Pediatric Dental Group

Media Sponsors

Community Partner

WestchesterParent NYMetroParents.com

Created & Produced By

calendar NOVEMBER 2021

CAVALIER GALLERIES, 405 Greenwich Ave., 869-3664. cavaliergalleries .com CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY PRINTMAKING, 299 West Ave., Norwalk, 899-7999. contemprints.org 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

Color Construct #2 From Whitewashed Series by Andrew Sovjani, 20 x 20 inches, 2021

Flinn Gallery Not By The Book is certainly an unexpected title for an art show housed in a library’s gallery. This unusual exhibit at the Flinn Gallery at Greenwich Library features the works of four artists: Shiela Hale, Andrew Sovjani, Erin Walrath and Chris Perry. All rely on different aspects of the physical structure of books as the basis of their artistic endeavors. Cocurated by Leslee Asch and Kira Albinsky, the exhibit will be on view through Thursday, December 8. A discussion with artists Shiela Hale and Chris Perry will be held on Sunday, November 14 at 2 p.m. Greenwich Library, 101 West Putnam Avenue, second floor, flinngallery.com

ART & ANTIQUES ALDRICH MUSEUM, 258 Main St., Ridgefield, 438-0198. Tues.-Sun. aldrichart.org

BRUCE MUSEUM, 1 Museum Dr., 869-0376. brucemuseum.org

AMY SIMON FINE ART, 1869 Post Rd. East, Westport, 259-1500. amysimonfineart.com

CANFIN GALLERY, 39 Main St., Tarrytown, NY, 914-332-4554. canfingallery.com

( for more events visit greenwichmag.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

NOVEMBER 2021 GREENWICH

GERTRUDE G. WHITE GALLERY, YWCA, 259 E. Putnam Ave., 8696501. ywcagreenwich.org GREENWICH ARTS COUNCIL, 299 Greenwich Ave., 862-6750. greenwich artscouncil.org GREENWICH ART SOCIETY, 299 Greenwich Ave. 2nd fl, 629-1533. A studio school that 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. lockwoodmathewsmansion .com LOFT ARTISTS ASSOCIATION, 575 Pacific St., Stamford, 203-247-2027. loftartists.org MARITIME AQUARIUM, 10 N. Water St., S. Norwalk, 852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org NEUBERGER MUSEUM OF ART, Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase, NY, 914-2516100. neuberger.org PELHAM ART CENTER, 155 Fifth Ave., Pelham, NY, 914-738-2525 ext. 113. pelhamartcenter.org » ROWAYTON ARTS CENTER, 145 Rowayton Ave., Rowayton, 866-2744. rowaytonarts.org SAMUEL OWEN GALLERY, 382 Greenwich Ave., 325-1924. samuelowen.org SILVERMINE GUILD ARTS CENTER, 1037 Silvermine Rd., New Canaan, 203-966-9700. silvermineart.org SANDRA MORGAN INTERIORS & ART PRIVÉ, 135 East Putnam Ave., 2nd flr., Greenwich, 629-8121. sandramorganinteriors.com STAMFORD ART ASSOCIATION, 39 Franklin St., Stamford, 203-325-1139. stamfordartassociation.org STAMFORD MUSEUM & NATURE CENTER, 39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford, 977-6521. stamfordmuseum.org

calendar UCONN STAMFORD ART GALLERY, One University Pl., Stamford, 251-8400. artgallery. stamford.uconn.edu WESTPORT ARTS CENTER, 51 Riverside Ave., Westport, 226-7070. westportartscenter.org YALE CENTER FOR BRITISH ART, 1080 Chapel St., New Haven, 432-2800. britishart.yale.edu YALE UNIVERSITY ART GALLERY, 1111 Chapel St.,

New Haven, 432-0611. artgallery.yale.edu

Stamford, 661-0321. avontheatre.org

CONCERTS, FILM & THEATER

CURTAIN CALL, The Sterling Farms Theatre Complex, 1349 Newfield Ave., Stamford, 329-8207. curtaincallinc.com

ARENA AT HARBOR YARD, 600 Main St., Bridgeport, 345-2300. websterbankarena.com AVON THEATRE FILM CENTER, 272 Bedford St.,

DOWNTOWN CABARET THEATRE, 263 Golden Hill St., Bridgeport, 576-1636. dtcab.com 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

BRUCE MUSEUM, 1 Museum Dr., 869-0376. brucemuseum.org

GREENWICH LIBRARY, 101 W. Putnam Ave., 622-7900. greenwichlibrary.org

CLAY ART CENTER, 40 Beech St., Port Chester, NY, 914-937-2047. clayartcenter.org

JACOB BURNS FILM CENTER, 364 Manville Rd., Pleasantville, NY, 914-773-7663. burnsfilmcenter.org LONG WHARF THEATRE, 222 Sargent Dr., New Haven, 787-4282. longwharf.com RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, 4389269. 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 WESTPORT COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE, 25 Powers Ct., Westport, 227-4177. westportplayhouse.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 GARDEN EDUCATION CENTER, 130 Bible St., 869-9242. gecgreenwich.org GREENWICH LIBRARY, 101 W. Putnam Ave., 622-7900. greenwichlibrary.org KATONAH MUSEUM OF ART, 26 Bedford Rd., Chappaqua, NY, 914-232-9555. katonahmuseum.org STAMFORD MUSEUM & NATURE CENTER, 39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford, 977-6521. stamfordmuseum.org

LECTURES, TOURS & WORKSHOPS

Greenwich Historical Society An elegant benefit will take place at Old Mill Farm, the former back-country Greenwich estate of Mel Gibson and home of Foundation House, a learning center focused on health and wellness. On Thursday, November 4, the event will kick off GHS’s holiday celebrations. Presented by Oscar de la Renta and sponsored by Betteridge, the Fall Fěte reception will benefit the Historical Society’s programs in education, historic preservation and the arts. The grand Elizabethan-style estate located on the site of the circa 1796 Sylvans Selleck Gristmill, now on the National Register of Historic Places, is perfectly suited to the Historical Society’s commitment to preserving Greenwich’s architectural heritage. For more information and tickets visit greenwichhistory.org/fall-fete.

( for more events visit greenwichmag.com )

NOVEMBER 2021 GREENWICH

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

Spotted at Tod’s Point

calendar

On Saturday, November 20 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 26 at 3 p.m., Greenwich Symphony Orchestra will perform its second concert of the season with Conductor Martin Majkut on the podium. The concert will take place at the Performing Arts Center at Greenwich High School. Adult tickets are $40, students $10. Call 869-2664 or visit greenwichsymphony.org for more information. »

Conductor Martin Majkut

Photo Credit Christopher Briscoe

Greenwich Symphony Orchestra

Ownership Statement Greenwich Magazine Magazine U.S. U.S. Postal Postal Service. Service. Statement of Ownership, Ownership, Ownership Management, and 3685)1. Publication Title: Greenwich. Management, and Circulation. Circulation.(Required (Requiredbyby3939U.S.C. U.S.C. 3685)1. Publication Title: Greenwich. 2. Publication No.: 961-500. FilingOctober Date: October Issue Frequency: 2. Publication No.: 961-500. 3. Filing3.Date: 1, 2020.1,4.2021. Issue 4. Frequency: 11 times.10 5. times. 5. of Number of Issues Published 10.Subscription 6. Annual Subscription Price: $29.00. Number Issues Published Annually: Annually: 11. 6. Annual Price: $29.00. 7. Complete 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office 205 of Publication: Main CT Street, Westport, Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: Main Street, 205 Westport, 06880. 9. Full CT 06880. 9. Full Names andAddresses CompleteofMailing Addresses ManNames and Complete Mailing Publisher, Editor, of andPublisher, ManagingEditor, Editor:and Jonathan aging Jonathan Moffly, Publisher, Street, Westport, CTEditor, 06880.205 Cristin Moffly,Editor: Publisher, 205 Main Street, Westport,205 CTMain 06880. Cristin Marandino, Main Marandino, Editor, Main Street, Westport, CT 06880. Cristin Marandino, ManagStreet, Westport, CT 205 06880. Cristin Marandino, Managing Editor, 205 Main Street, Westport, ing Main Street, 06880. 10. Owner:Mortgages, Moffly Publications, Inc. 11. CT Editor, 06880.205 10. Owner: MofflyWestport, Media. 11.CT Known Bondholders, and Other Security Known Mortgages, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent Holders Bondholders, Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None. 12. For CompleOther Securities: None. 12. For Completion by Nonprofit Organizations Authorized to Mail tion by Nonprofit Organizations Authorized to Mail at Special Rates: Not applicable to at Special Rates: Not applicable to Greenwich Magazine. 13. Publication Title: Greenwich. 14. Greenwich Magazine. 13. Publication Title: Greenwich. 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: October 2020. 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: a. Below: October 2021. 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: a. Total Number of Copies Totalpress Number of*9,773 Copies **11,380; (net press b(1). run): Paid/Requested *10,125 **10,032;b(1). Paid/Requested Outside-County (net run): Outside-County Mail Subscription Mail Subscription Stated on **647; Form 3541: b(2). Paid In-County*2,591 Subscriptions: Stated on Form 3541: *787 b(2).*991 Paid**946; In-County Subscriptions: **2,128;*3,263 b(3). **3,116;Through b(3). Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales,Non-USPS and Other Sales Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Non-USPS Paid Distribution: Other Classes Mailedthe Through USPS: *0 Paid Distribution: *501 **430;*686 b(4).**430; Otherb(4). Classes Mailed Through USPS: the *0 **0; c. To**0;Paid c. Total PaidRequested and/or Requested Circulation (Sum (4): *4,940 **4,492; d. tal and/or Circulation (Sum of 15b of (1),15b (2),(1), (3),(2), (4):(3), *3,904 **3,305; d. Free Free Distribution by Mail (Samples, Complimentary, and and Other as Distribution by Mail (Samples, Complimentary, OtherFree): Free):d(1). d(1).Outside-County Outside-County Stated on Form 3541:3541: *0 **0;*0d(2). as Stated Formon 3541: *2,718 **2,920; d(3). Other as Stated on Form **0;In-County d(2). In-County as on Stated Form 3541: *3,436 **5,320; Classes Mailed Through the Through USPS *0 the **0; USPS d(4). Free Distribution the Mail (Carriers d(3). Other Classes Mailed *0 **0; d(4). FreeOutside Distribution Outside the or Other Means): Total Free or Nominal 15d (1), Mail (Carriers or *1,484 Other **1,300; Means):e. *1,324 **1,785; e. TotalRate FreeDistribution or Nominal(Sum Rate of Distribution (Sum of*4,202 15d (1), (2), (3),f. (4): **7,105;(Sum f. Total Distribution (Sum**8,712; of 15c and 15e): (2), (3), (4): **4,220; Total*4,760 Distribution of 15c and 15e): *9,142 g. Copies *8,664 **10,410; g. Copies Noth.Distributed: *1,109 **970; h. Total (Sum i.ofPercent 15f, 15g): *9,773 Not Distributed: *983 **1,320; Total (Sum of 15f, 15g): *10,125 **10,032; Paid and/ **11,380; i. Percent Paid and/or Requested divided by**51.6 15f. times 100): or Requested Circulation (15c divided by 15f.Circulation times 100):(15c *54.0 percent percent. 17.*45.1 This percent **31.7 percent. 17. This Statement of Ownership will be printed in the November Statement of Ownership will be printed in the November 2020 issue of this Publication. 18. 2021 issue of all this Publication. 18. I certify that all isinformation furnished on this form is I certify that information furnished on this form true and complete. I understand that true andwho complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes misleading anyone furnishes false or misleading information on thisfalse formoror who omitsinformation material or on this formrequested or who omits material information this form(including may be subject to information on this form or may be subject requested to criminalonsanctions multiple criminal sanctions (includingElena multiple damages and civil penalties). ElenaOctober V. Moffly, Busidamages and civil penalties). V. Moffly, Business Manager/Treasurer, 1, 2020. ness Manager/Treasurer, 1, 2021. *Average12 No. Copies**Actual Each Issue *Average No. Copies EachOctober Issue During Proceeding Months. No.During Copies Proceedof Single ing 12 Months. **Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date. Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date.

SEE YOUR WEDDING Featured in

Download a wedding submission form at greenwichmag.com or email our weddings editor Ali Gray at Ali.Gray@moffly.com

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10/14/20 1:54 PM

203.254.4010

John Pizzarelli Big Band

QuickCenter.com

SUNday, JAN. 30, 2022 | 3 p.m.

World-renowned guitarist and singer, John Pizzarelli,

live events return 2022

has established himself as a prime contemporary interpreter of the Great American Songbook and beyond. He’s joined by his big band to fill the Quick with songs that will have your toes tapping and your heart feeling full.

The best is yet to come!

Cameron Carpenter

The Quick is excited to announce that we are back and in-person in January 2022. Tickets go on sale to Quick Members Monday, November 29. General Public

The best is yet to come!

FRIday, MAR. 11, 2022 | 7 p.m.

Sales start December 13. Acclaimed speakers, dance, music, theatre, circus, The Met: Live in HD, and more are

Cameron Carpenter is the

just around the corner. Learn more at

world’s most visible organist,

Quickcenter.com.

DIVA POWER

the first ever to be nominated for a GRAMMY Award for a solo album. In this unique and intimate concert experience, Cameron will perform on the Saugatuck Congregational Church organ – and will once again prove why he’s described as “The Maverick Organist” by The New York Times.

radnelac

KIDS’ STUFF NOVEMBER 2021 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 Lane, 869-3224. bgcg.org

Reindeer Festival The man, the myth, the legend is coming back to town (along with his reindeer). Join them for the thirteenth annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop, presented by Jenny Allen/Compass on Friday, November 26 through, Friday, December 24 at Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North Street. greenwichreindeerfestival.com greenwichmag.com

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GREENWICH LIBRARY, 101 W. Putnam Ave., 622-7900. greenwichlibrary.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, Ridgefield, 4385795. ridgefieldplayhouse.org

BRUCE MUSEUM, 1 Museum Dr., 869-0376. brucemuseum.org

STAMFORD CENTER FOR THE ARTS, Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford, 325-4466. palacestamford.org

DISCOVERY MUSEUM AND PLANETARIUM, 4450 Park Ave., Bridgeport, 372-3521. discoverymuseum.org

STAMFORD MUSEUM & NATURE CENTER, 39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford, 977-6521. stamfordmuseum.org

DOWNTOWN CABARET THEATRE, 263 Golden Hill St., Bridgeport, 576-1636. dtcab.com

STEPPING STONES MUSEUM FOR CHILDREN, 303 West Ave., Mathews Park, Norwalk, 899-0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org

EARTHPLACE, 10 Woodside Lane, Westport, 227-7253. earthplace.org

WESTPORT ARTS CENTER, 51 Riverside Ave., Westport, 222-7070. westportartscenter.org

GREENWICH HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 39 Strickland St., 869-6899. hstg.org

WESTPORT COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE, 25 Powers Ct., Westport, 227-4177. westportplayhouse.org G

G reenw ich Histo rica l So ciety Presents

WINTER MARKET & HOLIDAY FESTIVAL er b m

4 & 2, 3 0 2 1 2

ce e D

WINTER MARKET CHRIST CHURCH, 254 E. PUTNAM AVE, GREENWICH Find something for everyone on your list at our thoughtfully curated holiday market with 35 vendors offering the finest in Holiday Gifts, Jewelry, Clothing, Specialty Foods, Flowers and items made to be enjoyed with family & friends. A portion of all proceeds to support the Historical Society’s programs in education, the arts and historic preservation. Thursday December 2 5:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Opening Night Cocktail Reception

Friday, December 3 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Jewelry Appraisals by Doyle

Saturday, December 4 9:30-a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

FESTIVAL OF TREES GREENWICH HISTORICAL SOCIETY December 2, 3, 4 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Our third annual Festival of Tabletop Trees celebrates the talents of local retailers, organizations, and designers who help us make our homes festive sanctuaries during the holiday season. View, purchase or bid on a tree via on-site silent auction.

HOLIDAY FESTIVAL GREENWICH HISTORICAL SOCIETY December 3, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. On Friday evening, the Greenwich Historical Society’s Cos Cob campus will come alive for the holidays, with activities for all ages. Enjoy holiday crafts and gingerbread decorating, a special visit from Santa, and Master Storyteller Jonathan Kruk as he brings Charles Dickens’ immortal tale to life using a treasure trove of characters in an intimate, imaginative and inspire blend of theater and storytelling. The historic Bush Holley House, decorated in grand holiday style, will be open for our annual candlelight tours. Sweet treats, refreshments and holiday cheer on tap! Family and individual tickets available at greenwichhistory.org.

greenwichhistory.org

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: BOB CAPAZZO, KRISTIN HYNES, MELANI LUST & MARSIN MOGIELSKI

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.

LEARN MORE! CONTACT KATHLEEN GODBOLD AT KATHLEEN.GODBOLD@MOFFLY.COM OR 203.571.1654

advertisers index ART & ANTIQUES

Nichols MD of Greenwich.................................... 24

Bob Capazzo Photography..................................49

Restorative Pain Solutions..................................49

Drew Klotz Kinetic Sculpture.............................. 18

Rye Vein Laser Center.........................................50

Heather Gaudio Fine Art.......................................41

The 13th Child Autism

THE RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE

Non-profit 501 (C) (3)

& Behavioral Coaching...................................49 BUILDING & HOME IMPROVEMENT California Closets................................................ 13

Ziering Hair..........................................................55

Charles Hilton Architects....................................23

DECORATING & HOME FURNISHINGS

Douglas VanderHorn Architects..........................17

Amy Aidinis Hirsch...............................................31

FREE WINE TASTING & ART EXHIBIT BEFORE EACH SHOW!

11/9

Gault Family Company........................................ 10 JEWELRY BUSINESS & FINANCE

Betteridge Jewelers.............................. 21, Cover 4

First Republic Bank.............................................45

Manfredi Jewels.................................................... 3

Private Staff Group............................................. 12

EDUCATION

LANDSCAPING, NURSERY & FLORISTS Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses..................55

Brunswick School.............................................7, 37

1/30

LEGAL ENTERTAINMENT

Cummings & Lockwood LLC................................ 12

Ridgefield Playhouse......................................... 103 Fairfield University/Quick Center.......................99

REAL ESTATE Compass, Inc..................................................... 8, 9

EVENTS

Douglas Elliman Real Estate................................35

A-List Awards......................................................43

Houlihan Lawrence-Corp.....................................14

Greenwich Historical Society

Sotheby's International

Winter Market...............................................101 Junior League of Greenwich

3/10

Realty.............................................Cover 2, 1, 25 William Raveis-Shelton HQ........................... 4, 5, 11

The Enchanted Forest.....................................96 Light a Fire Celebration of Giving........................ 75

SPORTS & FITNESS

Greenwich Reindeer Festival...............................94

Hickory & Tweed..................................................39

FOOD & LODGING

NON-PROFIT

Marcia Selden Catering....................................... 15

Breast Cancer Alliance........................................50

Winvian................................................................26

Salvation Army....................................................50

HEALTH & BEAUTY

MISCELLANEOUS

Epoch Senior Living.....................................Cover 3

Big Picture......................................................... 102

Hospital for Special Surgery............................... 19

Flowcode.............................................................59

Montefiore...........................................................29

Westy Self Storage..............................................55

4/24

203.438.5795 • RIDGEFIELDPLAYHOUSE.ORG

NOVEMBER 2021 GREENWICH

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postscript phot o gr aph by alison nichols gr ay

COLORFUL GLORY A s we celebrate the season of giving and gratitude, we thought we’d leave you with this spectacular winter sunset our social editor, Ali Gray, captured at Indian Harbor. We couldn’t be more grateful to live in this gorgeous corner of the world—especially when Mother Nature puts on a show like this one. 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. greenwichmag.com

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