Greenwich - December 2023 by Moffly Media

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GREENWICH

contents

DEC 2023

vol. 76 | issue 10

features

departments

14 EDITOR’S LETTER 16 FOUNDER’S LETTER

It’s time to deck those halls and let your seasonal spirit shine. We’ve got plenty of inspiration for you— from festive sweet treats, unique hostess gifts (that will for sure get you invited back), stocking stuffers and bigger ticket items, to décor touches and ideas for hosting holidays with heart.

by ei leen ba rtel s

Of Magical Memories

19 STATUS REPORT BUZZ Kelly Killoren Bensimon is making

Greenwich a lot cozier this winter with her new line of uber-chic outerwear and fluffy home décor accents. DO Let your artistic side shine and get crafty at the Make Modern studio. GO Have a hard-toshop-for jetsetter in your life? We’ve got you covered. HOME Décor finds that will add interest to your interiors—sumptuous chocolate-brown fabrics, accent pieces with playful lines and burl wood furnishings. EAT Culinary pro Chef Barry Tonkinson gives us his tips for fab holiday entertaining; Warm up with Grace Farms’ coffee and tea experience.

42 G-MOM Even the smallest gift can make a big impression with these wrapping resources; To enjoy the charm of our neighborhoods, check out three fun family itineraries.

47 PEOPLE & PLACES Breast Cancer Alliance; Greenwich International Film Festival; Heather Gaudio Fine Art; Walker & Wade and FEED

57 VOWS Southwick–Decker; McCormick–Bradley

BUILDING A HOME

79 CALENDAR

It’s the season of giving in more ways than one. Here we celebrate Jewish Family Services of Greenwich and all that the organization is doing to help refugees in search of safety, security and prosperity find their place in our community.

87 INDEX OF ADVERTISERS 88 POSTSCRIPT Greenwich all aglow

PORTRAIT AND TEA BY VENERA ALEXANDROVA; GIFT TAG: DAVID_FRANKLIN - STOCK.ADOBE.COM; FOOD: CONTRIBUTED; WEDDING: BROOKE ALLISON PHOTO

HELLO, HOLIDAYS!

by ja mie marh sall

38 GREENWICH MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023, VOL. 76, NO. 10 GREENWICH MAGAZINE (USPS 961-500/ISSN 1072-2432) is published ten times a year by Moffly Media, Inc 205 Main St,Westport, CT 06880. Periodical postage paid at Westport, CT, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes (Form 3579) to GREENWICH MAGAZINE PO BOX 9309, Big Sandy, TX 75755-9607.

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15 EVANS LN | ESSEX | CT LISTED BY WILLIAM RAVEIS

203.869.9263 | 45 FIELD POINT RD | GREENWICH | CT 06830

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GREENWICHMAG.com CELEBRATING THE BEST OF WHERE WE LIVE

december 2023

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

@GREENWICHMAG Find out about store openings, see what’s coming up in the magazine, and enjoy photos of iconic places around the area— follow us on Instagram, like us on Facebook. Together, we make living here the best!

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ENJOY OUR ARTICLES AND POSTS ON THE PEOPLE AND PLACES WHO HELP US ALL LIVE BETTER

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For over 100 years, Cummings & Lockwood has been building meaningful and lasting relationships with our private clients, their family offices, businesses and charitable entities, serving as trusted advisors throughout their lifetimes and providing sophisticated legal counsel at every important stage of their lives.

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. 76 | no. 10 | december 2023 editorial editorial director

Cristin Marandino–cristin.marandino@moffly. com social editor

Alison Nichols Gray–ali.gray@moffly.com

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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. 76 | no. 10 | december 2023 publisher

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editor’s letter

DECEMBER 2023 / CRISTIN MARANDINO

M SCAN TO EXPLORE OUR DIGITAL SIDE

HOW TO SCAN: OPEN, AIM & TAP

y birthday falls precariously close to Christmas—three days before, to be exact. People often take pity on me, assuming that the day gets lost in the hubbub of the holidays. I tell them to save their pity for those New Year’s babies. That’s a tough day. I, on the other hand, get the benefit of everyone being in a festive mood and ready to celebrate. I love the holiday season in all of its garlandwrapped, gold-gilded glory. Those who complain about it coming earlier and earlier each year confuse me. I go out of my way to make it last as long as possible. The tree goes up the day after Thanksgiving (it’s a lot of effort, and I’m going to maximize my returns); presents get wrapped as early as possible (they might as well work double duty, gift and décor); every party RSVP is a yes (this one’s a no-brainer). So I consider the fact that we get to work on our holiday issue months in advance a perk of the job. This year writer Eileen Bartels, with her flair for the festive and love of all things merry and bright, brings us twenty-five uber-jolly ways to get in the holiday groove. In “Hello, Holidays!” (page 60) she offers up some truly unique ideas—from irresistible bites and thoughtful gifts to cheerful touches and charming

traditions. We’re here for all of it. Also check out Eileen’s tips for the perfect wrapping in G-Mom (page 42) and Kim-Marie Galloway’s ideas for the impossible-toshop-for jet-setter in GO (page 22). But the holidays are about more than giving presents. They are about giving of ourselves. And that’s why we thought this the perfect issue to spotlight the incredible work of Jewish Family Services of Greenwich. This organization is having a truly remarkable impact on resettling immigrants who, for a variety of reasons, have found themselves in a strange country, often with little to their names. In “Building A Home” (page 70), Jamie Marshall explores how JFS is helping immigrants navigate the legal system, adapt to an entirely new culture and find work and housing. She shares the compelling stories of those who are being helped—as well as of those who are helping them. We hope these stories ease you into the holidays with equal parts joy and appreciation. As for me, well, I’ve had that covered since October.

WILLIAM TAUFIC

GIFTING & GIVING

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founder’s page

DECEMBER 2023 / DONNA MOFFLY

“I was out in the dark … bewitched by the twinkly performance of the lightning bugs.”

t’s easy for kids to think magic. Some of my special memories are of magical moments in my childhood. At my first piano recital at age five, I was meant to be playing a piece with my big brother Lee, but they couldn’t find me. I was out in the dark in Mrs. Chase’s garden, bewitched by the twinkly performance of the lightning bugs—an awesome sight to a city girl. I loved it when my classmate Barbie Berno invited me for a sleepover in the country at her grandfather’s farm. There was a little room over the barn filled with silvery cobwebs from wall to wall, floor to ceiling. We’d stand on the threshold dumbstruck by its untouched beauty. Much later in Riverside, our neighbor Louise Ely handed one of the Burke boys, about age six, a Mason jar half filled with dirt to take home and watch carefully. Something would grow inside. He did, but nothing happened. So he brought it back to Mrs. Ely, who said: “OK, leave it with me and come back tomorrow.” The next day, lo and behold, a toy soldier was in there! (When Mrs. Ely sold her house, the neighborhood kids picketed her with signs reading “Mrs. Ely, DON’T GO!”—a scene right out of Peanuts.) Of course, among our many holidays, Christmas is right up there in the magic department. When Muffy King (now Fox) was three, her mother lost track of her in Bloomingdale’s at Christmastime. As Barbar looked frantically all over the store, a woman asked what the little girl was wearing. “A pink snow jacket,” she replied. “Oh,” said the woman, “I think she’s in the store window with all the mechanical decorations.” And there was Muffy, mesmerized by the trains circling the Christmas tree and the elves that twirled. “If I’d touched anything, I most likely would have been electrocuted,” Muffy reflects, “but I was happy as a clam.”

When our two-year old Jonathan first saw the sparkling Christmas tree surrounded by a sea of presents, he ran to it full tilt and threw himself on top of the pile of packages, kicking up his heels in his Dr. Dentons. Jack’s mother thought it was a disgusting display, but I could identify with his enthusiasm—like swimming in a pool of champagne. Likewise, for little Susan Bevan and kids around the world, their magic moment came Christmas morning—but hers was over-thetop. Sure, she and her three siblings helped cut down the tree and put it in a bucket. But that was it, until after they were in bed on Christmas Eve. While they slept, Santa and Mrs. Claus somehow got it onto the roof and down the chimney along with all the bikes and toys (some needing assemblage), rigged the lights, hung the ornaments, stuffed the stockings and ta-da! It was one jaw-dropping sight. Never mind that Mother would be asleep on the couch and Dad never made it through the flaming plum pudding that night. Then there was three-year-old Ben, grandson of Joe Warren, who played Santa for years at our Junior League Enchanted Forest. Ben was very comfortable with the fact that his grandfather was Santa Claus. Seeing him in civilian clothes, he called him Papa Joe, and in a red suit, called him Santa. For Christmas Ben’s parents had given him a Thomas the Train set, telling him it was from Santa. So when Joe and his wife arrived for dinner Christmas night, the little boy came flying out of the playroom, so excited he was waving his arms and stuttering: “You can’t … just wait til … Wait,” he said to his grandfather, “just wait til you see what you brought me!” Like Ben, you can have it both ways. May your holiday be filled with some magical moments and lots of very real, down-to-earth, just plain fun. G

VENTURE PHOTOGRAPHY, GREENWICH, CT

OF MAGICAL MEMORIES

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b y ji ll john son man n

Cozy Up! ’TIS THE SEASON FOR KELLY KILLOREN BENSIMON’S ENVILLE OUTERWEAR AT POLOGEORGIS

s temps drop in the Northeast, it’s easy to slip into a shivering funk. The remedy? Southern California surfer boho-infused outerwear, of course. That sunny image is the inspiration behind Kelly Killoren Bensimon’s sixth season of Enville, which is available just a snowy jaunt away at Pologeorgis on Lewis Street. Think seagrass and “intense Pacific horticulture colors straight off the Santa Ynez Mountains,” says Bensimon, who has a way with words (she was Elle magazine’s first blogger), and a sense of style that is at once chic and cool and cozy. The celebrated real estate agent and former cast member of The Real Housewives of New York City has been splashed across magazine covers most of her life, as a model (she placed second in the Elite Model Look contest at age fifteen; Cindy Crawford placed first), and illustrating her aspirational life, always dressed in something to die for—but usually comfortable, too. Now’s your chance to pick up our own little piece of KKB flair—and stay warm all winter while you’re at it.

PORTRAIT: MATT ALBIANI

E CE

buzz STATUS REPORT

Chocolate brown curly shearling zip clutch ($400)

Tell us about Enville. Why did you decide to create the line originally? The collection is reflective of my extensive travels; I mix a lot of what inspires me into these outerwear and home pieces. I created the line, because as a Midwesterner, your coat completes your look. Eventually the collection grew to include home pieces, as I am also passionate about real estate and how to decorate my habitat. The name Enville is based on my fondness for Hemingway. It’s said that it was Ernest Hemingway’s scribbled salutation to his bawdy and raucous cohorts, which in French means ‘in town,’ on the lower left corner of envelopes. It was a signal that they were in Paris. I love the romance of it all!

Why did you partner with Pologeorgis? I reached out to Nick Pologeorgis, because his brand is synonymous with high-quality fashion and has stood the test of time. Pologeorgis has been a leader in luxury outerwear among the fashion elite for decades and continues to evolve and maintain its clout. I couldn’t have chosen a better partner for this collection. I love working with the entire Pologeorgis team. They are supportive and help guide me throughout the whole process.

Street. It’s a great location, and I love stopping in from time to time to meet with customers and see the merchandise. I have a long history and a lot of love for the town from visiting family, spending time with friends, shopping, dining out. It couldn’t be a more perfect location for this collection.

Why Greenwich? Greenwich is the epitome of casual chic! During the pandemic, Nick opened a retail shop just off Greenwich Avenue at 25 Lewis

Kelly Killoren Bensimon in the Mailbu shearling cape vest ($2,450)

Tell us about the current season. My sixth season of Enville is inspired

DECEMBER 2023 GREENWICH

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buzz

Miramar White Shearling Jacket ($2,800) • Flame Senape Shearling Coat ($2,950) • Mailbu White Shearling Cape ($2,450) • Oak Dark Brown Toscana Shearling Jacket ($2,600)

What are a few of your favorite pieces? I love working with shearling. All of the pieces are my favorite, but right now I’m excited to wear the Flame, which is a smooth merino shearling notch-collar coat in senape, our take on mustard. Also, I love the Miramar, which is a collarless shearling jacket with leather tabs. I like that the Flame is super glam mixed with a menswear silhouette. And, the Oak is a long hair Toscana shearling jacket that has a 90s supermodel Parisian vibe. You have added home décor. What will customers find to make their homes cozier this winter? Every season I love to buy a few items that nod to the latest fashion trends and that speak to me and my personal style. I created a home line to reflect the same look for my personal home

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environment. The cashmere shearling throws and pillows come in taupe, gray and white and are the ultimate in cozy luxury. What makes Enville unique? Enville resonates with a lot of different women because of the way I style it: the juxtaposition of a gown and a vest, a shearling jacket and a cowboy hat, and a shearling jacket with a tulle long skirt. I have never felt tied to traditional fashion boundaries. I just want women to feel cozy and sexy. I also think the price point is amazing. I want everyone to be able to have a piece of this collection, so we worked on perfecting the superior quality while making true luxury outerwear more affordable.

White cashmere and shearling throw pillow ($350) • Beige cashmere and shearling blanket ($1,500)

Enville is exclusively available at Pologeorgis Greenwich, 25 Lewis Street www.pologeorgis.com

CONTRIBUTED

by a Southern Californian surfer bohemian. With nods to warm tones like wheat and seagrass, and intense Pacific colors, this season takes a more laid-back approach. This is the jacket that can go anywhere from the Miramar Resort to the Malibu Country Mart. Paired with lace and worn with distressed denim, this season is all about personal style. Comfort is everything.

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GIFTS FOR A GETAWAY GOT A JET-SETTER ON YOUR LIST?

his is your year, the year you finally thrill that picky traveler in your life with the perfect gift. There will be parades in the town square celebrating your shopping acumen. From the luxury PJs and lounge memberships to thoughtful and affordable stocking stuffers, we’ve got you covered.

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WE’RE ABOUT TO MAKE THEM VERY HAPPY

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be th ei r pri ori t y

no stri ng s at tac he d At first glance an AirFly bluetooth headphone connector could seem like a boring tech gift, but this little device is a game changer. It allows you to connect your wireless headphones (any brand) to the airline’s inflight entertainment system. No more cheap, stringy airline headphones. And if you’re traveling with a friend and want to watch the same program, simply connect both sets of headphones. It’s like a modern-day Lady and the Tramp. They range in price from $34.99 for the Duo to $64.95 for the pro. apple.com

Without a first-class ticket or elite status, getting into an airport lounge can be difficult, if not impossible. Gift your favorite traveler the peace, quiet and free alcohol of airport lounges around the globe. Priority Pass membership offers access to over 1,400 lounges and experiences. At JFK , membership opens the door to Air France’s luxe lounge and the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse (among others). In some airports and terminals chair massages at Be Relax are included. Prices start at $99 for the occasional traveler and up to $469 for a frequent traveler. prioritypass.com

hi re the paparaz z i If you don’t have a photo in front of the Eiffel Tower, did you even go to Paris? Never hand your iPhone to a stranger to capture your travel memories again. Flytographer has professional photographers in over 350 cities around the world and makes the perfect gift for a loved one planning a special trip. You can gift a photo shoot for as little as $285 for a thirty-minute session. The price goes up as you add time, photos and multiple shoot locations. Unlike many other phographers, all of the digital images are included in the price. flytographer.com

3 t he g if t drea ms are m ade of Desmond and Dempsey chic PJs were inspired by world travels and laid-back Sunday mornings. The brand is the definition of quiet luxury. Each set is artwork in its own right, inspired by life—a Mexican tale, a Spanish palm, the power of a tiger—then hand-painted in a London studio. Designs are printed on organic cotton, hand-cut and sewn in Portugal. They can take you from bed to brunch. (Bonus: The packaging is so divine you won’t even need wrapping paper.) We have a soft spot for the men’s Cuban set and the women’s nighties, $260 and $170 respectively. Monogramming is free. desmondanddempsey.com greenwichmag.com

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adap t to the road A universal adaptor is the perfect stocking stuffer. The ingenious little device gives Transformer vibes. For $23 you can charge not one, not two, not three, but four devices with just one adapter. The Epicka Universal Travel Adapter works in over 150 countries and was the No. 1 pick of the New York Times Wirecutter team and our travel editor. Editor’s note: make sure your hair styling appliances are dual voltage, or you run the risk of setting them on fire. amazon.com

Your organization is sure to impress any TSA agent who randomly searches your bag.

You can fit more clothes in your carry on if you use them like compression bags (meaning, jam ‘em in tight).

Your clothes stay wrinklefree packed neatly in their own little pouches.

S C f h t w c

Easily separate the clean from the dirty when you head home.

b e s quare

It’s easy to unpack Monogrammed packing cubes are soft-zippered when you arrive, clothing cases that make packing and unpacking easier. simply toss the cubes into the Whether you’re a roller or a folder, you can fit at least five to six pairs of undergarments into the small cubes, hotel drawers and voilà, you’re six to eight pairs of pants in the medium one, and nine to unpacked. ten shirts (or two to three bulkier tops, like sweatshirts) in the big one.

pac k it up! A chic luggage set is perfect for the carry-on queen in your life. And we’ve got our favorite—Béis. The bottom of the weekender bags unzip to store shoes, toiletries and other potential messes. The weekenders are designed to slip effortlessly over the rollerboard handles of the luggage, allowing you to glide through the terminal like a pro. If you need to check a bag, you’ll never be over the fifty-pound limit again, thanks to the weight indicators built into every suitcase handle. We’re partial to the rich maple set, and with prices like these, we can afford them. (Weekenders start at $118 and luggage starts at $218.) beistravel.com

A c e

* W

the j u st-i n-c ase g i f t What to get the frequent adventure traveler who has everything except a private jet? Medjet. What does Medjet do? If a member is hospitalized 150 miles or more from home, Medjet will arrange a medical transfer to the hospital in their home country of their choice. Note: This does not replace travel insurance. The emergency medical evacuation benefits within a travel insurance policy provides transportation to the nearest adequate facility. Medjet offers hospital-to-hospital transport, making sure that very ill people requiring continued hospitalization get moved to the hospital they’d rather be in at home. Memberships start at $99 for an eight-day trip. Annual MedjetAssist memberships, where you can travel as much as you want in a year, are $295 for an individual and $399 for a family (two adults and up to five kids). Read the fine print and various membership options at medjetassist.com. G

S o

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Stamford Health is proud of its relationship with Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, which has experts who specialize in all types of cancer, from the most common to the most rare and complex. Our patients have access to: advanced treatments, virtual second opinions, the latest clinical research trials, dedicated patient navigators who assist with every step of the journey, and more comprehensive benefits. At Stamford Health, you can expect world-class, clinical expertise in an intimate and healing environment, closer to home. *Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Ranking in U.S. News & World Report (2023-2024)

StamfordHealth.org/Cancer or call 203.276.7936

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home

SNUGGLE UP

by megan gagnon

GET A TASTE OF HAUTE CHOCOLATE TEXTURE

JACQUEMUS

J ØRGEN RASMUSSEN FOR DESIGN WITHIN REACH

Le Bambidou shoulder bag; $555. jacquemus.com

LAWSON-FENNING Topa daybed; $3,850. lawsonfenning.com

Sheepskin throw; $495. Westport; dwr.com

ROSEMARY HALLGARTEN Chalk stripe fabric; $225 per yard. Norwalk; rosemary hallgarten.com

—rosemary hallgarten

6 COLLECTION PARTICULIERE

Pia armchair by Christophe Delcourt; $10,600. MONC XIII, Greenwich; monc13.com

M C GEE & CO. Astrid fringe stool; $500. mcgeeandco.com

ERIK LINDSTRÖM Wabi Sabi rug; price upon request. eriklindstrom.com

IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

“the right brown can simultaneously be a comforting neutr al as well as a chic foil to other rich co gnac tones and creamy whites.”

COR Jalis21 modular sofa; starting at $1,386. West | Out East, Westport; westouteast.com greenwichmag.com

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Give the Gift of Easy Living at VUE NEW CANAAN 2-3 B R C O N D O S F R O M $1.375 M - $2 .75 0 M

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Single Level Layout / Concierge Services / Two Fitness Centers & Club Room Two Rooftop Decks / Tempered Underground Parking / Private Balconies & Terraces

F I N DYO U R V U E . C O M A KARP DEVELOPMENT

R E P R E S E N T E D BY B E T T I N A H E G E L

bhegel@bhsusa.com 917-842-3349

Mastery of the Craft. It’s Timeless. Brown Harris Stevens Connecticut, LLC. Licensed in Connecticut. All information is from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, change of price, prior sale or withdrawal without notice. No representation or guaranty is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and other information should be re-confirmed by customer. All rights to content, photographs and graphics reserved to Broker.

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home

MAKE WAVES “the wave screen—which i have in my own home—takes what is t ypically a very simple design and makes it interesting with the wavy detail at the t op. details are what really set a ro om apart.”

—emily del bello, emily del bello interiors

PLAYFUL LINES STAY AHEAD OF THE CURVE

7 1 HUEY LIGHTSHOP

2 RACHEL DONATH

3 VAKKERLIGHT

4 SOHO HOME

5 ARTERIORS

6 URBAN OUTFITTERS

7 M C MULLIN & CO.

Tudor sconce; $300. luluandgeorgia.com

Wave fire screen; $900. racheldonath.com

Squiggle table lamp; starting at $139. vakkerlight.com

Pia mirror; $895. sohohome.com

Mar tray by Laura Kirar; $600. Schwartz Design Showroom, Stamford; schwartz designshowroom

Ophelia arm chair; $499. Westport; urbanoutfitters.com

Percy candle holder; $159 for pair. mcmullinandco.com

IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

greenwichmag.com

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Linna Yuen Experience. Knowledge. Passion.

RealTrends 2023 America’s Best

Licensed in CT & NY

203.550.1657 | Linna.Yuen@CBMoves.com | LinnaYuenHomes.com Coldwell Banker Realty | 66 Field Point Road | Greenwich, CT

©2022 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices ffices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are ind independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

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WHY KNOT?

TAKE A CHANCE ON BURL WOOD’S BEAUTY

2 “burl wo od has such a unique feeling; it’s the ultimate c omplementary finish. work it int o nearly any design—from sleek and minimal t o heavily st yled, antique t o new—it always feels fresh .” —andrea sinkin, andrea sinkin design

1 ANTHROPOLOGIE Zaha burl switch plates; starting at $28. Westport; anthropologie.com

2 CRATE & BARREL Leon burl wood coffee table; $949. Westport; crateandbarrel.com

3 ARTERIORS Brewer end table; $2,080. Beehive, Fairfield; thebeehivefairfield.com

4 BUNNY WILLIAMS HOME

Orwell mirror; $2,200. bunnywilliams home.com

5 WILLIAMS SONOMA HOME Exotic burl wood gallery frame; $105. Westport; williams-sonoma.com

Conrad 28’’ freestanding vanity; $3,840. The Post, Westport; thepostct.com

7 RH Belmont burl glass cabinet; $4,660. Greenwich; rh.com

IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

6 MADE GOODS

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do above: The welcoming bright space is the perfect place to create right: Studio manager, Sara Brindisi

by mary k ate ho gan

STATE OF THE ARTS A LOOKING FOR A NEW HOBBY? WE’VE GOT A GREAT WAY TO GET CRAFTY

bright new crafting and sewing studio called Make-Modern has opened in Cos Cob offering classes, workshops, events and parties for all ages. This is the second location for co-owners Gwen Mitrano and Erika Allen, who met while volunteering at Darien High School designing and stitching costumes for their teens’ theater productions. Some students were interested in learning to sew, and soon a business was born, with the ladies shifting gears from their event-production and marketing careers to open their first studio in Darien.

Classes here in Greenwich include basic crafting for kids kindergarten to grade 2, Maker’s Labs for older kids, tween and teen crocheting, and adult machine sewing, knitting and needlepoint. Every project is sophisticated and clean looking—a far cry from the macaroni-and-paper-plate pieces some may associate with “crafts.” The students work on top-quality Swiss Bernette sewing machines and use luxe fabrics, including pieces donated from interior designers (think Scalamandre, Brunschwig & Fils, cashmeres and wools). Both kids and adults are loving

“it’s nice to have a creative outlet. this is stress relief for the kids.” — Gwen Mit r an o Laurie Duarte, instructor

NINA NELSON

Erika Allen, co-owner

the program. “It’s nice to have a creative outlet. This is stress relief for the kids,” Gwen says, adding that the studio is a place where adults and kids connect with new friends. “The kids were all singing along to Taylor Swift while making their bracelets and weaving,” says Laurie Duarte, one of the instructors, about a recent class. Boys are very welcome, and many take part in the classes. For the adult classes, ages range from twenties to seventies with some mom-daughter pairs enrolled. “It’s relaxing, and they just want to stay here,” says Gwen, explaining that adults appreciate that everything is prepped and there’s no mess to clean-up. The Greenwich Make-Modern studio is carrying on the creative energy of The Drawing Room,

whose space it now occupies, by showcasing colorful, graphic art by a featured artist—currently Shelby Smith. For those shopping for birthday gifts, the studio stocks a well-edited selection, such as Kumihimo bracelet kits, pen sets, baking kits, sewing kits, bath bombs, felt dolls and more. And they will gift-wrap everything. The crafting birthday parties in Darien have been popular, and the plan is to offer them here on weekends. The team can also host custom events for any age: holiday gatherings, ladies’ nights, team-building sessions, etc. The goal is to teach people to create and have fun in the process. For those who think they’re not artistic, Gwen is reassuring: “You don’t need any prior experience. Just come in, choose your colors, have a good time, go home with something you’re proud of,” she says. “We set you up for success.” 220 East Putnam Avenue; make-modern.com

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eat&drink MAKE IT MERRY

A F E ST I V E C O C K TA I L

ENTERTAIN TO IMPRESS WITH THESE TIPS FROM A CULINARY PRO by michelle cal arc o

he holiday season is here. In between the joy and excitement often lies a little stress. Hosting a holiday can feel more like a burden than a blessing, so we talked to CHEF BARRY TONKINSON to get some advice on entertaining made easy. The England native turned Greenwich resident worked in Michelin-starred restaurants across London and the UK before moving to the U.S. to start a family. After years of culinary research and development and private cheffing, he now focuses on education in the hospitality industry and developing the next generation of culinary talent as the vice president of Culinary at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City. “For me, entertaining is something truly special. However simple or complex— breaking bread or a multi-course dinner party—the notion remains the same. We’re sharing our warmth and love, inviting those into our home to make friendships, maintain relationships and share stories. Hospitality is at its core an emotive connection.” We couldn’t agree more. Here is some of Barry’s advice on all things festive.

Chef Barry Tonkinson

Mission figs with prosciutto and blue cheese

For the children, I use the same ingredients to make an apple cider version, which is delicious. They ask for it every year—and ask to help make it.

CONTRIBUTED

Mulled wine is my entertaining drink for the holidays. I steep red wine with warm spices and citrus (lemon, orange), cinnamon, star anise, clove and ginger. The pot is kept on low to allow the flavors to fully meld. It provides a warm drink for your guests and permeates the house with a beautiful aroma.

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SI M P L E STA RT E R S

Have a few recipes on hand that you can prepare mostly in advance so all you have to do is simply reheat. (Or prep as much as possible before guests arrive.) A red onion jam tartlet with brie and thyme is one of my go-tos. Another go-to is prosciutto, Mission figs and blue cheese with fig jam. A simple jam of ripe figs, sugar, lemon peel and water goes into the base of a small tart shell. I cut fresh black Mission figs into six pieces and wrap them with prosciutto di Parma. And I add some Roquefort cheese. The salty cheese and sweet figs pair incredibly well, and this appetizer is so easy to make— a true crowd pleaser.

CONTRIBUTED

MAKE I T E A SY

I live by the words mise en place, French for everything in its place. The one thing I have on hand is a stack of deli containers and lids, which I fill the day before with all of my prepared food. The day of the event, I don’t even need to pick up a knife. This allows me to enjoy the experience of cooking and hosting, and I can get everything done in good time. It also relieves the pressure of washing lots of dishes. Preparation is absolutely key, and the more we can do in advance, the better. I use an amazing recipe app called Meez. I have all of my recipes from eighteen years of kitchen life stored in it—over 2,000. It allows me to scale recipes to size based on my guest head count and can even provide me with a shopping list for my chosen menu. I never work without it.

“For me e nte r taining i s s ome thing t r uly sp ec ial . How e v e r simpl e or compl e x , breaking bread or a mult icour s e dinne r p ar t y, the not i on re main s the s ame. We’re shar ing our war mth and lov e, inv it ing tho s e into our home to make f r i e nd ships , maintain relat ion ship s and share stor ies . Ho spitalit y i s at it s core an e mot iv e connec tion .”

Barry's delicate touch makes every course a work of art.

To me, the difference between a good cook and a great one can be the very items that are being prepared. I shop in Greenwich at Mike’s Organic, an amazing food market with top-quality produce. Mike’s has all of the season’s best ingredients available,

DECEMBER 2023 GREENWICH

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eat&drink

Taste the Goodness

top: The stunning cultural and humanitarian center left: Co-founder of Grace Farms Foods Adam Thatcher with Grace Farms CEO and founder, Sharon Prince in Darjeeling, India middle: Tea has been a way of welcoming people to Grace Farms since its opening. right: Frank Kwei, Grace Farms’ tea master and coffee aficionado

or coffee and tea lovers, there’s a way to savor your favorite beverages and learn more about them, while socializing with others and supporting a great cause in the process. Grace Farms in New Canaan offers a menu of coffee and tea tastings, a fun and educational alternative to meeting a friend for a cocktail. The Grace Farms Foundation, with its award-winning glass-enclosed River Building set on an eighty-acre nature preserve, welcomes guests for tastings with Frank Kwei, tea master and coffee aficionado. You can also choose to attend an afternoon tea and enjoy the ethically and sustainably sourced tea along with English and Japanese-inspired bites made by pastry chef Leah Jones.

BOTTOM CENTER BY VENERA ALEXANDROVA; ALL OTHERS CONTRIBUTED BY GRACE FARMS

GRACE FARMS is offering up some seriously buzz-worthy coffee and tea—and we’re not talking about the caffeine b y m a ry k ate ho g a n

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Grace Farms Foods on several levels, starting with the fact that they source coffees exclusively from only women-led co-ops in Ethiopia, Colombia and Indonesia; and it’s the first and only U.S. tea company to partner with Fairtrade International, the gold standard. “With our coffee and tea, we are walking the walk,” says Adam, referring to the product standards. “For us, it’s around gender equity, Fair Trade, making it organic and sustainable.” Follow up is key as well. “It doesn’t end at a certification for us,” he explains. “We travel to meet the farmers in Colombia and India to ensure that the expectation of fair, equitable, sustainable work practices are being met on the ground.” These coffees and teas are also excellent quality. Some businesses are getting involved by providing Grace Farms coffees and teas to their employees and hosting tastings. World Economic Forum, JP Morgan and UBS are all partnering with Grace Farms. You can purchase the coffees and teas to enjoy at home at Mike’s Organic, Walter Stewart’s Market and Double L Market as well as online at Amazon or sharegracefarms.com. For more information or to sign up for a tasting, visit gracefarms.org.

For the tea tastings, groups gather in the glass pavilion to sample five or six teas ranging from green to black to herbal, plus a special treat of tea brought back from the staff’s visits to the tea gardens in Darjeeling, India. There’s also a new Wellness & Tea series on Saturday, an event combining yoga, music and tea. At coffee tastings, you’ll sample varieties brewed in different ways to taste the difference between single-origin coffees from Colombia, Ethiopia and Indonesia, and brewing methods and roast levels. This is blended with a conversation about sourcing, the difference of organic vs. non-organic and why Fair Trade is important. What’s the connection between coffee and tea and the Foundation? “It’s about connecting that cup to the people on the other side of the world who make the coffee or tea,” says Adam Thatcher, co-founder of Grace Farms Foods, a certified B Corp that provides premium teas and coffee with all profits going to Grace Farms Foundation’s mission to end forced labor worldwide. There are 28 million people globally living in forced labor, whether it’s coercion, threats, no pay or travel documents withheld. This issue is being addressed by

TOP LEFT BY VENERA ALEXANDROVA; ALL OTHERS CONTRIBUTED BY GRACE FARMS

above: More than fifteen organic teas are offered at Grace Farms. top right: The beautiful packaging is compostable with plastic-free pyramid sachets. bottom right: Grace Farms collection of coffee is sourced exclusively from women-led co-ops. below: The Grace Farms team in Colombia meeting with coffee farmers

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g–mom

Another option is to order your wrap straight from the source. Caspari and Rifle Paper Company make attractive quality wraps you can get online. One of my other favorite online spots is Craftspring. It features distinctive sheets that can be paired with a coordinating handmade felt ornament. Add a personal touch by selecting one that celebrates a milestone from the year, such as a graduation or wedding. Your gifts will for sure be the ones noticed under the tree.

pa pe r source 100 Post Road East, Westport papersource.com

t h e c on ta in e r store

145 Westchester Avenue, White Plains, NY containerstore.com

h om e g o od s

27 High Ridge Road, Stamford homegoods.com

t h e pa pe r store

574 Main Avenue, Norwalk thepaperstore.com

caspa ri

casparionline.com

rifl e pa pe r c om pa n y

THE PAPER CHASE

riflepaperco.com

b y ei l een bart el s phot o g r aph b y v en er a al ex an drova

cr a ftsprin g craftspring.com

KNOCK IT OUT OF THE PARK BEFORE THEY’VE EVEN OPENED THE GIFTS.

STOCK UP YOUR WRAPPING WORKSHOP WITH THESE SUPPLIES

IT’S A WRAP Shop now and save yourself lastminute drama. Quality matters when you want to avoid box corners poking through wrapping paper. Look for wrap with weight and thickness. Also, keep gift bags in assorted sizes along with tissue paper on hand. Classic red, green or blue bags can be elevated with sparkly tissue and fabric ribbon. Wander the aisles

of Paper Source for inspiration and a great selection. Another excellent spot for supplies is the Container Store in White Plains. In addition to a mesmerizing amount of organizational supplies, it carries gift bags, boxes, wrap and ribbons, as well as gift-wrapping supply organizers. I love the $34 customizable gift-wrap center, which can be tucked under a bed or in a closet.

Since we no longer have an abundance of stationery stores, look for supplies in unusual spots. Home Goods in Stamford sells discounted designer wrapping paper, bags, wired ribbon and tissue paper. In a pinch? CVS sells a limited variety of quality Hallmark holiday wrapping. If you are in search of the full line of Hallmark products, visit The Paper Store in Norwalk.

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WITH LOVE FROM MOM Shout-out to all the lastminute and night-before holiday wrappers. Keep supplies on hand to make the process quicker and easier. Order attractive labels with your name on them to save time and avoid having to write each one out individually. Wrap, label, repeat as you power through. Etsy offers a number of different shops that will custom-print and quickly ship you tie-on or stick-on labels. Save time for family wrapping, and have a set printed “with love from Mom and Dad” so you just have to write your child’s name. Same goes for friend gifts. Keep a sleeve of printed labels handy along the lines of “Happy Holidays xo The Smiths.” etsy. com/market/holiday_gift_tag

ADDRESS WITH ART Felix Doolittle is a stationery and gift company featuring artist Felix Fu’s charming watercolor illustrations. The cards and stickers elevate any gift. Order personalized thank-you cards and return address labels. Each piece is a little work of art sure to bring a smile to the recipient. Add an extra touch like a pack of beautiful bookmarks to tuck in with a book gift. felixdoolittle.com

SANTA NEEDS A WORKSHOP Wrapping doesn’t have to be a chore. Create a command post with all your supplies in a central place. Stock up on sharp scissors and invisible tape. Set up a card or folding table as a workspace. Avoid your dining table or other tables that could get scratched. The goal is to create a space all family members can use to wrap. A good work spot includes a bin with your scissors, a gold or colored Sharpie, tape and gift tags all in a bin. Store boxes, wrap, gift bags, ribbon, bows under the table and a trash can nearby to keep things neat. I like to add a Beats Pill so wrappers can stream their holiday playlist.

FOR THE HOST Bottle tags and bags are a fun way to add pop to a hostess gift of wine or olive oil. For wines and liquors, have simple brown bags printed with a sentiment like “Cheers! The Smiths.” Slip a bottle into the bag, tie with a raffia ribbon and you’re off. Etsy is a rabbit hole of custom gift bag and label options. Order sailcloth wine totes from Mainland Canvas for $22 or personalize a canvas wine tote for as little as as $10. etsy.com

PRO TIP Consider using coordinating but different colored wraps and bow for each family member. This way, when the time comes for opening gifts, passing out presents barely requires reading the gift tag—as cute as they may be.

SANTA’S GOT A BRAND NEW BAG Some presents are just too large. Etsy again reigns as the champion gift-wrap helper. A range of large canvas and felt Santa bags can be customized and start at only $10. Search Etsy for Santa Sacks. I am pretty sure this is where the big guy gets his. DECEMBER 2023 GREENWICH

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g-mom

OUT & AB OUT • A Greenw ich magazine and Greenw ich Moms par tnership

FAMILY DAY!

THREE FUN FAMILY ITINERARIES TO HELP YOU APPRECIATE ALL THAT OUR CHARMING NEIGHBORHOODS HAVE TO OFFER

by l ayl a lisiewski

Cos Cob Greenwich Botanical Center Find your nature fix! From kids programs to gardening workshops, there’s something here for everyone. greenwichbotanicalcenter.org Lunch at Nit Noi Nit Noi warms you right up with its healthy bone broths and delicious meals made with locally-sourced organic ingredients. Parents will love the curries, and the kids will happily slurp up the rice noodles in veggie broth. Dumplings are a win across the board. nitnoiprovisions.com

Breakfast at The Granola Bar The delicious hot chocolate with whipped cream and colorful marshmallows is a true crowd pleaser. And options like the sweet potato pancakes, oatmeal bowls and huevos rancheros will fuel you up for a great day. thegranolabar.com

Dinner-to-Go from Mike’s Organic Organic is what Mike does best, and prepared meals give parents the gift of time. Grab a freshly made marinara sauce to toss with pasta, easy go-to chicken tenders or the decadent eggplant parmesan. mikesorganic.com

Tod's Point

Old Greenwich

Nit Noi dumplings

Breakfast at Sweet Pea’s Baking Company Enjoy small-batch baked goods and the best coffee in OG. sweetpeasct.com

Bruce Museum Spend the morning exploring the permanent science galleries focusing on geology, paleontology, the Ice Age, marine ecosystems and terrestrial ecosystems. And don’t miss the natural science lab, a space to explore hands-on experiments. brucemuseum.org

Athena Book Store Cozy up with a book in the kids’ corner or peruse the new releases at the front of the adorable shop. We also love picking up any one of fun kids’ activities to take home. athenabooksog.com

Lunch at Meli Melo Enjoy a bowl of delicious hot soup on a chilly day. Our go-to meal is the French Onion Soup followed by a dessert crepe. melimelogreenwich.com

Back 40 Mercantile Shop a uniquely curated collection of high-quality goods from small purveyors who create products we can all feel good about. The staff makes an effort to source organic, sustainable and local where possible. back40mercantile.com

Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop Sam Bridge Nursery hosts the cherished town tradition, where visitors can have their photos taken with Santa and meet the reindeer. They can also enjoy Santa's beautiful workshop, a fun space for families to wait for their photo with Santa. sambridge.com

Lunch at Siren Inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle—eating good food and taking time to savor life—Siren Restobar is a great place to gather with family and dive into a variety of tapas. sirenrestobar.com

The Audubon Enjoy a winter hike along diverse wetlands and forest habitats. With 686 acres across seven nature sanctuaries, the Audubon is a great way to explore the outdoors. greenwichaudubon.org

Tod’s Point in Winter Take a brisk walk along the southwestern point of the park for breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. greenwichct.gov G

BRUCE MUSEUM: JAECK DOLATA; VENERA ALEXANDROVA: CONTRIBUTED; TODS POINT: JULIE BIDWELL

Greenwich

The Bruce Museum

Greenwich Historical Society: GHS is always a great place to explore. Be sure to mark your calendar for its holiday festival on Saturday, December 9. Bring the family for photos with Santa and a visit to the festive Historic Barn, complete with gingerbread decorating and crafts in Santa’s workshop. Other fun events during the month include the Festival of Tabletop Trees (Wednesday, December 6 through Saturday, December 9) and boxwood centerpiece making in The Barn on Thursday, December 7. greenwichhistory.org

Every month Layla Lisiewski, Greenwich mom of four and founder of Greenwich Moms and its parent company, The Local Moms Network, shares some of her favorite things to do—from seasonal activities to can’t-miss events. Follow @greenwich_moms on Instagram, sign up for the newsletter and check out the calendar at greenwichmoms.com.

greenwichmag.com

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people ople&PLACES by alison nichols gr ay

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MOFFLY MEDIA’S BIG PICTURE / BOB CAPAZZO 2

N+

e e e

BREAST CANCER ALLIANCE / Westchester Country Club

We Got This!

e look forward to the Breast Cancer Alliance luncheon every year. BCA Executive Director Yonni Wattenmaker and BCA President Courtney Olsen put together a flawless event featuring a Richards fashion show with looks from Kiton. Good Morning America anchor Lara Spencer introduced her friend and colleague Simone Swink, executive producer of Good Morning America, who shared her story of survival. There may have been 900 ladies (and a few good men) at Westchester Country Club, but we all left feeling connected. breastcanceralliance.org »

1 Dr. Ashleigh Alex, Dr. Rose Ryan, Dr. Tiffany Christensen, Dr. Amanda Lorio 2 Dee Mayberry, Icy Frantz, Ashley Cole, Lisa Quackenbush, Dee Hickey 3 Yonni Wattenmaker, Lara Spencer, Courtney Olsen 4 Helena Wegweiser, David Alan 5 Meryl Fishman, Catherine Ball Wise, Shevaun Lescoe 6 Andrew Mitchell Namdar, Mary Jeffery 7 Event cochairs: Claire Weil, Desiree Thayer, Alexis Abernethy, Laura McNab Smith 8 DJ April Larken droppin’ pink beats 9 Michele Wolfram, Connie Anne Harris DECEMBER 2023 GREENWICH

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people BREAST CANCER ALLIANCE / Westchester Country Club 1

1 Team Lindia table 2 Lara Spencer, Simone Swink, Yonni Wattenmaker 3 A model in the Kiton fashion show 4 Maria Giovanna Paone, Scott Mitchell 5 Lauren Sklover 6 (standing) Keeley Hynes, Vani Birnbaum, Martha Brown, Ali Kreiter, Caitlin Brodie, Melissa Niesenson; (seated) Heather Muriello, Asya Geller, Erica Blob (last year’s gala cochair) 7 Janine Kennedy, Dr. Stacy Zarakiotis 8 Leah O’Leary, Roberta Veleas, Christa Civitillo 9 Jill Coyle, Annie Amato, Kim Augustine 10 Lori Crone, Karen Colella, Julie Stein 11 The models of inspiration hit the runway 12 Alessandra Long, Stephanie Cowie, Sue Bodson 13 Dana Shocker-Finch 14 Susan and Ester Francis

MOFFLY MEDIA’S BIG PICTURE/BOB CAPAZZO

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people 15

MOFFLY MEDIA’S BIG PICTURE/BOB CAPAZZO

15 Guests waiting for the fashion show to begin 16 Sonya Keshwani 17 Elise Wilson, Lois Kelly, Chamis Wilkinson, Michele Mathews, Xandy Duffy, Stephanie Ehrhart, Christa Civitillo 18 Jen Danzi, Cristin Marandino, Jesse Gestal 19 Kathryn Spain, Denise Spilman, Ketevan Rogava, Heather Amato, Katherine Murphy 20 Nozonie Terao, Courtney Olsen, Alexandra Gay, Annete Voreyer 21 Ksenia Adams, Jenny Likansis, Amiee Mars, Stephanie Beaubrun, Jennifer Terry 22 Jodi Speaker, Mary Ann Grabel, Kristin Addison, Victoria Newman 23 Auctioneer Gemma Sudlow 24 Shelly Tretter Lynch, Kimberly Johnson 25 Tara Guido, Doris Boyd 26 Rebecca Davis, Rachel Scheider 27 Yonni Wattenmaker and cochairs Desiree Thayer and Laura McNab Smith share a moment » DECEMBER 2023 GREENWICH

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PRIVATE HOME / Greenwich

Lights, Camera, Action!

reenwich International Film Festival (GIFF) recently held a festive patron party hosted by Dr. Kim Nichols and Chris Cabanillas at their home in Greenwich. The evening celebrated GIFF board members and supporters. The event featured live music, an outdoor movie, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and gift bags from Nichols MD. greenwichfilm.org »

1 The grand entrance 2 Dr. Kim Nichols with her team 3 Alicia Pipher, Heather Raftery 4 Melissa Hawks, April Larken 5 Cristin Marandino, Kathleen Dyke, Sue Bodson 6 Lauren Clayton, Byron Soza 7 Kate Clark, Scott La Du, Courtney Pomrink 8 Dan Hicks, Dr. Kim Nichols, Chris Cabanillas, Hannah Storm 9 Ginge Johnson, Toren Kutnick, Alison Davis 10 Ginger Stickel, Wendy Stapleton 11 Guy and Marissa Mirabello 12 Carolyn Westerberg, Emily Dreas

MOFFLY MEDIA’S BIG PICTURE/BOB CAPAZZO.

greenwichmag.com

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Interested in Gardens and like to Travel? Join one of Glorious Garden Tours’ bespoke tours to; - Chelsea Flower Show in May - Cotswolds in July - Cote d’Azur (SOLD OUT) - Scottish Highlands in September We also curate private tours for Garden Clubs and family re-unions. For more information, go to gloriousgardentours.com or call Sandy at 203-273-9334

Photo courtesy of 11 Cadogan Gardens, London

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winvianfarm.com DECEMBER 2023 GREENWICH

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HEATHER GAUDIO FINE ART / Greenwich Avenue

In Living Color 13

1 Patricia Valenti, Heather Gaudio 2 Dennis and Dr. Sara McAllister 3 Ramsey Frank, Salla Alfieri 4 Hannelore Kaplan, Casey Kaplan 5 Kathleen Kucka 6 An incredible charcuterie spread by Graze & Co. 7 Fatou Nyang, Rachael Palacios, Suzanne Julig 8 Hopeful installation by Charlie Hewitt 9 John and Jean Clement 10 Erika Stang, Ava Gaudio 11 Stacey Schneider, Michelle Matz 12 David Musgraves, Jessica Drenk, Jennifer Burbank 13 Anand Viswanathan, Christine Romaniello 14 Sarah Bamford, Paulo Landfredi

MOFFLY MEDIA’S BIG PICTURE/ANDREA CARSON

eather Gaudio Fine Art recently hosted its grand opening on Greenwich Avenue with a rooftop cocktail celebration and new exhibition titled Making Their Mark: 7 Women in Abstraction. The show highlights the work of seven women: Hyun Jung Ahn, Jessica Drenk, Ann Gardner, Kathleen Jacobs, Jae Ko, Kathleen Kucka, and Maya Makino. This section of the Avenue is really blossoming into a dynamic art destination. Visit the gallery at 382 Greenwich Avenue. heathergaudiofineart.com »

greenwichmag.com

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Sophisticated Style Edgehill, the standard for senior living. At Edgehill, continue your cherished traditions and embrace a life filled with meaningful connections. In addition to being surrounded by fascinating neighbors hailing from near and far, enjoy gourmet dining experiences, hotel-like amenities and a dynamic team of associates that anticipates your every need.

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Resident Bea C. hosts a group of residents who have relocated to Edgehill from diverse corners of the country for champagne and conversation in her apartment home.

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DECEMBER 2023 GREENWICH

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1 Molly van der Griend, Kat Shockley and her daughter Lucy 2 Janine Kennedy 3 Lauren Bush Lauren, Laurette Kittle, Sharon Bush, Molly van der Griend 4 Julie Wiesman, Shannon Signorini 5 Laurette Kittle, Andrea Canning with daughters, Molly van der Griend 6 Alix Toub 7 Chic accessories from Walker & Wade 8 A model showing off the perfect LWD 9 Sharon Bush, Lauren Bush Lauren

WALKER & WADE AND FEED / Greenwich

Giving Back Is in Style

t was an afternoon of style and philanthropy at the Walker & Wade fashion show. The Greenwich-based brand welcomed special guest Lauren Bush Lauren. Guests enjoyed a runway presentation of new looks from the New Naturals collection, while Lauren spoke about the mission of her impact-driven brand, FEED. Proceeds from every FEED product provides school meals to children— sometimes their only meal of the day. feedprojects.com and walkerandwade.com. G

CHERYL MOSS

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Go ahead, try it out. Point your phone’s camera at the Flowcode to scan.

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CAROLINE SETON SOUTHWICK & ROBERT JAMES DECKER 1

t’s been a love story ten years in the making for Caroline and Bob, who were high school sweethearts here in town. And even though after graduation came the not-so-fun reality of a long-distance relationship, the pair made it work and dated throughout college. Bob proposed over Easter weekend last year, carefully planning everything Caroline would love—a water view at sunset surrounded by flowers in her favorite shade of purple. Family was gathered at Caroline’s childhood home in Greenwich waiting to celebrate. The Rev. Marek Zabriskie officiated at the ceremony in Christ Church Greenwich (where Caroline was baptized, confirmed and served as an acolyte). The reception followed at The Point at Norwalk Cove. Not even pouring rain on their wedding day could dampen the joy these two felt. The bride, daughter of the Rev. Michael J. Southwick and Debby Southwick of Greenwich, graduated from Sacred Heart Greenwich and University of Alabama. Caroline works in sports and entertainment hospitality for MKTG in Norwalk. The groom, son of Mark and Carolyn Decker, formerly of Cos Cob, now in Aliso Viejo, California, graduated from Greenwich High School and the University of Arkansas. Bob is the manager of data analytics and strategy for BMG360 in Shelton. The newlyweds honeymooned in France and Italy before returning home to Stamford. »

BROOKE ALLISON

1 Caroline heading to the chapel with her father 2 Pierrette Bradshaw, the newlyweds, Suzie Haynes Halle 3 Caroline with her bridesmaids 4 Bob with his groomsmen 5 The couple’s first walk as Mr. and Mrs. 6 Charlie Southwick holding his son Quinn, Channa Kim Southwick, Caroline and Robert Decker, Debby, Michael and Kaitlin Southwick 7 Sealed with a kiss 8 Mark, Cate, Caroline, Robert and Carolyn Decker 9 Guests on the dance floor at the reception DECEMBER 2023 GREENWICH

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vows KATHRYN ALEXANDRA MCCORMICK & JULIAN JAMES BRADLEY 1

1 Julian and Katy at their rehearsal dinner 2 Beautiful blooms 3 Julian and Katy sweat it out on the court the day before their nuptials 4 Pickleball teammates Lucy Williams, Georgia Williams, Katy McCormick, Camille Candland, Sarah O’Leary 5 The setup for the rehearsal dinner 6 The bride’s parents’ home 7 Mayling and William McCormick

IMOGEN XENIA PHOTOGRAPHY

t was game, set, match for Katy and Julian. The pair met playing tennis at the Field Club of Greenwich. Katy’s sister Ashley had met Julian first and told her there was a very cute tennis pro that she needed to meet. Her initial reaction was an eyeroll, but she acquiesced and took a few lessons. The rest is history. Sisters always know best. The couple dated for a year and a half before Julian proposed while on vacation in Nantucket. Katy grew up going to the island, so it has always been a special place to her as well as for the couple since it was one of their first trips together. The proposal came on Sconset Bluff. The celebration continued into the evening with drinks and dinner at The Wauwinet with friends and family. Pastor Leo Curry officiated at the ceremony in First Church of Round Hill in Greenwich, and the reception followed at the Field Club—naturally. It was an international affair with guests traveling from Ireland, Germany, England and all over the U.S. to be there. The bride, daughter of William and Mayling McCormick of Greenwich, graduated from Greenwich Academy and Duke University. Katy works for Citibank in New York. The groom, son of Chris Bradley and Barbara Brennan of Dublin, Ireland, graduated from Glenstal Abbey and the University of North Florida. Julian is a former professional tennis player and is now enrolled in Dental School at Trinity College Dublin. The newlyweds took a mini-moon to Provence, and will honeymoon in December with skiing in Switzerland and France before returning home to Greenwich (and Dublin while Julian finishes school). G

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8 Katy with sweet Pippa 9 First Church of Round Hill 10 Katy with her bridesmaids and flower girls 11 Julian with his groomsmen 12 A stunning setting with blooms by Greenwich Orchids 13 Guests on the courts for cocktails 14 David and Courtney Ghysels, Courtney and Warren Hansen, Drew Ghysels 15 Immediate family on the church steps 16 Nancy Long, Mayling McCormick, Amy Elliott 17 Katy and Julian under a confetti of rose petals 18 An evening view of the Field Club 19 Naveen Nirgudkar, Ashley McCormick 20 Cake by Aux Délices DECEMBER 2023 GREENWICH

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y B s l e t r a B n e ON, ile

AS D E N S A E H OA K T C E O Z C SEI E HOT TA SAC TH T SAN . L R L E E D A L U SM OW TH O R H U S O R Y R TH R YOU ON T E S E OV OR THO D DON’ E T F N A A P E — O R T C SH IS . L F L E NIC YOURSE AKE A S M T E , E V S G I N L R FO ADITIO N THE D N I A TR E S R NC O E B R . H E E G F I V F E I O N D UR E YOU L AKE O Y W OF OS L L H ’ T U ALL DAY YO … G Y N I R EVE UP SAY greenwichmag.com

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o l l e H Twenty-five ways to get your jollies on

DECEMBER 2023 GREENWICH

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FILL THOSE STO CKINGS AND B OXES WITH THE PERFECT GIF TS. WHETHER Y OU FIND THEM O N THE AVENUE OR ONLINE, THESE PRESE NT S WILL LIGHT UP EVERYONE’S HOLIDAY

ALL THAT GLITTERS

LITTLE INDULGENCES

You can’t go wrong with the gift of jewelry, but for maximum impact, make it personal. Monica Rich Kosann crafts inspirational pieces that feel like they were made just for you. From her Stackable Poesy rings to lockets and empowering charms, there is a price point for everyone. The sterling silver “I Love You More” Poesy Ring necklace starts at $60, and the gold Charlotte locket necklace is $8,400. Charm themes include a “Protect” evil eye, “Wish” dandelion, and “You’ve Had the Power All Along, My Dear” Dorothy charm. Try on in person at her stores in Columbus Circle, Hudson Yard, Bergdorf Goodman, locally at Richards or online. monicarichkosann.com mitchellstores.com

Spoil those locks you love with luxe hair-care items. A quality brush and comb can last for decades. For over 130 years, the Mason Pearson company has been making fine boar-bristle brushes. Available in a variety of colors online or on Greenwich Avenue at Bluemercury in sizes from pocket to pure bristle ($75 to $275). bluemercury.com The Dr. Sturm Molecular Hair and Scalp Comb ($30) is not just pretty, it’s also a wiz at detangling hair and promoting scalp health. These sell out quickly, so stock up.drsturm.com

2 BRIGHT FUTURE

CONTRIBUTED BY BRAND/DESIGNER

For a chic look while protecting those baby blues, Ray-Bans never go out of style. But did you know you can monogram them? Standard engraving is free and can feature a name or phrase. Hand-painted premium engraving with personalized color and font is just $10. Classic Aviators start at $188. ray-ban.com

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CUSTOM CREATION

SIMPLY CHARMING

The I Stole My Boyfriend’s Shirt company offers a far from average sweatshirt. You’ve seen them in boutiques in Nantucket and small specialty shops. The cozy fabrics and phrases embroidered around the neckline, like “East Coast” or “ACK,” make them stand out. They’re cut, sewn and weathered by the designer to create a one-of-a-kind look that can be made one step more personal by customizing the wording. You pick the fabric and thread colors and the phrase—use a family favorite catchphrase, school or team color theme. The Collection uses vintage and deadstock textiles. Sweatshirts start at $185. istolemyboyfriendsshirt.com

Whether your daughter just returned from a semester abroad or you are a family of world travelers, charms to commemorate a journey never go out of style. Check out Jet Set candy and its Bespoke Passport book charms that you can customize with specific countries ($148– $1,998). And there are gold and silver luggage tag charms for every destination. You can also celebrate your summer trips or vacation home with spinner charms featuring your favorite spot such as Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, the Hamptons, the Caribbean or NYC ($98 sterling silver, $148 gold vermeil, $998 gold). jetsetcandy.com

CONTRIBUTED BY BRAND/DESIGNER

SIRI FIND MY … STYLISH TECH AirTags and accessories can be a practical and attractive gift. Ensure your sister never loses her keys with the leather Hermès Key Ring ($349) that holds an AirTag ($29) ever so subtly. Other uses for AirTags are dog collars and kid bracelets that can help track children for trips to the amusement park. A four-pack of brightly colored silicone AirTag holders that can clip onto keys, dog collars or luggage are available on Amazon for only $15, and Case-Mate AirTag kid bracelets start at $8 on Amazon. hermes.com; apple.com; amazon.com

7 PREPARE TO LAUNCH Gifts that make travel easier are a no-brainer. Select a subtle luxury gift that will last for decades from T. Anthony. The tote bags and travel accessories have been a staple on Manhattan’s Park Avenue. Start a family member with a Town and Country Tote ($725) and add on yearly. Emboss or add a gold monogram to make it one of a kind. tanthony.com »

DECEMBER 2023 GREENWICH

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8 BREAK BREAD Stollen, also known as Christstollen, is a traditional German holiday bread filled with nuts, candied fruit and spices, coated with powdered sugar or marzipan and may include rum, as each German baker adds their own special touch. Step into our own slice of Bavaria, also known as Black Forest Pastry Shop, for a loaf. Be sure to grab a few fresh gingerbread men while you’re there. 52 Lewis Street; blackforestpastryshop.com

WHAT IS THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITHOUT A FEW TREATS? WHETHER YOU’RE CELEBRATING FAMILY TRADITIONS OR CREATING NEW ONES, ADD A SIGNATURE SWEET TO YOUR HOLIDAY MENU

TASTY MORSELS It tastes like the holidays when you bring out a plate of rugelach. Similar to a croissant but crispier, the traditional Jewish treat is folded over a variety of fillings. Available at most local bakeries. Try gluten-free rugelach in chocolate, raspberry and apricot at By The Way Bakery. btwbakery.com

CONTRIBUTED BY BRAND/DESIGNER; CROISSANTS BY VENERA ALEXANDROVA

RISE & SHINE Start Christmas off right with a little help from the Dequeker family. Stock your freezer with ready-to-rise, frozen, uncooked croissants and pain au chocolat from Raphael’s Bakery. Come the morning, pop them in the oven—et voila! It’s like a team of elves were in your kitchen all night. raphsbakery.com

11 LET THEM EAT CAKE You may call it a yule log, but your guests will call it delicious. Buche de Noel Christmas cake is served in many European countries. This chocolate cake has lightly sweetened filling, a touch of raspberry jam and is frosted to look like a log. Order this tasty dessert on the Avenue at St. Moritz Bakery. stmoritzgreenwich.com greenwichmag.com

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CLEAN SLATE

TO YOUR HEALTH

Keeping clean while prepping for a party is tricky business. Give the hosts an attractive apron they won’t want to take off. Several local housewares stores have a variety of aprons to keep those fancy party duds splatter-free. Check out aprons in-store or online at Willams Sonoma and Anthropologie in Westport starting at $32.

Outstanding olive oil from California is tasty—and good for you. Brightland is not only delicious, it comes in attractive bottles worthy of any kitchen counter. Available in a variety of infused flavors like garlic, lemon and chili ($40). If the host has a pizza oven, gift some sizzle with the Jalapeño Pizza Oil ($32). Brightland also offers vinegar, honey and gift sets that include each. brightland.co

Williams Sonona 25 Church Lane, Westport, williams-sonoma.com Anthropologie 59 Post Road East, Westport, anthropologie.com

13 YOU’RE SO SWEET

Skip the wine and wrap up a maple syrup that you can't find on grocery store shelves. Get it online straight from Vermont. Hidden Springs Maple offers a sampler set of three flavors in a handmade wooden crate for $19. Take it up a notch and pair with a pancake mix from Stonewall Kitchen, available at Balducci’s and Kings. hiddenspringsmaple.com

SMELLS LIKE A VACATION Vacation brand candles ($34) with fun names like Well Tipped Pool Boy, High Ceiling Resort Lobby, Partial Ocean Suite View and Ball Boy will have your host feeling like they’re on holiday every time they catch a whiff. You can pair with an extra touch like a sleeve of tennis balls. Also available online at Bluemercury. vacation.inc; bluemercury.com »

CONTRIBUTED BY BRAND/DESIGNER

KEEPING A CACHE OF HOSTESS GIFTS STASHED IN THE CLOSET FOR LAST-MINUTE GIFT GIVING IS A PRO MOVE. BRING ONE OF THESE ALONG, AND YOU’LL HAVE YOUR HOSTS RETHINKING THE NO-GIFT POLICY. A PERSONAL TOUCH IS KEY, SO KNOW YOUR HOSTS AND THEIR HOBBIES DECEMBER 2023 GREENWICH

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ONE STEP AT A TIME

SAY IT WITH FLOWERS

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or trekking through Manhattan en route to the Nutcracker for the nineteenth time, do it in comfort and with glamour. This is where Scarlett Chase comes in. Nobody needs to know that the gorgeous boots or heels you’re wearing feel like sneakers. Tackle that dance floor in Lola high-stretch boots or Seine pumps. Developed with orthopedic professionals, biomechanic specialists and industrial design experts, these shoes are meant for women on the move. Available online; check for area trunk shoes at Darien Sport Shop. scarlettchase.com dariensport.com

Amaryllis, poinsettia and Holly, oh my! Christmas tree or not, your home can be filled with elegant flowers and greenery this holiday season with a simple phone call. The discerning eyes at Winston Flowers, Sam Bridge Nursery and McArdle’s Floral and Design Center are happy to deck your halls. Consider a single color theme, like all white with greenery or go red with the deepest ruby amaryllis and poinsettias they can find. Begin with a door that looks chic all winter long. Check out Winston Flowers holiday wreath collection from magnificent magnolias to simply stunning pinecones. mcardles.com winstonflowers.com sambridge.com

AMARYLLIS BY HUGEPNG - STOCK.ADOBE.COM; WREATH BY LUANN HUNT/UNSPLASH; CHRISTMAS LIGHTS BY MANU SCHWENDENER/UNSPLASH

ADD A TWINKLE OUTDOORS, FLOWERS INDOORS, DRESS UP THE POOCH AND TOP IT ALL OFF WITH A LITTLE SOMETHING SPARKLY FOR YOUR FEET. YOU’LL WALTZ INTO DECEMBER READY TO SHINE

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18 FESTIVE FURRY FRIENDS Get your four-footed friends into the spirit and feel the cheer each time you take him for a walk. A pup decked out in an embroidered emerald-green velvet holiday collar says it all. Online retailer Mimi Green is the go-to chic dog collar shop. Print key information on the buckle, and order luxe collar fabrics like a snowy blue velvet with hand-embroidered custom messages like “Let It Snow” or your dog’s name with a snowflake ($50). The buckles provide space for three lines of print that can include a dog’s name, address and contact phone number. They are easy to read and there’s no clunky tag to fall off. shopmimigreen.com

21 FAMILY AFFAIR

website for a smile. Her vibrant playful works have been featured by Francis Valentine, Veronica Beard and The Carlyle to name a few. thisiscarlybeck.com

CONTRIBUTED BY BRAND/DESIGNER

PAW PRINTS You may already enjoy artist Carly Beck’s whimsical dog prints and current collaboration with Wallshoppe wallpaper, but you may not know that she will create a custom portrait of your pet. Prices range from $175 for a 6-inch by 6-inch portrait to $1,500 for a 30-inch by 30-inch piece. Carly features pet faces in human clothes with back drops of familiar places such as Palm Beach, Nantucket, Malibu or engaging in sports. Check out her

20 LIGHT IT UP You don’t have to recreate the scene from Chevy Chase’s Christmas Vacation and end up tangled in lights. Most area garden services offer help with outdoor holiday light installations and post-holiday removal. Beau DiNardo at Outdoor Lighting Perspectives

provides everything from the lighting to wreaths and all-weather garland. Most installations take a half-day. For those with truly grand plans, OLP can bring out a bucket truck, tree climbers and equipment for the tallest trees. Working with an arborist, they will provide feedback regarding the best trees to light and how to avoid injury to trees. A typical holiday lighting project runs $800 to $1,200 including lights, installation and removal. Beau tells us most clients favor traditional warm white mini-lights but colored and bright options are also available. outdoorlights.com

Whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah or simply winter, your family can celebrate all season long with a tradition of coordinating pajamas. Picture the photo ops when the gang is clad in matching flannel. Stores locally and online offer festive sets for everyone. If your family likes to monkey around, get the whole group into Roller Rabbit’s signature Monkey print with colors, styles and sizes for every family member from baby to dad. Roller Rabbit 103 Greenwich Avenue rollerrabbit.com Vineyard Vines 145 Greenwich Avenue vineyardvines.com Hanna Anderson hannaandersson.com »

DECEMBER 2023 GREENWICH

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24 GO BOWL-ING

A SHINY NEW YEAR IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER. LET'S CELEBRATE— WITH A FULL COCKTAIL GALA OR JUST A FAMILY CELEBRATION

A fancy night in sequins may be fun, but try a more spirited affair this New Year’s by sporting your favorite college team jersey and invite friends over for a college football bowl game. Plan for a Peach or Orange Bowl gathering Saturday, December 30, and stay with the theme to welcome the New Year with your choice of the Fiesta, Sugar and Rose Bowl games on Monday, January 1. Ask guests to wear their team colors, and plan a menu of classic football fare. espn.com DATE: December 30

CAPITAL ONE ORANGE BOWL Miami, Florida, 4 p.m. DATE: January 1 VRBO FIESTA BOWL Glendale, Arizona 1 p.m. ROSE BOWL Pasadena, California, 5 p.m. ALLSTATE SUGAR BOWL New Orleans, Louisiana, 8:45 p.m.

SAGE ADVICE Consider a trip to Crystals Unlimited in the Riverside Commons Shopping Plaza or visit Shaman Market online for sage and good-energy supplies. Burning sage to rid bad energy and opening the back door to let out bad luck is a great way to make a fresh start in 2024. The Shamans Market online offers a White Sage Smudge gift set for $24 that comes attractively packaged with a smudge stick, turkey feather and abalone shell—practical and display-worthy. Crystals Unlimited 1239 E. Putnam Ave., or shamansmarket.com

23 GET HYPED Go simple and enlist tech-savvy kids to create a hype reel of all the families trips,

accomplishments and cause for cheer, to be screened on New Year’s Eve. Pulling together photos can be an hours long or week long project for mom, dad or the kids. Gather the family round for a celebration

of the year gone by and inspiration for all that is possible in the year ahead. Projects created on Apple devices can easily be shared for viewing on a larger TV equipped with an Apple TV device.

Added points if you work peaches, oranges or sugar into your menu.

25 MAKE A WISH Start the year with a wish, and put your personal intentions into the universe. A Flying Wish Paper kit is fun for both kids and adults. Write your wish on the special paper, insert into the kit’s tube, light on fire and watch your wish magically drift to the heavens. Kits start at $12 and are available locally or online at Flying Wish Paper. flyingwishpaper.com Noelle Day Spa 1100 High Ridge Road, Stamford noelle.com Terrain 561 Post Road East, Westport shopterrain.com Paper Source 100 Post Road East, Westport papersource.com

SAGE BY SENTELIAOLGA - STOCK.ADOBE.COM CONTRIBUTED BY BRAND/DESIGNER

CHICK-FIL-A PEACH BOWL Atlanta, Georgia, 12 p.m.

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CONTRIBUTED BY BRAND/DESIGNER

Grab your elf hat and get ready to throw a party with purpose or the past few years a group of Greenwich friends have gotten together to throw a holiday party where everyone gets to be one of Santa’s elves. An RSVP to this gathering means you come far from empty-handed. Prior to the party, guests are given a holiday wish list for a family in need. The garage is set up as an elaborate elf workshop with wrapping stations ready for guests to wrap packages for their assigned family. The evening culminates in a dinner, and guests leave with their cars packed like Santa’s sleigh. Everyone is set to deliver gifts to make the holidays a little brighter for an area family. Laura Geffs, Emily Michaud and Melissa Rovelli have been coordinating this festive affair for several years. Originally the gathering was held at a barn, and the friends took a bus to shop together at Target then headed back to the barn for wrapping. As the opportunity to invite more elves and help more families increased, logistics became challenging, so the party morphed into its current style. This is a great opportunity to do something festive and is filled with the true spirit of the holidays. If you’re interested in hosting a similar event, contact Community Programs Coordinator Jamie Annunziato at Greenwich Department of Human Services (GDHS) and ask about the Adopt a Family for the Holidays Program. According to Jamie, last year fifty-three wish lists were filled, and GDHS gave out an additional 1,106 gift cards to Greenwich families experiencing financial challenges.

1. GDHS collects necessary information to determine eligibility for participation in the program. 2. Once vetted for support, a qualifying family will complete a Holiday Aid Wish List form. greenwichdhsfund. org/holidayaidprogram or contact jamie.annunziato@ greenwichct.org, 203- 622-3715

3. Adopters view the family’s contact information and wish lists. 4. Adopters are asked to coordinate directly with their family regarding any questions about delivery. G

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by ja m i e m a r sha l l

ph ot o g r a ph y by ve ne r a a le x a ndrova

*Some last names of JFS clients have been omitted at the organization’s request

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After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Tetiana* (left) and her family fled to the United States. Irina Degtyur, Intensive Case Manager of JFS Ukraine Resettlement Program (right), helped them build a home here and in the process, the pair forged a deep bond.

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Of all the ways Tetiana* imagined her life unfolding, becoming a refugee at the age of forty-one wasn’t one of them. Born and raised in Mykolaiv, a small but strategically important city in southern Ukraine, Tetiana and her husband, Dimitro, had jobs they loved, children they adored, a wide circle of friends and family. That all changed when Russia invaded in February 2022. “The war started very suddenly,” she says. “We left our house, our cars, our families and our parents. All that we had, we lost in just one minute.” Under President Biden’s United for Ukraine program, the family was able to secure a sponsor who arranged their trip to Connecticut and a small apartment in New Canaan. They arrived in June 2022. The first few months were overwhelming. Even the simplest tasks—finding a doctor, setting up a bank account, registering their kids for school—seemed out of reach. “In Ukraine we had a good life, good salary. To start again from zero is very challenging,” Tetiana says. The process became easier after a friend introduced the couple to Irina Degtyur, a Ukrainian case manager at Jewish Family Services of Greenwich (JFS), one of three nonprofit agencies in Connecticut that have contracts with the state to welcome refugees and connect them with resettlement resources. With Irina’s help the family has been able to obtain work permits, get muchneeded dental treatment for their youngest son and take ownership of a donated car. “Irina is very responsive to all our questions and needs,” says Tetiana. “She has helped us overcome many hurdles.” Gradually the family has begun to feel at home. “When we came to the USA we thought the war would stop soon, especially in the south where we lived. But now we see it won’t

stop soon, because the situation is really bad. Here we feel safe. I ask my kids if the war stops, do you want to go back, and they cry no. They are happy here now.” JFS of Greenwich came to refugee resettlement work in a roundabout way. It was originally established in 1983 by a group of board members from the Jewish Federation of Greenwich. “They recognized a need to meet the growing demand for social services in the Jewish community,” says Chief Executive Officer Rachel Kornfeld, who joined the agency in 2019. In the ’90s JFS-Greenwich worked with the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) to resettle Russian Jews from the former Soviet Union. After a few years, the program dried up as the need subsided. By the time Rachel arrived, the agency was searching for a new identity. “I was tasked to revitalize the organization and give it a new footing,” she says. Because of her background—Rachel is a licensed clinical social worker and a certified school administrator—she turned her focus to behavioral health. Just as she started to chart a new path for the organization, Covid hit. “Everybody and, literally, their mother needed some kind of service from us,” she says. Behavioral health—specifically telehealth—exploded; the staff and clinicians greenwichmag.com

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Hanna Zholnerchyk , JFS client, and Lala Addeo, Director of Volunteer Services

Rachel Kornfeld, Chief Executive Officer

Frohar Ahmadi, Case Manager, Afghan Resettlement Program and Melanie Zamenhof, Esq., Director of Immigration and Legal Services

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doubled in size. JFS had barely caught its breath from Covid when the Taliban claimed victory in Afghanistan after the fall of Kabul in August 2021. Shortly thereafter, Rachel received a notice for all JFS affiliates to join a call with Jewish Federation of North America, HIAS, and the network for Jewish Human Service Agencies. “They said we need every one of you to help us help the people of Afghanistan.” It was a big ask for the small agency. “We had a skeleton staff, a part-time case manager— but I thought we can’t say no,” Rachel recalls. “I knew we could help them in some way, whether five people or one hundred.” She brought the request to the board and was met with some skepticism. “They thought it was a little risky because we hadn’t been in resettlement, and they wondered if the population would be wellreceived,” she says. “Despite some initial concerns, we decided to move forward as the concept of tikun olam—welcoming the stranger—is part of our mission.” After completing the requisite paperwork, Rachel organized a community task force meeting. The response was heartening. “On the first call we had forty people from Greenwich, Stamford and Rye Brook,” she says. The agency partnered with several churches and civic groups, including the International Ladies Group of Greenwich. “They literally brought every nationality to the table. While they didn’t have any Afghan women members at the time, they had people from that part of the world who could bring context and compassion. We had people from India, Pakistan and Syria to help us understand the food and nuances and interaction.” Three weeks later, JFS welcomed nine Afghans from an extended family of twentysix. Over the next six weeks the remaining family members arrived, and the agency managed to place them near each other—first in Greenwich and then into a handicappedaccessible apartment building in Stamford. “We resettled fifty-four Afghans that first round,” she says.

LAST FALL, JFS GREENWICH BECAME A FULL AFFILIATE OF HIAS AND NOW SERVES REFUGEES FROM THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. Although resettlement and immigration services are just two facets of the many programs it offers, they have become the largest. In just a little more than two years it has resettled more than five hundred individuals from countries such as Afghanistan, Ukraine, Syria, Congo, Haiti and Venezuela. “Saying yes to that national call to action was likely the greatest contribution to society I will make in my lifetime,” says Rachel. “That decision has created a ripple effect of life-changing good. The funny thing is, of all the JFS affiliates across the country, Greenwich was one of only four that said yes. Since then, more affiliates have gotten involved in refugee resettlement.” The learning curve has been steep. Besides the biggest obstacles to assimilation—the language barrier, for instance—there are smaller but no less difficult challenges. The recent arrival of

“Irina is very responsive to all our questions and needs,” says Tetiana. “She has helped us overcome many hurdles.”

a Syrian family underscores the gulf between Western and non-Western cultures. “They had a teenage daughter who had just turned fourteen and would be entering her freshman year of high school,” says Amy Fischer, a JFS volunteer since 2022 who was the lead volunteer for the family. “She is very bright, and I knew she would be fine academically. She was nervous about going to school with boys. Her mom was concerned kids would bully her because of her hijab. We helped her learn how to respond when placed in those situations, so she was equipped with language to react appropriately. I took her to the school and showed her the classrooms and explained the cafeteria [boys and girls sit together], and now she is thriving.” The stress of resettlement is something that Lala Addeo, director of volunteer services, understands firsthand. Born and raised in Baku, Azerbaijan, Lala was ten when her family fled their homeland in 1990 after the fall of the Soviet Union. They were one of the first Russian Jewish families that JFS resettled in Greenwich. The memory of that time is seared into her brain. “Back then, the traditional immigration route was through Austria and Italy. We spent one month in Vienna, followed by ten days in a camp in the woods in Italy before moving to an apartment in the suburbs of Rome. After a sixmonth wait, we were finally granted permission to enter the U.S. through HIAS. It was a sevenmonth journey with a lot of uncertainly and danger. We were in survival mode,” she says. She remembers getting off the plane in New York and meeting their lead volunteer family—a couple from Connecticut and their three children. They drove the Addeos to a fully furnished house in Cos Cob, where a network of JFS Greenwich and Temple Sholom volunteers took them under their wing. “It was such a warm and fuzzy feeling,” she says. “They became our friends and would include us in every holiday gathering. They wanted to make sure we never felt alone.” That feeling of safety, security and friendship is what Lala and her corp of eighty resettlement program volunteers try to create for every newcomer who arrives in their care.

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THE CHALLENGE IS ONGOING. NO TWO CASES ARE ALIKE. SOME CLIENTS ARE WELL-EDUCATED. SOME ARE NOT. Some speak English, others throw themselves into learning English, while still others resist, preferring to rely on Google Translate. It’s a constant balancing act. As an example of a family that made the transition more easily than others, Lala recounts the story of a Ukrainian mother and daughter who left Kiev and landed in Florida one day before the launch of United For Ukraine, which meant they weren’t eligible for any federal assistance. The mother, Hannah Zholnerchyk, had a PhD in Economics. The daughter, Marta, dreamed of going to medical school. Lala heard about their plight through a friend. “I believed they could be successful here. I made a phone call to a former JFS board member, Nancy Zisson, and asked if there was a way to help them relocate,” Lala recalls. “Nancy connected me with Rachel and JFS board president Pam Liflander, and within a month we had made this miracle happen.” This success is what led Lala to join the JFS team. The story is a happy one. The daughter got to finish her senior year at GCDS—one of the agency’s community partners. (She is now on a pre-med track, majoring in Biology at a university in the Midwest, and her mother found a job in finance.) “For me this was a full circle moment. I feel like I’m paying it forward for others,” she says. Not all clients assimilate quite so easily. For many, the leap can be daunting. Such was the case with a family of Afghans who came to the States under Operation Allies Welcome. Two of the men had worked on a U.S. Army base in the Jalalabad region near Pakistan. Though they were trained to fix giant turbines and airplane engines, they were illiterate in their own language, as were their wives and daughters.

“They were all very smart people,” says volunteer Diane Effros. “But they were not educated.” An experienced ESL tutor, the Rye resident quickly took on a lead role, helping the family navigate their new environment. “The adults barely knew how to hold a pen. They didn’t know their birthdays (a foreign concept to Afghans); they didn’t sit on couches or use tables. Just getting them to face the same direction and sit on chairs for an ESL class could take twenty minutes.” She conceived innovative ways to help them

—Rachel Kornfeld, on the inception of the JFS refugee resettlement program

fit in. When it was time for the two girls—ages ten and twelve—to start school, Effros took them to Old Navy and Target, where she bought them black stretch pants, sneakers, socks and turtlenecks to wear under their dresses and floral headscarves. “We tried to take away the getting-teased factor, and it worked,” she says. Resettlement is a long and arduous process with one end goal: to help each person or family stand on their own. The first step is getting here. Some enter the country as refugees, while others come as humanitarian parolees or are granted temporary protective status. All are here legally and are eligible for public assistance benefits as well as work authorization documents, says Melanie Zamenhof, director of refugee resettlement and legal services. “The dates that you enter and the manner in which you enter can put you on completely different paths to citizenship and what services you qualify for,” she says. “We make sure they get the maximum number of opportunities and benefits they are eligible for and connect them with a team of social workers and case managers to make that happen.” Even for Melanie, the process can be confusing. “I constantly have to refer back and reread the INA regulations and USCIS form instructions for exact wordings and proper procedures, and I’ve been doing this for a long time. Imagine if you are coming from another country, from a different culture. And on top of that many of our clients have suffered extreme trauma.” »

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JFS IS ACTIVELY WORKING TO HELP GET PEOPLE FROM ISRAEL TO SAFETY FOR VOLUNTEER AMY FISCHER, THE MOST GRATIFYING PART OF THE JOB IS GETTING HER FAMILIES TO THE POINT WHERE THEY CAN BE SELF-SUPPORTING AND INDEPENDENT. “I see so many stories about illegal immigrants that fall through the cracks and don’t have a way to make it here,” she says. “I’m a huge proponent of legal immigration. When they get the support they need, they can make a life here. I think that’s the way the American system can work.” That has been the experience of JFS case manager Frohar Ahmadi. She and her family left Kabul in 2022 knowing that her education, her brother’s work for a U.S. agency and her father’s work for the Afghan government would make them a target for the Taliban. A sibling who lived in the United State opened a case for them. “We tried to get out of the airport three times, always unsuccessful.” After a month, the family made it to Abu Dhabi, where they spent another ten months—five people in one room. “We were like prisoners,” she says. “We were not allowed to get out of the camp area, didn’t see any trees, no cars for ten months. We were just hoping the best would happen in the end.” Ultimately, the request to come to the U.S. was approved and the family settled in Harrison. Frohar was lucky. She had a university education and spoke English—but still the transition was difficult. “It was, like, unbearable at first” she says. “I entered a world that was unfamiliar to me, a world that I hadn’t seen the whole of my life.” She remembers the day she got her first job— in the admitting office of a hospital in White Plains. “It was a good start for starting a new life in the U.S.” Six months later, she applied for a position

as a case manager at JFS. “I felt like I was in a position to help our clients get through those stressful days that I have been through.” Similarly, JFS case manager Dino Morell overcame countless obstacles on his road to citizenship. Originally from Panama, Morell came to Miami twenty-five years ago with the dream of becoming a U.S. citizen. “Things got difficult pretty quickly,” he says. He hired an immigration “expert” who was a scam artist and stole all his money. “I had to start from zero again,” he says. He moved to New York, where he took a series of blue-collar jobs as he scraped together enough money to pay for another immigration agency. “There were problems with my documents, and they weren’t able to figure it out. I was ready to give up,” he says. And then fate intervened. His best friend Richard, who worked in Greenwich, told him about JFS; he encouraged Dino to call them. He met Melanie and told her his story. Turns out that his citizenship case had been flagged in New York due to a case of mistaken identity. “Melanie did her magic,” he says. “With her help and advice, I was able to obtain the document I needed. She changed my life.” On February 3 of this year, the sixty-twoyear-old took the oath of citizenship at a naturalization ceremony in the U.S. District Court in Hartford, with Melanie there to support him. “Honestly, that was the best day of my life,” he says. Morell started working as a JFS volunteer soon after. A few months later he joined the staff full-time as an assistant for the community integration program. “The universe works in different ways and now it’s shining on me,” he says. “I struggled tremendously. Now I try to help people so they don’t have to struggle the way I did.” G

he war in Gaza was less than a month old when this story went to press. Already, JFS had helped an Israeli family resettle in Greenwich, with several more in the pipeline. “There is a visa waiver for people coming from Israel,” says Rachel. “They were on the border and in harm’s way.” JFS got the family emergency benefits and enrolled their young child in a pre-school. With no sign of the hostilities abating, the agency is preparing for a wave of people coming from the region temporarily, with plans to go home when it’s safe to do so. About the crisis, Rachel says, “I’ve seen Sen. Blumenthal speak at the Israel solidarity events. The one I appreciated the most is when he said, ‘We all have experienced and responded to horrific crises around the world. For me, this is different—it’s personal, very personal.’ As the leader of a Jewish organization this was powerful to hear. JFS jumped into action to serve Afghan and Ukrainian families traumatized by war, seeking safety. They will do the same for Israeli families. Everyone who walks through our doors gets the same compassionate care. More than ever, JFS seeks to fight antisemitism with unity. We are always better together.”

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Get Your Photo Published in Greenwich Magazine! We are looking for fantastic photos of Greenwich and Greenwich people to feature every month on our new back page. If you would like a chance to be published in Greenwich magazine and win $100 here’s what you should know: • Photos can be whimsical, historical, serene, funny or beautiful but they all must be taken in Greenwich. • Photos must be submitted digitally to photos@mofflymedia.com and be 300 dpi and 7 inches high or larger. • We will need:

1 Photographer’s name, address, phone number and e-mail 2 Subject of the photograph (identify people in the photo) 3 Location of the photograph 4 Inspiration behind the photograph 5 Any interesting anecdote about the photograph or featured subject

We can’t wait to see your view of Greenwich! DECEMBER 2023 GREENWICH

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2023 Our 16th annual Light a Fire event honors individuals and organizations from across lower Fairfield County who have accomplished incredible feats to support our community, families, schools and at-risk individuals. This year’s honorees were nominated by the community and the final award winners were selected based on their incredible work. Photos by Kyle Norton

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2023 6:00PM - 9:00PM • WESTPORT COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE Cocktail Celebration & Awards Ceremony Hosted by Actor and Director James Naughton Tickets: $125 • MofflyLifestyleMedia.com/LightAFire

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calendar DECEMBER 2023

Diving Board with Shadow by David Hockney

Bruce Museum Opening on Wednesday, December 6 at the Bruce Museum, Hockney/Origins: Early Works from the Roy B. and Edith J. Simpson Collection features sixteen works on loan from the family collection. The exhibition traces the early ambitions and evolution of a young Hockney with a spotlight on works created between 1961and 1980. Reflecting a range of mediums, the pieces on display include oil and acrylic paintings, pressed paper pulp, crayon drawings, lithographs and etchings. 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich. brucemuseum.org

ART & ANTIQUES ALDRICH MUSEUM, 258 Main St., Ridgefield, 438-0198. Tues.–Sun. aldrichart.org AMY SIMON FINE ART, 1869 Post Rd. East, Westport, 259-1500. amysimonfineart.com BRUCE MUSEUM, 1 Museum Dr., 869-0376. brucemuseum.org

CANFIN GALLERY, 39 Main St., Tarrytown, NY, 914-332-4554. canfingallery.com CARAMOOR CENTER FOR MUSIC AND THE ARTS, Girdle Ridge Rd., Katonah, NY, 914-232-1252. Caramoor is a destination for exceptional music, captivating programs, spectacular gardens and grounds, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. caramoor.org

( for more events visit greenwichmag.com )

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

GREENWICH ARTS COUNCIL, 299 Greenwich Ave., 862-6750. greenwichartscouncil.org

SILVERMINE GUILD ARTS CENTER, 1037 Silvermine Rd., New Canaan, 966-9700. silvermineart.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

SANDRA MORGAN INTERIORS & ART PRIVÉ, 135 East Putnam Ave., 2nd Fl., Greenwich, 629-8121. sandramorganinteriors.com

GREENWICH HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 47 Strickland Rd., 869-6899. greenwichhistory.org

SOROKIN GALLERY, 96 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, 856-9048. sorokingallery.com

KATONAH MUSEUM OF ART, Rte. 22 at Jay St., Katonah, NY, 914-232-9555. katonahmuseum.org

STAMFORD ART ASSOCIATION, 39 Franklin St., Stamford, 325-1139. stamfordartassociation.org

KENISE BARNES FINE ART, 1947 Palmer Ave., Larchmont, NY, 914-834-8077. kbfa.com

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

LOCKWOOD-MATHEWS MANSION MUSEUM, 295 West Ave., Norwalk, 838-9799. lockwoodmathews mansion.com LOFT ARTISTS ASSOCIATION, 575 Pacific St., Stamford, 247-2027. loftartists.org MARITIME AQUARIUM, 10 N. Water St., S. Norwalk, 852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org NEUBERGER MUSEUM OF ART, Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase, NY, 914-251-6100. 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

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

CONCERTS, FILM & THEATER ARENA AT HARBOR YARD, 600 Main St., Bridgeport, 345-2300. websterbankarena.com »

DECEMBER 2023 GREENWICH

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NOVEMBER 24 - DECEMBER 23 CELEBRATING 15 YEARS & FAMLY TRADITIONS!

Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North Street, Greenwich, CT

VISIT LIVE REINDEER ~ PHOTOS WITH SANTA Mondays - Fridays, 12pm - 6pm, Saturdays, 9am - 6pm, Closed Sundays

WE'RE BACK PARTY! November 24, 12pm - 6pm. SANTA and HIS REINDEER ARRIVE! REINDEER FESTIVAL HOSTED BY

PRESENTING SPONSOR

SANTA’S WORKSHOP SPONSOR

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SANTA’S RAFFLE SPONSOR

GIFT BAG SPONSORS COMMUNITY SPONSORS

PREMIER MEDIA SPONSOR

DOGGY GIFT BAG SPONSORS

TO BENEFIT

CREATED & PRODUCED BY

MEDIA SPONSORS

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calendar BOWMAN OBSERVATORY PUBLIC NIGHT, NE of Milbank/East Elm St. rotary on the grounds of Julian Curtiss School, 869-6786, ext. 338 BRUCE MUSEUM, 1 Museum Dr., 869-0376. brucemuseum.org

FAIRFIELD MUSEUM AND HISTORY CENTER, 370 Beach Rd., Fairfield, 259-1598. fairfieldhistory.org GREENWICH BOTANICAL CENTER, 130 Bible St., 869-9242. gecgreenwich.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

KATONAH MUSEUM OF ART, 26 Bedford Rd., Chappaqua, NY, 914-232-9555. katonahmuseum.org

CONNECTICUT CERAMICS STUDY CIRCLE, Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr. ctcsc.org

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

Cochairs Dr. Stacy Zarakiotis from Greenwich Pediatric Dental Group, Maggie Bridge from Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, Jenny Allen from Compass Real Estate.

Kids in Crisis Enjoy an evening of shopping, holiday cheer and delicious food to benefit Kids in Crisis, Thursday, December 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Vineyard Vines, 145 Greenwich Avenue.

AVON THEATRE FILM CENTER, 272 Bedford St., Stamford, 661-0321. avontheatre.org

GOODSPEED OPERA HOUSE, 6 Main St., East Haddam, 860-873-8668. goodspeed.org

SHUBERT THEATER, 247 College St., New Haven, 800-228-6622. shubert.com

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

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

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

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

LECTURES, TOURS & WORKSHOPS FAIRFIELD THEATRE COMPANY, On StageOne, 70 Sanford St., Fairfield, 259-1036. fairfieldtheatre.org

JACOB BURNS FILM CENTER, 364 Manville Rd., Pleasantville, NY, 914-7737663. burnsfilmcenter.org LONG WHARF THEATRE, 222 Sargent Dr., New Haven, 787-4282. longwharf.com

WESTPORT COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE, 25 Powers Ct., Westport, 227-4177. westportplayhouse.org ALDRICH MUSEUM, 258 Main St., Ridgefield, 438-0198. aldrichart.org

RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, 438-9269. ridgefieldplayhouse.org

AUDUBON GREENWICH, 613 Riversville Rd., 869-5272. greenwich.audubon.org

RIDGEFIELD THEATER BARN, 37 Halpin Ln., Ridgefield, 431-9850. ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org

AUX DÉLICES, 231 Acosta St., Stamford, 326-4540, ext. 108. auxdelicesfoods.com

( for more events visit greenwichmag.com )

Evening Eventide by Mariya Rivera

Art Society of Old Greenwich The Art Society of Old Greenwich is celebrating the season by holding its Members Holiday Exhibit at the Gertrude G. White Art Gallery at the YWCA Greenwich. Work from local artists in a variety of mediums, including oil, acrylic, watercolor, photography, mixed media and drawing, are on display in the gallery through Friday, December 29. 259 E. Putnam Ave., ywcagreenwich.org

DECEMBER 2023 GREENWICH

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Holiday

This year we are thrilled to bring our Holiday Boutique back to Greenwich Country Club. An elevated one-stop shopping experience featuring a highly curated array of gifts for everyone on your list!

AT GREENWICH COUNTRY CLUB

OPENING NIG HT WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 5:30PM–8:00PM BOUTIQUE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 9:30AM–4:30PM COMMIT TEE CO - CHAIRS CONNIE ANN HARRIS | PATRICK MELE MIMI MOULTON | CATHERINE TOMPKINS

GREENWICHHISTORY.ORG

greenwichmag.com

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February 24, 2024 6 PM - 10 PM Harvard Club of New York City

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calendar KIDS’ STUFF D E C E M B E R 2023 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

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

MARITIME AQUARIUM, 10 N. Water St., S. Norwalk, 852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org

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

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF GREENWICH, 4 Horseneck Lane, 869-3224. bgcg.org

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

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

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

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

IMAX THEATER AT MARITIME AQUARIUM, 10 N. Water St., S. Norwalk, 852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org

RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, 438-5795. ridgefieldplayhouse.org

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

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

KATONAH MUSEUM OF ART, Rte. 22 at Jay St., Katonah, NY, 914-232-9555. katonahmuseum.org

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

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

NEW CANAAN NATURE CENTER, 144 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan, 966-9577. newcanaannature.org

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

Holiday Festival

5TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF

Tabletop Trees

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 4:00-7:00 PM

WEDNESDAY DEC 6 – SATURDAY, DEC 9

Enjoy crafts, ice carving, a special visit from Santa and Bush-Holley House candlelight tours. Sweet treats, refreshments and holiday cheer on tap!

Bid on beautiful trees featuring the creative talents of local retailers, organizations and designers who help make our homes festive during the holiday season. Proceeds support the Greenwich Historical Society.

GREENWICHHISTORY.ORG

DECEMBER 2023 GREENWICH

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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

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advertisers index ART & ANTIQUES Drew Klotz Kinetic Sculpture .......................................................................................12 BUILDING & HOME IMPROVEMENT California Closets.......................................................................................................... 11 Charles Hilton Architects .............................................................................................. 7 Grand Entrance Gates ................................................................................................. 77 Yankee Custom Builders ............................................................................................... 8 BUSINESS & FINANCE Private Staff Group .......................................................................................................12 Wealth Enhancement Group ....................................................................................... 55 Westy Self Storage ...................................................................................................... 55 EDUCATION Brunswick School ........................................................................................................ 45 EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT Greenwich Historical Society—Holiday Boutique ..................................................... 82 Greenwich Historical Society—Holiday Festival ........................................................ 85 Junior League of Greenwich—Positively Me .............................................................. 82 Light a Fire Awards ...................................................................................................... 78 TAD Foundation Gala ...................................................................................................84 TMK Sports & Entertainment LLC—Reindeer Festival..............................................80 FASHION & JEWELRY Betteridge Jewelers ........................................................................................... Cover 4 Famille ...........................................................................................................................13 Manfredi Jewels ............................................................................................................. 3 Shreve, Crump & Low ..................................................................................................21 FOOD & LODGING Marcia Selden Catering ................................................................................................. 9 Winvian ..........................................................................................................................51 HEALTH & BEAUTY Greenwich Cosmetic Surgery ..................................................................................... 53 Edgehill CCRC .............................................................................................................. 53 Montefiore Medical Center .................................................................................Cover 3 Nichols MD ...................................................................................................................46 Riverside Orthodontics ................................................................................................10 Stamford Health........................................................................................................... 27 LANDSCAPING, NURSERY & FLORISTS Glorious Garden Tours/English Garden & Designs ....................................................51 Homefront Farmers ......................................................................................................18 McArdle’s Florist & Garden Center ............................................................................. 23 Sam Bridge Nursery .................................................................................................... 55

SEE YOUR WEDDING Featured in

LEGAL Cummings & Lockwood-Greenwich ............................................................................10 NON PROFITS SEBASS Events & Entertainment—Let There Be Lights ..........................................83 REAL ESTATE Brown Harris Stevens-Connecticut ............................................................................ 29 Coldwell Banker Global Luxury ....................................................................................31 Houlihan Lawrence Corp. ............................................................................................17 Sotheby’s International-Greenwich............................Cover 2, 1, 15, 25, 33, 35, 39, 41 William Raevis-Shelton HQ ........................................................................................ 4, 5

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

MISCELLANEOUS Greenwich Photo Contest ........................................................................................... 77 Flowcode ...................................................................................................................... 56 Greenwich Weddings .................................................................................................. 87

DECEMBER 2023 GREENWICH

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postscript ph ot o g r a ph by me li s s a mca nn s a ntag e l o

SHINE ON!

othing makes us happier than to see the Avenue sparkle at the holidays. But remember in 2019, when it felt like the Grinch had come to town and run off with all of our lights? Thanks to Greenwich residents Alyssa Keleshian-Bonomo and Sebastian Dostmann, who spearheaded the Greenwich Community Projects Fund, the lights will yet again cast their festive glow this year. So at least when we’re circling for parking, we can do it cheerfully. G

It’s important to note the lights are privately funded. To ensure we continue to shine, donate at gwchavenue.org. 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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World-eminent surgeons caring for you, their neighbors Led by internationally acclaimed New York City heart surgeon and longtime Greenwich resident Robert Michler, MD, Specialty Surgeons of Connecticut are true experts—a highly experienced, multidisciplinary healthcare team living in Connecticut. From the most challenging cases to minor surgeries, caring for your every surgical need, we draw on our high-volume experience and the most advanced technology to provide you exceptional care every day. • Benign Breast Surgery

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1455 East Putnam Ave. | Greenwich, CT 203-SURGEON (203-787-4366) specialtysurgeons.com

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