A FORCE FOR GOOD CELEBRATING LOCAL RESIDENTS WHO LEAD with COMPASSION PLUS
GIVE WHERE YOU LIVE TIPS for MAKING A DIFFERENCE with YOUR DOLLARS
LOVE IN VERONA
LIGHT A FIRE
Meet ten Fairfield County residents who have dedicated themselves to giving back. by jill johnson mann
PERSONAL NARRATIVE
Monica Rich Kosann, the queen of iconic lockets, talks design inspiration and her new line of tennis bracelets created with Chris Evert. by malia mckinnon frame
BUZZ DAF Media’s award-winning broadcasting program;the wildly popular Kane shoes from New Canaan’s John Gagliardi DO The rise of fitness retreats; Mahjong mania has arrived; A guide to giving from our community foundations EAT/DRINK Zen Cha Matcha at Darien Commons; A New Canaan couple launches a line of healthy frozen meals SHOP Holiday Gift Guide GO Canadian ski destinations
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editorial
editorial director Cristin Marandino editor Eileen Murphy advisory editor Donna Moffly
art
senior art director Venera Alexandrova senior art director/status report Garvin Burke production director Tim Carr assistant art director Lisa Servidio
contributors
editors
Megan Gagnon editor, athome Melinda Anderson editor, stamford Samantha Yanks editor, westport Elizabeth Hole editor, custom publishing
writers
Liz Barron, Eileen Bartels, Malia Frame, Kim-Marie Galloway, Elizabeth Hole, Jill Johnson Mann, Georgette Yacoub
copy editors
Liz Britten, David Podgurski digital
audience development editor Kaitlin Madden digital marketing manager Rachel MacDonald
digital assistant Lloyd Gabi digital assistant Jeffery Garay
business president Jonathan W. Moffly
editorial director Cristin Marandino business manager Elena V. Moffly
cofounders John W. Moffly IV and Donna C. Moffly
sales + marketing
Gina Fusco publisher gina.fusco@moffly.com
Jonathan W. Moffly publisher, greenwich, athome, stamford, ocean house jonathan@moffly.com
205 Main Street, Westport, CT 06880 phone: 203-222-0600 fax: 203-222-0937 mail@mofflymedia.com Publishers of GREENWICH, NEW CANAAN - DARIEN, WESTPORT, STAMFORD and athome Magazines advertising inquiries Lemuel Bandala email advertise@mofflymedia.com. published by
editor’s letter
QUIET COMPASSION
Each year we dedicate part of our November/December issue to celebrating everyday people whose generosity of spirit makes our community (and the world) a better place. ey are our “Light a Fire” honorees (page 56). And while they are not looking for any recognition, we are excited to shine a light on all the ways we bene t from their quiet compassion.
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Two of the individuals honored this year will be familiar to many readers of this magazine. New Canaanites will recognize Dede Bartlett—if not by face, then certainly by name. Her contributions to our community are obvious to residents listening to a speaker in e Jim and Dede Barlett Auditorium at the New Canaan Library or while touring the similarly titled new museum at the New Canaan Historical Society. But it’s the work that Dede does behind the scenes that o en makes the most direct impact on our neighbors in need—particularly her work helping victims of domestic violence (page 64).
Nate Checketts, co-founder of the performance lifestyle brand Rhone, has a similarly unassuming way of showing his compassion for others. If you passed Nate on the Post Road, he might look like any other Darien dad headed o to work or to pick up his kids from a er-school activities. But empathy runs deep with Nate and, while he may be juggling all those same things, he is also trying to nd ways to combat the mental health crisis we are facing in this country. Whether promoting mental tness through the Rhone brand or by sponsoring local events and organizations working toward the same goal, Nate is focused on eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health (pages 65 and 92). ere are others, of course. Take New Canaan’s John Gagliardi, founder of Kane
How fortunate we are to be surrounded by people who are out there spending their time and energy helping others—not looking for recognition, but very much deserving of it. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER
Footwear (page 18). If you don’t know what Kanes are, just look down while walking through town or past any sports eld a er practice and you will see the popular recovery shoe. But you’ll also nd them on the feet of every kid at Horizons Kids Camp in Bridgeport, a tuition-free enrichment program that John supports. ere’s also jewlery maven Monica Rich Kosann’s (page 68) giving initiative, which supports a variety of causes, including Blessings in a Backpack and Women in Need. Plus, there’s Tanjina and Sharf Quaz of Bang Foods (page 36), who take time out of their busy schedules to deliver food from their café to the local Food Bank.
eileen.murphy@moffly.com
SCAN TO EXPLORE
HOW TO SCAN: OPEN, AIM & TAP
Sharf Quaz of Bang at The Food Bank (above); Horizons Bridgeport campers in their Kanes (right)
founder’s page
On one occasion a cover subject arrived super late sporting an old Madras shirt, cargo shorts and a monster hangover.
OF SHOOTS AND SHENANIGANS
“
Apicture’s worth a thousand words.” Confucius may have coined the phrase, but it really took off in December 1921 when Frederick R. Barnard published a piece in Printer’s Ink titled, “One Look is Worth a Thousand Words,” commending the effectiveness of graphics in advertising. He was right. A good photograph is worth the effort of organizing all those shoots—such as lining up ten amazing volunteers for the “Light A Fire” story this month.
Most shoots go swimmingly, but some, well … Photographer Bob Capazzo and I once went to photograph a respected art collector and found her inebriated. To calm her down, we handed her her little dog then somehow propped them up long enough to get a pretty good shot.
In a kitchen we were doing, a five-year-old boy was sitting on a countertop swinging his legs. Except that every time his little brother toddled by, he’d kick him in the head. The mother seemed oblivious, but Bob was so undone he forgot to put film in his camera for the first few shots.
Once, preparing for a shot, he was raking leaves out of the pond at the Garden Center, fell in up to his waist in mud and had to be rescued.
Another time, a cover subject arrived super late sporting an old Madras shirt, cargo shorts and a monster hangover. So photographer Visco Hatfield offered to share a black designer suit he happened to have in his car; editor Cristin Marandino ran out to Old Navy for a T-shirt, and art director Holly Keeperman lent him her belt. Voila!
When I was GREENWICH editor-in-chief, sometimes I tagged along on shoots and got to know some wonderful characters. Admittedly, I had issues with a few—such as Victor Borge’s Man Friday who wanted his boss posed in his prize-winning rose garden, but I wanted him at the piano, natch. (I won.) On another occasion,
sitting on a bench next to her husband, there was the very large woman in a very short skirt presenting a very awkward angle for the camera. I suggested she take off her hat because it hid her face and put it on her lap.
Connecticut Governor Jodie Rell became a favorite of mine during a shoot at Nestlé Waters. Chatting between takes, I told her that my husband was going in for a triple bypass in the morning, and the next evening on our answering machine was the governor herself saying: “I’ve been thinking of you both all day. Now, Jack, when you get home, you’ve got to take it easy. And that’s an executive order!”
And in 1989 when we were doing a piece on Tom Watson Jr.’s scrimshaw collection, I walked into his living room, took one look at him and quipped: “Mr. Watson, all you sailors are alike. You look like unmade beds. We need to fix you up!” He laughed heartily and invited me into his wardrobe room to pick out a new outfit. In there, he volunteered: “You know, right after this I’m flying to Cleveland for the 100th birthday of a good friend of mine.” I responded, “I bet I know who that is: Fred Crawford.” He looked at me, nonplussed: “How do you know Fred Crawford?” “Because he’s my Godfather,” I answered proudly, Uncle Fred being the only person ever inducted into three Halls of Fame during his lifetime.
“What’s more,” I added, “I know who your godfather was, too. Joe Rogers.” Mr. Watson was floored, Joe being his father’s longtime business partner. I explained that growing up in Shaker Heights, Joe’s daughter Jane was my best friend. “And, Mr. Watson,” I added, “Janie was named after your grandmother!”
Just think what I would have missed, if I hadn’t been editor of this magazine.
Now look what I’ve done—written 648 words! Maybe I should have settled for a picture.
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— Martin & Ann H., Residents
Residents Martin & Ann H. in their spacious apartment home.
Resident John S. enjoying our heated indoor pool.
Resident Judy H. reading in our well-stocked library.
HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE
DAF MEDIA IS TAKING HIGH SCHOOL BROADCASTING TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL
by elizabeth hole
Fby elizabeth hole
or fans who miss a Darien High School sporting event, DAF Media is like a lifeline. Family and friends can cheer on their favorite athletes by watching live or on-demand broadcasts with student commentators, instant replays, sophisticated graphics and post-game interviews.
DAF Media, started in 2017 by the Darien Athletic Foundation and the Darien Foundation, is run by more than 50 student volunteers who produce sports and hometown broadcasts on a free YouTube channel. The network has covered more than 800 events, ranging from soccer, lacrosse, basketball and baseball games to graduations, band concerts, Darien’s Got Talent and the local Memorial Day parade.
above: The DAF Media broadcasting and camera crews in action at Darien Blue Wave ice hockey and basketball games.
Bruce Ferguson—one of DAF Media’s original founders, who oversees the network for the Darien Athletic Foundation Board—brings his tech experience to the operation and helps with training. “I am the person behind the scenes who has researched, tested and procured the technology we use to produce our broadcasts,” explains Ferguson. “I do the initial training of the DAF Media members and volunteers who then ‘rinse and repeat’ to learn and become experts in the particular equipment and software.”
Ferguson works closely with Damian Andrew, an Emmy Award-winning broadcaster who manages day-to-day operations and helps mentor the students. The former sports director and anchor at News 12 Connecticut jokes that DAF Media is an “audio-visual club on steroids because it's not your grandparents’ AV club.”
“Our student volunteers work with state-ofthe-art equipment being used by professionals in the field,” says Andrew. “Seven years ago, we started out doing one-camera broadcasts with an announcer. Now, our productions involve multiple cameras, a robust graphics package and the ability to provide viewers with instant replay.”
Although other area high schools record games, they often have one fixed camera. “They may not have all the bells and whistles we do,” explains Andrew. “DAF Media is doing more than what some Division 3 and even Division 1 schools are doing with their broadcasts.”
DHS Blue Wave fans aren’t the only ones who appreciate the high-quality content. DAF Media has received ten student production awards from the New England chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), an organization best known for the prestigious Emmy® Awards.
One NATAS award winner, Braden Schenck, won for On-Air Talent two years in a row. He is a 2023 Darien High School graduate who joined DAF Media his freshman year and worked
“ i love working with the students to capture the unique personality of each athlete.”
—katharine calderwood, daf media photography mentor and board member
more than 350 games while at DHS. Now a sophomore at Virginia Tech majoring in sports media and analytics, Schenck is a commentator for the ACC Network Extra and calls games for the Cape Cod Baseball League. He credits DAF Media for having a huge impact on his life.
“My passion for sports broadcasting and all my foundations began with DAF Media,” says Schenck. “I was fortunate to be part of DAF and have a mentor like Damian show me a career path that I didn’t know existed when I joined.”
Another recent graduate, Liam Tomaszewski, plans to follow a similar path. “DAF Media has given me the opportunity to work in a professional sports broadcasting setting you can’t find anywhere else at a high-school level,” says Tomaszewski. “I attend College of the Holy Cross, and they have some student-run sports broadcasting I am going to help with this year.”
As an advisor, Andrew appreciates how “DAF Media attracts really awesome kids and brings the community together.” Ferguson says he enjoys “watching students’ skills and confidence grow” as they work with the team.
“I love that DAF Media is a multifaceted
above: Damian Andrew (seen here at a Blue Wave football game) is a DAF Media mentor. He is also an Emmy award-winning broadcaster and former sports director at News 12 Connecticut.
organization,” says Ferguson. “It provides great opportunities for students to be part of a fastmoving, fun and productive extracurricular organization that inconspicuously teaches lifelong learning skills—communication, com–puter networking, graphic design, organization and time-management.”
While DAF Media can’t broadcast every event, they cover all varsity sports and the big games. The most-watched broadcast is the Turkey Bowl, an annual football game between Darien and New Canaan High School on Thanksgiving Day. “We treat it like our Super Bowl in terms of production,” says Andrew. “We get thousands of views on YouTube for this broadcast alone.”
DAF Media also provides photography coverage. Originally started by Mark Maybell, whose photos still grace local businesses, this legacy is continued by DAF board member and photographer Katharine Calderwood. In addition to game-day coverage, she collaborates with DHS student photographers to run Media Days—a new initiative that raises awareness of DAF Media and supports the operating budget.
“I love working with the students to capture the unique personality of each athlete,” says Calderwood. “While some athletes will compete in college, for many, these photographs mark the culmination of years of dedication in youth sports and the lifelong friendships built.”
Another unique aspect of DAF Media is that it follows the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) model, where there is no advertising. To do this, Ferguson coordinates fundraising efforts with the Darien Foundation, which was integral to the program’s launch. “The Darien Foundation saw the vision and graciously joined us and stuck with us through the pandemic and beyond,” says Ferguson, who continues to rely on the public’s support. “We are a 501c3 organization, so donations are tax deductible.”
Ferguson is excited about the next chapter. “This year, we will introduce 4K video streams, which means much higher resolution when watching on a big screen TV,” he explains. “We are also building out our DAF Media van so that we can perform a lot of the switching, graphics and instant replay directly from the van. We are always innovating!” “ daf media is doing more than what some division 3 and even division 1 schools are doing with their broadcasts.”
—damian andrew, daf media mentor and emmy award-winning broadcaster
clockwise from top left: The girls varsity soccer team on Media Day. Student broadcasters in their directors chairs. DAF mentors and students at a collaborative broadcast with NCTV. below: The DAF Media team preps for a basketball game.
An independent, college preparatory day school, providing character-based education for boys in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12.
A STEP AHEAD
KANE FOOTWEAR, MAKER OF THE POPULAR RECOVERY SHOE CREATED BY NEW CANAAN’S JOHN GAGLIARDI, ANNOUNCES A NEW LINE FOR COLDER WEATHER.
by liz barron photography by venera alexandrova
John Gagliardi, founder and CEO of Kane Footwear, a brand designed for active recovery, moved to New Canaan four years ago and has since made quite a splash. Gagliardi and his wife Heather live on the West side with their four daughters: Olivia 9, Alexandra 7, Sienna 4 and Penelope 2. Olivia and Alexandra play lacrosse, Sienna will start in the spring, and Gagliardi has recently added “coach dad” to his resume.
It’s nearly impossible to walk around town, or anywhere in Fairfield County really, without seeing kids and adults sporting Kanes. When asked about how it feels to see the product he created around his own community, Gagliardi expressed his gratitude and excitement over seeing so many locals wearing Kanes. “It’s been really awesome seeing even the coaches wearing them—the support has been amazing, humbling and is so appreciated,” he said. “It takes a lot to spread the word about a new business and New Canaan has really helped do that.”
STICK SKILLS
When Gagliardi moved to Manhasset, Long Island, from Brooklyn in fourth grade, he had never picked up a lacrosse stick. But before he knew it, he had fallen in love with the wildly popular sport. Playing throughout high school and earning All-American status, he was recruited to play in college. Starting his higher educational career at the University of Virginia, he later transferred to Johns Hopkins, where he was a two-time All-American. Gagliardi then went on to play professional lacrosse for the next ten years. He also played on the U.S. National Men’s Team.
“ it’s been really awesome seeing even the coaches wearing them—the support has been amazing, humbling and is so appreciated.” —john gagliardi, kane footwear
above: Gagliardi at Kane’s Westport headquarters. below left: Gagliardi’s first entrepreneurial venture was a company called Maverik, where he created the lightweight lacrosse shaft named Wonder Boy. below right: The Revive, Kane's original shoe.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND RECOVERY
BREATHABLE
Perforations on the outside of the shoes allow for airflow
STIMULATING
Nodes on the inside of the insoles utilize pressure points to stimulate blood flow
SUPPORTIVE
Lightweight with strong heel, arch and instep support
REBOUNDING
Foot flows easily from heel to toe
CUSHIONED
Supportive and soft
GRIP
Soles made to provide traction
Making Maverik
Being a sponsored player and knowing that sponsorships don’t last forever, Gagliardi found himself thinking about starting his own company. He began researching how he might create his own lacrosse brand. Gagliardi attended golf shows to get a better understanding of the technology being used for shafts and heads, and he consulted with hockey specialists to learn more about what went into creating padding and get advice on developing new designs. In 2005, Gagliardi launched his first lightweight shaft under his new brand, Maverik. The product, which he named Wonder Boy, was constructed of a special blended material consisting of titanium and aluminum that allowed for a quality combination of durability and strength. Maverik quickly grew to become one of the top lacrosse product lines and in 2010 Gagliardi sold the company to Kohlberg & Company, who also purchased Bauer Hockey and merged the two companies.
Combining Passions
After considering his next move, Gagliardi decided to go back to his roots. Shoes had always a big part of his life. Growing up, his father had owned a footwear store, where Gagliardi started working at the age of ten. Inspired by both his passion for sports and shoes, he decided he wanted to create a recovery shoe athletes could wear after playing sports. He also wanted to make something that could benefit people who had been on their feet all day. Gagliardi began researching once again and set his mind on creating a product with the “recovery of the body and the planet” in mind. He focused on Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) materials and learned that he could create shoes made out of sugar cane, a renewable,
planet-friendly material. He began working with a podiatrist and a few ex-Nike designers to create the perfect recovery shoe. He named his new company Kane, a nod to the material the shoes are made from, and launched the Revive shoe in 2021.
Business BackgrounD
Gagliardi cut his teeth in the business world at Blue Buffalo. As one of the first five people hired by Bill Bishop, Gagliardi was part of the team that helped build the successful pet-food brand from the ground up. “I got to see how they trademarked and patented everything. Back then there was no way to sell things directly to the consumer, it was a more traditional route of selling through wholesale and resale,” says Gagliardi. “I learned about the business side of raising money through investors and about building websites. It was like going to business school for free. Bill taught me everything I know and now he’s our largest investor and our offices are in the same building in Westport.”
Making Social (Media) Connections
Since the launch of his first shoe, Gagliardi used social media to increase brand awareness. That’s where Erik Kennedy from the Seattle Seahawks first learned about Kanes. He later became Gagliardi’s first major sports team client. Shortly thereafter, Brendan Burger from the Los Angeles Rams contacted Gagliardi to learn more about how Kanes could help their players. Kanes’ client list was growing to include professional teams in many different sports. Currently, Gagliardi is working with the New York Jets, Giants and Knicks, the Kansas City Chiefs and the LA Clippers, as well as numerous other MLB and NHL teams.
Not surprisingly, it is also the favorite shoe of the New Canaan Rams and Darien Blue Wave, much to Gagliardi’s delight.
KANES FOR COLD WEATHER
The Revive AC (All Condition) will be released this fall. While it has of all the same attributes as the original shoe, it will serve as a cold-weather option. Kane lovers will be able to wear the Revive AC in the rain or snow, while also giving their feet a chance to recover. The Revive AC will be available online at kanefootwear.com
THE KANE SUSTAINABILITY EFFO RT
Once your Kane shoes have had enough wear and tear, you can donate them back to the company and you’ll receive a $10 gift card for your next order. Kane takes the old shoes and upcycles them to make environmentally friendly yoga and changing mats. “ it was like going to business school for free.”
—john gagliardi, on his time working for blue buffalo’s bill bishop
Kane Footwear can be purchased locally at the Athletic Shoe Factory in New Canaan, at the Darien Sports Shop or online at kanefootwear.com where customizable shoes are available.
Blue Skies. Cool Water. Warm Welcome.
Welcome to John’s Island. A sunny, cherished haven enjoyed by generations who have discovered the undeniable allure of life by the sea. With 1,650 pristine acres, miles of quiet sandy beaches and a thriving community, this is ocean to river living at its finest. These serene offerings each combine luxury with traditional appeal. Replete with gorgeous architectural details, tranquil spacious living areas and lush grounds - not to mention close to the water - each of these homes takes advantage of prime location with access to an incredible array of amenities. We invite you to indulge in a life of bliss in John’s Island.
by georgette yacoub
TRAIN TO TRANSFORM
THE RISE OF FITNESS RETREATS
Liz Pitassi just got out of a nine-year relationship. and her travel bug was back. She was into CrossFit and saw Lauren Fisher, a professional CrossFit athlete, post about a fitness retreat she was hosting in Bali— one with a $2,600 price tag.
She called her oldest brother, Ryan, in hopes he’d justify her spending that type of money on a fitness retreat. “I didn’t grow up in a stable financial home, so from the time I could work, I did all the things I had to to make sure I was good, and financially independent,” she said. By 32, she had paid her way through college, bought two homes and had a healthy savings account—in fact, she had only ever written one check larger than $1,000 prior to that, and it was for her home.
Ryan let her finish before his voice came through on the other line. “I have three questions,” he said. “One, do you really want to go?”
“Yes,” she said.
“Two, can you afford it?”
“Yes.”
“Three, what are you waiting for?”
So she signed up.
That week, she got in sweaty workout sessions at CrossFit Wanderlust, but she also took a surfing lesson, hung out on the beach with Balinese dogs, rented a scooter to poke around the island and woke up at 3:00 AM to hike up Mount Batur and watch the sunrise over an active volcano.
When asked what part of the retreat was most impactful, she replied, “Just going.”
above: A yoga session overlooking the Aegean Sea at Helios’ Mykonos retreat.
Vin Miceli (center) has attended 15 retreats, including the HPLT Experience in Antigua (below).
VIN MICELI
has attended more than 15 fitness retreats as a speaker, sponsor and attendee with the mindset that some of the most special things
that come out of these types of events are what happens in between the workouts.
“You find two types of people at these events—those who are successful looking to network or tap into something they lost, like their fitness or doing something hard,” Miceli says. “The other side of that spectrum are the people who spend their last $2,000 and are at the end of their rope—trying to connect, to grow, to heal a thing.”
One of the most impactful summits that Miceli has ever been to was the Action Cultivates Excellence (ACE) Summit, a
right:
weekend designed to redefine masculinity. In between the wellness and fitness activities, Miceli experienced something he never quite experienced before.
“I found a level of emotional growth that happens around a group of men when they don’t feel the need to be manly,” he said. “When there were only men in the room, these guys were sharing things they’d normally never say out loud. Even for me, it was immensely impactful.”
KATY INGULLI
is the Wellness and Fitness Director at Round Hill Club in Greenwich. When she’s not there, she’s in places like the Maldives and Tuscany teaching yoga for Helios Retreats. At these retreats, there is typically a fitness class at 8 a.m., yoga at 9 and then a big brunch at 10. The afternoon is spent just hanging out or doing an excursion—like
camel rides in Morocco or a wine tasting and picnic on the hilltops of Tuscany. The late afternoon usually has another fitness class, another yoga class, dinner and then an opportunity to leisurely hang out, maybe watch a movie on the beach or hang at the hotel pool.
“It’s an opportunity to escape, to put your phone down and just enjoy an entire day that is sort of planned out for you—not in a super structured way,” says Ingulli.
From her perspective, people sign up for these types of fitness retreats to mark a new beginning— the commitment to a healthier lifestyle, a divorce or even just a way to travel alone without quite being alone.
“They are so happy by the end because not only have they made new friends, but they spent a good amount of time working out, being outside, getting fresh air,” says Ingulli. “I’ve had a bunch of people come back for other retreats.”
Retreats are transformative. In fact, the fitness aspects seem to take a backseat to the other impact that people like Miceli and Ingulli experience. Miceli says, “The network of people you find yourself with for that time have always yielded me a friendship, a client, a vendor, a business partner— something that lasted far more than just the week or weekend.”
If price point is an issue, Miceli
“ a well-executed retreat can fill your cup in a way other things can’t.”
— vin miceli
encourages you to evaluate the way you think about the retreats. He encourages those around him to try to make it work, within reason, if everything else about the retreat aligns with what they are looking for. “A well-executed retreat can fill your cup in a way other things can’t,” he says.
above: Guests often leave these retreats not only with a sense of personal growth, but also having made deep connections with new friends.
below: Retreat attendees enjoying the outdoors on a hike in Greece.
below: In addition to fitness sessions, the retreats also offer excursions—like a quad bike tour of Mykonos and a sunset camel ride in the Sahara.
by eileen bartels
GAME ON!
CRACK! DOT! BAM! IF YOU'RE CURIOUS ABOUT MAHJONG, HERE'S WHERE TO START
by eileen bartels
Walk into libraries, clubs and homes and you may hear the distinct sound of game tiles being shuffled, as Mahjong is taking many towns by storm. Consider it pickleball for the mind. Developed in 19th-century China, there are more than 40 variations. Recent enthusiasm for the game may be credited to young entrepreneurs designing contemporary tiles and fresh merchandise bringing a bit of fashion to the game.
Mahjong is a great way to socialize
while challenging the mind with memorization, focus and strategy, and its intergenerational appeal makes it the perfect game for family gatherings. For younger players, it sharpens concentration, as there can be no pausing to scroll an iPhone. For aging players, it improves cognition.
Whether you’re looking for socialization or a gym for the mind, there couldn’t be more reasons to learn how to play.
Yes, it takes time to learn, but the more you play, the quicker it all comes
together. Locally, many clubs and libraries are beginning to host introduction-toMahjong opportunities. It's like open basketball night at the gym with a coach on-hand to help. Online classes are also an excellent way to begin to build Mahjong knowledge. YouTube features a rabbit hole of videos where you can learn the basics. And to put that knowledge to practice, apps are a good way to hone your skills. Many of the better apps must be purchased but are typically less than $20. Here's a primer to get you on your way.
the basics
INTRO: THE TOOLS OF THE GAME
GAME TABLES
Game play is best on a roughly 32-inch square card table. A larger table works well for groups who are learning. Although the game is typically played with four people per table, playing as partners with open hands is a good way to learn. Specialty Mahjong tables are available online with built-in slots for tiles and walls that replace racks and pushers.
MATS
A neoprene mat is ideal for moving the tiles across the table with ease. Makers such as Oh My Mahjong offer beginner mats with a few of the basic rules printed on them—a helpful tool for learning.
Mahjong is a tile game typically played with four players. For every group of four you’ll need a square table, a set of tiles, dice, racks and pushers (unique Mahjong tools used to display a player’s hand of tiles and create a “wall” from where players draw new tiles). Additional helpful tools are a neoprene mat or tablecloth that the tiles can move smoothly on.
THE CARD
What keeps Mahjong fresh is that each year the National Mah Jongg League issues a new list of winning hands on a card that’s used during game play. Each player should have an official Mahjong card for the current year. They are best purchased directly from the NMJL’s online site. Be cautious buying cards from other retailers, particularly Amazon, as they can be counterfeit or outdated. Official cards cost $14 for standard size and $15 for a slightly larger size that’s easier to read. nationalmahjonggleague.org
where to shop
THERE ARE PLENTY OF RETAILERS THAT CAN FILL ALL YOUR MAHJONG NEEDS
From front to back, WHERE THE WINDS BLOW tiles are attractive on both sides. The site offers personalized sets with custom jokers and monogrammed back sides ($300 to $425). Standard tile sets with sparkly backsides start at $125. Vision-impaired tiles boast larger numbers and lettering ($125). wherethewindblows.com
SPLURGE
Designer retailers know their audience
THE SOUTHERN SPARROW’S theme is “play beautifully” and the tiles reflect that. The Chinoiserie sets in breezy blue, polished pink, luxe lilac are lovely ($309) and deserving of the matching lucite display case ($64). The trellis design table mats match each set ($49) and large clear acrylic racks are available ($59). southernsparrow.com
Gucci gets in the game with a GG Supreme canvas case retailing for $23,000. Even at that price, this set is popular and typically back-ordered for several months. gucci.com
MY FAIR MAHJONG is a small retailer that makes fun tiles with personality in limited themes and series. The Southwest theme tiles are colorful on a soft-pink background with scorpions as “dragons.” Other sets sure to reflect a player’s personality are the Texas and NYC series. These sets retail for $299 and come in a slightly larger tile size. The brand also features simple colorful table mats with scalloped edges. The Mini Travel Anywhere series is travel-themed and smaller so it can be packed up and brought on a trip ($210). Another simpler travel set retails for $64 and makes a great gift. Mahjong scoreboards, cups and coasters are also available. myfairmahjong.com
The famed Manhattan design house sells a Mahjong set in a signature Tiffany Blue Leather Box for $15,000. tiffany.com
CREATING A MAHJONG COMMUNITY
Darien’s Alyssa Tierney, owner of Monograms Off Madison, started playing Mahjong during the summers with her friends in Bay Head, New Jersey. She was immediately hooked and started to recruit friends in Darien to play. She even hired an instructor and held group classes at her studio in Norwalk, where they taught more than 100 students in a period of three months. Of course, all these new Mahjong players need cute accessories, and Tierney (aka A.Tierney for any of you who might remember the classic New York boutique) has it covered. She sells tiles, pushers, racks, rolls, mats and what she calls the “perfect Mahjong tote.”
The tote, made by New Canaan-based TRVL Design, perfectly fits everything you need to play and it can be monogrammed to match your set. monogramsoffmadison.com
LEARN LOCALLY
As Mahjong becomes more and more popular, you can find local organizations like the Darien Community Association that are offering group classes. But act fast, because they fill up quickly. Another option is to organize your own small group and bring in a private instructor. Two local certified instructors recommended by Tierney are Jen Anderson (jenanderson6599@ gmail.com, 203-2537245) and Christy Duggan (203-253-0120). Tierney also recommends downloading the app “Real Mah Jongg” to practice while learning..
Darien’s resident Mahjong enthusiastic Alyssa Tierney of Monograms Off Madison will personalize tile pouches and tote bags to carry your entire Mahjong set.
GIVE WHERE YOU LIVE
ADVICE FROM THE NEW CANAAN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AND THE COMMUNITY FUND OF DARIEN ON HOW TO MAKE YOUR END-OF-YEAR GIVING COUNT ON A LOCAL LEVEL
In this season of gratitude and giving, the New Canaan Community Foundation and the Community Fund of Darien invite you to add the well-being of your neighbors to your holiday giving list.
As many express gratitude for the countless blessings and opportunities that abound in their households, our community also finds our neighbors seeking access to services that address basic needs such as food, shelter, physical and mental healthcare, job training and youth success programs.
Last year, combined, the Community Fund of Darien
and the New Canaan Community Foundation granted more than $1.6 million to 100+ carefully vetted, local agencies and programs delivering successful outcomes and changing lives. Our community organizations each pool donors’ funds to support local nonprofits for greater collective impact.
A general donation to the Community Fund of Darien or the New Canaan Community Foundation enables you to support multiple agencies. You can also make a directed gift via the “Guide to Giving” link at communityfunddarien.org/ givingguide or by using the QR code at left.
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH
SUPPORTING VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
CHILD GUIDANCE CENTER OF SOUTHERN CT is dedicated to improving the mental and behavioral health of children and teens. CGC offers a broad range of individualized mental health diagnostic, assessment and treatment services. Families can access services regardless of ability to pay.
$175 PROVIDES one hour of therapy for a child or teen
$500 PROVIDES one mobile crisis intervention for a high-risk youth and their family
$1000 PROVIDES the safe and supportive forensic interview for a child who is the suspected victim of abuse and the follow-up services of a victim advocate
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CRISIS CENTER'S
mission is to prevent and eliminate domestic violence by educating communities and supporting individuals in building safer lives. DVCC offers 24-hour crisis intervention, emergency safe housing, counseling, legal/ financial advocacy and housing. Last year, DVCC served 3,600 victims and provided prevention education to 10,000 individuals. All services are free, confidential, multilingual and multicultural.
$100 PROVIDES transportation costs to bring victims fleeing into the safe house
$500 PROVIDES one day of service for the 24-hour hotline
$1,000 PROVIDES approximately ten hours of counseling
FIGHTING CHILDHOOD HUNGER
RESCUING VALUABLE FOOD
FILLING IN THE BLANKS fights childhood hunger by providing children in need with meals on the weekends. In addition to distributing their weekend meal kits at schools and camps, FITB offers a mobile food pantry, in-school pantries and backpacks with school supplies at the beginning of the school year and around the holidays.
$10 PROVIDES one child with a weekend meal bag
$250 PROVIDES one child with six months of weekend meal bags
$1,000 PROVIDES two children with one year supply of weekend meal bags
FOOD RESCUE US –FAIRFIELD COUNTY is dedicated to reducing wasted food and increasing food access. With their proprietary web-based app, Food Rescue engages volunteers and food donors to directly transfer nutritious excess food to social service agencies serving people experiencing food insecurity. By keeping food out of landfills, they also reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
$25 PROVIDES 400 meals to social service agency partners
$50 RECOVERS 1,000 lbs. of surplus food
$100 KEEPS two tons (2,400 lbs) of CO2eq out of the atmosphere
PREPARING UNDERSERVED STUDENTS FOR COLLEGE HORIZONS AT NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL
works to ensure underserved local students graduate from high school prepared for college/career by providing year-round academic and enrichment programs to inspire learning, encourage success, and close the opportunity gap.
$500 PROVIDES transportation for two students to the 6-week summer program
$1,000 PROVIDES a year of academic coaching for one high school student
$3,800 PROVIDES Horizons summer program for one student
HUMAN SERVICES
COUNCIL fosters programs that educate, safeguard, and empower people in our community. HSC’s core programs address critical issues such as homelessness, senior living, child abuse, and the mental and physical health of children. Funding supports the school-based health clinics and child advocacy and abuse prevention.
$25 PROVIDES a backpack and school supplies for a child in need
$250 PROVIDES a child-friendly forensic interview that helps a victim of abuse start the healing process
$750 SPONSORS an annual mentor/ mentee match
CREATING A SAFE HAVEN FOR OUR KIDS
SUSTAINING MENTAL HEALTH
ASSISTING FAMILIES IN NEED
KIDS IN
CRISIS
builds healthy communities where children and families thrive. Kids In Crisis provides emergency shelter, crisis counseling and prevention programs to nearly 170,000 children. Offerings include school-based TeenTalk counselors, a 24/7 helpline and SafeHaven shelter.
$100 PROVIDES nourishing meals for all the children in their shelter
$250 PROVIDES one day of service for KIC’s vital helpline (203-661-1911)
$2,500 PROVIDES a master’s level
LAUREL HOUSE helps individuals and families achieve and sustain mental health to lead fulfilling lives. Its core purpose is social inclusion, early intervention and recovery. Its rehabilitative programs include education, employment, cognitive remediation, supportive housing and skill building.
$300 PROVIDES social and skillbuilding activities for 60 supportive housing participants
$500 PROVIDES program fees, books and transportation for supported education participants seeking vocational certification
$1,000 PROVIDES ten cognitive remediation sessions for a participant
PERSON TO PERSON supports families and individuals as they move toward stability with healthy food, clothing, housing assistance and a path to economic opportunity. P2P strives to meet both the immediate and long-term needs of the low-income population in our area.
$100 PROVIDES a family of four with a week’s worth of groceries
$700 SENDS a child to camp for the entire summer
$2,000 PROVIDES
HELPING TO OVERCOME ADDICTION
EMPOWERING THOSE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
LIBERATION PROGRAMS
helps individuals and families overcome addiction in order to restore their lives. The program strengthens our communities by providing treatment and prevention services for substance use and mental health disorders. Liberation offers inpatient programs, outpatient and intensive outpatient services, education and prevention efforts, harm reduction services, mobile outreach and supportive housing to more than 1,000 individuals each day.
$250 PROVIDES five NARCAN kits to prevent overdoses and save lives daycare or other costs for up to ten clients counseling sessions
THE ROWAN CENTER
counsels and advocates for victims and survivors as they process their experiences of sexual violence and provides community education to prevent sexual violence in the future.
$500 PROVIDES art supplies and toys for children’s counseling room
$1,000 PROVIDES short-term crisis counseling for one child
STAR, INC., LIGHTING THE WAY… empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through personalized support services. They partner with the individual and their families to create pathways to independence, community engagement and fulfilling lives.
$300 PROVIDES recreational opportunities for three adults with IDD within the community
$2,500 PROVIDES training for 20 sexual assault crisis
Program for clients at Liberation
$500 PROVIDES art materials for five classes of ten adults with IDD
$2,500 PURCHASES new children’s furniture for STAR Rubino Pediatric Therapy Center
House
eat&drink
MAD ABOUT MATCHA
THESE NEW YORK TRANSPLANTS ARE BRINGING THEIR EXPERTISE AND PASSION FOR MATCHA TO DARIEN
Scan here for more great places to EAT
by
above: Zen Cha Matcha combines traditional and modern elements on its menu and in its décor. above right: Café owners and matcha aficianados Dan and MJ Grullon.
eileen murphy photography by venera alexandrova
MJGrullon and her husband Danlis have always been matcha enthusiasts. The high school sweethearts from Yonkers spent years exploring all the matcha spots in New York. During that time, Danlis (who goes by Dan) stumbled upon an underground tea ceremony where the couple connected with a Japanese tea master. That encounter would transform the Grullon’s affinity for matcha into a full-on passion project.
The Grullons signed up for a class with the tea master and, although they communicated through a translator, there was an immediate connection. They told the tea master about their dream of opening a matcha cafe of their own and he connected them with the CEO (or “sensei”) of his farm back in Japan. Their dream was beginning to take shape.
Two years ago, the Grullons relocated to Connecticut. As parents of a 15-year-old boy (and also now a sweet four-month-old baby girl), they were drawn to Darien because of the quality education. It also seemed like a perfect place to open the cafe they had long imagined. MJ, whose paternal family hails from Japan, says, “We wanted to bring a piece of Japanese culture to Darien and Fairfield County.” Little did they know, the area was chock-full of New York transplants and fellow matcha aficionados.
“The matcha we serve is ceremonial-grade,” says MJ. “It is the highest quality available.” The farm they source from is in Kyoto, Japan, and has been in operation for more than 400 years. MJ explains that the way to judge the quality of matcha is by the color. The greener the matcha, the higher the quality. “And the higher the quality, the better the taste,” says MJ.
The Grullons served their matcha at local farmers markets while searching for the
“ we wanted to bring a piece of japanese culture to darien and fairfield county.”
—mj grullon, zen cha matcha
Clockwise from above: In a traditional tea ceremony, the tea is strained before being combined with hot water using a bamboo whisk and served in a traditional Japanese ceramic pot. It is an artful presentation, demonstrated here by Stephanie Garcia, the Grullon’s sister-inlaw, whom they call the “charista.”
“
the matcha we serve is ceremonial-grade. it is the highest quality available.”
—mj grullon, zen cha matcha
far left: The “purposelful” matcha lattes are delicious and good for you. left and below: The café is decorated in a wabi-sabi aesthetic, a design philosophy that finds beauty in imperfections.
ZEN CHA MATCHA
130 Heights Road, Darien Mon-Wed 7:30-5:00 Thurs-Sat 9:00-7:00 Sun 12:00-6:00
perfect location to open the café they had been dreaming of. Earlier this year, Zen Cha Matcha opened its doors in Darien Commons. “The location is perfect,” MJ says. “We love that Darien Commons is very wellness-centered.”
In addition to taste and tradition, the thing the Grullons love about matcha is the health benefits. As MJ explains, it is packed with antioxidants and amino acids. “It is easier to process the caffeine than with coffee,” she says. You get the same boost, but without the bad side effects, like the jitters or that crashing feeling. Matcha also helps protect the liver, boosts brain function and helps promote heart health and weight loss.
At Zen Cha Matcha, guests can sit on the tatami mat and experience the traditional tea ceremony, where the tea is sifted and whisked with hot water before being served in a Japanese ceramic pot. While that experience is certainly zen, for a quicker matcha fix, you can choose from a wide selection of adaptogenic elixirs, or as the Grullons call them, “purposeful lattes.” The menu lists the specific health benefits of each latte: Purple Haze for relaxation, Blue Zen for anti-aging, Golden Hour for immunity, etc.
Whether you choose to take out or to sit and enjoy the tranquil café, all of the delicious drinks are beautifully prepared. The Grullons are passionate about their matcha and it shows.
A Taste for Authenticity
A NEW CANAAN COUPLE TRANSFORMS DISHES FROM THEIR BENGALI-INSPIRED RESTAURANT INTO A FROZEN FOOD LINE by liz barron
STARTING WITH A DREAM
With a lifelong love of fine cuisine and travel, Tanjina and Sharf Quazi often found themselves dreaming of turning their passion for taste and adventure into something tangible. Both came to the United States from Bangladesh for college, but it wasn’t until they returned home after graduation that they met. The duo found themselves wanting to come back west and had their sights set on Fairfield County. Almost instantly, they fell in love with New Canaan’s quaint small-town
vibe, the incredible school system and the closeknit community.
While adjusting to their new life here in Southern Connecticut, the Quazi’s often found themselves yearning for authentic Asian food, similar to what they had eaten growing up. “The Indian food here is delicious, but it’s generally much heavier,” says Tanjina. Realizing that what they were looking for didn’t exist locally, they began to talk about how to make their dream a reality. “Our goal was to be able to create food
that was lighter, tasted delicious and also included superfoods like turmeric and ginger that have numerous health benefits,” says Tanjina.
OPENING WITH A BANG
In 2020, the Quazis opened their very first Asian/Indian fusion eatery called Bang in the Westchester Mall. Drawing from their experience with various foods from around the world and incorporating family recipes
The Quazis find most Indian food in Fairfield County to be very heavy—not like the lighter, nuritious meals they grew up eating. They want to share that authentic cuisine with others.
from their grandparents, they created a menu filled with wraps, bowls, sides, desserts and smoothies—all containing the exact tastes that they had been missing. The dishes were made free of antibiotics, nuts and GMOs, and with grass-fed meat. While the timing of Bang’s initial opening came with some challenges due to the Covid lockdown, the Quazis refused to let these obstacles serve as anything more than bumps in the road.
COMMUNITY-MINDED
Having both come from families who prioritized community service, using their time and available resources to help others came naturally to Tanjina and Sharf. They used the Covid-driven lull to feed their other passion of giving back. “Food can help make people happy and bring them together,” says Tanjina. The Quazis frequently assisted the local community by cooking and donating food to front-line workers at local hospitals, churches and food banks.
In the limited free time she has, Tanjina also volunteers in their daughter’s school community. June, their eight-year-old, attends (and loves) East School, where Tanjina is an active member of the PTC. She feels grateful to be part of such a wonderful group of parents and teachers.
MAKING MOVES
Fast forward to today, Bang has a loyal customer base in Westchester and, in an effort to meet popular demand more broadly, the Quazi’s decided to turn four of their favorite products into frozen meals that could be sold at grocery stores. Asian food lovers looking for healthy lighter fare, available in minutes, can now purchase Bang’s frozen meals at Walter Stewarts in New Canaan, Stew Leonards in Yonkers and at the Pound Ridge Market in Scott’s Corner. The Quazis are also in talks with Wegmans, Whole Foods and Costco, and are hopeful that Bang’s popularity will continue to grow.
“Seeing our products in the grocery store feels so surreal. We feel like there’s an angel on our shoulders looking out for us,” says Tanjina. “Even with all of the challenges we’ve faced, we’ve been able to make this happen.” The Quazis credit their friends and the community for being so supportive and helping the business thrive. “We wouldn’t have made it through without them,” she adds. “They have all been a blessing every step of the way.”
THERE ARE CURRENTLY
Butter
Keto
Mango Chicken with Grilled Broccoli and Coconut Rice
Vegan Chickpea Curry with Grilled Broccoli and Coconut Rice
right: Dishes served at the Quazi's café in The Westchester feature their favorite flavors and pairings in the form of wraps and bowls. They used that same process to create the new frozen food line.
FOUR FROZEN MEAL OPTIONS.
Chicken with Grilled Broccoli and Coconut Rice
Butter Chicken with Grilled Broccoli and Cauliflower
by HANNAH DEELY
1 RUSS HOLLANDER MASTER GOLDSMITH
Pear and Round Shaped Diamond Ring, $33,000, Stamford; 203-363-2200
2 CHOPARD
Happy Sport
Diamond And Ruby Watch, $17,100, Greenwich; manfredijewels.com
Although it seems like everyone is headed to Europe to ski this season, we direct our attention to our neighbors to the North. Canada may not sound as sexy as Courchevel, but the skiing can be better. The travel certainly is.
Here are some mountains that should be on your ski punch list.
BIG WHITE OPENING: November
28
This resort is like that secret stash of powder you tell your best friends about, only it’s an entire mountain. The whole resort is ski-in/ski-out, and the powder is like nothing you ’ ve ever seen. Imagine cruising into a knee-deep pile, and instead of needing ACL surgery, you watch what they call “champagne powder” explode like the puff of a dandelion.
Big White has a lot going for it. It’s only 5,700 feet, so there’s no danger of altitude sickness. And it's on the interior side of British Columbia, making the snow a dry powder, of which there is never a lack (average depth of 53 inches). Fun fact: there’s no snowmaking equipment since it’s not needed. The mountain is also famous for “snow ghosts,” giant trees fully encased in ice. How does that happen, you ask? We’ll tell
left: Dry powder for days at Big White below, top: Mother Nature puts on a celestial show. below, bottom: The gondola offers a spectacular view of the mountain’s snow ghosts.
above: Hitting the slopes at Whistler Blackcomb
you. It’s often foggy and overcast, and when clouds touch snow, the water crystals stick and create massive ice trees.
If the lift line is more than 10 to 15 minutes, locals will complain about how busy it is. There are 12 lifts—10 chairlifts, a gondola and a T-bar. In addition, there are four magic carpets for new skiers/ snowboarders. No matter which lift you choose, there is a green run to the bottom, making it the perfect resort for beginners. It’s also a snowboarder ’ s paradise. USA Today named Big White the best place to snowboard in Canada and the second-best place to snowboard in North America
Stay anywhere you like; the lifts are only steps away. But don’t miss the world-famous gun barrel coffee at the Gun Barrel Grill. The waiter pulls up alongside your table with a shotgun heated over the fire and pours flaming Grand Marnier down the barrel
into a glass prepared with brandy, cacao, coffee and whipped cream.
Lift tickets start at $119 per day if purchased online. There is also night skiing for only $30. Factor in the favorable exchange rate and a lift ticket is only $87 US. Compare that to $259 for a day in Park City (where you won’t find a flaming gun barrel drink).
WHISTLER BLACKCOMB
OPENING: November 22
This is the largest ski resort in North America and has a sevenmile top-to-bottom run. The resort has it all: ice skating, the longest gondola in existence spanning from peak to peak, ziplining through snow-covered trees, heli-skiing,
snowmobiling, snowshoeing, tubing, ice climbing, snowcat touring, Olympic bobsled riding, and the newest activity, Vallea Lumina, a magical light walk through the forest at night.
If heli-skiing is on your bucket list, this is the perfect place to try it. If you can handle any run on the mountain in all conditions, you're ready to take your skiing to the next level, literally. You will be outfitted with proper powder skis, receive avalanche training and be paired with a professional guide. The terrain available for heliskiers is 50 times the size of the Whistler Blackcomb resort. Imagine untracked powder, no lift lines and a season ’s worth of vertical in just a few days. This is a skier’s heaven. Whistler is on the Epic Pass, and passholders get 20 percent off heli-skiing. If you’re skiing without an Epic Pass, you can save significant money by purchasing your lift tickets before the season starts.
BATTLE OF THE GIANTS, EPIC VS. IKON
Two massive mountain companies are gobbling up resorts like the Hungry Hungry Hippo—the Epic pass by Vail Resorts, which is not just Vail, and the IKON pass by Alterra Mountain Company. Rare are the mountains that do not belong to one or the other. Big White is one of the few independent mountains, and in our opinion, worth skiing without a pass.
Epic passholders get unlimited ski days on most of the pass’s member mountains, including Vail and Whistler Blackcomb. Also, travelers will now be able to join My Epic Gear, a membership to rent premium equipment instead of traveling with it, slopeside pick-up and drop-off. Membership costs $50 for the 2024/2025 season, with a $55 daily use fee for adults and a $45 fee for kids aged three to 12.
While IKON passholders get seven days on most inpass mountains, read the fine print. Some passes have blackout dates.
MONT-TREMBLANT
OPENING: November 23
Mont-Tremblant is the most European-feeling resort of our recommendations and the most convenient. Flights from any New York airport take under two hours, followed by a 90-minute drive from Montreal. We suggest hiring a car service since you won’t need a car once you ’re at the mountain. Everything you need is within walking distance in the charming pedestrian village.
If you’ve skied Stowe, MontTremblant will feel familiar. The resort sits at the highest point in the Laurentian Mountains (Stowe is the highest mountain in Vermont). Both mountains are cold, but Tremblant can be frigid, so pack plenty of toe warmers. Ironically, cold plunges are one of the cool new things to do (pun intended), and there are plenty of Nordic Spas to choose from.
Try the “thermal journey” at Spa Mont-Tremblant. For a more authentic experience, head to the Scandinave Spa, where hot-andcold-plunge pools run along the Diable River. However, the frozen river itself is the ultimate cold plunge. If you want the kids to try a Nordic Spa (they aren't welcome at Scandinave), stay at Hotel Quintessence, where they can try the hot/cold plunge pools. There are also some Nordic spas with kid hours depending on age in the area. Tremblant is on the IKON Pass and is an excellent choice for families. There are plenty of offpiste activities and, of course, poutine. The mountain has four ski faces, so there are plenty of options. Kids (and beginner adults) can cruise for almost four miles on a green beginner run. If anyone has tired legs at the end of the day, there's a free cabriolet (a gondola but not for skiers) that connects the village at both ends.
above: No car needed to navigate the pedestrian-friendly town below: The charming village of Mont-Tremblant
Our 17th annual Light a Fire event honors individuals and organizations from across lower Fairfield County who have accomplished incredible feats to support our community, families, schools and at-risk individuals. This year’s honorees were nominated by the community and the final award winners were selected based on their incredible work.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2024
Photos by Kyle Norton
people&PLACES
Natural Habitat
Dining al fresco at the Darien Land Trust (DLT) dinner, guests savored a gourmet farm-totable meal catered by Copper Cricket. The annual event was held at Waterbury Field, one of the organization’s preserved open spaces. Chasing Romeo played rock classics, while diners enjoyed craft cocktails and conversation. Funds raised help DLT protect 230 acres of land around town and promote conservation awareness. darienlandtrust.org »
1 Darien Land Trust Board of Trustees 2 Sophia Plumby, Alice Selvey, Marlowe Corcoran 3 Ashley Bartolotta, Nancy Dauk, John Dauk 4 Dominic Megna, Nick Tamaccio, Jordan Tamaccio
5 Natalie Tallis, Stasha Cohen, Mark Cohen, Hans Tallis 6 DLT
DARIEN LAND TRUST / Waterbury Field
PHOTOGRAPHS BY MOFFLY MEDIA’S BIG PICTURE / ANDREA CARSON
Board Member Flip Huffard, Kim Huffard 7 Mark Filowski, Monica McNally 8 DLT Executive Director Elizabeth Mathus, Colin Meagher
Just Imagine
The Family & Children’s Agency hosted its signature event and largest fundraiser, IMAGINE, at the Hyatt Regency in Greenwich. Supporters gathered for dinner and dancing, packing the dance floor to tunes by the local band Tangled Vine. Auctioneer Lydia Fenet, an author, speaker and Christie’s ambassador, led an exciting auction with items including Taylor Swift concert tickets and sports experiences with the New York Rangers and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal. Proceeds from the benefit enable the Norwalk-based nonprofit to serve vulnerable residents in Fairfield County through programs that build families through adoption, educate students, house the homeless and prevent child abuse and neglect. familyandchildrensagency.org
FAMILY & CHILDREN’S AGENCY / Hyatt Regency Greenwich
1 FCA President & CEO Rob Cashel with Event Chairs Jennifer Toll, Sean McMurtry, Rita Olson 2 John and Jackie Blair, Tony and Amber Paquette, Chris and Caroline Verron
3 Rebecca and Kyle Masters, Dan and Julia Swan 4 John and Averi Dudek 5 Kristie and Kevin Smith 6 Sean and Scott McMurtry 7 Mark and Jamie Buschmann 8 Bob and Mary Ann Genuario, Rob Cashel, Lemond and Fentyshia Daniels 9 Jamie Delcid, Rita Olson, Rob Cashel, Katrell Clay 10 Coveted auction items
Auctioneer Lydia Fenet
SPONSOR
SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OF OUR 2024 SPONSORS EXCLUSIVE FURNITURE SPONSOR
SPONSORS
by elizabeth hole
While studying in Madrid, Spain, in 2020, Bianca and a friend took a trip to Lisbon, Portugal. They stopped at an Irish pub, where Bianca met Pedro and they instantly connected. Before long, their relationship developed from long-distance phone calls to international flights. After Bianca returned stateside to take the New York bar exam, Pedro got an engineering job and soon joined her.
Three years after they first met, Bianca brought Pedro to her college reunion at Washington and Lee University. While on a romantic stroll, Pedro pulled her close for a slow dance and proposed. He surprised her with a beautiful yellow-gold and round-brilliant solitaire engagement ring he designed with Bianca’s father, founder and owner of Manfredi Jewels. The two “giggled in bliss” before sharing the news with friends.
The couple got married in July 2024, in a small village north of Lisbon. They exchanged vows in an historic Catholic church, where the priest said a full mass in Portuguese and English. “It was meaningful to have our guests be fully included in our mass, because of how well Father João blended the languages into the service and his homily,” says Bianca.
Bianca, daughter of Roberto and Roberta Chiappelloni of Greenwich, went to Sacred Heart Greenwich and graduated from Washington and Lee University. After receiving a law degree from Boston University, she earned a Master’s of Laws in European and International Business Law at Universidad Pontifícia Comillas, ICADE. Bianca recently joined the family business as a partner at Manfredi Jewels.
Pedro, son of Carlos Santos and Cidália de Jesus of Lisbon, received Civil Engineering and Structural Engineering degrees from Lisbon’s Instituto Superior Técnico. He works as a structural engineer at the Flushing, New York-based Tully Construction Company.
The newlyweds traveled to Madeira, Portugal, for their honeymoon, and live in New Canaan.
church 4 To accommodate guests, the
6 Portugal’s scenic beauty was the perfect backdrop 7 The bride and groom
1 A vignette celebrating all of the wedding-day details
Bride Bianca Chiappelloni Santos
Bianca and her father Roberto enter the
service was in Portuguese and English
Friends and family threw flower petals at the send-off
surrounded by their families
Bianca and Pedro celebrate as newlyweds
BIANCA JESSICA MARIA CHIAPPELLONI & PEDRO ALEXANDRE DE JESUS SANTOS
A FIRE
LIGHT
My mother taught me.” “My husband inspired me.” “My kids are involved, too.” “My sister is a changemaker.”
Giving as a family tradition is a theme that emerged this year among the winners of our annual Light a Fire contest. Every November we honor those in our towns who give selflessly to support causes near and far—those who light a fire in the hearts of their relatives, friends, colleagues and greater community, spurring on charity and compassion, changing and saving lives, and spreading hope. And who doesn’t need a little hope this November?
So turn off the television, silence the phone and settle into a comfy spot, perhaps near a glowing fire, and give these ten upstanding citizens your full attention. After you’ve read their stories, share them with a family member. Then think about what kindling you might contribute to one of the inspiring fires your neighbors have sparked, or even build one of your own. »
by jill johnson mann • photography by katharine calderwood
Andi Sklar
Ahmad Mickens
Nicole Heath
Dede Thompson Bartlett
Marie Rocha
Catherine Erol Edith Presley
Adam Vengrow
Lauren Walsh
Nate Checketts
Andi Sklar
ORGANIZATIONS
CONNECTICUT CHILDREN’S, SHAKE IT FOR SHEA, PINK AID, AL’S ANGELS
INSPIRATION
Andi Sklar first became intrigued by giving back when she saw her big-hearted husband in action. “When I met Scott, he was very involved in an organization for a friend’s son who had an orphan disease [extremely rare and deadly diseases affecting less than 200,000 people],” explains the Westport resident. “I admired them for all they did. Once my kids were old enough and I wasn’t working, I had time.”
She offered to chair the preschool committee at Temple Israel and then began hosting shopping events and giving a percentage to charity. From that start, dipping her toe in the many philanthropic causes around town, she was soon making a big splash on the altruistic scene.
WORDS OF PRAISE
“With a heart of gold and drive to always do more, Andi has been an instrumental force in helping to raise awareness for Connecticut Children’s. Because of her efforts, countless families have received the highest quality care for everything from broken bones to pediatric heart conditions, right here in Westport.”
Dr. Robyn Matloff, Director of Connecticut Children’s in Westport
COURAGE INTO ACTION
Andi discovered Al’s Angels, an organization that supports families through health and financial crises, and had the idea to set up lemonade stands around town so her kids could also participate.
“Al got cookies and lemonade donated,” she says. “We had stands all over. Then Covid hit.” Around that time Andi’s aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer, which sparked Andi’s involvement with Pink Aid. She took on the role of auction chair during the pandemic and then event chair for two years.
Recently, Andi has focused her attention on Connecticut Children’s, which now has a specialty care center right in Westport. “Robyn Matloff, the director, reached out to see if I would come for a tour,” explains Andi. “At the time I had no idea there was a freestanding children’s hospital in Connecticut. Scott came with me. He had spent a lot of time in children’s hospitals and was blown away. Robyn asked if I would help set up tours. People would arrive wondering why they were there and leave saying, ‘Wow!’”
Andi formed a committee and began spreading the word. “People want to get involved,” she says. “The staff is so wonderful. It’s such a feel-good place. To volunteer for something especially where kids are involved, it’s another level.”
Andi is also raising awareness for Hearts in Harmony Foundation, a local charity set up by Kira and Mark Greenfield. Their daughter, Shea, was diagnosed with Long QT syndrome—a life-threatening heart condition—the day she was born. An annual event, Shake It For Shea, and a golf event, Shank It For Shea, raise funds for research. “I introduced Kira to Dr. Robyn Matloff, and we came up with ideas for how the organizations can help people together,” says Andi.
HOPES AND DREAMS
“I hope the community becomes more involved with Hearts in Harmony and CT Children’s,” says Andi. “I hope we see everyone talking about mental health and see that focus grow here at CT Children’s. I would love to see a lot of money raised through Shake It for Shea.”
ORGANIZATIONS
RF YOUTH
BOXING, REVOLUTION TRAINING ACADEMY
Ahmad Mickens
INSPIRATION
“I grew up in New Jersey near East Orange. It was pretty rough. I didn’t know a lot of people who looked like me who had professions that inspired me,” explains Stamford’s Ahmad Mickens. “I got into a lot of trouble.” Then he found boxing. “Going to the gym, getting in shape, having people to support me—it gave me an identity,” he says. “I had my first wins. I don’t even mean in the ring—my first wins in life. Being able to jump rope, to lift more weight—those little wins started adding up and building my confidence.”
Ahmad couldn’t wait to give that opportunity to others. “To see people succeed is my inspiration,” he continues. “It’s also what my mother taught me. She was big into giving back. We took clothes and shoes over to Senegal in my teen years.” Ahmad plans those same trips for his sons: “It’s my little impact on the universe, to create a tradition of service.”
COURAGE INTO ACTION
Ahmad began training a client base of successful individuals in Connecticut and “watched and learned” from them. In 2005, he took the leap and opened his own gym, Revolution Training, in Stamford. “Some youth came in. Historically, boxing gyms have attracted a lot of the disenfranchised, underserved youth,” he explains. “They reminded me of myself.” They didn’t have money, but Ahmad made a deal with them: “Show up 3 to 5 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and I’ll work with you.” They did. Then more kids
showed up and RF Youth Boxing was born.
Ahmad formed a 501c3 and launched an annual fundraiser, a “White-Collar Boxing” event. He’s committed to giving kids the same quality experience his high-end clients receive. “The space is always clean, organized and safe,” says Ahmad, who also hosts career days. “Without the program, these youth wouldn’t have access to individuals who can help change their lives,” he explains. “It’s opening up their minds to think ‘Maybe I can be a doctor or a carpenter or own my own company.’”
One protégé, Chordale Booker, is a pro boxer and made it to the Olympic trials. “He is now one of the top boxing coaches in Connecticut,” says Ahmad. “We have many success stories.”
With Senator Pat Miller’s support, Ahmad formed the Revolution Training Academy, which offers boxing, personal training and fitness business certifications, as well as apprenticeships.
HOPES & DREAMS
“I hope to continue to produce quality individuals who believe in service and take it to their own communities and households,” says Ahmad. He dreams of expanding his program to New Haven, New Jersey and beyond. “If I can plant the seed, I believe the program will grow and spread. I’ve been doing this for twenty years. The kinks are ironed out. I’d love to share it with other nonprofits and establish programs in areas that need it.” »
WORDS OF PRAISE
“Ahmad was the role model that I needed since I was a teen. He challenged me to think bigger, which has led me to being ranked eighth in the world in boxing.”
Chordale Booker
Nicole Heath
WORDS OF PRAISE
ORGANIZATIONS
CONNECTICUT AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE, PLANNED PARENTHOOD, REACH PREP, FRESH AIR FUND, AMHERST COLLEGE, MCKENNA COLLEGE
INSPIRATION
Over ten years ago, fellow volunteer Leslie Bhutani reached out to Nicole Heath to see if she had any interest in gun violence prevention. “At the time, we weren’t yet the very close friends we would become, so she didn’t know my only sibling had taken his own life with a handgun,” says Nicole Heath. CT Against Gun Violence (CAGV) was a small organization when Nicole eagerly became involved. Then the Sandy Hook tragedy occurred.
COURAGE INTO ACTION
“CAGV ended up successfully advocating for the strongest gun safety laws in Connecticut’s history—with bipartisan support,” says Nicole, a Greenwich resident. Connecticut reached nearly the top of states for the strongest gun violence prevention laws, “a position we still hold with nearly unanimous support from our Greenwich delegation,” she adds.
Nicole made many treks to Hartford to testify as a survivor and spearheaded the growth of CAGV’s annual benefit luncheon from 100 guests to 300. “Our luncheon keynote speakers have done such a good job of educating people on community gun violence prevention programs and suicide prevention,” says Nicole. “Suicides account for nearly two-thirds of all
“During her tenure on the board, from 2013 to 2023, Nicole did more to ensure the financial health of CAGV and the CAGV Education Fund than any other individual board member over our organization’s 30-year history. Her commitment to the cause of ending gun violence in Connecticut demonstrated by her time, effort and passion underlies much of CAGV’s success over the past decade.” Jonathan Perloe, CAGV Marketing Director
handgun deaths in Connecticut— and in the U.S.”
Nicole chaired the Development Committee of the CAGV Board for many years and credits CAGV Marketing Director Jonathan Perloe and her co-chairs—Mary Himes, Cynthia Blumenthal, Leslie Bhutani, Amy Keohane, Amy Pines, Sophie Dowling, Pat Caffray, Melissa Kane and Daisy Sanders—for many successful events (including the premiere of Thousand Pines at Westport Country Playhouse and Gun Country in Greenwich). “Our friends were right there filling tables and raising their paddles with such generosity,” she adds.
From recruiting volunteers and business sponsors to organizing private fundraisers in donors’ homes, Nicole has been tireless and creative in her efforts to further CAGV’s mission in Connecticut and beyond. “Other states use our laws as templates for their own, so in that sense we have a national impact,” she notes.
In the past, Nicole has chaired fundraisers for Planned Parenthood, REACH Prep and Fresh Air Fund. Her family has hosted a young man from the Bronx every summer and a Colombian teen during his boarding school breaks. Nicole currently sits on boards at Amherst College and Claremont McKenna College.
HOPES AND DREAMS
“We are so lucky to have Governor Ned Lamont 100-percent supportive of our cause,” says Nicole. “The federal story is very different, although President Biden has done more than any President on this issue since Clinton. Until GVP [Gun Violence Prevention] can be uncoupled from politics, we have to just keep fighting at the individual state level where a dozen or so states like ours have made real headway.”
Marie Rocha
ORGANIZATIONS
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF GREENWICH, LIVE GIRL, HAVYN, VESTHER, DEFY VENTURES, REALIST LAB, FAIRFIELD COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION, CT NEXT, CT PUBLIC
INSPIRATION
“My inspiration to give back is deeply personal, rooted in a profound belief in the transformative power of community and the life-changing impact of mentorship,” says Stamford resident Marie Rocha. “I’ve seen firsthand how the right resources, guidance and support can completely reshape someone’s future.”
This understanding has propelled Marie onto the boards of various nonprofit organizations, locally and nationally. “I’m particularly focused on initiatives that address the wealth gap, create equitable opportunities, support young people’s growth and development, and combat food insecurity,” she says. Marie sees these issues as foundational to creating a more equitable and thriving society.
COURAGE INTO ACTION
Marie has shared her passion and expertise with the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich, serving on its Board of Directors and Executive Committee. “We’ve created safe spaces for young people to learn, grow and thrive. Many don’t realize the great wealth gaps that exist in Fairfield County and its effects on youth,” explains Marie. She has also served on the Live Girl Advisory Committee for two years, “supporting initiatives that empower young women, helping them build confidence and leadership skills.”
Through HAYVN Hatch, a quarterly women-centric pitch event, Marie helps pave the way
for women to launch and grow their own businesses. She is a founding member of VestHer, which supports and connects professional women and provides executive coaching.
Marie adds, “My work with Defy Ventures has been particularly significant as it involves helping formerly incarcerated individuals redefine their futures through entrepreneurship and personal development. All of my work led
WORDS OF PRAISE
“Marie focuses on aiding the most vulnerable at-risk populations, including children and seniors, promoting women’s empowerment programs and combating food insecurity. Over the past year, I have had the privilege of getting to know Marie, and I am deeply inspired by her approach and the impactful work she has accomplished. Notably, she is the only Black woman in Connecticut to own a venture capital fund, Realist Ventures.”
— Sarah Bamford
HOPES AND DREAMS
to the creation of Realist Lab, where we offer programs to help entrepreneurs throughout Connecticut create jobs and financial security.”
Last year, Marie joined several committees at the Fairfield County Community Foundation.
“I’m proud of our efforts around housing, health, civic engagement and closing other equity gaps,” she comments.
“I want to see these organizations grow and make a more significant difference,” says Marie. “For Boys & Girls of Greenwich, I dream that every child in the community gets the support they need to thrive. With Live Girl, I envision a future where young women are confident, capable and ready to lead in whatever direction they choose. For Defy Ventures, I dream of a world where second chances are the norm, empowering people to rebuild their lives and positively impact society. At Vest, I hope more women will be given equitable opportunities. Ultimately, my biggest hope is that our work today leads to lasting change and opens up new opportunities for generations to come.” »
WORDS OF PRAISE
“Dede Bartlett is a leader and visionary for New Canaan, as well as beyond the borders of 06840. She is a fierce advocate for women’s issues and has helped educate the community about domestic violence. While she is exceptionally generous, she is also exceptionally hard-working.”
— Nancy Geary, Executive Director, New Canaan Museum & Historical Society
INSPIRATION
“I take enormous joy in being able to make a difference,” says Dede Thompson Bartlett. “I feel grateful that I’m able to support causes that mean a lot to me and that aren’t necessarily glamorous but need funding and marketing support. There is exhilaration in making a difference. I’m mystified that more people don’t experience this joy. It’s not a question of money; the most important gift you can give an organization is time.”
COURAGE INTO ACTION
A former Fortune 25 executive, Dede is a member of the advisory boards of Domestic Violence Crisis Center and Legal Momentum: The Women’s Legal Defense and Education Fund. She founded the New Canaan Abuse Prevention Partnership. She and her husband funded the Bartlett Auditorium at the New Canaan Library and the Jim and Dede Bartlett Center for New Canaan History at the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society. With decades of philanthropy to contemplate, she pinpoints three highlights. First, when she was at Phillip Morris, she proposed a project to the First Lady of Costa Rica: a traveling photo exhibition
to raise awareness about women who had been abused. “It was enormously successful,” says Dede. The President of Costa Rica credited the exhibition in his State of the Union address for the subsequent 50 percent reduction in homicide and partner abuse. Dede says, “It’s 20 years later, and I still haven’t gotten over that!”
Second, this year Dede gave the commencement address at NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering, where her dad was a professor. Dede, who earned her master’s degree from NYU, has funded internships there, encouraging over 100 young women to major in science, technology, engineering and math. She says, “I will never forget looking out at 8,500 people in Barclays Center, thinking, wow, this is a moment.”
Third, Dede worked for three years rescuing a woman, “a boldface name in our town,” from an abusive relationship. “She came to me and described the way she was living and asked, ‘Is this normal?’ I helped her and put a team together to advise her. She and her kids are now thriving,” says Dede.
HOPES AND DREAMS
“I want to see more women empowered in all areas of their lives,” says Dede. “I grew up in a time when women didn’t have the abilities they have now. Then they were taken away again last year. I want my daughter and granddaughters’ lives filled with options I didn’t have.” Dede is optimistic about her town.
“I have seen a tremendous change in New Canaan, by women who are change agents,” she raves. “They have imagination and vision.”
{ warrior for women }
Dede Thompson Bartlett
Adam Vengrow
ORGANIZATIONS
CATCH A LIFT, VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS, HOLE IN THE WALL GANG
INSPIRATION
“One of my favorite quotes is: ‘You make a living by what you get, you make a life by what you give,’” says Westporter Adam Vengrow. “I grew up working hard for every penny I had. Now I’m fortunate to be in a position to give money and time to those who are fighting hard to achieve and succeed in life. Everybody needs a hand at some point. There is nothing more joyous than helping somebody climb their way to great achievement.”
COURAGE INTO ACTION
Adam became involved in Catch a Lift in 2013. The organization was founded by Lynn Coffland in the name of her brother, Corporal Chris Coffland, who was taken by an IED in Afghanistan. “His expression, his whole life, when you are burnt out was: ‘Let’s go catch a lift.’ It meant: Let’s go work out. Our theme is physical fitness to mental fitness. From Day 1, this was everything I believed in and the way I live my life. It has been ten great years, helping veterans use physical fitness to find mental fitness.”
Catch a Lift has spread to more than 2,600 cities and all 50 states. “We’ve helped over 13,000 veterans and caregivers get re-engaged with our four core pillars: nutrition, fitness, emotional wellness and community,” explains Adam. “We have veterans fighting through terrible adversity, from severe amputations and burns
to traumatic brain injuries and PTSD. They have done their job to fight for the freedoms we enjoy. Now it’s our job to help them reintegrate back into a life they deserve post serving.”
More than 85 percent of dollars raised go directly to the cause.
“We have veteran coaches all over the country, helping other veterans heal with camaraderie and teamwork,” says Adam. “Our kids have been a part of this, and 2024 is our ten-year anniversary of Catch A Lift here in our neighborhood. Our town government, police, fire, gyms, restaurants, residents, schools— all are a big part. One of our veterans spoke to the Staples Varsity Football Team ahead of the season, and they won States!”
Adam and a friend are now spearheading an initiative to help rebuild and fortify Staple’s High School athletic facilities.
HOPES AND DREAMS
“You know that old adage about the child walking along the beach and encountering thousands of washed-up starfish? The kid starts picking them up, one by one, and throwing them back in the ocean. The parent says, ‘What are you doing? You can’t save them all,’ and the kid says, ‘But I can save this one.’”
“The ultimate end goal would be for every veteran and first responder to have all the support they need. They protect and serve our community and keep us safe, so we must do that for them when it is our turn.” »
WORDS OF PRAISE
“Adam’s contributions go far
beyond the call of
duty. He
dedicates countless
volunteer hours each week to ensure that the needs of our veterans are met. His efforts have made a significant impact on the lives of many.”
— Phil Delgado, VFW Post 399 Quartermaster
Edith Presley
ORGANIZATION CRADLE TO CAREER, DOMUS
INSPIRATION
“I was raised to contribute to society,” says Edith Presley, President of Cradle to Career. “The mantra in the house was to make things better by the mere fact that you were involved. Individual influence and responsibility matter.” She progressed from substitute teacher to special education teacher, assistant principal, then principal before transitioning into the nonprofit sector. “I have two children in Stamford public schools,” says Edith. “What I want for them, I want for every child in the town: to feel a sense of belonging and have access to the great potential that our community and society offers.”
COURAGE INTO ACTION
“I’ve worked every tier of the education system in Stamford— from being a graduate of the public schools, graduating with a degree in psychology, and then starting as a substitute teacher and learning from the ground level how schools work and how important relationships are,” says Edith. “Then I was really intentional about going back to school and finding opportunities to give back while developing myself for a broader impact and greater reach.”
“I love working at Cradle to Career,” says Edith, who came to the organization from Domus, an organization that works with at-risk youth, about three years ago. “It allows me to use my passion for families, students and education in a way that is limitless.” She enjoys being a partner to the school district
and supporting the hardworking staff, “who are many times strapped by compliance or limited resources. We are a collective impact organization, with a focus on research-based practices. We partner with other nonprofits that will champion ideas for change,” she explains. “It allows us to be an incubator for innovation.” Cradle to Career operates under the Strive Together methodology—a national accountability network—as well as under the United Way umbrella.
Edith has helped to secure significant federal funding to provide after-school and community-wide support for middle school students, in turn inspiring them and fueling engagement. She has offered her expertise in special education advocacy pro bono to ensure appropriate educational and social accommodations are made to help all children succeed.
HOPES AND DREAMS
“I dream for a living,” says Edith, chuckling. “For Cradle to Career, I hope that we can continue to grow and be really strategic about private and public partnerships, in order to highlight the value we bring as a community in Stamford. We are uniquely situated to be a proof point for the nation around how equitable practices bring about growth and change. With our data and our work, we can showcase how you can solve for inequity, how you can really be strategic around problem solving for poverty. I hope for civic engagement to increase for all facets of our community and society. Change happens when we are all involved.”
WORDS OF PRAISE
“Ms. Presley is a fierce champion and advocate for children in the Stamford community. In every aspect of her professional and personal life, she centers on children and takes a holistic approach to ensuring their social, emotional and academic needs are met, so they can thrive.”
— Bianca Shinn, Domus Kids Leadership Council member
Nate Checketts
ORGANIZATIONS
RHONE, BEYOND TYPE 1
INSPIRATION
“When my brother Ben and I started Rhone, we didn’t just want to create another apparel company. We wanted to build something that truly stood for something bigger, something that had a real point of view,” says CEO Nate Checketts, a Darien resident.
At the time, Nate was looking for ways to support a close friend who was going through a mental health crisis and battling addiction. “I came across some staggering information about the challenges men face with mental health and how loneliness was becoming an epidemic,” says Nate. “That hit me hard, especially as a father of three boys.”
In a market saturated with active brands focused on physical fitness, Rhone went deeper. “No one seemed to be addressing the need for a more holistic approach,” explains Nate. “That realization became the driving force behind Rhone, and our mission to champion mental fitness and the intersection of physical and mental health.”
COURAGE INTO ACTION
Rhone has backed up its mission with action through multiple avenues—from hosting a virtual race and donating proceeds of a race kit to co-sponsoring a Men’s Wellness Summit. The stores also hold “Mind & Muscle” events, which combine dynamic workouts with mental health discussions.
“These events have served as catalysts for building strong social connections and a supportive network,” says Nate. “In fact, we have a group of guys who have met lifelong friends and have become each other’s groomsmen through Mind & Muscle events. We’ve hosted thousands of men and
{ corporate good neighbor }
have now launched a similar event framework with women.”
As a former New Canaan football captain and MVP, Nate was eager to bring his message to players. Last November he put together a “Better Together” football dinner with the Wave Strong Foundation.
“We gathered 200 football players from rival high school football teams, the Darien Blue Wave and New Canaan Rams, ahead of the annual Turkey Bowl match-up, to have a very important conversation about mental health and how we can work together as a community to break down the stigmas that exist,” explains Nate. “If you know Connecticut high school football, you know this is a big deal! It was the first time these teams have done anything like this in the near 100-year rivalry.”
Nate, who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 25, is also the Chairman of Beyond Type 1, a nonprofit organization focused on education, advocacy and a path to a cure.
HOPES AND DREAMS
“It is Rhone’s mission to impact over 100 million lives,” says Nate. “We hope to provide individuals with inspiring experiences that leave a lasting imprint to prioritize mental fitness alongside physical fitness. By nurturing a culture of wellness, resilience and community, my hope is that Rhone can continue to inspire and uplift, championing the belief that true wellness encompasses both physical vitality and mental fortitude.” »
WORDS OF PRAISE
“Nate has done so much for the communities of Darien and New Canaan. Mental health is extremely important to Nate, and he understands that it is something not spoken about often among men. He is trying to change that narrative.” — Katie Holmstead, Nate’s sister
Lauren Walsh
ORGANIZATIONS
GREENWICH YWCA, GEMS, AMERICAN RED CROSS MNYN CHAPTER, GREENWICH COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL, BERKSHIRE SCHOOL
INSPIRATION
“My mother inspired me. Twenty years ago, I was put on as a trustee of our family foundation which my mother and father formed,” says Riverside resident Lauren Walsh. “They wanted to focus locally, creating an impact with giving money in the Greenwich community and seeing its effect. My mom invited me to the Old Bags Luncheon at the Belle Haven Club 20 years ago, and I have been to every single one of them.”
COURAGE INTO ACTION
The Old Bags Luncheon is a YWCA initiative, which is where Lauren says she has made the most significant contributions—and also where she has learned the most.
“It has been quite an education in philanthropy, giving back, making a difference,” she says. She is vice chair of the board and has chaired the Spirit of Greenwich Awards, another YWCA fundraiser. She has also been involved with the organization’s Domestic Abuse Services program.
Lauren is passionate about GEMS (Greenwich Emergency Medical Services), sits on its board and has elevated the GEMS Back to the ’80s Gala to a memorable annual event. “We have the best ambulance service and heart attack save-rate in the nation,” says Lauren, “and a lot of people don’t realize GEMS is a 501c3. When you
are on an ambulance for GEMS, you are basically in an emergency room. There is a paramedic on every ambulance. GEMS is the local littleengine-that-could of nonprofits in Greenwich.” Lauren says she talks about “GEMS” so much that “a friend thought I had a lot of jewelry!”
Lauren is also on the board of The American Red Cross Metro New York North Chapter and has cochaired its Red and White Balls since 2022. She has also been a longtime supporter of Greenwich Country Day School and sits on the board of the Berkshire School in Massachusetts.
HOPES AND DREAMS
“I wish to live in Greenwich until my dying day and preserve what’s great about it,” says Lauren. “It’s a kind and caring community. It’s a happy place, and it’s beautiful. I’d like to see domestic violence not be the No. 1 crime in Greenwich; I would like to see it go away. I’ll continue to support the Harmony project at the YWCA. A woman was getting back on her feet, so I cleaned out my closet to bring her a new wardrobe. Her spirits lifted. It’s important to lift each other up. I look at the political season; I’m not a Republican, but I get along with our first selectman. We can all get along.”
WORDS OF PRAISE
“Lauren is one of the most committed board members, committee members and event chairs. For more than 20 years, she has dedicated her life to countless organizations and brought in amazing talent to join her along the way.”
— Stephanie Dunn Ashley, CEO American Red Cross MNYN
Catherine Erol
ORGANIZATIONS
INSPIRATION
“I have always been surrounded by and inspired by young people who are active community members,” says Catherine Erol, a Greenwich Academy graduate and Fairfield resident. “Youth involvement enriches our town and connects us. Instead of doom scrolling on the internet, we can make a noticeable difference in the lives of those around us.”
With the support of a school that values service and with several grants that gave her the backing she needed, Catherine proved even a teenager can make a big impact on neighbors in need.
COURAGE INTO ACTION
In Catherine’s senior year at Greenwich Academy, she was awarded a $1,500 grant. “This grant was essential and kickstarted my nonprofit,” she says. She partnered with Operation Hope and spearheaded a program called Backpacks for Hope.
“I learned that many parents were unable to purchase essential school supplies for their children,” explains Catherine. “Since education is the only hope many low-income students have, we thought the name was fitting. I used a majority of the initial grant to organize around 40 backpacks equipped with school supplies depending on the child’s grade. I also placed slime toys in the backpacks as a little back-toschool gift.”
With a small portion of the grant remaining, Catherine turned to the Internet for ideas for another initiative and came up with the idea
for her nonprofit, The Revolving Soap. “The hospitality industry throws away millions of barely used soaps. At the same time, thousands of people die every year from diseases that could have been prevented if they had access to soap. Recycling hotel soap reduces the waste the hospitality industry produces and increases hygiene,” explains Catherine. “While the idea sounds revolting at first, recycling soap is safe and saves lives.” Catherine has partnered with local Marriott hotels and the Delamar Hotel.
When Fairfield County Community Foundation extended a $5,000 grant, Catherine expanded her nonprofit and created over 1,000 menstrual hygiene kits, consisting of over 9,000 pads, which she donated to Operation Hope.
HOPES AND DREAMS
“We hope to assemble more of these kits,” says the 19-yearold. “With the rest of the money, we will continue our mission to increase access to hygiene in sustainable ways. Right now, I am exploring other methods of soap generation that are centered around sustainability and reducing waste. Around the world, people are making soap from leftover pineapple skin and plastic. There is room for researching new methods of converting waste into soap, which is very exciting!”
WORDS OF PRAISE
“Catherine spends her free time scouring the internet for grants, connecting with local leaders, organizing volunteer meetings and making a tangible impact on the Fairfield County community. Her personal experiences drive her to make an impact in her neighborhood. And her passion is clear the minute you meet her. She is the epitome of a community changemaker, and I wish for others to learn about the positive impact she has on our community.”
Ceyda Erol, Catherine’s sister
PERSONAL NARRATIVE
Monica Rich Kosann ’ s JEWELRY
DESIGNS
AREN ’ T JUST BEAUTIFUL AND ELEVATING, THEY ’ RE EXPRESSIONS OF LIFE ’ S JOURNEYS
MALIA MCKINNON FRAME
photograph by
Monica Rich Kosann at the design table in her Fairfield County studio
Sometimes you get to know a little bit about someone simply by the things she chooses to put on. “Jewelry is your armor for the day and a daily reminder where you’ve been and where you’re going,” believes Monica Rich Kosann, head of the global finejewelry brand bearing her name. The designer, who’s lived locally for years with her husband and raised two daughters in the area, quips that if you flipped through her charm bracelet, you’d know her life’s story. Her unique, timeless designs are worn by stay-at-home moms as well as A-list celebs, but one thing is constant: Whether they're wearing it to a movie premiere, to the office or while making a meal for the family, they all love the meaning behind the jewelry. As Kosann celebrates her own 20-year business anniversary, we connected about everything from what it’s like to work with her spouse to her exciting collaboration with tennis legend Chris Evert.
Q: You started your career as a photographer. Tell us about that stage in your life and who/what were your subjects?
A: I have been photographing families and doing portraits for as long as I can remember. This goes all the way back to when my daughters were little. It continued for a long time and, truthfully, I still do it! My inspiration was the photographers of the 1900s because they were the first people to chronicle everyday life and make it feel soulful. I wanted this in my work and loved documenting clients’ lives. My goal was to be an observer, yet capture their essence and tell part of their story. I began taking my clients’ photos and putting them into vintage items like lockets, powder compacts and cigarette cases, rendering them heirlooms within heirlooms. They loved that their personal stories were carried inside these textural, beautiful pieces. People kept requesting them and, not long after, I secured Bergdorf Goodman as my first big client.
Q: You are the queen of iconic lockets. How did these find a place in your inventory?
All the lockets being made at that time weren’t very interesting and skewed toward an older demographic. I thought, “Why aren’t people making lockets that are cool and speak to all generations?” And that was all it took for me to start designing my own. Lockets are the sexiest piece of jewelry a woman can wear because they tell her stories and hold her secrets. My lockets really spoke to people and became gateways to storytelling, and inspired women to commemorate their life journeys in a tangible way. I also felt at this time that most jewelry out there wasn’t personal. Because I’d always loved the lockets, chunky medallions and charm bracelets that Liz Taylor and Jackie O wore, I started playing around designing my own charms, medallions, necklaces and bracelets. Yes, these pieces had to be pretty, but I also wanted them to say something about a woman and be meaningful. This philosophy holds strong today, and 99 percent of MRK jewelry is about making a woman feel courageous, strong and confident.
Q: Where was your first office, and what were the challenges of starting a jewelry business from scratch?
My first office was above my garage, and I wore many hats, as does any entrepreneur. Ignorance can be bliss and, like any business, it was a slow evolution. My husband and I felt there was a need for our designs, and as our client demand for more personalized jewelry emerged, we just kept moving forward. It’s been a journey, and it’s taught us so much along the way.
Q: You work closely with your husband, Rod. Is it fun to work with your spouse?
Our company is like a family, and being at work is like being in our family’s house. We have over 30 employees and most of them have been with us from the beginning. I can also recognize the things I’m good at, including creative and design, which is why I’m CCO. Whereas my husband is CEO, a perfect fit for him. We both stay in our lanes and since we eat, sleep and breathe this company, we are blessed to be in it together.
Q: Tell us about your design process.
If I see something beautiful, I might take inspiration from it, but I always start with the meaning and the design comes out of that. For example, at the Paris flea markets, I saw some beautiful deco pottery with sinewy, ethereal fish. I thought about how fish represent perseverance because they swim forward, often upstream and against obstacles—yet
“ LOCKETS ARE THE SEXIEST PIECE OF JEWELRY A WOMAN CAN WEAR BECAUSE THEY TELL HER STORIES AND HOLD HER SECRETS. ”
Kosann’s designs are inspired by things that have meaning. She has found inspiration in heirlooms like powder compacts and cigarette cases, and also jewelry worn by style icons like Liz Taylor and Jackie O.
“ I ALSO LOVE DESIGNING COMPASSES BECAUSE THE COMPASS ’ S PRIMARY JOB IS TO GUIDE YOU AND
KEEP YOU ON COURSE. ”
they always keep going. Later, when we designed our perseverance collection, I referenced these fish, but the meaning was the precursor. I also love designing compasses because the compass’s primary job is to guide you and keep you on course. Even with our sundial medallion, the messaging is about being in the moment, but also that time is precious. I love that meaning and design can be equally important.
Q: Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
We are a happy brand, and our pieces make people happy. Part of this joy comes with helping women honor every stage of life, and we do it by creating timeless designs that appeal to all generations. I love making things that my daughters want to borrow, and while they may style them differently than I do, we all love to wear the same things. My family, books, old movies, poetry, flea markets, museums, architecture and art—all these things feed my creative energy. I’m a first-generation American and traveling was always a big part of my life growing up, so visiting other places continues to stimulate me.
Q: Personalizing MRK Jewelry is part of what sets you apart from other designers. Explain the different ways people can customize their own pieces.
I’m in the business of connecting people, and I get very personal with our customers. Our locket bar, for example, allows clients to fill their lockets in store or at home. When we help them in-store and start accessing someone’s camera roll, we get to know a lot about these people—I’m very inspired by them and love hearing their stories. One woman told me that our “Carpe Diem” necklace helped her through a medical ordeal with her son. Another shared that one of my lockets was a gift from her husband just after they started dating. People have stories they want to share and there’s a real synergy there because, as much as our business is about beautiful jewelry, it’s also about personal connection. Other ways to customize include our design-your-own chains, which allow a woman to keep adding and collecting charms as her life journeys evolve. It’s the same with our charm bracelets, and a jumble of necklaces can be full of special moments and inspirations in a woman’s life. Creating one-of-a-kind custom pieces is also something I love to do. It starts with the gemstone, then design sketches from there—but the final product ends up being about what my customer loves and wants to commemorate.
Q: So many companies talk about sustainability practices these days. Do you have any you’d like to share?
We’re very proud to be a Certified B Corporation and are one of the
few luxury jewelry companies to hold this title. To achieve this, we went through a rigorous process that ensured we met the highest standards of social and environmental impact in the areas of governance, workers, customers, environment and community. In everyday speak, everything we do is with intention and held to these standards: Where we source our gold and gemstones, the factories we use, recycling precious metals in the supply chain, our packaging, how we treat our employees and even what kind of paper towels we use in the office. We’ll keep renewing this certification every three years because it aligns with our company’s ethos of 360-degree quality and transparency that has defined MRK all along.
Q: What is your personal favorite piece of jewelry and why?
I could never pick just one! At the moment, it’s my “Finn” locket and charm bracelet—the latter I started over 15 years ago and is still evolving! The locket has Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Less Traveled” inside. It keeps me on course, and I love the idea that lockets don’t have to just contain photos. I wear two of our fish “Perseverance" rings on the same finger because I love this reference, and for the past year and a half, I’ve been wearing our “Points North” cuff. Inspired by the architects of the 1920s and '30s who tried to make things that were solid and strong inside with a beautiful, simple exterior, this cuff is born of the idea of lightness amongst strength. Alongside my gold cuff are two tennis bracelets, a “Carpe Diem” and “Strength” bracelet, and a celestial one with moon and stars.
Q: In this issue we celebrate philanthropy with our annual Light a Fire feature. Tell us about MONICA CARES.
We launched our MONICA CARES giving initiative in 2015. Since then, we’ve supported various charitable causes as diverse as Blessings in a Backpack, Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, North Shore Animal League, Women in Need, Girls Who Code and Embrace Race. We also donate 50 percent of all proceeds in perpetuity from our Pink Sapphire Tennis Bracelet to the Prevent Cancer Foundation, a cause close to our friend Chris Evert. A few years ago, we introduced Volunteer Days, where our full-time employees can choose to either spend a paid workday volunteering within the community, or have MRK make a contribution equivalent to their daily salary to their named charity.
Q: Where can our readers find MRK locally?
Some retailers that carry our brand in Fairfield County include David Harvey Jewelers in Darien, Nagi Jewelers in Stamford, Manfredi Jewels in New Canaan, Mitchells in Westport and Richards in Greenwich.
Chris Evertstakesher c l a i m o n t h e tennis bracelet
THE PERFECT MATCH:
Kosann and Evert collaborated to create this line of tennis bracelets, which tells the story of how the iconic piece of jewlery came to be.
From the moment I spoke to Chris over Zoom, I believed we were going to work together,” remembers Kosann of her first chat with the tennis icon. The designer recalls Evert explaining how during a 1978 US Open match, her diamond line bracelet broke. “Chris said she stopped play to find her bracelet, and when I asked her the things she remembers most about that day, she referenced the green of the court, the white lines and how profusely she was sweating.” Out of this imagery was born the MRK/ CE tennis bracelet.
Evert always brought femininity to the court—in her outfits, her jewelry, a ribbon tied in her hair. For days after the tennis star’s bracelet broke, the press kept hounding her about what had happened, what the bracelet looked like, what stones were in it, and thus the phrase “tennis bracelet” was coined. “Chris is the
woman who created this iconic piece of jewelry, but she has never had any input in this multimillion dollar business,” explains Kosann.
After they brainstormed, Kosann and Evert decided each piece in the collection would contain one emerald to symbolize the green court, a diamond “drop” of perspiration and each bracelet would be dually signed. “This is a way to tell the tennis bracelet story, and I feel very proud to be doing this with Chris,” says Kosann. “Now she finally has the input she deserves.”
Kosann loves the storytelling aspect of this collaboration: that Evert inspired the OG tennis bracelet, that she’s such an empowering figure and that she’s overcome so much in her recent battle with cancer. “It’s been such a fun journey,” she says. “I loved the idea of designing this piece with her and finally allowing her some stylistic input.”
Monica Rich Kosann with tennis legend Chris Evert
BAYE & ASA
Selected in 2022 as one of Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch,” Baye & Asa is a company creating movement art projects including 4|2|3 which examines the intergenerational cooperation necessary to acknowledge the existential crisis of climate change.
November 13 • 7:30 p.m.
The Howard and Katherine Aibel Memorial Concert Owls
November 3 • 3 p.m.
The 27th Annual Jacoby-Lunin Humanitarian Lecture
Mark Ludwig
November 14 • 7:30 p.m.
Become a Season Member Today
•
Through Your Looking Glass
Student social justice art showcase in partnership with Stand Together Against Racism and The Glass House. November 16-24
Annual Deck The Walls Holiday Party
Kick-off the season with cocktails & live music in the festive setting of the Carriage Barn gallery, view & bid on the one-of-a-kind wreaths! Thursday, December 5, 6-9pm
Whim
n’ Rhythm Concert & Wine Tasting
Festive afternoon performance with Yale’s celebrated female acapella singing group. Gratsi wine tasting & custom holiday ornaments. Sunday, December 8 at 3pm
Small Works Exhibition & Holiday Sale DECEMBER 1-15
2024/2025 Season of Laughter at the playhouse!
Back at the Playhouse by popular demand.
TWO BELOVED CLASSIC TALES. ONE THRILLING MYSTERY. Don’t miss this heartwarming holiday production for all ages—and a theatrical experience you’ll never forget!
Corporate Partner:
JAN 23 - 26, 2025
MAR 25 - APR 12, 2025 DEC 17 - 22, 2024
A concert of show-stopping favorites! Come for a night of Broadway’s most memorable songs.
FEB 18 - MAR 8, 2025
by Karen Zacarías
An outrageous comedy about culture clash and bad behavior. by Paul Slade Smith adapted from Ferenc Molnár’s “Play at the Castle.”
Production Supporter: Cherie Quain
For more info on the 2024/2025 season go to: WESTPORTPLAYHOUSE.ORG
Scan for a full list of events!
and artists are subject to change.
MEET FLOWCODE, THE NEXT GENERATION OF QR CODES
Go ahead, try it out. Point your phone’s camera at the Flowcode to scan.
NOVEMBER
TOP DOCTORS
1.
New Canaan/Darien. 2. Publication No.: 1942-1028. 3. Filing
October 1, 2024. 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: Gina Fusco, Publisher, 205 Main Street, Westport, CT 06880. Eileen Murphy, Editor, 205 Main Street, Westport, CT 06880. Eileen Murphy, 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 2024. 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: a. Total Number of Copies (net press run): *5,424 **5,542; b(1). Paid/Requested Outside-County Mail Subscription Stated on Form 3541: *250 **240; b(2). Paid In-County Subscriptions: *1,203 **1,158; b(3). Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Non-USPS Paid Distribution: *519 **285; b(4). Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS: *83 **105; c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), (4): *2,055 **1,788; 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: *1,687 **1,693; d(3). Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS *0 **0; d(4). Free Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or Other Means): *1,372 **1,471; e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3), (4): *3,059 **3,164; f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e): *5,114 **4,952; g. Copies Not Distributed: *310 **590; h. Total (Sum of 15f, 15g): *5,424 **5,542; i. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (15c divided by 15f. times 100): *40.18 percent **36.11 percent. 17. This Statement of Ownership will be printed in the November/December 2024 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, 2024. *Average No. Copies Each Issue During Proceeding 12 Months. **Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date.
Moffly Media is one of the leading providers of professional event photography and marketing services in Fairfield County. We capture compelling, high-quality images of individuals and groups at meaningful events. With our wide range of capabilities from video to social media, Moffly will customize a marketing program that’s just right for you.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: BOB CAPAZZO, KRISTIN HYNES, MELANI LUST & MARSIN MOGIELSKI
PHOTOGRAPHY VIDEOGRAPHY SOCIAL MEDIA
For over 100 years, Cummings & Lockwood has been building meaningful and lasting relationships with our private clients, their family offices, businesses and charitable entities, serving as trusted advisors throughout their lifetimes and providing sophisticated legal counsel at every important stage of their lives.
Our core services include:
■ Estate planning and administration
■ Estate, income and gift tax planning
■ Wealth protection planning
■ Trust formation and management
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■ Generational wealth transfer
■ Probate and estate settlement
■ Executor and trustee services
■ Business succession planning
■ Fiduciary and probate litigation
■ Residential and commercial real estate services
■ Corporate and finance services
■ Business litigation, arbitration and dispute resolution
For a private consultation, please contact one of our attorneys by visiting our website at www.cl-law.com.
www.cl-law.com
STAMFORD GREENWICH WEST HARTFORD NAPLES BONITA SPRINGS PALM BEACH GARDENS
TOP LAWYERS IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY
Whether you need advice or have a legal issue, it helps to have a good lawyer. Luckily, Fairfield County is home to first-rate attorneys for legal assistance. We’ve compiled a guide of top lawyers who are leaders in their areas of expertise. With the help of DataJoe Research, this list of 364 professionals was created
ADOPTION LAW
VICTORIA FERRARA
The Ferrara Law Group One Post Rd, Fairfield 203-255-9877 victoriaferrara.com
BRIAN D. KASCHEL
Brian D. Kaschel Law Office 183 Sherman St, Fairfield 203-259-5251 briankaschel.com
HEIDI E. OPINSKY
Attorneys at the Law
Offices of Heidi E. Opinsky 236 South Lake Dr, Stamford 203-653-3542 ctnydivorcelawyer.com
through research as well as a peer-voting process. Planning ahead makes the process much easier, rather than seeking out an aatorney when a problem arises. Simply review what follows, find the relevant area of practice, visit the websites and call for a consultation. Then you can relax, knowing you are in good hands.
JEREMY C. VIRGIL Zeldes Needle & Cooper PC 1000 Lafayette Blvd, Bridgeport 203-332-5775 znclaw.com
To create the list, the magazine contracted DataJoe Research to facilitate an online peer-voting process and Internet research process. DataJoe Research is a software and research company specializing in data collection and verification, and conducts various nominations across the United States on behalf of publishers. To create the list, DataJoe Research facilitated an online peer-voting process. We paired this with an Internet research process to identify success characteristics. DataJoe checked and confirmed that each published winner had, at time of review, a current, active license status with the appropriate state regulatory board. If we were not able to find evidence of a lawyer’s current, active registration with the state regulatory board, that lawyer was excluded from the list. In addition, we checked available public sources to identify lawyers disciplined for an infraction by the state regulatory board. These entities were excluded from the list. Finally, DataJoe presented the tallied result to the magazine for its final review and adjustments.
FINAL NOTE: We recognize that there are many good lawyers who are not shown in this representative list. This is only a sampling of the huge array of talented professionals within the region. Inclusion in the list is based on the opinions of responding lawyers in the region. We take time and energy to ensure fair voting, although we understand that the results of this survey nomination and Internet research campaign are not an objective metric. We certainly do not discount the fact that many, many good and effective lawyers may not appear on the list.
DISCLAIMER
DataJoe uses best practices and exercises great care in assembling content for this list. DataJoe does not warrant that the data contained within the list are complete or accurate. DataJoe does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All rights reserved. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without written permission from DataJoe.
Questions? For research/methodology questions, contact the research team at surveys@datajoe.com.
PROFILES 2024 LAWYER Legal Professionals
You’ll find some of the best legal minds in Fairfield County. Discover more about local practices and what makes these attorneys stand out in their field.
CASPER & DE TOLEDO LLC
PERSONAL INJURY FIRM
“Our legal team possesses decades of combined legal experience, and we are here to put that experience to work for you when you need it most.”
– Stewart Casper, Co-Founder
Traumatic brain injuries have many causes, ranging from sports injuries and car accidents to assaults and birth trauma. But regardless of their cause, the injuries are often understated and mischaracterized. Victims, however, can find understanding advocates at Casper & de Toledo LLC, a law firm that has cultivated deep knowledge of traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs. at expertise starts with Stewart Casper, a firm cofounder with more than 40 years of experience. He has become a go-to guide on the issue for lawyers around the U.S. Here in Connecticut, Casper is the professional that TBI and concussion clients seek when they want a
second opinion or need a new lawyer. Results include a $9 million verdict for a client who sustained a TBI and related injuries while in a crosswalk and a nearly $8 million verdict for a child who sustained a TBI in a truck accident.
Of course, the attorneys at Casper & de Toledo handle a wide spectrum of personal injury cases in addition to their focus on TBI. ey also advocate for clients on issues related to discrimination and harassment, medical malpractice, employment contracts and whistleblower claims.
NEEDLE | CUDA
DIVORCE AND FAMILY LAW
GUIDANCE THAT MOVES LIVES FORWARD
Prenuptial Agreements
Prenuptial agreements are essential tools that safeguard "separate property" interest, protect inheritances, and define the terms for the division of future income, assets, and liabilities. These agreements provide clarity and security, helping individuals avoid potential disputes in the event of divorce.
Post-Nuptial Agreements
Well-crafted postnuptial agreements provide financial security and complement broader estate plans, wills, and multigenerational wealth strategies. These agreements protect both parties and create a window for couples to work through marital challenges.
Post-Judgment Modifications
Life can change unexpectedly. And when there is a "substantial change in circumstances," adjustments to alimony, child support, and custody arrangements may be necessary. Post-judgment modifications revise your separation agreement to reflect current realities and ensure fairness for all parties involved.
Needle | Cuda stands at the forefront of ultrahigh-net-worth divorce litigation in lower Fairfield County, Connecticut. Serving clients from Greenwich to Westport, our attorneys offer skilled and forceful representation in complex divorce cases. ese matters often involve nuanced division of property/assets (including family and closely held businesses), complex income division, and contested child custody matters.
Needle | Cuda employs strategic dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, binding arbitration, and negotiation that safeguard your privacy and reputation. Known for discretion and excellence, Needle | Cuda is one of Connecticut’s most trusted advocates in family law.
Westport Office: 830 Post Road East, Suite 301 203-557-9500 • NeedleCuda.com
Attorney Melissa Needle
Attorney Alexander J. Cuda
postscript
by nate checketts • photograph by katharine calderwood
LIFE’S
Igrew up in New Canaan—singing Christmas Carols at God’s Acre, asking girls to go to the May Fair and watching fireworks at Waveny. I now live in Darien, where my kids are growing up paddle boarding at Pear Tree Point, going to the Tokeneke Pumpkin Carnival and watching outdoor movies during sunsets at Weed Beach.
Ten years ago, I cofounded a company called Rhone. While we are known for making performance clothing, our core mission is to inspire people to build stronger mental fitness and more active lives. Like many things in life, mental health challenges can catch us by surprise when we least expect it.
I was one of four healthy, active boys in my house growing up. I had never been injured until I broke my first bone at age 25. That year I was also diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. I was shocked. My life changed in an instant. I had to watch everything I ate, administer my own insulin injections and manage my blood sugar levels day and night.
Becoming my own health advocate taught me a lot about the importance of daily practice and preparation. In other words, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I felt better when I would exercise, hydrate, watch my nutrition, etc. I also learned over time that the ounce of prevention didn’t apply only to my physical body, but also to my mental health.
I believe deeply that we all need to engage in daily practices to take care of our minds and our emotions. We need not worry or suffer alone. We are stronger together than we are separate. And we need all of us in this great effort to improve the mental health outcomes of our communities.
LESSONS
HERE ARE THREE PROTOCOLS WE USE REGULARLY AT RHONE:
BOX BREATHING:
Used by Navy Seals and other special forces to reduce mission anxiety and calm nerves in tense situations, it is simple to remember: four seconds inhale, four seconds hold, four seconds exhale, four seconds wait. Slower breaths lower your parasympathetic nerve system and calm you down. In just two minutes you can lower your heart rate and your feelings of anxiousness.
EXAGGERATED SIGH:
The exaggerated sigh is something we instinctually know as babies but forget with time. You’ll notice when a baby cries, they inhale twice and audibly exhale or sigh. The double inhale allows you to take in more oxygen. The long exhale signals your body to relax, similar to Box Breathing.
SPEAK TO SOMEONE OR CHECK IN ON SOMEONE:
A recent study found that the number one contributor to a more positive mental health outcome is having someone to talk to. Not every conversation has to be heavy, but check in on each other and show vulnerability. Be honest when you are not doing well. You will find that no one has it all together. We are all just doing the best we can.
1 million+ Botox ® Units Administered
11 Beautiful Years in Business
7,000+ Patients & Families Served
3 Locations $200,000+ Donated to Local & National Philanthropies
