New Caanan Darien + Rowayton - November/December 2021

LIGHT A FIRE HEROES AMONG US

gift guide

THE BEST PRESENTS EV E R

PLUS

DARIEN SPORT SHOP CELEBRATES

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YEARS OF STYLE

ALL THAT GLITTERS

A Modern Family Holiday at Home

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contents NOV/DEC 2021 vol. 21 | issue 6

features

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CAUSE AN EFFECT This year’s Light A Fire honorees will blow you away by j i l l johns on ma nn

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LOCAL LANDMARK Darien Sport Shop celebrates 75 years in business by eli z a beth hol e

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ALL IS CALM, ALL IS BRIGHT A modern family Christmas at home in New Canaan by m a l ia mc k innon f r a me

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CREATORS AND CONNECTORS Get to know The Village, where collaboration happens by chri s hodenf iel d

departments 10 EDITOR’S LETTER 13 STATUS REPORT

BUZZ NCTV79 honors local heroes; CAS opens up shop SHOP The best holiday gifts DO Plants First; A new app for teens HOME Simply Sorted CT EAT We review The Wheel

87 INDEX OF ADVERTISERS 88 POSTSCRIPT COVER PHOTO BY JANE BEILES

NEW CANAAN • DARIEN & ROWAYTON NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021, VOL. 21, NO. 6. NEW CANAAN • DARIEN & ROWAYTON (ISSN 1942-1028) is published bimonthly 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 NEW CANAAN PO BOX 9309, Big Sandy, TX 75755-9607. U.S. Subscription rates: $19.95/1 year (6 issues), $32.95/2 years; Canada and Foreign $40/1 year, $66/2 years. newcanaandarienmag.com

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JANE BEILES

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40 MONEY MATTERS

THE BEST ORTHOPEDICS

BY FAR IS RIGHT HERE. Hospital for Special Surgery and Stamford Health have teamed up to bring world-class orthopedic care closer to you.

Our team of experts remains dedicated to making safe, responsible musculoskeletal care available – wherever you are.

To learn more about our in-person and virtual appointment options, visit HSS.edu/StamfordHealth

HSS Stamford, 1 Blachley Rd, Stamford, CT 06902 Most major insurance plans accepted. New patients welcome.

Thanksgiving with Palmer's Market

ith customer convenience in mind, the Thanksgiving shopping experience at Palmer’s Market was designed to do what it has done every day for a century: Make customers’ lives easier.

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The exquisite Thanksgiving menu items being offered by the catering department and scratch bakery are painstakingly prepared in house, using strictly quality ingredients. From fresh (never frozen) turkeys to roast at home, to prepared turkey wellington and all the starters, sides, desserts and rolls mandatory for the family feast, Palmers’ offerings don’t end with the meal.

That means the European-style market offers all the trappings of a tasteful and cheerful Thanksgiving, with everything from gorgeous, fresh fall arrangements and centerpieces created by the floral department to the gift shop’s stylish napkins, serving pieces, candles and table décor.

“You can pre-order everything and pick it all up in one stop,” said Creative Director Cindy Palmer Dean. Customers are provided with a 30-minute window and pick-up is organized outside the store on the day before Thanksgiving.

“No waiting in line. No having to come inside the store. We did 800 orders last year and it was seamless. It makes it so easy,” she said.

“Some customers just want vegetables and sides, others order a full feast of everything from a soup course to dessert. We’re happy to accommodate all orders,” said Managing Director Megan Palmer Rivera. As an option, the store sells complete dinner packages for either four or eight that come with herb roasted turkey breast, rolls, cranberry sauce, choice of potato, and a pie. The lot comes ready to go, with heating instructions and a ton of stuffing and gravy. Gluten free options are available as well.

Megan, a CIA trained chef and baker who launched the Palmer’s scratch bakery and catering departments and now runs the whole store, said the Turkey Wellington is an elegant alternative to the classic roast bird. It’s a fresh turkey breast that’s pounded flat and layered with bacon and cranberry stuffing and mushroom duxelles and then rolled and wrapped in flaky puff pastry.

“Not everyone is super comfortable doing a whole turkey, so this is a way to get all the flavors in one, and serve 10 people,” she said. “It’s a showstopper.”

For traditionalists, fresh birds like D’Artagnan organic and Willy Bird from Sonoma, CA are on hand in a variety of sizes, plain, or 24-hour brined

Starting the last week in October and ending at 5 p.m. on November 19, customers can order online or by calling the store and choose from a multitude of hors d’oeuvres, sides, entrees and desserts with no minimums.

From soup to nuts to table decor and flowers, Palmer’s makes Thanksgiving a breeze for customers. The sumptuous dishes are inspired by the Palmer family’s own traditions, including Cindy Palmer Dean, left, and Megan Palmer Rivera.

if that’s your pleasure, and ready to roast. Stationary hors d’oeuvres include a crispy-fresh and colorful crudité, presented in a charming wooden box with spinach and herb dip, and the top-selling baked French brie en croute with homemade pear and cranberry compote.

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What Palmers might be best known for is it’s silky, savory gravy that some “I’m always surprised by the meaningful responses. It’s my customers drive over state lines to favorite part of Thanksgiving,” said Palmer Dean.Years procure. “I love, love, love our gravy!” said Palmer Dean. “Starting with the stock, it’s made entirely palmersdarien.com from scratch with no artificial ingredients. I promise you, 1you 264 Heights Road, Darien CT 00 YEARS OF cannot make it at home as well as we do.”

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Palmer’s offers two versions of house made cranberry sauce, a traditional, and a cranberry and orange relish that Megan’s great grandmother, Olga Palmer, was P R O U D LY C E L E B R AT I N G famous for. It’s been a Palmer family staple for decades.

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“The apple, sausage and brioche stuffing, made with caramelized apples and onions with dried cranberries, is one of my favorites. It’s the one my mom made when I was growing up. I also love our decadent scalloped potatoes, a true labor of love, the potatoes sliced super-thin, with onions, gruyere cheese, thyme and heavy cream all baked together until the top is crispy-brown and delicious. They’re to die for.”

Also a major draw are Palmer’s pies, specifically pumpkin, apple, and apple cranberry crumb, made with all-butter, super flaky, hand-rolled crust. The bakery also turns out creamy pumpkin cheesecake with a ginger snap crust, and a pear and almond tart that tops Palmer Dean’s list of favorites. “I’m all about the desserts and also crazy Tip: “I always recommend about all the rolls and breads we getting an extra, bone-in source from the finest bakeries in breast,” said Palmer Dean.

Manhattan,” she said.

“Most people want white Celebrating meat, and while the whole Both Megan and Cindy share bird makes for a great show, the extra breast meat fond memories of Thanksgivings of history past, where 30 Palmers family feeds the most people.” members would gather for an 192 1 afternoon that started with antipasti (a nod to the family’s Italian heritage) and football games and a pre-meal recitation by all in attendance of what each was thankful for. Annually, that gratitude extends to the market staff who work their hearts Celebrating out via long hours and overnight shifts to fill customers’ orders and make their Thanksgivings truly special.

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All the sides are stars. Chef Megan’s personal favorites include the market’s version of the classic green bean casserole. “Most people have only had the bad version of this dish, made with cream of mushroom soup,” she laughs. “But we make a beautiful Bechamel sauce from scratch and add pan fried mushrooms and shallots. Its vibrant and fresh and green, not your typical mushy casserole,” she said.

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digital content & MORE NEWCANAANDARIENMAG.com CELEBRATING THE SCENE STEALERS

nov/dec 2021

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

ENJOY OUR ARTICLES AND POSTS ON INSIGHTFUL LOCALS WHO HELP US ALL LIVE BETTER

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@NCDMAG Find out about store openings, see what’s coming up in the magazine, and enjoy photos of iconic places around town— follow us on Instagram, Like us on Facebook.

Together, we make living here the best!

PLUS! LIGHT A FIRE

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Join us for the most inspiring event of the year as we thank those who volunteer and give back!

Get details and tickets at ilovefc.com/lightafire

NEAT COFFEE BY ANDREA CARSON; SIMPLY SORTED BY JULIA D’AGOSTINO; ROWAYTON BY VENERA ALEXANDROVA

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VOLUME 21

ISSUE 6

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

editorial

sales + marketing Gina Fusco

editorial director Cristin Marandino editor Julee Kaplan

publisher

style director Megan Gagnon

gina.fusco@moffly.com

advisory editor Donna Moffly

Jonathan W. Moffly art senior art director Venera Alexandrova senior art director/status report Garvin Burke production director Tim Carr design assistant Lisa Servidio

publisher, athome, greenwich, fairfield living

jonathan.moffly@moffly.com Gabriella Mays publisher, westport

gabriella.mays@moffly.com contributors editors Megan Gagnon editor, athome Elizabeth Hole editor, custom publishing

Karen Kelly-Micka publisher, stamford

karen.kelly@moffly.com

Diane Sembrot editor, fairfield living; westport; stamford Rick Johnson

Veronica Schorr assistant editor, athome

account executive

rick.johnson@moffly.com

writers

Hilary Hotchkiss

Liz Barron, Carol Leonetti Dannhauser, Malia McKinnon Frame, Chris Hodenfield, Mary Kate Hogan. Elizabeth Hole, Jill Johnson Mann, Naomi Swanson, Scott Thomas

acount executive

hilary.hotchkiss@moffly.com Kathleen Godbold

copy editors

partnership and big picture manager

Terry Christofferson, David Podgurski

kathleen.godbold@moffly.com

digital director of content strategy Diane Sembrot digital marketing manager Rachel MacDonald digital assistant Lloyd Gabi

Rachel Shorten events director

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business

Lemuel Bandala

president Jonathan W. Moffly

sales assistant

chief revenue officer Andrew Amill

lemuel.bandala@moffly.com

editorial director Cristin Marandino director of content strategy Diane Senbrot

Eillenn Bandala

business manager Elena V. Moffly

business assistant

cofounders John W. Moffly IV and Donna C. Moffly

eillenn.bandala@moffly.com

publishedy 205 Main Street, Westport, CT 06880 phone: 203-222-0600 fax: 203-222-0937 mail@mofflymedia.com Publishers of FAIRFIELD LIVING, GREENWICH, NEW CANAAN - DARIEN, WESTPORT, STAMFORD and athome Magazines advertising inquiries Lemuel Bandala email advertise@mofflymedia.com.

TO SUBSCRIBE, renew, or change your address, please e-mail us at subscribe@ncdmag.com, call 1-877-467-1735, or write to New Canaan - Darien magazine, 111 Corporate Drive, Big Sandy, TX 75755. U.S. subscription rates: $19.95/1 year (6 issues); $32.95/2 years (12 issues); $44.95/3 years (18 issues). Canada and foreign, US $36/year. Prices are subject to change without notice. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without express permission of the publisher. ©2021 New Canaan - Darien magazine is a registered trademark owned by Moffly Media.

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editor’s letter

SCAN TO EXPLORE

HOW TO SCAN: OPEN, AIM & TAP

SHINING LIGHTS

T

here is so much change going on in our world today. And, quite frankly, a lot of not-so-great news. But what I love about this time of year and what we do here at Moffly, is that no matter what is happening around us, we always take a moment to highlight and honor some of the most compassionate, giving people in our towns.

When New Canaan mom of four Julie Shlafman was nominated and chosen to receive a Light A Fire award this year, she was surprised and humbled by the honor. “Are you sure that my small volunteering with the kids is what you are looking for?” she asked. As a mother in this community, I am personally inspired by Julie’s grassroots efforts to get our children involved in giving to those less fortunate than we are. What she thinks of as “small,” is anything but. She is inspiring the children in our community to take small steps toward big impact. And that is what giving is all about. Thank you, Julie, and to

newcanaandarienmag.com

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all our honorees for everything they do for our communities and beyond. Make sure to read our feature, “Cause an Effect,” on page 42 to learn more about this year’s honorees.

As we move into the 2021 holiday season, this issue showcases so much more to inspire you and we hope that you will shop our fab gifts (page 18), gather inspiration from a stunning holiday home feature (page 62) and even take some advice on how to declutter and organize your spaces (page 28). This has been a fun issue to work on and we can’t wait for you to dive right in.

Happy Holidays!

julee.kaplan@moffly.com

PHOTO BY KYLE NORTON

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @NCDMAG

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 / JULEE KAPLAN

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Photos by Neil Landino

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buzz STATUS REPORT

by liz barron, photo gr aphs byc orinne parker

New Canaan EMS team members Junko Donovan, Chris Lovell, Bonnie Rumilly, Vanessa Landegger, Barb Clayton and Molly Murphy

ON THE FRONTLINES A NEW TELEVISION SERIES HONORS AND CELEBRATES OUR LOCAL HEROES

I Caryn Antonini and Bob Doran

n late 2020, Bob Doran, New Canaan’s community public access television station (NCTV79) executive producer, teamed up with local home chef Caryn Antonini with an idea. The two worked together to combine their skills of broadcasting and cooking to celebrate New Canaan’s community, honor first responders and thank them for their tireless efforts in supporting the town throughout the pandemic.

The result is THE TOWN DISH series, scheduled to air beginning November 19 and highlighting Antonini’s kitchen adventures in which she whips up delicious meals and brings them to the police department, fire department, Department of Public Works, EMS and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). While at each of these locations, Antonini gets to know each service member personally and in turn introducing them to viewers. “The overriding sentiment was the commitment to helping people,” says Antonini.

Each segment in the six-part series opens with a “supermarket sweepish” feel with Antonini NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

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perusing the aisles of Walter Stewart’s, collecting ingredients needed to teach viewers how to make the meal she plans to serve. The whole process is filmed in her own kitchen, and she provides instruction and recipes for those interested in recreating the meals.

All these unsung heroes are really “people that we never want to meet, because if we do it means that there is probably a crisis,” says Doran.

So, to spend time with them in a non-crisis situation and get to know them personally was the mission. Over the course of the program, viewers will meet the faces behind the badges.

Tune in this month for the start of the series on cable channel 79 or on the network’s YouTube channel.

right: Chief Leon Krolikowski, Officer Jeff Deak, Officer Roy Adams

below: Chris Issacs of the NCFD bottom: Sgt. Lou Gannon, Officer Jeff Deak, Officer Roy Adams, Chief Leon Krolikowski, Officer Kelly Coughlin, Officer Erin McCarthy

FACES BEHIND THE BADGES TIGER MANN A small path between Waveny Park and the high school called “Tiger’s Way,” named after Tiger Mann, director of the Department of Public Works, who has been working for the town for many years.

MIKE SOCCI After 9/11, Captain Mike Socci designed and welded the sculpture that is displayed outside the fire station using steel recovered from Ground Zero.

The three seagulls represent each of the buildings that were hit, and the garden below is in honor of those who died that day on Flight 93.

KELLY COUGHLIN Community Impact Officer, Kelly Coughlin is an ex-basketball star who has wanted to be a police officer since she was little.

STUART SAWABINI Stuart Sawabini, executive director of CERT has spent countless hours writing the

newcanaandarienmag.com

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town’s emergency preparedness plan, which allows New Canaan to get funding from the government if needed.

JEFF DEAK Jeff Deak, of the NCPD, spends extra time at Saxe Middle School during his shifts. He ensures that the grounds are safe, but also makes sure that students always have someone to talk to.

TEENS NEEDED The EMS team and fire department employ high school volunteers.

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by julee k apl an

CLEAN SLATE

NEW CANAAN ARTIST CAS FRIESE OPENS ON ELM

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f you’ve walked by the new CAS gallery at 32 Elm Street at night, you wouldn’t be able to miss it. The space, formerly the home of Papyrus, has been turned aglow into a bright white oasis—a more than 3,000-square-foot canvas for the artwork that fine art photographer Casey Friese creates.

The space is a real look into the creative brain that is Cas Friese. The New Canaan mom and California transplant worked for many years as a corporate executive in the worlds of fashion and luxury goods and has left that all behind in order to nurture her creativity and bring it to fruition.

Friese says she is consistently inspired by landscape, travel and finding beauty in simplicity. She has become quite well known for her neutral beach photographs—images that her customers on this coast tend to gravitate to.

Her opening presentation, which was up until mid-October, showcased a new side of Friese. “Pieces” highlighted one single magnolia plant that lives right here in New Canaan. After shooting the plant over the course of a couple of years, the result was a magnificent look into the finest details of the flowers. And, just before changing the gallery over to its newest exhibition titled “Faded,” almost every single unique piece was sold and on its way to new homes.

“I love so much that these are pieces that end up in people’s homes,” she says. “It’s really the end goal for each piece to end up in their forever homes.”

Just a few years ago, Friese opened her first gallery space inside the Gray Barns Mercantile in Silvermine, a space she said has served her well.

“It was a great first space for me,” she says, sitting in the upstairs workshop

newcanaandarienmag.com

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“I love being a part of this community where art is celebrated and people visit as a real destination for creativity.”

–CAS FRIESE, ARTIST

far left: Casey Friese working on new pieces to showcase inside her new gallery space. left: A magnolia image from Friese’s opening show, “Pieces.” below: Friese’s process includes magnificent attention to detail, down to the framing options.

area in her new space. “Being in Silvermine was so beautiful and serene, but it was time for me to search for something with more wall space.”

And so she found 32 Elm, a huge difference in size from her previous digs, she put quite a lot of work into the construction of this new location.

They stripped down walls, gutted a bathroom, installed a new HVAC and electrical system and painted every single thing white—floors, ceilings, molding, ductwork—everything. The white, she says, is the perfect blank slate for anything she wants to showcase.

This new space also offers Friese much-needed workshop space on the second level, where she can spread out, meet with clients and experiment with her own works. In addition to what she has in the gallery, she offers a collection of art available exclusively at Design Within Reach stores and

personally works on each and every piece in her workshop. All of her images are either one of a kind or in a very limited run. She is open to working with clients on custom works as well and works on every detail of the product herself—even down to framing options.

Now in the gallery, passersby will see her second show, titled “Formed,” which is a curated collection of Friese’s works along side sculptures by artist Re Jin Lee. Friese says she loves that her spot on Elm brings in lots of foot traffic and allows her to connect with other local galleries and artists that flock to New Canaan.

“I love being a part of this community where art is celebrated and people visit as a real destination for creativity,” she says. “I see myself here for many years to come.”

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

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sh p by naomi swanson

LORO PIANA Cashmere Cape; pricing varies based on fabrication and trims. Greenwich, Westport; mitchellstores.com

holiday FINDS ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

The season’s hottest gift for everyone—and everything—you love

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1

LIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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JL ROCKS Randi Link Chain with the Katie Carabiner; $1,875.

Greenwich, Westport, jlrocks.com

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RESTORATION HARDWARE Heathered Cotton Cashmere Pajamas; $149. Greenwich, rh.com

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JUDITH RIPKA Vienna Stirrup Cuff, $1,450. judithripka.com

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DAVIDOR 18k Rose Gold L’Arc de DAVIDOR Ring; $11,050. Greenwich, betteridge.com

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UNSUBSCRIBED Oversized Cashmere Cardigan; $350.

Greenwich, Westport, unsubscribed.com

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LOEFFLER RANDALL Doreen Floral Clutch; $325. Darien, dariensport.com

self INDULGE

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SARAH VENTURA Signature Black Diamond Bangle; $6,000.

Westport, sarahventura.com

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NIC & ZOE

Your wish list just got a little longer

Color Splash Cardigan; $168. Westport, nicandzoe.com

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ROBERTO COIN Diamond Flower Circle Hoop; $2,750. Fairfield, hcreidjewelers.com

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LIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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tailored FOR HIM

VACHERON CONSTANTIN Historiques American 1921; $36,800. Greenwich, manfredijewels.com

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BVLGARI MAN Black Eau de Parfum; $148. Norwalk, nordstrom.com

From date night to game night in, these gifts have him set for every occasion

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LEDBURY Tangier Gray Kingstowne Kudu Leather Boot; $425. ledbury.com

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GIANT TranceX E+ Pro 29 1 Electric Bike; $6,250.

New Canaan, newcanaanbicycles.com

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BLADE & BOW 22-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; $1,099. barmywines.com

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SAMSUNG

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Terrace Outdoor TV (available in full or partial sun); from $3,499— $12,999. samsung.com

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BRUNELLO CUCINELLI

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RAG & BONE Commuter Overnighter Large Duffle Bag; $695. rag-bone.com

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DAVID YURMAN Pavé Streamline ThreeRow Band Ring with Black Diamonds, $2,950.

Westport, lbgreen.com newcanaandarienmag.com

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ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

Christmas Intarsia Shawl Cardigan; $3,295.

Greenwich, saks.com

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LIDAY GIFT GUIDE

/ shop

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JULISKA Le Panier Delft Blue Pitcher; $98. juliska.com

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OOMPH Social Lights refillable lighters; $49. Greenwich, oomphhome.com

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L’AVANT High Performing Dish & Hand Soap Duo; $54. lavantcollective.com

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POTTERY BARN

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White Marble Glass Domed Cheese Board; $50.

Westport, potterybarn.com

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KLONG

in a PINCH

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Long Brass Äng Vase by Eva Schildt; $185. New Canaan, designstore. theglasshouse.org

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MARK & GRAHAM Oak Paddle Shot Set of 12, fully monogrammable; $150. markandgraham.com

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Hostess-ready gifts that are sure to get you invited again

SERENA & LILY

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

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Avery Alpaca Throw in coastal; $398. Westport, serenandlily.com

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JOHN DERIAN The John Derian Sticker Book; $35. johnderian.com

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TERRA DELYSSA Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil; $16.50. Westport, Greenwich, balduccis.com

8 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

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shop / H

LIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2 1

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CROSLEY Switch II Entertainment System; $170. burkedecor.com

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DE’LONGHI

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Dinamica Plus Fully Automatic Coffee & Espresso Machine; $1,500. Westport, williams-sonoma.com

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STAYcation!

Make your home as upscale—and fun— as your favorite boutique hotel

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CRATE & BARREL Foosball table; $999. Westport, crateandbarrel.com

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MITCHELL GOLD & BOB WILLIAMS Jade Marble Bar tools; $100. Greenwich, mgbwhome.com

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TERRAIN

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Folded Leather Baskets; $88–$98. Westport, shopterrain.com

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6

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BEY-BERK Wooden Multi-Game Set; $180. neimanmarcus.com

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ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

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Herrinko mugs, set of four; $50 (new store opening in Westport this February), oka.com

do PLANT

POWER A NEW BOOK BY DR. KATIE TAKAYASU PROVES THE HEALING POWERS (AND DELICIOUSNESS) OF VEGGIES

by li z barron phot o gr aphs by j ul ia d 'ago st ino

L

iving a plant-forward lifestyle is something that Dr. Katherine Wehri Takayasu, M.D., M.B.A. (aka Dr. Katie) ,not only preaches, but also practices.

“Food truly is medicine, and it either helps bring us toward our goals or away from them,” says Dr. Katie, who practices integrative medicine with Stamford Health, serving patients both virtually and in-person at her offices in the Tully Center in Stamford. Her practice combines traditional Western medicine with acupuncture, mind-body medicine, supplements, nutrition and lifestyle optimization. “Every single thing that we put into our body is informing it of what we want it to do. Just like a car, if we want it to operate at maximum capacity, we need to give it premium gasoline.”

While Dr. Katie’s new book, Plants First, releases this month and is based on her medical knowledge, it is written from a uniquely authentic place. In the first chapter, she delves deep as she details her past battles with weight, body shame, mental health, sleep issues, infertility and managing chronic pain.

Overweight and on a diet for many of her early years, Dr. Katie says she never felt truly comfortable in her own skin. Her struggles continued throughout medical school and residency and eventually began to impact her mental health, leaving her depleted, anxious and depressed. Dr. Katie’s then boyfriend (now husband) convinced her to try a yoga class one evening, and she quickly found herself feeling

better than she had in months. It was then that she knew it was time to make some real changes. As she increased her workout routine over time and balanced her nutritional needs, Dr. Katie says she began to notice all of her ailments easing.

“It takes about two to three months of consistent efforts—not to be confused with perfection—to notice biochemical changes, which means your body righting the wrongs,” she explains.

Dr. Katie stands by massive amounts of research that proves that plants are the most nutrient dense foods to heal and fuel the body. When it comes to the way that the body responds, between the balance of fullness and nutrition, choosing plants is always going to newcanaandarienmag.com

24

above: Dr. Katie believes in the healing power of a plant-based lifestyle. below: Plants First releases this month.

STAY WELL

Six tips to keep your health in check as you hit the holiday celebrations

No. 1 Save room for dessert Have Grandma's decadent apple crumble pie or the rich sweet potato casserole with marshmallow topping. Enjoy it. Savor every bite. And then move on with your life knowing that you had exactly what your heart wanted.

No. 2

Dr. Katie with her husband and sons at home in Darien.

be the most efficient and effective choice. Dr. Katie sees herself as a “co-healer” in wellness and aims to take into consideration the different ways that her patients really want to live their lives. Thus, her holistic approach focuses on the entire mind/body/spirit connection.

A plant-based diet can aid in healing of hormonal imbalances, inflammation and numerous other medical issues, she stressed.

Eating the wrong foods can negatively impact both our physical and emotional health and by listening to what Dr. Katie calls our “wellness intuition,” we can learn to understand what feels good and start to honor it. We can all fall prey to patterns of all or nothing when it comes to diet and exercise, which tend to leave us exhausted and burned out leading to unhealthy decisions, she says. By learning to listen to our “wellness intuition” we can move more smoothly toward a lifestyle of moderation.

“You’re only as far away from wellness as your next choice,” reminds Dr. Katie. Speaking of choices, in addition to her book, Dr. Katie has also developed a detox program that is available in both five-day and 10-day resets with optional meal delivery and the goal of refreshing both our brains and bodies. For more information or to purchase the Dr. Katie Detox, visit drkatie.com/dr-katie-detox . Plants First will be available for purchase beginning on November 9 at Barrett Bookstore in Darien or on drkatie.com/plantsfirstmag.

Don't drink too much water when eating Dr. Katie recommends drinking most of your water in between meals, early in the day. Too much water at meals dilutes stomach acid and digestive power and leads to excess bloating.

No. 3 Savor your ONE glass of wine or cocktail Women's livers can only tolerate one alcoholic drink a day, and more than that leads to poor sleep, hot flashes and weight gain, Dr. Katie says. “I know I sip my one drink so much differently if I know there’s not another one coming around the bend.”

SPICED APPLE & GINGER TODDY Cozy up and detox with Dr. Katie’s good-for-the gut non-alcoholic hot holiday drink of choice INGREDIENTS 1 bag honeybush, hibiscus, or turmeric tea 1 cup hot water 1 to 2 tablespoons unfiltered apple cider vinegar Juice of ½ lemon 4 shakes ground cinnamon 2 shakes ground nutmeg 2 shakes ginger powder Drizzle of honey FOR GARNISH: 1 apple slice or lemon wedge 1 cinnamon stick DIRECTIONS Using a 12-ounce cup, steep the tea according to the package directions, keeping the cup covered to retain heat if you’re serving a hot toddy. Add the remaining ingredients to the cup and stir. Garnish with an apple slice or lemon wedge and a cinnamon stick.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

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No. 4 Don't over-exercise the day after to make up for your indiscretions “I'm a proponent of working out at a level of 6/10 on the expenditure scale,” she says.

“Super intense workouts where you are completely out of breath and dripping sweat release stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine that make it even tougher to manage blood sugar and energy because it sends the body into a state of stress.”

No. 5 Take a walk within two hours of a meal Studies are conclusive that movement after a meal enhances blood sugar metabolism, reduces insulin secretion and decreases weight gain. “At my Thanksgiving, we all takea nature walk in the woods behind my house,” Dr. Katie says.

No. 6 Eat "linner" with an intermittent fast If you want to dip your toe into intermittent fasting, instead of skipping breakfast and eating all of your calories late in the day, consider an earlier dinner instead.

“One of my favorite Sunday traditions is a 3:30 p.m. family dinner, which allows me a 16+ hour fast until breakfast on Monday morning,” she says.

od

GET TO WORK by julee k apl an

above: Michael Hage and Matt Crispi at their first job painting fences; right: A look at the JOAT app, which just launched last month.

T

alk about turning lemons into lemonade.

When Matt Crispi and Michael Hage’s internships were cancelled last summer due to Covid, the two high school buddies knew they had to do something to keep themselves busy. The St. Luke’s graduates had just returned home to Fairfield County from their freshmen years (Crispi at University of Richmond and Hage from University of Rochester) when they reconnected and decided to take matters into their own hands.

“We went around posting flyers and going door to door asking people around the area if they needed to have work done,” Hage explains.

“We offered help with weeding, painting, tutoring their kids, basically anything people would need around their house.”

Soon, Hage and Crispi had a lot on their plates and after about a month they ended up having to hire multiple friends to pitch in and

“It really is the easiest way for local kids to be able to make a quick buck.”

— M AT T C R I S P I , J O AT

newcanaandarienmag.com

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the work just kept on coming.

This experience sparked an idea to launch a new business they call JOAT (jack of all trades). Together they just launched the JOAT app last month which allows kids just like themselves to easily gain work and local homeowners to easily hire them.

Here’s how it works—download the JOAT app from the App Store and create a profile either as a kid looking for work or a homeowner looking for someone to do anything from jobs like moving and babysitting to yardwork or painting. Once the jobs from homeowners are posted on the app, local kids can apply and homeowners can browse their profiles and hire accordingly.

The app also keeps track of the jobs scheduled so that workers won’t miss a job they’ve been hired for. Once the job is finished employers can rate the worker on the app so that others will be able to see if the work was done to satisfaction. Workers can be paid directly through the app and good reviews means that workers can earn higher wages.

It costs nothing to join the app as a homeowner and there are currently about 100 kids on the app ready to take on work in Fairfield and Westchester counties. This month they plan to expand the app to serve those communities outside of their home base.

“We have started with a great base and hope to grow the work force,” Crispi explains.

“It really is the easiest way for local kids to be able to make a quick buck.”

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DECLUTTER FOR GOOD

Emily Warshowsky and Danielle Kilarjian, the New Canaan moms behind Simply Sorted CT.

TIDY SPACES MAKE FOR HAPPIER PLACES AND SIMPLY SORTED CT WANTS TO HELP

W

ith shared interests of re-entering the workforce and passions for keeping their own spaces impeccably organized, New Canaan moms Danielle Kilarjian and Emily Warshowsky have ventured out to launch Simply Sorted

CT, a fully customizable organizing service to meet the needs of busy local families.

The two first met four years ago through the Young Women’s League of New Canaan memberships and became fast friends. Kilarjian has a background in project management and newcanaandarienmag.com

28

recruitment but organizing spaces has literally been one of her passions since she was a teenager. She says she has always loved making sure that everything in her own home (and the homes of others) has a meaning and a place.

Warshowsky started playing apprentice to her

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SIMPLY PUT Organizing your home is one step in the right direction. Keeping it that way over time doesn’t have to be hard.

Here, Kilarjian and Warshowsky’s tips for staying organized for the long haul:

IN THE PANTRY

CLOSET

Keep healthy snacks at eye level for both kids and adults.

Swap out old hangers for uniform slimline hangers.

Use clear bins for everyday items so that you can always see exactly what you have and need more of.

Get rid of any empty boxes cluttering your space.

REFRIGERATOR Always put like items together—if things are all over the place you won’t be able to quickly find what you’re looking for and may even end up re-buying unnecessarily.

Store produce oldest to newest and try to wash and cut up before refrigerating whenever possible.

Grab-and-go items are much more likely to be eaten.

Making sure appropriate snacks are at eye level in the pantry helps to prevent messes.

mother, the ultimate homemaker, at an early age and organization has always been ingrained in her daily life.

The dynamic duo decided to team up and almost immediately they were busy helping clients implement solutions to organize their homes.

“Every client’s needs and spaces are totally different, so it’s not at all a cookie-cutter system,” Kilarjian explains. “We go into jobs with two sets of eyes and two separate perspectives.”

And, Warshowsky added that when they enter a client’s space, they are not only looking

at fixing the issues they have, but rather looking to implement solutions that are easy to maintain over time.

To get started on any potential client’s home, Kilarjian and Warshowsky always start off with a phone consultation to assess the needs at hand.

Then, they follow up with a site visit where they are able to look at the specific project in person and clearly establish the goals that the client is looking to achieve, budget and timeframe. Next, they take photos of the space and measure so that they can carefully review it and build out newcanaandarienmag.com

30

Use clear plastic containers for things like eggs so you can always see exactly how many you have left.

LAUNDRY ROOM When doing laundry, fold it immediately when it comes out of the dryer and put it away One load every day is much easier to maintain than six at once.

File fold so that you can see everything in your drawers. You can use drawer dividers in almost every area of the home.

If you haven’t worn something in the calendar year and it’s not a special item, then it’s time to get rid of it and make room for something else.

MUDROOM ENTRYWAY/ STORAGE AREA Have a designated place for backpacks, keys, handbags and wallets so it doesn’t become a drop zone, keep it organized so that when everyone is rushing out, everything is ready to go.

Keep extra pairs of socks in this room so there’s no running upstairs at the last minute when someone is barefoot five minutes before the bus arrives.

KILARJIAN AND WARSHOWSKY OUTFIT BY TOGS, NEW CANAAN

Only use boxes or baskets for bulk or backstock.

Purge three to five items before you do your seasonal clothing swap.

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ABOVE: In a closet, Kilarjian and Warshowsky recommend choosing one type of hanger for a clean uniform look. BOTTOM LEFT: Color coding accessories like a drawer of scarves, makes it easier to see them all in their space. BOTTOM RIGHT: Kilarjian puts the finishing touches on a primary closet.

“We go into jobs with two sets of eyes and two seperate perspectives.”

—DANIELLE KILARJIAN, SIMPLY SORTED CT

a custom plan which often includes ordering products (that are chosen to match each client’s individual needs and tastes) from stores like The Container Store or Crate and Barrel. While this is the process for many of Kilarjian and Warshowsky’s clients, others may simply be seeking assistance purging and putting things back into an existing space and using what they already have in a more organized way. Simply Sorted CT also helps clients with unpacking after moves and finding ways to efficiently store their belongings. newcanaandarienmag.com

32

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eat

Scan here for more great places to EAT & DRINK!

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

Big Wheel

by mary k ate ho gan

F

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

room and large patio that’s also a setting for pop-up events and live music, this anchor of The Village in Stamford is a restaurant that serves many fabulous purposes.

There’s an A-List team behind the food and beverage program with Mike Geller of Mike’s Organic acting as chief food curator, helping to source ingredients from forty local farms, fishermen and purveyors (all are listed on the back

newcanaandarienmag.com

34

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

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

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

hen of the woods with togarashi sauce.

For our entrées, lighter dishes such as the Faroe Island salmon and heartier ones like the short ribs were equally well prepared. The short ribs, plated with fresh corn, baby spinach and mushrooms, are not heavy or overly sauced, allowing the flavor of the meat to shine through. The salmon is grilled and rests on a bed of chilled summer squash slices and a zucchini marmalade, a refreshing dish that’s likely to be tweaked for the winter season. Grilled skirt steak came out perfectly charred, topped with garden-fresh cilantro and red onions and served with a smoky tomato sauce. When a server urges me to try a chicken dish, I usually hesitate; but this brick chicken brined in Cisco beer and cooked in the hearth oven was outstanding, so juicy and served over broccoli rabe with tomatoes bursting with flavor.

Creations by Pastry Chef Alessandra Altieri Lopez are prepared with finesse and creativity— and are worth the splurge. Salted caramel ice cream sundae topped with caramel popcorn and hot chocolate sauce poured from a ceramic sake flask? Yes, please. The pistachio cheesecake with blueberry sauce won raves, too, even from those

newcanaandarienmag.com

36

in our group who aren’t into cheesecake; it’s light and not cloyingly sweet.

As we were getting ready to leave on this Saturday night, our server let us know that jazz brunch would be launching the next day with live music and a mix of savory and sweet dishes ranging from banana-buttermilk bread and strawberry-rhubarb brioche French Toast to a lox plate, steak and eggs and a lobster roll. So, we joked, same table tomorrow morning? One more reason to give The Wheel a turn.

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

Dinner Sunday, 5 to 9 p.m.

Brunch Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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

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

LOBSTER ROLL BY JEREMY BRUGO; INTERIOR BY MARY BLANK

Elderflower spritz, made with yuzu soda.

We appreciated the versatile menu from Executive Chef Chris Shea, former executive chef of David Burke Kitchen in Manhattan. You can order a Neopolitan-style pizza from the hearth oven or a top-notch burger, but you can also splurge on oysters and indulge in an entrée like the ribeye with horseradish cream. While we were sitting outside at a recent dinner pondering the options, our server brought a snack of white bean spread with warm pita bread. So tasty. The burrata appetizer we tried featured fresh summery flavors: buttery cheese ringed

by Adam’s Berry Farm strawberries and purple basil leaves from the garden with grilled sourdough slices to spread it on. It was luscious and, no doubt, the dish will be treated to a different seasonal presentation for the cooler months.

Another starter we loved was the salmon crispy rice, heavenly bites that riff on sushi with raw salmon on top of the crunchy rice with jalapeno and a smoky soy “caramel” sauce adding to the appeal. We’ll order these every time. The blooming mushroom was a hit with the vegetarian in our group; it’s an Asian-style fried

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money matters GIFT LIST

T

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

In other words, the time is right for talking with your family about

ENTERING THE SEASON OF SHARING YOUR WEALTH

sharing the wealth. “This is a good opportunity to discuss what is it about money that is important to us. Who am I sharing my wealth with?” says R. Michael Parry, president of Liberty Wealth Advisors in Stamford.

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

GOOD TO GIVE

difference. Set actionable goals.

The more focused you are, the more effective your giving, versus donating haphazardly into every open hand.

Next, establish a vehicle for giving. Many high- and ultrahigh-net-worth families (more than $30 million in liquid assets) establish their own charitable lead/remainder trusts and annuities, or foundations to make the most of their gifts. But you don’t need an army of advisers or eight-figure gifts and estates to receive tax benefits the way the rich do.

“A donor advised fund has a lot of appeal because of how easy it is to set up,” says Parry.

“It’s like having your own family foundation, without the high costs and with minimal legwork.”

Many financial advisory firms sponsor donor advised funds, providing all the accounting, bookkeeping and backend support that a private foundation would have to bear. Your family can have its own account within that framework. You donate cash,

stocks, real estate and more into the fund, get a tax deduction for your gift in the year that it’s given, and then let the gift grow tax-free over time until you donate it. Consider it a charitable investment account. Your gifts can benefit your church, the local soup kitchen, your alma mater —any IRS-recognized charitable institution.

“Making a gift of appreciated securities has the most bang for the buck,” Parry says. “Let’s say you put $10,000 in Apple stock, and it’s now worth $100,000. By donating that into a donor advised fund, you get the immediate tax deduction of $100,000. The Apple shares can be sold and diversified [in the fund], and there’s no capital gains owed.”

That money can be left to grow in the fund or can be gifted “to any legitimate nonprofit in existence,” says Parry. Your kids can chip in a portion of their allowance, gifts or wages as well.

“What a great way to be able to involve your children to talk about who the money benefits.”

(Not So Random) Acts of Kindness

With tuition to pay, mounting bills and a shrunken bonus due to Covid, it might seem like your household has no free money to spare these days. But charity does not thrive on money alone. You can donate your time or expertise to a worthwhile venture.

Maybe you’re a social media maven or a natural with a hammer and nails. Each of our cities and towns in lower Fairfield County has a food pantry, a social service agency or a community action group that would be happy for your brains or your brawn.

Parry, for example, volunteers at the Highland Green Foundation, serves as an elder at his church and helps raise funds for Greenwich-based Kids in Crisis.

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CONTRIBUTED

R. Michael Parry

BY CAROL LEONETTI DANNHAUSER

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tom philip • brunswick school

melissa shapiro

matthew jordan

rob fried

alan miller

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julie schlafman

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wilner joseph

grace lockhart djuranovic

christine lai

andy berman & sherry jonas

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

If

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

six dogs, brought him into her fold. “The puppy completely turned our house upside-down with his anxious screaming,” says Shapiro. “We weren’t prepared for the amount of time and energy we had to devote to the little guy; but as we held him, provided him with a routine, and taught him tap signals, he started to settle down.” Shapiro was determined to give Piglet a meaningful life—you’ll have to read about how that turned out. (Hint: She overdelivered.)

We were all a bit like Piglet when the pandemic hit: disoriented, upset, hopeless. Then there was the routine: the hand-washing, the disinfecting, the masks, the Netflix marathons. Perhaps the family dinners, the calm of not chauffeuring kids, the setting up of a home office and the school room.

Tap, tap, tap. Little signals that this is life now and we will get through it, leaning on one another.

Some of our neighbors jumped into action to help those in need—we featured an admirable lineup of those model citizens in last year’s Light a Fire. And now, when we all want the pandemic to be over but it’s not, when it feels like it is taking so much out of us, the giving continues in Fairfield County.

The givers keep laser-focused on helping. Helping hospitals, helping the needy and the lonely, helping children battling cancer, helping through music, helping through sports, helping with a wee dog named Piglet. Helping love win. Every day.

We are proud to introduce you to our 2021 Light a Fire honorees.

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JOIN US FOR A VIRTUAL CELEBRATION OF OUR HONOREES HOSTED BY

JAMES NAUGHTON

December 2 /

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

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REGISTER LIGHTAFIREAWARDS.COM

WILNER JOSEPH

Best Friend to Children

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

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Words of Praise

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

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“First, I hope to bring peace, love and unity to the community,” says Joseph.

He dreams of opening a community center, where his program can grow, with life-skills workshops, therapy for kids in need and free activities.

“I dream of finding someone who believes in my mission and will fund this dream,” he says. “I’ve planted a seed here and dream of growing nationally, even globally, to help other kids. I’d love to see Young Athletes 4 Change in every city, every country!” »

—STAMFORD MAYOR, DAVID MARTIN

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

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Through Young Athletes 4 Change, Joseph has created events that spur conversations “about issues youth are dealing with in our communities: mental health, gun violence. These are team-building, and these are conversations that need to be had. The prevalence of social media and social media bullying is fueling violence,” Joseph says. “My brother was killed, and that made me an advocate for addressing gun violence and mental health issues that lead to violence.”

In 2017, shortly after losing his brother, Joseph set up the Million Dollar Smile initiative—a line of clothing in honor of his brother Max. Funds from sales support raising awareness about gun violence with the message: “When we wear Million Dollar Smile, we represent resilience. We aim to sustain a community of young positive change makers worldwide.

“We hold rallies and speeches in different communities,” Joseph says. “I’m proud to have gained attention from the mayor [of Stamford], who honored my brother and gave him his own day: May 20th is officially Max Day in Stamford, Connecticut, now. There is a big mural of my brother in Stillwater.

Getting that day and the mural—I consider those two of my huge accomplishments. And seeing other kids I’ve mentored who come back and say, ‘Hey you saved my life.’ You may not save everyone; but if you save one, it’s a domino effect, because they may save the next one.”

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“I founded Young Athletes 4 Change to give kids in the inner-city opportunities I didn’t have when I was growing up,” says Stamford’s Wilner Joseph.

“It’s about more than basketball; it’s about having a mentor and a program that offers life skills and the possibility of being a leader. Sports is what saved my life, keeping me out of trouble and connecting me to so many people: Black, White, all different communities. Those relationships were all built on our common love for the game. Sports brought that diversity to my life.” Joseph adds, “I’m inspired by seeing the impact I have on the youth I serve—guiding them in the right direction, seeing the happiness on their faces, giving them hope. Some kids come into the program with no hope and no direction. We try to provide the resources to give them a better situation.”

Words of Praise

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

—DEBRA A. GREENWOOD, PRESIDENT & CEO, CENTER FOR FAMILY JUSTICE

I N S P I R A T I O N “After decades of performing at nightclubs and festivals, I had the opportunity to perform alongside Meryl Streep and Paul Newman to preserve Connecticut farmland, which ignited a vision to play ‘music with purpose,’” says Rob Fried, who was in his mid-forties and “felt a need to contribute to the well-being and growth of the planet and people in it.”

Combining decades of business and investment experience as a founder of the hedge fund Bridgewater Associates with his musical passion, Fried united nonprofits, musicians, donors and audience members to support local causes through themed concerts. “Band Central was born to create fundraising events that connect giving with joy and entertainment,” explains Fried. “We call it Fun-lanthropy.”

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“We have helped raise approximately $4.5 million since our inception, produced more than 125 events and worked with over sixty different Connecticut nonprofits,” says Fried, who founded his organization in 2006 as “Band Together” and changed the name to Band Central three years ago.

“We initiate the process by providing a grant to a nonprofit partner from the Band Central Fund, a donor-advised fund at Fairfield County’s Community Foundation. Next, the team of Audrey Nefores (director of communications), Paola Murphy (director of operations) and Andy Kadison (producer) work with me to support the nonprofit to market the event, engaging their existing donors and attracting new ones.”

Band Central Radio on WPKN 89.5 FM spreads the word to the community, and Band Central draws from its network of 100-plus musicians to produce a Concert with a Cause. “It’s about many talents coming together with a sense of purpose to raise awareness and funds,” says Fried.

ROB FRIED Supporter of Nonprofits

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

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“The social problems we face are complex, and change is difficult,” says Fried. “It requires collaboration with government. Instead of pushing through with fierce ambition, we take the Law of Attraction approach. We view ourselves as a big heart coming at people, using music to share joy so that others can enjoy their lives, feel meaning and be useful to others.

At the end of the day, the people we think about are the clients of the nonprofits we work with, the people who really need a helping hand. To have a vibrant Connecticut we need to have more equality of opportunities so that different types of people can thrive.” Fried adds, “We aim to create a little more heaven here on earth so everyone transcends and moves up what we call the Maslow triangle to self-actualization.”

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CHRISTINE LAI Best Friend to Families

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

I N S P I R A T I O N

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

D R E A M S

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

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

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Words of Praise

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Lai formed S.E.L.F. in 2018 and partnered with Ulrika Drinkall, another Greenwich mom of a child with special needs. “We gathered a group of parents together based on this idea that the special education system works for families with resources, because they can afford the expertise that brings pressure to bear in order to get things done,” explains Lai. “We knew there were families slipping through the cracks. If you are a family who can’t afford an outside evaluation, or an advocate or an attorney in the most extreme cases, what do you do, and where do you turn?”

Those families can now turn to S.E.L.F., which has provided $430,000 in grants since 2018 to families in thirty-nine school districts, ten counties and three states. “Our families are all different—some students have autism, some have dyslexia, some have mental health challenges,” says Lai, “but broadly speaking, they are all falling through the cracks, and we are grateful to provide them with a safety net.”

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“When my oldest son entered public school about ten years ago, we really struggled to get the school and the district to recognize his disability and the impact it had on his learning,” explains Christine Lai, founder of Special Education Legal Fund (S.E.L.F.).

“Many parents struggle in the special education system due to its complexity as well as the difficulties they are experiencing while this is going on—maybe the teacher is calling you every day; maybe you are balancing appointments with multiple doctors, therapists and diagnosticians; maybe your child is coming home every day in tears. Our struggle with our school lasted about twenty months from start to finish. I remember thinking at the time, what do other families do if they don’t have the time, energy and resources to fight this fight for their children? That struggle, ultimately, formed the basis of the idea that became S.E.L.F.”

MATTHEW JORDAN Teen Volunteer

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

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

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Despite the challenges of functioning virtually, Jordan stayed engaged and active as a volunteer for Kids in Crisis during the pandemic, recruited his Staples High School classmates to join KIC’s Youth Corps and made an impact with an array of initiatives.

“Social media may be the most effective method of reaching not only adolescents, but the general public,” says Jordan. “With this in mind, KIC made a special social media campaign for National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. The KIC Youth Corps is a group of teens with the mission to make KIC social media and youth targeted events more effective. Our corps suggested enhancements to KIC’s social media presence that over time increase our community’s awareness of the issues affecting children and families. Another project, the Winter Season Scavenger Hunt, promoted local business, family bonding, and KIC services.”

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“My ultimate ambition for Kids in Crisis is to increase awareness among all who could benefit from our services,” says Jordan. “It’s troubling to know that many others could be helped, if they only knew where to find us.

The majority of kids at Staples High School don’t know we have a KIC Teen Talk counselor—and, yet, she’s still busy. The pandemic and its negative effects on mental health have intensified the need for KIC’s services. The social media campaigns help to increase awareness, but a brand and reputation like Make-A-Wish—of which my grandfather was on the national board—could see KIC’s impact grow exponentially.”

Words of Praise

“Matthew has been a crucial part of our teen volunteer program, Youth Corps. Although they were virtual, he has attended all Youth Corps meetings and always offers meaningful contributions to our conversation.

Matthew has been a huge help in organizing our Child Abuse Prevention campaign during the month of April. He worked hard in finding statistics and facts, and he also helped coordinate the best and most effective way to share these statistics through social media. Matthew also participated in our virtual scavenger hunt event, where he raised awareness of Kids in Crisis and helped raise funds for our organization. Matthew requested to continue volunteering throughout the summer, as he is passionate about the Kids in Crisis’ mission and the safety of all children.”

—MELISSA BASILE-REOLON, COMMUNITY SERVICES AND EDUCATION COORDINATOR, KIDS IN CRISIS

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JULIE SCHLAFMAN

Grassroots Leader

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

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Julie with her children Haley, Jack, Lily and Riley

Words of Praise

“Through her volunteer work with the School House Apartments, Julie organized a parade of donations for necessities during Covid, bringing residents toilet paper, paper towels, even rolls of quarters to do their laundry. Through the Red Wagon Group and New Canaan Moms, Julie has spearheaded so many community projects.

For the last holiday season, she collected donations for the School House residents yet again to bring them joy by giving them ‘Twelve Days of Christmas.’ Julie never stops; she even partnered with one resident to help him gather old family recipes and get his own cookbook edited and published.”

D R E A M S

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

Maybe this will inspire my children to create their own nonprofit one day!” »

—MARIANNE BACHELDOR, TEACHING ASSISTANT, NEW CANAAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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Barely into grade school, Schlafman’s daughters spearheaded a food drive for School House apartments, a New Canaan retirement community. They gathered the goods in their red wagon and, thus, in 2016, Red Wagon Girls was formed. They went on to orchestrate a flower activity for residents and a trick-or-treating event that was such a sweet hit it became a yearly treat for residents and kids alike. And soon their annual red wagon food drives grew in girls and wagons. In third grade, the entire class participated. “Girls” became “Group,” as boys joined in.

The Schlafmans drew the community together during the pandemic to provide necessities and encouraging messages for School House residents.

“My dream is to have people who pass the apartments on their walk to town stop by and say hello and know that they were a part of keeping that wonderful group of residents in high spirits,” says Schlafman.

After her girls read I Will Always Write Back, Schlafman expanded the family’s altruistic reach. “I wanted to teach them there is more out there in the world than just New Canaan,” explains Schlafman. “My soccer coach from Cornell is from Eritrea, Africa, and hoped to create a nonprofit to bring soccer balls and cleats to Africa. We thought we could help.” Soon, over eighty balls, 130 pairs of cleats, uniforms/jerseys and money raised through the “Schlafman Sweet Stand” were on their way to Africa.

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

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GRACE LOCKHART DJURANOVIC Committee Member

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

I N S P I R A T I O N “From a young age, I remember my parents and grandparents always setting a wonderful example with their dedication to service,” says Grace Lockhart Djuranovic. “I grew up watching them volunteer, and my parents [Cricket and Jim Lockhart] are still very active in the Greenwich community. This legacy of giving back instilled values that motivate me to give back every day.” Djuranovic also credits Greenwich Academy. “Community service was an integral part of my education,” she says.

“Professionally, in my previous job managing sponsorships for an international bank, I worked with nonprofits all over the country. This was not only inspiring, but also educational, as I’m able to bring what I’ve learned to my volunteer work locally,” she says.

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“Cochairing the Bruce Museum Night at the Museum Family Fundraiser seeded the idea for the Bruce Contemporaries, as we wanted to engage more families with young children and also young professionals,” says Djuranovic. Launched in 2018, Contemporaries now has 100 members and offers special events monthly. Djuranovic recently cochaired the museum’s biggest annual fundraiser, the Bruce Gala, which netted over $500,000.

“The Greenwich United Way has also been a special organization to my family, as my mother was a cofounder of Sole Sisters, the GUW women’s initiative with the mission of ‘Women Stepping Up to Help Others Step Forward,’” explains Djuranovic. Djuranovic cochaired that event in 2018 and 2019. As a GUW board member, she has served on the Grants Committee and now is vice chair of Board Affairs and chair of the Nominating Committee.

Djuranovic is also a member of Greenwich Academy’s Alumnae Association Board and supports Pitch Your Peers, a local, female-only, grant-funding organization.

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“A truly great nonprofit board member requires a strong character, an unwavering commitment to the cause, the gift of time and a willingness to use personal and professional resources to advance the organization’s mission. Grace leverages all these, and more, for the Greenwich United Way. Grace’s boundless energy and leadership has helped us assist our most vulnerable in myriad ways.

From our grants to organizations to our own Direct Impact programs, Grace’s expert input, thoughtfulness and kindness exemplify what a valuable board member she is to us.”

D R E A M S

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

—DAVID RABIN, PRESIDENT & CEO GREENWICH UNITED WAY

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ANDY BERMAN & SHERRY JONAS Impactful Duo

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buoying participation and sponsorship.

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

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“Really, all I did was serve as a bridge between my friends who work for the city, the police, friends in the military, other trainers and coaches— and it just grew,” says Berman. It outgrew his gym, then the Levitt Pavilion in Westport, and finally landed at the Staples High School gym. “It’s for all ages and all fitness levels. No one is responsible for a certain amount of push-ups. Kids in remission, former campers, come and speak and do push-ups. That really resonates with the kids—that they can do anything.

That message is so incredibly important.”

“The only thing bigger than Andy’s biceps is his heart,” comments Jonas.

“He does a remarkable job bullying people into participating. He has always had an incredible presence in the community.” Jonas brought her Columbia MBA and business experience to the table as Berman’s “taskmaster,”

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“I hope that more people focus on what they can do in their own community as a team and worry less about negatives,” says Berman. “We’ve proven in Westport that a small town is capable of so much. I hope to start PACs in other towns. The best thing in life is giving back. I wake up every morning looking forward to teaming up with good people to do great things.”

Jonas reiterates, “I hope that PAC continues to grow as a community event but also that we roll this model out to communities around the country.” »

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

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

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When Andy Berman opened his gym, Fitness Factory, in Westport in 2009, he wanted to do something for a good cause. “I’m a huge fan of Paul Newman.

I learned about Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, and I felt 100 percent that’s what I want to support,” says Berman. “I thought back on my childhood and going to camp and having such a great time, and I got a lump in my throat.

For these kids, it’s the one time they can just be kids.”

The camp enables seriously ill children to go to camp, with suitable medical support and adapted activities, at no cost. Berman created a pushup-athon, Push Against Cancer, twelve years ago, to support the cause. In 2017, Sherry Jonas, inspired by her fiftieth birthday falling on the same day as the event she always attended, joined his team.

Jonas says: “There is a Jewish concept, tikkun olam, which means ‘repairing the world.’ For as long as I can remember I felt that tikkun olam is my spirituality, my religion. I try to give back and make the world a better place one person at a time, one event at a time.”

LIGHT

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2021

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

BRUNSWICK SCHOOL Community Good Neighbor

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

Brunswick’s other campus in Western Greenwich is hosting two ambulances, while GEMS builds a facility nearby. “I bet the preschool kids think it’s very exciting,” says Philip.

Brunswick also allocates two full buildings and its pool to the Brunswick Horizons enrichment program, which runs through the summer and on six Saturdays during the year. It is free for public school boys in need. “We are in our sixth or seventh year of offering the program,” says Philip. “We are now serving 130 boys. Our Horizons faculty work with public school administrators to identify kids they are concerned about. And it’s not just the kids. The families are involved as well. We weren’t able to run it in 2020 during Covid, but it was back this summer with masks.”

Philip adds, “These programs are critical for the community, but they are also really good for us. A bunch of our boys and faculty volunteer. You get as much out of giving as receiving. We have a dynamic community service program, and all students are required to participate. It’s been part of our tradition for as long as we’ve been around.”

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

We very much want to be a Greenwich school for Greenwich citizens.”

Words of Praise

“Greenwich Hospital was so fortunate to have such a great partner in Brunswick School for Covid vaccinations. They collaborated with us on every aspect to ensure that our community was able to get in and out of the school safely and quickly without interfering with their day-to-day operations of running a school.

The process couldn’t have gone more smoothly.

We recognize this was a significant challenge, one they took on for the greater good.”

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

C O U R A G E

I N T O

A C T I O N

When the pandemic hit, Brunswick School stepped up and offered its parking lot to Greenwich Hospital, in case it was needed for patient overflow. “We also opened up one of our gyms to the hospital to set up a Covid vaccine clinic,” says Philip. “They were incredible and so efficient.

They’ve vaccinated 40,000 people since January.” The school also set up a food bank for first responders.

—DIANE KELLY, PRESIDENT, GREENWICH HOSPITAL

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MELISSA SHAPIRO

Empathy Advocate

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

I N S P I R A T I O N

A C T I O N

H O P E S

&

AWA R D S Words of Praise

“Like Piglet, Dr. Shapiro is one in a million.

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

D R E A M S

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

—EILEEN BARTELS, VET CLIENT

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F I R E

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

A

I N T O

“Once we formally adopted Piglet, I created Piglet’s mission, which included educating about and advocating for rescued animals, particularly those with disabilities,” says Shapiro, who set up a nonprofit, Piglet International, in 2019. Piglet’s story resonated with kids with challenges, too, and Shapiro created the Piglet Mindset program and Piglet’s Inclusion Pack as a teaching model for acceptance, inclusion, empathy and kindness.

“I shared Piglet’s story with media companies like The Dodo, which supported our platform by creating and circulating videos and articles.

The initial Dodo video was viewed over 13 million times around the world.

It was our first genuinely ‘viral’ experience with Piggy.”

Shapiro also began selling Piglet merchandise to fundraise for dog rescue groups and partnered with an online T-shirt company when worldwide demand skyrocketed. “To date, we have raised just shy of $100,000 from T-shirt sales alone,” says Shapiro. She collaborated with a third-grade teacher to create lesson plans on PigletMindset.org and Melissa and Piglet make virtual and in-person visits with students and teachers.

Piglet’s social media platforms—“Piglet, the deaf blind pink puppy,” on Facebook and @pinkpigletpuppy on Instagram—have over 450,000 followers, and Melissa released the book Piglet: The Unexpected Story of a Deaf, Blind, Pink Puppy and His Family in August. A children’s book is in the pipeline for 2022.

L I G H T

C O U R A G E

2 0 2 1

“As a veterinarian, I’ve been involved in dog rescue for a very long time,” says Westport’s Melissa Shapiro. “Our family has fostered a number of dogs and birds and helped them find their forever homes. So when I learned about a tiny, deaf and blind, one-pound puppy, I figured that fostering would be a helpful, temporary commitment. I was curious about what it would be like to care for and connect with such a profoundly disabled dog.” It wasn’t easy.

“The puppy completely turned our house upside-down with his anxious screaming,” explains Shapiro. “We weren’t prepared for the amount of time and energy we had to devote to the little guy; but as we held him, provided him with a routine, and taught him tap signals, he started to settle down.”

Two months later, Melissa realized she couldn’t let him go. “To justify adding a seventh dog to our household, I promised myself Piglet would have a productive, meaningful life,” she says.

ALAN MILLER

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

I N S P I R A T I O N “I’ve always liked history,” says Alan Miller. “About three years ago, I became a member of the Museum of Darien and started learning more about the history of Darien and all the fascinating people from here and incredible things that happened here. Soon after, I retired from my job as an engineer and sent my last kid off to college. I realized I had time to do the volunteering I’d put off for many years.”

Darien’s bicentennial was approaching in 2020, making it perfect timing for the Sikorsky aircraft engineer to dig deeper into the town’s history and make some history at the same time. Initial meetings led to the creation of the Darien 2020 Bicentennial Committee, and Miller agreed to lead it.

“It’s completely different from what I was doing in my career,” says Miller, “and such a treat and educational experience for me.”

C O U R A G E

I N T O

A C T I O N

Miller, who has been chairman of the Museum of Darien’s Board of Directors since its creation in 2019, launched into a multipronged plan for the celebration of the town’s 200th birthday. Soon the Bicentennial Committee grew to more than twenty-five members and volunteers. Little did they know, the pandemic would turn a one-year commitment into three.

“In spite of all the challenges, I’m proud that we haven’t scaled back or canceled any events. Some just have been postponed,” explains Miller.

In January of 2020, an opening ceremony was held at the Town Hall, with 400 people in attendance and CBS correspondent Scott Pelley hosting. The Weed Beach Festival couldn’t happen until last June, but by then, 400 people were more than ready to enjoy the band Exit Ramp, a whale boat and a catered picnic from Giovanni’s.

“A week later, we celebrated Anniversary Day in partnership with Daughters of the Revolution,” says Miller. At press time, the Bicentennial Committee was holding auditions for the reenactments of the Revolutionary War raids on the Middlesex Meeting House and Mather homestead.

For a time capsule project, items “have been collected from people in town and from every school. The time capsule will be held for fifty years at Museum of Darien and then revealed,” explains Miller. The Darien Heritage Trail, funded by a $35,000 grant from the Darien Foundation, is also underway and will feature an audio accompaniment. In addition to the grant, Miller and his committee raised $50,000 in donations for their events. “We are also selling Bicentennial merchandise—hats, tees, ornaments,” says Miller.

H O P E S

&

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

Words of Praise

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

D R E A M S

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

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

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TUNE IN ON

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

Photos by Kyle Norton

Join us as we honor the extraordinary work of our community heroes!

The inspiring virtual event will feature a touching awards ceremony hosted by actor James Naughton with speeches from all of our honorees.

Visit ilovefc.com/lightafire to register Gold Sponsor

Donations at the time of registration will benefit Fairfield County’s Community Foundation

Become a Sponsor For more information & participant opportunities please contact Gabriella at 203.571.1626 • Gabriella.Mays@moffly.com

Scan here for information

ABOVE: Stephen Zangrillo (better known as Mr. Z) with two of his original associates outside the first Darien Sport Shop location on Post Road. This spot is now home to Dunkin’. LEFT: Mother and son duo, Greg Reilly (marketing manager) and Gina Zangrillo (owner and president), head up current operations and continue the family legacy of the brand.

b y eliz ab eth hole p ort r ait b y andrea c arson

building that now houses Dunkin’ on Post Road. Within four years, Mr. Z was so successful that he moved into a new space twice the size a few doors down. Then in 1950, he bought land to build an even larger store at 1127 Post Road, where it stands today at an impressive 40,000 square feet.

Gina, who is Mr. Z’s daughter, didn’t start working with her father until 1994, but she’s always been connected to the shop. “My earliest memories of the store are just of the amount of time and energy my dad put into it,” says Zangrillo. “He was always trying to make this place bigger and better.”

Always the innovator, Mr. Z added a ski shop in 1963—which is still a hub for families who flock there to gear up for ski season. The next big addition came in 1978, when the women’s section was expanded by 12,000 square feet. That was the same year the store hosted its first Christmas tree lighting, which has become a town-wide tradition filled with hot cocoa, festive performances and a guest appearance by Santa Claus himself. After he kicks off the holidays at the tree lighting, Santa is a common fixture inside the store too. Excited children line up to see him and share their Christmas lists, while a photographer captures the magical moments all month long.

Greg Reilly, who is Gina’s son, recalls working at the store during the holidays as a young boy. “My first job was working as Santa’s helper when I was eight. I took Polaroids of the kids sitting on Santa’s lap,” says Reilly.

“I grew up working here, whether it was doing gift wrap or helping out on the floor.”

Greg eventually followed in his family’s footsteps when he joined the business in November 2020, which was a critical time for the store.

“I wasn’t planning to leave my job at a start-up, but I decided to work here eight weeks before Christmas, right in the middle of the pandemic,” says Reilly. “I knew what challenges my mom faced throughout the pandemic, but she also had a hole in marketing and thought I would be the perfect person.”

local institution since 1946, the Darien Sport Shop is an iconic brand—and gathering spot—that keeps getting better with age.

The second and current location of Darien Sport Shop, 1127 Post Road. This location opened in 1954.

“We’re not the preppy store we were 20 years ago,” says Gina Zangrillo, owner and president of “The Sport Shop,” as the store is commonly referred to by in-the-know regulars.

At 75 years old, the venerable retailer has proven it’s not the preppy mecca from the 1980s or the modest sporting goods shop from the 1940s.

Today, it’s a full-service department store that caters to families, selling everything from soccer cleats and ski bibs to high-end apparel, gifts and housewares.

After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Stephen F. Zangrillo opened Darien Sport Shop on August 1, 1946. It was a modest 400-square foot room where shoppers could pick up sports gear and catch up on the latest game. Customers loved to visit “Mr. Z,” who followed a motto that remains the store’s guiding force: “Treat your customers like they are old friends, and they’ll keep coming back.”

Located across from the train station, the original shop was in the newcanaandarienmag.com

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Darien Sport Shop has come a long way since its humble beginning as a 400-square-foot sporting goods store.

The Zangrillo family carefully expanded over a 75-year span, transforming the store into the three-story luxury retailer it is today.

The store front of the original Darien Sport Shop in 1946.

Gina Zangrillo, Mr. Z and local officials at the ground breaking of Zangrillo park adjacent to the store’s most recent expansion. The park opened in 1998.

Steve Zangrillo (Mr. Z) founder of Darien Sports Shop with daughter and current owner Gina Zangrillo

The late, Mr. Z and his late wife Yolanda at the 60th anniversary party in September of 2006

Darien Sport Shop opens on August 1, 1946, by the train station on Post Road. Dunkin’ occupies the building today.

Mr. Z doubles the store’s size by occupying a new space a few doors down.

The store moves to its final location at 1127 Post Road, after Mr. Z purchases the property to expand the business.

Just in time for winter fun, the store opens a ski shop in November.

The women’s section increases by 12,000 square feet. The Sunday after Thanksgiving, Mr. Z hosts the first annual Christmas tree lighting.

Gina Zangrillo joins Mr. Z to work at Darien Sport Shop.

Store celebrates the 50-year milestone.

Men’s wing of the store expands by 12,000 square feet.

New atrium is created at store entrance.

Celebrating 60 years in business, the Sport Shop hosts a grand party as a tribute to Mr. Z.

Stephen Zangrillo passes away at age 91. A beloved fixture at the store until he was 90, he greeted customers for nearly 70 years.

Store closes temporarily during the pandemic in March, but starts offering virtual shopping, delivery and contactless curbside pick-up.

Greg Reilly, Gina’s son, joins the team to run the store’s marketing department.

Darien Sport Shop turns 75!

On September 22, the Darien Chamber of Commerce and town officials commemorated the occasion with a special ceremony.

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An extensive men’s department houses several brands including Johnnie-O and Greyson.

right: Since Day One, menswear has been a staple at The Sports Shop.

Women’s apparel and accessories are located in a prime location at the shop and there’s always something new to explore from new brands like Ulla Johnson and staples like Vince and Theory.

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“MY FATHER LAID THE FOUNDATION IN A DIFFERENT ERA. HE STARTED SMALL, BOUGHT WHATEVER HE COULD FIND AND PROVIDED GREAT SERVICE AND BUILT A VERY LARGE STORE

Mr. Z with Santa at The Sport Shop.

For Gina Zangrillo, her favorite tradition is the store’s Christmas tree lighting. “Our tree lighting, which we host every year the Sunday after Thanksgiving, is a very special event my dad started in 1978.

He loved seeing the whole town come together to kick off the Christmas season around his tree, and we can’t wait to host that event again.

That sense of community is an incredibly important part of our business.”

It's also a town tradition for children to visit the store’s Santa, who is brought to life

by Darien’s favorite whitebearded resident, Joe Warren.

Warren, who owns Wild Birds Unlimited on Ledge Road, has been “playing Santa” at The Sport Shop for more than four decades. This season marks his 44th Christmas there, and he still finds it to be jolly good fun.

“I’m the biggest child in the room,” says Warren. “This is absolute fun, and it’s been quite an experience!”

His tradition of being the Sport Shop Santa began “by accident.” In a case of Santa serendipity, Warren’s hair turned white in his mid 30s and

he was recruited to play St. Nick at his wife’s company Christmas party. He was a natural in his signature red suit, and they told him to keep it. Then he got a fortuitous call from Bobby Zangrillo.

“Mr. Z ran an ad in the paper inviting families to see Santa Claus, and the guy backed out,” says Warren. “His brother Bobby called and said, ‘Somebody told me you have a suit. I need a Santa Claus!’”

During Warren’s first year as Santa, 50 photos were taken on a Polaroid camera. In 2019, he posed with over 600 families for shots captured by a professional photographer.

Warren, who drives a red car and wears a custom pinky ring that says “Santa,” prepared for the 2021 season by purchasing a new Santa suit. He typically buys one every four years and estimates that he’s owned about 10 throughout his career.

Because Warren grew up in Darien and still lives here, he often knows multiple generations of families who come to see him at Christmas.

In one case, a five-year-old girl questioned her mother if Warren was “the real Santa Claus.” The mother, who used to go to The Sport Shop when she was young, replied that he was the real deal. And she had the perfect photo to prove it.

“The mom pulled out an old photo of her sitting on my lap at the Sport Shop when she was about five,” says Warren.

“You’ll never convince this little girl that the real Santa Claus doesn’t live in Darien!”

Darien Sport Shop will host Santa visits in the children’s department throughout December. For the most current schedule, go to dariensport.com.

WITH A GREAT LOCATION.”

—Gina Zangrillo, owner and president, Darien Sport Shop

Each generation has made a different contribution to the business, helping it evolve over time. Says Zangrillo: “My father laid the foundation in a different era. He started small, bought whatever he could find and provided great service and built a very large store with a great location. I came in when the business was 49 years old, and although it had a good infrastructure, it needed some updates from things like the POS system, accounting, the merchandise selection and marketing. I remember when my three kids were little, thinking how special it would be for them to come in one day and do for me what I did for my dad. My son Greg has started to do that with our digital marketing and online presence, things that weren’t even a factor when I came into the store 27 years ago.”

With Gina and Greg at the helm, the store continues to thrive as they cater to customers’ needs. According to Zangrillo, “We like to have some exciting surprises for them too. “We recently renovated our jewelry section and our Johnnie-O shop, and we always have new brands coming in like Ulla Johnson, Nili Lotan and Alex Mill,” she says. “Our women’s department has a new buyer and has a completely fresh look.”

Community involvement and sustainability are also an integral part of The Sport Shop’s mission. The store donates to local nonprofits like The Depot Youth Center and The Domestic Violence Crisis Center, along with hosting charity shopping events and sponsoring the Tokeneke Pumpkin Carnival. Taking its “environmental footprint seriously,” the store uses earth-friendly packaging and utilizes a Smart Car for deliveries.

No matter what the future holds for Darien Sport Shop, Zangrillo says that “family will continue to be involved.”

“That was my dad’s wish,” says Zangrillo. “He always asked, ‘What about the kids?’ It was his dream to see this continue for another generation.”

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b y m a lia mcki nnon fr a m e | ph ot o gr aphs by jane be il e s

a modern new canaan home designed for a big family creates a cozy,

sophisticated and peaceful vibe during the holiday season

All is Calm, All is Bright

B

ig families are often synonymous with chaos and pandemonium, and around the holidays— double the frenzy. But at a certain home in New Canaan, one vibrant family of eight embraces the holiday season with fun, festivities and impeccable organization.

“Simply put, I’m Christmas-obsessed,” laughs the homeowner and matriarch of this crew, who credits her love of the holidays to her parents. “They never did the holidays halfway.

It was all about family and being with friends, parties, presents and lots of celebrating. I loved it all and wanted to replicate the same experience for my family,” she explains.

The couple moved from the east side of New Canaan into town in 2012 to be near the homeowner's mom and sister.

With help from Louise Brooks of Brooks & Falotico Associates and Cardinal Construction, they built a stunning modern colonial that lends itself to a minimalist vibe with clean architectural lines, an open floor plan, glass walls and oversized windows, and an all-neutral palette. Designer Tori Legge of Stirling Mills was integral in the planning and masterminded the interiors which reflect a chic, serene vibe, void of clutter. “My husband had a vision of the house looking like it had been here for 100 years from the front, like a Soho loft inside, and like Northern California in the back, which was achieved with our great architectural and design team as well as landscape architect Greg Lombardi,” says the wife.

During the holiday season, their whole gang gathers under one roof and, “it’s our favorite time of year because all the kids are home,” she says. With three kids in college, two in boarding school and one in middle school, how does she plan, coordinate and still manage to enjoy the most wonderful time of year?

This supermom of six has always been a meticulous listmaker, which helps greatly when there’s a lot to do. She describes her holiday style as neither more-is-more nor sparse, but she sticks to a few rules of thumb that make everything run smoothly. “We usually go to Cape Cod for Thanksgiving, but two things happen the day after: We turn on our outdoor Christmas lights, and everyone comes home to decorate,” she says. “The whole family pitches in, and we keep everything up until the second week of January so we can enjoy it all.”

For the interiors, she follows the same plan every year and builds on it, using trees and greenery wherever possible. She starts with four Christmas trees: one in the dining room, one in the family room and two in the common sitting areas outside the boys’ and girls’ rooms.

Collections of different sized nutcrackers and soft, flecked cowhide rugs or furry tree skirts surround the tree bases.

“Simply put, I’m Christmas obsessed.”

—the homeowner

above: A modern living room brings in lots of light from the floor-to-ceiling windows, accented with a grand tree for the holidays. below:A baby grand piano gets a lot of play from one of the homeowner's six children. opposite page: The family has four large trees every Christmas, each decorated with carefully chosen ornaments that have been collected over time.

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above and opposite page: The homeowner chose to have a unique color story in each room. Here, she keeps it clean and simple in the kitchen with white and silver accents on white reindeer statue decked in clear sparkly ball ornaments and fairy lights.

“I tend to go all silver and white in the kitchen, gold in the living room, blue and green in the girls’ sitting room and red in the boys’ area. “Having a color scheme in each space makes setting the scene easy,” she says. One of the trees is filled with all needlepoint ornaments sewn by her mother, highlighting something that each kid saw or experienced that year. “Christmas cards are also one of my favorite traditions, and I start writing them early,” notes the mom.

“We always end up with one group photo during the year, and I like that it varies every time—this year it’s from one of our daughter’s graduations.”

In the family room, part of a shared “great room” with the kitchen, strands of greenery and berries set the scene on the mantel. Wooden antlers, pheasant feathers and mercury glass pine cones and snowmen are tucked within to add a little glam. Several Byers’ caroling figurines that the family has collected over the years and a few stuffed Santas make appearances in various rooms, and mini trees from Terrain in Westport mark every other cantilevered step leading to the

second floor. On her elegant round dining table, guests see a vignette of miniature pale pink feather and faux fur trees nestled among a bundle of organic selenite sticks and velvet reindeer.

With the décor down to a science, the homeowner can focus on other aspects of the holidays. Given her large family, traditions are important, and “we have a million,” she says.

When the kids were little, Santa (aka their father), wrote letters to each of them summarizing their year and stuffed them in their stockings. Even though the kids are grown, he still reads 'Twas the Night Before Christmas to them every year after the family attends the Christmas Eve caroling service on God’s Acre.

As far as gifts go, “I always try to shop early so I can enjoy December,” she says, starting in the fall to source presents for her kids’ teachers and tutors, as well as her friends.

“Sometimes I make spiced nuts or truffles, or choose a book or a candle, just something to say thank you.” She also has a clever solution for present-wrapping. “When the kids were

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“Having a color scheme in each space makes setting the scene easy.”

—the homeowner

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below: Simple white and cream pieces like sparkly deer wearing fur wraps and golden antlers add an elevated feeling to the dining room decor. Plush Santas are found throughout the home. opposite page: Needlepoint ornaments made by the homeowner's mother are given to each of the children to add a special touch to the family's decor each year.

born, I had a bunch of cloth bags made in Christmas fabric in all different sizes. Each kid gets several bags and I sort their gifts in them. I don’t have to feel guilty for using tons of wrapping paper, and the bags look festive and pretty under the tree.”

Perhaps the biggest tradition, however, is the Making of the Orange Rolls. “The original recipe is from my grandmother, and my mom, sister and I have used it for ages.”

Now, the whole family pitches in to mix, knead and roll the dough and leave it to rise. “It’s so fun to have freshly baked bread, and the kids love it. One year I tried to skip it, but they wouldn’t let it go.”

While quality family time is a must, this group also loves spending the festive season with friends. “I love to entertain and we usually host a party in December." she remembers, “my parents always did this, and it’s a great way to get everyone together.”

Meals are another aspect that make this family’s holiday

special. Breakfast on Christmas morning is the big draw, with mimosas, breakfast soufflé and the beloved orange rolls, served on the Christmas Spode china gifted from her sister.

The family opens their stockings, shares presents then heads to church. “Sometimes we play paddle in the afternoon to get out of the house,” she explains. She and her sister alternate houses for the dinners each year which includes filet mignon, her sister’s incredible caviar potatoes, a decadent chocolate buche de Noel cake from Rosie on Elm Street and handmade Christmas cookies. “Having Christmas Eve and Christmas day meals are even more special because my mom and sister live in town. The three of us love spending the holidays together,” she emphasizes.

After the festivities are over, presents opened and the dishes put away, the family takes a vacation out west to ski, rest and recharge. They never waiver from spending Christmas at home, however. “There’s nowhere I’d rather live than New Canaan, especially at Christmastime. It’s just perfect.”

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

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

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creators and connectors

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

by chris hodenfield

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B

efore he vowed to turn the city of Stamford into “the next Austin, the next Brooklyn,” Brent Montgomery was a kind of golden boy among TV producers. In a business where the most frequent dream is simply to get out of the next pitch meeting alive, he was the great persuader.

With sunny likability and dazzling energy, he created, developed or oversaw over 100 TV series. He created an empire. Now he wants another. Right here.

Brent Montgomery is only the latest media heavyweight to land in Stamford.

The city is now fairly bursting with digitalstreaming-broadcast-whatever operations.

Montgomery, who made his fortune with “unscripted” shows (once referred to as reality television) such as Pawn Stars, Queer Eye and Fixer Upper, took his gains and went not to outer space but to the city neighboring his Greenwich home, Stamford, where you can be sure the city authorities are receiving him with the toothiest of smiles.

Why the welcome? Well, Montgomery just has a way of going large. He may already be responsible for at least 600 jobs moving here (jobholders who can afford the new apartments and houses), and he shows no signs of quitting. One partner in his endeavors is Jimmy Kimmel, the late-night comedianturned-investor. But the most important partner is Montgomery’s wife, Courtney, who knows how to take her energetic husband’s ideas and turn them into viable operations.

This story is just as much about her rise in the real-estate world.

Courtney likes the dynamic she shares with Brent. It was all on display not long ago at the grandest manifestation of their thinking, a beautiful new work/play building named The Village, located alongside the eastern canal in the entertainingly jumbled district of the South End. The former address of this site,

860 Canal Street, was changed to 4 Star Point.

But stars aren’t the only point. A good crowd has assembled in the parking lot for the unveiling of a children’s mural about fifty feet high, and among the milling well-wishers were family and business partners and…kids?

Yes, kids, because among the partnerships is a school. While Brent rushed around saying hello to family, Courtney watched on with fondness in her eye.

Synergies run hot around these people.

They never actually use the word, but it comes to mind as you contemplate their myriad ventures.

As the curtain fell from the mural, Courtney, a Trumbull native, stood to the side. She met Brent in his early scuffling days when he was assisting production on MTV. “We worked on High School Stories, a prankreenactment show. Brent was on the creative side; I was on the operational side, dealing with logistics. We came together talking about The Bachelor, which at the time I was obsessed with. I was pumping him for information on the coming season.” A calm woman with an easy smile and blonde hair tumbling over her shoulders, she laughs at the thought.

Reinventing The Wheel

This meeting would lead to marriage and their grandest productions: three children, now between the ages of eight and three.

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

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In the buying and building of area properties, she partnered up with contractor Gary Zarra, who is now her partner in Wheelhouse Properties. The name is apt, as we’ll see, given the Montgomerys’ instinct for alliances, all spinning off like spokes of a wheel. Her company developed the five-story building with the intriguing wedge-shaped entryway. The design was by CPG Architects of Stamford.

“Brent had the idea for this building, The Village. This is how we’ve always worked.

He has a lot of ideas and is always kicking up something,” she says. “He had this idea and I stepped in—as I did in TV—as the executional arm.”

Their first base of operation was a converted piano factory on the corner of Pacific and Dock.

“If it’s left to my husband, he sees a much larger vision of Connecticut. For me, I just love having a place for our kids to see what we’ve created, and for others in the community.”

The others in this particular community— the current spokes of the wheel—all come with a particular set of “But wait, there’s more!” provisos. The Village is host to a Cisco Brewers, the first Connecticut outpost for the famed Nantucket brewery. Then on the ground level, overlooking the water, is the signature restaurant, The Wheel, developed

by APICII, the group that did Casa Apicii in New York and the Hotel Figueroa in Los Angeles.

The premier chefs are one thing, but, wait, a lot of the actual vittles are secured by The Village’s Chief Food Curator Mike Geller, head of Mike’s Organic, a local outfit that scours the local farms for the best meats and veggies and won’t stop at reaching out to the S’unaq tribe in Alaska for the best salmon. Geller is currently also at work on a new flagship store for Mike’s Organic in Greenwich at 600 E. Putnam Avenue.

As the Montgomerys fit into the new local media ecosystem, so does Geller have a place in his food community. “It’s really about this ecosystem, this collection of small local

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KYLE NORTON

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

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

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

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

newcanaandarienmag.com

74

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

Go With The Flow

The Waterside School is an interesting venture only a few blocks from The Village.

Built on land donated by Building and Land Technology (BLT), it was opened on September 11, 2001. (“So, talk about overcoming your adversity,” Brent says.) The operating principle was to provide quality education for disadvantaged children ranging from pre-K to fifth grade. In the twenty years since, it has witnessed some brilliant successes. It became connected to the “big wheel” two years ago when Brent, a child of educators, and Courtney walked into the school and asked what they could do.

The busy day of the mural unveiling was also a day for the valedictory speech of Duncan Edwards, Waterside’s retiring executive director. Raised in the posh surrounds of the Brunswick School, his life mission became providing a Brunswick-like environment for Stamford kids more accustomed to flintier classes.

With Brent and Courtney looking on and beaming, Edwards said a fond goodbye to the kids who came to cheer. Get the kids at their earliest, he likes to say. Later, in a reflective state, he recalled a second grader he met early on. “Bright, and just the right amount of devil,” he said. The parents were supportive and only wanted the best. “Completely different to Brunswick families, but also absolutely identical.” Edwards watched as the kid graduated, went on to get into other private schools, then Columbia. Now he is in his fourth year at Google and starting up an alumnae support fund so that other families can enjoy this opportunity.

“Everything at Waterside is impossible,” he smiles, “and then you run into people who think it’s doable.” Calling Brent “a generous thinker,” he says The Village is helping create a new reality for the neighborhood. “It used to be the wrong side of town. Soon it will be the right end of town.” To help with just that, Edwards has just taken a role with The Village as head of social impact to help deepen The Village’s roots in the community and give back and forge meaningful collaborations with education at the forefront, similar to that of the Waterside initiative.

When Brent paused in the swirl of the day, he was asked what inspired him on his mission. He instantly nodded his head across the parking lot to a happy bunch and said, “Two women right over there. My mom, my sister. Along with my aunt and uncle, all educators.” His brother Tanner walked over and socked him on the arm. Brent grinned and jostled with him. “We were military brats, so that was probably a big part of it. Any place we went, we had to adapt.”

The phrase used here often is “creative hub.” Notions of this amiable concentricity keep circling around in every conversation.

“We want to have all the TV producers here and work with kids, teach them how to make television, how to make podcasts.” He put on the raffish sunbeams and said, “If any of them are crazy enough to want to learn how to do private equity at eight or nine years old, we got that covered. The whole idea of this building is to dream big, and why not do it with someone who’s young enough not to have the trappings of life.”

Location, Location, Location

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

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

75

come by and sample their shellfish and then settle. In the 1870s it was called Hoytville.

After Yale & Towne created a big factory, the neighborhood was referred to as Lock City.

Office-equipment giant Pitney Bowes would enter the picture in 1917. By the 1980s, many of the abandoned factories had become lofts for artists, including the later recording star Moby.

The location, still alternately funky and gleaming, was just too good to abandon.

Thanks to massive building projects by BLT, it is now a thriving residential area and just ripe for the likes of the Montgomery team. It may not be Rockefeller Center, but it does have access to a picturesque marina out back.

Most important, the South End provides plenty of great raw material for a selfwinding, grand-designing media magnate like Montgomery.

Where does his kind come from, anyway?

It was more than just San Antonio, Texas.

Brent’s entrepreneurial drive was kick-started early by a helpful father, a military man who took his family around the country and was always there to assist in his sons’ enterprises.

Mowing lawns? A baseball-card business? We can do that! “My father always wanted to do things beyond the military,” Brent says. “He was always inspiring me to take risks.”

In Brent’s early scuffling days in Brooklyn, trying to get something going in TV, he became enamored of the man Walt Disney, who started as a humble animator and finished as a giant of American culture. “The great thing about Disney, as a business and an organization, is that it has a physical place for you to have an experience. Everybody talks now about being ‘experiential,’ but Walt Disney did that in the 1950s. And we joke that The Village is our version of Disneyland.

You’ll meet all the Wheelhouse characters; you’ll meet the ITV characters. And for us, that’s where things really happen: in person, around the tables, around good food, around the drinks and conversation.”

Before Wheelhouse, there were the years of conceiving and then selling the quirkiest of TV entertainments. Who knew that something like Pawn Stars, a reality show

Federation, CBS Interactive, Jerry Springer and the other media hothouses here, not to mention all the films in production.

“I was giving a tour to a guy I really respect,” says Brent, “and he said, ‘You gotta think bigger with this place. You gotta think about Silicon Valley.’ And I started thinking.

Why can’t Stamford be the Silicon Valley to Greenwich just like Silicon Valley is to San Francisco? And all of a sudden I started working with the governor and his team and the mayor and his team, just to woo and bring in some of the bigger businesses that were ready to move into the state in the last six months. I mean, the state has done an incredible job with Covid.”

Stamford as Silicon Valley? Some might find that faintly amusing, but that’s the sort of energy that produces zeitgeist-altering, pop-culture hits.

“I think Stamford has the potential to be the next Nashville, Austin or Brooklyn,” he opines in the parking lot, a bouncing maelstrom of contagious energy. “And I think that’s only going to happen if a bunch of people come together with the right purpose.

We’ve tried to partner with all the great local entrepreneurs who want a place that feels like it wants to reach national, global heights.”

He offers a happy interrogation, as if to say: You get this? You coming along? I’ve only just met the guy and already he seems like an old pal.

“I’ve met some really great people,” Brent adds, “and they’ve all said, ‘We just needed a place to go.’”

Then someone in the celebrating crowd grabs him and pulls him off to other whirling conversations. He and Courtney have places to go.

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

about a twenty-four-hour pawn shop in Las Vegas, would be such a hit nineteen seasons later? As his company, Leftfield Pictures, racked up success after success, so would his company accumulate other production companies until it was the largest independent unscripted group in the United States at the time. In 2014, 80 percent of Leftfield was sold to ITV America for $360 million. Brent would run that operation for two years before launching Wheelhouse.

ITV America would go on to snap up other production entities and become quite large. It now takes up the fourth floor of The Village.

These simple statements do not reveal the sheer amount of talent now breathing in the Stamford air above that canal. Presumably, if they’re not dining in the Wheelhouse, they’ll be competing for table reservations with players from NBC Sports, World Wrestling

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

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BAR BY GARVIN BURKE: OTHERS BY NEIL LANDINO

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

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Jeff Tuohy

Keeping the music flowing at cisco brewers at The Village by scott thomas

“I want people to feel connected with their fellow audience members and the people on stage,” he says. “Whether the song is upbeat or a ballad, it’s important for people to feel like they aren’t alone in this human experience.”

That goal is hard, especially in a postpandemic society where people were closed off from one another—and live music—for more than a year. “That’s why the value of live music is so crucial,” Tuohy says. “People are so enthusiastic at these concerts. Live music is important now, more than ever.”

Tuohy describes Hudson Delta—the album and the music genre—as a mix of “metropolitan attitude with Americana.”

Tuohy, who grew up in Southbury, has lived in New York City for nearly two decades. But he also has a Southern musical flavor to his music. “I’ve heard people call it ‘Skyscraper Blues,’ ” Tuohy says. “Hudson is a reference to the city I love, and Delta is the music I play. Also, New York City is the delta of the Hudson. The name indicates my love for the Big Apple and the music I play.”

His musical roots date back to his “days in the crib,” he says. “I caught the bug very early.” His first concert was at a church social, but his career took off after graduating from Emerson College. “I always knew I wanted to do this for a career,” said Tuohy, who opened for several acts in Stamford’s Alive at 5 over the years. “There was no Plan B. If there is, you usually take it.”

Tuohy’s musical career stalled in 2009 when a record deal fell through and he went to work as a bartender at Cowgirl Seahorse in the Big Apple’s South Street Seaport. It took newcanaandarienmag.com

78

above: Cisco Brewers Entertainment Manager Jeff Tuohy

a few years, but he reemerged with a style audiences enjoy and that supports his career.

“While working with a label, I had financial support. I had to figure out how to make my art my commerce,” he said.

He brings the same eclectic mix that defines his music to Cisco Brewers. It’s entertaining, popular and creative. That’s a winning combination for any artist. “It’s a beautiful setting with a patio on the water, and I’m bringing in the people that I’ve met during my traveling career,” he said. “We’re bringing a variety of musicians that audiences at The Village’s are really going to enjoy.”

CONTRIBUTED

C

onnectivity is not a word that is frequently used in artistic circles. The word is more commonly used when discussing information technology and electrical systems, but Jeff Tuohy’s eclectic musical skills focus on connecting to audiences. And he’s really good at it.

Tuohy programs music for Cisco Brewers at The Village in Stamford. The Nantucketbased brewery opened in May, becoming the first Connecticut location. Tuohy schedules a diverse lineup, with everything from country and tribute nights to brass bands and Latin ensembles.

He also recently embarked on a tour that features songs from his new album, Hudson Delta. On stage is where Tuohy unleashes a powerful voice, creative songwriting and energetic showmanship to bring the venue alive.

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1,410

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

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

Please Please contact contact Gina Jennifer Fusco Frank by email by email at at Gina.Fusco@moffl Jennifer.Frank@moffly.com, y.com, or call or call 203.571.1623 203.571.1658 fairfield living greenwich | greenwich | new canaan•darien | new canaan•darien | stamford | stamford | westport | westport | ilovefc.com | ilovefc.com

COLLEGE FOR THEIR CHILDREN

SAVE THE DATE

11.6.21

12TH ANNUAL GREENWICH GALA

HONORING THOSE WE LOST 20 YEARS AGO SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

PRESENTING OUR PATRIOT AWARD TO LIEUTENANT GENERAL ANDREW P. POPPAS DIRECTOR FOR THE JOINT STAFF

CHILDREN OF FALLEN PATRIOTS FOUNDATION

There are nearly 25,000 military children who lost a parent in the line of duty over the past 35 years.

It is our honor to give these children the future their mothers and fathers dreamed of by ensuring their college education.

For more information, please contact greenwich@fallenpatriots.org or call 866-917-2373.

FALLENPATRIOTS.ORG

MEET FLOWCODE, THE NEXT GENERATION OF QR CODES

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

GreenwichReindeerFestival.com

NOVEMBER 26–DECEMBER 24, Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North Street, Greenwich, Mon–Sat 8:30am–6pm PHOTOS WITH SANTA (Families & Pets)

WE’RE BACK! November 26, 12pm–6pm

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

SANTA AND HIS REINDEER ARRIVE Please visit GreenwichReindeerFestival.com for more details

Reindeer Festival Hosted By

Presenting Sponsor

Santa’s Workshop Sponsor

Santa’s Raffle Sponsor

Reindeer Sponsors

To Benefit

Premier Media Sponsors

NURSERY & GREENHOUSES, LLC EST. 1930

Greenwich Pediatric Dental Group

Media Sponsors

Community Partner

WestchesterParent NYMetroParents.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

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Created & Produced By

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

Greenw ich Histo rica l So ciety Presents

WINTER MARKET & HOLIDAY FESTIVAL er b m

4 & 2, 3 0 2 1 2

ce e D

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

Thursday December 2 5:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Opening Night Cocktail Reception

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

Jewelry Appraisals by Doyle

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

FESTIVAL OF TREES GREENWICH HISTORICAL SOCIETY December 2, 3, 4 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Our third annual Festival of Tabletop Trees celebrates the talents of local retailers, organizations, and designers who help us make our homes festive sanctuaries during the holiday season. View, purchase or bid on a tree via on-site silent auction.

HOLIDAY FESTIVAL GREENWICH HISTORICAL SOCIETY December 3, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

On Friday evening, the Greenwich Historical Society’s Cos Cob campus will come alive for the holidays, with activities for all ages. Enjoy holiday crafts and gingerbread decorating, a special visit from Santa, and Master Storyteller Jonathan Kruk as he brings Charles Dickens’ immortal tale to life using a treasure trove of characters in an intimate, imaginative and inspire blend of theater and storytelling. The historic Bush Holley House, decorated in grand holiday style, will be open for our annual candlelight tours. Sweet treats, refreshments and holiday cheer on tap!

Family and individual tickets available at greenwichhistory.org.

greenwichhistory.org

APRIL 5 – 23, 2022

AUG 23 – SEP 10, 2022

NEXT TO NORMAL

4000 MILES

The 2009 Tony Award®-winning hit musical and winner of the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Two unlikely roommates — 21-year-old Leo and his feisty 91-year-old grandmother Vera — infuriate, bewilder, and ultimately find each other in this funny and moving play.

MUSIC BY TOM KITT BOOK AND LYRICS BY BRIAN YORKEY DIRECTED AND CHOREOGRAPHED BY MARCOS SANTANA

MAY 24 – JUNE 11, 2022

STRAIGHT WHITE MEN

BY YOUNG JEAN LEE DIRECTED BY MARK LAMOS

BY AMY HERZOG DIRECTED BY DAVID KENNEDY

OCT 18 – NOV 5, 2022

FROM THE MISSISSIPPI DELTA

BY DR. ENDESHA IDA MAE HOLLAND

A father and his grown sons gather on Christmas Eve for pranks, Chinese takeout, and gossip. But when an impossible question threatens the festivities, they’re forced to face their own identities.

This Pulitzer Prize-nominated play about one woman’s journey out of Mississippi offers us a gripping tale of resilience and the human spirit.

JULY 5 – 23, 2022

SEASON TICKET PACKAGES ON SALE nov. 9!

AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’

CONCEIVED BY RICHARD MALTBY, JR. AND MURRAY HORWITZ DIRECTED AND CHOREOGRAPHED BY CAMILLE A. BROWN

The Tony Award-winning musical celebration as you’ve never seen it before! From in-demand director/choreographer Camille A. Brown.

THE PLAYHOUSE

SEASON

WESTPORTPLAYHOUSE.ORG All dates, titles, and artists are subject to change.

| 203 227 4177

Welcome back to laughter, to drama, to connection, to the unexpected...

Welcome back to everything you love about live theater.

advertisers index AUTOMOTIVE Karl Chevrolet ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 15

CELEBRATE YOUR WEDDING

BUILDING & HOME IMPROVEMENT California Closets ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 9 Grand Entrance Gates �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 35 BUSINESS & FINANCE Cummings & Lockwood – Stamford ����������������������������������������������������������������������37 Davidson, Dawson & Clark, LLP ������������������������������������������������������������������������������41

ROMAN BODNARCHUK-STOCK.ADOBE.COM

EDUCATION Brunswick School ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 11, 29 Fairfield University/Quick Center for the Arts ������������������������������������������������������� 38 New Canaan Country School ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 35 ENTERTAINMENT Ridgefield Playhouse ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 39 Westport Country Playhouse ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 86 EVENTS A-List Awards ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 79 Fallen Patriots Gala ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������81 Greenwich Reindeer Festival ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 83 Greenwich Historical Society Winter Market �������������������������������������������������������� 85 Light A Fire Event ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 55 Make A Wish Night �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 83

We welcome wedding announcements together with candid photographs.

Weddings should have a current New Canaan, Darien or Rowayton family connection and must be submitted within three months of the wedding day.

Regretfully, we are unable to run every wedding submitted.

Send Information to: weddings@ncdmag.com New Canaan • Darien Magazine | 205 Main Street Westport, CT 06880

FASHION & JEWELRY Classic Prep ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 23 Darien Sport Shop ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Cover 3 Lux Bond & Green ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 1 Manfredi Jewelers �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Cover 4 FOOD, CATERING & LODGING Winvian �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������7 Organic Krush ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������37

Ownership Statement New Canaan/Darien Magazine U.S. Postal Service. Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation. (Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685) 1. Publication Title: New Canaan/Darien. 2. Publication No.: 1942-1028. 3. Filing Date: October 1, 2021. 4. Issue Frequency: 6 times. 5. Number of Issues Published Annually: 6. 6. Annual Subscription Price: $19.95. 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 205 Main Street, Westport, CT 06880. 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor: Jonathan Moffly, Publisher, 205 Main Street, Westport, CT 06880. Julee Kaplan, Editor, 205 Main Street, Westport, CT 06880. Julee Kaplan, Managing Editor, 205 Main Street, Westport, CT 06880. 10. Owner: Moffly Publications, Inc. 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgages, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None. 12. For Completion by Nonprofit Organizations Authorized to Mail at Special Rates: Not applicable to New Canaan/Darien Magazine. 13. Publication Title: New Canaan/Darien. 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: September/October 2021. 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: a. Total Number of Copies (net press run): *5,685 **5,512; b(1). Paid/Requested Outside-County Mail Subscription Stated on Form 3541: *346 **266; b(2). Paid In-County Subscriptions: *1,666 **1,280; b(3).

Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Non-USPS Paid Distribution: *393 **330; b(4). Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS: *34 **100; c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), (4): *2,439 **1,976; d. Free Distribution by Mail (Samples, Complimentary, and Other Free): d(1). Outside-County as Stated on Form 3541: *0 **0; d(2). In-County as Stated on Form 3541: *1,495 **1,490; d(3). Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS *0 **0; d(4). Free Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or Other Means): *886 **976; e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3), (4): *2,381 **2,466; f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e): *4,820 **4,442; g. Copies Not Distributed: *865 **1,070; h. Total (Sum of 15f, 15g): *5,685 **5,512; i. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (15c divided by 15f. times 100): *50.6 percent **44.5 percent. 17.

This Statement of Ownership will be printed in the November/December 2021 issue of this Publication. 18. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on this form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including multiple damages and civil penalties). Elena V. Moffly, Business Manager/Treasurer, October 1, 2021. *Average No. Copies Each Issue During Proceeding 12 Months. **Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date.

HEALTH & BEAUTY EPOCH Senior Living �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������31 Hospital for Special Surgery �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������3 LCB Senior Living �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������27 Paul D. Harbottle, DDS, LLC ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 33 LANDSCAPING, NURSERY & FLORISTS Palmer’s Market ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 4,5 NONPROFIT Connecticut Humane Society ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������41 REAL ESTATE Wheelhouse Properties �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������12 Willliam Raveis-Shelton HQ ����������������������������������������������������������������������������Cover 2 MISCELLANEOUS The 13th Child Autism & Behavioral Coaching ������������������������������������������������������ 33 Drew Klotz ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������37 Flowcode ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 82 Hollow Tree Self Storage ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������41 Westy Self Storage �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 39

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

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NCD 2020 Statement Ownership.indd 1

10/14/20 2:10 PM

postscript by julee k apl an • photog raphy by vener a alex androva

CAPMFIRE FASHIONED

left to right: caption

2 oz Bourbon 1/4 oz maple Syrup 3 dashes of orange bitters Flamed Orange Peel Sit by the fire and take in the aromas, sip and dive deeper into the flavors

Mixologist Blake Poon crafts seasonal cocktails at SoNo 1420.

LET’S GET G CRAFTY

rab a seat at the outdoor campfire and cozy up with one of SoNo 1420’s seasonal holiday concoctions. The local distillery’s resident mixologist, Blake Poon, has come up with some drool-worthy flavors using seasonal fruit and spices including maple syrup that was aged in the brand’s own bourbon barrels. Cocktails mixed with apple and cinnamon simple syrup add warmth to gin topped off with apple cider as a spritzer. Or, go for Poon’s twist on a mint julep made with locally sourced mission figs. Yum.

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75 D A R I E N S P O R T. C O M

203.655.2575

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