Stamford - May/June 2022 by Moffly Media

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contents MAY/JUNE 2022 vol. 13 | no. 3

features

departments 10 EDITOR’S LETTER

by diane talbot sembrot

13 STATUS REPORT

THE GOOD LIFE

BUZZ Springdale Florist at 100; Stamford Land Conservation Trust at 50; what locals love about Stamford; and StretchLab moves into Harbor Point

Get out there and enjoy the best of living in Fairfield County! Here’s your guide to all good things luxe, stylish, delicious and just so “us.”

SHOP Mother’s Day finds

b y ja n e l a l ex a n der, l i z ba ron , m a ry k at e ho g a n a n d ji l l joh n s on m a n n

DO Pelvic floor health; Children’s Learning Centers; Try This

HOME Stylish finds for around the house

GROW GREEN

by joey m ac ari

GO St. Bart’s; book picks

TAKE CARE Maybe you’re considering senior living options. Here’s a few of the latest amenities you can expect locally. by s c ot t thom as

EAT fresh&co; Bianca 48 MONEY MATTERS

95 INDEX OF ADVERTISERS 96 POSTSCRIPT by d onna mof f ly

top: The Wheel Restaurant at The Village below: Rendering of the Whittingham Discovery Center at Mill River

on the cover: mill river park

•

photo gr aphy: mackenzie c oughlin

STAMFORD MAGAZINE MAY/JUNE 2022, VOL. 13, NO. 3 // STAMFORD MAGAZINE is published bimonthly by Moffly Media, Inc., 205 Main St., Westport, CT 06880. POSTMASTER: Send address changes (Form 3579) to STAMFORD MAGAZINE, P.O. BOX 9309, Big Sandy, TX 75755-9607.

THE WHEEL BY KYLE NORTON; RENDERING OF THE WHITTINGHAM DISCOVERY CENTER (BOTTOM), CENTERBROOK ARCHITECTS & PLANNERS; SCONCE, CONTRIBUTED BY BRAND

Meet Nette Compton, the new president and CEO of Mill River Park Collaborative, and find out what she and the team envision for its future.

stamfordmag.com

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digital content & MORE STAMFORDMAG.com CELEBRATING THE SCENE STEALERS

THE BIG REVEAL In the July/August issue, we reveal the winners of our highly anticipated readers’ poll:

BEST OF THE GOLD COAST CT!

Also, because you love your town the most, we share Best of Town winners, too. Did your favorites win? You’ll know soon.

PLUS!

DO SOMETHING NEW

LET’S TALK

Visit our directories for resources

JUMP ONLINE FOR OUR ARTICLES AND POSTS ON INSIGHTFUL LOCALS WHO HELP US ALL LIVE BETTER

Looking for something to do? Sign up for our Try This newsletter with ideas, from scenic drives to activities for the kids. mofflymedia.com/newsletters

PHOTOGRAPHY: FAMILY CENTERS GATSBY PARTY AND BREAST CANCER ALLIANCE BENEFIT BY MOFFLY MEDIA’S BIG PICTURE / BOB CAPAZZO • TIMOTHY OULTON STORE, CONTRIBUTED • SMARTPHONE © 1380632883310 - STOCK.ADOBE.COM • ARROW BY © REY - STOCK.ADOBE.COM • HYDRANGEA BY DIANE SEMBROT

may/june 2022

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BOB CAPAZZO • TIMOTHY OULTON STORE, CONTRIBUTED • SMARTPHONE © 1380632883310 - STOCK.ADOBE.COM • ARROW BY © REY - STOCK.ADOBE.COM • HYDRANGEA BY DIANE SEMBROT

vol. 13 | no. 3 | may/june 2022 editorial editorial director Cristin Marandino–cristin.marandino@moffly.com editor, stamford; fairfield living; westport Diane Sembrot–diane.sembrot@moffly.com style & community editor Janel Alexander—janel.alexander@moffly.com

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Corporate and Finance

Probate and Estate Administration

Litigation and Arbitration

Fiduciary and Trustee Services

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contributing editors Megan Gagnon–editor, athome Elizabeth Hole–editor, custom publishing Julee Kaplan–editor, new canaan • darien Veronica Schoor—assistant editor, athome Amy Vischio–creative director-at-large, athome books correspondent Emily Liebert copy editors Terry Christofferson, Lynne Piersall, David Podgurski contributing writers Liz Barron, Tom Connor, Carol Leonetti Dannhauser, Kim-Marie Evans, Mary Kate Hogan, Joey Macari, Jill Johnson Mann, Scott Thomas, Judith Marks-White editorial advisory board Harry Day, PJ Kennedy, Jamie Krug, Michael Marchetti, Arthur Selkowitz, Jami Sherwood, Lou Ursone

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senior art director Venera Alexandrova–venera.alexandrova@moffly.com senior art director Garvin Burke–garvin.burke@moffly.com production director Tim Carr–tim.carr@moffly.com assistant art director

Lisa Marie Servido–Lisa.Servidio@moffly.com senior photographer Bob Capazzo

M O F F LY M E D I A

digital media director of content strategy Diane Sembrot–diane.sembrot@moffly.com

digital marketing manager Rachel MacDonald–rachel.macdonald@moffly.com

GOLD COAST

digital assistant Lloyd Gabi–loyd.gabi@moffly.com

C O N N E C T I C U T • 2022

BEST OF GOLD COAST Find out who our readers chose for best businesses in Fairfield County.

BEST OF STAMFORD Plus! Find out who you voted for the best places in our hometown!

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the food issu e

DECO : HOM E MOVES

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on great s and caterers carts Local restaurant TOP DOCTORS and at-home bar hours cocktail Health Guide, Updated for

LET’S TALK ABOUT

2022

The Need for Mental

Stamford’s new destination for fun times, good food and big ideas

Celebrate this year’s Light a Fire philanthropy honorees

Water View

SoundWaters’s mission to protect Long Island Sound —and a peek at the new campus

PLUS

Holiday Shopping

Our review of The Wheel Restaurant

Stylish finds that make amazing gifts

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NOW& THEN

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Expert, compassionate care is within reach at Stamford Health care center locations in Greenwich, New Canaan and Wilton. We offer unparalleled expertise from primary care, surgery and medical specialty physicians to imaging and lab services. The exceptional care you deserve is only a call or click away. To make a virtual or in-person appointment, visit StamfordHealth.org/carecenters or call 800.347.0357.

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editor’s letter

MAY/JUNE 2022 / DIANE TALBOT SEMBROT

SCAN TO VISIT US

HOW TO SCAN: OPEN, AIM & TAP

t has been a long time since things have felt this good. Does that mean the state of the world and everyday life is perfect? No. We’ve been through a lot—through trauma, from Covid, political and cultural unrest, and more, of course. But spring has a way of offering a second chance, a new beginning, that even January 1 cannot offer. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t yield to the gentle yet persistent optimism of nature coming out of its slumber and opening into a new season full of color and scent. The trees fill out. The grass grows lush. The flowers turn vibrant along pathways everywhere. The sky is blue and those white puffy clouds were made for watching as they float along. It’s irresistible. Enjoying it doesn’t mean we have forgotten the hardships of the past or the present. Life is still difficult some days. It just means that we also are offered gifts of beauty and peace and rewards for all of our senses. We were born to explore and enjoy the world, and so when good things come our way, we should indulge. I can’t say for certain how things will be once this issue hits the newsstands. But I can explain that these pages were dreamed into being during some long days in the middle of winter. Our team shared ideas of what they love about living here—what they find uplifting, rewarding and, of course, luxurious. For me, a perfect day is a walk along a peaceful beach and taking in a gorgeous (and quiet) view of Long Island Sound. For someone else, it might be getting dressed up in designer clothes and heading out to the celebratory

opening of a new and very upscale restaurant. We all enjoy “the good life” in different ways. The one constant is that we agree it is found here, in Fairfield County. Collaborating on the feature “The Good Life” was a respite from the hard news and stressful realities of events around the world. It also brought us together and helped us share a few laughs. It’s not intended to be a complete guide, just one that we hope brings you a bit of joy. Finding out what you love about Stamford and the surrounding areas is one of the best things about living here and why I enjoy working on Stamford magazine so much. Inside this issue, we also introduce you to Nette Compton, who is now leading the charge of Mill River Park Collective. The park is a popular place year-round, but it really shines during these warmer months. We sat down to talk to her about what she plans to do with the nonprofit, which has become critical to this city’s identity and why she is dedicated to sharing the rewards of nature. It is always there to offer us fun, comfort and lessons. Every issue, I promise to bring you articles with ideas for loving where you live more and more and introducing you to people who are passionate about making Stamford one of the best places to live and work. Where and how you spend your days is how you create a life, and, together, we’ll make sure it’s so very good.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILLIAM TAUFIC

GOOD LIFE

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buzz STATUS REPORT

SWEET SUCCESS

THE BEAUTIFUL CENTENNIAL OF THE SPRINGDALE FLORIST AND GARDEN CENTER by judith marks-white

PHOTOGRAPHY: ARRANGEMENTS AND GRANDFATHER, CONTRIBUTED; ALL OTHERS BY GARVIN BURKE

ay is a big month for Springdale Florist. Not only is it one of the major flower-focused months as Mother’s Day orders come flying in, but it’s also the anniversary for the little shop that could. They are celebrating 100 years of flower arrangements, plants and gardening advice, tools and tips. Mike “Mickey” Doyle—owner of the flower emporium (which is near the Darien/Stamford town line), along with son Tom—can’t quell his enthusiasm for the anniversary. In 1973 his family took over Springdale Florist, previously owned by the Cant family, starting in 1932. That was when Mike’s grandfather came aboard for “just a week” to help out the Cants, but he stayed on until the Doyle family acquired the business. “When I was fourteen, I started helping out, too,” Mike says. His blooming love affair with flowers became the real deal. “I met a lot of great people along the way who put their trust in us. Trust and loyalty are what it’s all about.” One sees it in the shop’s Heroes Wall, which was started for a high school employee who later enlisted in the Army and lost his young life. Customers noticed and asked to add their relatives as well. One also sees it in Mike’s donation of fifty roses twice a week to the Bennett Cancer Center for the past thirty years. When asked about the florist’s longevity, he says, “It’s not just flowers, but the spirit and commitment that makes our success so sweet and enduring.” He adds that next to Christmas, Mother’s Day is its busiest holiday, even more than Valentine’s Day (for which they hire sixty people to make and deliver arrangements). Share in the celebration by popping by (28 Camp Avenue; springdaleflorist.com) and breathe in the history as the scents of flowers and festivity linger in the air. 1. Original store sign from the 1930s 2. Anton Klein, Mike’s grandfather, standing in front of the Alex Cant Greenhouse before it became the Springdale Florist and Garden Center 3. Owner Mike Doyle, who has been Grand Marshal in Stamford parades, in one of the greenhouses 4. Rustic shelves in the shop 5. Shoppers during the warmer months 6. A funeral spray 7. Alison Massaro, an employee for twenty years, works on a large order of table arrangements for a local event. 8. The Tropical Punch Bouquet, which can be ordered online or in store

3 4

MAY/JUNE 2022 STAMFORD

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above and below: Stamford Land Conservation Trust has been preserving local open spaces since 1972, with the mission of saving space for flora and fauna year-round.

TIMELESS MISSION T

he year 1972 was the age of the Volkswagen Beetle; the premieres of The Godfather and M*A*S*H; Watergate; Apollo moon landing; Vietnam; and women were finally allowed to compete in the Boston Marathon and/or become FBI agents. Some things do change. But it was also the year that the Stamford Land Conservation Trust (SLCT; stamfordland.org) was founded with the mission to preserve things just as they were. For five decades, its mission to preserve and protect open land has endured and now

spans 57 preserves, from one acre to 164 acres, totaling more than 450 acres in Stamford. “They all contribute to preserving open space,” says the organization’s president, Harry Day. Two of them—the 149-acre Helen Altschul Preserve and the twenty-six-acre Birch Meadow Preserve—represent almost 40 percent of its preserved properties. “They are exceptionally beautiful, with sloping wooded terrain and trails for visitors. The properties have pond and wetland areas and are home to a variety of animals, including deer, coyotes, foxes, amphibians, and aquatic and terrestrial birds. The Helen Altschul Preserve lies entirely within the Mianus River Greenway Watershed and is of key importance in water protection and availability.” The way he speaks of the land reveals his attachment to it. He couldn’t hide his enthusiasm if he wanted to. Day has worked with the nonprofit for nearly twenty years, starting when then-president Percy Langstaff brought him on to help save ninety-three of the 100 acres of the Libby Holman property from development. “I have been dedicated to the Trust ever since,” Day says. “I have long been dedicated to saving open space. Half of my business career was as a creator and builder of golf courses with my brother—many of which are now well-known—on beautiful properties that otherwise would have been densely developed with housing.” Now as president, he’s leading efforts to win over the public, as SLCT receives no

by diane sembrot

annual governmental support. Most of their properties have been donated. The largest property, the Helen Altschul Preserve, was acquired in 2010 through mutual agreement between the Land Trust and the Nature Conservancy located in Middletown. It connects a total of 245 acres of preserved natural open space, so it’s important. “Some expenses were necessary,” he says of the $3 million needed. “Otherwise, the properties would have been sold for development. That amount, while challenging, is less than the value of the properties.” SPACE AND TIME Fundraising, of course, doesn’t just happen. People, especially those in Stamford, need to understand the value of SLCT’s mission—the why of it. Harry says it’s about saving the land

CONTRIBUTED

STAMFORD LAND CONSERVATION TRUST AT A GOLDEN YEAR

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buzz so people can use it—to walk it—and to try the educational programs. “Our programs invite people to come, learn and enjoy,” he says. “Our properties are saved forever and will never be developed. More and more, even people who live downtown now realize that beautiful quiet nature is just minutes away. During the past two years, our properties have served as a refuge from Covid as we have had record numbers of visitors.” The more involved people get— experiencing the trails and its restorative calm—the more they appreciate what open space offers. “Our preserves make me proud of what we do. Many of them are exceptionally interesting and fun to visit,” he explains.

“Some of our preserves are not visited often, but they serve a valid purpose nevertheless; others are providing great enjoyment for our citizens who visit, take long walks, see animals and birds, look in the ponds and learn about nature. For different reasons, I like each and every one of them.” Making sure the land is ready for that use, SLCT relies on a small staff and volunteers— and always grateful for more. “We can always use more financial support. Sometimes our properties wait too long to be taken care of as we would like,” he says. “We also encourage Stamford citizens to get involved—donate, volunteer, spread the word or even just follow along on our social media pages.”

SHARE THE SPACE The preserves and hiking trails invite us to get out into nature—and, of course, eventually interact with wildlife. Only two preserves—Helen Altschul and Birch Meadow—have trail systems; while a few of the others are open to the public, they are rarely visited except by neighbors. Either way, John Stone, treasurer for SLCT Board of Directors, shares some tips for nature newbies on what to do/not to do. 1 // Keep watch. “Stay on the trail, with your dog leashed and children in sight. This prevents hazards from topographic features (steep terrain) and prevents incursion into the territory of any wildlife that might get defensive.” 2 // Check for ticks. “Protect your family and pets against ticks that frequently carry Lyme disease. Staying on the trail and out of the underbrush takes care of much of this, but visitors should also check themselves for ticks promptly after their visit. More on this at Lyme Disease Prevention—Global Lyme Alliance at globallymealliance.org/ about-lyme/prevention. 3 // Respect animals. “As for wildlife encounters, we do have predators in our preserves, but virtually none of them prey on people and they will generally avoid you. While I’ve never heard of this happening, if you encounter a large predator, such as a coyote or bear, that does not retreat on its own, just reverse direction slowly (to avoid convincing them that you’re prey) and return to your home or car.”

The Properties

While the nonprofit depends on donations, memberships, volunteers and stewards (see more at stamfordland.org), another way to show your appreciation is to enjoy the land and share any photos you take. Here is an overview of the nonprofit’s properties.

Helen Altschul Preserve 164 acres, acquired from The Nature Conservancy, which had acquired it from the Altschul family in 1977. It has ruins of farm buildings and mills. See songbirds, waterfowl, white tailed deer, coyotes, red and gray foxes, raccoons, frogs, turtles, salamanders and snakes along trails for hiking, horseback riding, research and photography.

Mayapple/ Tanglewood Preserve 9.5 acres, acquired in 1996-97. The bulk (8.14 acres) was purchased in 1952 by a family who brought in animals, including African crowned cranes and English fallow deer. A second donation (1.42 acres) is attached to the original section. It’s home for deer, foxes, owls, hawks and more. Not open to the public.

Birch Meadow Preserve 25.5 acres, bumps up, partially, against Lake Windermere. It is open to the public, with trails, but must enter through an easement at the end of Gun Club Road. Charge your phone for photos, because the land is home to deer, birds, coyotes, amphibians and more.

The Wallenberg Preserve A mix of wooded land and seasonal wetlands (vernal pools), the preserve is valuable to amphibians, who enjoy it relatively predator-free. The Isaac family donation made this possible.

Squirrel Run Preserve Coming in at thirteen acres and the cutest name in SLCT’s portfolio, this preserve does not have a trail system. If you visit, park on Ridgecrest Road and walk to a gated entrance on Riverbank Road (look for sign). The property was donated in 1972 by The Nature Conservancy and became part of SLCT in 1991.

Grass Island Preserve At 300-by-125-feet long, this little tract of land is found in the middle of Stamford Harbor. It’s home to ground-nesting birds, and marine life enjoy its shallows. George D. and John C. Wrightson donated it in 1972. CONTRIBUTED

above: The nonprofits rely on volunteers to help clear paths for visitors to enjoy, improve the health of the wooded areas and provide access for researchers to collect and study nature.

4 // Protect against bugs. “In the mid to late summer there can be quite a few mosquitoes, so the use of repellent is advised in those periods.”

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Q& A

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SPOTLIGHT ON LOCALS

Stamford-loving residents share their local favorites

COOPER MCMANUS

JENNIFER SEGOVIA

Town Tradition “Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular, Alive@Five and, of course, St. Leo’s Fair to end summer.” Best View “In the summer, I live at West Beach, so anything I view there is my happy place. I love the sand on my toes, being sun-kissed, watching the beautiful sunsets and catching up with friends.” Coffee Spot “I am not a coffee drinker. Do not laugh at me, but once in a while I like to treat myself to an iced caramel latte from Dunkin Donuts—with whipped cream on top. New-Place Pick “I attended the Cisco Brewers at The Village soft opening this past summer, but The Wheel Restaurant at The Village is a place I cannot wait to go to more often. I will be attending a wedding reception there in May, and I cannot wait to see their view.”

above: The Wheel restaurant at The Village

Creative Director & Director of Business Development at Hat Attack

Longtime Business Pick “Pellicci’s Ristorante on Stillwater Avenue. I have been to many family and friend gatherings there. The last in particular, we celebrated my dad’s surprise seventieth birthday.”

Years in Stamford “I was raised in Stamford, left for about ten years for college/after college. Then moved back when my husband and I started our family, almost ten years ago.”

Fave Food “I am all about comfort food. I love Ramen noodles and enjoy dining at Mecha Noodle Bar. To start, I either get the kale salad or red oil dumplings. For my entrée, my go-to is the spicy miso ramen soup with extra tamago [egg] and chashu [pork]. I also love to add some extra chili oil to make it spicier. What I love the most about this place is the nineties hip-hop music they play. So my vibe.”

Town Tradition “St. Leo Fair. It’s bittersweet as it marks the end of the summer, but brings so much joy to many people of all ages. It’s so fun bringing our kids there and reliving that through them.” Coffee Spot “We buy the whole beans from BonJo; it’s our favorite for making espresso and coffee at home. If going out, we love Lorca and Humbled, but always up for Donut Delight iced coffee as well!”

Best View “I am probably biased because we live in Shippan, but you can’t beat the sunset at the point.” Longtime Business Pick “Pellicci’s. Our go-to for any big gathering—family style. It’s just the best!”

above: Pellicci’s Ristorante, family-owned since 1947

New-Place Pick “Third Place—just what Stamford needs. Love the entire atmosphere and familyfriendly year-round.”

above: Tamago (slurping the broth is encouraged)

Fave Food “Columbus Park’s veal saltimbocca.”

What Makes Stamford Great “The people and connections you make. Everyone knows everyone in Stamford. Growing up with people that will become lifelong friends, that eventually become family, is something that makes this town special. Being able to watch your friends get engaged, married, have children of their own and watch them grow, is simply a blessing.”

above: Fresh coffee from BonJo Coffee Roasters, based in Stamford

What Makes Stamford Great “It’s always changing but somehow stays the same.”

“Being able to be creative every day is really important for me and working at Hat Attack allows me to do that. From the actual design of the product to the way we run the business, every single day is different. Helping my parents run a business that they started over forty years ago is something I am increasingly passionate about. It’s amazing what they have built and I am proud to be a part of it.”

“Sharing my love and passion for dance is something that means the absolute world to me. It is my purpose in life. There is no better feeling than to be able to give back to the community you love, by doing what you love.”

THE VILLAGE BY DIANE SEMBROT; MECHA NOODLE BAR, INSTAGRAM @EATRAMEN; BONJO COFFEE, CONTRIBUTED; PELLICCI’S RISTORANTE, COURTESY PELLICCIS.COM

Performing Arts faculty at King School; Zumba instructor at Underground Fitness; instructor at Dance on the DL in Darien; director of Dance with Jennifer Segovia

Years in Stamford Thirty-nine years

by joey macari

stamfordmag.com

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MSC

SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE

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buzz

Reach for It STRETCHLAB Checking Out the New Location in Stamford by diane sembrot

ot good about stretching? Now we have more than a coach telling us to stretch; we have one hands-on helping us to stretch. StretchLab (stretchlab.com) throws open its doors in Harbor Point, and its Flexologists (a term they trademarked) make stretching more productive and fun. You work one on one with a Flexologist in a personalized session. A twenty-five-minute stretch concentrates on your priority needs, and a fifty-minute session works you head to toe and all of your major muscle groups. Sessions are designed to increase mobility and flexibility, help reduce pain, decrease muscle aches, improve posture, reduce recovery time and enhance quality of life. If you like it, you can take out a membership for four or eight times a month or just keep doing single stretches.

The specially designed work tables allow for deeper and more focused assisted stretch work.

THE TEAM StretchLab Stamford is owned by KHR, which operates six other locations in Fairfield County and Westchester. It has the three original owners—Adam Kanzer, Andy Hicks and Dawn Rinaldi, who operated studios on their own prior to Covid. When they merged into one company, they brought into the group district managers Kacie Skidd and Kari Woodward. This is their first studio as newly formed KHR. “I wanted the chance to do something that would utilize different skill sets from my other occupation as an advertising creative,” says Adam Kanzer, “and I simply believed in the power of what assisted stretching can do. It’s one of those things where once you get a good assisted stretch you think, How could I not get this every week?” Kanzer says StretchLab Flexologists come from a variety of backgrounds, including personal training, massage therapy and yoga. “You spend an hour with them and you immediately feel the difference in your flexibility, range of motion, mobility. Every time I finish a session with them, personally, my body feels ten years younger.” LOCATION, LOCATION “We had our eye on Stamford since we all opened up our first studios three years ago,” says Kanzer. “It’s such a diverse and vibrant city that seems to be undergoing such a rapid transition; we knew it was going to be our first expansion destination. We think the Harbor Point area specifically has so much potential. It’s just a fun, lively place to be. I can’t wait to see how it looks in a few years.”

StretchLab offers a $59, fifty-minute intro stretch for first-time visitors and four-month and eight-month membership packs.

ADAM KANZER

Assisted stretching is one of those things that you can describe all you want, but you really have to hop on a bench and experience it to see just how beneficial it can be to so many aspects of your daily life. —co-owner Adam Kanzer

stamfordmag.com

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shop by janel alex ander

MOTHER’S DAY IS LOOKING GOOD IMAGES COURTESY OF BRANDS

WHETHER SHE’S A COOK, A FASHIONISTA OR JUST THE ONE WHO GIVES THE BEST HUGS, MOM DESERVES TO BE TREATED WITH GIFTS SHE’S SURE TO LOVE

THE CONSUMMATE HOSTESS Stephanie Nass studied culinary arts as a young woman in France and then staged at some of the top restaurants in Manhattan. In 2019 she launched Chefanie, a line of unique tableware and accessories. Mix and match her prints, patterns and shapes of tablecloths, cocktail napkins and unique placecard holders to shabby-chic up your next dinner party. Chintz Tablecloth, $230; Cocktail Napkins, $60; Lily of Valley Dinner Napkins, $108; chefanie.com

stamfordmag.com

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THE BAG LADY

MOMMY AND ME

This woven mint green bag is the perfect structure-meets-soft carryall for the office, lunch or simply on the go. The collection, with the signature lock and key detail, is named for Lee Radziwill, who Tory admires for being fearlessly free-spirited. Lee Radziwill Woven Petite Double Bag, $898, Tory Burch, Greenwich; toryburch.com

This “Mum Is My Superhero” tee shows welldeserved appreciation for hard-working moms, and the girls adorable paisley-print dress is comfortable yet chic. Pair with accessories for a sweet mom-and-mini me moment. Mum Tee, $90; Kyze Dress, $135, Ba&sh Greenwich; ba-sh.com

THE UNDERSTATED FASHIONISTA Get her thinking about spring with this figureflattering smocked-top dress that proves that regardless of age, you can feel youthful at heart and look fabulous. Suzanne Fleur Smocked Poplin dress, $475, Rebecca Taylor, The Westchester; rebeccataylor.com

THE STATEMENT MAKER For the mom who has a taste for intrigue and eye for mystery, gift her a modern pair of oversized sunnies in a soft shade that lets her check out the whole scene (and who’s doing what) discreetly. Coach sunglasses $196, Sunglass Hut in Greenwich, Stamford and Westport; sunglasshut.com

THE CULINARY ARTIST This timeless Dutch oven moves from stovetop to table with style. Put in your order for stews, roasts and soups. The beautiful cast iron pot is among the newest additions to The Shop at Grayson De Vere— and it works as good as it looks. 5.5 Qt. Dutch Oven with lid, $500, Greenwich; graysondevere.com

MAY/JUNE 2022 STAMFORD

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do Restoring your pelvic floor could mean BIG CHANGES IN OVERALL WELLNESS by liz barron

f we’ve learned anything over the past couple of years, it’s that health really is wealth. And, in this case, we are talking about pelvic health, something that can affect both women and men, can be the reason why you pee a little when you sneeze or why you can’t take a deep cleansing breath. So many issues can arise when your pelvis isn’t in tip-top shape and Indigo Wellness wants to help with that. The practice, with offices in Stamford and Westport, is owned and operated by Sarah Swanberg, doctor of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. In addition to an array of other services, Indigo offers pelvic floor therapy to help achieve and maintain optimal pelvic health. The misconception, Swanberg says, is that pelvic issues are only something women who have had difficult childbirth experiences need to pay attention to. That theory was debunked when we chatted with Swanberg and two of the experts on her team to learn more. Kara Fanelli, PT, DPT, board-certified clinical specialist in women's health physical therapy, and Jodie Lippman PT, DPT, work with patients—both female and male—on pelvic rehab for a variety of ailments. Pelvic physical therapy focuses on all musculoskeletal and behavioral aspects of the abdomen and pelvis. Pelvic floor muscles aid in everything from bladder, bowel and sexual function to postural stability and organ support. How does one know if they might benefit from pelvic floor therapy? “If you are aware of your pelvic region when you shouldn’t be, there’s a problem. It’s a part of your body but think of it like your nose…you know you it’s there, but you don’t feel it all day,” says Fanelli. “An initial appointment at Indigo includes

What are some signs of pelvic issues that might be blamed on something else? “The inability to take a deep breath, symptoms that feel like a yeast or urinary tract infection (that test negative), back pain and diastasis recti (abdominal wall separation) can all be due to pelvic dysfunction,” says Lippman. Are women, pregnant and postpartum, the most susceptible to urinary issues? “Yes. Pregnant women, postpartum women and menopausal women are prone to urinary issues. However, people who have a lot of stress and

an exam, comprehensive history, and a look at the patient’s posture, understanding strength throughout the body and the way muscles feel and fire are all crucial in developing a treatment plan.”

anxiety can also be susceptible to pelvic floor dysfunctions. Our pelvic floor gets tight and reacts to tension just like our shoulders do. Also female athletes who do repetitive highintensity and high-impact activities, like lifting weights, kicking balls and jumping and shooting, with improper technique and poor breathing are also particularly susceptible to pelvic floor dysfunction and bladder problems,” says Lippman. Leakage is normal after having a baby, right? “After childbirth, many women assume that leakage is normal. It isn’t. While it’s initially common right after childbirth, it can be dramatically improved with pelvic physical therapy and shouldn’t be a lifelong issue,” says Fanelli. For women who have had C-sections, bladder issues seem surprising, but not to the experts. “The scar lives right on top of the bladder. If it doesn’t move well, it can cause issues for the bladder. Leakage can also arise from pressure management problems. When picking up something heavy, if the abdominal wall doesn’t contract and fire while also allowing the pelvic floor to lift, this is where issues with leakage will occur,” says Fanelli. “The pressure always goes to the weakest point. If there is weakness in the abdominal wall’s connective tissue or in the pelvic floor muscles, then all the pressure will follow that weakness,” adds Lippman.

INDIGO WELLNESS In addition to pelvic health physical therapy, Indigo offers acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, cupping, nutrition counseling and group programs. Their abundant toolbox of services are all interwoven to help their patients achieve optimum mind/body health. “The end goal is to create a robust support system. We believe that the best patient care happens when everyone involved is talking—the more eyes on the patient to help with their journey of wellness, the better,” says Swanberg.

Why does the pelvis affect so many other parts of the body?

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“If you picture your body as an actual house, your pelvic floor would be the ground, the foundation; your abdominals and core would be the walls, helping to stabilize; and your diaphragm would be the roof— some people even think as high up as the glottis in the throat as the top,” says Lippman. With this structure in mind, “you can’t breathe properly unless your diaphragm and pelvic floor are working together. Upper chest breathing can be caused by a lack of movement in the diaphragm, which can contribute to pelvic floor muscle tension. We’ll often hear patients say things like, ‘I can’t talk and walk without getting out of breath’ and it’s because their diaphragm isn’t moving the way that it’s supposed to,” says Fanelli.

stamfordmag.com

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Community Style “I am fortunate to live an active but beautifully protected lifestyle in an elegant and first-class community.” Bobbi H., Edgehill Resident

At Edgehill, you or your loved one will continue to live life to its fullest. With gourmet food, first-class service, luxurious amenities and a dynamic team of associates, Edgehill is the standard for senior living.

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Where life meets style.

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above: CEO Marc E. Jaffe with some of the students of Children's Learning Centers of Fairfield County

For the Kids Shaping a Generation Through Early Childhood Development by judith marks-white

ark your calendars: June 3, 2022, is cause for celebration, and what a night it will be. That’s when the 120th anniversary event for CHILDREN’S LEARNING CENTERS OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY will take center stage at Serafina at the IC by hosting “An Intimate Evening with Vanessa Williams.” The multitalented singer, actress, fashion designer and former Miss America takes the stage as event headliner to help this exceptional organization celebrate an exceptional achievement in such an exceptional way. Development Director Corey Paris can’t wait to put on his dancing shoes when the community comes together for a night of fundraising and festivity.

Headquartered in Stamford, CLC provides early childhood education for every family with direct services and programs focusing on health, nutrition and family support for children ages six weeks to five years. These programs are run by a staff whose commitment to the organization’s mission is palpable and whose expert levels of care are their main priority. One grateful parent shared that her son receives well-balanced and nutritious meals, including breakfast, lunch and snacks, and that he comes home eager to share what he learned. The parent also noted well-sized classrooms and supervised outside play areas. CEO Marc E. Jaffe heads and runs this iconic gift to Fairfield County with a golden

touch. A man of vision and humanity, his words resonate loudly: “I feel we all have a responsibility to do good work and heal the world.” If ever this sentiment supports such a commitment, Children’s Learning Centers best exemplify his philosophy. CLC sums up its mission as: “Together we shape a generation through early childhood development.” As the secondlargest early childhood education provider in Connecticut, CLC is a leader in the field. This nonprofit agency is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and approved by Federal Head Start. They have eight Stamford locations, serving this city and the surrounding communities. Early Head Start and Head Start programs are available to Stamford, Darien and Greenwich, and financial assistance for these programs is based on eligibility. CLC enriches the community, and its enthusiasm is contagious. Its goal is for every child in the Fairfield County area to have access to quality early education. They achieve this through cooperation, collaboration and coordination with their community social service agencies. Such nonprofits thrive on donations, and where best to show your support? On June 3, CLC will share alumni stories, photos from their archives and more nostalgic tidbits that best illustrate the work that Children’s Learning Centers of Fairfield County is doing year-round. As Marc Jaffe points out: “Unfortunately, child care in Connecticut is dramatically underfunded. So, it compels us to raise money from generous supporters. There’s no better way to do this than to bring in extraordinarily gifted talent to help raise our profile, while shining the light on a critical issue.” Chair of the Development Committee, Karen Giannuzzi, concludes by saying, “It’s an honor to work on the board of CLC, an organization that has a positive impact and influential role on the children and the future of our community.”

MELANI LUST

stamfordmag.com

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MAY/JUNE 2022 STAMFORD

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Y R T IS TH

dia by

sem

bro

A few things to do, places to go and fancy galas to attend in May and June

THE PARK: MAY 5

NATURE: MAY 19

CHILDREN: JUNE 3

The nonprofit Mill River Park Collaborative will celebrate its annual DINNER IN THE PARK GALA. Governor Lamont and several other state and city officials are expected to attend the gala, which will be Nette Compton’s first major public introduction as head of Mill River Park. See more in this issue and event details at millriverpark.org.

The BARTLETT ARBORETUM & GARDENS GALA, 6:30 p.m., at Rockrimmon Country Club, will celebrate the life of Gail Malloy. Dannel Malloy, former Governor of Connecticut, will serve as MC for the event, which will include cocktails, dinner, a silent auction and a video tribute. See more at bartlettarboretum.org.

The CHILDREN’S LEARNING CENTERS OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY celebrate its 120th anniversary with an event at Serafina at the IC. Vanessa Williams is the special guest for the gathering. CLC will be honoring Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro at the event. See more about this organization in this issue and online at clcfc.org for event details.

CONTRIBUTED

left: The beautiful river at Mill River Park in Stamford right: The lush and green fern alley at Bartlett Arboretum during the warmer months

stamfordmag.com

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STAMFORD’S AWARD-WINNING THEATRE Curtain Call’s 31st Season Continues Sterling Farms Theatre Complex

World Premiere! A charming new comedy!

Curtain Call’s

May 5 - 22

July 2022 - MEASURE FOR MEASURE

MAY

203-461-6358 www.curtaincallinc.com

The Sterling Farms Theatre Complex, 1349 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, CT Produced in cooperation with The City of Stamford. Funding in part from the CT Office of the Arts / Department of Economic Development 24_29_STM_FOB_DO_MAY_JUN_2022.indd 29

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home by megan gagnon

1 LAND OF BELLE Green jardin dinnerware collection; starting at $48. landofbelle.com

2 BUNNY WILLIAMS HOME Wild ginger throw; $225. bunnywilliamshome.com

FOR MIX IN BLOCK PRINTS FOR A SEASONAL REFRESH

pattern maker

3 MORRIS & CO. Archive Meadow Sweet wallpaper; $208 per roll. perigold.com

4 HOLLYWOOD AT HOME BY PETER DUNHAM Griffith sofa; $5,200. hollywoodathome.com

5 MITCHELL GOLD + BOB WILLIAMS Disha rug; starting at $660. Greenwich; mgbwhome.com

6 FERMOIE

i’ve always l oved the organic geometry of bl o ck prints. it’s the best of b oth worlds: a pleasing, rhy thmic design with the t ouch of a h uman hand.

—peter dunham, peter dunham textiles

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

Lampshade in Green Marden; starting at $175. Trovare Home Design, Greenwich; trovarehomedesign.com

stamfordmag.com

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3 play it cool

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

COBALT IS OUR SOMETHING BOLD, SOMETHING BLUE

6 i’m often dr awn t o c obalt blue as it reflects b oth the sea and sky, has a so othing richness t o it and promotes peace and calm within the home.

—mia johnson, amelia johnson design

1 MODSHOP

2 NICKEY KEHOE

3 BLUE PHEASANT

4 SMEG

5 RYAN STUDIO

6 MADE GOODS

Cobalt blue velvet occasional chair with cushion and soft back pillow; $1,895. 1stdibs.com

Scallop sconce in cobalt; $450. nickeykehoe .com

Megan pitcher; starting at $228. Simple Elegance Home and Gifts, Westport; simpleelegance homeandgifts.com

Retro style refrigerator; $2,199. smeg.com

Bandeau marine pillow; $333. Fig Linens and Home; Westport; figlinensandhome .com

Zavory mirror in natural bone/ navy resin; $1,420. Housewarmings, Old Greenwich; housewarmingsct.

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home

imperfect match ASYMMETRY ALLOWS YOU TO FIND YOUR OWN BALANCE

asymmetry feels fresh, because it pushes the b oundaries of tr aditional design by challenging symmetry, one of the most foundational elements.

—jessica hensley phillips, creative marketing director at visual comfort

6 1 ASPLUND

2 CB2

3 VISUAL COMFORT

4 JAYSON HOME

5 NOIR

6 TRNK

Palais oval coffee table; $4,700. shophorne.com

Specchio wall mirror; $499. cb2.com

Pedra 15” asymmetrical left sconce by Kelly Wearstler; $929. Circa Lighting, Greenwich; circalighting.com

Ibsen dining table; $4,995. jaysonhome.com

Rosario coffee table in black steel; $2,975. Beehive, Fairfield; thebeehivefairfield.com

Segment chaise in caramel; $3,195. trnk-nyc.com

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

stamfordmag.com

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Join us for Building One Community's first virtual

Annual Spring Benefit B1C Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow celebrating 10 years of successfully integrating immigrants into the community

Thursday, May 20, 2021 7 PM - 8 PM: Benefit Program 8 PM - 8:30 PM: Post-Event Sponsor Discussion with founding members, Catalina Horak, Cathy Ostuw, and Kathie Walsh The past ten years have been transformative for the Greater Stamford area. We look forward to celebrating our journey with all of you. Learn how we moved from a seemingly impossible dream to being a major driving force in successfully supporting immigrants as they integrate into the local community. A dream made possible thanks to our supporters and your partnership.

Scan the QR code or visit www.B1C.org/virtual-event to register for your complimentary ticket, sponsor or donate 75 Selleck St. Stamford, CT 06902 | 203.674.8585 x108 B1C is a 501(c)(3) organization and all donations are tax deductible to full extent allowed by law.

DANCING UNDER THE STARS AN EVENT TO BENEFIT ELDERHOUSE

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FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 2022 6:00PM - 11:00PM THE POINT AT NORWALK COVE NORWALK, CT TICKETS ON SALE NOW! For more information, to purchase tickets and make a pledge for your favorite star dancer, please visit: elderhouse.org/events All proceeds from this event will support the care and services ElderHouse provides to older adults and their family caregivers. ElderHouse is a not-for-profit adult day center serving Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford, Weston, Westport and Wilton.

MAY/JUNE 2022 STAMFORD

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go ITS ISLAND TIME ST. BARTS: FUN IN THE SUN NEVER LOOKED SO CHIC by kim-marie evans

CONTRIBUTED

s a travel writer, the first question I get asked at cocktail parties is: “What’s the best place you’ve ever been?” That’s like asking Tom Brady which Super Bowl he enjoyed winning the most. After a sun-soaked week in St. Barts, I may have an answer. If Dubai and Paris had a well-dressed baby and took it to the beach, it would be St. Barts. It’s decidedly French but without the disdain. It’s got the frothy “Is money even real?” feel of Dubai, but with bikinis. And yet, it’s the most welcoming island I’ve visited to date. If you choose to visit, you’re in for a treat.

stamfordmag.com

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LAF_MA

It’s Time to Celebrate the Good Guys! Visit ilovefc.com to nominate those individuals and organizations who have gone beyond the ordinary to the extraordinary in their support of those in need. Honorees will be featured in the November issue and celebrated at a special awards ceremony.

PLEASE VOTE TODAY! Go to ilovefc.com/lightafire VOTING DEADLINE: JULY 9

Nominations being accepted in the following categories: Most Involved in the Arts Most Dedicated Committee Member Outstanding Philanthropist Outstanding Teen Volunteer Best Friend to Children Best Health Advocate Lifetime Achievement Best Friend to Seniors Most Involved Couple Corporate Good Neighbor

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getting there Yes, it’s an unnerving straight shot down on a puddle jumper to land on the island’s runway, which is roughly the length of an aircraft carrier. Swig some Cristal before landing. You’ll be fine. Planes seldom crash, and the ferry is much worse. Fly into San Juan and book one of the regularly scheduled Tradewinds private shuttles. Sunset over Gustavía

The perfect cover-up and tote are not hard to find on the island.

shop till you drop— lots of cash

getting around You must rent a car (and in my opinion it should be a convertible Mini Cooper). The Mini Mokes are cute, but get a real car. Everything on here is limited—cars, hotel rooms, reservations at Bagatelle. Secure everything the moment you book your flight. We worked with Sonia from All About St. Barts. She knows everyone and can get you in everywhere you want to be. In New York, everyone's “got a guy.” In St. Barts, Sonia and her partner Elodie are your guys. allaboutstbarths.com Kim-Marie ready to hit the beach with friends

If you’re looking for a taxfree Rolex or other designer purchases, you can go almost anywhere in the Caribbean. The reason to shop St. Barts is for the oneof-a-kind curated boutiques.

above: A junior ocean suite at Cheval Blanc below: You had us at Frosé, Eden Rock.

Eva 37, Rue de République If you only visit one store on the island, this is it. Coralie (her daughter is Eva) does all of the buying. Pull any item from the rack and you’ll hear: “Oh, that’s from Israel” or “I got that one in Florence” and so on. Her first shop is in an underwhelming shopping center, and TikTokkers have yet to discover it. Coralie recently opened a second shop on rue de France behind Libertine.

Pop St. Barth 10, Rue de la République This shop is packed with the flowiest of dresses made under its private label. In true French style, the store even smells amazing. I messaged them upon return to the U.S. after unpacking my lovely smelling purchases. It’s bois de santal by Creed.

CONTRIBUTED

Le Clic This is a truly special arts and home goods store on rue de la France. Here, you'll snag the ultimate souvenir—a covetable handcrafted hessian market bag with St. Barth French West Indies stamped on it. A purchase supports artisans in Bangladesh. If the shop feels familiar, you probably loved Calypso St. Barth, it's the same owner, Christian Celle. stamfordmag.com

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go finding the party Nikki Beach This is the standardbearer for an iconic beach club party. A peaceful lunchtime meal with mellow beats can quickly turn into a party with sparklers wedged into the corks of bottles of Perrier-Jouët. If that’s not your thing, book a reservation for a Monday. What to wear? Anything or almost nothing.

GypSea Welcome to the new kid on the proverbial block, just down the beach from Nikki. You can walk to the party at Nikki, then return to your relatively quiet outpost. Make a reservation and book a beach chair, 50 euros for a mat, 150 for a proper chaise lounge.

above: The ultimate perch at Cheval Blanc

You won’t make a mistake here. It's like choosing a favorite child. You love them all, just for different reasons. CHEVAL BLANC LVMH owns it, the rooms are luxuriously large and have a custom scent created by Guerlain wafting through the air. It’s all whitewashed interiors and vintage French fabrics. The suites come with a personal butler, who will help you with anything via WhatsApp prior to your arrival. And even if you “only” book a smaller room, housekeeping will pack and unpack for you. You just need to ask. The hotel sits on the most swimmable beach on the island, and for that reason hotel guests have exclusive access to sun loungers. Rates starting at $960, minimum stay may apply; chevalblanc.com VILLA MARIE While Eden Rock gets all the Kardashian-style press, I prefer Villa Marie. This boutique hotel is a windy climb into the hills above Colombier beach. Getting to your room feels like a bit of a treehouse adventure, complete with resident

LE TOINY This hotel is on the opposite side of the island from Gustavía, surrounded by wild and rugged terrain. It is not a see-andbe-seen place. It recently reopened after a glow-up renovation, with new interiors by Lady Bee Osborn and each room has a private plunge pool. The beach club is only accessible by open-air Defenders that navigate several steep dirt curves. I convinced the general manager to let me try driving. He says I’m the only non-employee they’ve ever allowed behind the wheel, but he’s also French, so perhaps he was flattering me. I have an open invitation to leave the magazine and work as a driver. I’m considering it. (Editor’s note: She’s kidding!) Rates starting at $1,500; letoiny.com

At this hotel beach club, outside guests are welcome. It’s the opposite of Nikki in almost every way— instead of day beds and DJs you’ll find hammocks and a refreshing infinity pool.

Shellona Beach Located near the town of Gustavía, the beach is made of tiny shells (not as painful as you imagine). Quiet and chic, it’s a perfect family spot.

Bagatelle Most of the time, this restaurant on the harbor is all about fine dining. On Friday and Saturday nights around 8 p.m., the DJ drops the bass, and well-heeled guests start buying magnums and jeroboams of Dom for several thousand dollars that include the chance to be carried through the restaurant supermanstyle with sparklers and champers in hand.

CONTRIBUTED

staying there

Le Toiny

turtles crossing the wooden footpaths. The owner has exquisite taste, and my back-of-the-envelope calculations tell me this is a passion project, not a profit center. It’s less “hotel,” more “chic aunt who decamped to the islands with a trust fund and art history degree.” And because she also owns the hottest new beach club, GypSea, guests enjoy complimentary access and sun loungers. Rates starting at $740; en.saint-barth.villamarie.fr

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FULLY BOOKED

A COMING-OF-AGE MEMOIR, A “LOCKED-ROOM” MYSTERY, A SATIRE WITH HEART, AN EMOTIONALLY CHARGED TALE OF HEARTBREAK AND HEALING, AND A WORK OF HISTORICAL FICTION GROUNDED IN THE LITERARY WORLD, COMPRISE OUR “TOP FIVE” LIST FOR THIS SPRING.

CONTRIBUTED

by emily liebert

THIS WILL BE FUNNY LATER BY JENNY PENTLAND

THE ARC BY TORY HENWOOD HOEN

BLOOMSBURY GIRLS BY NATALIE JENNER

THE LAST PARTY BY CASSIDY LUCAS

WHEN WE LET GO BY ROCHELLE B. WEINSTEIN

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to grow up as the child of a celebrity, look no further. Comedian Roseanne Barr’s daughter, Jenny Pentland, has written a memoir that’s—at times—funny, but also agonizingly honest. She shares with readers how she navigated a world of chaos as she watched storylines from her own life in working-class Denver play out on her mother’s hit TV series Roseanne. And that was just the beginning. As Roseanne’s success exploded onto the toxic Hollywood scene of high stakes and tabloid mania, Jenny grappled with acute anxiety and eating issues, which landed her at fat camps, wilderness survival programs and drug-rehab clinics (even though she didn’t take drugs). Fortunately, what could have been a recipe for disaster, resulted in stability. Jenny, who’s now a happily married woman raising five sons on a farm, details what it took to escape the darkness of her past and move toward the light of her future.

Who isn’t a sucker for a “love story with a brain,” as Tory Henwood Hoen affectionately refers to her new novel based in the heart of New York City? She adds, “I really believe that humor and emotional depth can (and should!) coexist…” which is probably why she wrote a book about The Arc, a clandestine matchmaking service— also exceedingly refined and super pricey—that relies on psychological and physiological assessments to establish relationships that (it promises) will stand the test of time. But can enduring passion really be guaranteed? Tory answers this question and many others through the journey of her characters, thirty-fiveyear-old Ursula Byrne, VP of Strategic Audacity at a branding agency, and forty-two-year-old lawyer Rafael Banks. The sparks between them are immediate and undeniable. Only time will tell if that’s enough.

For readers who relish the ubiquity of literature, Natalie Jenner has nailed it with her historical novel centered around Bloomsbury Books, a London-based bookstore that has eschewed change for a century. Under the oversight of men and steered by the general manager’s indestructible fifty-one rules, the female characters take matters into their own hands. After all, it is 1950 and the publishing industry is primed for transformation. Enter Vivien Lowry, who lost her fiancé in World War II. Then there’s Grace Perkins, a mother of two sons, who’s been supporting her family since her husband’s breakdown. Last, Evie Stone is a member of the first class of female students from Cambridge allowed to earn a degree. Passed over for an academic position in favor of her less-qualified male rival, she works at Bloomsbury Books until she can redefine her future. These three ladies set out to achieve their dreams while interacting with exceptional literary figures of the time.

In a “locked room” mystery, people are confined together under abnormal circumstances until things go haywire. In this latest thriller from Cassidy Lucas— pen name of writing pair Julia Fierro and Caeli Wolfson Widger—the premise follows a group of “frenemies” congregated in the mountains outside L.A. for a fiftieth birthday celebration. Only Dawn Sanders, the guest of honor, doesn’t feel like reveling. She’s in a dead-end job as an aesthetician, her nineteen-year-old daughter is regressing developmentally and her ex-husband is a constant thorn in her side. Still, when her bestie, actress Mia Meadows, insists on commemorating Dawn’s major milestone with her six closest friends during the summer solstice in Topanga Canyon, she agrees. But, over the weekend, secrets, gripes and tensions threaten to ruin everything…until Dawn ends up alone on a mountainside in the middle of the night, unsure as to whether or not she’ll make it through.

When widowed dad Jude Masters proposes to Avery Beckett, she knows she’s supposed to be thrilled. So why does she feel anxious instead? Avery loves Jude. Yet the concept of having a family renders her circumspect, and she’s not sure that she believes in happy endings. Plus, getting married is a big step for her. Of course, it could also be the sheer dread that comes from harboring secrets and the realization that before she embarks on a new life, she has to resolve her past. On the heels of returning from her childhood farm in North Carolina, Avery finds herself charged with Jude’s teenage daughter, Elle, who’s got her own issues to contend with, including her mother’s death and the convoluted emotions of first love. As they both begin to heal and open up to each other, their bond blossoms in a way that affords them the courage to move forward. If you’re looking for a tale of mothers and daughters and grief and renewal, and you believe in second chances, you won’t be able to “let go” of this book.

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eat left: The menu changes seasonally, but the freshly made bowls typically are a mix of favorite grains, protein and veggies right: Make-your-own salad

Green to Go

t’s late spring and a new place to eat is expected to open in Stamford. At 2,860 square feet, the new fresh&co (freshandco .com) has found its spot at Atlantic Station (atlanticstationstamford.com), thanks to RXR (a real estate owner, operator and developer). This is the seventeenth location in the country and the first in Connecticut for fresh&co, a family-owned restaurant group founded in 2010. It partners with local farms and uses its own farm on Long Island to provide chefinspired meals with seasonal, local produce. Atlantic Station, at 355 Atlantic Street, is a luxury development consisting of two residential towers and office and retail spaces. The first phase (325 rental units, 34,000 square feet of retail space and 30,000 square feet of office space) was completed in January 2018. The second tower (325 rental units and 48,000 square feet of retail space) opened in July 2021.

above: Grab-n-go sandwiches and wraps make things easy during a busy day.

by diane sembrot

“We are pleased to welcome fresh&co to Atlantic Station. We’re confident that their presence will be a popular amenity to residents, the workforce and visitors alike,” noted Whitney Arcaro, RXR executive vice president and head of marketing and retail leasing. Victor Shaio, owner of fresh&co Stamford, added, “The pandemic created some unique challenges in negotiating this deal, and we are grateful for the team at RXR for their professionalism and hard work throughout.” George Tenedios, the cofounder and CEO of fresh&co, summed things up, noting, “fresh&co is excited to join the Stamford community and offer our neighbors our fresh, healthy, and clean eats menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We have been feeding New Yorkers fresh and nutritious food these past twelve years and are excited to continue our expansion.” See all options, from juices to grain bowls online.

PHOTOGRAPHY FROM FRESH&CO INSTAGRAM @FRESHANDCOUSA

Fresh food fast at the newly opened fresh&co

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eat

left: Co-owners Rosario Procino and Raffaele Ronca right: Paccheri all’amatriciana

Oh, the Pasta-bilities! A BUZZING VIBE COMBINED WITH AUTHENTIC SOUTHERN ITALIAN CUISINE AND GENEROUS HOSPITALITY MAKE BIANCA A MUST-VISIT

by mary k ate ho gan • photo gr aphy by andrea carson

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TICKETS NOW ON SALE!

JUNE 6-11, 2022

Sip, Savor & Enjoy!

Get your tickets now for Westchester Magazine’s annual Wine & Food Festival. This week-long celebration brings together the finest gourmet food, exceptional wines, beers, spirits, burgers, food trucks, and award-winning chefs. One of the most prestigious gourmet gatherings in the area, this feast for the senses features a variety of events across Westchester County. From the always soldout Burger & Beer Blast and the iconic Grand Tasting Village and Connoisseurs Tent at Kensico Dam Plaza to our waterside Party on the Pier at Playland and a fun and educational Wine Tasting Experience with renowned wine expert Kevin Zraly, there is something sure to please every palate.

For updates and tickets, visit westchestermagazine.com/winefood. PRESENTING SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSORS

WINE PARTNER

GROUND BEEF SPONSOR

BENEFITTING CHARITY

www.theWPF.org

Custom sponsorships available at all levels. For more information, email sales@westchestermagazine.com or call 914.345.0601 ext. 138.

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eat

far left: Insalata di Carciofi left: Whole oven-baked branzino with shishito peppers below: Polpettine di Vitello

hose who missed lively nights out and dining elbow-to-elbow in city trattorias will feel right at home in Bianca. For a moment we were blissfully teleported back to 2019 as this cozy, modern Italian eatery seems a happy reminder of pre-socialdistancing days. It’s an inviting spot at the top of the Avenue with tables in close proximity, friendly staff, a fun playlist adding to the atmosphere and authentic cuisine that focuses on Naples and the Campania region. Every wine on the list is Italian. The service is congenial and efficient, a combination that’s becoming harder to find. Our waiter spent time recommending

his favorite dishes and checked in regularly, even as he was busy tending to other tables with every one of the fifty-five seats occupied at an early dinner on a Thursday night. That Bianca has gained popularity quickly may stem from some of the restaurant’s owners, who are originally from Naples and bring New York culinary cred with them—Raffaele Ronca, executive chef of Rafaele in the West Village and Rye, and Rosario Procino of Ribalta in Manhattan. This team transformed the space (which was a pizza place, and before that, Greenwich Health Mart) into a clean, contemporary dining room including bar seating,

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WHAT’S IN YOUR YARD?

DREW KLOTZ

KINETIC SCULPTURE

203 451 2902

DREWKLOTZ.COM

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eat

BIA NCA

30 Greenwich Avenue, 203-900-1177; biancaofgreenwich .com

HOURS

Sun.–Wed., 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. Thurs.–Sat., 11:30 a.m.–12 a.m.

above left: Torta di Ricotta above above right: Panna Cotta Al Caramello

open kitchen and simple black and white and wood décor with ring chandeliers shedding light on it all. The narrow restaurant has a long row of tables nestled along a banquette in the front of the space with some booths and a few tables in back, which is the quieter section. The well-edited menu and daily specials will please a range of appetites. It’s a lineup of lighter Italian fare along with some decadent apps, pastas and entrées. The namesake Bianca appetizer, which showcases the chef ’s daily selection of raw fish, is well worth ordering. On the night we were there, the dish was a salad of arugula and radishes in a citrusy dressing topped with melt-in-your-mouth slices of salmon and tuna with a sprinkling of red peppercorns finishing the plate. We enjoyed our salads, including a frisée special, but my favorite is the segato di carciofi—delicious sliced artichoke hearts mixed with arugula and generous shavings of parmesan, all dressed with a lemon-infused olive oil. The tuna tartare appetizer pairs

fresh chopped bluefish tuna with radish and fennel over a bed of quinoa, an unexpected and refreshing preparation. We were less enthused by the eggplant croquettes, which were a tad greasy. Thanks to the open kitchen, you can see the flames from the high-powered gas oven used to prepare some of the best entrées, including a perfectly cooked whole branzino served with sautéed spinach and an herb-laden roasted chicken paired with a salad of spinach, burrata, roasted carrots and fennel. In lieu of pizza, which has a big following at the owners’ city restaurants, the menu here highlights a selection of flatbreads and fried dough with toppings such as prosciutto and

The well-edited menu and daily specials will please a range of appetites. It’s a lineup of lighter Italian fare along with some decadent apps, pastas and entrées.

buffalo mozzarella. We chose instead to indulge in the pasta, a must-order. For truffle lovers, the cacio e pepe tartufata is a bowl of heaven, tender orecchiette with pecorino romano and pepper in a sauce laced with truffle carpaccio. Equally heartwarming and incredible, the amatriciana pasta bowl is the ultimate Italian comfort food with a bright tomato sauce, pieces of guanciale with crispy edges all topped with pecorino and ribbons of fresh herbs. Splurge-worthy desserts include caramel panna cotta and tortino al cioccolato, a chocolate souffle warm from the oven and topped with vanilla ice cream. For a little caffeine to finish the meal, try the affogato, ice cream with an espresso pour-over and crumbled biscotti. Open late (on Saturdays you can book a table at 10 p.m.), Bianca is designed to house a small bar scene, and there’s a compelling cocktail list to match. And the signature drinks, like the Greenwich Bourbon, with homemade ginger syrup, crème de cassis, lemon and soda, seem like an ideal end to the night. Salute!

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Listen, watch, and get inspired on the go.

All public media, one app. ctpublic.org/mobileapp

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11/5/21 10:29 AM

MAY/JUNE 2022 STAMFORD

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money matters FED UP

Scott Bogan

s scientific minds wrestled with keeping people safe during Covid-19, the quarantine threatened to take down the economy. In Fairfield County and beyond, businesses closed, events were canceled and people stopped commuting to the office. Close to 10 million people lost jobs nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Fearing sinking corporate profits, investors unloaded stocks and, over a series of weeks, the market plunged by nearly a third.

BY CAROL LEONETTI DANNHAUSER

UNPACKING INFLATION, FROM POLICY TO POCKETBOOK

All the while, the Federal Reserve System worked feverishly to save the monetary system. The Fed stormed to the rescue, literally printing money, supplying banks with cash and buying massive amounts of government and corporate debt. The goals: to maximize employment and to keep prices as stable as possible. In other words, “massive quantitative easing,” says Scott Bogan of Wilton, a wealth adviser and capital markets strategist with GYL Financial Synergies in Westport. Part psychologist, part educator, part seer, part market strategist, he helps the investment advisory firm unpack how the Fed’s movements affect clients’ pocketbooks. His advice: Take a few moments now to understand how the Fed’s actions affect you. The Fed, which is nonpartisan and operates independent of Congress, is the central bank for the United States. “Interest rates are a tool they can use to stimulate activity in the economy,” Bogan says. During the pandemic, the Fed slashed the interest rate that banks pay to borrow from one another to near

zero. Consumers benefited, from lower rates on mortgages, car loans and credit cards, increasing buying power. “If your mortgage is 5 percent versus 2.5 percent, you can borrow a lot more at 2.5 percent. It trickles through,” Bogan says. Massive government stimulus programs infused households with free money. A booming economy and record low unemployment followed. Costs for goods and services crept up to 7.5 percent at the end of January 2022, the highest increase in forty years. Food costs are 7 percent more now than last year. Electricity is up more than 10 percent. Before the invasion of Ukraine, gasoline prices had soared 40 percent higher than 2021, according to the Consumer Price Index; the invasion led to an even greater surge. Early this year, the Fed turned on its heel. Enter quantitative tightening. The Fed plans to raise interest rates to cool the hot economy. It won’t be reinvesting those interest payments from banks. “They’re going to take that money and go to a giant furnace and incinerate it,” Bogan reports.

Less cash translates to costlier loans and fewer purchases. Expect car loans, mortgages and the like to be cheaper now than in months ahead. Higher interest rates make the dollar worth less abroad as well; international trips and purchases will cost more later in the year. Bonds, stocks and real estate all behave differently when interest rates increase. Bonds are supposed to be the safety net in a portfolio, helping to keep that nest egg from cracking. But rising interest rates cause bond yields to go up— and values to fall—in the short term. “Expect a hit to your bond portfolio,” Bogan says. Alternatively, “real estate in a high inflationary period has been a good place to go. Lease agreements typically have built-in rent escalation clauses. They help real-estate landlords hedge their revenue streams,” says Bogan. As for the stock market, expect volatility, “causing the stock market to reprice,” Bogan says. Talk to your adviser about the risks and the timeline in your portfolio, so that as the Fed works to steady the monetary system, you’re prepared.

While inflation and invasions seesaw the market, one stalwart is returning with a new luster: the good old certificate of deposit. Each time the Fed hikes interest rates, bank rates “will start to rise and cash will generate a return,” Bogan says. If you want to stash your cash in the short term, consider laddering some CDs. Stagger maturity rates, from one to four years, maybe, then as soon as one matures a year down the road, you can reinvest it—or weigh your options in what will hopefully be a more stable environment.

CONTRIBUTED

TAKE IT TO THE BANK CDs make a comeback

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Top Den

Reach More Patients Tell Your Brand Story 88% of Moffly Media readers will be looking for dental providers in the next 12 months, including dentists and cosmetic dentists1 .

TOP DENTISTS 13th Annual

Dental Profile Special Section • Special section following our annual Top Dentists editorial feature • Annual guide to Fairfield County’s dental experts & cosmetic specialists • Custom profile created for your practice • Reach an audience of 200,000+ families and local residents • One year inclusion in our searchable online dentist directory • Bonus issue distribution to local events reaching health-conscious families, charitable organizations and community influencers

2021 | Dental PROFILES

CHILDREN’S DENTISTRY AND ORTHODONTICS OF GREENWICH

GOODWIN DENTAL

SPECIALTY: Family and Cosmetic Dentistry 391 East Putnam Avenue Cos Cob, CT 203.869.2066 GreenwichDentistry.com

31 River Road, Suite 300 Cos Cob, CT 203.869.2552 dgoodwindds.com

Where did you go to school?

Joseph Wallace, D.D.S.: Georgetown University School of Dentistry; Washington Hospital Center—Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency

Silvestro Iommazzo, DDS & Victor Pardi, DDS Why did you choose your specialty?

are Greenwich’s newest, most exciting, and only father-son duo in town. The practice,

As a specialist in pediatric dentistry, Dr. Iommazzo cares for the oral health of children from infancy to early adult. As a specialist in orthodontics Dr. Pardi supports patients by improving their smiles and selfesteem, in addition to correcting even the most complex bite problems. We both have different passions but strive to do all we can for our patients.

located 391 has If you addatup allEast thePutnam years Ave., group of talented dentists I also for patients since 1977 and boasts Dr.cared Goodwin has been call my friends. I love watching a long history of providing dental services in the Dental Field as a I see at 3 or 4 years old to a loyal patient base. Dr. Seankids Sutton Hygienist and a Dentist, grow and up. Being a general recently joined his father at the helm

Thomas Wilson, D.D.S., M.D.: Columbia University School of Dentistry; Columbia University School of Physicians and Surgeons; NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital—

What sets you apart from your competition?

Our practice has continued to serve our community for over thirty years. We provide state-of-the-art treatment in all phases of pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, including emergency service 24-7. We are constantly engaged in continuing education to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies to best serve our patients and families.

Emily Driesman, DDSResidency; Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital—General

EMBRACE ORTHODONTICS Surgery Internship SPECIALTY: Orthodontics

Brett Zuckman, D.M.D.: Westport Location: Temple University School of Dentistry; 24 Imperial Ave, Westport, CT 06880 Lincoln Medical Center/Weill Cornell Medical Stamford Location:and Maxillofacial Surgery College—Oral 61 Fourth Street, Stamford, CT 06905 Residency

youbrings will see she has been and contemporary dentist, I can appreciate a fresh outlook taking care of teeth to fordental over 20 armamentarium care. different stages of growth and years. “Time hasSutton flown graduated by. I’ve from Dr. Mark evenNYU watch them have their hadCollege the opportunity to see sotakingown of Dentistry after a hiatus children. But the best part from his medical training to pursue an my job is the work-life many changes in Dentistry.” about interest in becoming Hollywood stuntman. Technological advances a really balance it provides me as a serving Williams’s stunt helpAfter her days go as byRobin with less mother of 2 active boys. I can double in “World and stress. At her family According practice in to Garp,” get into work early, do teeth appearing in films like “Splash” and “Ghost Cos Cob, she uses the safest all day,fixand make it to their Busters,” he realized he would rather equipment and the most up-toafter school. It is most teeth than break them. For overevents 30 years, dateDr. technology available. important Mark Sutton has helped build one of to me not to miss my children growing up, and the oldest and most reputable practices Scott Kesselman Years in practice? It has been a tough in Greenwich throughyear his commitment Dentistry allows me to do Twenty-five years D.D.S fighting theeducation, Covid virus, to lifelong evidence-based just that. patient satisfaction. Dr. Sutton but practice Dentistryand is essential to What sets you apart from hishealth patients’ our puts overall andcomfort well- and treatment your competition? Our practice has RIVERSIDE expectations at the using Proudly, we are the choice for being. We have put intoforefront, while ORTHODONTICS continued to serve our theguidelines latest technology highest many pediatricians’ and dentists’ place to safelyto deliver the community for over 20 SPECIALTY: Invisalign® quality care. He is a member of the children. and effectively provide dental years. We provide stateand Braces For All Ages American Dental Association, the Academy treatment to our patients, as of-the-art of General Dentistry, the Connecticut Statetreatment in all What is your greatest 1171 East Putnam Avenue wellDental as keeping our families, phases of dentistry, including Association, and the Greenwich achievement? Riverside, CT friends andSociety, staff aswhere safe ashe has served after as hour emergency care. Dental When past patients come back 203.698.0045 possible. We continue to president. We engage in continuing with their children for me to treat, riversideortho.net follow all changing Dr.local Seanand Sutton was born and raised to stay up to date education it is the greatest compliment I can in Greenwich, where he was given a the latest technologies regulations on a daily basis. ever receive!! with perspective to the impact his serve our patients Ourfirst-hand patients and staff are so to best father makes in the community through He completed a Dental Society. is it important for happy to be coming back and and families. Wethe-art get to dental know technology.Why patient carestay and this neighborhood outreach hospital residency program at The Brooklyn Theby Greenwich Dentistry office is children to get screened we hope it can way. our patients very, very well. programs. At the University of Michigan, Hospital, where he received located on the Post Road in the heart of theextensive age of 7? with our Sean was Captain of the 1st andOur 2ndstaff has been training in oral surgery, orthodontics andAssociation CosofCob in a restored Victorian building The American While are many practice a LONGpediatrics. time. We Dr. Sean Sutton believes that everthere Division-1 men’s lacrosse teams withan plenty of parking. Here, the fatherOrthodontics recommends things I love about being and goal love of seeing our patients all is an integral part and excelled in his studies oral health of overall son team guarantees top-quality work evaluation by an orthodontist a Dentist, treatment overDr.town. I lovehealth when and kidsworks with specialists becoming a doctor.planning Like his father, in all because many while minimizing the stress of going to the by age seven withSean the local specialists Sutton graduated with honors run up to me to show their fieldsme of medicine to provide hisearly patients dentist. With a friendly staff, a comfortable times developmental fromisNYU with healthy smiles. Dr. Sean permanent waiting room (where almost no time is in town veryCollege excitingofforDentistry. There, wigglyhe teeth or when patientsand beautifultreatment guides top minds in the fields of me to their Sutton is a member of the American spent), Saturday availability, contemporary me.learned Being afrom solothe Dentist teeth into a Dental more favorable introduce families. cosmetic andget restorative Association, the American Academy of the riskoperatories and cutting-edge technologyposition, lowers of at my office can lonely dentistry, It’s while a great feeling and taking advantage of the worldState the anxiety often associated with the dental dental trauma and can correct sometimes, so it is great to school’sthe reason I love Cosmetic being a Dentists, the Connecticut renowned research programs and state-ofDental Association, and the Second District patient experience is a thing of the past! skeletal discrepancies. work and collaborate with a Local Dentist.

203.227.6061

What distinguishes your practice? westportortho.com Founded in 1984, Greenwich Oral Surgery treats each patient with the care and attention that has come to be our hallmark. Each of our doctors is Board Certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and holds memberships in many dental and medical organizations. Our doctors, with appointments to the staffs of Greenwich Hospital, NewYorkPresbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, afford our patients the highest standard of care. Our patients have the advantage of the collaborative nature of our practice. Frequently, diagnostic consultations and surgical procedures can receive the attention of multiple members of our group. Our practice consists of two state-ofthe-art offices. At least one of our doctors Robert N.24/7, Tramposch, DDS is available 365 days per year. We are also proud to note that our doctors Meenakshi Madhu, DDS haveCertified been awarded Top Dentist status Board Pediatric Dentist every year. What procedures does your GREENWICH SMILES, PLLC practice provide?

Some of the procedures offered SPECIALTY: Adult, Cosmetic and are: dentalDentistry implants, wisdom teeth extraction, Pediatric

bone grafting, pediatric procedures, TMJ 25 Valley Drive treatments, reconstructive jaw surgery, Greenwich, CT facial trauma, oral pathology, and cosmetic 203.862.9000 procedures such as Botox® and fillers. greenwichsmiles.com

DrRobertTramposch_1_2_8.10_R5.indd 1

greenwichmag.com greenwichmag.com

Another year to be most thankful to be honored and for the ability to

serve our communities dental health needs. My staff and I are truly humbled to be a part of this community that fulfills us with a diverse and multiplicity of individuals that visit our office and become life long patients and friends.

ISSUE

PLUS

8/19/20 4:30 PM

SEPTEMBER 2021 2021 GREENWICH GREENWICH SEPTEMBER

plus: SPECIAL SPRING FASHION SECTION

HAT ATTACK: FOUR DECADES OF STYLISH ACCESSORIES

Grand plans for the Eastern Civic Center

Will patients feel safe coming back to the dentist?

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REAL ESTATE Still Going Strong! The new rules and record-setting sales of our hot market

is so fond of! At Embrace Orthodontics, Dr. Emily and her staff are committed to obtaining exceptional results using the latest technolgies including 3D diagnosis and treatment planning, iTero scanning, Damon Braces, Invisalign clear aligners and inBraces lingual braces. Dr. Emily is a boardcertified orthodontist, an accolade that only one third of her profession has been awarded. Dr. Emily Driesman is humbled to be voted by her peers five years in a row as one of Moffly Media’s Top Dentists. Embrace Orthodontics looks forward to welcoming new patients to the practice and giving them a reason to ‘Smile Big.’ Be sure to sure to check out our Instagram handle: @embrace.your.smile

During these trying times, we are taking every precaution necessary to safe guard our patients and staff. Patients can be reassured that at Greenwich Smiles we surpass all CDC, OSHA and ADA quidelines. When patients arrive they must be wearing a mask. If a patient does not have a mask, one will What do you enjoy most about be provided. being a dental practitioner? All patients will then disinfect at Developing a relationship with each the hand sanitation station, have their patient and family. I take great pride that temperature taken and complete a my patients trust me with their dental screening process questionnaire. health and well being. We have staggered appointments so no one is in the waiting room. In between How is your office adjusting to appointments we have alotted 15 minutes Covid protocols? Steven Brody, D.D.S., Joseph Wallace, D.D.S., for disinfecting all rooms. After business Prior to Covid-19 we have always Thomas Wilson, D.D.S., M.D., Brett Zuckman, D.M.D. hours there is a complete disinfection prioritized on disinfection and sterilization. As of March, all staff and doctors wear N95 process including medical grade air GREENWICH ORAL SURGERY purifiers. These are a few of the masks, full face shields and disposable measures have taking to ensure SPECIALTY: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dentalwe Implant Surgery gowns. our patients feel safe and comfortable Everyone has beenGreenwich, great and fully 23 Maple Avenue, CT | 203.661.5858 in NY our |office. 3010 Westchester Avenue, Suite 306, Purchase, 914.253.9088 | greenwichoralsurgery.com accepting with our new Covid-19 protocols.

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WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD!

Issue Date: July/August 2022 On Newsstands: July 1, 2022 Commitment Date: May 27, 2022

Dr. Emily Driesman and the incredible staff of Embrace Orthodontics have been providing families in Fairfield County superior orthodontic care for a decade. Growing from her original office in Westport, Dr. Emily Driesman (“Dr. Emily”), has now expanded her locations to include a second state of the art office in Stamford. With a passion for creating a comfortable atmosphere and a “concierge type practice,” Dr. Emily prides herself on not only creating beautiful, healthy and functional smiles, but also cultivating relationships with each patient she treats. Having grown up in Fairfield County, Dr. Emily can relate to her patients and truly loves practicing in the area she grew up, is raising her two children, and

Steven Brody, D.D.S.: Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry; Yale-New Haven/Hospital Saint Raphael—Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency; Beaumont U.S. Army Medical Center—General Practice Residency

1212 East Putnam Avenue Riverside, CT 203.698.0794 childrensdentistryandorthodontics.com

Doctors Mark and Sean Sutton of Greenwich Dentistry in Cos Cob

2021 | Dental PROFILES

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Mark R. Sutton, D.D.S.Danielle Goodwin Sean A. Sutton, D.D.S.

Luke McQuillan on helping young cancer patients with their battle

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JORDAN WOLOWITZ AND TOM RUSSELL–the duo that brought us Gov Ball–are about to rock our Fairfield County world with a star-studded festival

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Good Days Ahead

LET’S TALK!

A local designer transforms her antique colonial into the home of her dreams

REAL ESTATE :

A view from the top of the market

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Landscaping projects to make the most of outdoor living

Women in Charge Catching up with our three selectwomen

One-on-One with Our New Mayor, CAROLINE SIMMONS NEWCANAANDARIENMAG.COM

Contact Gina Fusco at Gina.Fusco@moffly.com for more information.

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The

THE GOOD LIFE TEAM

Good Life

jan e l ale xan de r v e n e r a ale xan drova li z baron garv i n bu rk e ti m carr m ary kate ho gan ji ll john s on m an n ju le e kapl an cri sti n m ar an di n o d on na moffly dian e se m brot li s a se rv i di o

We’re all on the hunt for new and creative ways to live life better here. And the fun doesn’t stop at our borders. We explore what our town and our neighbors have to offer

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AT HOME

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105 Ways

to live, play, relax and dine in Fairfield County

OPPOSITE PAGE: WASSANA - STOCK.ADOBE.COM; THIS PAGE COURTESY OF DESINGER/BRAND

ho doesn’t like a little guidance on where to go and what to do? Maybe you’re a part of the new wave of residents who discovered our little corner of the world during Covid (if so, welcome!). Perhaps your memory needs to be jogged after a few years of limited activity (so much for two weeks to flatten the curve). Or possibly you just need some intel on the new places and faces that now call Fairfield County home. Whatever the case, there are plenty of gems waiting to be discovered. Here we offer up some great ways to bring your living spaces to the next level, enjoy family time, take advantage of the booming dining scene and, of course, shop gorgeous fashion and jewelry finds. After all, isn’t that what makes for a good life? »

MAY/JUNE 2022 STAMFORD

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TheGoodLife ||| AT HOME

HomeWork

The kind we like, that is. Experts weigh in on some spectacular ideas to bring your escape from the world to the next level

here’s no place like home … to relax, work, entertain, be pampered, play sports, sunbathe, or do almost anything. In changing times, people turn to the comfort of their dwellings, and local architects and designers say they’re outfitting high-end houses like never before. They shared some inspiration and advice for living your best life in your home zone. b y mary k ate ho gan

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above: With exceptional views of Long Island Sound, this porch at a Riverside home designed by Charles Hilton Architects features New York gray flagstone flooring and a fireplace made of reclaimed local fieldstone that helps the homeowners extend their time outside. (Windows and doors are from Little Harbor Window Company.)

With stunning views like this, who wouldn’t want to work from home? stamfordmag.com

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TheGoodLife ||| AT HOME

CHARLES HILTON PHOTOS BY ROBERT BENSON PHOTOGRAPHY

OUTSIDE IN

CHARLES HILTON ARCHITECTS

hiltonarchitects.com

With work from home becoming the norm, people are putting major resources toward their home offices. Some create oneof-a-kind dedicated workrooms with beautiful views, while others prefer a space that does double duty as a sitting area, library or a place for guests. The key is to incorporate the functionality of a corporate office, including the best lighting technology and WiFi, while keeping the décor suitable and stylish enough for a residential setting. “People look for comfortable, generous-sized workspaces where they have a main desk and built-in storage, file drawers, shelves and cabinets that hide the office equipment when it’s not being used,” says Chuck Hilton of Charles Hilton Architects. His firm has designed many upscale offices, including one with views so exceptional it may be hard for its owners to stay focused on work. This office is set in a shingle-style house right on the Sound, overlooking Tod’s Point. “It’s light, bright and clean and fits in with the house, yet it makes reference to the waterfront with a nautical theme,” says Chuck. “They are boaters who love to be on the water.” Designed as a his-and-hers office for husband and wife, the twin mahogany desks with brass hardware are built into a bowed space with windows, recalling the bow of a boat. Pull-out storage space between the two desks keeps office supplies and equipment from competing with the views. The ceiling is decked with bead board and mahogany beams. Opposite the desk area there’s comfortable seating for four by a mahogany-trimmed fireplace, perfect if one of the homeowners wants to host a meeting or if they’re looking for a spot to relax after a long day at the “office.”

GAME ON! CHARLES HILTON ARCHITECTS Families who play together will never get bored in the latest well-appointed game and hobby rooms. Some are installing kitchenettes for kids who love to bake, dedicated arts-and-crafts rooms, painting studios, custom pool tables, deluxe ping-pong tables and home theaters. For outdoor “gaming,” in addition to amazing pool houses, certain athletics-minded homeowners are even making room for basketball, squash or tennis courts. One racket-sports–obsessed client of Charles Hilton Architects requested a one-of-kind tennis pavilion on their Georgian estate in Greenwich. It has special details such as rackets carved into stone and windows that reference tennis balls.

above: Tennis anyone? This impressive pavilion on a private estate in Greenwich rivals some area clubs.

SPA RETREAT SBP HOMES sbphomes.com

“The ultimate good life is when your house is a vacation place,” says Doron Sabag of SBP Homes. To that end, his clients are building luxe spa features—spaces to retreat and relax. “We see more and more people asking for infrared saunas in the basement and sauna rooms attached to the master bathroom,” he says. “We’re doing that in almost every [client’s] house.” At one waterfront home in Old Greenwich designed by SBP and Turner-White Architecture, the spa is so unique and spacious that the owners won’t be checking into Miraval anytime soon. The couple, who are Scandinavian and South African, view sauna time as not just a private health treatment but also a social activity and something to benefit the whole family. So their new sauna can accommodate ten to twelve people and the steam room up to five. The steam room is finished in a beautiful Negra Marquina marble, selected by interior designer Amy Hirsch, with curved chaises, radiant heat, niches, benches and a ceiling covered in fiber-optic lights that illuminate constellation patterns. The sauna is lined in a light aspen wood and kept to precise temperatures using a special heater from Finland. Both have floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Long Island Sound with sunset views. There’s a terrace off the spa with radiant heat and a fire pit, so they can sit outside even in the colder months. Says Doron, “It was designed to be very soothing, to take away the stress of the day.” » MAY/JUNE 2022 STAMFORD

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4 G LASS HOUSES

VANDERHORN ARCHITECTS

vanderhornarchitects.com

This bright and airy breakfast room brings the outdoors in, offering the best of both worlds.

5 VANDERHORN ARCHITECTS WE’LL DRINK TO THAT

above: A high-tech wine wall provides state-of-the-art storage for the most selective of connoisseurs.

For collectors, some type of wine storage is a must-have. At a waterfront estate designed by Vanderhorn Architects, the concept has gone high tech with a James Bond-esque wine wall. The wall storage, which is three bottles deep, keeps the wine at precise temperatures and has built-in security. There’s a touchpad next to the wall, and only the right fingerprint will unlock the bottles.

BREAKFAST ROOM: ROBERT BENSON PHOTOGRAPHY WINE WALL: PETER BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY

Our desire to spend time close to nature and boost our vitamin D levels is driving projects like sun rooms, conservatories and interior spaces that connect to the outdoors. At one client’s house in midcountry Greenwich, Vanderhorn Architects created a backyard patio with stone fireplace and a glass roof that has its own heating system. “It extends the year. You can even use it in the rain, crank up the heaters, turn on the fireplace,” says Doug Vanderhorn. To refresh the family’s breakfast room—already a sunny spot with glass doors leading the patio—the team replaced its normal shingle-style roof with a glass top that connects to the patio roof. “It was like adding a piece of greenhouse,” he says. Now the family can start any day of the year feeling like they’re eating al fresco.

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HEALTHY HARVEST HOMEFRONT FARMERS homefrontfarmers.com

Even for those not blessed with a green thumb, a backyard garden bursting with color and fresh vegetables is within reach.

An organic vegetable garden can turn part of your backyard into a bounty for the kitchen, yielding the freshest produce available. But not everyone knows how, what and when to plant. That’s where Homefront Farmers can help. The company designs, plans and plants attractive veggie gardens. Clients are assigned a homestead manager, who will visit and tend to the garden at least once a week from April through late November. The gardens are planted three times during the growing season, bringing in new crops that will thrive in different seasons. “The trick is to grow the right things at the right time,” says John Carlson, who founded Homefront Farmers ten years ago. “You may start out with snap peas, and when they burn out in June you might put in beans and then grow those for a few months and replace those with spinach for the fall.” His team makes the most of space, growing tomatoes in columns and cucumbers or beans up the fence, using vertical space when possible. Clients can pick unusual varieties like beautiful heirloom tomatoes in different hues, dozens of types of peppers, potatoes and squashes (pattypan and French rond de Nice), pumpkins, beans and greens, plus watermelons, cantaloupes and other fruits. All of the organic plants are grown from seed on an eleven-acre farm in Redding. Many clients like to help with the harvest and be active in their gardens. “They want to get their kids involved and show them where food comes from,” says John. “We help people to experience the joy of growing their own food.”

O UTSIDE OPTIONS

ROBERT CARDELLO ARCHITECTS

ROBERT CARDELLO: JANE BEILES; HOMEFRONT FARMERS: CAM GOULD

cardelloarchitects.com

More homes are blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living with rooms that have seamless transitions to decks, patios and yards. Think banks of retractable glass doors, large windows that tuck into pocket walls and motorized bug screens that enable the entire back of a home to open to nature. “People are making outdoor rooms with all the attributes of an indoor room,” explains David LaPierre of Robert Cardello Architects, who says that indoor-outdoor blending is a continuing trend. He designed this waterfront home in Rowayton that opens completely to a multi-level terrace. The outdoor family room features all the comforts of inside, with upholstered seating, flat-screen TV, fireplace and ceiling fan—plus views to the pool, spa and beach beyond. “The only thing missing is walls,” he says.

Staying home doesn’t have to mean staying inside. Gorgeous outdoor living spaces are a continuing trend.

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One thing is certain in the fashion world: Boutique-inspired closets will never go out of style.

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“It’s calming to have your house in order,” says designer Mary Jo Fornshell of California Closets, who says she’s seen an influx of people wanting to get organized. “It’s a way to take control over your space and improve day-to-day living.” Even in a yoga-pant world where every day is casual Friday, people still care very much about their wardrobes, she says, and a beautiful, custom dressing room is high on people’s wish lists. It’s one spot in the home that is completely tailored to the individual. What’s inside the dream closet? She’s installing shoe walls with mirrored backing, glass shelves for handbags, lots of lighting and mirrors and, yes, wine fridges. Recent projects include a particularly chic all-black closet with black and gray wallpaper and light carpet. Lighting and mirrors keep the space from looking too dark. It has a boutique feel, says Mary Jo, a place to shop your closet and enjoy the ritual of getting dressed up again.

CONTRIBUTED

CALM & COLLECTED CALIFORNIA CLOSETS californiaclosets.com

stamfordmag.com

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TheGoodLife ||| HOME DECOR

Home Improvement An impressive list of interior stores and designers have popped up in our area over the last year by janel alex ander

Clean lines and organic materials are Stowed’s signature design.

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SKANDI CHIC

STOWED

stowedhome.com

estraint is a skill in interiors that is harder to achieve than it might seem. Clients in search of that modern clean vibe should head on over to Stowed. Elissa Sigalow was looking for high-quality Scandinavian-inspired pieces when she was designing her own home. Unable to find what she wanted, she took matters into her own hands. The result was a combination of dining, accent and lounge chairs created in supple leathers, natural woods and clean textures with a minimalist design. She wanted to create items that she would not tire of over time and were like “that effortlessly cool best friend that sticks with you through it all.” We think she has achieved that and more in this Nordic meets California-inspired space in the heart of Westport.

A QUINTESSENTIAL MIX

FOUND AND DESIGN

foundanddesign.com

If you’re passionate about curating the right mix of new and vintage items, Found and Design in New Canaan is a place you need to check out. Christine Keane is a master curator and opened Found’s doors in 2016 to share her passion for a unique mix of furnishings and home décor. An eclectic array of vignettes on constant rotation with a combination of art, lighting and tabletop items will inspire you to redesign a small space or tackle that larger project. Found and Design offers custom design services for timeless interior style.

Above: Chic vignettes offering design inspiration fill the space at Found and Design.

Above: Vintage furniture and accessories at McGrath 2

CLASSIC MEETS BROWNSTONE

MCGRATH 2 McGrath2.com

Suzanne and Lauren McGrath have a knack for seamlessly blending classic interiors with a masterfully layered Brooklyn townhouse vibe. This mother-daughter team embraces vintage artifacts while seamlessly blending in some of their favorite artisans and artists. This year they expanded to open a studio shop (adjacent to their studio on West Putnam Ave. in Greenwich) to display some of their most treasured pieces. Table linens and special serving pieces are mixed in with muted-toned pillows and vintage finds. Suzanne worked for ten years as the style editor and producer for Martha Stewart before teaming up with her daughter Lauren to found McGrath Interiors. Their style mixes sophistication with an easy, relaxed approach that’s worth checking out.

LA MODA LUCENTI ITALIAN INTERIORS Lucentiinteriors.com Biagio Lucenti has a lineage in interiors and the design that is an integral part of his DNA. His grandfather and father understood the importance of combining beauty in interiors with pieces that would be functional and stand the test of time. Biagio carried this methodology forward and has created a worldwide resource for architects and builders. He brought his love of Italian modernist design from NYC to Greenwich in October of 2021. Entering the bright and airy space is like being transported to the center of Milan. Biagio’s love of Italian fashion, as well as art and design, translates into his custom millwork and is reinforced by the lines he carries such as Flexform, Flos and Pacini & Cappellini. Biagio and his team relish the client experience and set themselves apart by truly understanding clients’ lifestyles and their vision.

Left: Custom millwork is offset by a living wall and inviting seating.

FOUND AND DESIGN BY ERIN KESTENBAUM; MCGRATH2 PHOTO BY READ MCKENDREE; CONTRIBUTED

TheGoodLife ||| HOME DECOR

stamfordmag.com

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TheGoodLife ||| HOME DECOR

Left: The sleek interior Right: The welcoming cottage-style exterior

MODERN DAY WORLD

WEST OUT EAST

westouteast.com

WEST OUT EAST COURTESY OF MARCO PETRINI, PETRINI STUDIO; COURTESY OF TIMOTHY OULTON

The new West Out East now joins its counterparts in NYC and the Hamptons with its stylish location in Westport. This small space packs a big punch with chic resources nestled inside the cottage-style space. Inside you’ll find indoor and outdoor options, storage systems and lighting from brands such as Living Divani, Davide Groppi, and Kasthall. West Out East invites its clientele to “Live Well. Live Modern.” The current collection represents a design philosophy of modern elements that are both functional and stylish—perfect for the suburbanite who appreciates unique and clean design.

14 LÉRON LINENS

Above: Bay Swivel Chair and Shimmer Bar Cabinet Below: Westminster Button Jack’dN Brok’n Sofa

A STORY TO TELL leron.com

Léron Linens is a fourth-generation luxury linen company that knows a thing or two about heritage. Founded in 1910, the company has weathered the Spanish flu, Depression, World War II and now the Covid pandemic. It has serviced a wealth of “who’s-who” in the entertainment industry, royalty and first families like the Kennedys and Reagans. Owners David and Dale Foster are no strangers to custom creations. There’s the client who asked that her guests names (in their own handwriting) be embroidered on her holiday tablecloth at each setting. And the husband who asked to have his wife’s favorite sheet music embroidered on their bedsheets. Léron carries high- quality bed, bath and table linens as well as an assortment of brands that reflect its standards. The New Canaan shop is also excited to bring beautiful comfortable linens to the new ground floor space on 140 Elm Street coming in June.

FEAST FOR THE SENSES

TIMOTHY OULTON

timothyoulton.com

Timothy Oulton will soon bring his British Westerfield sofas to Main Street in Westport. Formerly housed in the Norwalk Lillian August space, this new gallery will be stocked with his eclectic mix of furniture, lighting, home décor and vintage pieces. Oulton looks to create “story filled spaces” that began for him as a boy at his father’s antiques store. His love for the past, combined with an appreciation of today’s modern lifestyle has made him a go-to for his trendy mix of hand-finished leather, ornate lighting and sophisticated fabrics. Guests can enjoy a sip of champagne or tea from vintage English china, while they utilize modern technology like Oulton’s 3D room-planning service. Here, twenty-first century glam meets modern traditionalist. »

MAY/JUNE 2022 STAMFORD

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TheGoodLife ||| HOME DECOR

hen you enter Grayson De Vere’s store, you immediately know you’re in for a feast of the senses. Julia Grayson launched her design studio in London before relocating to Greenwich in 2017. The design studio and store are now located on Greenwich Avenue, offering Grayson’s selection of pure and sustainable design. Julia Grayson stocks organic wood bowls, natural textures in linens and upholstery, with an interesting array of dried organic branches, feathers and natural textures to fill your favorite vessel. Her curated selection of wellness and beauty also make this the perfect spot for that hard-to-find gift. Grayson says her unique style of sourcing and design is due to her belief that wellness and happiness are influenced by how a space impacts one’s senses. And impacted we are!

MARCO RICCA

FEATHERED NEST GRAYSON DE VERE graysondevere.com

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TheGoodLife ||| DINING

Good Taste

Part of enjoying the good life in Fairfield County is taking advantage of the stellar food scene. Here are a few restaurants, markets and more to add to your agenda by jill johnson mann

KYLE NORTON

f you’ve survived the last two years with your taste buds intact, we have found a plethora of places that will excite them. Get out there and try them all. Restaurants could use the boost, and what a pleasure it is to once again soak in the ambience of eateries, enjoy the buzz of conversation and be served artfully prepared cuisine. A sweet potato taco washed down with a “Smokey Lafleur,” an acai bowl or a cold-pressed juice, an omelet and artisan coffee, a wellness shot or superfood latte, brick-oven pizza or dry-aged NY strip steak, local striped bass or duck breast, lobster sliders and caviar, sashimi and a juicy burger, Oreo cheesecake or the best bagel in the world, refreshing kombucha in every flavor or an entire bakery of gluten-free goods—the options are endless. Looking for a view, charm or even an altruistic theme rather than just cuisine. There is an eatery here for every craving. Delivery options await those still attached to their sofas, and caterers are here to revive party planning with real live guests mingling outside their Zoom boxes.

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

TACO DADDY/THE LILA ROSE

tacodaddystamford.com

Follow @tacodaddyandthelilarose, and two things will happen: First, the food and cocktail photos will make you salivate and immediately call to make reservations at this popular pair of Stamford restaurants. Second, the captions will charm you and crack you up. It’s clear Taco Daddy is not your father’s Mexican joint. Just take a look at the pic of their mighty Crunchwrap. Traditionalists will find loaded nachos, quesadillas, fajitas, meat and fish tacos (each a work of art), but adventurists may go for a sweet potato taco with yogurt, cilantro and pickled cabbage or a cheeseburger taco complete with caramelized onions and special sauce. If you aren’t in the mood for Chicken Tortilla Soup, Birria Ramen with your choice of protein may fit the bill. Craving a cocktail as the DJ begins to spin? From a Smokey Lafleur (mezcal, tequila, lime, hibiscus flowers) to a Missed My Flight (Mi Campo Reposado tequila, housemade pomegranate grenadine, lime) you’re going to want to try them all and then cap off the night with a Fam Boy or Fruity Pebbles shot. Come back for brunch to soak that up. To put on something flashy and feel like you are in Hollywood, visit The Lila Rose. The decadent decor will lift your spirits—gold trees!—and get you in a pretty-inpink mood, no rose-tinted glasses required. The whimsy carries over into a menu of cheeses, tapas, mains, desserts and chocolates to die for. (The “to die for” is meant to modify all of the aforementioned nouns, not just the one that includes an “eight-pound truffle filled with dark chocolate ganache.”) Unusual, tantalizing specials ensure you will never ever get bored at either of these Towne Street establishments. » MAY/JUNE 2022 STAMFORD

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TheGoodLife ||| DINING

18-20 GRAB & GO BARVIDA

thebarvida.com

Organic Krush has hit Westport, by way of the Hamptons and Virginia, and it has brought its pesticide-GMO-hormone-free menu of organic food and cold-pressed juices to town. Whether you are on a gluten-free, paleo, vegetarian or regular diet, Organic Krush has delicious options: family dinner specials (BBQ salmon, gluten-free chicken parmesan, steak kabobs, mac & cheese), an irresistible breakfast-all-day menu, made-toorder bowls/wraps/tacos/salads with endless ingredients to pick from, soups (including various bone broths), acai bowls, a kids’ menu and gourmet to-go meals.

This Darien juice bar and cafe promises only 100 percent organic, plant-based products with no sweeteners, chemicals or additives. It’s the kind of clean food a Division 1 athlete like founder and Darien native Brennan Branca considers the optimal fuel for his body: coldpressed juices, superfood smoothies, wellness shots, superfood lattes, acai and smoothie bowls, wraps, rice bowls, salads, toasts, healthy bites (like Paleo Brownies). Barvida takes the doldrums and second-guessing out of healthy eating. Cleanse enthusiasts can choose from one of three programs to reset the body and mind.

ADA’S KITCHEN & COFFEE

heyroost.com

Generations of kids have known Ada’s as the sweetest spot in town. This Riverside institution began as a penny candy store and has been transformed by Greenwich natives Mike and Krista Pietrafeso into an eatery offering breakfast, lunch and to-go dinners, as well as locally roasted artisan coffee. The menu features seasonal food “scratchmade” with fresh ingredients from local farms and purveyors. Salads, sandwiches, omelets, soups, smoothies, kid fare—Ada’s has it all. Top off your meal with an espresso or a tasty treat special, like Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread, or go old school with a handful of “penny” candy.

VIEW & ORGANIC

THE WHEEL & CISCO BREWERS

thevillagewheel.com thevillagestamford.com/cisco-brewers/

The creative juices flow throughout Stamford’s industrial-chic work/play superspace, The Village, and the kitchen of its anchor restaurant, The Wheel, is no exception. Here, fresh ingredients from over forty local farmers, fisherman and purveyors, and from the rooftop garden, are the artistic tools with which chefs and mixologists create masterpieces. The menu covers everything from pizza to a dry-aged NY Strip or vegetarian Cauliflower Steak. East Coast oysters and a lobster roll are fitting choices to complement the waterfront view. The Root Beer Float and Pistachio Cheesecake beckon from the dessert menu, amid other mouth-watering options and fancy digestifs from mezcal to cognac. Nantucket-based Cisco Brewers brings a relaxed vibe to its new CT outpost at The Village, complete with pet-friendly outdoor patio dining, live music and Cisco seasonal brews and cocktails. In the chilly months, Cisco moves inside to The Wheel bar, where cult-favorite beers and a bar menu are available Wednesday to Sunday.

MODERN TAVERN

SOUTH END

thesouthendgroup.com

This rustic, lively tavern in New Canaan offers farm-to-table fare that promises to electrify taste buds. Chef/owner Nick Martschenko uses local, organic ingredients in his creative dishes. There’s white truffle kale Caesar and rock shrimp chowder, fried baby artichokes and Nonna’s meatballs, local striped bass or duck breast, and other salads, seafoods, meats and pasta dishes (including gluten-free options). South End also serves brunch. Hangover Hash—braised short ribs, crispy potatoes, cherry peppers, green onions and sunnyside eggs—may be just the ticket after an evening indulging in South End’s coveted cocktails and live music. »

ORGANIC KRUSH: CONTRIBUTED; ADA’S BY JULIE BIDWELL; BARVIDA BY VENERA ALEXANDROVA; THE VILLAGE BY KYLE NORTON; SOUTH END BY RUTH STEIFEL

ORGANIC KRUSH

organickrush.com

stamfordmag.com

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23-25 CATERING ROCK STARS

26-27

FOOD WITH A VIEW

DIANE BROWNE CATERING (BROWNE & CO.)

DIANE BROWNE BY PHIL NELSON; SELDENS BY BRUCE PLOTKIN; FOOD DESIGN BY CAITLYN MCGARTY; LA PLAGE, CONTRIBUTED; L’ESCALE, CONTRIBUTED

dianebrowne.com

Lavish weddings, intimate dinners, corporate lunches— Diane Browne has been catering all kinds of Fairfield County events for the past twenty-five years. Named “Preferred Caterer” by The Darien Community Association, Diane Browne Catering’s corporate clients range from Westport Country Playhouse to Bank of America. Browne wows with exquisite details and planning prowess but prides herself on an easy-going style that puts clients at ease. She uses the freshest local, organic ingredients to create simple yet elegant cuisine that is both beautiful and delicious. Browne & Co, which incorporates Diane’s shop, cafe and catering business on the Post Road in the heart of Darien, is the realization of her longtime dream. Customers can stop in the Browne & Co. shop and browse the home decor, fashion accessories, jewelry and gifts for all ages, and then enjoy a pastry and coffee, soup, salad or sandwich at the cafe, or pick up a quiche, pot pie or beef bourguignon to take home. Go to her website to read the rave reviews.

MARCIA SELDEN CATERING

FOOD DESIGN CATERING

marciaselden.com

fooddesigncatering.com

Even if you have no intention of hiring a caterer, check out Marcia Selden’s artful website. You will find yourself inspired, drooling and likely on the phone to book an event or at least put in an order for a weekly delivery of delectable pre-packaged meals. Orders are delivered every Thursday, from New York to New Haven (the Hamptons included). This Stamford-based family-run business began in Marcia’s kitchen forty years ago. The food is top-notch, the theme is fun and the service is personal—check out the team on the “About” page, and you’ll be charmed. Marcia’s son Jeffrey was executive director of catering for the New York Palace Hotel before joining the family biz (he was also Julia Child’s TA in college). Marcia’s daughter Robin is executive chef and “visionaryin-chief” responsible for the creativity of the company and its cuisine. From casual clambakes to ritzy weddings, Marcia Selden’s events—held at The Norwalk Art Space, Bartlett Arboretum, Bruce Museum, Graybarns, The Glass House, among other unique venues—are always memorable. Want a curated experience with plant-based cuisine? Check out the Naked Fig Catering arm of the business; Matthew Kenney Cuisine has got you covered.

Chef Michael Batt, a frequent Food Network guest chef, has been hailed as “ingenious” by New York magazine’s Hal Rubenstein, and his catering clients agree. From wedding guests who are still raving about the food years later to hosts who are forever grateful for the service, professionalism and innovative dishes that made for legendary dinner or cocktail parties, the raves are endless for the catering company that husband-wife team Michael and Gallia have created. Drawing on his training at the Culinary Institute of America and years of work at top New York City restaurants (Patroon, Lespinasse, The Royalton, Windows on the World) as well as executive chef experience at City Hall, Thom and Terrence Brennan’s Seafood & Chop House, Batt personally designs the menu with each catering client. He seeks out the freshest and finest ingredients and prides himself on continually creating new culinary delights. Chef Batt’s own food brand, Purest Foods, received an Instagram rave from actor/director Ron Howard after a delivery of delectable short ribs cheered him up during Covid quarantine.

LA PLAGE

laplagewestport.com Westport’s prime waterfront restaurant spot in the Longshore Inn is now home to La Plage. The sweeping views of Long Island Sound and casualchic vibe complement a menu focused on locally harvested seafood and shellfish and gardenfresh produce. The oyster bar offers seven types of oysters. Fairfield Cheese Shop stocks the Farmstead Cheese platter, and appetizers include Crispy Goat Cheese and Artichoke Barigoule. Langouste fans can go with a lobster roll or lobster risotto. Burgers or steak frites await those who prefer the farm to la plage. If white chocolate créme brûlée and chocolate lava cake don’t leave a sweet enough taste, there’s always the Dutch chocolate espresso martini.

L’ESCALE

lescalerestaurant.com Dinner in France, anyone? At l’escale, at the Delamar Greenwich Harbor Hotel, French chef Frederic Kieffer promises to transport diners to the Côte d’Azur with his seasonal Mediterranean cuisine. A lovely waterfront terrace, charming wood-burning fireplace and authentic 200-yearold terra cotta tile flooring from Provence assist in teleporting guests to their favorite French village or seaside resort. There, they can savor shellfish galore, Tsar Imperial Caviar, tuna tartare, bouillabaisse and roasted lamb chops. An additional Market Menu offers the best of seasonal entrées, and “Les Snacks” tempt with finger foods like Maine lobster sliders and Andouille pigs in a blanket. The dessert menu will land chocolate lovers in heaven, and the wine list will do the same for connoisseurs. »

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28-31 NEW MUST-TRY RESTAURANTS THE PORCH AT CHRISTIE’S

THE COTTAGE (GREENWICH)

theporchatchristies.com

thecottagewestport.com

DIVINA

divinastamford.com

This modern Italian restaurant in downtown Stamford promises a chic but comfortable ambiance and a creative menu—plus the classic dishes a traditionalist craves and brick-oven pizza. Owner Enzo Bruno is such a believer in what Divina brings to the cuisine scene that he opened a restaurant in the midst of the pandemic. The chef uses a combination of locally sourced and fine imported products, and his dishes are complemented by crafted cocktails and a boutique-style wine list. Divina also has private party space and an outdoor area for open-air happy hours.

L’OSTAL

restaurantlostal.com

In the old language of Occitania, “Ostal” refers to house and the hospitality of welcoming others into your home—and key to that is cooking. Darien’s L’Ostal welcomes diners to savor the cuisines of Southern France and neighboring Italian and Spanish regions. Chef Jared Sippel may be from Iowa, but his time working in a restaurant in Provence bestowed a Frenchman’s mastery of ostal— and cooking skills that took him to Relais & Chateau’s three Michelin star Quince in San Francisco, where he met L’Ostal GM Joe Cracco. Cracco went on to work as sommelier at New York’s Le Bernardin and brings his refined palate and service to this fine Provencal outpost.

Brian Lewis’s Westport restaurant recently opened a location on Greenwich Avenue, where fans will find the same attention to sourcing the best of the season from local farmers and purveyors to create unforgettable, creative American cuisine. Some favorites from the Westport locale will be on the menu, which will feature small and large plates and plenty of new items to discover. Whether indulging in a flowery sashimi starter, a mouthwatering Cottage Burger, scrumptious pancakes or a brunch BLT, decadent lobster or hearty meat dishes, along with the prettiest cocktails, the Cottage always impresses. » THE PORCH BY JULIA D’AGOSTINO; DIVINA AND L’OSTAL, CONTRIBUTED; THE COTTAGE BY LULI BURKE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR THE COTTAGE GREENWICH

The Porch at Christie’s in Westport has a three-pronged mission: food, community, purpose. The new owners, longtime Westporters Andrea and Bill Pecoriello, respect the history of the almost 100-yearold gem, which has been a go-to spot through the generations for residents to pick up local food items and students to lick ice cream cones on the porch. The offerings have now expanded to a full menu of sandwiches, salads, burgers and brunch, plus baked goods, ice cream, coffee and even cold platters or hot trays of catered food. The environment favors the gathering of community members—from moms lunching to construction workers grabbing breakfast to clusters of jovial kids hanging out after school. Best of all, the Porch and its Sweet P Bakery are committed to training and employing people with disabilities.

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32-34 PASSION PROJECTS THE CHEESECAKE COLLECTION

thecheesecakecollection.com

The Cheesecake Collection offers every traditional cheesecake you can imagine and a whole lot of flavors you’d never dream up. Candy Craze, Bangin’ Baklava, Outrageous Oreo, Very Berry, Banana Cream—those are just a few of the options you can have delivered to your doorstep (free on Saturdays within a ten-mile radius) or have ready for pick up after they are custom made just for you.

GRATEFUL FOOD COMPANY

gratefulfoodcompany.com

THE CHEESE COLLECTION, IG @CHEESECAKECOLLECTION; GRATEFUL FOOD, IG @GRATEFULFOODCO; EAST COAST KOMBUCHA BY CLAUDIA SENDELBACH

Order a meal (for pickup or delivery) or peruse the extensive catering menu at Grateful Food. It has grab-and-go at Shearwater Coffee on the Post Road in Westport. Also order ahead for beignets, donuts, biscuits and a delicious breakfast biscuit sandwich from Grammie’s Donuts & Biscuits (also at grammiesgfc.com) and Little Dumpling House dumplings, sushi bowls and Asian-inspired favorites—with pick up at the kitchens at 971 Post Road E., Westport.

EAST COAST KOMBUCHA COMPANY

eastcoastkombucha.com

Place your order by Tuesday at noon and have refreshing kombucha delivered to your door by Wednesday afternoon. This naturally sweet, effervescent beverage is chock-full of probiotics, organic enzymes and antioxidants, making it a great alternative to soda. Kombucha has been enjoyed for thousands of years for its many health benefits—supporting the immune system (who doesn’t need that lately?), boosting energy and mental clarity and aiding in digestion. With an array of flavors, such as Blueberry Ginger, Tangerine Turmeric and Lavender Lemonade, your taste buds won’t get bored. Enjoy a free brewery tour at 2 p.m. on Saturdays. »

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35-37 PASSION PROJECTS COFFEE FOR GOOD

coffeeforgood.org

Coffee for Good, founded by Abilis, is one coffee shop where caffeinating its customers is secondary. The primary mission of this nonprofit, which has set up shop in Greenwich, is to provide employment-based training for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The menu includes coffee drinks, teas and cold beverages as well as baked goods and a small selection of salads, sandwiches and soup. Coffee for Good brand coffee and swag are also on sale to support this meaningful cause. A section on the website guides companies interested in hiring the people trained here. Coffee for Good’s Inclusive Employment Team and an Abilis job coach insure a seamless transition.

BY THE WAY BAKERY

popupbagels.com

By the Way Bakery in Greenwich is an old-fashioned bakery with a new-fangled twist—‘cause, by the way, everything they bake is glutenfree, dairy-free and certified kosher. Forbes called founder Helene Godin’s New York locations “NYC’s top glutenfree bakery chain.” Choose from over twenty different cakes (including wedding cakes and custom-made birthday cakes), an array of muffins, cookies, creme puffs and bars that By the Way Bakery promises are just as yummy as conventional baked goods. There is a list of ingredients and allergens for every product, so even for the most sensitive sweets aficionado, By the Way Bakery treats are worry-free.

Recently awarded the top prize at Brooklyn Bagel Festival, PopUpBagels will amaze even the most die-hard New York bagel fanatic. The business started in a backyard with a new recipe for an American fave, and before long PopUpBagels was cranking out 400 dozen bagels per weekend. PopUpBagels also offers “schmears”— cream cheese in tasty flavors like Honey Chipotle and Spinach & Artichoke. Regulars are so hooked that PopUp started offering subscriptions, so fans didn’t risk going a week without their fix as stock sells out so fast. Pick up is available in Westport and Cos Cob; you can probably just follow the aroma to figure out where.

COFFEE FOR GOOD BY VENERA ALEXANDROVA; BY THE WAY BAKERY BY JULIE BIDWELL, POPUPBAGELS, IG @POPUPBAGELS

POPUPBAGELS

btwbakery.com

stamfordmag.com

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Are We Having Fun Yet? If you’re planning a party or just looking for one, there’s something here for you by liz barron

KYLE NORTON

hether you’re looking for leisure or adventure or just plain fun, we’re pretty sure you’ll find something for everyone in the family right here in Fairfield County. From state-of-the art climbing facilities to boat charters, you’re going to want to check out everything on this list.

Tonk gallery owner Jo Tonkovich rents out her space for parties and hosts several art events in New Canaan. MAY/JUNE 2022 STAMFORD

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UP IN THE AIR

GET AIR

getairsports.com

SKY ZONE

skyzone.com

BETA CLIMBING

betarocks.com

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GAMES GALORE Whether you’re hosting a private event or just looking for a fun night out, Pinstripes in Norwalk (located in the SoNo Collection) is always a score. With a full bar, restaurant, bowling and bocce, everyone is sure to have a blast. RPM Raceway in Stamford is another spot for both kids and adults to play. It has hi-speed go-karting, bowling, an arcade with VR games and a huge sports bar ready to accommodate both personal and private parties as well as same-day walk-ins.

TURF TIME

SONO FIELD HOUSE

sonofieldhouse.com

The SONO Field House has 52,000 square feet of field space for indoor sports and events. It has leagues, clinics and camps for soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, baseball/softball, football, volleyball and more. Their turf fields can be utilized by up to three different sports at once or can serve as one ultimate field.

above: High-speed go-karting is the name of the game at RPM Raceway in Stamford.

RPM RACEWAY

rpmraceway.com

PINSTRIPES

pinstripes.com above: BETA Climbing in Stamford offers challenging rock wall courses for children and adults alike.

44-46 PARTY ON Birthday parties at home have been on the rise over the past few years and luckily for parents, there are a plethora of ways to make them more fun than ever. Rosebud Slumber Parties and Tiny Tent Sleepovers both help create magical experiences in a super creative fashion with themed tent setups. It will deliver tents and decorations, set them up and then come for cleanup the next day. There are lots of options for boys and girls from sports themes to princesses and tea parties. Rolling Video Games of New England is another home party favorite for locals. Its decked-out party truck rolls up to your driveway with everything needed for a fun party. Choose from a fully stocked video game truck, laser tag, foam parties and portable mini golf. The team sets up in your yard, leads the kids in the games and cleans up when it’s over. Nice.

Slumber party setups from Rosebud Slumber Parties are a birthday child’s dream.

ROLLING VIDEO GAMES OF NEW ENGLAND

rollingvideogamesct.com

ROSEBUD SLUMBER PARTIES

rosebudslumberparties.com

TINY TENT SLEEPOVERS

tinytentsleepovers.com

SONO FIELD HOUSE: PHOTO BY OVERTIME ATHLETICS; ROSEBUD SLUMBER PARTIES: TIFFANI DJIOUNAS (TIFFANIPHOTO.COM); RPM RACEWAY: EYAL FARAGE; BETA ROCKS: CONTRIBUTED

For adventure-loving thrill seekers looking to bounce, Get Air in Stamford and Sky Zone in Norwalk are calling your name. Get Air has trampolines, dodgeball, slamball, ninja activities, a foam pit and then some. It’s the perfect place to visit with the whole family on a rainy day or to host a birthday party. Sky Zone in Norwalk has a trapeze and swing and glow-jumping hours; it also offers camps for children. For those who would rather keep their height seeking slow and steady, BETA Climbing in Stamford is the place. Rock climbing enthusiasts can challenge themselves on their state-of-the-art walls as well as workout in their gym. They have classes for adults and children and host events ranging from birthday parties to corporate team building activities.

stamfordmag.com

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BAKE OFF

NORA’S OVENWORKS

norasovenworks.com

Nora’s Ovenworks in Stamford is a full-service bakery that also welcomes customers to drop in and decorate their own cakes or cookies. They host parties and events for adults and children as young as five in a variety of fun themes like hot chocolate bomb making, cake painting, cookie decorating or, for the more competitive, cupcake wars. Each party comes with pizza, cake and one apron per party-goer. They also offer classes and workshops.

GREENWICH HARBOR CRUISE LINES: CONTRIBUTED; NORA’S OVENWORKS: ERIN BORZELLINO; GRACE FARMS: IWAN BAAN; LOCKWOOD-MATHEWS MANSION MUSEUM: DAVID SCOTT PARKER ARCHITECTS, PHOTOGRAPHER: STEFAN TURNER; STAMFORD MUSEUM & NATURE CENTER: CONTRIBUTED

above: Book a private charter from Greenwich, Stamford or Bridgeport with Greenwich Harbor Cruise lines.

47-49 CRUISE CONTROL

Living here means water access is right in your backyard. Greenwich Harbor Cruise Lines offers two-, three- and four-hour private charters out of Greenwich, Stamford and Bridgeport. The Seaport Association of Norwalk has a vessel available for two-hour charters for up to forty-nine people for sunset cruising and sightseeing. The Sheffield Island Ferry has lighthouse sightseeing day trips and is a favorite among both children and adults. Captain John’s Tiki Tours in Stamford is the perfect spot for a summertime happy hour. The unique floating lounge sails around Stamford’s scenic harbor, while visitors can enjoy cocktails and panoramic views. Sweet.

GREENWICH HARBOR CRUISE LINES

greenwichharborcruiselines.com

SEAPORT ASSOCIATION OF NORWALK SHEFFIELD ISLAND FERRY

seaport.org

CAPTAIN JOHN’S TIKI TOURS

captjohnstikitours.com

50-52 CULTURE CLUB

History buffs, art collectors and nature lovers rejoice. Grace Farms in New Canaan is a multipurpose property that looks like a piece of art itself, located amid eighty acres of breathtaking views of meadows, ponds and woods. Events, workshops and classes are held year-round, and visitors are welcome daily to visit the library, stroll around the premises and enjoy lunch in the cafe. Lockwood–Mathews Mansion in Norwalk was built in 1864 by LeGrand Lockwood, financier and railroad tycoon. Its architecture displays all of the beauty of the Victorian Era. Whether you are interested in simply touring the mansion or visiting one of the exhibits, your interest is sure to be piqued. The Bendel Mansion located on the grounds of the Stamford Museum & Nature Center was once a private residence. The beautiful and historic building now houses sculptures, art and rotating exhibits, and the Great Hall doubles as a space to host private events. »

above: Grace Farms in New Canaan is located on eighty beautiful acres of land to explore.

above: A tour of the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion in Norwalk is like a walk through historic times.

GRACE FARMS

gracefarms.org

LOCKWOOD–MATHEWS MANSION MUSEUM

lockwoodmathewsmansion.com

STAMFORD MUSEUM & NATURE CENTER

stamfordmuseum.org

above: The Stamford Museum & Nature Center offers fun for the whole family.

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SWEET TOOTH

School of Rock

54-56

SOUND OF MUSIC Music lovers of all ages have some great local options when interested in learning to play an instrument or perfect their vocal pitch. The School of Rock has locations in Fairfield, New Canaan and Greenwich and offers lessons for adults and children as young as three. They have music camps and workshops for musicians of all levels. Students participate in live performances that make attendees feel like they are at a real concert. The Connecticut School of Music has locations in both Westport and Greenwich and, in addition to lessons, offers concentrated studies in ear training (Solfège), music theory and chamber music. They also have a children’s orchestra and choir. And, if you’re interested in acting, The Studio for Performing Arts in New Canaan has a stellar program for voice, piano, guitar and acting lessons. Private lessons are also offered.

SCHOOL OF ROCK

schoolofrock.com

THE CONNECTICUT SCHOOL OF MUSIC

ctschoolofmusic.com

THE STUDIO FOR PERFORMING ARTS

thestudioperformingarts.com

When it comes to cool choices for sweets, southern Connecticut is a dessert lover’s delight. Milkcraft in Fairfield has a mind-blowing menu with complex and mouth-watering ice cream varieties like S’mores Campfire, with deep-cocoa chocolate, fire-roasted marshmallow and graham cracker crumbs. For those into a traditional creamy treat, Gopher Ice Cream has locations in almost every town in Fairfield County. Saugatuck Sweets in Westport is always packed with goodies from locally made Longford’s ice cream, where you can grab a cone or opt for a take-home kit of waffles and ice cream or root beer and ice cream to make the ultimate float. Brendan’s 101 in Rowayton is the perfect place to stop for a pre- or postbeach cone. Gelato lovers are also in luck. Gelato & Cioccolato in Cos Cob not only has a wide variety of flavors (that come from organic fruit grown locally) but also has a gelato truck that can be hired for parties. For those looking for a lighter fare, 16 Handles in Stamford has frozen yogurt with a plentiful array of toppings to choose from. Finally, Nutty Bunny in Norwalk has organic, vegan ice cream that is non-dairy, nutbased, plant-based, non-GMO and so darn delicious.

MILKCRAFT

milkcraftca.com

GOFER ICE CREAM

SAUGATUCK SWEETS BRENDAN’S 101

saugatuck-sweets.com

brendans101.com

GELATO & CIOCCOLATO 16 HANDLES

gelatoecioccolato.com

16handles.com

NUTTY BUNNY

gofericecream.com

nuttybunny.com

TONK

jotonkart.com Grab your girlfriends and book a party at Tonk in New Canaan, the art gallery owned by local artist Jo Tonkovich. The space is filled with colorfully energetic fun, where you can be inspired by the art around you and create something of your own, too. Tonk has hosted painting parties on traditional mediums like paper and canvas, but you can also get super creative and make really anything your heart desires. Tonkovich will work with you to personalize it and provide materials. Sign us up!

above: Milkcraft in Fairfield offers unique treats in must-try flavors like cookie butter blue.

SCHOOL OF ROCK: CONTRIBUTED; TONK: KLYE NORTON; MILKCRAFT: CONTRIBUTED

ART PARTY

stamfordmag.com

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Fashion Fix

Whether you’re looking for everyday pieces, something for your guy or a last-minute party frock, look no further. Our shops are brimming with new possibilities by janel alex ander

65-69

DENIM TRENDS

MAXIMIZE THE FABRIC STAPLE

his fabric is not just for jeans anymore. Dresses, skirts and shackets are perfect additions that go with just about everything. And if you need a skinny jean upgrade, all of these shops have lots of silhouettes to keep it fresh and modern.

CONTRIBUTED

FIND THEM HERE Frame, Greenwich Madewell, The Westchester Rag & Bone, Greenwich Great Stuff, Greenwich, Westport Veronica Beard, Greenwich

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Frame Micro flare denim dress, $298.

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Staying Local

The past year has seen new stores joining existing favorites. These resources will help with all those spring fashion needs

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ALPHA MALES

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SMART STYLE

WHERE TO FIND YOUR GO-TO STAPLES

Having the right staples in your wardrobe to pair with your favorite pieces is a stylist’s secret weapon. Having the right spots to find them is a shopper’s dream. Whether it’s that perfect black pant, a simple yet classic sweater that works overtime or the perfect trench to pull it all together, these locations are sure to have all the classics that will give your closet the quality over quantity it was looking for.

FIND THEM HERE Brochu Walker, Westport Darien Sport Shop, Darien Vince, Greenwich & Westport Jenni Kayne, Greenwich Ralph Lauren, New Canaan

OPTIONS FOR THE GUYS

Voss lightweight sweater, $318, available at Brochu Walker in Westport

We have seen a resurgence in options for gentlemen that are a welcome addition. If he’s looking to update to the new business casual or needs fun options for hosting at home or hitting the music scene, these locations will style him for work, home, baseball and brunch.

left: All items on the model are available at Eleventy in Greenwich.

below: Veron Ganita Leather Sandal, $350, available at Veronica Beard Greenwich

FIND THEM HERE Todd Snyder, Greenwich Saks mens, Greenwich Eleventy, Greenwich Richards/Mitchells, Greenwich & Westport Rod and Gunn, Greenwich

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FIND THEM HERE

THE FINISHING TOUCH

Intermix, Westport & Greenwich Veronica Beard, Greenwich Saks Shoes, Greenwich Richards, Greenwich

SHOES FOR ALL OCCASIONS

The interior of the Saks shoes salon in Greenwich

Nothing can make or break your look like a great pair of shoes. We’ve got the local resources for you to grab the splurge-worthy accessory from the perfect kitten heel to a fun dressed-up sneaker.

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF STORES/BRANDS

above: Todd Snyder offers plenty of great options for the guys.

stamfordmag.com

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DRESS TO IMPRESS

WHERE TO SHOP FOR AN EVENT

Wedding to attend? Speaking engagement? Bar or bat mitzvah circuit on an endless loop? These shops are brimming with the best situation-specific dresses to keep you looking modern, feminine and ready to party the night away.

90-93 HOME GROWN

NEW COMPANIES WITH FRESH IDEAS

Our towns have always been a resource for new ideas. These creative entrepreneurial companies are dishing out some great, unique products—from beach blanket blazers to lace collars for your next Zoom call.

FIND THEM HERE right: Udalie dress, $495, ba&sh, Greenwich

ba&sh, Greenwich Freds, Westport, Old Greenwich Love Shack Fancy, Greenwich The Real Real, Greenwich Intermix, Westport & Greenwich Veronica Beard, Greenwich

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Miguelina Soleil Lace Coverup $690, Stripes Wide Leg Pant, $480, Petticoat Lane, Greenwich

SWIM TO WEAR

GET CREATIVE WITH SWIMWEAR

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF STORES/BRANDS

Swimwear is not just for the beach or pool these days. Pair it as an interesting pop under a button down with shorts or use it as a bodysuit with your favorite maxi suit. Either way, stock up on options that will make you feel vacation-ready.

DUDLEY STEPHENS This female-owned company carries stylish recycled fleece products for women and children. Classic Park Slope Turtleneck in lavender, $158.

LA PRIVE Detachable collars and stylish tops that take you from mom life to work life to social outings are the perfect accent. Elizabeth collar, $45.

SKY BLUE PINK Shop here for ultralightweight sweaters that are meant to be layered for warmth without bulk. The 1,2,3 sweater (layered), $385.

SHINING SEA Elevated surf and apres-surf pieces come in novel styles like a terry blazer to pop over a swimsuit. GBC blazer, $330.

FIND THEM HERE Dudley Stephens, dudley-stephens.com La Prive, leprive.com Sky Blue Pink, skybluepinkclothing.com Shining Sea, shiningseasport.com »

FIND THEM HERE Eres, Greenwich Soleil Toille, Westport Everything But Water, Greenwich Petticoat Lane, Greenwich

MAY/JUNE 2022 STAMFORD

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Make It Shine!

98 HEAVY METAL

MANFREDI JEWELS manfredijewels.com

Roberto Coin 18K yellow gold Cunky Paperclip 18-inch necklace, $9,800

Q: Fashion is cyclical. Are you seeing any styles making a comeback?

These jewelers are meticulous about the quality of their craft and the results are unique pieces with the exclusivity that only a local jeweler can offer by janel alex ander

A: “Chunky gold jewelry is trending right now. There is a timeless appeal to these chunky gold necklaces, like this Paperclip necklace. They play into the current resurgence of 1980s style and also allow for layering with other necklaces, creating a cool look that’s being seen on celebrities and locals alike.” —Robert Weintraub, store manager

99 PASS IT ON

ASHA BY ASHLEY MCCORMICK ashabyadm.com

Q: What is the philosophy behind your collections? A: “At ASHA we strive to create limited runs of our collections, so they are exclusive, unique and sustainably produced. Additionally, our fine jewelry and bespoke creations are the best kind of sustainable purchase, as they are heirlooms that can be passed down and enjoyed forever.” —Ashley McCormick, CEO & founder

LOVE HENRY C. REID 100 LAYERED

hcreidjewelers.com

Q: What is a unique gift idea you recommend for someone who has everything? A: “This is the perfect necklace for the woman that has everything. It is adjustable up to 18-inches, making it great to layer with other pieces or wear on its own. It’s perfect for all occasions from the tennis court to a black tie affair— truly a wonderful piece to add to one’s jewelry collection.” —David Glucksman, store manager

Small 18K white gold, 1.03 diamond TCW $3,950 Medium 18K yellow gold, 1.52 diamond TCW $5,950 Large 18K rose gold, 2.65 diamond TCW $14,950 Note: Various diamonds sizes are available. Petite Bespoke Ring, $2,800

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TheGoodLife ||| JEWELRY

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ROLL WITH IT

STEVEN FOX

stevenfoxjewelry.com Q: What is your favorite piece for layering? A: “The best and most popular layering pieces are usually bracelets. Our tubogas rolling bracelets, which come in different sizes and metals, are one of our most sought- after layering pieces. We have a whole collection on our website.”

Three-stone handmade diamond engagement ring (3.45 total ct weight) set in platinum $29,800

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Pearl and diamond earrings, consisting of 8.00 to 9.00 mm pearls with approximately 1.00 total carat weight of mixed cut diamonds $6,800

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—Cathy Glass, store manager

LOVE STORY

RUSS HOLLANDER

PEARL ONE

SHREVE CRUMP AND LOW

ringart.com

shrevecrumpandlow.com

Q: What shapes or styles are trending in engagement rings these days?

Q: What popular looks are you seeing in wedding jewelry?

A: “A nice surprise has been the renewed popularity of the classic three stone ring. Most often with interesting combinations of ascher, emerald or cushion cut centers paired with trapezoids, bullets or shield-shaped side stones.”

A: “We’re seeing a trend back to the classics like these diamond and pearl drop earrings. Pearls create a sophisticated and timeless look that is always appropriate.”

Tubogas Rolling Bangle 18K rose, white and yellow gold bracelet, $11,750

—Russ Hollander, president

—Olivia Walker, vice president

104 TIME VALUE

LUX BOND & GREEN

lbgreen.com

IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

Q: What are some women’s watch trends we can expect to see this year?

Frederique Constant Classics Carrée ladies watch, $2,495

A: “Rolex is our No. 1 watch brand. It is the epitome of durability, prestige and classic perfection. We are proud to be an official Rolex jeweler in all our Connecticut locations. Our newest watch brand is Frederique Constant. It is an accessible brand of timeless elegance.” —Marc A. Green, co-owner

Nam Cho 18k white gold modern diamond hoop earrings, $12,500

105 HOOPLA

RICHARDS and MITCHELLS

richards.mitchellstores.com

Q: What’s the best piece to style with everyday jeans and a T-shirt? A: “Diamond hoops are an essential part of a jewelry wardrobe and are the perfect way to add some sparkle to everyday essentials, like a T-shirt and jeans.” —Jennifer Farrington, jewelry buyer G

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THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS AT STAMFORD’S MILL RIVER PARK

green growth L

ocals revel in the knowledge that green spaces exist for them. When those spaces seem lacking, locals call on city leaders and officials to

secure them. Public parks, beachside walks and other places that bring us close to nature offer sanctuary from the monotony of a computer's blueAnd for all the joy of having a picnic in the park, the importance of being in nature is more profound—and Stamford’s Mill River Park Collaborative (millriverpark.org) serves to remind us of that bigger picture. We can learn from our parks and ecosystem, and we realize that a green thumb can be useful beyond one’s own backyard garden. With the appointment of its new CEO and president, Nette Compton, and the vision of the Whittingham Discovery Center, the Collaborative supports the innovative and transformative power of local open spaces. by joey macari

light screen and brings us back into the living, breathing outdoor world.

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MIll River, the pubic space in the middle of Stamford, brings in new changes this season.

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above: Nette Compton, president and CEO of Mill River Park Collaborative

IN THE LEAD

Nette Compton is a champion in the urban parks sector. She heralds from the environmental nonprofit Trust for Public Land, where she served as associate vice president and director of strategy. A spearhead in establishing national conservancy of open spaces for the betterment of community living nationwide, her newest endeavor hits closer to home. A proud Nutmegger, she hopes to continue the work paved by the former CEO, Dudley N. Williams, who passed away in May 2021. On May 5, the nonprofit will celebrate its annual Dinner in the Park Gala, which anticipates that

Arthur Selkowitz, Chairman of the Board of Directors

COMPTON BY MACKENZIE COUGHLIN, MRPC; SELKOWITZ BY WILLIAM TAUFIC

Governor Lamont and several other state and city officials will be in attendance for Nette’s first major public introduction in what aims to be an exciting chapter for the Collaborative. “Mill River Park is at such an exciting point in growth, and at such a critical time as we look to 2022 with hope and a deep need for healing as a community,” Nette shares. “We not only will be opening the Discovery Center, but also revamping our playground to be more modern and inclusive, connecting to Scalzi Park with the Greenway North and expanding the park footprint along our middle corridor. All of these features expand the footprint of the park and the resources we can provide to bring together the community. As someone born and raised in Connecticut, I am so excited to lead a cutting-edge park in my home state.” Although it’s hard to imagine the park being anything but the abundant and beautiful spot it is today, some locals recall the reality of its history. By the twentieth century, the park fell into disarray. Pollution and debris blocked the historic Mill River Dam, resulting in flood risk for many parts of downtown. In 1998 thenmayor Dannel Malloy unexpectedly found a copy of Stamford’s first master plan, which envisioned a central park in Stamford to be a gathering place nestled along the banks of the river. In 2003 the Collaborative, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, was formed to not only oversee property development and accounts acquisition, but also be its keeper. This grand vision for Stamford’s future needed a guardian: the Collaborative stepped in to make sure the seeds were properly planted to ensure that future. Fast-forward to today, Mill River has a flowing river inhabited by migrating fish for the first time in nearly 400 years, newly planted trees and greenery to attract native birds, and small animals and amphibians contributing to the ecosystem. Visitors have also taken a part in appreciating, and contributing to, the splendor. “From the start of this project, when I first got involved in 2002,” says Chairman of the Board of Directors Arthur Selkowitz, “I always felt this would be a legacy gift from our generation to generations to come. Because how often does a city like Stamford get the opportunity to create a major greenspace in the heart of its downtown? I see this becoming a reality, and, to be honest, it warms my heart, especially seeing how much it is being used and appreciated.” Nette adds, “Mill River Park is a nationally recognized ecological triumph.” stamfordmag.com

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A rendering of the new learning space, The Whittingham Discovery Center, with classrooms, cafe and amphitheater

A MATTER OF FACT David & Marian Nissen Carousel

RENDERING OF THE WHITTINGHAM DISCOVERY CENTER (TOP) CENTERBOOK ARCHITECTS & PLANNERS; BUILDING SITE BY MACKENZIE COUGHLIN, MRPC; RENDERING OF THE MIDDLE CORRIDOR EXPANSION (BOTTOM), COURTESY OLIN; CAROUSEL BY GARVIN BURKE

Young people got an early look after a September groundbreaking.

Half of the animals depicted on the park's carousel were chosen by the children of Stamford. The David & Marian Nissen Carousel, which was awarded the 2017 Honor Award from the Connecticut Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, features hand-crafted horses, animals and other intricate nature displays that add to the ambiance of the park.

The Middle Corridor will expand the park from Tresser Blvd. to Richmond Hill, with new pathways, benches and a horseshoe pit.

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DISCOVERIES

The new Whittingham Discovery Center aims to reinforce its field-based environmental education and stewardship programming with a panoptic visitor and learning place. The 11,000-square-foot facility will showcase an interactive exhibit on the social and natural history of Mill River, as well as changing exhibits on the importance of preserving our natural resources, the effects of climate change and more. The space will also house environmental education suites, an outdoor deck, an amphitheater and a café. As the park is a playground in and of itself, and with new focus on appealing to children, the Collaborative hopes to reach multiple generations of visitors as the park continues to evolve and expand.

The vision includes classrooms to teach children about nature.

"We will offer state-of-the-art classrooms in a LEED Silver building, with the potential to make it to a LEED Gold one, overlooking the park, merging place-based field learning within the park with customized STEM lesson plans developedin consultation with Stamford Board of Education and regional private schools." NETTE COMPTON, CEO and President

“Adding the Whittingham Discovery Center to the park is incredibly exciting,” Nette says. “As the daughter of a science teacher, I know firsthand the value of hands-on learning, as well as the challenges teachers face in providing it. We will offer state-of-the-art classrooms in a LEED Silver building, with the potential to make it to a LEED Gold one, overlooking the park, merging place-based field learning within the park, with customized STEM lesson plans developed in consultation with Stamford Board of Education and regional private schools. Critically, we are thinking about what Stamford’s children need, from current gaps in STEM knowledge to how we can streamline and reduce costs of transportation to ensure that all students have

RENDERINGS OF THE WHITTINGHAM DISCOVERY CENTER (INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR) COURTESY OF CENTERBOOK ARCHITECTS & PLANNERS

above: The park is a place for quiet walks as well as serving as a venue for concerts and festivals.

A solar roof is among the proposed changes at Mill River.

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A MATTER OF FACT The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Skating Center and Fountain

Learning takes place both in classrooms and outside, with hands-on field research for young scientists.

EGG IN BEAKER BY HENKEL NORTH AMERICA; FOUNTAIN BY GARVIN BURKE; OTHERS BY MACKENZIE COUGHLIN, MRPC;

The fountain recirculates over 100,000 gallons of chlorinated water for its displays. The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation generously funded the creation of both the interactive water fountain and skating rink. In the spring and summer months, guests are welcome to enjoy the interactive fountain, which converts to an outdoor rink in the winter.

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PHOTOS BY MACKENZIE COUGHLIN, MRPC

above: A free-flowing river among the ever-changing downtown landscape is beautiful, provides for local wildlife and allows an opportunity to do nature research. below: In revitalizing Stamford, it was imperative to include a centrally located and walkable park.

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an opportunity to learn at our park.” While it is a tremendous achievement to have reclaimed thirty acres of green space, conserving them asks more. As climate change presents risks, the work of the Collaborative becomes even more crucial. The impact depends critically on humankind’s adaptability and ability to work in harmony with nature. The Collaborative knows this and is committed to preserving space to be enjoyed. The more people appreciate it, the more they protect it. “We think a lot about how our park plays into sustainability, not just in terms of the local environmental aspects, but the full scope of sustainability on a global level. The park is a fantastic success story on conservation and environmental sustainability, but that is just part of the story,” says Director of Environmental Education and Sustainability Kristia Janowski, about the Collaborative’s green strategy. “Our decisions behind the scenes as an organization have an impact as well. What we purchase, the buildings we build, the amount of waste we generate, and the energy we consume as an organization all have an impact. This is why we have submitted an application to the United Nations Global Compact for Sustainable Development. In applying, we intend to do business responsibly by aligning our strategies and operations with the United Nation’s Ten Principles on human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption and take strategic actions to advance broader societal goals, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with an emphasis on collaboration and innovation. After all, collaboration is in our name.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF MILL RIVER PARK COLLABORATIVE

TOGETHER "We think a lot about how our park plays into sustainability, not just in terms of the local environmental aspects, but the full scope of sustainability on a global level. The park is a fantastic success story on conservation and environmental sustainability, but that is just part of the story." KRISTIA JANOWSKI Director of Environmental Education and Sustainability

Stamford is the city that works and works together. Mill River Park embodies the belief that outdoor shared experiences are a connective tissue among people as much as between the community and nature. “Green space has always been a critical element of community well-being in cities, going back to the industrial revolution,” Nette says. “We’ve seen over the past two years just how important access to great parks is, as a safe place to get outside and play and as a place to gather as a community. Time outdoors isn’t just about physical health; frequent access to the outdoors can improve mental health outcomes.” Kristia adds, “We believe that nature belongs to everyone. We invite you to grow your love of nature right here in the heart of our city.”

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by scott thomas

TOP ROW: TOM WANG- STOCK.ADOBE.COM; WAVEBREAKMEDIAMICRO - STOCK.ADOBE.COM; MIDDLE ROW: PRESSMASTER - STOCK.ADOBE.COM; WAVEBREAKMEDIAMICRO - STOCK.ADOBE.COM BOTTOM ROW; FRAMEANGEL - STOCK.ADOBE.COM; DIDESIGN - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Pivots and upgrades for SENIOR LIVING today

ny business standing still is falling behind. Especially in an era of rapid technology advances and supply-chain shortages, the requirement to pivot quickly, efficiently and intelligently challenges everyone. An unexpected and unrelenting pandemic adds an unwelcome ingredient to a complicated business stew. Perhaps no business has faced more challenges in the past two years than senior living. Senior living executives faced the same issues as other business leaders, but also had to innovate in a 24/7/365 setting, all while considering consequences that could impact current and future residents. Every institutional choice could have life-and-death consequences. While many businesses changed gears to allow employees to work remotely, that is not, and will not ever be, an option for senior living workers.

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EDGEHILL

top row: The landscaped exterior of Edgehill • Residents enjoy an upscale environment bottom row: Elizabeth Dupree, director of sales and marketing • The rooftop garden for socializing; the residence has classes in art, technology and fitness, including walking, water aerobics, yoga, meditation and more.

Other considerations confronted senior living executives, but leaders at area facilities steered their ships with a steady hand in the past five years. One of the benefits for local seniors is the facilities in the region, like the community itself, are incredibly diverse. In whatever setting seniors or their families want to live, there is a solution. Residents also receive the attention of dedicated, skilled and experienced workers. “I don’t think the essence of the industry has changed in the past five years,’’ says Elizabeth Dupree, director of sales and marketing for Edgehill (based in Stamford, it is a Benchmark Lifecare Community senior living residence). “We have grown, as we all have, as a culture and a society. You can’t exclude the pandemic from that. We gathered all of the information people needed, got vaccinated and made our community as safe as possible. All of those things were critical. But taking care of residents was, and always will be, the first priority. It has been amplified for all of us.”

New facilities are coming to the area. Stamford welcomed one to town with the recent opening of Waterstone on High Ridge. The facility offers 146 units with options for assisted living, independent living and memory care. The facility is located at the former General Electric campus with convenient access to High Ridge Road, the Merritt Parkway and downtown. Waterstone residents have options such as a gym with a personal trainer, an indoor pool, a daily selection of freshly prepared meals and community-based social activities. Another important distinction is that Waterstone does not require a buy-in fee. “In our part of the country, it’s not uncommon to see a $1 million entry fee, and people are tying up a significant portion of their nest egg,’’ says Larry Gerber, CEO of EPOCH Senior Living, which runs thirteen facilities in the Northeast (with three under development) and created this facility. “Our model offers a much lower level of risk. People

top row: The dining room at Atria Darien • The library, with plenty of books and relaxing places to enjoy a good read bottom row: The lush courtyard and exterior reveal the classic New England feel at Atria • The cheerful living room

EDGEHILL, CONTRIBUTED; ATRIA DARIEN, COURTESY ATRIA SENIOR LIVING

WHAT’S NEW

ATRIA DARIEN

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WATERSTONE, CONTRIBUTED; ATRIA STAMFORD, COURTESY ATRIA SENIOR LIVING

WATERSTONE ON HIGH RIDGE feel locked in with other models. With our model, we have a thirty-day notice provision. That keeps us on our toes.” Other facilities have focused on renovations. Atria Stamford saw a total community renovation that now includes spacious apartments with upgraded kitchenettes, large closets and bathrooms. It offers a twentyfour-hour concierge service to assist residents as they arrive throughout the day and evening. It also added a bistro for coffee, sandwiches, salads and pizza. A new theater room shows movies, streams educational seminars and hosts lectures and cultural programs. Also a new garden lounge that serves as a pub for cocktails later in the day. “We have added a secluded and tranquil outdoor patio, seasonally with a fresh vegetable garden, colorful flowers, water fountains and a koi pond,’’ says Jason Shott, regional vice president of Atria Senior Living. “This space is a great place to walk, sit and relax, and it also serves as our weekly dance party place. We expanded our ‘Life Guidance’ neighborhood [specialized services for those with Alzheimer’s, dementia or other memory impairment], to accommodate those who need additional memory-care support. In doing so, we took into consideration the important features of properly caring for, and engaging, residents who need additional support in their day.” Atria Darien upgraded its WiFi capability throughout the building and opened a coffee bar within the bistro. Edgehill, a longtime part of the Stamford community, went through a $21 million renovation project five years ago. Another refresh is already in the works. “We added nine independent-living apartments, built a separate assisted-living facility, and took the twenty-two existing assisted-living units and dedicated it to memory care,’’ Elizabeth Dupree says. “We changed the makeup of our skilled nursing home from sixty-two semiprivate rooms to forty-two private rooms with all the furnishings.”

top row: A modern farmhouse–designed bedroom in the new development, Waterstone on High Ridge by EPOCH, for ages sixty-two and up • The Great Room encourages socializing, with a cozy fireplace, chess set, plenty of books and comfortable places to read and write, enjoy a quiet conversation or work on a hobby. bottom: The hotel-like entrance

ATRIA STAMFORD

top row: The lounge with seating options • Atria Stamford's beautiful garden courtyard bottom row: The residence's living space is as stylish as it is comfortable; here, a living room and kitchenette of a two-bedroom apartment • Bedroom with solarium

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MEADOW RIDGE

top row: A warm and welcoming living space at Meadow Ridge • The exterior, which shows the balconies and countryside view bottom row: Ann Sertl, senior director of community relations • The lovely atrium for comfortable socializing

Meadow Ridge, which is located in Redding, is also making big changes. The facility now includes a dedicated memory-care space, pickleball courts, dog park, casual dining bistro, pitching green for golf and updated gym equipment. “One of the changes in recent years has been creating spaces dedicated to memory care,’’ says Ann Sertl, director of marketing. “We recognized the need to have an area that is specifically for memory care.”

TECHNOLOGICAL TRANSFORMATION

Amid the new facilities and renovations, another significant shift saw the escalation of technological improvements. “We are wired stem to stern for internal and cell phone access,’’ Larry Gerber, CEO of EPOCH, says. “That wasn’t something we had been thinking about five years ago. Now it’s a must. There has been a huge shift in generational preferences.” One example of the escalating technology centered on a resident at Edgehill. Margaret

Robben’s grandson, NHL player Cam Atkinson, was traded from the Columbus Blue Jackets to the Philadelphia Flyers last summer. Robben posted a tweet in which she wore Atkinson’s new Flyers’ jersey; it was re-tweeted by her famous grandson. “Residents are very tech savvy,’’ Elizabeth Dupree says. “They want to keep up with their grandkids.” Technological upgrades can also help improve patient wellness. Digital recordkeeping will streamline the process, and residents can even schedule virtual visits with physicians. “You’ll see advances in telemedicine that allow residents to have doctor visits virtually inside our communities to keep them safer from exposure to external hospital environments,’’ Atria’s Jason Shott says. “Technology will help improve the care experience, even with concepts like fall detection through wearable tech becoming a reality. You’ll see continual innovations in the care experience overall.”

For all of the renovations and infrastructure upgrades, the bottom line remains centering attention on the quality of care. Business executives accept this must be foremost in their decisions. “One thing that technology can’t replace is a well-trained and caring team of dedicated workers,’’ Shott says. “We will also keep improving our understanding of dementia care and other conditions that tend to accompany the aging process for many people. That is why engagement activities will continue to develop and advance.” Automation has played a key part in many industries, and there is a degree to which it can be used in senior living communities, such as thermostat adjustments and lighting. “It’s such a customer-relationship business, I don’t think there will be a huge impact with automation,’’ Sertl says. “Maybe in the kitchen or behind the scenes, but I don’t ever want to see the human element disappear from what we offer.” The pandemic put these communities to a strenuous test, and they responded. Last year, Edgehill was named one of the Best Nursing Homes in the country by U.S. News & World Report for the fourth straight year. Over 15,000 communities were evaluated, and only 15 percent of them were recognized as high performers for short-term rehabilitation. “Many of our staff members have been with us for twenty years or more,” Dupree says. “During the pandemic, people really saw the benefit of being in a community. It was the best place to be in the worst of times. Their kids are seeing the benefits, too. They didn’t have to worry about parents being home and alone and whether they have enough of everything. They are seeing the benefit of having their parents well cared for. Our residents take advantage of coming to live an amazing lifestyle.” Feeling safe, welcome and loved is hard to improve. “The residents are the heart and soul of the community,’’ Sertl says. “We are here to serve them. They are very engaged in living their lives and we help them do that to the best of our ability.”

MEADOW RIDGE, CONTRIBUTED

STAYING SAFE

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SilverSource

Inspiring

Lives

L U N C H E O N Honoring Maureen and Michael Cacace Wednesday, May 18, 2022 Serafina at the IC, Stamford CT

Featuring:

Ashton Applewhite

Author of

“This Chair Rocks:

A Manifesto Against Ageism”

For more information and registration: www.silversource.org Contact Robin Wexler rwexler@silversource.org or 203.324.6584 x 306 84_93_STM_senior_living_MAY_JUNE_2022.indd 89 SilverSource-2022-Luncheon_Moffly-AD_full-page_03-30-22.indd 1

4/14/22 9:09 AM 3/30/2022 1:23:51 PM

2022 JUDGES

awards

DOUGLAS WRIGHT Douglas C. Wright Architects

the premier home design competition

LAST CALL!

JOY MOYLER Joy Moyler Interiors

A-List Awards deadline extended to May 25

If you have a project or firm in CT, go to athomealistawards.com to learn more about getting on the 2022 A-List!

KEITH WILLIAMS Nievera Williams

JASON & KATIE MAINE Maine Design

Award Celebration September 13, 2022

P L AT I N U M S P O N S O R

EDWARD SIEGEL Edward Siegel Architect

GOLD SPONSORS

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THE RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE

Non-profit 501 (C) (3)

Annual

Monday, June 20, 2022 Shorehaven Golf Club, 14 Canfield Ave, Norwalk

JUNE 11 | GALA @ 5:30PM & SHOW @ 8PM Gala Tickets Include Open Bar and Dinner-by-the-Bite!

Register Here For more information and sponsorship opportunities: Nikki LaFaye at nikki@carvercenterct.org or (203) 945-9665

Your generosity closes opportunity gaps for 2,300+ children attending 22 schools in Norwalk and Bridgeport.

Carver Foundation of Norwalk…Building Lifetime Achievers!

www.carvernorwalk.org

MAY 8 @ 7:30PM

The Domestic Violence Crisis Center is committed to promoting the fundamental right of all individuals to be safe in their personal relationships. Our professional staff offers confidential services at no charge, including court and legal services, group and individual counseling, temporary shelter, housing services, children’s services, medical advocacy, multilingual services, PeaceWorks prevention education and a 24-hour hotline (1-888-774-2900). DVCC is the only domestic violence agency serving the communities of Stamford, Norwalk, Westport, Darien, New Canaan, Wilton and Weston.

MAY 18 @ 8PM

MAY 19 @ 8PM

777 Summer Street, Suite 400 • Stamford, CT 06901-1022 Phone: (203) 588-9100 5 Eversley Avenue • Norwalk, CT 06851-5821 Phone: (203) 853-0418

JUNE 18 @ 8PM

www.dvccct.org

203.438.5795 • RIDGEFIELDPLAYHOUSE.ORG

TOLL-FREE 24 HOUR HOTLINE: 1-888-774-2900

MAY/JUNE 2022 STAMFORD

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k n a h T

! u o Y

7TH ANNUAL

RESTAURANT WEEK

to our participating restaurants and this year’s sponsors!

2022 PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS

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DR. CHRISTIAN WHITNEY

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY BOB CAPAZZO

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PERSON TO PERSON

2ND ANNUAL GOLF OUTING

THE STANWICH CLUB Greenwich, CT

THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2022

8:00 am: Registration, Breakfast & Practice 9:30 am: Shotgun Start 1:00 pm: Auction, Lunch & Cocktails

FAIRFIELD COUNTY’S SUMMER CONCERT HOME! 3 EARTH, WIND & FIRE

2 H.E.R.

WED

3 LEE BRICE

SAT

THU

6 JASON MRAZ

FRI

7 STEELY DAN

9 DISCO BISCUITS WITH UMPHREY’S MCGEE

SUN

10 SAMMY HAGAR & THE CIRCLE FRI

W/ GEORGE THOROGOOD & THE DESTROYERS

24 BIG TIME RUSH

9 BRIT FLOYD

TUE

AUGUST

JUNE

THU

FRI

12 GOO GOO DOLLS FRI

19 THE BEACH BOYS & FRI THE TEMPTATIONS 25 DISPATCH & O.A.R.

27 THE BLACK CROWES

THU

MON

28 BOYZ II MEN SUN

2 LYNYRD SKYNYRD

30 JASON ISBELL & 400 UNIT

SAT

TUE

7 MAREN MORRIS

THU

13 JACKSON BROWNE

FRI

15 CHEER LIVE

SUN

11 THE DOOBIE BROTHERS W/ MICHAEL MCDONALD

FRI

16 WHY DON’T WE SAT

20 HALESTORM W/ THE WED PRETTY RECKLESS 29 STEVE MILLER BAND FRI

SEPTEMBER

JULY

WED

Hotel Restaurant Spa Coffee Bar

VAN MORRISON

2 DARIUS RUCKER

13 OUTLAW MUSIC TUE FESTIVAL WILLIE NELSON & FAMILY, BILLY STRINGS & MORE 14 TENACIOUS D

WED

15 JON PARDI

THU

UAL

16 STYX & REO FRI SPEEDWAGON W/ LOVERBOY

STAURANT EK

For the most up-to-date event schedule visit

HARTFORDHEALTHCAREAMP.COM | GET TICKETS AT

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MAY/JUNE 2022 STAMFORD

23 RINGO STARR & FRI HIS ALL STARR BAND

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Join us to celebrate the 120th Anniversary of Children's Learning Centers of Fairfield County

120 Club: An Intimate Evening with Vanessa Williams Honoring Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro 2022 Re i ient o the Cham ion o Chi dren Award

Friday, June 3, 6:30 pm Serafina at the IC Stamford, CT Featuring DJ April Larken

stamfordmag.com

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advertisers index BUILDING & HOME IMPROVEMENT California Closets �� 9 JP McHale Pest Management......................................................................... 27 Westy Self Storage...........................................................................................33

HEALTH, HOSPITALS & BEAUTY Hospital for Special Surgery ��17 Nuvance Health................................................................................................ 15 ONS .................................................................................................................. 21 Stamford Health................................................................................................. 7

BUSINESS, FINANCE & LEGAL Cummings & Lockwood-Stamford �� 6 Davidson, Dawson & Clark, LLP �� 8

JEWELRY Betteridge................................................................................................ Cover, 1 Lux Bond & Green �� Cover 4

EVENTS Building One Community................................................................................33 Children's Learning Center: An Intimate Evening with Vanessa Williams ... 94 Curtain Call Theatre.........................................................................................29 Elder House......................................................................................................33 Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater................................................................93 Hey Stamford Food Festival............................................................................. 41 Inspirica Spring Soiree................................................................................... 94 Person-to-Person.............................................................................................93 Reach Prep.......................................................................................................47 Ridgefield Playhouse....................................................................................... 91 SilverSource.................................................................................................... 89 The Carver Center........................................................................................... 91 Westchester Magazine Food Festival..............................................................43

NONPROFIT Connecticut Public Television.........................................................................47. Domestic Violence Crisis Center.................................................................... 91 Elephant Sanctuary.........................................................................................37 MISCELLANEOUS A-List Awards...................................................................................................90 Bob Capazzo...................................................................................................... 8 Drew Klotz........................................................................................................45 Flowcode �� 12 Greenwich Restaurant Week...........................................................................92 Light a Fire........................................................................................................35 Soundwaters....................................................................................................95 Top Dentists......................................................................................................49

FOOD, CATERING & LODGING Taco Daddy �� 5 The Lila Rose �� 3 Marcia Selden Catering................................................................................... 19 Winvian Farm �� 11

REAL ESTATE & SENIOR LIVING Edgehill.............................................................................................................25 EPOCH Senior Living �� Cover 3

COMING THIS SUMMER: WARM BREEZES AND BEAUTIFUL SUNSETS U L

SAILS I KAYAKS AND PADDLE BOARDS I SUMMER CAMPS

•

JULY 16 I FLOTILLA

AUGUST 27 I HARBORFEST

Kayak & paddle board tour on Long Island Sound

Free waterfront festival on Stamford Harbor

MAY/ JUNE 2022 STAMFORD

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postscript

MAY/JUNE 2022 / DONNA MOFFLY

“I was terribly proud of my basil until I took it to the office and was told it was mint.”

pring has sprung/the grass has riz/ I wonder where my trowel is. Guess I’ll have to clean out the garage. Anyway, this seems a good month to reflect on my earthly adventures. As a city child in Cleveland, I loved visiting family friends who lived in the country— an area called Daisy Hill, except oddly their specialty was daffodils. My brothers and I were allowed to pick armloads of them. During the war, we also had a communal Victory Garden behind our apartment building where I managed to outdo my archrival Antoinette by growing an eggplant much bigger than hers. I left it proudly handing on the vine until it trotted and fell off. And that was about it for gardening, until I married Jack. His mother, Audrey (later “Granny”), was an expert, her gardens in Philadelphia gracing the pages of national magazines. She was also a traveler and a smuggler. If there were cedars of Lebanon on her property, you can bet they were the real thing brought back as seedlings in little baggies in the toes of her shoes. “What do you do when customs asks if you have any flora or fauna?” I once asked her. “Do you lie?” “Oh, no, dearie,” she huffed. “I never lie. I just don’t hear.” That part was God’s truth. She was deaf as a post. Granny taught us a lot about cultivation. For instance, you can take a lower branch of a rhododendron, push it into the earth with a rock on top, and next year, you’ll have a whole new bush. She rented her cottage to newlyweds, accepting payment in the form of (heavily supervised) garden work. She had a potting shed by a babbling brook where our kids loved to pick watercress for salads. (They usually fell in.) And Granny had magnificent trees—like the copper beach with a swing in the front

yard and handsome pines in back. When Jack’s father died, she asked my sister-in-law and me to cut pine boughs for over his coffin in church. So out we went with our clippers, cutting away until I finally turned to Sally and said: “Do you think we have enough?” “I don’t know,” she responded. “Lie down.” Years later on her deathbed, his mother told Jack she was worried about who was going to get her boxwood. Well, I tried. I was terribly proud of my basil until I took a bunch to the office and was told it was mint. It just tasted like basil because it had grown next to so much of it. I read that plastic keeps down weeds, so I threw a shiny black tarp on the ground, punched holes in it for squash seeds and ended up with zillions of slugs underneath and squash vines that blackened inch by inch, finally turning the yellow blossoms into yuck. Jack and I planted 100 bulbs Granny sent us for Christmas, and only ten tulips came up. But I was quite successful at transplanting pachysandra from our front yard to other spots. Plus, I could spy on the new people moving in across the street. Jack did have a touch of his mother in him, though. He loved orchids and babied them for years—complete with a tiny humidifier—in the bay window of our dining room. Now I’m struggling to keep them alive. As for recycling the Christmas tree, I’ve got it nailed. Or rather, Rosie, Blackie, Rufus and Madeline do. “Why take it to Tod’s Point?” asked daughter Audrey, who lives in Weston. “I can feed it to my goats! They’d love it!” “You’re kidding,” I said in disbelief. “They’d eat that thing?” “Down to the last needle,” she replied. “It may take them a few months, but they will.” Goats. The ultimate recyclers. What do I know?

VENTURE PHOTOGRAPHY, GREENWICH, CT

OF GREENERY AND GROWING THINGS S

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WELCOME TO WHAT’S NEXT IN SENIOR LIVING

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Stamford - May/June 2022

Articles inside

EDITOR’S LETTER

POSTSCRIPT