Stamford - May/June 2024

ALL HEART

Meet our inspiring neighbors preventing sudden cardiac arrests in our community

WITH FULL HEARTS

Meet the people dedicated to preventing sudden cardiac arrest and saving lives in our communities. After former navy helicopter pilot Melissa Fay collapsed on a treadmill last year, her circle of Stamford friends rallied to raise money and awareness through their organization Lucky Mother. They soon connected with other similarly driven locals. Learn their stories and how you can make an impact today. by beth cooney fitzpatick 60

LIVING THE GOOD LIFE

75-plus musts (sees, dos, meets, eats) in Fairfield County that will remind you how lucky we are to live where we live.

by jill johnson mann

on the cover: Deborah and Artie DiRocco, Mike Papale and Melissa Fay on location at Third Place by Half Full Brewery

Q&A with author Michelle Turk

Day gift guide; Swell ideas for Father’s Day DO

Rewire your brain for the better one bike ride at a time; Take the Bruce Museum’s architectural road trip through CT; Pose with a purpose at the annual Beer Yoga event; Book your spring familyfriendly events

back in time on a glam NYC weekend getaway

bobbins

photography by kyle norton

above: Ryan Damon brings cutting-edge alternative therapies to a loyal— and growing—clientele at the Current. below: Elevated bar bites and local brews star at the recently opened self-pour Hop and Vine Taproom.

SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE

CELEBRATE YOUR WEDDING

vol. 15 | no. 3 | may/june 2024

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contributing writers

Liz Barron, Tom Connor, Carol Leonetti Dannhauser, Hannah Deely, Beth Cooney Fitzpatrick, Kim-Marie Galloway, Stefanie Horn, Jill Johnson Mann, Amy Sarbinowski

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vol. 15 | no. 3 | may/june 2024

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editor’s letter

A MOTHER S DAY WITH HEART

Compared to my peers I became a parent later than most. On my wedding day in June 2014, which also happened to be my 40th birthday, I became stepmom to Bella, then 9, and Sophie, then 7. Leading up to it, I read books about divorce, blended families, and their impact on kids. I spent sessions in a psychologist’s office trying to make sure “I get it right.”

A little less than nine months later I gave birth to a son, Anderson (his first name is my last name.) My inner voice nagged me about how ancient I might feel at Anderson’s future milestones. To ward it off I told myself I had some advantage in facing the challenges of motherhood because of the years I spent really getting to know myself and maturing, being fully ready for it.

I sense and acknowledge your collective eye rolls at the hubris-tinged “fully ready for it.” Because, as we all know, there is no amount of arming oneself with information or having the “right amount” of life experience that fully prepares us for all that parenthood brings. We are reminded of that truth in Beth Cooney Fitzpatrick’s stirring feature “With Full Hearts.” In it, we learn the stories of three families whose worlds forever shifted in just a heartbeat. We see how they have dedicated

themselves to preventing sudden cardiac arrest in Fairfield County through training and advocacy.

I write this with a certain tingling in my own heart at the heaviness of it all. At how vulnerable I feel when I think of, well, when I simply think of my kids.

As a direct result of this piece, I am returning to my old coping mechanism—I’m boning up on knowledge and I’m getting prepared. On Saturday May 4, as a Mother’s Day present to myself, I’ll be getting trained in CPR at the Italian Center. Please join me. Register at lucky-mother.com

JOHN MOORE; GROUP PHOTO BY KYLE NORTON

founder’s page

“The antique gun that Jack’s mother lifted from some poor villager in Afghanistan wasn’t acceptable.”

OF LUCKY LIVING

I’ve lived in the same house in Riverside for sixty-one years. It’s a lucky house. It tried to burn itself down once, but Jack and I got a nearly new house on Chubb. Good ol’ Chubb. I know it’s lucky because Connie Fisher told us so. She’s an expert on feng shui, the 3,000year-old Chinese tradition that claims how and where you build your house and arrange your rooms affects your fortune. It’s about getting rid of the “secret arrows” and getting the chi (energy) flowing, thus making you a happier, more prosperous person.

Here are some of her observations.

The house faces east, which was good for our family. North would be better for business, but turning the house around was where we drew the line.

The weeping cherry was too close to the front door, making it makes it hard for energy to enter. But it was good we replaced the trees blown down by a storm because it shows we believe in future generations.

The front door was black, a color the Chinese consider very lucky. (Now it’s red. Hmmm.) And eagles being fiercely protective, our eagle door knocker kept away evil spirits.

Front Hall: The paintings ascending the staircase to the second floor, especially one of ballet dancers, made it easier to walk upstairs.

Living Room: Granny’s desk tucked into a little corner at the entrance was good, because it kept us in touch with the comings and goings; and the peach walls gave the room life. The piano and windchimes tinkling on the terrace were great for moving energy. The antique gun that Jack’s mother (Granny) lifted from some poor villager in Afghanistan wasn’t acceptable. Feng Shui doesn’t approve of weapons in the house. But Connie easily located the wealth corner of the room—the three gold-framed French fans in increasing sizes with a Persian bowl underneath to gather coins.

Family Room: Born in the year of the

Rat, she wasn’t wild about Vincent, our cat sleeping on the coach, or the bronze sculpture of a cougar (too ferocious); but the needlepoint backgammon table I’d stitched with dragons was a big hit. “Dragons are so auspicious,” she marveled, “for good luck, strength, goodness, male fertility, you name it!” A decoy’s beak pointed right at a little table where we ate—a secret arrow she neutralized with a slight turn. The wooden beams overhead were too divisive.

Dining Room: The silk flower centerpiece was good. The Chinese like lots of flowers, but never dried, which suggest death. The jade plant on the sideboard was wonderful with its little coin-shaped leaves. But no cactuses, please.

Kitchen: The stove was adjacent to the sink. Good. If they’d had been opposite each other, fire and water would clash and cause arguments. The yellow linoleum floor was a resting color— good for digestion.

Den: A problem. Grandfather’s books were pushed back to show the edge of each shelf. She brought them forward to lose that knife edge.

Lavatory: She pondered the significance of our novel plastic toilet seat with mint coins embedded in the rim.

Primary Bedroom: The foot of our bed faced the door—bad, because you’re carried out feet first when you die; but a love seat at the end of it helped break up the unfortunate traffic pattern. Too many mirrors (they cause strife between husband and wife) and windows (they decrease your sense of protection); but blessedly the walls were green not red, a sign of infidelity.

Back Bedroom: “If your bedroom’s over the garage, you’re going to travel more,” Connie observed. Bingo! After college, son Jonathan had gone around the world with just a fortypound backpack, got his M.B.A. in Sydney and worked in Tokyo where he met his Russian wife, Elena.

Funny. A lot of this stuff started making sense to me. And I love my house—with or without a secret arrow or two.

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Grocery Glow-Ups

THE COMMERCE STREET SHOPRITE AND NEWFIELD AVENUE GRADE A ARE NEXT UP FOR A TOP-DOWN REFRESH FOLLOWING THE CINGARI FAMILY MARKETS ’ SHIPPAN AVENUE REVEAL IN STAMFORD

by liz barron

t must be impossible to be a Stamford resident and not have shopped at one of the four Cingari Family Markets that call our city home. During those sprees it’s equally likely to find oneself singing and dancing down an aisle to the full-of-joy soundtrack bopping through the speakers. Also hard to miss? The successive makeovers making their debuts across the 12 locations the Cingari family owns and operates in Connecticut.

“The best part of our business is being able to constantly build upon the success of the

people who came before, and continue to use innovation to extend their legacy,” says Tom Cingari Jr, a vice president at the company.

Following renovations at the Norwalk and Shelton stores, the modernized flagship Shippan Avenue location launched this winter after six months of work—all done after hours so as not to impact customers. The revamp includes updated décor, new lighting and refrigeration across departments, as well as a façade facelift. It all adds up to a “a warmer and friendlier shopping experience,” Cingari Jr. says.

A rethink of how to maximize the 45,000-square-foot space resulted in the removal of an entire aisle at the front of the store, the addition of 10 self-checkout lanes and expanded floral and produce departments.

“Older checkout counters with belts take up a significant amount of space. Replacing them with six to eight self-checkout lanes allows us to get people out the door more quickly. At high traffic times we have employees working the self-checkouts to keep things running smoothly,” says Cingari Jr.

Aside from the fresh aesthetic and layout, the store’s menu of prepared offerings was significantly expanded to better meet customer wishes. The store added 75 new restaurantquality to-go entrées and sides, plus a wider variety of frozen foods.

The six months it took to complete the Shippan Avenue store is typical for the family’s other locations. Next up is the Commerce Street ShopRite, which will be unveiled this month followed soon after by the Newfield Avenue Grade A. Like their sister stores, both will offer new products and additional selfcheckout lanes.

With knowledgeable, friendly department heads at the ready, one thing that hasn’t changed is the Cingari family commitment to customer service. Parents need not get lost trying to locate their toddler’s favorite

above: Sam, Dom, Salvatore and Rocky Cingari at the opening of the Shippan Ave. store in 1960

right: Seaonal bounty stars in the expanded produce section at Cingari Family Markets.

above: Mayor Caroline Simmons and the Cingari Family Markets team at the January ribbon-cutting at the Shippan Ave. store. far rght: The first Grade A Market in 1943.

left: A rendering for store designs reflect a warm, modern refresh.

yogurt or fret over finding that just-right cut of meat. All of the stores have a member of management on the floor at all times. “If you have a question there will always be someone to answer it. We pride ourselves on personalized service,” says Cingari Jr.

That company ethos doesn’t just benefit customers, it also keeps employees happy and the long-standing retention rates at Cingari stores are proof of that. Despite the increased efficiency the renos afford, not a single job

was eliminated at the completed stores. The company has around 2,500 employees serving roughly 250,000 customers per week.

“We treat our employees as part of our family; we do everything we can to accommodate whatever they may have going on in their personal lives,” says Cingari Jr. “We’ve been in business for close to 100 years. My grandfather [Sam] was the champion of our corporate culture and we’ve always strived to hold onto that family feel.”

A Sustainable Future

The Cingari Family Markets are working toward a cleaner, greener future in several key ways. In addition to outfitting each location with energyefficient refrigeration, the company sends

unsold food that can’t be donated to be composted or used as animal feed. That amounts to roughly 12,000 tons of diverted waste per year. Green Team store associates not only oversee in-store efforts but also volunteer at beach cleanups and with planting and landscaping efforts at sports fields and nature centers.

COMMUNITY LEADERS

The mission of the Cingari Family Foundation is to make a positive impact in the communities in which they serve. Over multiple generations, the family has contributed more than $5 million to local organizations. That includes food donations to soup kitchens, pantries, shelters and senior centers, as well as monetary gifts to hospitals, including Stamford and Yale New Haven, and the Cingari Family Boutique at Smilow Cancer Hospital, and also grassroots giving initiated at local stores to support schools, sports teams and more.

The Cingari Family Foundation makes regular food donations.

Cingari Family Markets Green Team members on a volunteer day

above: The new stores feature expanded bread bars and baked selections. left: More selfcheckout lanes on the left join traditional counters for increased efficiency.

left: The brew shop within the shop has party-ready libations, including seasonal specialties and exclusive collabs.

Q&A with.. Michele Turk

by beth cooney fitzpatrick

In January 2011, Greenwichbased journalist Michele Turk’s 11-year-old son, Michael, was watching television with his younger sister Katie when he began cursing uncontrollably. His unprovoked string of obscenities, eventually hundreds of them, continued throughout the day. It was immediately clear to Turk the cursing wasn’t deliberate, and that Michael was just as shocked by the outbursts as his family.

Panicked, she and her husband, Dr. Russell Turk, an obstetrician and gynecologist affiliated with Stamford Hospital, suspected their son had Tourette syndrome, a neurological disorder defined by the presence of repetitive tics. Weeks later, their suspicions were confirmed by a neurologist.

In her new memoir “What Makes Him Tic?”, Turk writes poignantly about what it took for Michael and the Turk family to understand and accept his condition, treat his symptoms and ultimately thrive.

Ever the reporter, Turk, who is also the president of the Connecticut Press Club, punctuates her personal account with journalism, by including expert medical insights into the misunderstood and underdiagnosed syndrome.

We spoke in anticipation of the book’s June release, which is also Tourette Awareness Month.

SM: There is a memorable episode of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” where a chef with Tourette screams obscenities. You write that kind of characterization perpetuates myths and mockery.

MT: The biggest misperception is that everyone with Tourette curses. While that was true for Michael, only about 10 percent of people with the diagnosis do. The defining thing has more to do with having some kind of tic. That tic could be something like eye blinking, facial grimaces, coughing, certain repetitive movements with the hands.

The perception is slowly changing. I think it was really important when Billie Eilish said that she has Tourette. When someone with that kind of fame and talent acknowledges their diagnosis and talks about their experiences, I think it makes an impact.

SM: Michael found playing the drums helped him manage his tics. How important is it for kids who are coping with this disorder to find something that makes them shine?

MT: It’s huge. I don’t think there was a specialist we saw who didn’t advise it. Whether it’s music or sports or photography or some kind of hobby that they love and can lean into to build their self-esteem, they need to have that. Michael did find that music eased his tics and it also gave him a community of people who were his friends and cheerleaders at the School of Rock. I can’t say enough about the people there and the way they supported him.

SM: Any advice for parents on how to advocate effectively for education accommodations?

Stamford Magazine: You spent a lot of your career writing about health. When did you realize yours was a story that needed to be told?

Michele Turk: Early on. After Michael was diagnosed, I started scribbling on pieces of paper that were strewn all over the house. If something was on my mind, if I had a question, if I was frustrated, I would write it down. It was therapeutic. Then, I started a journal, writing longer and longer memories. Seven or eight months in, I began a memoir writing class at the Westport Writer’s Workshop. When I started sharing my writing in class, the other students really responded. Their response made me realize there was a longer story that needed to be told.

SM: Was it difficult for you to share this, knowing your family, friends and neighbors would eventually read it?

MT: The short answer is yes. But I knew from the beginning I was not writing with those folks in mind. You’re writing for that parent that just found out their child has Tourette. You are writing for that person who is confused and upset and shocked and doesn’t know where to turn for help. It’s not worth writing a memoir if you’re not going to be honest. That’s what memoir writing is: It’s an invitation into someone’s life. Also, it’s been more than a decade and we had a happy ending. I’m not sure I would have been so forthcoming otherwise.

MT: Trust your gut. You must be your child’s champion over and over again. My husband and I were lucky because we had access to resources, and we realize that a lot of people don’t. But it is important to find allies to help you navigate something that can feel really overwhelming. The Tourette Association of America [which has a Connecticut chapter] has a lot of helpful resources. I also found a lot of support through [Westport-based] Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities.

SM: When Michael was diagnosed, there was a lot about Tourette that was a mystery. Is that changing?

MT: One thing that’s changed is the thinking that Tourette is a rare disease. which is what we were told when

Michael was diagnosed. Actually, it’s not so rare. But sometimes, people don’t know they have it because of the way it presents or it’s attributed to other things. Research on Tourette is underfunded and I’m hoping the book will be part of a larger conversation because one in 50 kids has Tourette or some other kind of tic disorder.

SM: Let’s talk about that happy ending you mentioned. Michael is 25 now. How is he doing?

MT: He really blossomed in high school and went on to attend Georgetown. Shortly after graduation he went to Los Angeles, where he’s been exploring his love of food as a chef. He works at a wonderful farm-to-table restaurant and he and his girlfriend also have a cool side business, opening pop up restaurants. He has been mostly tic-free for the past ten years and is off medication. But we all understand that Tourette is a disease much like diabetes. He’ll always have it, but he has learned a lot about how to manage it. We’re grateful for that and he is, too.

Visit the Tourette Association of America at tourette.org

above: Turk’s memoir will be released June 4 by Woodhall Press.

by hannah deely

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FOR THE DADS WHO HAVE EVERYTHING

THIS FATHER’S DAY, SKIP THE TRADITIONAL GIFTS AND SEND HIM ON A FUN ADVENTURE.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, some 70 million American men are dads. This means that millions of spouses and children are stressing about what to get the men in their lives for Father’s Day. The problem is that guys have enough stuff and don’t need any more. In fact, we still have the ties, sweaters and slippers from last Father’s Day! The good news is that this June the trend is toward giving gifts around doing rather than having. Father’s Day gifts from a bucket list make for cool experiences and warm memories well beyond the day itself. He might even invite the family along.

Here, then, are five “experience gifts” dads will enjoy receiving and may actually even use!

1

FLASHY TEST DRIVE

What father hasn’t fantasized about trading in that familyfriendly SUV for a high-end, imported race car, or a stock car for that matter? We’re perfectly happy being dads, of course, but inside of all of us are teenagers itching to go really fast and impress other guys. A day out at Thompson Speedway Motorsport Park (ironically located in the northeastern part of Connecticut called the “Quiet Corner”), allows us to do just that. Why do guys love going to the Speedway? “Um ... because we have cool cars?” suggests a sales associate at Extreme Experience (thextremexperience .com), which manages by

tom connor

the driving sessions. Dads indeed have their pick of Ferraris, Porsches and Lamborghinis that on the straightways can top 130 mph. Spouses needn’t worry: A safety course precedes the laps. It’s driving back home without getting a ticket that’s a cause for concern!

For exotic car enthusiasts that don’t necessarily have that need for speed, Veluxcity Exotic Car Rental in Greenwich offers daily rentals on a variety of luxury rides—like Rolls Royce and Bentleys. But if dad really wants to make heads turn, you should consider renting him the bright red 2020 Lamborghini Huracán EVO Coupé seen here.

Veluxity Exotic Car Rentals in Greenwich makes guys swoon.

Build Awareness. Reach New

Legal Profile Special Section

• Special section following our annual Top Lawyers editorial feature

• Annual guide to Fairfield County’s law firms & legal experts

• Custom profile created for your practice

• Reach an audience of 200,000+ families and local residents

• One year inclusion in our online lawyers directory

• Bonus issue distribution to local events reaching families, charitable organizations and community influencers Issue Date: September/October 2024 On Newsstands: September 2, 2024 Commitment Date: July 15, 2024

Contact Morgan Howell, Moffly Media Account Executive at Morgan.Howell@moffly.com for more information.

2

WHITEWATER CANOEING

& KAYAKING

Few outings are more exciting than running the rapids, even on the relatively placid Housatonic or Farmington rivers. Clarke’s Outdoors (clarkeoutdoors.com) in West Cornwall rents canoes, kayaks and rafts for six-, eightand ten-mile runs down the Housatonic, dropping in at Falls Village, from early May to September.

Main Stream Canoes & Kayaks (mainstreamcanoe .com) in Farmington offers multiple drop-in points and up to 12 miles of paddling

between Riverton and New Hartford. Whether on the water for one or five hours, the cost is the same.

“Gift certificates are great for Father’s Day,” says owner Myra Emrick. “It’s fun, it’s exciting, it’s an adventure.” For a family day on the river, she adds, “It’s getting your kids off their damn phones!” Dads, too! Both rivers feature short sections of Class 3 rapids. For an on-thewater adventure a little closer to home, check out SeaKayak (seakayakct.com) in Westport for rentals or sign up for one of their guided tours to Cockenoe or Sprite Islands.

offers gift certificates for fun, hands-on, day and evening group cooking classes, held at her husband’s Deane Inc. kitchen showroom in Stamford. With themed meals like “Italian Comfort Food” the classes run from three to four hours, are hands-on and end with delicious (well, depending on how Dad did!) dinners of the food just prepared. As the mantra at Culinary Works goes, “It’s all in the experience!”

4

TICKETS TO LIVE EVENTS

Register him for a cooking class—and everbody wins!

3

COOKING CLASSES

A gift certificate to an evening or weekend cooking class is one of those transparently selfserving gifts that can benefit the giver as much as the receiver:

“Since taking that class you’ve become an amazing chef! How about cooking dinner from now on?”

Classes in making and cooking pasta are plentiful like The Art of Pasta at Wakeman Town Farm (wakemantownfarm .org ) in Westport. At Culinary Works (culinaryworks .com), executive chef Julia Deane

For guys bemoaning getting older, the best gift may be tickets to a concert by any number of iconic bands and top performers on tour this spring and summer. On the road this Father’s Day and beyond are Green Day, Smashing Pumpkins and the Red Hot Chili Peppers; Tim McGraw, George Strait and Jason Aldean; and Springsteen, the Eagles and the Rolling Stones. With most of the band members hovering around 80 years old, it seems appropriate that AARP is sponsoring the Stones’ “Hackney Diamonds Tour.”

Joining Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Woods on the tour is original bassist Bill Wyman, who, at 86, may need help getting on and off the stage. By comparison, the rest of us dads will feel

pretty young! For the more low-key music fan, some of the best acts in the county, if not the country, regularly perform at The Fairfield Theatre Company in downtown Fairfield (fairfieldtheatre.org) or The Ridgefield Playhouse (ridgefieldplayhouse .org).

5

A DAY AT THE SPA

Then again, maybe the best experience gift is doing nothing at all. Instead of cooking, paddling, speeding or rocking out, Dad might enjoy chilling at one of the many luxurious spas throughout Fairfield County. At Dream Spa & Salon in Westport (dreamdayspa.com), the “Basics for the Boys” gift package includes a “man”datory facial, a deep tissue massage and

a pedicure. A kind of mission statement at the spa is, “he doesn’t know he needs it but he does.” Adds owner Lori Dodd, “most men won’t often treat themselves to a spa day—they think that it isn’t masculine or manly—but it has been our experience that once men try it, they like it!” For serious health and vanity work for guys who already know they like to be pampered, Element Medical Aesthetics (elementct.com) in New Canaan offers skin tightening, hair restoration and botox treatments.

Arrange for a kayak rental and drop in at one of Connecticut’s many rivers.

Alice

Wonderland

do

RIDING HIGH

Through alternative therapies, Darien native Ryan Damon conquered pain and depression resulting from concussions suffered as a star athlete. He now shares the cutting-edge interventions in a 50-minute flow at the Current, his wellness studio tucked inside Twin Rinks by amy sarbinowski

During his time at Darien High School in the ’90s, Ryan Damon excelled as a varsity member on the football, ice hockey and lacrosse teams, embodying the epitome of health and potential. However, by his senior year at the University of North Carolina, where he played lacrosse and eventually became team captain, Damon's life took a dark turn. Struggling with persistent headaches, depression and anxiety, the once-promising athlete found himself in a downward spiral. He began hearing an inner voice filled with darkness, pessimism and sorrow. Consumed by feelings of

inadequacy, Damon turned to alcohol, drugs, and prescription medication to silence his insecurities.

Following college, Damon landed a position in sales and marketing at a fitness company. However, he found himself reliant on a staggering 22 pills every day just to function. At the age of 33, a final concussion sustained during a flag football game stripped away Damon’s identity as a “high functioning, addicted and depressed” individual, leaving behind a shell of his former self. He found himself unable to walk a city block or even read a page of a book. “Every day, I

contemplated ending my life,” reflects Damon, now 45.

Desperate for relief, he embarked on a journey across the country, seeking out doctors and exploring various therapies. A Navy SEAL friend introduced Damon to the founder of LiveO2, Mark Squibb, who invited him to La Porte, CO, to experience contrast

above: Founder Ryan Damon shares the tools he used to heal his body and mind at the Current.

left and right: The final phase of the 50-minute flow is the Campfire time, a 15-minute seated recovery period in front of a Biocharger, which emits energy currents that revitalize.

oxygen training, which is alternating from a low-oxygen environment to open the blood vessels, to a high-oxygen environment, which floods the body’s tissues with oxygen rich blood. For years, this strategy has been used by elite athletes training for the Ironman and similar competitions to improve their cardiovascular capacity and speed recovery time.

Damon was promised a life-changing transformation if he committed to just seven days. Eager to try anything, he accepted the offer and immersed himself in the LiveO2 program.

Damon experienced a remarkable shift— his pain subsided, and his energy surged. Remarkably, he was able to go for a run without experiencing the crippling pain that had plagued him for years. This breakthrough ignited him: “I had this lightbulb moment. I had found my purpose. I wanted to get back into life. It became my mission to bring these tools to the world,” he says.

In July 2022, Damon made the crosscountry move from the west coast to Wilton, accompanied by his wife and two children. He launched The Current, situated upstairs at Twin Rinks in Stamford. Here, he introduces his innovative wellness concept to clients, founded on four technologies pivotal to his personal healing journey.

It is a structured progression through three distinct phases. The Sunrise phase involves a 10-minute session standing barefoot on a vibrating micro-impact platform, coupled with exposure to red light therapy for increased circulation and relief from chronic pain. Transitioning to the Cloud phase, clients undergo a 25-minute coached bike ride utilizing contrast oxygen training while wearing a mask. Finally, the Campfire phase offers a 15-minute seated recovery period beside a Biocharger, emitting energy currents such as pulsed electromagnetic fields, facilitating rejuvenation and relaxation.

Once the doors opened, word spread fast.

The Current draws a diverse clientele, ranging from athletes seeking to enhance cardiovascular performance to post-surgery patients aiming to expedite recovery, and locals managing chronic pain.

John Hayden, 29, a pro hockey player for the Seattle Kraken and the Coachella Valley Firebirds, returns home to Connecticut to train in the summers along with old friends from his Yale team and assorted players who

“I had this lightbulb moment. I had found my purpose. I wanted to get back into life. It became my mission to bring these tools to the world.”

RYAN DAMON Founder

live in the area.

“When people are serious about their health, there is almost an arms race for different tools you can use,” Hayden says. “I’ve seen it in life and in sport. People are hungry for solutions. A lot of them are trying to heal their bodies and their minds, too. Part of the arms race is being able to do more than the next guy.”

A tech executive from New Canaan, Nada Stirratt, 58, who broke her pelvis seven years ago in a horseback riding accident is strict about making her twice-weekly sessions. “I have one trigger spot of pain from the fall, but when I sit on the PEMF chair with magnets over the area, I feel great. I am far better than I was a year ago.”

Fellow New Canaan resident and internet

executive, Don Ross, 60, initially visited The Current seeking relief from chronic lower back pain. An avid athlete who enjoys swimming, hiking, running, biking and skiing, Ross says, “After the first session, I felt zero back pain. It’s improved my cardiovascular fitness and mental acuity, absolutely, positively. Now I go twice a week, religiously, and sometimes three times.”

Dr. Michael Bauerschmidt, founder of Deeper Healing Medical Wellness Center in Charleston, S.C., emphasizes the individual benefits of oxygen contrast training, the micro-impact platform and electromagnetic therapies: “Any one of these therapies is beneficial on its own. But together, they are optimal.”

above: Damon fits a client with an oxygen mask for the Cloud, a bike ride using contrast oxygen training. left: Sunrise combines red light therapy and a vibrating micro-impact platform.

For most people, electromagnetic therapies are safe and can offer various benefits such as muscle relaxation, improved blood circulation and cellular rejuvenation. However, for individuals who are sensitive to electromagnetic exposures, such as those who experience nausea, headaches or tingling in the extremities from exposure to cellphones or computers, electromagnetic therapies may not be advisable. It’s essential for individuals to consult with a healthcare professional before undergoing any electromagnetic therapy if they have pre-existing sensitivities or medical conditions.

Parents who believe in the safety and efficacy bring their sons and daughters to The Current. Margaux Devillers, 13, an ice-hockey goalie from Darien who has had three concussions since age 8 is a regular.

“It hurt to think and do my homework,” she recalls. However, after participating in the circuit three or four times a week, Devillers noticed a significant improvement in her

symptoms. “After a couple weeks, I didn’t have the headaches anymore. I started to notice I was able to be in brighter rooms, the sound wasn’t hurting me as much and I wasn’t as dizzy.”

Some folks are drawn to The Current out of sheer curiosity, eager to explore its potential impact on their overall well-being. Ryan Harvey, 44, CEO of a real estate investment company based in Stamford, experimented with The Current as part of a personal commitment to adopt a healthier lifestyle. He was sold by the end of his month-long experiment.

“For me, The Current is part of a virtuous cycle of adopting a healthy-person mindset,” he says. “After I leave, everything about my mind feels improved. I’m happy and calm, just feeling good. I block off time on my calendar for The Current, two slots each week. I decided to make it a priority, which is the best evidence that I’m serious about liking it and that it’s worthwhile.”

BIOHACK YOURSELF

Research Behind the Therapies

Research published in the National Institute of Health’s Center for Biotechnology Information library shows that contrast oxygen training has many benefits, including improved fitness and endurance levels and the reduction of lactic acid accumulation, which allows athletes to recover quickly. Another benefit is improved short-term memory, which has led to expanded research into the use of the therapy for age-related cognitive decline.

The Juvent Micro-Vibrating Platform sends micro impulses that can help increase bone density and improve stability and posture, according to the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported an 11% increase in bone density in childhood cancer survivors using it.

Because of its remarkable ability to reduce inflammation, PEMF therapy is FDA-approved for the treatment of pain, edema (swelling), osteoarthritis and plantar fasciitis. It is also approved to treat depression. In one VA study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine, patients with traumatic brain injury who were treated with PEMF therapy had far fewer headaches per week, with a 79% reduction in frequency.

Red light therapy stimulates collagen regeneration and improves elastin, which promotes tissue repair and skin rejuvenation, according to research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Thanks to its powerful ability to reduce inflammation and boost new cell growth, the therapy helps heal wounds, reduce wrinkles, scars, skin redness and acne. It is also being studied for its ability to reduce pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis.

While some may be considered cutting-edge and are still evolving in scientific understanding, others are firmly grounded in research.

Examples include:

• Meditation apps for improved sleep or stress

• Intermittent fasting for weight loss

• Breath work for mental clarity and calm

• Electronic stimulators to accelerate healing

• Cryotherapy for muscle recovery

Damon will be featured in the upcoming documentary "Biohack Yourself," where he shares his recovery journey and details the various tools he utilized to facilitate healing from within. Biohacks encompass techniques aimed at enhancing health and maximizing performance.

Clients in the Cloud phase, a 25-minute bike ride with contrast oxygen training.

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

MODERN MARVELS

eileen murphy

When people think of Connecticut, they often think of historical homes, surrounded by stone walls and lush yards. While our architecture does lean more traditional than avant-garde, our proximity to both New York City and Boston has always been a big draw to artists and pioneers of all kinds— architects included.

To celebrate our rich history in modern architecture, the Bruce Museum in Greenwich recently organized the Connecticut Modern Driving Tour. This self-guided road trip takes you from Stamford to Hartford, with stops along the way. You’ll find a detailed history of each site, along with visitor information, on the museum’s website. Here are four local highlights.

First Presbyterian Church and Carillon Tower STAMFORD

Many of these sites are open to the public, so plan ahead, as the interiors are often just as interesting as the exteriors—as is the case with Stamford’s First Presbyterian Church and Carillon Tower, which many readers might know as the “fish church.” Designed by Wallace K. Harrison, who also created Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the church is immediately recognizable for its two-story tower, but the colorful glass slabs that Wallace used instead of traditional stained glass, should be appreciated from the inside.

It’s no surprise that the driving tour features two locations in New Canaan, home to the Harvard Five, a famous group of modern architects that settled in the town in the 1940s. Gore’s Pavillion, located in beautiful

clockwise from top, left: Originally a pool house and winter lodge, Gores Pavilion is now a museum. opposite page: Stamford's First Presbyterian Church.

Gore's Pavilion NEW CANAAN

From downtown Stamford: a 20-minute drive

Irwin Park, was designed as a pool house by architect Landis Gores for Jack Irwin (former ambassador to France) and Jane Watson (daughter of IBM founder Thomas J. Watson). It is now a museum operated by the New Canaan Historical Society. Less than a mile away stands the renowned Glass House, a celebrated work of the Harvard Five’s most famous architect, Phillip Johnson. Originally Johnson’s private home, it is now a National Trust Historic Site and opens for tours from April through December.

A second Johnson-designed building in nearby Ridgefield was Johnson’s first commercial project.

Known as the Schlumberger Research Center, it reopened after an extensive restoration and is again operating as a private office building as initially intended by Johnson.

Heading north to New Haven, you’ll find three driving tour stops. The Louis Kahn Building at Yale University is home to the oldest college art museum in the country. Considered to be one of Kahn’s first masterpieces,

top: The Glass House is not visible from the road. Tours are given of the house, galleries and grounds. right: The views from inside the house are constantly changing with the seasons.

the tetrahedral concrete ceiling is particularly interesting.

Just across the street is another of Kahn’s buildings, the Yale Center for British Art. Completed in 1977, three years after Kahn died, the steeland-glass building is currently under construction and closed to visitors, but you can get an excellent view of the exterior while visiting the art gallery.

However, the most recognizable New Haven building featured on the tour is the Hotel Marcel. When designing this building for the Armstrong Rubber Company, architect

The Glass House NEW CANAAN From downtown Stamford: a 20-minute drive

Marcel Breuer certainly achieved the company’s goal of separating the office area from the research department’s quiet space and the city’s hopes for a building that would change the city’s skyline. The interior of the Hotel Marcel is equally interesting.

Farther north, you will find the Mattatuck House in Waterbury and the Avery Court at the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, both art museums. Interestingly, when the Avery Court first opened in 1934 with a retrospective exhibit of artist Pablo Picasso’s work, architect Phillip

Johnson was one of the many guests in attendance.

The newest building on the driving tour is the Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek synagogue in Chester. Designed by Connecticut native Sol LeWitt in 2001, the interior dome is a post-and-beam construction style that rises two stories above the sanctuary to form a Star of David with a skylight in the middle.

In addition to the buildings featured on the Bruce Museum’s Connecticut Modern Driving Tour, there are also two public works of art by artist

Alexander Calder. In Hartford, there is a 600-foot tall, bright red sculpture titled “Stegosaurus”and in New Haven is “Gallow and Lollipops” an example of the type of kinetic sculpture Calder is known for.

For the full Bruce Museum’s Connecticut Modern Driving Tour, visit brucemuseum.org

top: The office building sat empty for years until Becker + Becker bought it and turned it into The Hotel Marcel, named after the architect Marcel Breuer.

Hotel Marcel NEW HAVEN

From downtown Stamford: a 45-minute drive

Hair of the (Downward) Dog

Pose with purpose–and

a

pint–at the 8th annual BEER YOGA

to benefit the Bennett Cancer Center by liz barron

After receiving her cancer diagnosis in July 2013, longtime Stamford resident Joanne Berg and her family consulted with several top hospitals. The proposed treatment plan offered by Stamford Hospital seemed unparalleled.

“In addition to the amazing facility, the doctors at the Bennett Cancer Center saw my mom as the incredible mother, wife, friend and grandma she was. The services they provided made her battle so much more bearable.” says her daughter Alyson Schroeder.

She and her family became regulars there.

“The Bennett Cancer Center was home to my mom, and to our family, on and off for four years. It’s where she spent the last months of her life. As she battled a rare and aggressive

cancer, we made so many memories within the walls of the hospital. I will forever be grateful for that,” she says.

Schroeder found herself searching for a way to honor her mom while also recognizing Stamford Hospital and its impact on her family. She came up with an event that combines two favorite activities: Sipping suds and perfecting poses. The first Beer Yoga for Hope in Motion to benefit the Bennett Center was held in June 2017. Berg passed away the next month. Schroeder believes the Bennett Center “gave her five additional months to be with us, an Easter, a Passover and another birthday for each of my parents to celebrate together.”

Now in its eighth year, the 2024 Beer Yoga event will be held at 6:30 p.m. on June 7 at the Stamford JCC. The suggested donation to join is $75, which includes beer or wine in a reusable cup and, of course, a yoga class led by the always-popular Katy Ingulli. There is a raffle with prizes that include a gift card and t-shirt from Ginger’s Seoul and nearly $500 worth of products from Beauty Counter. The evening is made possible entirely thanks to in-kind donations, including Ingulli’s time.

All the money raised goes to Hope in Motion, the year-round fundraising initiative to benefit Stamford Health’s Bennett Cancer Center. Funds are used to sustain services at no cost to patients like transportation to treatments, lunches for patients in chemotherapy, grants for non-medical expenses, exercise classes, Reiki sessions and more.

The super fun yoga session incorporates sips of your favorite beverage (whatever that may be) and poses maximized for Beer Yoga cup usage. If beer or even yoga isn’t your thing, there’s still plenty of ways to enjoy the night and support the cause. There will

be music, vendor booths to shop and some surprises.

“This is our opportunity to have fun while giving back and helping others who are going through a cancer journey,” says Schroeder. “I love when people tell me how special the event was. The best feeling must be when someone comes up to introduce themselves, tells me they have battled cancer and thanks me for what we are doing. It makes it all worth it.,”

When asked what her mom would think if she could see the impact that Beer Yoga has had on the community and the Bennett Center, Schroeder says, “I think she would be so proud and blown away by what we have done and all of the support that the event has generated. After our first year I was so excited to race to the hospital to tell her how much we raised in her honor. Each year I feel she is a part of the event in some special way. One year the clouds parted and the sun emerged during savasana as the song “Joanne” played on the speaker; there is always some small sign. Knowing that we are helping another family pushes me to keep doing more each year.”

For more information or to sign up to attend this year’s event, email beeryogaforhope@gmail.com

above: Alyson Schroeder and Katy Ingulli are ready to toast you at the 8th annual Beer Yoga event June 7.

top: Joanne Berg and granddaughter Jordyn Schroeder make memories together at the Bennett Cancer Center. bottom: Yoga and hops enthusiasts of all levels join for the fun class for a cause.

SWING INTO SPRING

MOTHER'S DAY HAPPENINGS, THE MEMORIAL DAY PARADE AND MORE FAMILY EVENTS ACROSS STAMFORD

by stefanie horn

No. 1

MOM’S

THE WORD

Designs by Lee will host a Mother’s Day Garden Tea Party on Saturday, May 11. It's the perfect way for grandmothers, mothers and daughters to spend time together over tea and light bites. There will also be a Pop-Up Market on Sunday, May 12, featuring local small businesses and activities for children. Follow it up with a special Mother’s Day family-friendly brunch at Serafresca at the Italian Center.

No. 2 WITH HONORS

The Stamford Memorial Day Parade on Sunday, May 19 at noon (June 2 rain date) is one of the most meaningful times to be downtown. The warm weather and marching bands combined with all the red, white and blue is a beautiful way to recognize the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The parade begins at the Stamford Police Station on Bedford Street and ends at Veterans Memorial Park on Atlantic Street. Stamford Moms recommends arriving early to grab a seat outdoors at one of the restaurants so that you can have a bite while watching the parade. stamfordct.gov

No. 4 SONGS OF SUMMER

Kidz Bop Live 2024 is taking over the Palace Stamford at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 27 and Friday, June 28. The always-popular show features new songs, choreography, special effects and more. The tour coincides with the release of the group’s latest album, KIDZ BOP 2024, including the biggest bops of the year, sung by kids for kids. palacestamford.org

No. 3

SHOP LOCAL

Regional artists will line up downtown for Arts & Crafts on Bedford on Saturday June 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to sell one-of-akind handcrafted goods. Go for the graduation gifts and stay for the extended restaurant patios that will serve up sustenance after a day spent shopping. stamford-downtown.com

No. 5 GET OUT

Springtime offers multiple excuses to get back to nature. Pack water and snacks (maybe even a whole picnic lunch) and enjoy the great outdoors. This year we plan to take enough regular nature walks at the Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens and Mianus River Park that we’ll know the trails like they’re in our own backyard. A favorite way to keep the littles engaged is to create a scavenger hunt or play rounds of “I Spy” as we soak up the sounds and sights. Another not-to-be missed al fresco activity is spending time with the animals at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center (keep an eye out for the babies) and capping it with a visit to the playground.

Stefanie Horn, Stamford mom of three and head of Stamford Moms, shares some of her favorite things

on

up

letter and check out the calendar for more family-friendly activities at stamfordmoms.com.

to our participating restaurants and this year’s sponsors!

ThankYou! RESTAURANT WEEK

to our participating restaurants and this year’s sponsors!

ThankYou!

2024 SPONSORS

2024 SPONSORS

9TH ANNUAL

9TH ANNUAL

2024 PARTICIPATING

2024 PARTICIPATING

Méli-Mélo

Méli-Mélo Miku Sushi

Tony’s at the J House Val’s Putnam Wine & Liquor

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KYLE NORTON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KYLE NORTON

TIFFANY HAS NEVER GLEAMED BRIGHTER

TO A

GREASERS AND ROCKERS REIGN SUPREME ON BROADWAY

by kim-marie galloway

RETRO FRIED CHICKEN GETS A MAJOR GLOW-UP

MUCH-ANTICIPATED HOTEL MOVES INTO A GILDED AGE ESTATE

SHOP

Seeing Blue

THE LANDMARK

727 Fifth Avenue; tiffany.com

When Holly Golightly got a case of the “mean reds,” she would cab it to that blue jewel on Fifth Avenue to cheer herself up. As the Breakfast at Tiffany’s icon famously said, “Nothing bad ever happens at Tiffany.” Holly would approve of the recent reimagination of the company’s flagship store. But renovation doesn’t do it justice. It’s now more than a store. It’s a landmark. Literally. It’s called The Landmark.

With video views of the Empire State Building and Central Park projected on the walls, glittering eye candy as far as the eye can see, original and commissioned paintings and sculptures, massive floral arrangements that are works of art in themselves, you’ll lose track of space and time and love every minute.

Take advantage of the Audrey Experience. This immersive installation includes the necklace Hepburn wore in the opening scene, a reproduction of the black dress from the House of Givenchy and the film’s Oscar. Make a reservation at Michelinstarred Chef Daniel Boulud’s Blue Box Café—a jewel-box café serving

Colonel Sanders Who?

a decadent Afternoon Tea and an all-day a la carte menu.

Discover the Culture of Creativity exhibit, a curation of 70 works of art from the Peter Marino Art Foundation. Reservations are complimentary but required.

Throughout the ten floors you’ll find more than 40 works of art by renowned artists including Daniel Arsham, Jenny Holzer and Rashid Johnson. Also on display are the world-famous Tiffany Diamond recently reset to honor Jean Schlumberg’s iconic Bird of Rock design and the latest Tiffany masterpiece—a stunning necklace featuring a brilliant cut diamond of over 100 carats.

Holly sure had it right.

From the team behind the Michelin-starred and James Beardnominated COTE Korean Steakhouse comes the brand-new and impossibly chic COQODAQ. It’s like a club—but with fried chicken, caviar and an impressive champagne menu. Owner Simon Kim refers to it as his “fried chicken cathedral.” And with its glowing arches and decadent menu, we can see why. We could go on and on about the fusion of tastes and the Amishraised chickens, but do you need more when you can dine on a bucket of gourmet fried chicken and Petrosian Royal Beluga caviar washed down with great champagne? Exactly. how to get in: Reservations are released online two weeks in advance at 10 a.m. and will be competitive for the foreseeable future. You can, however, put your name in for a seat at the long bar—where it gets hectic— or at one of the high-tops by the entrance.

The Audrey Experience

Not your grandma's fried chicken

Imaginative

STAY

Rock of Ages

THE JACOBS THEATRE

242 W. 45th Street; outsidersmusical.com

GOLDEN THEATRE 252 W. 45th Street; stereophonicplay.com

Manner Born

THE FIFTH AVENUE HOTEL

The Fifth Avenue Hotel recently opened on 28th and Fifth, by the Empire State Building and near trendy NoMad. Unlike many recent hotel openings, this gem is not part of a megabrand. Flaneur Hospitality, a bespoke firm dedicated to intimate, personalized service, has been working on converting the former estate of legendary Gilded Age hostess Mrs. Charlotte Goodridge since 2014. The hotel evokes the global travels and languid lounging of the swell set. Founder Alex Ohebshalom has brought all his world travels and treasures under one roof for a very wabi-sabi effect. Picture a taxidermied crow at the bar alongside hand-ruched fabric flown in from Paris. Hemingway would have stayed here, if he could’ve afforded the $1,000 per night starting rate.

Gen-X-ers rejoice! " Outsiders" is coming to the stage of Jacob's Theatre—the musical adaptation of S.E. Hinton’s seminal young adult novel. When Francis Ford Coppola produced the film version in 1982, he cast primarily unknown actors including Tom Cruise, Rob Lowe and Matt Dillon. The stage production opened in previews in March and, given the rave reviews, is likely to launch the careers of a cast of actors who are almost all making their Broadway debuts. It seems fitting for a coming-of-age novel about the battle between the haves and the have-nots to launch a new cadre of actors to fame. For those who know the story, we look forward to “Stay Gold Ponyboy” trending on TikTok. Millennials have “discovered” Fleetwood Mac and will love the musical " Stereophonic", loosely

based on the group. The band is trying to make its big album, but behind the scenes it’s falling apart. Will Butler of Arcade Fire wrote the music, which makes the predictable love-torn drama worth the three-hour runtime. The play by David Adjimi is a critic’s darling; Jesse Green of the New York Times says: “Adjmi ingeniously weaves sound and story into something as granular as it is operatic ... It is a relentlessly compelling production by Daniel Aukin that has the grit of a documentary ... as rich and lustrous as they come. You could even call it platinum.”

1 W. 28th Street; thefifthavenuehotel

Café Carmellini, the hotel's signature restaurant

Perfect Pairings of Wine & Food with Kevin Zraly

TUESDAY, JUNE 4

6:00PM – 9:00PM Crabtree’s Kittle House Restaurant & Inn Chappaqua, NY

Party on the Pier

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5

6:00PM – 9:00PM Playland, Rye, NY

Burger & Beer Blast THURSDAY, JUNE 6

6:00PM – 9:30PM Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla, NY

Wine Collectors’ Dinner FRIDAY, JUNE 7

6:30PM – 10:00PM Kanopi, White Plains, NY

Grand Tasting Village SATURDAY, JUNE 8

12:00PM – 4:00PM Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla, NY

Cool Tools home

Redon toilet brush holder; $72. Cobble Court Interiors, New Canaan; cobblecourt.com

STEAMERY Pilo 2 fabric shaver; $65. Williams Sonoma, Westport; williamssonoma.com

HAWKINS NEW YORK

Lurex sponges; $6 for set of three. hawkinsnewyork.com

NORMANN COPENHAGEN x OLE JENSEN Dustban + broom; $35. aplusrstore.com

CURIO The ionic palm brush; $38. curiohomegoods.com

ALESSI Handheld vacuum cleaner; $240. us.alessi.com

GARRETT WADE Better whisk broom; $15.95. garrettwade.com

CB2

Squeegee in brass or black metal; $39.95. cb2.com

ANDRÉE JARDIN

French standing broom sweep set; $189. Pottery Barn, Westport; potterybarn.com

by megan gagnon

1 IN COMMON WITH Gemma sconce in blackened brass; starting at $1,500. incommonwith.com

“modern bobbin designs seamlessly intertwine the essence of traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary twist, skillfully reimagining its form across diverse categories in unexpectedly innovative ways.”

+

2 PARK EUN-KOOK KoKo table; $7,680. 1stdibs.com

3 AERIN Odette bookends; $695 for set of two. aerin.com

4 AND OBJECTS Leckford Stool; $4,084. andobjects.com 5 NOIR Cooper mirror in metal with brass finish; $2,085 Beehive, Fairfield; thebeehive fairfield.com 6 TROY LIGHTING Miela floor lamp by Loft & Thought; $990. Chloe Winston Lighting Design, Norwalk, 203-9578686; chloewinston lighting.com

7 JONATHAN CHARLES Orb dining table; $6,560. Schwartz Design Showroom, Stamford; schwartzdesign showroom.com

megan gagnon

—alexis varbero, owner

ceo, schwartz design showrooms

money matters

BY CAROL LEONETTI DANNHAUSER

TAKING STOCK OF YOUR STAKE

When your paycheck arrives, you no doubt have that money earmarked for somewhere: bills, savings, investments, maybe a gift or a getaway. But what about that company stock you’re socking away? What are your plans for that?

An estimated 32 million people participate in employee stock ownership plans, whether through profit sharing, stock bonus plans, stock options, stock purchase plans and the like, according to the National Center for Employee Ownership, and that trend seems

to be rising in lower Fairfield County.

“Broadly speaking, over the last decade we’ve seen an increase in stock as compensation for our clients,” says Harry Figgie IV, a partner and wealth adviser with Greenwich Wealth Management, which serves high-net-worth (HNW) clients. “Society is creating a move, from creating shareholders to stakeholders. If you’re not participating, you can be leaving significant wealth opportunities on the table.”

Companies hand out stock for a host of reasons, primarily to entice executives and employees to join the ranks and stay put. Many employers contribute shares to an employee’s retirement plan or sell them at a discount, easing transactions through payroll deductions. Others reward stocks for meeting performance targets. Some even grant shares outright with each paycheck. Start-ups sometimes award stock in lieu of higher pay, so they can preserve capital.

Whatever the case, there can be a catch to full ownership—time.

“What’s really important for

individuals is understanding their vesting scheduling,” says Figgie, whose HNW clientele includes executives seeking help evaluating and negotiating levels of stock in their compensation.

Figuring out whether to buy, sell or hold company stock begins with analyses typical in creating a wealth plan, including assessing your risk tolerance, work horizon, tax considerations, your other assets and personal liquidity needs, goals and estate planning. How you came to possess the stock and the constraints around holding it also factor in here.

“There are strategies depending on what stage the company is in this life cycle and where you are in your professional career. This is before even considering the investment’s merits and its role within an investment portfolio,” Figgie says. “It’s highly individualized.”

Back in the day, a person got a job, participated in an employee purchase plan and made their way up. At the end of the day they might have amassed lots of wealth in a concentrated position. These days, a HNW individual might

own several million shares of company stock in their portfolio. “Concentration is the best way to make and lose large sums of money,” Figgie reports. That risk is multiplied when you add your salary to the mix. “(That) your income and savings are so closely tied to the same organization tends to be an eye-opening oversight.”

Psychology can get in the way when it comes to deciding what to do with these holdings, especially if you like your work and your workplace, appreciate your product or service, and your salary and stock value have grown for the past few years. Who would want to ditch that sweetheart? But evaluating stock through these rose-colored glasses can hinder your ability to evaluate the current and future merits of the stock.

Take the emotion out of it, Figgie suggests, and replace it with a reality check. You already count on your company for your salary, so you’re arguably more invested in its success than outside shareholders.

If something goes wrong, as the stock sinks, you could also lose your job. Today’s darling could be tomorrow’s dog.

WHAT’S YOUR SENTIMENT AND RISK TOLERANCE?

Consider this: You receive 25 shares of company stock today worth $100 each. You can sell them now and pocket $2,500 (minus taxes), to save or spend or invest in a more attractive vehicle. Down the road, you watch from the sidelines as the stock price rises to $150 a share. Ouch. Alternatively, you hold the stock, imagining the price will rise. Instead, the value declines, and you ultimately sell at $50 apiece. Ouch again. Which scenario would be more painful to you? Would you prefer to lock in your money upon receipt? Or bank on the value of your equity rising while knowing that it can fall?

Harry Figgie IV

Help Save A Beacon Of Our Community

JOIN US FOR OUR SECOND ANNUAL “LIGHT THE NIGHT” EVENT ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 22 ND AT WEE BURN BEACH CLUB TO LAUNCH THE NEXT CHAPTER IN THE LIGHTHOUSE’S EPIC HISTORY.

The Greens Ledge Light Preservation Society is an allvolunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to restore and preserve Green’s Ledge Light, a historic offshore lighthouse in Long Island Sound near Norwalk and Darien.

Day & Boarding School Fair

Wednesday, May 8

5–7 p.m. • New Canaan Country School 635 Frogtown Rd, New Canaan, CT

For a list of schools attending and to register for this free event, please visit: schoolstoknow.com/fairs

Co-Presented by:

SCAN THE QR CODE TO PURCHASE TICKETS OR VISIT US ONLINE AT SAVEGREENSLEDGE.ORG

Westy Mover Concierge

For over thirty years, Westy Mover Concierge has recommended select movers to thousands of customers in order to make their moving experience pleasant and at reasonable cost. Westy does not charge movers for the service, but insists that they satisfy our customers.

people&PLACES

BY DENICE LAVERIS

Learning Leaders

ince 1996, the Stamford Public Education Foundation has worked to elevate student success in the city through educational programs that promote equitable access to public education. Two hundred guests celebrated the 17th annual Excellence in Education Awards at the Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa in March. Hart Magnet Elementary School’s Patrice Moore won the SPEF Educator Award. The third-grade teacher was one of 22 standout educators nominated throughout the district. Susan Nabel was honored posthumously with the Leadership Award for her tireless efforts championing SPS students. Mayor Caroline Simmons presented Viking Global Foundation’s Executive Director Molly Brethauer with the Community Giving Award in recognition of their efforts to support early education programming. The evening began and closed with popular performances by the Stamford High School’s Madrigal Singers. spefct.org »

PHOTOGRAPHS

1 Educator Award nominees 2 Educator Award nominee Michael Summa and wife Emily 3 Educator Award winner Patrice Moore 4 Pitney Bowes’ Tuesday Tamburri, Ann Mandarino, Carol King, Fabiola Rivera 5 Mayor Caroline Simmons and guests 6 Stamford High School Madrigal Singers

Rock Stars

More than $365K was raised for Person to Person during a paddle-raising, out-ofyour-seat evening at Rock N’ Raise at the Loading Dock on April 4. A performance by the Nerds kept guests dancing the night away while auctioneer CK Swett kept the energy high and bids flowing as plentiful as the cocktails. P2P clients Imani Morgan and Ramon and Gabriela Macassi also brought the crowd to their feet in a standing ovation after they spoke about the organization’s personal impact. Chair Kristina Gregory sums up the event, “Rock N’ Raise is not just a celebration; it’s an opportunity for our community to come together and make a tangible impact. The funds raised will enable P2P to continue providing vital support to those in need and empower them to build better futures.” p2phelps.org »

PERSON TO PERSON / The Loading Dock

1 Person to Person CEO Nancy Coughlin 2 Kristina Gregory, Holly Mitchell, Anika Charron 3 Gerry and Cary Lee 4 Tim and Angela Riley 5 Tracey and Mike Riccardi 6 Rob and Megan Cioffi 7 Person to Person’s Board of Directors 8 MaryElizabeth and Bardford Garvey, Julie and Pete Moeller 9 Ramon and Gabriela Macassi 10 Auctioneer CK Swett 11 Nancy Martin, Carol Piccaro, Diane Vinci

13

14

Morton, Mike Rutstien 15 Heather Cavanaugh, Tina Mazzullo 16 Ryan and Jessica Walsh 17 Angela and Simon Eiref

18 Joe Roper, Isis Rae Goulbourne 19 Chris and Cindy Willis 20 Heather and Adam Budnick 21 Symphonie Privott, State Representative and P2P Chief Impact Officer Corey Paris 22 Lucia Rilling, Mayor Caroline Simmons, Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, State Senator Ceci Maher 23 Kelly Ambrose, Mary Della Russo, Dana Grunow 24 Angel Dorieans, Brenda

Imani Morgan

Angela Eiref, Nancy Coughlin,Kristina Gregory

Jeannie

Dargan 25 Holly and Todd Lindvall

MEET FLOWCODE, THE NEXT GENERATION OF QR CODES

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

vows

by hayden emery-arnold

Rachel Cohen met Daniel Grey online and agreed to see him in person at Mission, a Dupont Circle favorite in Washington, D.C., the city where her parents had their own first date 35 years earlier. Despite their differing opinions over who killed JFK, the pair connected easily and quickly in conversation about family and careers. After four years of dating, following a dinner at the Ritz Carlton in McClean, VA, Daniel proposed to Rachel in a room brimming with candles and rose petals.

The couple married at Rockrimmon Country Club in Stamford on an intensely rainy October Saturday. During his speech, the bride’s father, Stephen, reminded guests that wedding day rain is a sign of good luck in many cultures, and is said to cleanse a path to a bright, strong future. The newlyweds went to Hawaii for a sunnier honeymoon.

The bride, daughter of Lynn Villency Cohen and Stephen Cohen, graduated from the King School and received her undergraduate degree from Colgate University and her JD from George Washington University. She is an attorney at Guidepost Strategies in Washington, D.C.

The groom, son of Michelle and Mitchell Grey of Atlanta, GA, earned his undergraduate degree from Washington University. He works in policy and government affairs.

1 The first kiss as husband and wife

Stephen Cohen, Lynn Villency Cohen, the bride and groom, Michelle Katz Grey, Mitchell Grey, Hailee Yarus, Seth Yarus 3 Centerpieces with fairy lights and candles

Doug James

Daniel dance

Stanley Novack

bride and groom with

RACHEL COHEN & DANIEL GREY

WITH FULL HEARTS

Meet the determined people behind a growing grassroots Fairfield County movement committed to preventing sudden cardiac arrest and saving lives in our communities // by Beth

// photography by

from left: Deborah and Artie DiRocco, Mike Papale, Eva Saint, Melissa Fay, Sarah Swanberg

Cooney Fitzpatrick

Kyle Norton //

January 9, 2023, began as a normal day for Melissa Fay. The busy Stamford mom was juggling a lot, but that wasn’t unusual. Her daytime calendar had been full of meetings for her job at investment banking firm Drexel Hamilton, where she was in charge of capital markets and on the partner track.

And on that cold, rainy night, she had taken her youngest child, son Wyatt, to swim practice at the New Canaan YMCA.

Normally, she would have used Wyatt’s hour of pool time for a quick run at nearby Waveny Park.

The former Navy helicopter pilot, who had served a tour of duty in Bahrain after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, was also a veteran of two marathons. At 45, with work and the calendars of two busy kids to manage, running had evolved into a way to squeeze fitness into her life. “Mostly, I ran because it was a fast way to burn some calories,” she explains with a laugh. Whenever she could, Fay preferred to log her miles outside. “The air would clear my head and it was a little time for me.”

But that evening Melissa had no interest in sloshing through Waveny’s trails in the bonechilling winter rainstorm. She asked a YMCA staffer if she could take a run on a treadmill instead while Wyatt swam.

Walking into the Wellness Center, instead of heading into the park, proved fateful. For moments later, a group of strangers would save Fay’s life when her heart suddenly, inexplicably stopped beating.

A video from the Y’s cameras—which Fay still hasn’t seen—shows her crumpling on a treadmill mid-stride. It also shows the bystanders who stepped in, without hesitation, and began administering CPR before using an

AED (automated external defibrillator) device to jumpstart her heart as Fay experienced a medical phenomenon known as sudden cardiac arrest.

Those heroic interveners included Eva Saint, the YMCA’s wellness director who did chest compressions, and Peter Aster, a retired registered nurse and professor who had been running near Fay on another treadmill. He assisted with life-saving breaths and helped Saint administer an AED shock to Fay’s heart while YMCA staffers called 911 and moved exercise machines, making way for her rescuers, the New Canaan EMS ambulance team whose station was, luckily, just up the road. When the EMTs arrived, they gave Fay’s heart another AED jolt as they worked to keep her alive on route to Norwalk Hospital.

“We didn’t think she was going to make it,” Fay’s friend Sarah Swanberg says of the scary week that followed when she fought for her life in a medically induced coma. “But it was like all the stars aligned to keep her alive. It was hard for us to believe all the things that were stacked in her favor that night. She ran inside; the guy on the next treadmill was a nurse. They had an AED machine nearby and people there knew how to use it. The EMTs were just a mile away.”

That is how Fay became one lucky mother. And it is why she and a group of her closest Stamford mom friends have become part of a growing grassroots Fairfield County movement to educate their communities about sudden cardiac arrest, teach them CPR and donate lifesaving AEDs into places ranging from breweries, to little league dugouts and yoga studios.

“We were so grateful to have our friend, to know her amazing kids would have a mother and Kevin [Fay’s husband] would have a wife,” says Swanberg, an acupuncturist and founder of Indigo Wellness, a holistic integrative health practice based in Stamford and Westport. “We knew we had to do something to pay it forward. And we decided, the best way to do that was to make sure other people knew how to save a life and had the ability to do it.”

In a Heartbeat

The sudden cardiac arrest that took Fay down at the New Canaan YMCA treadmill last year is medically quite different from what most of us might recognize as a heart attack. With sudden cardiac arrest there are no telltale chest pains, no shortness of breath or time to call out

this page: Sarah Swanberg, Melissa Fay, Eva Saint opposite page: Mike Papale leads a training at Third Place by Half Full in February.

this page: Mike Papale opposite page: Melissa Fay and Sarah Swanberg of Lucky Mother present Conor Horrigan of Half Full Brewery with an AED.

for help. Anyone who watched Buffalo Bill’s defensive back Damar Hamlin’s devastating collapse following a tackle during January 2023 NFL game has witnessed the distinction.

“The biggest difference between sudden cardiac arrest and a heart attack is there’s no warning,” says Mike Papale, a 34-year-old Stamford resident and boys’ basketball coach at Fairfield Prep. Papale, like Fay, survived a sudden cardiac arrest when he was just 17. He explains the differences to the uninitiated this way: “A heart attack tends to be a plumbing problem and sudden cardiac arrest is more like a wiring problem.”

Some sudden cardiac arrests can be caused by trauma, as Hamlin's was. In rare cases, with Fay’s being a good example, there’s no obvious medical explanation for why someone’s heart just stops.

Until last January, Fay had been in exceptional health. As a young woman, she had powered through the rigors of the grueling plebe year at Annapolis with no complications. She passed the exhaustive battery of tests required to put her in control of a Navy helicopter with no red flags. “We all thought she was just a badass,” says Swanberg.

“I have gone as far as the Mayo Clinic looking for answers on why this happened,” Fay says. “And the best one I can get, is that I’m one of about 30 percent of cases where there’s no explanation. I am completely healthy. The doctors tell me my heart is anatomically boring.”

Papale’s story of sudden cardiac arrest was different and far more common. He suffered from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a fairly common congenital condition that affects the left ventricle, the heart’s main pumping chamber. Over time, it can cause the chamber’s walls to get stiff and thicken and is a leading cause of sudden cardiac arrest.

The Wethersfield native was an ambitious high school basketball player with college playing aspirations when he collapsed at his coach dad’s summer basketball camp.

“I was just sitting on the bleachers when I slumped over and fell to my knees,” says Papale. “It was so out of nowhere that people, including my dad and my brother, were standing around trying to figure out what was wrong.”

Like Fay, Papale’s life was saved by the quick intervention of a CPR-trained volunteer firefighter/EMT who just happened to be next door when his pager went off. “By the time he got to me I was turning blue,” says Papale.

I'm 17. I play basketball. I look healthy and my heart just stops. It made people want to do something.

MIKE PAPALE In a Heartbeat

“There was no AED machine in the gym. He saved my life and the CPR he gave me meant my brain continued to receive oxygen during the time I was down.” Without that, Papale adds, the results could have been catastrophic causing brain damage and a host of life-altering complications.

Papale and his parents first learned of his heart condition, which could have been detected with a routine EKG, at the hospital. “They are being told, 'Your son is probably not going to make it.' And it was really hard for them to wrap their minds around how they could not know something was so terribly wrong with my heart.”

Papale’s near-death experience spurred his family and community into action. “I’m 17. I play basketball. I look healthy and my heart just stops. It made people want to do something,” Papale says.

Early on, he and his mother partnered with the American Heart Association, advocating for CPR training throughout the state. His family joined the lobbying efforts to support successful passage of a Connecticut law that now requires AED devices in all schools.

At 25 when Papale was working a dream job

for the men’s team at his alma mater, Quinnipiac University, complications with the automated defibrator implanted in his chest at 17 required lifesaving open heart surgery. “It just made us all that more determined to give people the ability to save other people’s lives,” says Papale.

He is the founder and president of In a Heartbeat, a nonprofit that works to prevent deaths from sudden cardiac arrest and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Now a coach at Fairfield Prep, he also works as community relations manager for Guilford-based AED manufacturer Defibtech.

And that’s how Papale's and Fay’s lives have fatefully intersected.

These two survivors, each grateful for lives filled with second chance days, both call Stamford home.

Papale and his girlfriend moved to the city last year, joining the burgeoning community of young professional urban apartment dwellers.

This year they began collaborating when Fay’s determined friends who formed a pay-itforward alliance—the aptly named nonprofit Lucky Mother—with the goal of promoting CPR training while raising funds to donate AED devices to more local places where people

This can happen anytime, anywhere. And we're trying to make a difference one town, one community at a time.

ARTIE AND DEBORAH DIROCCO More George

gather.

Fay and Swanberg, who first met at their daughters’ kindergarten open house, are part of a closeknit group of Stamford moms dubbed the “four musketeers,” which also includes Carolyn Kagan and Amy Baker Casden. They share the bonds of book group, raising kids of similar ages and “just clicking.” Swanberg says she and Fay are the unlikely pairing in the mix.

“We didn’t think we’d be friends. The first time I met her, I was wearing overalls and she was wearing her black business dress and pearls.

I do acupuncture. She was in the Navy and seemed so buttoned up and corporate.”

But during the Covid-19 pandemic the friends formed a pod for their children. Friendships deepened. They pitched in to help when Carolyn’s teenage son had a heart transplant two months before Fay’s collapse.

After Fay’s sudden cardiac arrest, Swanberg says their shaken circle wanted to manifest their gratitude. “We’re all busy women, but we get s**t done,” she says.

Lucky Mother began with modest intentions, Swanberg says. The goal was to raise enough money to distribute a few AED machines in Stamford, but a January fundraiser exceeded their goals, netting $11,000.

Lucky Mother donated proceeds to In a Heartbeat because of Papale’s experiences as a survivor, CPR trainer and his larger platform.

“He has the knowledge to educate people and he lives and breathes this stuff,” says Swanberg.

“These women are just so incredible and on it,” Papale says of their ongoing collaboration. “And as someone who is new to Stamford, they have opened a lot of doors for me, which just makes everything we do so much more impactful.”

Case in point was the sold-out CPR training class for 60 people Lucky Mother hosted with In a Heartbeat at Third Place by Half Full Brewery in February.

The training’s emotional significance was palpable as Papale and Fay each shared parts of their stories to a rapt audience. “You are looking at two people who would not be here had it not been for bystanders who gave them CPR,” Swanberg told the room. There were hugs and tears, and a shared sense of vulnerability.

Papale spent an hour teaching participants the basics of CPR and how to use an AED. Test dummies spread throughout the room became a proving ground for his message that the relatively simple act of strategically placing

this page: Artie and Deborah DiRocco with a picture of their son George opposite page: Trainees at the February event

communities in action :

The New Canaan YMCA

Melissa Fay’s sudden cardiac arrest at the New Canaan YMCA last year “validated everything we do as an organization to train and be prepared for events like this,” says its Executive Director Margaret Riley. “Up until that night, we had people here for twenty years who had never been called on to use their (CPR) training, but we were so grateful to be there when it was needed.”

The days after Fay’s collapse were punctuated by a mix of gratitude and some residual trauma for the YMCA staff. “We were completely in shock,” adds Wellness Director Eva Saint, who still downplays her

crisscrossed hands on someone’s chest and purposely pressing down to a rhythmic beat— he suggests humming the Bee Gee’s tune Stayin’ Alive—can give someone a chance at survival until emergency responders arrive.

Papale took on the many unfortunate myths that persist around administering CPR; fallacies he says keep too many people from attempting lifesaving basics. One myth is that administering CPR is tricky. (It’s not.) Another is good samaritans face risks, including catching a disease or doing something wrong.

Worried about germs? “You don’t have to do mouth-to-mouth breathing. The most important thing is doing those chest compressions,” Papale tells his students. And as for risking a lawsuit if there’s a bad outcome:

role administering CPR to Fay. “When it happens, you are just on auto pilot. All your training kicks in and you automatically just want to jump in and help. But afterwards it was very emotional. Here’s this woman who was a helicopter pilot. You look at her and say, 'How could this be happening to someone who was obviously so young and healthy.' ”

On April 28, the YMCA hosted its second Hands for Life New Canaan, a daylong free community event featuring CPR trainings. A similar event held in 2013 trained more than a thousand town residents. “The goal is to create a community of confident and effective bystanders,” says Riley. “We saw what that could mean with Melissa and her experience was front and center at what motivated us to do this again.”

“Good samaritan laws protect you,” Papale says. “You can’t be sued for trying to save a life.”

More George

Through Papale, Fay met Wilton residents Artie and Deborah DiRocco who lost their kindhearted and outgoing 16-year-old son, George, to a sudden cardiac arrest in September 2020.

George played baseball and football at Wilton High School, but his tragic death happened while he was at rest, attending a weekend backyard barbecue at a friends’ house. Much like Mike Papale’s family, the DiRoccos had no idea their son suffered from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

“We assumed when this happened that what

happened to George had to be rare,” says his mother. “But we learned within a month that it was not so rare at all.”

Artie DiRocco points out than an estimated one in 300 kids has the same heart defect as George and Mike Papale, making them vulnerable to a sudden cardiac arrest. “And sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in America,” he says. “We lose 350,000 people a year to this. The idea that we can do things to prevent it is motivating us.”

The DiRoccos desire to prevent more tragedies inspired them to start More George, a nonprofit which, like Lucky Mother, works in close partnership with In a Heartbeat to sponsor free EKG heart screenings for children, teens and young adults, while also promoting CPR training and the distribution of AED devices.

The nonprofit’s name was inspired by something the family’s minister said at George’s funeral, as he reflected on the comments many people made about the teen's spirit and what had made him such a beloved son, brother and friend. “He simply said, 'The world needs more George; more kindness more compassion, more integrity,'” Deborah says. “The title stuck with me. I felt like there was something pushing us to call it More George.”

“This can happen anytime, anywhere,” says Artie. “And we’re trying to make a difference one town, one community at a time,” says Deborah.

To date, More George has been responsible for the screenings of thousands of teens at high schools in Greenwich, New Canaan, Westport and Trumbull, while placing AED devices at every sports field in Wilton. In August 2024, More George will partner with In a Heartbeat to offer CPR training to more than 800 teachers, educators and staff of the Wilton Public Schools.

The couple has also joined forces with State Rep. Tom O’Dea to advocate for proposed legislation that will make EKGs a mandatory part of school sports physicals. “This is a simple test that takes 10 minutes but it isn’t being done, primarily because insurance doesn’t pay for it,” says Artie. “It needs to happen.”

Fay hopes to volunteer at their community EKG screening events and rally the Lucky Mother crew to join her.

A few days after the February training, Fay reflects on what was accomplished that Saturday morning as scores of people joined the CPR-certified ranks, including her parents. “It all left me in awe,” she says.

She says her “finance brain” loves what Lucky Mother accomplished in a short time. There are the AED machines they donated to Half Full, Connecticut Power Yoga, Indigo Wellness, the Alliance Center and all those CPR certifications. And more planned already.

“I don’t know where this will all go,” she says of what Lucky Mother started. “But I love the idea that we are doing things that could save another life.”

When we talked, it has been 13 months since she left Norwalk Hospital, just a remarkable week after her sudden cardiac arrest. After taking things slow for a while—and lots of assurances from her doctors—Fay eased back into her workaday life. She recently made

partner at Drexel Hamilton, a veteran-ownedand-operated firm she’s proud to be part of because of its commitment to hiring and investing in her fellow veterans, many who served in combat. She is busy taking her kids to their activities. And yes, she is running again. In other words, she’s back to being kind of badass.

To partner with or make donations to these essential organizations, and to learn more about upcoming CPR trainings, EKG screenings, AED donations near you, please visit: InAHeartbeat.org Lucky-Mother.com MoreGeorge.org

HEARTFELT GOODS

Conor Horrigan put the tap on serendipity when his team at Stamford’s Half Full Brewery launched Revive, a potent new IPA in January. Punctuated with hints of tropical fruits and some sassy bitterness, the IPA kicks things into high gear with an 8.5 percent alcohol content. Horrigan had already named Revive when he began collaborating with Lucky Mother, but the tie-in to its lifesaving mission inspired him. “It was a complete coincidence, but then I realized it’s the perfect way to support this cause,” he says. He is donating a portion of Revive’s sales to In a Heartbeat.

Also pitching in is Kylie O’Connor of Stamford-based Kylie’s Custom Creations. She envisioned her cozy cotton-

blend Lucky Mother hoodies— emblemized with the org’s logo and the phrase ‘CPR Certified’ on the back—as a way to honor her late mother while supporting Lucky Mother’s efforts. She’s donating 20 percent of the proceeds from the sales to In a Heartbeat.

One Lucky Mother's Re-Birthday

Januarys fundraising event at Third Place raised $11,000, far exceeding Fay and friends expectations.

Melissa Fay with her circle of support the "I Like Big Books" club who work to educate about sudden cardiac arrest.

Fay with In a Heartbeat hero award winners Eva Saint and Peter Aster

Bridget Fox and Kathy Fox

Sherrill Fay, Kirsten Martinko, Christine Lee

In compiling a guide of unique must-eat/mustshop spots, must-see/must-do activities and must-meet gurus in Fairfield County, several facts become clear: (1) We are very lucky to live in a place where an abundantly good life is within such easy reach, and (2) there are not enough pages in this magazine to list everything our unique corner of the world has to offer. But we would love to grow it online with our savvy readers’ inside scoop! Visit mofflylifestylemedia.com to share your suggestions in the comments section. »

BRUNCH BUNCH

For organic, seasonal farm-to-table fare and a super-chic setting, look no further than Baldanza at the Schoolhouse in Wilton. Locals consider it the best weekend brunch spot and love their mission: “We work with farms that embrace the humane treatment of animals that are both hormone-free and fed grains that are GMO-free. These farms are owned by people who care about our sustainable future and grow crops that do not use synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers.”

baldanza at the schoolhouse 43 Cannon Road, Wilton hours: Wed.–Sat.

11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. baldanzarestaurants.com

ARTFUL DINING

For coffee that is artfully prepared, tea, pastries, lite fare, enticing adult beverages and stimulation of the right brain, visit Art Space Cafe in The Norwalk Art Space. Local culinary artists and their products are incorporated into the menu. Bonus: There is no fee to enjoy the art, music and good vibes that abound at The Norwalk Art Space.

art space cafe

455 West End Avenue, Norwalk (entrance on Butler Street) hours: Wed.–Fri.

8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. thenorwalkartspace.org/café

Brunch at Baldanza

Art Space Cafe

SECRET SPOT

Allium Eatery is so under the radar that even the website still says “Coming Soon,” though this French-inspired cafe/cozy restaurant across from the Westport train station opened in 2021. The exquisite attention to detail and flavors will win over even the most discerning diner. Squint and you might think you’re savoring a meal in Paris. Takeout available.

allium eatery

54 Railroad Avenue, Westport hours: Wed.–Sat.

10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. alliumwestport.com

CHIC COMFORT

Whether you indulge in verdant veggies (sourced from local Bridgeport farms) or comfort items like smoked fried chicken or shrimp and grits,

29 Markle Ct. delivers decadent presentations of its delicious dishes. (Think "The Bear"—the TV show, not the animal.) Bonus: Enjoy the iconic art on the walls while dining.

29 markle ct.

29 Markle Court, Bridgeport hours: Tues.–Thurs

Kitchen 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Bar 4 p.m. to late Fri.–Sat. Kitchen 4:30 to 10 p.m. Bar 4 p.m. to late Sun. Kitchen 3 to 8 p.m.

Bar 3 to 10 p.m.

29marklect.com

BRING ON THE BOOZE

Tired of waiting in line at the bar? Head on over to Hop & Vine Taproom, where you can pour your own draft of mostly local craft beers from 69 automated taps. Global wines, ciders, seltzers, kombucha, nitro coffee and mocktails are also available, as well as an “eclectic global fusion of funky fare” on the seasonal menu.

hop & vine taproom

30 Spring Street, Stamford hours: Mon., Wed., Thurs. & Fri. 4 p.m. to close, Sat & Sun. 11 a.m. to close (kitchen closes at 10 p.m. nightly) hopandvinect.com

South Bay is a restaurant and a hopping bar, and that’s what one loyal customer remembered—well, mostly— from a girls’ Saturday night out: “The DJ is so good and the espresso martinis definitely keep you going!”

south bay

403 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich hours: Mon.–Tues. 4–9:30 p.m., Wed.–Thurs. 12 to 10 p.m. (bar until 12 a.m. on Thursday) Fri.–Sat. 12 to 11 p.m. (bar until 1 a.m.) happy hour: Mon.–Fri. 4 to 6 p.m. southbayct.com/greenwich »

29 Markle Ct.

South Bay

FASHIONABLE LITE BITES

The inviting Browne & Co. Café is a lovely stop for a cup of Zumbach’s coffee and baked goods or a light meal and some light— or heavy—shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts and chic decor items. For heavier entertaining needs, the catering department brings 25 years experience in everything from intimate dinners to corporate events and weddings.

At the picturesque Mercantile at GrayBarns Café and marketplace, ladies love to sit outside with a glass of wine and a charcuterie board. After a soup and salad and a browse through the curated provisions and dinners togo, check out the selection of private-label goods and gifts—clothing, linens, home goods, décor—for sale in the marketplace (and online).

browne & co. cafe

865 Boston Post Road, Darien hours: Mon.–Fri. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. dianebrowne.com

mercantile at graybarns

193 Perry Avenue, Norwalk hours: Tues.–Sun. 9 a.m. –5 p.m.

mercantileatgraybarns.com

ROW & FINE DINE

Well, maybe shower in between. The Saugatuck Rowing Club has an upscale gym, yoga and workout classes, and an extensive rowing program. Upstairs, with a gorgeous view of the river, is the Boathouse at Saugatuck restaurant. The menu and ambiance are both exquisite. The Boathouse also accommodates private events.

boathouse at saugatuck 521 Riverside Avenue, Westport hours: Wed.–Sat. 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m. and 5 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Sun. Brunch 11:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. boathouseatsaugatuck.com

EAT & GROOVE

Like some live music with (or after) your meal? Fans say it’s well worth the outing to BRYAC Black Rock and Park City Music Hall, both in Bridgeport. Check their websites for packed schedules of live bands.

bryac black rock

3074 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport hours: Mon.–Thurs. Bar 3 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Kitchen 3 to 11 p.m., Fri.–Sat. Bar 12 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Kitchen 12 to 11 p.m.

Sun. Bar 11 to 1 a.m.

Kitchen 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. bryac.biz

park city music hall

2926 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport hours: Tues.–Wed.

5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Thurs. 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Fri.–Sat. 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. parkcitymusichall.com

Wine and Cheese at Mercantile at GrayBarns

Browne and Co. Café manager, Jonathan Smith

THROWBACK INDULGENCE

Sometimes there’s nothing like your favorite diner, donut shop or pizza slice to give you that ol’ lifeis-good feeling. Coffee An’ receives rave reviews for having the nicest staff and greatest donuts and eggs. Colony Grill has produced a number of pizza addicts, who can’t get enough of Colony’s thin-crust pies, drizzled with a spicy pepper hot oil. Luckily, now there are three locations in the area. Colony also has a pizza truck available for private parties. Greenwich & Delancey is the place to take your parents for old-school pastrami or corn beef sandwiches and the best babka. Lakeside Diner is “truly our most special greasy spoon,” says a Stamford fan, “cozy, crowded. Signature donuts. Yum.” A Wiltonite raves: “Rise Doughnuts is beloved for their donuts, chic café, great coffee and gracious staff.”

Greenwich & Delancey

coffee an’ donut shop

343 Main Street, Westport hours: Mon.–Sat. 7 a.m.–3 p.m. Sun. 7:30 a.m.–1 p.m. coffeean. business.site

colony grill

1520 Post Road, Fairfield 515 West Avenue, Norwalk

172 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford hours: Mon.–Thurs.

11:30 a.m.–11 p.m.

Fri.–Sat. 11:30 –12:30 a.m. Sun. 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m. colonygrill.com

greenwich & delancey

59 East Putnam Avenue, Cos Cob hours: Sun. – Thurs. 11 a.m.–9 p.m. (last seating 7:45 p.m.) greenwichanddelancey.com

lakeside diner

1050 Long Ridge Road, Stamford hours: Mon.–Fri. 6 a.m.–3 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 6 a.m.–2 p.m. lakesidediner.org

rise doughnuts

28 Center Street, Wilton hours: Tues.–Fri. 7 a.m.–2 p.m. Sat.–Sun. 8 a.m.–1 p.m. @risedoughnut on Instagram »

Rise Doughnuts owners, Laura Malone and Hugh Mangum

SWEET SWEETS

The high-fructose corn syrup in processed foods is deadly, but a little indulgence of some locally made sweets can only be good for the heart, right? Here are our picks.

flour water salt bread

20 Grove Street, Darien; 160 E. Putnam Ave., Cos Cob

hours: Tues.–Sat 8 a.m.–1 p.m. (or until sold out) flourwatersaltbread.com

For amazing pastries—pain au chocolat, bomboloni, coffee cake— visit Flour Water Salt Bread in Darien and Greenwich. We advise double committing to carbs and picking up some to-die-for breads, as well. Plenty of the 100-yearolds living in those Blue Zones are freshly-baked-bread eaters.

magnolia chocolatier magnoliachocolatier.com

Magnolia Chocolatier is a Black female-owned small batch chocolatier that has moved from Stamford to Stratford. But no matter, everything you need to prove why life is so worth living— bonbons, truffles, confections, custom printed chocolates—is available on the website.

shiro

172 Bedford Street, Stamford hours: Mon.–Thurs. 12–10 p.m. Fri.–Sun. 11 a.m.–11 p.m.

Shiroct.com

A female-owned Asian dessert and nonalcoholic drink shop, Shiro features crepes, slushies (far from the neon red and blue variety), hot drinks and enticing cool beverages: Hibiscus Sparkling Ade, Oreo Milk, Brown Sugar Boba.

the cake box

10 Bay Street, Westport hours: Tues.–Sat. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. (or until they sell out) ctcakebox.com

The Cake Box is the opposite of cake from the box. Every scrumptious cake and cupcake is made from scratch. All items are available gluten-free, and there are options to please vegans, too.

Editor's Note: An addendum to the Green & Tonic listing on the opposite page, from a discerning customer with a sweet tooth: “The Oat Milk Soft Serve is amazing. It tastes like real ice cream and is totally dairy-free.”

EPICUREAN DELIGHTS

Whether you're shopping with health and animal welfare in mind or looking for authentic ethnic ingredients, this list has you covered.

Saugatuck Provisions has a master butcher who sources meats from local farms; fresh oysters, other shellfish and fish; charcuterie and cheese; Italian pasta and sauces, as well as prepared roasts and sandwiches.

Double L Market brings you locally sourced produce, meats and select products that meet all the criteria for ingesting what will help you live to 100—and help the planet outlive you. Hudson Milk + Market delivers milk in glass bottles and fresh eggs to your door, as well as other dairy products, meat and produce—all from small familyowned farms.

Cucina Daniella offers fine Italian imports. Maruichi Japanese Food & Deli features produce, meat, fish, bread, snacks, drinks and gifts from Japan. For an Indian supermarket, visit Patel Brothers. And for all the spices you could ever dream of, Penzey’s is it. (I know a culinary enthusiast who travels here from Pennsylvania.)

Darien Cheese & Fine Foods has been bringing loyal turophiles the world’s finest cheeses since 1967. Modern Love Cheese and Provisions calls its shop a “foodie paradise,” and cheese lovers agree.

saugatuck provisions

580 Riverside Avenue, Westport hours: Mon.–Sat. 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. 203-557-3655

cucina daniella

Shop online or at the New Canaan Farmer’s Market on Saturdays and Westport Farmer’s Market on Thursday Oct. 12 and Nov. 9. Store opening soon! daniellasmarketplace.com

darien cheese & fine foods

25 Old Kings Highway North, Darien hours: Wed.–Fri. 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. dariencheese.com

The Cake Box

Matcha Mille Crepe and Mochi Donuts from Shiro

double l market

730 Post Road East, Westport hours: Mon.–Sat.

10 a.m.–5 p.m. doublelmarket.com

hudson milk + market hudsonmilk.com

maruichi japanese food & deli

1980 West Main Street, Stamford hours: Mon.–Sun. 9 a.m.–7 p.m. maruichius.net

modern love cheese and provisions

71 High Ridge Road, Stamford hours: Tues.–Sun. 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

203-274-5190

@modernlovecheeseandprovisions on Instagram

patel brothers

330 Connecticut Avenue #3, Norwalk hours: Mon.–Sun. 10 a.m.–8 p.m. patelbros.com

penzey’s spices

197 Westport Avenue, Norwalk hours: Mon.–Sat.

10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. penzeys.com

CLEAN UP!

If you have watched "You Are What You Eat" or "Live to 100" on Netflix, then no doubt you are all about cutting the crap. From new Green & Tonic and Sweetgreen locations to Supr. Food Kitchen (not just super food but its own parking lot off the Avenue), delicious health food has never been so abundant. Juice cleanses, acai bowls, superfood smoothies, breakfast sandwiches, seasonal soups, wraps, veggie burgers (Green & Tonic); warm grain bowls and salads, chock-full of colorful veggies, and topped with your favorite protein (Sweetgreen); all of the above and throw in some ethnic flair with saute bowls like Curry Up and Korean BBQ (Supr. Food)— yum!

supr. food kitchen

19 West Elm Street, Greenwich hours: Mon.–Fri.

8 a.m.–7 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Sun. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. suprfoodkitchen.com

sweetgreen

126 Heights Road, Darien hours: Mon.–Fri. 10:30 a.m.–9 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 10:30 a.m.–8 p.m.

102 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich hours: Mon.–Sun.

10:30 a.m.–9 p.m. coming soon

374 Post Road East, Westport sweetgreen.com

green & tonic Cos Cob/Darien/ Westport/New Canaan coming soon: Stamford & Old Greenwich Check website for addresses and hours greenandtonic.com »

Saugatuck Provisions

PRIVATE AFFAIRS

Looking to throw a private dinner or party? Here is a handful of venues, each with its unique vibe, from private rooms at Bonda, The Goose and Townhouse to the charming Ned Dimes Marina Clubhouse (which may seem small, but this writer has personally tested it as a roller rink and proven it’s bigger than it looks) to the bright farm-to-table party space with a chef’s kitchen that is Tim’s Kitchen at Wakeman Town Farms

bonda

75 Hillside Road, Fairfield hours: Tues.–Fri. 5:30 pm.–9 p.m. Sat.–Sun. 5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. bondarestaurant.com

ned dimes marina clubhouse 50 Compo Beach Road, Westport $275 rental fee, 50 people or less westportct.gov

the goose 972 Boston Post Road, Darien hours: Mon.–Thurs. 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. Fri.–Sat. 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m. Sun. 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m. thegoosedarien.com

townhouse 35 Church Street, Greenwich hours: Tues.–Thurs. 12–10 p.m. Fri.–Sat. 12 p.m.–11 p.m. townhousegreenwich.com

wakeman town farms –tim’s kitchen

134 Cross Highway, Westport wakemantownfarm.org

CATERING WITH A TWIST

There are numerous wonderful Fairfield County caterers, but here are a few fun ones you may not have tried yet.

Crepes Choupette will give your party Parisian flair with its French crepe food cart. Fine and Dandy offers its popular “elegant dinner party in a box”—with elegant being the operative word—as well as complete in-house culinary services. For a catered party of Mexican and fusion fare, Tumu’s spread is fresh, delicious and gorgeous.

crepes choupette

1027 Boston Post Rd, Darien hours: Tues. & Thurs.–Sat. 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wed. 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun. 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. crepeschoupette.com

GETTING IT WRITE

Set the tone for your event from the minute the invitation lands in your guests’ hands. Erica Jean Calligraphy promises to make every written detail special on invitations, envelopes, menus, place cards and seating charts. Erica can even paint custom designs for bottles and signs.

erica jean calligraphy

e-mail: erica@ericajeancalligraphy .com; 917-742-2723 ericajeancalligraphy.com

fine and dandy e-mail: contact@fineanddandyct.com Rowayton fineanddandyct.com

tumu

203-292-3338. e-mail: tumufood@gmail.com 2126 Post Road, Fairfield tumufoodtogo.com »

Tumu owner Karla Krassin

Crepes Choupette

FROM PERSONALIZED JEWELS TO FAB THRIFT STORE FINDS, YOUR NEXT UNIQUE PURCHASE IS IN THE BAG

Treasure Hunt Treasure Hunt

Make an elegant statement day or night with the new Mini Infinity crafted from Italian pebble leather, featuring two interior pockets as well as a convenient crossbody strap.

The Imperfect Yet Perfect Heart Necklace by Genevieve Lau

HEAVENLY HANDBAGS

harper lawrence harper-lawrence.com

Treat yourself—or your wife—to a luxury handbag from Harper Lawrence, crafted in Milan or Florence by master artisans using beautiful, ethically sourced, Italian leathers. Harper Lawrence was founded by Heather Harper (New Canaan) and Laura Wilcock (Darien) in 2015. In addition to a colorful, supremely stylish line of bags, the brand also offers gorgeous belts with interchangeable straps and buckles. The best part: A portion of all proceeds is donated to World Vision to help empower women and girls worldwide.

HIDDEN GEMS

Graduation and anniversary season is coming up, and these local jewelry makers have the answer for personal gifts that will be treasured for life—and even for generations to come.

lynne mercein fine jewelry lynnemercein.com

Lynne Mercein draws inspiration from beaches, mountains and countryside around the globe to design the unique pieces in her fine jewelry collection. The line caters to both men and women, with a range from everyday luxe to exquisite statement pieces. Lynne hand selects all gems, and each of her creations is a meticulously crafted work of art. Lynne also offers a bespoke service and collaborates with clients to create custom pieces or revive existing stones, giving a new lease on life to treasured family heirlooms.

This necklace, created for a client’s wedding day, is comprised of diamonds extracted from several inherited antique pieces for an extra special “something old, something new.”

genevieve lau

genevievelau.com

Genevieve Lau

Imperfect Yet Perfect Heart

one-of-a-kind and classic investment pieces. For the gift that keeps on giving, consider purchasing from the Giving collection. For each Loved necklace, Lucky Charm Clover and Imperfect Yet Perfect Heart necklace sold, one of the same necklaces is donated to someone struggling with illness or loss.

Lucky Charm and Loved Necklaces offers

devon woodhill devonwoodhill.com

Devon Woodhill brings a modern edge to the classic locket and offers an array of customizable pieces on which to inscribe initials, messages or monograms: Signet rings, Mantra rings, Round Pinky rings, Heart charms, Circle charms and lockets to carry cherished photos close to your heart. There are even ultra-stylish charms for your favorite furry friend. To begin personalizing your piece, email makeitmine@devonwoodhill.com

Pink & White

Floral Dessert Plates, Found and Design

GIFT FINDS

It’s better to give than to receive—but chances are you are going to supplement your giftshopping with some irresistible finds for yourself from these shops and sites.

A quaint yet sophisticated little home shop, Found and Design offers new and vintage furniture and housewares, plus hostess gifts and a unique jewelry selection. Navy Lobster, a sweet underthe-radar gift shop, is impeccably curated and has become the go-to for in-the-know Greenwich gals. Visit Seaside Delights, on the river in Pinkney Park, for beachthemed apparel, art and gifts. Splurge offers an array of gifts including tween girl must-haves. But did you know Splurge offers instant custom printing on all sorts of items from frames to cutting boards? This service is offered while you wait, for instant, one-ofa-kind, personal gift creation.

seaside delights

177 Rowayton Avenue, Rowayton (entrance on Butler Street) hours: Tues.–Thurs. & Sat. 11 a.m. –3 p.m., Fri. 12–5:00 p.m. seasidedelights.com

splurge

39 Lewis Street, Greenwich hours: Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (203) 869-7600

weekend glow candles

weekendglowcandles.com IG: @weekendglow_candles Candle-making classes: designsbylee.com/event-organizer/ weekend-glow-candles »

Visit Weekend Glow Candles’ site to discover a Stamford nurse’s passion project—homemade, nontoxic pretty candles. Founder, Melissa Kauffman, also offers candle-making classes at Stamford garden center Designs by Lee.

found and design

36 Elm Street, New Canaan (entrance on Butler Street) hours: Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. foundanddesign.com

navy lobster

58 William Street, Greenwich (entrance on Butler Street) hours: Tues.–Fri. 11 a.m. –5 p.m., Sat. 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; 203-625-8243 IG: @navy_lobster

A custom Devon Woodhill monogram locket is a great gift for someone you love or as an expression of self love. From font to finish, diamond details to inner image, this locket is truly unique.

Weekend Glow Candles

Be Well

Be Well

body fit training (BFT) 403 Post Road East, Westport bodyfittraining.com/location/ westport

OPTIONS FOR KEEPING YOUR MIND AND BODY IN TIP-TOP SHAPE

LET’S GET PHYSICAL

All the research points in the same direction: If you want a good, long life, get off the couch! Fortunately, in Fairfield County the options for creative and fun workouts are endless. Here are some gyms, studios and local gurus that your body needs—and may even crave once you’re hooked.

Body Fit Training just opened in Westport, and it’s attracting everyone from high school jocks to seasoned athletes with its progressive group strength training workouts that use science, excellent trainers and variety to keep you and your muscles engaged. fun fact: Former Westporter Mark Wilkerson (Melissa Joan Hart’s husband) opened a BFT in Nashville recently.

body shock

1362 Post Road East, Westport bodyshockstudio.com

Gerardo at Body Shock has a cult following for his half-cardio/halfweights workouts. He is a former dancer—with a heart transplant—so his healthy, holistic approach is not that of your standard muscle man.

hot phiit

138 East Putnam Road, Cos Cob 25 Old Kings Highway North, Darien hotphiit.com

Remember when hot yoga became all the rage? Well, the heat is now hitting interval training. Hot Phiit is an innovative studio that combines beat-based workouts with the healing benefits of FAR infrared heat. Expect a studio temp of 100 degrees and long, lean, flexible muscles as a result, plus a strong core and improved circulation.

Sarah Sadie Newett Hot Phiit

revolution training & rf youth boxing

18 Elmcroft Road, Stamford revolutiontrainingct.com rfyouthboxing.org

Black-owned Revolution Training/ RF Youth Boxing is the place to be for boxing enthusiasts and those who want to jab and hook their way to a toned, fit bod. Revolution Training even offers Byoga, combining vinyasa yoga and boxing fundamentals, and “white-collar boxing” matches. RF Youth Boxing hosts after-school, weekend and summer camp programs with an emphasis on providing a space where young people “can find connection, encouragement and empowerment through the art of boxing.”

HOLISTIC HEALTH

Wellness is at the very foundation of the good life and there are many paths to maximizing your physical and mental health.

rock pile golf club

600 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich rockpilegolfclub.com

Yearn to golf year-round, through blizzards, hail and rain? At Rock Pile Golf Club, an indoor golf club with state-of-the-art simulators and top-notch instructors, mud and frost bite are not concerns. Golfers won’t get in the steps of four hours walking a course, but a round of golf has never been so efficient. Plus, strength and speed training classes are available for the over-achievers.

25 Sylvan Road South, Westport indigowellnessgroup.com

christa martino astrologercoachchrista.com

sarah sadie newett

292 North Avenue, Westport sarahsadienewett.com

Group and private aerial classes … need we say more? Sarah will turn your fitness regime upside down, literally. For those with fear of heights, no worries. The SSN Method also draws from yoga and pilates, for mat workouts unlike anything you have tried.

Chances are you have not considered astrology as part of your wellness journey, but astrologer and life coach Christa Martino is sure to make you feel serene. (And our greenwich mag editor gives her an enthusiastic thumbs-up!) Christa's astrology consultations help to “unpack blocks, dismantle barriers, discern life lessons and tap into inner and cosmic resources to manifest vision, goals and dreams.”

Indigo Wellness melds traditional healing with modern wellness to nurture the mind, body and spirit with acupuncture and Chinese medicine, energy healing, grief therapy, holistic skincare, integrative nutrition, massage and psychotherapy.

SPRING CLEANING— YEAR ROUND

remedy by raven massage & bodywork remedybyraven.as.me 203-278-3385

the pilates advantage 414 Olmstead Hill Road, Wilton mindbodyonline.com/explore

The Pilates Advantage is “fantastic for overall health and for injury prevention and recovery,” raves a client. Enjoy private, semi-private and group training.

haus of hush

6 Glenville Street, Greenwich hausofhush.com

Haus of Hush is the place to go for balance and harmony. With astrology, compression therapy, Himalayan salt rooms, sound baths, reiki and more, the only hard part is leaving. Most services last 20 minutes, enabling clients to combine multiple therapies. (Christa Martino also books sessions at Hush.)

($120/hour, plus travel if more than 30 miles from Norwalk) Raven Redd brings her blissful massage therapy to the comfort of your own home, where you may lock her in and never let her leave. Whether to relieve muscle soreness or assist in injury recovery, Raven is a master.

jesse gestal/ organizing by jag revelinginit.com

indigo wellness group 66 Glenbrook Road, Stamford

three treasures/sara beth 213 East Putnam Avenue (2nd floor) Cos Cob 3treasures-healing.com

Sarah Beth at Three Treasures offers cranial-sacral therapy, medical qigong and integrated energy therapy that clients swear by.

Nothing says wellness like a nice purge of neglected items cluttering up our closets and basements. Leave it to pro Jesse Gestal of Organizing by JAG to take a load off, and you are gonna feel extra light this spring. Only have a small task for her? No problem. She’s game for any project. She is also an artist, so you can add a playroom mural while you are subtracting junk. And Jesse knows your junk may be someone else’s treasure. She always donates usable items and recommends these organizations, if you are looking to do the same directly: Sharing Shelf, Neighbor to Neighbor, Pick Up Please (picks up donations), United Breast Cancer Foundation (also picks up) and Catholic Charities (picks up furniture); contact Ford at fsmith@ ccfc-ct.org or 475-319-1469). »

Haus of Hush

Christa Martino

GET CRAFTY

make-modern’s sweet space offers sewing and crafting classes for kids and adults, plus a summer camp—from remaking your bedroom in “Interior Designers” to channeling the Italian greats in “Pucci to Gucci: Italian Fashion Week.”

1985 Post Road, Darien 220 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich make-modern.com

ENQUIRING MINDS

curious jane camp is for girls who like to make things. Campers pick a theme each week, like Spy Science, Kitchen Chemistry, Room Makeover or Toy Design. Projects revolve around science, engineering and design. Sessions are for K–1, 2–3, and 4–6. Rising 7–9 graders participate in the CIT program. August 12–16, Saugatuck Congregational Church, 245 Post Road East, Westport curiousjane.fun

ACTING OUT

Get behind the scenes and onscreen in one of triple threat academy’s award-winning short films directed by Golden Globe–nominee and Westport native Cynthia Gibb. Cast members from previous summers have traveled to Hollywood and New York City to see themselves on the big screen at major film festivals. 58 Post Rd. E, Westport, triplethreat.us

KITCHEN KIDS

Pass on the joy of cooking to your children with sur la table’s fun cooking and baking classes for kids and teens. 106 Heights Road, Darien surlatable.com

NATURAL SELECTION

earthplace is not just for kids! Adults can enjoy Craft and Sip: Natural Dyeing on June 13, 6 to 8 p.m. and Earthplace Book Club: May 22, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (free). The group will discuss "Eager" by Ben Goldfard. Reserve a copy at your local library. Look for fun family events, too, like Themed Campfires and Group Canoe Paddles. 10 Woodside Lane, Westport earthplace.org

FASHION PLATES

ellen gang design studio Fashion campers have fun as they learn fashion design skills through projects, lessons, style challenges and games. Completed projects might include skirts, tops, shorts, bags, decorating and dip dyeing–with a special focus on upcycling,

reusing, recycling and reinventing. fashion camp

Rising 4th to 7th Grades Mon.–Fri. 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

July 15–July 19

July 22–July 26

July 29–August 2

August 12–August 16

Westport; ellengangdesignstudio.com

SPEAKING UP

jill jaysen’s mission is: “Helping teens find their voice to stand up and speak for themselves and others and lead us into a better world.” She has coached kids on public speaking, standing out in the college admissions pool and achieving dreams on stage and screen, as well as bolstering confidence and self-esteem. Free, 10-minute parent phone consultation. Email: info@ admissionaccomplished.com

TO BE OR NOT TO BE

At shakespeare on the sound summer camp campers learn about performing Shakespeare’s text and work as an ensemble as they discover character and develop their very own play. For new and seasoned actors alike. No Shakespeare experience necessary. Ages 8 to 15; June 17– 21 and 24–28 (performance on June 28); 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Rowayton shakespeareonthesound.org/ summer-camps

RETRO CAMPOUT

Camping Under the Stars Night at the new canaan nature center is an event your kids will remember forever with camp tunes, an animal show, a night hike and—of course— s’mores. The Great American Campout: June 22, 3:30 p.m.–June 23, 9:30 a.m. 144 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan newcanaannature.org »

Ellen Gang Design Studio

"Midsummer" of 2021 at Shakespeare On The Sound

GETTING GROUNDED

Check out tai chi, knitting, cooking and yoga for adults and Little Farmhands and Little Chefs programs for the kiddos at lachat town farm, an educational and cultural facility dedicated to fostering a connection with community and the land. Westonites can rent a bed in the community garden. 106 Godfrey Road West, Weston lachattownfarm.org

WHAT’S NEW ON STAGE

There are so many wonderful open-air summer stage events to consider as temperatures rise: New Canaan Summer Theatre, Waveny Park Concert Series (New Canaan), Levitt Pavilion concerts (Westport), Shakespeare on the Sound (at Pinkney Park in Rowayton), events at Grace Farms (New Canaan), Alive at 5 concert series at Mill River Park (Stamford), performances at the Hartford Health Care Amphitheater (Bridgeport), shows at Binney Park and Roger Sherman Baldwin Park (Greenwich), to name a few. We won’t elaborate on those out-inplain-sight gems, but we do have the scoop on a few new developments on the theater scene.

westport country playhouse has all kinds of new programming, including “Barnstormers”—a series of small events from cabarets to play readings—in the Lucille Lortel White Barn adjacent to the theater, which provide an opportunity for local artists to exercise their creative muscle in a cozy and intimate setting.

“From the Page to the Stage” Playhouse tours led by Playhouse archivist Bruce Miller are available to the public by reservation. The 90-minute guided tours explore backstage, the green room, dressing rooms, scene shop, costume designs and set models. Participants will stand on the same stage where Gene Wilder, James Earl Jones, Jane Fonda, Eartha Kitt, Paul Newman and, more recently, Jonathan Groff, Kelli O’Hara and Patti LuPone have performed Historic anecdotes reveal how the Playhouse, originally a cow barn, provided inspiration for the creation of "Oklahoma!" and "My Fair Lady" and moved 42 plays to Broadway. 25 Powers Court (off Route 1), Westport westportplayhouse.org

connecticut stage company launched last fall with its debut production "Into the Woods" The staged reading at New Canaan Library brought out Broadway stars Jacob Keith Watson ("Merrily We Roll Along"), Nicole Ferguson ("Days of Wine and Roses"), Nick Rehberger and Eric Chambliss (both "Fiddler on the Roof") to wow audiences with their powerhouse voices, alongside local talent.

CSC, an artistic haven for creators, storytellers and supporters of the arts, is “dedicated to producing quality theatrical performances with and for our community.”

26 Forest Street, New Canaan connecticutstagecompany.org S

Connecticut Stage Company

Westport Country Playhouse

FIELDS OF DREAMS

Nothing’s ever been as fun as baseball, said Mickey Mantle.

As we sent this issue to the printer, the Stamford Little League season was just getting into full swing. Across the city, hardworking volunteers prepared fields, dusted off equipment and spent

hours puzzling out practice schedules.

All the while, players of all ages started dreaming about what it would feel like to win this year’s championship—like Katchko and Sons did last June 13 in their American Division majors 8-5 victory over Stamford P.A.L.

photograph by carrie sponheimer

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