FEAST FOR THE EYES
Art Across Town TOP LAWYERS
360 in Fairfield County
LIGHT A FIRE
Meet This Year’s Honorees
CelebRate!
40+ holiday eats, drinks and gifts
44
LIGHT A FIRE
Get inspired by Fairfield County’s finest—this year’s 10 award-winning changemakers.
by jill johnson mann
56
SEASON’S EATINGS
Celebrate the holidays with 40+ food finds for everything from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve—and all the delish dates in between.
by elizabeth keyser
THE WORLD’S #1 IN ORTHOPEDICS IS RIGHT HERE IN CONNECTICUT.
HSS, the world’s #1 in orthopedics, has teamed up with Stamford Health to bring the best comprehensive musculoskeletal care to Connecticut. And with a new location now in Westport , we’re bringing more of our industry-leading experts to support you from diagnosis through nonsurgical and surgical treatment and postoperative care. Now you can choose to move better and get back to doing what you love.
To learn more visit HSS.edu/StamfordHealth
Most major insurance plans accepted.
vol. 15 | no. 6 | november/december 2024
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CELEBRATE YOUR WEDDING
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15 | no. 6 | november/december 2024
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editor’s letter
EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY
My Anglo-Scandinavian surname belies my matrilineal heritage. I come from a big ItalianAmerican family—the DiRosas, the Leones, the Maclis, the Massas, the Mirras—whose tasty traditions dominated my childhood. Sunday pasta dinners with cousins, aunts and uncles were the welcome end prize to our mandatory Mass attendance. My brother Eric and I loved when my mom was “the one making the macaroni” because it meant we’d wake up those mornings to the heaven-sent scent of meatballs frying on the stove. (Better than bacon, even.)
So, it’s no surprise that feasting took center stage in our homes from late November through January. We debated whether that year’s signature sausage stuffing (a recipe for which we all seemed to be born knowing) measured up to Granny’s original. My godfather would somehow (miraculously) grill filet mignon to each guest’s preference, plated at the same time as my godmother’s lobster tails and sides, which had already followed my mom’s manicotti and about a dozen starters on Christmas Eve. In the morning, we spent an hour post-presents arranging antipasti, which had been ordered weeks in advance from the “special” deli, to kick off a day when food was served nonstop until bedtime.
By January, we had reason to fast (although we never did).
Writer Elizabeth Keyser gets the feastyour-way-through festivities so well the only challenge editing her indulgent feature “Season’s Eatings” (page 56) was paring back her plentiful ideas for space. She serves up more than 40 delicious ways—from a slate of calendar dates to savory hostess gifts to old and new culinary traditions—that will add full-on flavor to all your celebrations.
We’re also looking forward to commemorating another December tradition—the Light a Fire Awards. For more than a decade, Moffly Media has honored special members of our community who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of others. Jill Johnson Mann brings us the stories (page 44) of this year’s 10 inspiring recipients from across the county, including Stamford’s Ahmad Mickens (RF Youth Boxing) and Edith Presley (Cradle to Career). The event will take place at the Westport County Playhouse on December 4. Tickets are available at stamfordmag.com I hope to see you there, hors d’oeuvre in hand.
above: My brother, sister-in-law, nephew and me arranging antipasti on Christmas in 2012—my husband’s first with our family. He’s still full.
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On one occasion a cover subject arrived super late sporting an old Madras shirt, cargo shorts and a monster hangover.
OF SHOOTS AND SHENANIGANS
“
Apicture’s worth a thousand words.” Confucius may have coined the phrase, but it really took off in December 1921 when Frederick R. Barnard published a piece in “Printer's Ink” titled, “One Look is Worth a Thousand Words,” commending the effectiveness of graphics in advertising.
He was right. A good photograph is worth the effort of organizing all those shoots—such as lining up ten amazing volunteers for the “Light A Fire” story this month.
Most shoots go swimmingly, but some, well … Photographer Bob Capazzo and I once went to photograph a respected art collector and found her inebriated. To calm her down, we handed her her little dog then somehow propped them up long enough to get a pretty good shot.
In a kitchen we were doing, a five-year-old boy was sitting on a countertop swinging his legs. Except that every time his little brother toddled by, he’d kick him in the head. The mother seemed oblivious, but Bob was so undone he forgot to put film in his camera for the first few shots.
Once, preparing for a shot, he was raking leaves out of the pond at the Garden Center, fell in up to his waist in mud and had to be rescued.
Another time, a cover subject arrived super late sporting an old Madras shirt, cargo shorts and a monster hangover. So photographer Visco Hatfield offered to share a black designer suit he happened to have in his car; editor Cristin Marandino ran out to Old Navy for a T-shirt, and art director Holly Keeperman lent him her belt. Voila!
When I was GREENWICH editor-in-chief, sometimes I tagged along on shoots and got to know some wonderful characters. Admittedly, I had issues with a few—such as Victor Borge’s Man Friday who wanted his boss posed in his prize-winning rose garden, but I wanted him at the piano, natch. (I won.) On another occasion,
sitting on a bench next to her husband, there was the very large woman in a very short skirt presenting a very awkward angle for the camera. I suggested she take off her hat because it hid her face and put it on her lap.
Connecticut Governor Jodie Rell became a favorite of mine during a shoot at Nestlé Waters. Chatting between takes, I told her that my husband was going in for a triple bypass in the morning, and the next evening on our answering machine was the governor herself saying, “I’ve been thinking of you both all day. Now, Jack, when you get home, you’ve got to take it easy. And that’s an executive order!”
And in 1989 when we were doing a piece on Tom Watson Jr.’s scrimshaw collection, I walked into his living room, took one look at him and quipped: “Mr. Watson, all you sailors are alike. You look like unmade beds. We need to fix you up!” He laughed heartily and invited me into his wardrobe room to pick out a new outfit. In there, he volunteered: “You know, right after this I’m flying to Cleveland for the 100th birthday of a good friend of mine.” I responded, “I bet I know who that is: Fred Crawford.” He looked at me, nonplussed: “How do you know Fred Crawford?” “Because he’s my godfather,” I answered proudly, Uncle Fred being the only person ever inducted into three Halls of Fame during his lifetime.
“What’s more,” I added, “I know who your godfather was, too. Joe Rogers.” Mr. Watson was floored, Joe being his father’s longtime business partner. I explained that growing up in Shaker Heights, Joe’s daughter Jane was my best friend. “And, Mr. Watson,” I added, “Janie was named after your grandmother!”
Just think what I would have missed if I hadn’t been editor of the magazine.
Now look what I’ve done—written 648 words! Maybe I should have settled for a picture.
CHEERS to 15 years!
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Presidential Palace
When longtime lecture series vet Howard Szigeti proposed a speaking engagement with President Bill Clinton at the Palace Theatre, CEO Mike Moran did not hesitate.
“It was the fastest yes he ever heard,” he says. “Our mission is to entertain, educate and enrich. This talk will do all three.”
The event on Friday, November 22, is one of only two tri-state area stops on Clinton’s book tour for “Citizen: My Life After the White House”, which will be released three days earlier. In the memoir, he reflects on his post-presidency years and the defining events of the 21st century through personal insights on the challenges and rewards of his time since leaving office. The evening promises an unfiltered view into the 42nd president of the United States. Bringing one of the most
BILL CLINTON leads a lineup of marquee events at the crowning jewel of downtown Stamford
by melinda anderson
influential figures of our time to Stamford fits in with Moran’s expansive vision for the Palace, which he joined in 2000: to be a premier cultural institution presenting more than 100 performances annually. Recent sold-out performances include Jerry Seinfeld, Trevor Noah and Kidz Bop.
There’s a lot coming our way to make room in the calendar for. Touring productions of “Elf the Musical” and “Come From Away” are slated for December and April. And family favorite “Blippy” returns in May.
The diverse programming at the 1,600-plus seat Thomas Lamb-designed gem provides “access, access, access” he says. It’s also an economic driver, bringing audiences from not just Stamford but across Westchester and Fairfield counties to downtown restaurants and bars. And the city “gets that.”
“The current administration is very supportive and recognizes the importance of art and culture,” Moran says. “It’s evident they consider the Palace integral to the fabric of Stamford.”
The robust educational
opportunities, including playwriting and directing workshops, offered at the Palace are another way the institution helps keep downtown dynamic. Perhaps none is more exciting than Triple Threat Performer, the popular twoweek intensive musical theater summer program for theater kids ages 9 through16, led by awardwinning multi-hyphenate Luis Salgado, whose bona fides include credits from Broadway, film and TV. Stamford success story and Westhill alum Dilian Cantrell returns to the Palace as part of the touring production of “STOMP” this November.
We’re grabbing seats now.
As of press time, tickets to the President Bill Clinton “Citizen” event were still available and include a copy of the book. To purchase, visit palacestamford.org.
above: All eyes will be on President Bill Clinton when he comes to the Palace Theatre November 22.
Be the Change
For nearly three decades the PARENT LEADERSHIP TRAINING INSTITUTE has trained local leaders to advocate for Stamford’s children
by scott thomas
Regan Allan and Versha Munshi-South came to Stamford’s Parent Leadership Training Institute two decades apart and from different geographical backgrounds. Each of them left the program with a better understanding of the community, new friendships and a deeper appreciation for developing coalitions to improve children’s lives.
Allan, who moved from Westchester County and has lived in Stamford since 1998, was a member of the PLTI class in 2000, one of the program’s first. Munshi-South moved from New York City in 2018 and spent her professional career in education. She went through the PLTI in 2021. Both women found the 20-week course life-changing from multiple perspectives.
“It’s the only group in Stamford that matches people with all of the city’s different demographics,’’ said Allan, who has been the PLTI coordinator since 2016. The program was established in Connecticut in 1992.The first class in town convened in 1996 and is now run by the Stamford Public Education Foundation. SPEF is a local nonprofit whose mission is to elevate student success by delivering educational
[Participants] are people with different education levels, professional responsibilities, and racial diversity … We’re giving tools to develop leadership skills and make change.
programs that promote equitable access to quality public education and offer a range of initiatives for K-12 students. “They are people with different education levels, professional responsibilities and racial diversity. It is very strengthbased. We’re giving them tools to develop leadership skills and make change.”
The curriculum includes
a community-building retreat, instructional courses on community, personal development, and parent leadership, a civics course on politics, policy, and media. Students must also complete a cumulative final community project.
The time commitment is extensive. Leadership members
meet for three hours once a week and are required to attend one all-day retreat. The group enjoys a family-style dinner beforehand, and Allan said retention rates exceed 90 percent. Tuition is free. Child care, transportation, and laptops can also be provided.
The program is broken down into two 10-week phases. In the first, participants learn about group systems, discuss visions for successful child outcomes, and build a community with classmates. In the second phase, participants learn how state and local governments work, using data and accountability, and how to work with media.
“We go through the commitments beforehand, so people know what is expected of them,’’ Allan said. “A lot of people come in with a specific focus on their child. They start to learn that they are not the only ones with that concern. They broaden their vision and realize early on that this program will benefit all children in Stamford. We try to eliminate any barriers to participation.”
Like Allan, Munshi-South knew very little about Stamford when she moved here. When Covid hit, she felt even more isolated. “I thought about how
above: Current Board of Education member Versha Munshi-South standing sixth from left and her cohort at their 2021 graduation.
I could get involved in the community in a meaningful way,’’ Munshi-South said. “I had tried volunteering with PTOs. I felt like I could offer a little more. I was looking to diversify who I knew in Stamford. I wanted to meet lots of different people from all sections.”
One PLTI objective is to help participants learn more about the city’s unique political system. “I didn’t know much,’’ MunshiSouth said. “I had never gotten involved in local government. I didn’t know about the structure or the state representatives. It was a great way to get exposed to how local government runs, and it helped me build relationships with people that otherwise I
FROM STUDENT TO TEACHER
One of Regan Allan’s favorite responsibilites as the director of education and engagement at the Stamford Public Education Foundation (SPEF) is overseeing programming for the tuition-free Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI), from which she graduated in 2000.
would not have met.”
One of the best attributes of the program is the diversity of the people who participate. Reflective of the city, PLTI includes a wide range of people who have had different life experiences. The program helps participants learn new perspectives.
“Being with people who are different [from you], you are learning about their background and their experiences,’’ Allan said. “We are a diverse city. You need to take a walk in other people’s shoes. It’s not just residents of the West Side or the Latino community or parents with children in school. The reality is our school district is very diverse. It’s important to use the strengths of everyone in the community.”
Founded in Connecticut by former executive director of the Commission on Children, Elaine Zimmerman, to help center parents in family policy development, PLTI is now a nationwide initiative in more than 80 communities across the country (and even one in Australia). The overarching objective is to train people with a civil tool kit to improve the lives of families and demonstrate how people working together can improve the overall community.
Many PLTI graduates have gone on to become involved more deeply in Stamford. Munshi-South, for example, is now a member of the Board of Education along with PLTI alums Antonia Better-Wirz and Gabriela Koc. Others have served on the Board of Representatives, the Democratic City Committee, the Republican Town Committee, at Domus, the Ferguson Library and so many more. An optional parallel course for the children
of participants, CLTI, also turns out graduates contributing to our community in big ways like Geraldine Uribe who serves as a special assistant to Mayor Caroline Simmons.
“We have so many people who have such great ideas,’’ MunshiSouth said. “They want to try out and implement programs, but it’s very hard to do that by yourself. There are also a lot of great programs that are already
happening. This program shows that you can build a coalition, and you don’t have to do it alone. It’s a great way to connect with others who have similar interests and passions, and develop tools that can enrich your life in many ways.”
SPEF is recruiting right now for the 2025 session set to start in January. Contact Allan at rallan@ spefct.org or at 203-539-1722 for more information.
top: State Senator Patricia Billie Miller speaks to the 2022 cohort, who met virtually due to the pandemic. bottom: Regan Allen speaks at the PLTI graduation in Bridgeport earlier this year.
BAYE & ASA
Selected in 2022 as one of Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch,” Baye & Asa is a company creating movement art projects including 4|2|3 which examines the intergenerational cooperation necessary to acknowledge the existential crisis of climate change.
November 13 • 7:30 p.m.
The Howard and Katherine Aibel Memorial Concert Owls
November 3 • 3 p.m.
Mark Ludwig
The 27th Annual Jacoby-Lunin Humanitarian Lecture 203.254.4010 •
November 14 • 7:30 p.m.
LOOK HERE do
Skip the blustery daytrip to NYC and say “yes!” to Stamford’s museums, galleries and public works. to Here are 16 PEOPLE AND PLACES worth a go-see.
While living in the long shadow of New York’s cultural powerhouses offers riches that make our region great, there’s no denying that come late fall and winter, short and often frigid days make us want to stay put. Thankfully for us, there’s so many EASILY ACCESSIBLE ARTISTIC OFFERINGS right in our own backyard. Here, WE MAP SOME FAVORITES from the city’s tippy top to the bottommost bottom.
BY LIZ BARRON
North Stamford to ridgeway DOWNtown cove harbor point • SoUtH END
North Stamford to ridgeway
1 BENDEL MANSION
39 Scofieldtown Rd.
stamfordmuseum.org
Designed in the 1920s by department store
magnate Henri Bendel, this enchanting estate served as a private residence for nearly two decades prior to becoming the home for the permanent art collection at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center. Rotating exhibits are as popular as the famed outdoor sculpture garden.
2
ARTIST WORTH KNOWING
HOLLY DANGER
hollydanger.com
Holly Danger is a Stamford-based immersive experiential video artist whose work transforms the spaces they inhabit. Her first solo show was at the Bruce Museum in 2021. Her installations provide a distinctive and encompassing experience unlike any other. In addition to her gallery and museum work, she collaborates and takes commissions for companies and live events.
from above: Jacques
in his painting exhibit at Bendel Mansion; the sculpture garden at the 1920's house-turnedmuseum; Pat
“Our Fragile Home” spring exhibition.
above: “Let in, Let go” at the Satellite Art Fair in Miami in 2019. right: Solo exhibition
“A Thousand Times Forever” at Art06870 gallery in Greenwich in September.
Pepin
Musick’s
this photo: “Let in, Let Go” at the Bruce Museum in 2021. AN
YANKELL LEGACY GALLERY
BENDEL MANSION
left: Stuart Yankell at work in 2022. below: “Bistro Structure” is typical of the artist’s monumental expressive style.
3
AN ARTIST WORTH KNOWING
ILYSE LYMAN
ilyselymanart.com
A self-taught contemporary artist, Ilyse Lyman works from her home studio in North Stamford. Painting with acrylics, Lyman uses vibrant colors and highgloss resin on pop culture portraits of icons such as Muhammad Ali and Taylor Swift. Her work was recently featured at the JCC.
4 STUART YANKELL
AN ARTIST WORTH KNOWING
yankell.com
For more than four decades, Stuart Yankell has painted around the world but calls the studio/gallery he bought two years ago in North Stamford home. His large-scale paintings featuring broad brushstrokes that straddle realism and abstraction are a favorite of celebs like Dave Matthews and Carlos Santana.
5 YANKELL
LEGACY GALLERY
61 Studio Ct. yankelllegacygallery.com
Situated along the Rippowam River, in the home studio originally built in 1916 by Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor of Mt. Rushmore, artist Stuart Yankell’s gallery is sure to make your jaw drop. The stunner has also played host to “Beetle Bailey” creator Mort Walker and painter/ printmaker Leon Bibel. Check out the space by appointment only.
from above: Portrait of Jerry Garcia; vibrant paintings play with words and graphics pop.
above: Mt. Rushmore sculptor Gutzon Borglum built the home studio in 1916.
DOWNtown
STAMFORD ART ASSOCIATION
THE MAYOR’S GALLERY STAMFORD TOWN CENTER
UKRAINIAN MUSEUM AND LIBRARY
above and right: “Great Futures Start Here” at the Stamford Boys & Girls Club.
above:
“Commonalities: Art, Friendship & Family” artwork by Margaret A. Phillips and MayAnn Weinberg in 2023. left: curator Ellen Gordon, artist Afsaneh DjabbariAslani and Mayor Caroline Simmons.
6
THE MAYOR’S GALLERY
888 Washington Blvd. @the_mayors_gallery_ stamford
The 10th floor of the Government Center features the works of both seasoned and emerging artists through six annual shows. The exhibits are open to the public Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
top: The Stamford Art Association Townhouse Gallery holds eight shows per year. bottom: “Breaker Breaking,” photo on canvas by David Sussan.
7
AN ARTIST WORTH KNOWING
ALISSA SIEGAL
alissasiegal.com
An accomplished teaching artist, Alissa Siegal’s body of work includes meditative interiors and expressive portraits. Once the head of Loft Artists Association, Siegal is also committed to public works, including “The Flower Walk” at the Bennett Cancer Center, “Great Futures Start Here” at the Stamford Boys & Girls Club and a series of electrical box projects throughout town that act like a punctuation mark to an otherwise pedestrian day
8 STAMFORD ART ASSOCIATION (SAA)
stamfordartassociation. org 39 Franklin St. This nonprofit dedicated to exhibiting emerging and professional local artists includes members ranging from painters to sculptors, photographers to multimedia practitioners. SAA curates exhibits at the Ferguson Library (1 Public Library Plaza) and at The Townhouse Gallery (39 Franklin Street). “Art at The Ferguson” is open for viewing in the third-floor auditorium during library hours and the Townhouse Gallery is open Friday to Sunday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. SAA also runs workshops and classes for both children and adults.
below: Alissa Siegal’s “Flower Walk” mural at the Bennett Cancer Center.
above: Artist Sen2 and six crewmembers spent 14 days battling rain, cold and wind to complete the massive mural on Stamford Town Center. right: The eye-catching pop addition to the Plaza, also by Sen2
9 STAMFORD TOWN CENTER
100 Greyrock Pl. sen2figueroa.com
It’s impossible to miss the enormous mural spanning the Greyrock façade of Stamford Town Center by renowned graffiti artist Sen2 Figueroa, whose work can be seen all over the world and in celeb collections, including that of Robert DeNiro. The structured colors and lines of our local masterpiece are worth a closer look than drive-bys allow. Sen2 worked with six team members over two weeks to complete the project that brought fresh life to the long-standing building.
10
UKRAINIAN MUSEUM AND LIBRARY
161 Glenbrook Rd. ukrainianmuseum library.org
Billed as “the oldest Ukrainian cultural institution in North America,” this local stalwart houses fine, folk and religious art as well as an extensive library collection. Permanent displays include virtual exhibits as well for days too rainy or snowy to make it in person. Also known as “The Chateau,” the museum is open to the public Wednesday to Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment.
The mural, one of the largest in the state, marks an evolution in Sen2’s style from looser graffiti to a more structural approach.
clockwise from left: The Ukrainian Museum and Library on Glenbrook Road; the popular “Easter Egg”room; the first floor sitting room adorned with portraits of museum notables; 16th-century manuscripts.
above and left:
SoUtH END harbor point cove
LOFT ARTISTS ASSOCIATION
left and above: The 48-foot mural “Dream Big” by Patrick Ganino on the Village campus.
below: “Faces and Figures,” the 9th annual juried exhibition at the Loft Artists Association, was a collaboration with the Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists. This year’s 11th offering “Gasp” closes November 3.
right: “Lady Liberty and Justice” on Bedford Street. below: Clayton installing “First Built” at GE Appliances Stamford CoCreate.
THE VILLAGE
11
LOFT ARTISTS ASSOCIATION (LAA)
575 Pacific St. loftartists.org
Founded nearby in 1978 by a trio of local artists, the current location of this South End members-only collective now houses shared and private workspaces for its current roster of 31 artists. It also serves as home to exhibits, events and workshops. With offerings ranging from gallery events to children’s Summer Saturday classes, there is always something happening on Pacific Street. The super popular Open Studios event takes place from Friday, November 8 to Sunday, November 10 and is your chance to meet and mingle with members.
12
THE VILLAGE
4 Star Point Rd. thevillagestamford.com
Art at the Village includes a residency program, pop-ups, large-scale installations and exhibits. “Dream Big,” the vibrant 48-foot mural by Patrick Ganino depicting a Waterside School student painted on the side of the property shortly after it opened has become one of the city’s most popular public works.
13
AN ARTIST WORTH KNOWING
left and below:
“All Walks of Life” is a collaborative mural project led by Lauren Clayton at the Bedford Street garage and parking lot.
LAUREN CLAYTON @studio162design
Accomplished local artist and graphic designer Lauren Clayton, who founded Studio 162, is committed to creating art in her own backyard. You probably already know her work at Kiwanis Park, Liberations Programs house and CoCreate (among others). “All Walks of Life” at the Bedford Street garage (17 Forest St.) is her latest local public work, for which she led seven other Stamford artists in collaboration.
14
Pinot’s Palette
in Harbor Point is the Stamford offshoot of the popular nationwide paint-and-sip studio, where instructors guide artists of all ages through on-site and virtual events. pinotspalette.com
15
For when your own INSPIRATION , check out three CREATIVE OUTLETS where you make and take masterpieces on Hope Street offers paint-your-ownpottery classes and private events for budding artists of all ages and skill STRIKES
16
Studio Andreas on Glenbrook Road is a woodworking and textile arts space with classes so popular they’re often sold out. studioandreaswoodworking.com
SEAS N’S GREETINGS
FROM THE THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE TO THE NEW YEAR’S BALL DROP, EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF THE SEASON WITH A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS THIS NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER by stefanie horn
No. 2
HOT SEATS
There’s something for everyone this season at the Palace Stamford “ELF the Musical” runs from November 15 to 17 World Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker on November 29 and for a contemporary twist on that classic, head to the Hip Hop Nutcracker on December 7 palacestamford.org
No. 1
HELLO, MERRY
Put the whole family in holiday togs to kick off the season with a brand-new tradition.
The Stamford Moms Santa Welcome Party at Stamford Town Center promises to be a fun dance party where we’ll welcome Santa Claus to STC for his residency through Christmas Eve. Come in pj's on Friday, November 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. for story time, grooves, goody bags and more.
No. 3 ALL ABOARD!
The interactive Holiday Wish Express disembarks to the North Pole with stops at Glacier Island, the Enchanted Twinkling Forest and more from level 5 at Stamford Town Center on select dates from November 16 to December 24 theholidaywish.com
No. 5 CATCH AIR
Start turkey week right at the annual Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular on Sunday, November 24 at noon. Giant balloon characters, marching bands and fun floats that rival the ones from the Macy’s parade right in our own backyard.
Designs by Lee dispatches Santa wishlists with care and speed!
No. 4
SPECIAL DELIVERY
Snag a Christmas tree at Designs by Lee and be sure to have the kids bring a letter to put in the mailbox for Santa He's also due to appear throughout the season. Check out his schedule of appearances at designsbylee.com.
No. 6 MOVIES AND MORE
Let Stamford Moms be your holiday helper in December. Fridays are for Merry Movie Nights at Stamford Town Center all month long in the Grand Court. Enjoy free popcorn, a craft and surprise character appearances. Grab coffee (or a cocktail) and shop local at Third Place by Half Full Brewery on Sunday, December 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Stamford Moms Holiday Sip & Shop. There will be more than 20 vendors, including Weekend Glow Candles, Auburn Jewelry, Letter Story Bracelets and Crazy Confections, plus activities for the kids. And head to stamfordmoms.com for a round-up of must-see local holiday light displays.
Top row: Kid-favorite character appearances at Merry Movie Nights bottom: Local vendors at the annual Holiday Sip & Shop at Third Place
activities to can’ t-miss events. Follow @stamfordmoms on Instagram, sign up for the newsletter and check out the calendar for more family-friendly activities at stamfordmoms.com.
Stefanie Horn, Stamford mom of three and head of Stamford Moms, shares some of her favorite things to do—from seasonal
No. 7 DOWNTOWN SPECTACULAR
M RE HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
This year’s Heights & Lights is on Sunday, December 8 at 5 p.m.
You and your fam can watch as Santa Claus, Rudolph, the Grinch and friends make their daredevil descent, twisting and flying from the top of Landmark Square, followed by a festive fireworks show. After they rappel, Santa and friends will march up Bedford Street to Latham Park for holiday music and the Stamford tree lighting
No. 9 SWEET TREATS
The Hudson Table Stamford is the place to be for kids who bake with the most fun on-trend theme classes. See the latest at hudsontable.com.
And for an at-home experience that wows, whether you’re expecting company or just want to make brunch feel special, a holiday breakfast board is a well-loved option because everyone can choose what they like and serve themselves. Grab a wooden cutting board and arrange favorites like waffles, pancakes, bacon, fruit, colorful bagels, donuts, sausage—the works!
No. 8 CITY OF LIGHTS
Chabad of Stamford has a slate of events to celebrate Chanukah. Bring a wrapped gift to the JWC Package Party on December 18 to be auctioned off. Teens compete “Chopped” style in a latke cook-off on the 22nd. On Wednesday, December 25, the Family Day Brunch and Chanukah Fair features food and fun activities from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. After, gather in Latham Park at 4 p.m. to light the Giant Menorah (Fairfield County’s largest). Hot apple cider, latkes and gelt for the kids will all be on hand. The Menorah Car Parade takes place this year on Saturday, December 28 at 6 p.m. to Latham Park. stamfordchabad.org
Also check out the Stamford JCC for the latest details on popular events like Gelt Together and Kids’ Night Out stamfordjcc.org
No. 10
IN WITH THE NEW
Skip the midnight celebration and instead get your party on early with the whole family at the Ferguson Library Stepping Stones or the Maritime Aquarium, all of whom host Noon Year’s Eve celebrations.
Keep the party going at home with one—or all!—of our other favorite ways to celebrate with the kids: Family game night, movie marathon with picks from everyone, dressed-up dance party, living room balloon drop followed by a camp-in family slumber party.
Stefanie Horn, Stamford mom of three and head of Stamford Moms, shares some of her favorite things to do—from seasonal activities to can’t-miss events. Follow @stamfordmoms on Instagram, sign up for the newsletter and check out the calendar for more family-friendly activities at stamfordmoms.com.
go
Ski Ya Later!
Get ready for the ultimate CANADIAN WINTER ESCAPE
by kim-marie galloway
Although it seems like everyone is headed to Europe to ski this season, we direct our attention to our neighbors to the North. Canada may not sound as sexy as Courchevel, but the skiing can be better. The travel certainly is. Here are some mountains that should be on your ski punch list.
BIG WHITE
OPENING: November 28
This resort is like that secret stash of powder you tell your best friends about, only it’s an entire mountain. The whole resort is ski-in/ski-out, and the powder is like nothing you ’ ve ever seen. Imagine cruising into a knee-deep pile, and instead of needing ACL surgery, you watch what they call “Champagne powder” explode like the puff of a dandelion.
Big White has a lot going for it. It’s only 5,700 feet, so there’s no danger of altitude sickness. And it's on the interior side of British Columbia, making the snow a dry powder, of which there is never a lack (average depth of 53 inches). Fun fact: there’s no snowmaking equipment since it’s not needed.
The mountain is also famous for “snow ghosts,” giant trees fully encased in ice. How does that happen, you ask? We’ll tell
left: Dry powder for days at Big White below, top: Mother Nature puts on a celestial show. below, bottom: The gondola offers a spectacular view of the mountain s “snow ghosts.”
you. It’s often foggy and overcast, and when clouds touch snow, the water crystals stick and create massive ice trees.
If the lift line is more than 10 to 15 minutes, locals will complain about how busy it is. There are 12 lifts—10 chair, a gondola and a T-bar. In addition, there are four magic carpets for new skiers/ snowboarders. No matter which lift you choose, there is a green run to the bottom, making it the perfect resort for beginners. It’s also a snowboarder ’ s paradise. USA Today named Big White the best place to snowboard in Canada and the second-best place to snowboard in North America
Stay anywhere you like; the lifts are only steps away. But don’t miss the world-famous coffee at the Gun Barrel Grill. The waiter pulls up alongside your table with a shotgun heated over the fire and pours flaming Grand Marnier down the barrel into a glass
prepared with brandy, cacao, coffee and whipped cream.
Lift tickets start at $119 per day if purchased online. There is also night skiing for only $30. Factor in the favorable exchange rate and a lift ticket is only $87 US. Compare that to $259 for a day in Park City (where you won’t find a flaming gun barrel drink).
WHISTLER BLACKCOMB OPENING:
November 22
This is the largest ski resort in North America and has a sevenmile top-to-bottom run. The resort has it all: ice skating, the longest gondola in existence spanning from peak to peak, ziplining through snow-covered trees, heli-skiing,
snowmobiling, snowshoeing, tubing, ice climbing, snowcat touring, Olympic bobsled riding, and the newest activity, Vallea Lumina, a magical light walk through the forest at night.
If heli-skiing is on your bucket list, this is the perfect place to try it. If you can handle any run on the mountain in all conditions, you're ready to take your skiing to the next level, literally. You will be outfitted with proper powder skis, receive avalanche training and be paired with a professional guide. The terrain available for heliskiers is 50 times the size of the Whistler Blackcomb resort. Imagine untracked powder, no lift lines and a season ’s worth of vertical in just a few days. This is a skier’s heaven. Whistler is on the Epic Pass, and passholders get 20 percent off heli-skiing. If you’re skiing without an Epic Pass, you can save significant money by purchasing your lift tickets before the season starts.
BATTLE
OF THE GIANTS, EPIC VS. IKON
Two massive mountain companies are gobbling up resorts like the Hungry Hungry Hippo—the Epic pass by Vail Resorts, which is not just Vail, and the IKON pass by Alterra Mountain Company. Rare are the mountains that do not belong to one or the other. Big White is one of the few independent mountains, and in our opinion, worth skiing without a pass.
Epic passholders get unlimited ski days on most of the pass’s member mountains, including Vail and Whistler Blackcomb. Also, travelers will now be able to join My Epic Gear, a membership to rent premium equipment instead of traveling with it, slopeside pick-up and drop-off. Membership costs $50 for the 2024/2025 season, with a $55 daily use fee for adults and a $45 fee for kids aged three to 12.
While IKON passholders get seven days on most inpass mountains, read the fine print. Some passes have blackout dates.
above: Hitting the slopes at Whistler Blackcomb
MONT-TREMBLANT OPENING: November
23
Mont-Tremblant is the most European-feeling resort of our recommendations and the most convenient. Flights from any New York airport take under two hours, followed by a 90-minute drive from Montreal. We suggest hiring a car service since you won’t need a car once you ’re at the mountain. Everything you need is within walking distance in the charming pedestrian village.
If you’ve skied Stowe, MontTremblant will feel familiar. The resort sits at the highest point in the Laurentian Mountains (Stowe is the highest mountain in Vermont). Both mountains are cold, but Tremblant can be frigid, so pack plenty of toe warmers. Ironically, cold plunges are one of the cool new things to do (pun intended), and there are plenty of Nordic Spas to choose from.
Try the “thermal journey” at Spa Mont-Tremblant. For a more authentic experience, head to the Scandinave Spa, where hot-andcold-plunge pools run along the Diable River. However, the frozen river itself is the ultimate cold plunge. If you want the kids to try a Nordic Spa (they aren't welcome at Scandinave), stay at Hotel Quintessence, where they can try the hot/cold plunge pools. There are also some Nordic spas with kid hours depending on age in the area.
Tremblant is on the IKON Pass and is an excellent choice for families. There are plenty of offpiste activities and, of course, poutine. The mountain has four ski faces, so there are plenty of options. Kids (and beginner adults) can cruise for almost four miles on a green beginner run. If anyone has tired legs at the end of the day, there's a free cabriolet (a gondola but not for skiers) that connects the village at both ends.
above: No car needed to navigate the pedestrian-friendly town below: The charming village of Mont-Tremblant
2024/2025 Season of Laughter at the playhouse!
Back at the Playhouse by popular demand. TWO BELOVED CLASSIC TALES. ONE THRILLING MYSTERY.
Don’t miss this heartwarming holiday production for all ages—and a theatrical experience you’ll never forget!
Corporate Partner:
JAN 23 - 26, 2025
FEB 18 - MAR 8, 2025 MAR 25 - APR 12, 2025 DEC 17 - 22, 2024
A concert of show-stopping favorites! Come for a night of Broadway’s most memorable songs.
by Karen Zacarías
An outrageous comedy about culture clash and bad behavior.
For more info on the 2024/2025 season go to: WESTPORTPLAYHOUSE.ORG 203 227 4177
by Paul Slade Smith adapted from Ferenc Molnár’s “Play at the Castle.”
Production Supporter: Cherie Quain
Scan for a full list of events!
people&PLACES
BY LUXITAS, LLC
Beautiful Legacy
To honor the late actor and comedian Gene Wilder, his wife, Karen, donated several acres of their property to the Stamford Land Conservation Trust (SLCT). She hosted an afternoon tea on September 8, which would have been their 33rd wedding anniversary. Local leaders, neighbors and long-time friends of the Wilders, gathered at the estate to celebrate. The Gene and Karen Wilder Preserve encompasses more than five acres of woods and wetlands on Chestnut Hill Road in North Stamford. stamfordland.org »
PHOTOGRAPHS
1 The Bagwin Family 2 Karen Wilder, SLCT Board President Harry Day, Mayor Caroline Simmons 3 Anne Massey, Karen Wilder, Inese Kaufman, Edward Massey 4 Neil Benedict, Edward Massey, Anne Massey, Maggie Benedict 5 Joel Selden, Marcia Selden, Karen Wilder, Robin Selden, Michael Meister 6 Patricia Eggert, Karen Wilder, Jen D’Amico 7Jen D’Amico, Sonia Pintado
Farm to Table
Heckscher Farm offered the perfect bucolic setting for Stamford Museum & Nature Center’s (SM&NC) Heirloom Fire Dinner. Billed as an “immersive dining experience,” the farm-to-table fare was catered by the Berkshiresbased Heirloom Fire and paired with wines selected by Glenville Wines & Spirits. Each course was prepared over a hardwood flame for a “radically different take” on the annual event. Proceeds support SM&NC’s educational programming and will help increase the number of students served. Through a Giving Gallery, each donor took home a special farm animal print as a thank you. stamfordmuseum.org »
1 Suzanne Fruithandler with Ferdinand 2 Todd and Darunee Gambino, Sarah Bull, Mark Tillman 3 Tracey Eiben, Board Member Mary Fedeli, Deirdre and John Dunn 4 Harry Day, CEO Melissa H. Mulrooney, Douglas York 5 Heirloom Fire Dinner
6 Keith and Rachel Friedman, Colin Campbell 7 Joe Shaulson, Zoe Schwartz, Joy and Larry Katz 8 Jason C. and Felicia Putter 9 Lexi Klahn with Ferdinand, Lynn Villency 10 Paul Welch, Tammy Felenstein, Lisa Welch
HEIRLOOM FIRE DINNER / Stamford Museum & Nature Center
Supporting Seniors
SilverSource hosted more than 200 guests at the Inspiring Lives Luncheon and benefit held at Woodway Country Club in Darien. The agency, which assists local seniors in need, provides financial aid as well as transportation to medical appointments. Harry Day was presented the Inspiring Lives Award for his community leadership and work with SilverSource, while Nick Buettner of Blue Zones fame served as the featured speaker. Sharing anecdotes and key elements for building a long and healthy life, Buettner explained why certain areas around the world are achieving “joyful and robust longevity.” silversource.org »
1 Board of Trustees Member Ellen Bromley, Mary Fedeli 2 Board President Bob Goldstein, Board of Trustees Member Susan DiMattia 3 Linda Kelly, Judy Bentley 4 Les Goldstein, Board Treasurer Joseph Armah 5 Rev. Winton Hill, Polly Morrow 6 CEO Kathleen Bordelon, Honoree Harry Day, Bob Goldstein 7 Linda Hampton, Lynne Colatrella 8 Roni and Allan Lang 9 Kathleen Bordelon, featured speaker Nick Buettner of the Blue Zones Project 10 Sheila Romanowitz, Board of Trustees Member Maureen Cacace
/ Woodway Country Club
LIGHT A FIRE
My mother taught me.” “My husband inspired me.” “My kids are involved, too.” “My sister is a changemaker.”
Giving as a family tradition is a theme that emerged this year among the winners of our annual Light a Fire contest. Every November we honor those in our towns who give selflessly to support causes near and far—those who light a fire in the hearts of their relatives, friends, colleagues and greater community, spurring on charity and compassion, changing and saving lives, and spreading hope. And who doesn’t need a little hope this November?
So turn off the television, silence the phone and settle into a comfy spot, perhaps near a glowing fire, and give these ten upstanding citizens your full attention. After you’ve read their stories, share them with a family member. Then think about what kindling you might contribute to one of the inspiring fires your neighbors have sparked, or even build one of your own. »
by jill johnson mann • photography by katharine calderwood
Andi Sklar
Ahmad Mickens
Nicole Heath
Dede Thompson Bartlett
Marie Rocha
Catherine Erol Edith Presley
Adam Vengrow
Lauren Walsh
Nate Checketts
Andi Sklar
ORGANIZATIONS
CONNECTICUT CHILDREN’S, SHAKE IT FOR SHEA, PINK AID, AL’S ANGELS
INSPIRATION
Andi Sklar first became intrigued by giving back when she saw her big-hearted husband in action. “When I met Scott, he was very involved in an organization for a friend’s son who had an orphan disease [extremely rare and deadly diseases affecting less than 200,000 people],” explains the Westport resident. “I admired them for all they did. Once my kids were old enough and I wasn’t working, I had time.”
She offered to chair the preschool committee at Temple Israel and then began hosting shopping events and giving a percentage to charity. From that start, dipping her toe in the many philanthropic causes around town, she was soon making a big splash on the altruistic scene.
WORDS OF PRAISE
“With
a heart of gold and drive to always do more, Andi has been an instrumental force in helping to raise awareness for Connecticut Children’s. Because of her efforts, countless families have received the highest quality care for everything from broken bones to pediatric heart conditions, right here in Westport.”
Dr. Robyn Matloff, Director of Connecticut Children’s in Westport
COURAGE INTO ACTION
Andi discovered Al’s Angels, an organization that supports families through health and financial crises, and had the idea to set up lemonade stands around town so her kids could also participate.
“Al got cookies and lemonade donated,” she says. “We had stands all over. Then Covid hit.” Around that time Andi’s aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer, which sparked Andi’s involvement with Pink Aid. She took on the role of auction chair during the pandemic and then event chair for two years.
Recently, Andi has focused her attention on Connecticut Children’s, which now has a specialty care center right in Westport. “Robyn Matloff, the director, reached out to see if I would come for a tour,” explains Andi. “At the time I had no idea there was a freestanding children’s hospital in Connecticut. Scott came with me. He had spent a lot of time in children’s hospitals and was blown away. Robyn asked if I would help set up tours. People would arrive wondering why they were there and leave saying, ‘Wow!’”
Andi formed a committee and began spreading the word. “People want to get involved,” she says. “The staff is so wonderful. It’s such a feel-good place. To volunteer for something especially where kids are involved, it’s another level.”
Andi is also raising awareness for Hearts in Harmony Foundation, a local charity set up by Kira and Mark Greenfield. Their daughter, Shea, was diagnosed with Long QT syndrome—a life-threatening heart condition—the day she was born. An annual event, Shake It For Shea, and a golf event, Shank It For Shea, raise funds for research. “I introduced Kira to Dr. Robyn Matloff, and we came up with ideas for how the organizations can help people together,” says Andi.
HOPES AND DREAMS
“I hope the community becomes more involved with Hearts in Harmony and CT Children’s,” says Andi. “I hope we see everyone talking about mental health and see that focus grow here at CT Children’s. I would love to see a lot of money raised through Shake It for Shea.”
ORGANIZATIONS
RF YOUTH
BOXING, REVOLUTION
TRAINING ACADEMY
Ahmad Mickens
INSPIRATION
“I grew up in New Jersey near East Orange. It was pretty rough. I didn’t know a lot of people who looked like me who had professions that inspired me,” explains Stamford’s Ahmad Mickens. “I got into a lot of trouble.” Then he found boxing. “Going to the gym, getting in shape, having people to support me—it gave me an identity,” he says. “I had my first wins. I don’t even mean in the ring—my first wins in life. Being able to jump rope, to lift more weight—those little wins started adding up and building my confidence.”
Ahmad couldn’t wait to give that opportunity to others. “To see people succeed is my inspiration,” he continues. “It’s also what my mother taught me. She was big into giving back. We took clothes and shoes over to Senegal in my teen years.” Ahmad plans those same trips for his sons: “It’s my little impact on the universe, to create a tradition of service.”
COURAGE INTO ACTION
Ahmad began training a client base of successful individuals in Connecticut and “watched and learned” from them. In 2005, he took the leap and opened his own gym, Revolution Training, in Stamford. “Some youth came in. Historically, boxing gyms have attracted a lot of the disenfranchised, underserved youth,” he explains. “They reminded me of myself.” They didn’t have money, but Ahmad made a deal with them: “Show up 3 to 5 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and I’ll work with you.” They did. Then more kids
showed up and RF Youth Boxing was born.
Ahmad formed a 501c3 and launched an annual fundraiser, a “White-Collar Boxing” event. He’s committed to giving kids the same quality experience his high-end clients receive. “The space is always clean, organized and safe,” says Ahmad, who also hosts career days. “Without the program, these youth wouldn’t have access to individuals who can help change their lives,” he explains. “It’s opening up their minds to think ‘Maybe I can be a doctor or a carpenter or own my own company.’”
One protégé, Chordale Booker, is a pro boxer and made it to the Olympic trials. “He is now one of the top boxing coaches in Connecticut,” says Ahmad. “We have many success stories.”
With Senator Pat Miller’s support, Ahmad formed the Revolution Training Academy, which offers boxing, personal training and fitness business certifications, as well as apprenticeships.
HOPES & DREAMS
“I hope to continue to produce quality individuals who believe in service and take it to their own communities and households,” says Ahmad. He dreams of expanding his program to New Haven, New Jersey and beyond. “If I can plant the seed, I believe the program will grow and spread. I’ve been doing this for twenty years. The kinks are ironed out. I’d love to share it with other nonprofits and establish programs in areas that need it.” »
WORDS OF PRAISE
“Ahmad was the role model that I needed since I was a teen. He challenged me to think bigger, which has led me to being ranked eighth in the world in boxing.”
Chordale Booker
Nicole Heath
WORDS OF PRAISE
ORGANIZATIONS
CONNECTICUT AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE, PLANNED PARENTHOOD, REACH PREP, FRESH AIR FUND, AMHERST COLLEGE, MCKENNA COLLEGE
INSPIRATION
Over ten years ago, fellow volunteer Leslie Bhutani reached out to Nicole Heath to see if she had any interest in gun violence prevention. “At the time, we weren’t yet the very close friends we would become, so she didn’t know my only sibling had taken his own life with a handgun,” says Nicole Heath. CT Against Gun Violence (CAGV) was a small organization when Nicole eagerly became involved. Then the Sandy Hook tragedy occurred.
COURAGE INTO ACTION
“CAGV ended up successfully advocating for the strongest gun safety laws in Connecticut’s history—with bipartisan support,” says Nicole, a Greenwich resident. Connecticut reached nearly the top of states for the strongest gun violence prevention laws, “a position we still hold with nearly unanimous support from our Greenwich delegation,” she adds. Nicole made many treks to Hartford to testify as a survivor and spearheaded the growth of CAGV’s annual benefit luncheon from 100 guests to 300. “Our luncheon keynote speakers have done such a good job of educating people on community gun violence prevention programs and suicide prevention,” says Nicole. “Suicides account for nearly two-thirds of all
“During her tenure on the board, from 2013 to 2023, Nicole did more to ensure the financial health of CAGV and the CAGV Education Fund than any other individual board member over our organization’s 30-year history. Her commitment to the cause of ending gun violence in Connecticut demonstrated by her time, effort and passion underlies much of CAGV’s success over the past decade.” Jonathan Perloe, CAGV Marketing Director
handgun deaths in Connecticut— and in the U.S.”
Nicole chaired the Development Committee of the CAGV Board for many years and credits CAGV Marketing Director Jonathan Perloe and her co-chairs—Mary Himes, Cynthia Blumenthal, Leslie Bhutani, Amy Keohane, Amy Pines, Sophie Dowling, Pat Caffray, Melissa Kane and Daisy Sanders—for many successful events (including the premiere of Thousand Pines at Westport Country Playhouse and Gun Country in Greenwich). “Our friends were right there filling tables and raising their paddles with such generosity,” she adds. From recruiting volunteers and business sponsors to organizing private fundraisers in donors’ homes, Nicole has been tireless and creative in her efforts to further CAGV’s mission in Connecticut and beyond. “Other states use our laws as templates for their own, so in that sense we have a national impact,” she notes.
In the past, Nicole has chaired fundraisers for Planned Parenthood, REACH Prep and Fresh Air Fund. Her family has hosted a young man from the Bronx every summer and a Colombian teen during his boarding school breaks. Nicole currently sits on boards at Amherst College and Claremont McKenna College.
HOPES AND DREAMS
“We are so lucky to have Governor Ned Lamont 100-percent supportive of our cause,” says Nicole. “The federal story is very different, although President Biden has done more than any President on this issue since Clinton. Until GVP [Gun Violence Prevention] can be uncoupled from politics, we have to just keep fighting at the individual state level where a dozen or so states like ours have made real headway.”
Marie Rocha
ORGANIZATIONS
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF GREENWICH, LIVE GIRL, HAVYN, VESTHER, DEFY VENTURES, REALIST LAB, FAIRFIELD COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION, CT NEXT, CT PUBLIC
INSPIRATION
“My inspiration to give back is deeply personal, rooted in a profound belief in the transformative power of community and the life-changing impact of mentorship,” says Stamford resident Marie Rocha. “I’ve seen firsthand how the right resources, guidance and support can completely reshape someone’s future.”
This understanding has propelled Marie onto the boards of various nonprofit organizations, locally and nationally. “I’m particularly focused on initiatives that address the wealth gap, create equitable opportunities, support young people’s growth and development, and combat food insecurity,” she says. Marie sees these issues as foundational to creating a more equitable and thriving society.
COURAGE INTO ACTION
Marie has shared her passion and expertise with the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich, serving on its Board of Directors and Executive Committee. “We’ve created safe spaces for young people to learn, grow and thrive. Many don’t realize the great wealth gaps that exist in Fairfield County and its effects on youth,” explains Marie. She has also served on the Live Girl Advisory Committee for two years, “supporting initiatives that empower young women, helping them build confidence and leadership skills.”
Through HAYVN Hatch, a quarterly women-centric pitch event, Marie helps pave the way
for women to launch and grow their own businesses. She is a founding member of VestHer, which supports and connects professional women and provides executive coaching.
Marie adds, “My work with Defy Ventures has been particularly significant as it involves helping formerly incarcerated individuals redefine their futures through entrepreneurship and personal development. All of my work led
WORDS OF PRAISE
“Marie focuses on aiding the most vulnerable at-risk populations, including children and seniors, promoting women’s empowerment programs and combating food insecurity. Over the past year, I have had the privilege of getting to know Marie, and I am deeply inspired by her approach and the impactful work she has accomplished. Notably, she is the only Black woman in Connecticut to own a venture capital fund, Realist Ventures.”
— Sarah Bamford
HOPES AND DREAMS
to the creation of Realist Lab, where we offer programs to help entrepreneurs throughout Connecticut create jobs and financial security.”
Last year, Marie joined several committees at the Fairfield County Community Foundation.
“I’m proud of our efforts around housing, health, civic engagement and closing other equity gaps,” she comments.
“I want to see these organizations grow and make a more significant difference,” says Marie. “For Boys & Girls of Greenwich, I dream that every child in the community gets the support they need to thrive. With Live Girl, I envision a future where young women are confident, capable and ready to lead in whatever direction they choose. For Defy Ventures, I dream of a world where second chances are the norm, empowering people to rebuild their lives and positively impact society. At Vest, I hope more women will be given equitable opportunities. Ultimately, my biggest hope is that our work today leads to lasting change and opens up new opportunities for generations to come.” »
WORDS OF PRAISE
“Dede Bartlett is a leader and visionary for New Canaan, as well as beyond the borders of 06840. She is a fierce advocate for women’s issues and has helped educate the community about domestic violence. While she is exceptionally generous, she is also exceptionally hard-working.”
— Nancy Geary, Executive Director, New Canaan Museum & Historical Society
INSPIRATION
“I take enormous joy in being able to make a difference,” says Dede Thompson Bartlett. “I feel grateful that I’m able to support causes that mean a lot to me and that aren’t necessarily glamorous but need funding and marketing support. There is exhilaration in making a difference. I’m mystified that more people don’t experience this joy. It’s not a question of money; the most important gift you can give an organization is time.”
COURAGE INTO ACTION
A former Fortune 25 executive, Dede is a member of the advisory boards of Domestic Violence Crisis Center and Legal Momentum: The Women’s Legal Defense and Education Fund. She founded the New Canaan Abuse Prevention Partnership. She and her husband funded the Bartlett Auditorium at the New Canaan Library and the Jim and Dede Bartlett Center for New Canaan History at the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society.
With decades of philanthropy to contemplate, she pinpoints three highlights. First, when she was at Phillip Morris, she proposed a project to the First Lady of Costa Rica: a traveling photo exhibition
to raise awareness about women who had been abused. “It was enormously successful,” says Dede. The President of Costa Rica credited the exhibition in his State of the Union address for the subsequent 50 percent reduction in homicide and partner abuse. Dede says, “It’s 20 years later, and I still haven’t gotten over that!”
Second, this year Dede gave the commencement address at NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering, where her dad was a professor. Dede, who earned her master’s degree from NYU, has funded internships there, encouraging over 100 young women to major in science, technology, engineering and math. She says, “I will never forget looking out at 8,500 people in Barclays Center, thinking, wow, this is a moment.”
Third, Dede worked for three years rescuing a woman, “a boldface name in our town,” from an abusive relationship. “She came to me and described the way she was living and asked, ‘Is this normal?’ I helped her and put a team together to advise her. She and her kids are now thriving,” says Dede.
HOPES AND DREAMS
“I want to see more women empowered in all areas of their lives,” says Dede. “I grew up in a time when women didn’t have the abilities they have now. Then they were taken away again last year. I want my daughter and granddaughters’ lives filled with options I didn’t have.” Dede is optimistic about her town.
“I have seen a tremendous change in New Canaan, by women who are change agents,” she raves. “They have imagination and vision.”
{ warrior for women }
Dede Thompson Bartlett
ORGANIZATIONS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CRISIS CENTER, LEGAL MOMENTUM: THE WOMEN’S LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATION FUND, NEW CANAAN ABUSE PREVENTION PARTNERSHIP, NEW CANAAN MUSEUM & HISTORICAL SOCIETY, NEW CANAAN LIBRARY, NYU, VASSAR COLLEGE
Adam Vengrow
ORGANIZATIONS
CATCH A LIFT, VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS, HOLE IN THE WALL GANG
INSPIRATION
“One of my favorite quotes is: ‘You make a living by what you get, you make a life by what you give,’” says Westporter Adam Vengrow. “I grew up working hard for every penny I had. Now I’m fortunate to be in a position to give money and time to those who are fighting hard to achieve and succeed in life. Everybody needs a hand at some point. There is nothing more joyous than helping somebody climb their way to great achievement.”
COURAGE INTO ACTION
Adam became involved in Catch a Lift in 2013. The organization was founded by Lynn Coffland in the name of her brother, Corporal Chris Coffland, who was taken by an IED in Afghanistan. “His expression, his whole life, when you are burnt out was: ‘Let’s go catch a lift.’ It meant: Let’s go work out. Our theme is physical fitness to mental fitness. From Day 1, this was everything I believed in and the way I live my life. It has been ten great years, helping veterans use physical fitness to find mental fitness.”
Catch a Lift has spread to more than 2,600 cities and all 50 states. “We’ve helped over 13,000 veterans and caregivers get re-engaged with our four core pillars: nutrition, fitness, emotional wellness and community,” explains Adam. “We have veterans fighting through terrible adversity, from severe amputations and burns
to traumatic brain injuries and PTSD. They have done their job to fight for the freedoms we enjoy. Now it’s our job to help them reintegrate back into a life they deserve post serving.”
More than 85 percent of dollars raised go directly to the cause. “We have veteran coaches all over the country, helping other veterans heal with camaraderie and teamwork,” says Adam. “Our kids have been a part of this, and 2024 is our ten-year anniversary of Catch A Lift here in our neighborhood. Our town government, police, fire, gyms, restaurants, residents, schools— all are a big part. One of our veterans spoke to the Staples Varsity Football Team ahead of the season, and they won States!”
Adam and a friend are now spearheading an initiative to help rebuild and fortify Staple’s High School athletic facilities.
HOPES AND DREAMS
“You know that old adage about the child walking along the beach and encountering thousands of washed-up starfish? The kid starts picking them up, one by one, and throwing them back in the ocean. The parent says, ‘What are you doing? You can’t save them all,’ and the kid says, ‘But I can save this one.’”
“The ultimate end goal would be for every veteran and first responder to have all the support they need. They protect and serve our community and keep us safe, so we must do that for them when it is our turn.” »
WORDS OF PRAISE
“Adam’s contributions go far beyond the call of
duty. He dedicates countless
volunteer hours each week to ensure that the needs of our veterans are met. His efforts have made a significant impact on the lives of many.”
— Phil Delgado, VFW Post 399 Quartermaster
Edith Presley
INSPIRATION
“I was raised to contribute to society,” says Edith Presley, President of Cradle to Career. “The mantra in the house was to make things better by the mere fact that you were involved. Individual influence and responsibility matter.” She progressed from substitute teacher to special education teacher, assistant principal, then principal before transitioning into the nonprofit sector. “I have two children in Stamford public schools,” says Edith. “What I want for them, I want for every child in the town: to feel a sense of belonging and have access to the great potential that our community and society offers.”
COURAGE INTO ACTION
“I’ve worked every tier of the education system in Stamford— from being a graduate of the public schools, graduating with a degree in psychology, and then starting as a substitute teacher and learning from the ground level how schools work and how important relationships are,” says Edith. “Then I was really intentional about going back to school and finding opportunities to give back while developing myself for a broader impact and greater reach.”
“I love working at Cradle to Career,” says Edith, who came to the organization from Domus, an organization that works with at-risk youth, about three years ago. “It allows me to use my passion for families, students and education in a way that is limitless.” She enjoys being a partner to the school district
and supporting the hardworking staff, “who are many times strapped by compliance or limited resources. We are a collective impact organization, with a focus on research-based practices. We partner with other nonprofits that will champion ideas for change,” she explains. “It allows us to be an incubator for innovation.” Cradle to Career operates under the Strive Together methodology—a national accountability network—as well as under the United Way umbrella.
Edith has helped to secure significant federal funding to provide after-school and community-wide support for middle school students, in turn inspiring them and fueling engagement. She has offered her expertise in special education advocacy pro bono to ensure appropriate educational and social accommodations are made to help all children succeed.
HOPES AND DREAMS
“I dream for a living,” says Edith, chuckling. “For Cradle to Career, I hope that we can continue to grow and be really strategic about private and public partnerships, in order to highlight the value we bring as a community in Stamford. We are uniquely situated to be a proof point for the nation around how equitable practices bring about growth and change. With our data and our work, we can showcase how you can solve for inequity, how you can really be strategic around problem solving for poverty. I hope for civic engagement to increase for all facets of our community and society. Change happens when we are all involved.”
WORDS OF PRAISE
“Ms. Presley is a fierce champion and advocate for children in the Stamford community. In every aspect of her professional and personal life, she centers on children and takes a holistic approach to ensuring their social, emotional and academic needs are met, so they can thrive.”
— Bianca Shinn, Domus Kids Leadership Council member
Nate Checketts
ORGANIZATIONS
RHONE, BEYOND TYPE 1
INSPIRATION
“When my brother Ben and I started Rhone, we didn’t just want to create another apparel company. We wanted to build something that truly stood for something bigger, something that had a real point of view,” says CEO Nate Checketts, a Darien resident.
At the time, Nate was looking for ways to support a close friend who was going through a mental health crisis and battling addiction. “I came across some staggering information about the challenges men face with mental health and how loneliness was becoming an epidemic,” says Nate. “That hit me hard, especially as a father of three boys.”
In a market saturated with active brands focused on physical fitness, Rhone went deeper. “No one seemed to be addressing the need for a more holistic approach,” explains Nate. “That realization became the driving force behind Rhone, and our mission to champion mental fitness and the intersection of physical and mental health.”
COURAGE INTO ACTION
Rhone has backed up its mission with action through multiple avenues—from hosting a virtual race and donating proceeds of a race kit to co-sponsoring a Men’s Wellness Summit. The stores also hold “Mind & Muscle” events, which combine dynamic workouts with mental health discussions.
“These events have served as catalysts for building strong social connections and a supportive network,” says Nate. “In fact, we have a group of guys who have met lifelong friends and have become each other’s groomsmen through Mind & Muscle events. We’ve hosted thousands of men and
have now launched a similar event framework with women.”
As a former New Canaan football captain and MVP, Nate was eager to bring his message to players. Last November he put together a “Better Together” football dinner with the Wave Strong Foundation.
“We gathered 200 football players from rival high school football teams, the Darien Blue Wave and New Canaan Rams, ahead of the annual Turkey Bowl match-up, to have a very important conversation about mental health and how we can work together as a community to break down the stigmas that exist,” explains Nate. “If you know Connecticut high school football, you know this is a big deal! It was the first time these teams have done anything like this in the near 100-year rivalry.”
Nate, who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 25, is also the Chairman of Beyond Type 1, a nonprofit organization focused on education, advocacy and a path to a cure.
HOPES AND DREAMS
“It is Rhone’s mission to impact over 100 million lives,” says Nate. “We hope to provide individuals with inspiring experiences that leave a lasting imprint to prioritize mental fitness alongside physical fitness. By nurturing a culture of wellness, resilience and community, my hope is that Rhone can continue to inspire and uplift, championing the belief that true wellness encompasses both physical vitality and mental fortitude.” » { corporate good neighbor
WORDS OF PRAISE
“Nate
has done so much for the communities of Darien and New Canaan. Mental health is extremely important to Nate, and he understands that it is something not spoken about often among men. He is trying to change that narrative.” — Katie Holmstead, Nate’s sister
Lauren Walsh
ORGANIZATIONS
GREENWICH YWCA, GEMS, AMERICAN RED CROSS MNYN CHAPTER, GREENWICH COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL, BERKSHIRE SCHOOL
INSPIRATION
“My mother inspired me. Twenty years ago, I was put on as a trustee of our family foundation which my mother and father formed,” says Riverside resident Lauren Walsh. “They wanted to focus locally, creating an impact with giving money in the Greenwich community and seeing its effect. My mom invited me to the Old Bags Luncheon at the Belle Haven Club 20 years ago, and I have been to every single one of them.”
COURAGE INTO ACTION
The Old Bags Luncheon is a YWCA initiative, which is where Lauren says she has made the most significant contributions—and also where she has learned the most.
“It has been quite an education in philanthropy, giving back, making a difference,” she says. She is vice chair of the board and has chaired the Spirit of Greenwich Awards, another YWCA fundraiser. She has also been involved with the organization’s Domestic Abuse Services program.
Lauren is passionate about GEMS (Greenwich Emergency Medical Services), sits on its board and has elevated the GEMS Back to the ’80s Gala to a memorable annual event. “We have the best ambulance service and heart attack save-rate in the nation,” says Lauren, “and a lot of people don’t realize GEMS is a 501c3. When you
are on an ambulance for GEMS, you are basically in an emergency room. There is a paramedic on every ambulance. GEMS is the local littleengine-that-could of nonprofits in Greenwich.” Lauren says she talks about “GEMS” so much that “a friend thought I had a lot of jewelry!”
Lauren is also on the board of The American Red Cross Metro New York North Chapter and has cochaired its Red and White Balls since 2022. She has also been a longtime supporter of Greenwich Country Day School and sits on the board of the Berkshire School in Massachusetts.
HOPES AND DREAMS
“I wish to live in Greenwich until my dying day and preserve what’s great about it,” says Lauren. “It’s a kind and caring community. It’s a happy place, and it’s beautiful. I’d like to see domestic violence not be the No. 1 crime in Greenwich; I would like to see it go away. I’ll continue to support the Harmony project at the YWCA. A woman was getting back on her feet, so I cleaned out my closet to bring her a new wardrobe. Her spirits lifted. It’s important to lift each other up. I look at the political season; I’m not a Republican, but I get along with our first selectman. We can all get along.”
WORDS OF PRAISE
“Lauren is one of the most committed board members, committee members and event chairs. For more than 20 years, she has dedicated her life to countless organizations and brought in amazing talent to join her along the way.”
— Stephanie Dunn Ashley, CEO American Red Cross MNYN
Catherine Erol
INSPIRATION
“I have always been surrounded by and inspired by young people who are active community members,” says Catherine Erol, a Greenwich Academy graduate and Fairfield resident. “Youth involvement enriches our town and connects us. Instead of doom scrolling on the internet, we can make a noticeable difference in the lives of those around us.”
With the support of a school that values service and with several grants that gave her the backing she needed, Catherine proved even a teenager can make a big impact on neighbors in need.
COURAGE INTO ACTION
In Catherine’s senior year at Greenwich Academy, she was awarded a $1,500 grant. “This grant was essential and kickstarted my nonprofit,” she says. She partnered with Operation Hope and spearheaded a program called Backpacks for Hope.
“I learned that many parents were unable to purchase essential school supplies for their children,” explains Catherine. “Since education is the only hope many low-income students have, we thought the name was fitting. I used a majority of the initial grant to organize around 40 backpacks equipped with school supplies depending on the child’s grade. I also placed slime toys in the backpacks as a little back-toschool gift.”
With a small portion of the grant remaining, Catherine turned to the Internet for ideas for another initiative and came up with the idea
for her nonprofit, The Revolving Soap. “The hospitality industry throws away millions of barely used soaps. At the same time, thousands of people die every year from diseases that could have been prevented if they had access to soap. Recycling hotel soap reduces the waste the hospitality industry produces and increases hygiene,” explains Catherine. “While the idea sounds revolting at first, recycling soap is safe and saves lives.” Catherine has partnered with local Marriott hotels and the Delamar Hotel.
When Fairfield County Community Foundation extended a $5,000 grant, Catherine expanded her nonprofit and created over 1,000 menstrual hygiene kits, consisting of over 9,000 pads, which she donated to Operation Hope.
HOPES AND DREAMS
“We hope to assemble more of these kits,” says the 19-yearold. “With the rest of the money, we will continue our mission to increase access to hygiene in sustainable ways. Right now, I am exploring other methods of soap generation that are centered around sustainability and reducing waste. Around the world, people are making soap from leftover pineapple skin and plastic. There is room for researching new methods of converting waste into soap, which is very exciting!” G
WORDS OF PRAISE
“Catherine spends her free time scouring the internet for grants, connecting with local leaders, organizing volunteer meetings and making a tangible impact on the Fairfield County community. Her personal experiences drive her to make an impact in her neighborhood. And her passion is clear the minute you meet her. She is the epitome of a community changemaker, and I wish for others to learn about the positive impact she has on our community.”
Ceyda
Erol, Catherine’s sister
S E A S O N S E AT I N G S
Forget the fruitcake—this year we’re all about fresh takes on fa-la-la-la-la feasting.
Read on for 40+ FOOD FINDS , from fab firsts to decadent desserts.
For us, the only way through the short, dark days of winter’s arrival is through the stomach. Lucky for us, Stamford holiday traditions contain multitudes of ways to sate the palate. Here, we celebrate them all through choice chefs, delish dishes, gastro-gifts and superior spirits to carry us through from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day
by ELIZABETH
KEYSER photo and styling by GARVIN BURKE
This photo: Cheers to a posh dessert party to ring in the new year
GREAT DATES
A calendar of culinary causes this holiday season
The fall harvest sees us through increasingly shorter days and longer nights to a month of fetes and observances. From pagan times to the present, major religions honor light during the darkest time of the year. These holidays celebrate abundance while reminding us about gratitude and giving. They also happen to be delicious opportunities to dive into our nation’s many gastronomic heritages.
Nov 28
Thanksgiving
Get help on the biggest food holiday of the year. Start by ordering your turkey ahead of time. Best of the Gold Coast Deli Winner A&S Fine Food Market (asstamfordct.com) offers ready-to-roast turkeys, whole or breast. From their catering menu, we love the roasted Brussels sprouts with pancetta, dried cranberries, pine nuts and caramelized red onion. Best of Stamford gourmet grocery winner LaRocca’s Country Market (lcountrymarket.com) helps us take full advantage of fall’s bounty with a colorful crudité platter, endive and radicchio salad with Asian pears and goat cheese, roasted vegetables and green bean almandine.
Dec 14
Annapurna Jayanti
The Hindu celebration of the goddess of food and nourishment reminds us to not be wasteful, especially of food, and to offer nourishment to others. After a fast, worshippers eat a vegetarian meal at home, which usually includes rice. South Indian vegetarian standout Saravanaa Bhavan (saravanaabhavan.com) is at the ready with takeout and delivery.
Dec 15
Dhanu
Sakranti
Another food favorite celebration from south Asia, this Hindu festival celebrates the transition of the sun into Sagittarius by making offerings to Lord Surya, the sun god, and Lord Jagannath, lord of earth, heaven
and the netherworld. Traditions include giving to the those in need— and enjoying dhanu muan, a crisp cake of caramelized puffed rice, coconut and nuts. Aapnar Bazar (203-324-7100) in Stamford, and Patel Brothers (patelbros.com) in Norwalk are sources for ingredients and packaged dhanu muan.
Dec 21 Winter Solstice
It’s the longest night of the year, and cultures throughout history have celebrated the coming return of the sun. Inspiration on how to worship abounds. Scandinavian-Americans honor St. Lucia with young girls wearing wreaths of candles. Skip the candles—and potential fire hazards—and, instead, order saffron buns and Swedish meatballs from Scandinavian Butik in Norwalk (scandinavianbutik.com)
Dec 24
Feast of the Seven Fishes
As we learned in that award-winning episode of “The Bear,” there’s no agreement on or set menu to this Italian-American Christmas Eve celebration, but making Baccala alla Napoletana, salted cod simmered with tomato sauce, olives, capers and flecked with pine nuts, is oldschool. Traditions evolve, and today, along with baked clams, squid salad and seafood stew, you might find sushi rolls on the table. The sushi chefs at High Ridge Fish Market (203-658-8756) create platters that are works of art.
New Wave Seafood (newwaveseafood.com) also offers fresh seafood and prepared foods. The shrimp platter is always a hit.
Dec 25-Jan 1 Kwanzaa
Members of the African diaspora observe this seven-day holiday, which culminates in a Karamu Feast honoring remembrance, recommitting and rejoicing. The spread includes dishes from the American south, Africa and the Caribbean. Soul Tasty’s (soultastyct.com) catering menu includes trays of baked chicken, ribs, smothered pork chops, and sides of greens, yams and cornbread. A crowd food favorite at Stamford’s Best Bartender contest this summer, Jerkyz (eatjerkyz.com) offers fusion Caribbean. We love the spicy jerk chicken, rice and peas and sweet plantains— and their rum bar.
Dec 25-Jan 2
Chanukkah
Restaurant 613 (613restaurant. com) offers full-service catering kosher dishes and plated meals for the festival of light, with latkes, apple sauce and sour cream, and smoked or French onion brisket with gravy (oh, yes!). Greenwich & Delancey Delicatessen (greenwichanddelancey.com) is the Cos Cob outpost of the popular NYC eatery by chef David Teyf, who puts a healthy spin on kosher food. That doesn’t stop him from offering “Old World Bakery” goods like doughnuts
with seasonal housemade jam, poppy seed strudel and chocolate babka.
Dec 26
Boxing Day
A United Kingdom holiday, Boxing Day was traditionally the “help’s day off,” and a time set aside for giving to those in need. You can donate nonperishable food and gently used clothing to or volunteer at Person to Person (p2phelps. org), which provides food, clothing and emergency financial assistance to people in lower Fairfield County. Coffee for Good (coffeeforgood. org) trains young people with developmental disabilities to work in this Greenwich coffee shop that serves everything from drip to espresso to nitro, and muffins, quiches and salads for breakfast and lunch. Enjoy a meal or volunteer. Pacific House (pacifichouse.org), whose mission is to prevent and end homelessness, offers many opportunities to volunteer or make donations.
Dec 31 Omisoka
Eating a bowl of soba, thin buckwheat noodles, or udon, thick wheat noodles, noodles is the Japanese tradition to transition to the new year. Kotobuki (kotobukijapanese restaurant.com) is known for sushi, but we also enjoy slurping bowls of udon and soba in broth with a side of shrimp and vegetable tempura there.
above: A colorful crudité platter and Asian pears from LaRocca’s Country Market left: Baked chicken from Soul Tasty right: Soba noodles from Kotobuki
CROWD PLEASERS
Expert advice for making the best of group dynamics— whether you’re hosting or guesting this season
ON-TREND HOSTING
“We are seeing that our clients are either wanting very opulent old-school holiday parties, complete with caviar service and fine Champagne—heavily decorated, gilded, beautiful flowers and greenery, all the holiday feels you can imagine. Or, on the flip side, one thing that came out of the pandemic that changed the way people entertain during the winter months is that they embrace the cold, and are enjoying having these beautiful wintry outdoor parties sprinkled with bistro lighting, outdoor heaters, fire pits, mulled wine, a roaring grill that guests can go up to and get their proteins freshly grilled, Ooni pizza ovens baking delicious pies to order, custom s’mores with homemade marshmallows and graham crackers, hot buttered rum and hot cocoa. A holiday playlist is also a must as the music sets the tone for a great party.”
robin selden Managing Partner and Executive Chef of Marcia Selden
Deck the halls with twinkling lights, richly hued florals and “all the holiday feels” for this season’s goodas-gold parties.
GET INVITED BACK
Tips for being a good guest
RSVP promptly. It’s bad form to make your host hunt you down.
Show up.
You said you were coming, so do. People are counting on you—and really want to see you!
Say no to cut flowers. Bring a hostess gift that doesn’t require her immediate attention and extra work.
Go easy on the rosé.
Wildly popular and pretty to boot but ranging from 11 to 14 percent alcohol by volume means a couple of glasses on an empty stomach will sneak up on you. Opt for a festive mocktail and indulge in the buffet table before imbibing.
Be prepared for No Shoes customs. Make sure no one in your crew is wearing socks with holes, and consider bringing a pair of “inside” shoes, like SilkyToes Foldable Flats, which come in travel bags.
Send a thank-you note.
A text or email might seem fine these days, but to show true appreciation and make an impression, write and mail a handwritten note.
Two for the Road
A pair of favorite hostess gift recs from Robin Selden
“I am obsessed with ‘The Duo’ Drizzle & Sizzle olive oil set from Graza.” graza.co
“I also love to give my favorite hand soap, candles and/or diffusers by Nest. The grapefruit scent is so fresh and clean-smelling. I literally have them all over my house.” nestnewyork.com
GET OUT!
Daytripping to Rowayton ought to become your next holiday tradition
We love spending relaxed time with visiting friends and family, but there’s a moment when we roust them from screens large and small, and corral them into the car. Getting out of the house is also a holiday tradition. Fresh air, new sights and local flavor invigorate the crew—and justify sinking back into the sofa once back home.
Our favorite place to take guests is Rowayton, the epitome of coastal New England. It offers it all: a waterfront park, a charming main street, an art gallery, food markets, cafés and restaurants.
The Rowayton Arts Center (RAC) hosts exhibits in their gallery, and offers interesting gifts for sale. Book a tour to learn about the history of the artists in the area—and add a custom art activity in the second floor studio space. rowaytonarts.org
Arden’s is a bright, contemporary café, with cheerful blue-and-white cushions and blonde wood tables. Open from 8 a.m. to early afternoon, Arden’s serves breakfasts, toasts (the lemony avocado is our favorite),
salads (grilled artichoke and cannellini beans, so good), sandwiches, baked goods and great coffee. It’s kid-friendly (and just plain friendly). We could hang here for hours. ardensrowayton.com
We love the Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood so much it’s hard to put into words, but here goes: the views of the river! The understated nautical atmosphere and cozy fireplace! The stellar service! The phenomenal freshness of the food! Most of all we love the menu, and heartily recommend the Barramundi Milanese in lemon caper butter sauce (it’s the most popular dish in the lineup for a reason).
Afterwards, we stop into the market for fresh fish, prepared foods, chowder, pantry items and some Rowayton Seafood Market souvenir swag rowayton seafood.com
Note: Parking in Rowayton is tight and timed. Pinkney Park and Rowayton Ave. have minimal spots. The easiest is valet parking at The Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood.
Breakfast out of the house can’t be beat especially when enjoyed in cheerful and delish Arden’s, open morning through early afternoon.
The only thing that can match the view from the Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood (left) is the menu of fresh fish favorites (right).
above: Let Chris Hallowell and team start your nights out right with a curated plate of favorite nibbles. below: Special occasions call for the big cheese(s) that look as good on the table as they are soughtafter by guests.
Love at First Ripe Feel
like you’ve died
and gone to cheese heaven on High Ridge
M odern Love Cheese and Provisions has a perennial air of specialness—the aroma of perfectly ripe cheeses paired with shelves stocked full of beautifully packaged jars, tins, and boxes, promise delight. The shop seems even more special during the holidays. Chris Hallowell, the Stamford native and food and wine specialist who opened the shop and neighboring coffee roaster six years ago, makes elevated entertaining easy. He and the staff can answer any question and make on-point recs about the glorious cheeses, cured meats and selection of the best sweet and savory provisions from across the country and around the world.
Here are three ways Modern Love can upgrade any celebration. (Tip: Be sure to order ahead— a must from Thanksgiving week through New Year’s Eve.) @modernlovecheeseandprovisions
1. Board to Cheers
Hallowell and staff curate cheeses, cured meats, pâté, dried apricots, figs, pistachios, walnuts, cornichons, sweet and savory jams, and local honeycomb, to create abundant charcuterie platters for your table.
2. (T)instant Entertaining
Nothing is simpler and more “I-picked-up-this-trick-in Madrid” than placing an open tin of preserved fish on a plate surrounded by crackers. Modern Love’s selection includes tuna belly in olive oil, lemon and chili; octopus in Galician sauce; and mackerel in curry sauce.
3. The Big Three
Throwing a big party gives hosts the opportunity to splurge on dramatic blocks of special cheeses that create what Hallowell calls “a super-cool
centerpiece.” He recommends:
Serra d’ Estrella Slice off the top of the white bloomy rind, dip a spoon into the oozing, buttery cheese, drizzle on a baguette, and taste why this raw sheep’s milk cheese from Portugal, crafted since the 12th century, is world-famous.
Alp Blossom Guests start talking when they see this festive, flower-strewn cheese from the Bavarian Alps. It’s a semi-hard cow’s milk cheese, aged seven months, and the flavor’s creamy, floral and slightly funky.
Rogue River Blue A World Cheese Award champion from Oregon, this blue is aged nine to 11 months, then wrapped in pear spirit-soaked syrah grape leaves. Salt crystals punctuate the rich, fudgy texture.
GIFTS
TO GO
Hallowell’s favorite stocking stuffers
Balsamic
Vinegar Pearls pop like caviar and release the mellow, sweet flavor of aged vinegar, an unexpected texture and flavor to add to appetizers or dessert.
Goat’s Milk
Spicy Dark
Chocolate Caramel is mind-blowing over ice cream or cheese. Try it with Boucheron, the ripened goat’s milk cheese.
Grapefruit and Rosemary Jam
Its sweet, tart and piney flavors, is delightful on a cheese plate.
PRESENT DAY
Be
the most popular person at your company or neighborhood Yankee Swap with these swell season’s treats
Coffee aficionados rejoice at great beans. Modern Love Coffee Roasters offers subscriptions—the gift that keeps on giving. The most popular is the every three weeks delivery option of two bags of house blend (medium roast, full bodied) and a bag of single origin coffee beans. modernlovect.com
Best of Stamford wine shop winner Westcott Cove Wine and Spirits offers a robust selection for the season’s endless events. Popular proprietor Alex suggests Belle Glos Pinot Noir to impress your host. It’ll appeal to Cab drinkers and comes in a beautiful bottle with a red wax seal for $50. 203-890-9222
Stamford’s own Ina Garten just released her mega memoir “Be Ready When the Luck Happens” in which we marvel at the beloved cookbook author and TV personality’s lookback at life. Signed copies available are available online—how great is that?
barefootcontessa. com
Norwalk-based House of Knipschildt from namesake Denmark-born chocolatier Fritz is our hands-down favorite for sweet gift sets like signature caramel sea salt and dark chocolate bonbons, and boxes of eggnog white chocolate and mulled wine ganaches coated in hand-painted chocolate. chocopologie.com
Let’s face it: Most of us have too much stuff. Sometimes the best presents are experience presents. A gift certificate to Darien and Old Greenwich Butcher Shops is great for sampling parties, nose-to-tail butchery demos, butchery classes—and, yes, buying high-quality meats.
darienbutchershop. com
A TASTE OF HOME
Explore new (old) traditions at Bukovina
Ukrainian Deli
Even though the official date of Christmas in Ukraine changed to December 25 eight years ago, about half the customers who come into Bukovina Ukrainian Deli at 301 Hope Street celebrate Christmas Eve on the traditional Julian calendar date of Jan. 7. Stamford resident Kate Avram is among them.
Because of the difficulties of traveling during the war, Avram hasn’t been home in four years, but the 24-year-old tennis pro has created a tradition in her apartment here, gathering with Ukrainian and Russian friends. “Preparing the salads and dishes is the most fun,” she says, “We spend the whole day cooking.”
She picks up what she needs at Bukovina, the 19-year-old shop that owner Tetyana Hrab stocks with Ukrainian, Latvian, Russian and Eastern European ingredients, frozen foods and ready-to-serve dishes that her co-owner/mother, Lyubov, cooks.
Christmas Eve is a fasting day.
When the first star appears in the sky, families place 12 dishes (for the apostles) on a buffet table. The selection depends on family tradition but kutia, a wheat berry porridge with poppy seeds, nuts, dried fruits and honey, and uzvar, a smoky apple cider made from dried fruits, are essential.
Tetyana says customers put in orders two weeks before the holidays, ordering up varenyky (dumplings) stuffed with potatoes and onions or mushrooms, pickled herring, smoked fish, stewed sour cabbage, mushroom gravy, potato-stuffed cabbage, chopped vegetable salads, donuts filled with jam or poppy seeds, and poppy-seed cake. Back home in Ukraine, Avram’s family table included crabmeat salad with sliced vegetables, and bowls of chopped pineapple, bananas and grapes. The family bickered good-naturedly about the proper way to cut the potatoes, carrots and beets. In Stamford, Avram and her friends don’t bicker; they’re just happy to be together, cooking.
Christmas Day
On Christmas Day in Ukraine, all the Eve’s leftovers get gobbled up along with meats and spirits to drink. Avram and Hrab both remember the men in their families roasting ducks, traditionally served with potatoes and gravy. Other favorite comforting Christmas dishes are jellied chicken and meat-filled cabbage rolls. To drink, hosts might offer kvass, the low alcohol, sweet-sour fermented beverage, sparkling wine, or vodka.
above left: Bukovina co-owner Lyubov Hrab greets customers and makes all the prepared foods for holidays. above right: Kate Avram shops for Ukranian goodies for a taste of home in Stamford.
right: Avram’s holiday spread
left: Lyubov rings up Avram’s herring and Ukranian mushrooms. right: Well-stocked aisles of Eastern European ingredients at Bukovina.
ALT-NIGHT
3 film-and-food
finds for when your kitchen is closed
In the longstanding Jewish-American tradition, folks who don’t celebrate Christmas pair a movie with a meal at a nearby Asian restaurant on the day most other places shut down. Even for families who do observe the holiday, going to the movies post-presents has become a growing practice. Here are three of our favorite places to take in a film and a feast because good stories and good eats are something we all believe in—for any day.
Avon Theatre
272 Bedford St., avontheatre.org
Love Meat BBQ 485 Summer St., lovemeatbbq.com
The Avon Theatre Film Center is an architectural and cultural gem that anchors Bedford Street. The historic theatre reopened in 2004 as a nonprofit independent cinema and has two theatres (seating 271 and 242) screening a well-curated mix of independent, documentary, arthouse and foreign language and classic films.
Love Meat BBQ is an all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue place with grills in the middle of the tables, 12 choices of meat (our favorites are galbi and bulgogi, marinated beef short ribs and sliced ribeye), and an array of pickled and fermented vegetable side dishes.
AMC Majestic 6
118 Summer St., amctheatres.com
Taj 211 Summer St., tajstamford.com
A choice of movies, reserved seating, recliners with seat warmers, and mobile ordering so you don’t have to stand in line for your popcorn or drinks, this Summer Street AMC Majestic 6 offers contemporary amenities and screenings of the latest blockbuster Christmas movies, including The War of Rohirrim, the next in the Lord of the Rings franchise.
Taj Indian Cuisine, just across the street, offers lots of options for vegetarians. We like to start with masala dosa, the large, dramatic crepe filled with spiced potatoes and served with sweet and spicy chutneys. There’s plenty of fish and meat on the menu, too, including goat curry and shrimp
The New Canaan Playhouse 89 Elm St., cinemalab.com
Ching’s Table 64 Main St., chingstable.com &
Newly renovated and gorgeously decorated, the New Canaan Playhouse is a 100-yearold movie house with two screening rooms decorated in vivid shades of emerald and teal. It has a concession stand and a pub that offers cocktails, beer and wine. Chings Table is a beloved establishment in New Canaan, and its pan-Asian menu includes Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Indonesian and Malaysian dishes. On a cold winter day, we like to start with a restorative miso soup or spicy lemongrass tom yum (shrimp soup), before tucking into caramelized sesame chicken and fried red snapper with Penang curry.
FANCY FEASTS
Ringing in the new year is the best excuse for a posh party.
Here are two ways to count down in high class—with caviar and dessert.
Indulge in a New Year’s spread fit for a queen with caviar and all the high-end fixings.
Dessert Party
Caviar Party
Caviar is the ultimate luxury, expensive and rare. Nothing’s more decadent than putting out a 100-gram tin (other than putting out a 500-gram tin) for your very best friends.
Let Jardar Nygaar, owner and founder of Nordic Seafood (nordicfishfairfield.com) and Caviar Luxe (caviarluxe.net), guide you through the types of sustainable caviar, Osetra, Sevruga, Siberian, Sterlet and Bester, their flavor profiles (briney, buttery, umami), and the size, color and texture of the roe. He has partnered with Ukranian Caviar to offer the largest selection in Connecticut.
Setting the spread is easy. Order prepared blini, the small yeast buckwheat pancakes, from Nordic online. Or use a cookie cutter to slice rounds of your favorite bread and bake a tray of them until golden. Set out bowls of crème fraîche, minced egg yolk, egg white, onions, and chives. We like to include hard-boiled quail eggs, cut in half, and boiled small red bliss potatoes. Good-quality potato chips are fun.
Spoons need not be made of mother-of-pearl but know this: They contrast so beautifully with the glistening micro-orbs you might just want to treat yourself.
Sip icy-cold vodka between bites. Its neutral flavor and cold heat cleanses the palate, the better to enjoy the salinity and pop of the caviar. Sparkling wine, a dry white, or a crisp lager work, too.
Dessert to-dos are a fun and easy way to celebrate New Year’s Eve. DiMare Pastry Shop (dimarepastry.com), the Italian-American Stamford staple, offers mini-pastries, éclairs, cannolis, Napoleons and cream puffs. Even better, they sell cookie decorating kits, complete with a box of shortbread cookies, frosting-filled piping bags and sprinkles. An activity (and a little friendly competition) is a terrific party ice-breaker.
Pastry Chef Jordan River at Aux Délices (auxdelicesfoods.com) in Darien and Riverside, transforms cake and fondant into Rolex watches, Louis Vuitton bags, and Steinway pianos—or anything else on your luxe wishlist. They make an impressive edible centerpiece, surrounded by plates of macarons and platters of fruit.
For a simple, refined option, the Sachertorte is a classic Austrian cake created in 1832, and a best-seller at the Stamford bakery Patisserie Salzburg (patisseriesalzburg.com) The rich, moist chocolate beauty is filled with housemade apricot jam and covered in dark chocolate ganache. Opera Cake, a flourless hazelnut cake with butter cream and chocolate ganache, is another favorite. We’re not done, yet. The Italian pistachio ricotta cheesecake adds a rich, creamy, pale green delight to the table.
To drink, our go-to is a brut or rosé cava. Sparkling wine’s acidity, bubbles and slight sweetness pairs wonderfully with desserts. We rely on Alex Lukiv at Westcott Cove Wine and Spirits (203-890-9222) to guide us through the best bottles.
Feast your eyes on slices of Opera cake from Patisserie Salzburg.
OUT TO LUNCH
New Year’s Day is for brunch with your besties. Here are three favorite spots big enough for a group, teeming with terrific atmosphere, brimming with tasty options—and overflowing with good Bloodies.
1. Tony’s at the J House
Tony’s serves their Sunday brunch menu on New Year’s Day. We’re ordering the Breakfast Burrata drizzled with truffle honey, draped with prosciutto and accompanied by crostini. Lobster Benedict with avocado and cilantro Hollandaise is a properly over the-top-way to end the holiday season. We also love Miku’s sushi menu, and how good it makes us feel to savor the yellowtail jalapeno in honey-citrus-soy, fresh-grilled eel, and Tony’s Roll with bluefin toro, avocado, scallion and spicy lobster salad.
jhousegreenwich.com
2. Farmhouse at the Crossroads
A classic buttermilk waffle with brown sugar butter and maple syrup, or crunchy French toast stuffed with raspberry mascarpone and drizzled with white chocolate and maple syrup? A difficult decision if you’re not harboring a hangover. A flight of Bloodies will let you sample their Mario, Molly and Mariah to find a favorite. The brunch menu includes some Italian favorites too, like arancini, meatballs and eggplant parmesan with house-pulled mozzarella. farmhouseatthecrossroads.com
3. Ten Twenty Post
The best thing about brunch at Ten Twenty Post in Darien, besides the huevos rancheros loaded with guacamole, salsa, refried beans and sour cream, is that this oyster bar and bistro’s full menu is always available. We start with a jumbo lump crab cocktail, and order a main of grilled Atlantic salmon served with mixed veggies and a choice of soy ginger sauce or beurre blanc. The kids’ menu includes grilled salmon and a kid-sized filet mignon. tentwentypost.com
CHEERS
TO 2025!
We’ve clearly been on someone’s “nice” list. What are we most looking forward to foodwise this year? Trying the famed soup dumplings at Michelin-recommended Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao when it opens in the restaurant plaza at Stamford Town Center. Lucky us.
We love to roll into the new year with lunch from the yum sushi menu at Tony’s at the J House.
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STAMFORD GREENWICH WEST HARTFORD NAPLES BONITA SPRINGS PALM BEACH GARDENS
LAWYERS IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY
Whether you need advice or have a legal issue, it helps to have a good lawyer. Luckily, Fairfield County is home to first-rate attorneys for legal assistance. We’ve compiled a guide of top lawyers who are leaders in their areas of expertise. With the help of DataJoe Research, this list of 364 professionals was created
ADOPTION LAW
VICTORIA FERRARA
The Ferrara Law Group
One Post Rd, Fairfield 203-255-9877 victoriaferrara.com
BRIAN D. KASCHEL
Brian D. Kaschel Law Office 183 Sherman St, Fairfield 203-259-5251 briankaschel.com
HEIDI E. OPINSKY
Attorneys at the Law
Offices of Heidi E. Opinsky
236 South Lake Dr, Stamford 203-653-3542 ctnydivorcelawyer.com
ANTITRUST LAW
DAVID S. GOLUB
Silver Golub & Teitell LLP 1 Landmark Sq, Stamford 203-325-4491 sgtlaw.com
APPELLATE LAW
LIAM S. BURKE
Russo & Rizio LLC 10 Sasco Hill Rd, Fairfield 203-254-7579 russorizio.com
ALEXANDER COPP
Cohen and Wolf PC 158 Deer Hill Ave, Danbury 203-792-2771 cohenandwolf.com
THOMAS J. DONLON
Robinson & Cole LLP 1055 Washington Blvd, Stamford 203-462-7549 rc.com
JAMES R. FOGARTY
Fogarty Cohen Russo & Nemiroff LLC 1700 E Putnam Ave, Old Greenwich 203-661-1000 fcsn.com
STEPHEN P. FOGERTY FLB Law PLLC 315 Post Rd W, Westport 203-247-9299 flb.law
ZACHARY J. PHILLIPPS
Wofsey Rosen Kweskin & Kuriansky LLP 600 Summer St, Stamford 203-327-2300 wrkk.com
NORMAN A. ROBERTS II GraberRoberts LLC 350 Bedford St, Stamford 203-590-1070 graberroberts.com
SAMUEL V. SCHOONMAKER IV Broder Orland Murray & Demattie LLC 55 Greens Farms Rd, Westport 203-222-4949 ctfamilylaw.com
ARBITRATION AND MEDIATION
JON A. AUGUST
Miller Rosnick D'Amico August & Butler PC 1087 Broad St, Bridgeport 475-241-0581 millerandrosnick.com
MICHAEL BECKER
Michael Becker JD MA 1 Kings Hwy N, Westport 203-454-4270 michaelbecker.net
JANE B. EMONS
Cohen and Wolf PC 1115 Broad St, Bridgeport 203-368-0211 cohenandwolf.com
JOHN J. LACAVA
Law Offices of John J. Lacava LLC 1111 Summer St, Stamford 203-324-2300 infolaw.com
DOUGLAS C. MINTZ
Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP 1055 Washington Blvd, Stamford 203-252-2658 carmodylaw.com
DEBORAH NOONAN
Deborah Noonan 10 Wall St, Norwalk 203-246-4741 divorcemediatect.com
JAY H. SANDAK
Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP 1055 Washington Blvd, Stamford 203-252-2699 carmodylaw.com
MAURICE SEGALL
Maurice Segall LLC 1111 Summer St, Stamford 203-359-1999 ctmediation.com
ATTORNEYS FOR NONPROFITS
JENNIFER PAGNILLO
Day Pitney LLP 24 Field Point Rd, Greenwich 203-862-7875 daypitney.com
AVIATION
ROBERT DANTE RUSSO
Russo & Rizio LLC 10 Sasco Hill Rd, Fairfield 203-254-7579 russorizio.com
BANKING AND FINANCIAL
DAVID KURATA
Russo & Rizio LLC 10 Sasco Hill Rd, Fairfield 203-255-9928 russorizio.com
WILLIAM PETROCCIO
Russo & Rizio LLC 10 Sasco Hill Rd, Fairfield 203-255-9928 russorizio.com
MATTHEW C. SUSMAN
Cohen and Wolf PC 1115 Broad St, Bridgeport 203-337-4236 cohenandwolf.com
BANKRUPTCY AND WORKOUT
MATTHEW K. BEATMAN
Zeisler & Zeisler PC 10 Middle St, Bridgeport 203-368-4234 zeislaw.com
through research as well as a peer-voting process. Planning ahead makes the process much easier, rather than seeking out an aatorney when a problem arises. Simply review what follows, find the relevant area of practice, visit the websites and call for a consultation. Then you can relax, knowing you are in good hands.
SCOTT CHARMOY
Charmoy & Charmoy 1465 Post Rd E, Westport 203-255-8100 charmoy.com
IRVE J. GOLDMAN
Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-330-2213 pullcom.com
JESSICA GROSSARTH
KENNEDY
Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-330-2215 pullcom.com
KRISTIN B. MAYHEW
Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-330-2198 pullcom.com
JAMES G. VERRILLO
Zeldes Needle & Cooper PC 1000 Lafayette Blvd, Bridgeport 203-333-9441 znclaw.com
RICHARD D. ZEISLER
Zeldes Needle & Cooper PC 1000 Lafayette Blvd, Bridgeport 203-332-5755 znclaw.com
BUSINESS LAW
DAVID I. ALBIN Finn Dixon & Herling LLP 6 Landmark Sq, Stamford 203-325-5031 fdh.com
R. SCOTT BEACH Day Pitney LLP 24 Field Point Rd, Greenwich 203-862-7824 daypitney.com
GAIL BERRITT Law Office Of Gail Berritt LLC 9 Berndale Dr, Westport 203-222-7449 berrittlaw.com
STEVEN A. CERTILMAN
Steven A Certilman PC 350 Bedford St, Stamford 203-977-7800 certilman.com
ROBERT S. COOPER
Zeldes Needle & Cooper PC 1000 Lafayette Blvd, Bridgeport 203-332-5723 znclaw.com
THOMAS D. GOLDBERG Day Pitney LLP 263 Tresser Blvd, Stamford 203-977-7383 daypitney.com
MICHAEL J. HERLING Finn Dixon & Herling LLP 6 Landmark Sq, Stamford 203-325-5015 fdh.com
CHERYL L. JOHNSON Verrill Dana LLP 355 Riverside Ave, Westport 203-222-3126 verrill-law.com
DAVID M. LEVINE
Cohen and Wolf PC 1115 Broad St, Bridgeport 203-337-4137 cohenandwolf.com
JOSEPH W. MARTINI
Spears Manning & Martini LLC 2425 Post Rd, Southport 203-292-9766 spearsmanning.com
DAVID M. MOROSAN
Cohen and Wolf PC 1115 Broad St, Bridgeport 203-337-4162 cohenandwolf.com
KEVIN G. PALUMBERI
Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP 1055 Washington Blvd, Stamford 203-252-2692 carmodylaw.com
THOMAS J. WALSH JR. Brody Wilkinson PC 2507 Post Rd, Southport 203-319-7145 brodywilk.com
ALLEN L. WEINGARTEN
Stone Key Group LLC 411 W Putnam Ave, Greenwich 203-930-3700 stonekey.com
BARBARA A. YOUNG Verrill Dana LLP 355 Riverside Ave, Westport 203-222-3123 verrill-law.com
CIVIL LAW LITIGATION
COLIN B. CONNOR Russo & Rizio LLC 10 Sasco Hill Rd, Fairfield 203-254-7579 russorizio.com
MONTE E. FRANK Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-330-2262 pullcom.com
AMANDA HEFFERNAN Ryan Ryan Deluca LLP 10 Sasco Hill Rd, Fairfield 203-255-9928 russorizio.com
ROBERT O. HICKEY Ryan Ryan Deluca LLP 1000 Lafayette Blvd, Bridgeport 203-541-5005 ryandelucalaw.com
MICHAEL J. JONES Ivey Barnum & O'Mara LLC 170 Mason St, Greenwich 203-661-6000 ibolaw.com
MICHAEL P. KAELIN Cummings & Lockwood LLC 6 Landmark Sq, Stamford 203-351-4106 cl-law.com
JONATHAN M. LEVINE Silver Golub & Teitell LLP 1 Landmark Sq, Stamford 203-325-4491 sgtlaw.com
BIANCA LOGIURATO Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-330-2237 pullcom.com
KAELYN M. MOSTAFA Cohen and Wolf PC 1115 Broad St, Bridgeport 203-337-4147 cohenandwolf.com
FRANK W. MURPHY
Tierney Zullo Flaherty & Murphy PC
134 East Avenue, Norwalk 203-853-7000 tierneyzullomurphy.com
PETER M. NOLIN
Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP 1055 Washington Blvd, Stamford 203-252-2688 carmodylaw.com
JAMES J. NOONAN
Ryan Ryan Deluca LLP 1000 Lafayette Blvd, Bridgeport 203-541-5045 ryandelucalaw.com
FREDERIC S. URY
Pullman & Comley LLC 253 Post Rd W, Westport 203-254-5000 pullcom.com
LITIGATIONCOMMERCIAL LITIGATION
DAVID A. BALL
Cohen and Wolf PC
1115 Broad St, Bridgeport 203-337-4134 cohenandwolf.com
BENJAMIN D. BIANCO
Meister Seelig & Fein 383 Main Ave, Norwalk 646-539-3791 meisterseelig.com
JAMES H. BICKS
Wiggin and Dana LLP 281 Tresser Blvd, Stamford 203-363-7622 wiggin.com
JOHN W. CANNAVINO
Cummings & Lockwood LLC 6 Landmark Sq, Stamford 203-351-4447 cl-law.com
JOHN F. CARBERRY
Cummings & Lockwood LLC 6 Landmark Sq, Stamford 203-351-4280 cl-law.com
JONATHAN W. FAZZINO
Cohen and Wolf PC 1115 Broad St, Bridgeport 203-368-0211 cohenandwolf.com
DAVID P. FRIEDMAN
Murtha Cullina 107 Elm St, Stamford 203-653-5438 murthalaw.com
MARSHALL GOLDBERG
Wofsey Rosen Kweskin & Kuriansky LLP 600 Summer St, Stamford 203-327-2300 wrkk.com
SCOTT M. HARRINGTON
Diserio Martin O'Connor & Castiglioni LLP 1010 Washington Blvd, Stamford 203-569-1107 diseriomartin.com
ARI J. HOFFMAN
Cohen and Wolf PC 1115 Broad St, Bridgeport 203-337-4194 cohenandwolf.com
GARY S. KLEIN
Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP 1055 Washington Blvd, Stamford 203-252-2696 carmodylaw.com
MARC J. KURZMAN
Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP 1055 Washington Blvd, Stamford 203-252-2680 carmodylaw.com
THOMAS S. LAMBERT
Pullman & Comley LLC
850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-330-2147 pullcom.com
TIMOTHY J. NAST
Tisdale & Nast Law Offices LLC 10 Spruce St, Southport 203-254-8474 tisdale-law.com
ANDREW B. NEVAS
Verrill Dana LLP 355 Riverside Ave, Westport 203-222-3103 verrill-law.com
PHILIP C. PIRES
Cohen and Wolf PC 1115 Broad St, Bridgeport 203-337-4122 cohenandwolf.com
LINDSAY T. REED
Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP 1055 Washington Blvd, Stamford 203-252-2657 carmodylaw.com
JAMES C. RILEY
Whitman Breed Abbott & Morgan LLC 500 W Putnam Ave, Greenwich 203-862-2342 whitmanbreed.com
TIMOTHY G. RONAN Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-674-7933 pullcom.com
JAMES T. SHEARIN
Pullman & Comley LLC
850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-330-2240 pullcom.com
FRANK J. SILVESTRI JR.
Verrill Dana LLP
355 Riverside Ave, Westport 203-222-3108 verrill-law.com
THOMAS L. TISDALE
Tisdale & Nast Law Offices LLC 10 Spruce St, Southport 203-254-8474 tisdale-law.com
ANDREW M. ZEITLIN
Shipman & Goodwin LLP
300 Atlantic St, Stamford 203-324-8111 shipmangoodwin.com
CONSTRUCTION
THOMAS CASSONE
Meister Seelig & Fein 383 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-348-4245 meisterseelig.com
CORPORATE COUNSEL
HAROLD B. FINN III
Finn Dixon & Herling LLP 6 Landmark Sq, Stamford 203-325-5029 fdh.com
J. VANCE HANCOCK Gregory and Adams PC 190 Old Ridgefield Rd, Wilton 203-571-6306 gregoryandadams.com
RANDALL C. MATHIESON Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-330-2037 pullcom.com
WILLIAM A. PERRONE Wiggin and Dana LLP 281 Tresser Blvd, Stamford 203-363-7604 wiggin.com
CORPORATE FINANCE MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS
WILLIAM M. CARELLO
Wofsey Rosen Kweskin & Kuriansky LLP 600 Summer St, Stamford 203-364-2407 wrkk.com
MARTIN A. CLARKE
Holland & Knight LLP 263 Tresser Blvd, Stamford 203-905-4541 hklaw.com
THOMAS J. FREED
Holland & Knight LLP 263 Tresser Blvd, Stamford 203-905-4529 hklaw.com
MATTHEW D. GLENNON
Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-330-2231 pullcom.com
NANCY A. D. HANCOCK Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-330-2118 pullcom.com
EDMUND M. REMONDINO Wofsey Rosen Kweskin & Kuriansky LLP 600 Summer St, Stamford 203-327-2300 wrkk.com
JOSHUA S. SMITH
Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-330-2083 pullcom.com
BRENDAN P. SNOWDEN
Cummings & Lockwood LLC 6 Landmark Sq, Stamford 203-351-4209 cl-law.com
KAREN P. WACKERMAN
Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-330-2278 pullcom.com
CRIMINAL DEFENSE
AUDREY A. FELSEN
Koffsky & Felsen LLC 1150 Bedford St, Stamford 203-327-1500 koffskyfelsen.com
ANDREW GOULD
Law Offices Of Philip Russell LLC 1 River Rd, Cos Cob 203-661-4200 greenwichlegal.com
CHRISTINE L. LANDIS
Law Offices of Mark Sherman LLC 29 5th St, Stamford 203-340-0583 markshermanlaw.com
EUGENE J. RICCIO
Law Offices of Eugene J. Riccio 2000 Post Rd, Fairfield 203-625-8180 eugenericciolaw.com
PHILIP RUSSELL
Law Offices of Philip Russell LLC 1 River Rd, Cos Cob 203-661-4200 greenwichlegal.com
MARK SHERMAN
The Law Offices of Mark Sherman LLC 29 5th St, Stamford 203-769-9701 markshermanlaw.com
BRIAN E. SPEARS
Spears Manning & Martini LLC 2425 Post Rd, Southport 203-292-9766 spearsmanning.com
ROBERT J. SULLIVAN JR. The Law Offices of Robert Sullivan 2220 Park Ave, Bridgeport 230-227-1404 sullivanfirm.net
LINDY R. URSO
Lindy R. Urso Attorney At Law 810 Bedford St, Stamford 203-325-4487 lindyursolaw.com
C. CHRISTIAN YOUNG
Cohen and Wolf PC 1115 Broad St, Bridgeport 203-368-0211Cohen cohenandwolf.com
EDUCATION
NORA A. BELANGER Law Office of Nora A. Belanger LLC 161 East Ave, Norwalk 203-722-0319 norabelangerlaw.com
SARAH E. GLEASON
Shipman & Goodwin LLP 300 Atlantic St, Stamford 203-324-8132 shipmangoodwin.com
KAREN A. JEFFERS Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-330-2284 pullcom.com
PIPER PAUL Piper Paul Law LLC 500 Post Rd East, Westport 203-280-1885 piperpaullaw.com
STEPHEN M. SEDOR Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-330-2137 pullcom.com
ELDER LAW
ANN FOWLER-CRUZ Cohen and Wolf PC 158 Deer Hill Ave, Danbury 203-749-5570 cohenandwolf.com
JOEL D. MUHLBAUM Law Offices of Joel D. Muhlbaum LLC 1100 Summer St, Stamford 203-323-1818 ctnyelderlaw.com
JAMES M. RUBINO Law Offices of James M. Rubino 1100 Summer St, Stamford 203-327-4212 attorneyrubino.com
ELLEN R. SUTLIFFE HAIN Cohen and Wolf PC 1115 Broad St, Bridgeport 203-337-4101 cohenandwolf.com
EMINENT DOMAIN
JASON A. BUCHSBAUM Cohen and Wolf PC 158 Deer Hill Ave, Danbury 203-792-2771 cohenandwolf.com
ENERGY OIL AND GAS
JAMES E. RICE Brody Wilkinson PC 2507 Post Rd, Southport 203-319-7112 brodywilk.com
FAMILY LAW
BONNIE AMENDOLA Conlon Amendola PLLC 281 Pequot Ave, Southport 203-803-2943 conlonamendola.com
JACQUELINE F. BARBARA Cohen and Wolf PC 1115 Broad St, Bridgeport 203-368-0211 cohenandwolf.com
LIVIA DEFILIPPIS BARNDOLLAR Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-330-2205 pullcom.com
JANET A. BATTEY Ferro & Battey LLC 320 Post Rd, Darien 203-424-0482 ferrofamilylaw.com
JILL BICKS
Jill Bicks Family Law 500 Post Rd E, Westport 203-997-0251 bickslaw.com
JILL HEITLER BLOMBERG
Schoonmaker George Colin Blomberg Bryniczka & Welsh PC
1700 E Putnam Ave, Old Greenwich 203-862-5000 sgbfamilylaw.com
ANNMARIE P. BRIONES
Cohen and Wolf PC 1115 Broad St, Bridgeport 203-368-0211 cohenandwolf.com
ERIC J. BRODER
Broder Orland Murray & Demattie LLC
55 Greens Farms Rd, Westport 203-222-4949 ctfamilylaw.com
PETER M. BRYNICZKA
Schoonmaker George Colin Blomberg Bryniczka & Welsh PC 1700 E Putnam Ave, Old Greenwich 203-862-5000 sgbfamilylaw.com
ANTHONY L. CENATIEMPO
GraberRoberts LLC 350 Bedford St, Stamford 203-590-1070 graberroberts.com
THOMAS D. COLIN
Siegel Colin & Kaufman PC 1266 E Main St, Stamford 203-326-5145 scklawct.com
JACQUELYN CONLON
Conlon McGlynn & McCann 281 Pequot Ave, Southport 203-803-2943 conlonamendola.com
KEVIN J. DAKEN
Siegel & Kaufman PC 1266 E Main St, Stamford 203-326-5145 scklawct.com
CHRISTOPHER J. DEMATTIE
Broder Orland Murray & Demattie LLC 55 Greens Farms Rd, Westport 203-222-4949 ctfamilylaw.com
NICOLE M. DIGIOSE
Broder Orland Murray & Demattie LLC 55 Greens Farms Rd, Westport 203-222-4949 ctfamilylaw.com
JAIME DURSHT
Siegel Colin & Kaufman PC 1266 E Main St, Stamford 203-326-5145 scklawct.com
WAYNE D. EFFRON
Wayne D. Effron PC
2 Greenwich Office Park, Greenwich 203-622-1160 effronlaw.com
ANDREW M. ELIOT
The Family Law Firm
Healy Eliot + McCann 125 Elm St, New Canaan 203-652-8018 thefamlawfirm.com
SUE GEORGIADES
Broder Orland Murray & Demattie LLC
55 Greens Farms Rd, Westport 203-222-4949 ctfamilylaw.com
HOWARD R. GRABER
GraberRoberts LLC
350 Bedford St, Stamford 203-590-1070 graberroberts.com
DAVID W. GRIFFIN
Rutkin Oldham & Griffin LLC 5 Imperial Ave, Westport 203-428-4476 rutkinoldham.com
LAUREN M. HEALY
The Family Law Firm
Healy Eliot + McCann 125 Elm St, New Canaan 203-652-8018 thefamlawfirm.com
ERIC M. HIGGINS
Wofsey Rosen Kweskin & Kuriansky LLP 600 Summer St, Stamford 203-577-5829 wrkk.com
JOCELYN B. HURWITZ
Cohen and Wolf PC 1115 Broad St, Bridgeport 203-337-4223 cohenandwolf.com
ROSS M. KAUFMAN
Siegel Colin & Kaufman PC 1266 E Main St, Stamford 203-326-5145 scklawct.com
DYAN M. KOZACZKA
Siegel Colin & Kaufman PC 1266 E Main St, Stamford 203-326-5145 scklawct.com
AMY CALVO MCNAMARA
The Law Offices Of Amy Calvo McNamara LLC 3 Greenwich Office Park, Greenwich 203-340-0550 acmfamilylaw.com
DARCY MCALISTER
Carta McAlister & Moore LLC 777 Post Rd, Darien 203-202-3120 cmm-law.com
LAUREN M. MCCANN
The Family Law Firm
Healy Eliot + McCann 125 Elm St, New Canaan 203-652-8018 thefamlawfirm.com
MICHAEL T. MEEHAN
MeehanLaw LLC 76 Lyon Terrace, Bridgeport 203-664-8059 meehanlaw.com
CLIFFORD A. MERIN
Cohen and Wolf PC
1115 Broad St, Bridgeport 203-368-0211 cohenandwolf.com
SARAH E. MURRAY
Broder Orland Murray & Demattie LLC 55 Greens Farms Rd, Westport 203-222-4949 ctfamilylaw.com
SARAH STARK OLDHAM
Rutkin Oldham & Griffin LLC 5 Imperial Ave, Westport 203-428-4476 rutkinoldham.com
CAROLE TOPOL ORLAND
Broder Orland Murray & Demattie LLC 55 Greens Farms Rd, Westport 203-222-4949 ctfamilylaw.com
THOMAS P. PARRINO
Parrino|Shattuck PC 285 Riverside Ave, Westport 475-241-0991 parrinoshattuck.com
RACHEL A. PENCU
Cohen and Wolf PC 1115 Broad St, Bridgeport 203-368-0211 cohenandwolf.com
YAKOV PYETRANKER
Pyetranker PC 1111 Summer St, Stamford 203-989-0031 pyetrankerpc.com
DAVID ROCHE
Papcsy Janosov Roche 53 East Ave, Norwalk 877-835-4983 myinjuryfirm.com
ARNOLD H. RUTKIN
Rutkin Oldham & Griffin LLC 5 Imperial Ave, Westport 203-428-4476 rutkinoldham.com
THOMAS M. SHANLEY
Thomas M. Shanley PC 32 Field Point Rd, Greenwich 203-542-9391 shanleylawfirm.com
MARK R. SOBOSLAI
The Law Offices of Mark R. Soboslai LLC 383 Riverside Ave, Westport 203-226-5759 marksoboslai.com
LOUISE T. TRUAX
Reich And Truax 2507 Post Rd, Southport 203-254-9877 reichandtruax.com
PAUL T. TUSCH
Cacace Tusch & Santagata 1111 Summer St, Stamford 203-327-2000 lawcts.com
VICKI VOLPER
Vicki Volper JD LLM 500 Post Rd East, Westport 203-222-1202 vickivolper.com
AIDAN R. WELSH
Schoonmaker George Colin Blomberg Bryniczka & Welsh PC 1700 E Putnam Ave, Old Greenwich 203-862-5000 sgbfamilylaw.com
MICHELLE M. ZULAWSKI
Reich & Truax 2507 Post Rd, Southport 203-254-9877 reichandtruax.com
GOVERNMENT
AND ADMINISTRATIVE
MICHAEL ANDREANA Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-330-2235 pullcom.com
IRA W. BLOOM Berchem Moses PC 1221 Post Rd E, Westport 203-227-9545 berchemmoses.com
DANIEL E. CASAGRANDE Cramer & Anderson 30 Main St, Danbury 203-744-1234 crameranderson.com
MARIO F. COPPOLA Berchem Moses PC 1221 Post Rd E, Westport 203-227-9545 berchemmoses.com
JOHN WAYNE FOX
Curtis Brinckerhoff & Barrett PC 666 Summer St, Stamford 203-324-6777 curtisbb.com
JOHN F. STAFSTROM JR. Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-330-2210 pullcom.com
STEVEN J. STAFSTROM JR. Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-330-2266 pullcom.com
HEALTH
CARE LAW
COLLIN P. BARON
Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-330-2219 pullcom.com
STEPHEN M. COWHERD
Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-330-2280 pullcom.com
PATRICIA D. WEITZMAN
Robinson & Cole LLP 1055 Washington Blvd, Stamford 203-462-7545 rc.com
ANN H. ZUCKER
Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP 1055 Washington Blvd, Stamford 203-252-2652 carmodylaw.com
ALEKSANDR Y. TROYB Benjamin Gold & Troyb PC 350 Bedford St, Stamford 203-425-8500 bgtlawfirm.com
JOHN W. CANNAVINO, JR. Ryan Ryan Deluca LLP 1000 Lafayette Blvd, Bridgeport 203-549-6621 ryandelucalaw.com
JED FERDINAND
Ferdinand IP Law Group 1221 Post Rd E, Westport 203-557-4224 ferdinandip.com
PAUL D. GREELEY Ohlandt Greeley Ruggiero & Perle LLP 1 Landmark Sq, Stamford 203-327-4500 ogpip.com
KATE BEECHER MOORE Meister Seelig & Fein 383 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-327-1402 meisterseelig.com
JESSICA RUTHERFORD Ferdinand IP Law Group 1221 Post Rd E, Westport 203-557-4224 ferdinandip.com
SUSAN M. SCHLESINGER Meister Seelig & Fein 383 Main Ave, Norwalk 646-539-3685 meisterseelig.com
EDWARD R. SCOFIELD Zeldes Needle & Cooper PC 1000 Lafayette Blvd, Bridgeport 203-332-5726 znclaw.com
GEZA C. ZIEGLER JR. Ziegler IP Law Group LLC 3135 Easton Tpke, Fairfield 203-659-0388 gziplaw.com
LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT
ROBERT G. BRODY Brody and Associates LLC 120 Post Rd W, Westport 203-454-0560 brodyandassociates.com
MARK R. CARTA Carta McAlister & Moore LLC 777 Post Rd, Darien 203-202-3131 cmm-law.com
LEWIS H. CHIMES Law Office of Lewis Chimes LLC 45 Franklin St, Stamford 203-324-7744 chimeslaw.com
GREGORY J. BATTERSBY The Battersby Law Group LLC 25 Poplar Plains Rd, Westport 203-454-9646 gbiplaw.com
ROBYN H. DRUCKER Cohen and Wolf PC 1115 Broad St, Bridgeport 203-337-4133 cohenandwolf.com
DAVID M. COHEN Wofsey Rosen Kweskin & Kuriansky LLP 600 Summer St, Stamford 203-433-0519 wrkk.com
KEEGAN A. DRENOSKY Shipman & Goodwin LLP 300 Atlantic St, Stamford 203-324-8139 shipmangoodwin.com
DANIEL B. FITZGERALD
Brody Wilkinson PC
2507 Post Rd, Southport 203-319-7154 brodywilk.com
STEVEN M. FREDERICK
Wofsey Rosen Kweskin & Kuriansky LLP 600 Summer St, Stamford 203-439-6759 wrkk.com
ANDRES JIMENEZ-FRANCK
Ogletree Deakins Nash
Smoak & Stewart 281 Tresser Blvd, Stamford 203-969-3119 ogletree.com
GEORGE J. KASPER
Pullman & Comley LLC
850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-330-2119 pullcom.com
STUART M. KATZ
Cohen and Wolf PC 1115 Broad St, Bridgeport 203-337-4205 cohenandwolf.com
TIMOTHY S. KLIMPL
Klimpl Benefits Law 109 Benedict Hill Rd, New Canaan 475-253-2313 klimpllaw.com
SCOTT R. LUCAS
Lucas & Varga LLC 2425 Post Rd, Southport 203-227-8400 lucasvargalaw.com
KUROSH L. MARJANI
Wofsey Rosen Kweskin & Kuriansky LLP 600 Summer St, Stamford 203-327-2300 wrkk.com
JONATHAN B. ORLEANS
Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-330-2129 pullcom.com
DANIEL L. SCHWARTZ
Day Pitney LLP 263 Tresser Blvd, Stamford 203-977-7536 daypitney.com
DOUGLAS J. VARGA
Lucas & Varga LLC 2425 Post Rd, Southport 203-227-8400 lucasvargalaw.com
DANIEL M. YOUNG
Wofsey Rosen Kweskin & Kuriansky LLP 600 Summer St, Stamford 203-327-2300 wrkk.com
ZACHARY T. ZEID
Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-330-2077 pullcom.com
LAND USE ENVIRONMENT
THOMAS W. BEECHER
Collins Hannafin PC 148 Deer Hill Ave, Danbury 203-744-2150 chgjtlaw.com
ADAM J. BLANK
Wofsey Rosen Kweskin & Kuriansky LLP 600 Summer St, Stamford 203-318-6936 wrkk.com
LEONARD M. BRAMAN
Wofsey Rosen Kweskin & Kuriansky LLP 600 Summer St, Stamford 203-354-1282 wrkk.com
WILSON T. CARROLL
Cohen and Wolf PC 1115 Broad St, Bridgeport 203-337-4123 cohenandwolf.com
PAMELA K. ELKOW
Corporate Law Partners 1055 Washington Blvd, Stamford 203-470-3405 corporatelawpartners. com
LISA L. FEINBERG
Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP 1055 Washington Blvd, Stamford 203-252-2677 carmodylaw.com
STEPHEN A. FINN
Wofsey Rosen Kweskin & Kuriansky LLP 600 Summer St, Stamford 203-439-6670 wrkk.com
WILLIAM J. FITZPATRICK III
Russo & Rizio LLC 10 Sasco Hill Rd, Fairfield 203-255-9928 russorizio.com
PETER V. GELDERMAN
Berchem Moses PC 1221 Post Rd E, Westport 203-227-9545 berchemmoses.com
JOHN HEAGNEY
Heagney Lennon & Slane LLP 31 East Elm St, Greenwich 203-661-8400 hls248.com
THOMAS J. HEAGNEY
Heagney Lennon & Slane LLP 31 East Elm St, Greenwich 203-661-8400 hls248.com
WILLIAM J. HENNESSEY JR.
Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP 1055 Washington Blvd, Stamford 203-425-4200 carmodylaw.com
JACQUELINE O. KAUFMAN
Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP 1055 Washington Blvd, Stamford 203-252-2665 carmodylaw.com
JASON A. KLEIN
Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP 1055 Washington Blvd, Stamford 203-252-2669 carmodylaw.com
BRIAN L. MCCANN
Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-330-2127 pullcom.com
BARBARA S. MILLER
Brody Wilkinson PC 2507 Post Rd, Southport 203-319-7100 brodywilk.com
RAYMOND RIZIO
Russo & Rizio LLC 10 Sasco Hill Rd, Fairfield 203-255-9928 russorizio.com
CHRISTOPHER RUSSO
Russo & Rizio LLC 10 Sasco Hill Rd, Fairfield 203-255-9928 russorizio.com
PATRICIA C. SULLIVAN
Cohen and Wolf PC 1115 Broad St, Bridgeport 203-337-4124 cohenandwolf.com
AUSTIN K. WOLF
Cohen and Wolf PC 1115 Broad St, Bridgeport 203-368-0211 cohenandwolf.com
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE DEFENSE
REBECCA N. BRINDLEY
Stockman O’Connor
Connors PLLC 10 Middle St, Bridgeport 203-220-6590 stockmanoconnor.com
JOHN F. COSTA
Ryan Ryan Deluca LLP 1000 Lafayette Blvd, Bridgeport 203-541-5044 ryandelucalaw.com
DANIEL E. RYAN III
Ryan Ryan Deluca LLP 1000 Lafayette Blvd, Bridgeport 203-541-5030 ryandelucalaw.com
RICHARD A. SILVER
Silver Golub & Teitell LLP
1 Landmark Sq, Stamford 203-325-4491 sgtlaw.com
ANGELO A. ZIOTAS
Silver Golub & Teitell LLP 1 Landmark Sq, Stamford 203-325-4491 sgtlaw.com
PERSONAL INJURY
BILL BLOSS
MARCO A. ALLOCCA
Silver Golub & Teitell LLP 1 Landmark Sq, Stamford 203-325-4491 sgtlaw.com
NICOLE B. COATES
Silver Golub & Teitell LLP 1 Landmark Sq, Stamford 203-325-4491 sgtlaw.com
PETER M. DREYER
Silver Golub & Teitell LLP 1 Landmark Sq, Stamford 203-325-4491 sgtlaw.com
JIM HORWITZ
Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder PC 350 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport 203-583-8634 koskoff.com
JOAQUIN L. MADRY
Silver Golub & Teitell LLP 1 Landmark Sq, Stamford 203-325-4491 sgtlaw.com
SARAH A. RICCIARDI
Silver Golub & Teitell LLP 1 Landmark Sq, Stamford 203-325-4491 sgtlaw.com
Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder PC 350 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport 475-766-5116 koskoff.com
STEWART M. CASPER
Casper & de Toledo LLC 1458 Bedford St, Stamford 203-325-8600 casperdetoledo.com
WILLIAM M. DAVOREN
Wofsey Rosen Kweskin & Kuriansky LLP 600 Summer St, Stamford 203-437-4968 wrkk.com
KEVIN M. GRECO
Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP 1055 Washington Blvd, Stamford 203-252-2666 carmodylaw.com
BRIAN KLUBERDANZ
Wofsey Rosen Kweskin & Kuriansky LLP 600 Summer St, Stamford 203-693-1154 wrkk.com
DOUG MAHONEY
Robinson Mahoney PLLC 1210 Post Rd, Fairfield 203-692-2186 robinsonmahoney.com
NEAL L. MOSKOW
Moskow Law Group LLC 425 Kings Highway E, Fairfield 475-304-7085 moskowlaw.com
ALAN SCOTT PICKEL
The Pickel Law Firm LLC 1700 Bedford St, Stamford 203-348-4100 pickellaw.com
CINDY ROBINSON
Robinson Mahoney PLLC 1210 Post Rd, Fairfield 203-692-2186 robinsonmahoney.com
PAUL A. SLAGER Silver Golub & Teitell LLP 1 Landmark Sq, Stamford 203-325-4491 sgtlaw.com
ERNEST TEITELL
Silver Golub & Teitell LLP 1 Landmark Sq, Stamford 203-325-4491 sgtlaw.com
JEREMY VISHNO Vishno Law Firm 183 Sherman St, Fairfield 203-256-2373 vishnolawfirm.com
JOSEPH G. WALSH Cohen and Wolf PC 158 Deer Hill Ave, Danbury 203-792-2771 cohenandwolf.com
VANESSA R. WAMBOLT Russo & Rizio LLC 10 Sasco Hill Rd, Fairfield 203-254-7579 russorizio.com
NICHOLAS E. WOCL Wocl Leydon LLC 80 4th St, Stamford 203-884-0222 woclleydon.com
PRODUCT LIABILITY
JORAM HIRSCH
Hirsch Andrade LLP
1000 Lafayette Blvd, Bridgeport 203-331-8888 hirsch-andradelaw.com
BRENDEN P. LEYDON
Wocl Leydon LLC 80 4th St, Stamford 203-884-0222 woclleydon.com
PROFESSIONAL MALPRACTICE NON-MEDICAL DEFENSE
DAVID P. ATKINS
Pullman & Comley LLC
850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-330-2103 pullcom.com
STEPHEN J. CONOVER
Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP 1055 Washington Blvd, Stamford 203-252-2668 carmodylaw.com
CHARLES A. DELUCA
Ryan Ryan Deluca LLP 1000 Lafayette Blvd, Bridgeport 203-541-5000 ryandelucalaw.com
ROBERT C. E. LANEY
Ryan Ryan Deluca LLP 1000 Lafayette Blvd, Bridgeport 203-541-5010 ryandelucalaw.com
MICHAEL T. RYAN
Ryan Ryan Deluca LLP 1000 Lafayette Blvd, Bridgeport 203-541-5050 ryandelucalaw.com
MARCY TENCH STOVALL
Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-330-2104 pullcom.com
SUZANNE B. SUTTON
Cohen and Wolf PC
1115 Broad St, Bridgeport 203-368-0211 cohenandwolf.com
REAL ESTATE
SETH J. ARNOWITZ
Seth J. Arnowitz LLC 1111 Summer St, Stamford 203-348-7722 ctattorney.com
ERIC D. BERNHEIM FLB Law PLLC
315 Post Rd W, Westport 475-236-5203 flb.law
MICHAEL P. BYRNE Day Pitney LLP 263 Tresser Blvd, Stamford 203-977-7349 daypitney.com
MICHAEL J. CACACE
Cacace Tusch & Santagata 1111 Summer St, Stamford 203-327-2000 lawcts.com
MICHAEL A. CECCORULLI
Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St, Bridgeport 860-424-4394 pullcom.com
JOSEPH CESSARIO
Cummings & Lockwood LLC 6 Landmark Sq, Stamford 203-351-4259 cl-law.com
ADAM J. COHEN
Pullman & Comley LLC
850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-330-2230 pullcom.com
BRUCE F. COHEN
Fogarty Cohen Russo & Nemiroff LLC 1700 E Putnam Ave, Old Greenwich 203-661-1000 fcsn.com
JOSHUA S. COLE
Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-330-2217 pullcom.com
SETH L. COOPER
Brody Wilkinson PC 2507 Post Rd, Southport 203-319-7123 brodywilk.com
STEVEN L. ELBAUM
Robinson and Cole 1055 Washington Blvd, Stamford 203-462-7526 rc.com
REGINA M. FLAHERTY
Verrill Dana LLP 355 Riverside Ave, Westport 203-222-3109 verrill-law.com
JUSTIN L. GALLETTI
Brody Wilkinson PC 2507 Post Rd, Southport 203-319-7135 brodywilk.com
SUSAN L. GOLDMAN
Gregory and Adams PC 190 Old Ridgefield Rd, Wilton 203-571-6303 gregoryandadams.com
STEVEN D. GRUSHKIN
Wofsey Rosen Kweskin & Kuriansky LLP 600 Summer St, Stamford 203-327-2300 wrkk.com
DONALD R. GUSTAFSON
Shipman & Goodwin LLP
300 Atlantic St, Stamford 203-324-8103 shipmangoodwin.com
PATRICK J. HANNA
Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP 1055 Washington Blvd, Stamford 203-252-2667 carmodylaw.com
ABRAHAM M. HOFFMANN
Abraham M. Hoffmann
Attorney At Law 4154 Madison Ave, Trumbull 203-373-1350 abrahamhoffmannlaw.com
JEFFREY R. HOULE
Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP 1055 Washington Blvd, Stamford 203-252-2646 carmodylaw.com
JEREMY E. KAYE
Kaye & Associates LLC 71 Lewis St, Greenwich 203-625-5300 kayelawct.com
JOEL M. KAYE
Law Office Of Joel M. Kaye 165 W Putnam Ave, Greenwich 203-622-4500 joelkaye.com
MARK A. KIRSCH
Cohen and Wolf PC 1115 Broad St, Bridgeport 203-337-4254 cohenandwolf.com
HOWARD D. KOMISAR
Berkowitz Trager And Trager LLC 8 Wright St, Westport 203-291-8203 btt-law.com
STANTON H. LESSER
Russo & Rizio LLC 10 Sasco Hill Rd, Fairfield 203-254-7579 russorizio.com
KRISTEN A. MAZUR
Mark Sank & Associates LLC 666 Glenbrook Rd, Stamford 800-785-9702 marksank.com
VICTORIA L. MILLER
Russo & Rizio LLC 10 Sasco Hill Rd, Fairfield 203-254-7579 russorizio.com
JONATHAN B. MILLS
Cummings & Lockwood LLC 2 Greenwich Plz, Greenwich 203-351-4100 cl-law.com
GLEN J. MOORE
Carta McAlister & Moore LLC 777 Post Rd, Darien 203-202-3110 cmm-law.com
KENT S. NEVINS
Shipman & Goodwin LLP 300 Atlantic St, Stamford 203-324-8163 shipmangoodwin.com
ROBERT A. PACELLI JR. Zeldes Needle & Cooper PC 1000 Lafayette Blvd, Bridgeport 203-332-5735 znclaw.com
LEAH M. PARISI
Russo & Rizio LLC 10 Sasco Hill Rd, Fairfield 203-254-7579 russorizio.com
JOSHUA PEDREIRA
Cohen and Wolf PC 1115 Broad St, Bridgeport 203-368-0211 cohenandwolf.com
MARY BETH K. RAPICE Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-330-2133 pullcom.com
MICHAEL S. ROSTEN
Cohen and Wolf PC 320 Post Rd W, Westport 203-341-5330 cohenandwolf.com
STEVEN M. SIEGELAUB Berkowitz Trager and Trager LLC 8 Wright St, Westport 203-291-8223 btt-law.com
MICHAEL P. SWEENEY Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP 1055 Washington Blvd, Stamford 203-252-2690 carmodylaw.com
LAUREN WALTERS
Cohen and Wolf PC 1115 Broad St, Bridgeport 203-341-5320 cohenandwolf.com
TOM S. WARD JR. Ivey Barnum & O’Mara LLC 170 Mason St, Greenwich 203-661-6000 ibolaw.com
SCOTT T. WITTHUHN
Cummings & Lockwood LLC 6 Landmark Sq, Stamford 203-351-4276 cl-law.com
SECURITIES LAW
PETER J. BILFIELD
Day Pitney LLP 1 Stamford Plz, Stamford 203-977-7569 daypitney.com
MARK W. KLEIN
Brody Wilkinson PC 2507 Post Rd, Southport 203-319-7118 brodywilk.com
RICHARD SLAVIN
Cohen and Wolf PC 320 Post Rd W, Westport 203-341-5310 cohenandwolf.com
TAX LAW
RICHARD J. DIMARCO
Cohen and Wolf PC 320 Post Rd W, Westport 203-341-5301 cohenandwolf.com
BRETT W. DIXON
Finn Dixon & Herling LLP 6 Landmark Sq, Stamford 203-325-5016 fdh.com
LESLIE E. GRODD FLB Law PLLC 315 Post Rd W, Westport 475-236-5212 flb.law
WILLIAM J. KAMBAS Withersworldwide 1700 E Putnam Ave, Greenwich 203-974-0313 withersworldwide.com
DAVID M. LEHN Withersworldwide 1700 E Putnam Ave, Greenwich 203-302-4077 withersworldwide.com
D. ROBERT MORRIS Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-330-2109 pullcom.com
ERIN NORTON
Whitman Breed Abbott & Morgan LLC 500 W Putnam Ave, Greenwich 203-862-2319 whitmanbreed.com
STUART B. RATNER
Stuart B. Ratner PC 1111 Summer St, Stamford 203-323-4900 ratnerlawfirm.com
KIMBERLY T. SMITH
Brody Wilkinson PC 2507 Post Rd, Southport 203-319-7148 brodywilk.com
RACHAEL E. SPINA
Cohen and Wolf PC 1115 Broad St, Bridgeport 203-341-5308 cohenandwolf.com
LUKE T. TASHJIAN Cohen and Wolf PC 1115 Broad St, Bridgeport 203-341-5304 cohenandwolf.com
ROBERT L. TEICHER Brody Wilkinson PC 2507 Post Rd, Southport 203-319-7129 brodywilk.com
RUSSELL F. ANDERSON Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-330-2271 pullcom.com
DAVID E. DOBIN Cohen and Wolf PC 1115 Broad St, Bridgeport 203-337-4120 cohenandwolf.com
WILLS
JENNIFER A. BASCIANO Brody Wilkinson PC 2507 Post Rd, Southport 203-319-7113 brodywilk.com
DOUGLAS R. BROWN Brody Wilkinson PC 2507 Post Rd, Southport 203-319-7119 brodywilk.com
BETH ANN BRUNALLI Davidson Dawson & Clark LLP 18 Locust Ave, New Canaan 203-972-3031 davidsondawson.com
ROB ROY BUCKINGHAM JR. Blair & Potts 281 Tresser Blvd, Stamford 203-327-2333 blairandpotts.com
DAVID B. BUSSOLOTTA Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-330-2223 pullcom.com
MICHAEL T. CLEAR Wiggin and Dana LLP 30 Milbank Ave, Greenwich 203-363-7675 wiggin.com
TATIANA F. DASILVA
Cohen and Wolf PC
1115 Broad St, Bridgeport 203-368-0211 cohenandwolf.com
LAUREN C. DAVIES
Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-330-2076 pullcom.com
B. CORT DELANY
Cummings & Lockwood LLC 2 Greenwich Plz, Greenwich 203-863-6554 cl-law.com
MARGARET A. DELUCA
Cummings & Lockwood LLC
6 Landmark Sq, Stamford 203-351-4298 cl-law.com
ROBERT A. DEVELLIS
Blair & Potts
281 Tresser Blvd, Stamford 203-327-2333 blairandpotts.com
RICHARD J. DIVINEY
Sherwood & Garlick PC 65 Jesup Rd, Westport 203-227-9585 sherwoodgarlick.com
ELIZABETH A. FALKOFF
Cummings & Lockwood LLC 6 Landmark Sq, Stamford 203-351-4198 cl-law.com
DANIEL P. FITZGERALD
Cummings & Lockwood LLC 2 Greenwich Plz, Greenwich 203-863-6511 cl-law.com
JAMES D. FUNNELL JR.
Brody Wilkinson PC 2507 Post Rd, Southport 203-319-7106 brodywilk.com
KATHERINE COTTER GENT
Cummings & Lockwood LLC 2 Greenwich Plz, Greenwich 203-863-6577 cl-law.com
JESSIE A. GILBERT
Cummings & Lockwood LLC 2 Greenwich Plz, Greenwich 203-863-6503 cl-law.com
GREGORY A. HAYES
Day Pitney LLP 263 Tresser Blvd, Stamford 203-977-7365 daypitney.com
HELEN C. HEINTZ
Wiggin and Dana LLP 281 Tresser Blvd, Stamford 203-363-7607 wiggin.com
JEVERA KAYE HENNESSEY
Whitman Breed Abbott & Morgan LLC
500 W Putnam Ave, Greenwich 203-862-2327 whitmanbreed.com
DAVID R. HERMENZE
Brody Wilkinson PC
2507 Post Rd, Southport 203-319-7105 brodywilk.com
DANIEL G. JOHNSON
Cummings & Lockwood 6 Landmark Sq, Stamford 203-351-4317 cl-law.com
EVA V. KLIEGMAN
Whitman Breed Abbott & Morgan LLC
500 W Putnam Ave, Greenwich 203-862-2309 whitmanbreed.com
LEONARD LEADER
Wiggin and Dana LLP 60 Church Lane, Westport 203-363-7602 wiggin.com
EDWARD MARCANTONIO
Brody Wilkinson PC 2507 Post Rd, Southport 203-319-7107 brodywilk.com
ALESSANDRA MESSINEO
LONG
The Law Offices of Alessandra Messineo Long 117 E Putnam Ave, Riverside 203-249-3601 amlonglaw.com
PETER T. MOTT
Brody Wilkinson PC 2507 Post Rd, Southport 203-319-7136 brodywilk.com
JOHN R. MUSICARO JR.
Cummings & Lockwood LLC 6 Landmark Sq, Stamford 203-351-4343 cl-law.com
DOUGLAS H. OLIN
Cummings & Lockwood LLC 2 Greenwich Plz, Greenwich 203-863-6504 cl-law.com
JOSEPH M. PANKOWSKI JR. Wofsey Rosen Kweskin & Kuriansky LLP 600 Summer St, Stamford 203-327-2300 wrkk.com
PATRICK L. POESCHL
Nemchek & Poeschl LLC
60 Long Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-316-8277 x 304 n-plaw.com
EDWARD F. RODENBACH
Cummings & Lockwood LLC 2 Greenwich Plz, Greenwich 203-863-6551 cl-law.com
RICHARD A. SARNER
Richard A. Sarner Of Zeldes Needle & Cooper PC 201 Broad St, Stamford 203-332-5761 sarnerlaw.com
SHARON M. SCHWEITZER
Verrill Dana LLP 355 Riverside Ave, Westport 203-222-3118 verrill-law.com
JENNA A. SHANKMAN
Cohen and Wolf PC 1115 Broad St, Bridgeport 203-337-4171 cohenandwolf.com
JANE FORD SHAW
Russo & Rizio LLC 10 Sasco Hill Rd, Fairfield 203-254-7579 russorizio.com
RACHEL B. G. SHERMAN
Cummings & Lockwood LLC 6 Landmark Sq, Stamford 203-351-4656 cl-law.com
ALYSSA V. SHERRIFF
Brody Wilkinson PC 2507 Post Rd, Southport 203-319-7157 brodywilk.com
GEORGE L. SMITH
Whitman Breed Abbott & Morgan LLC 500 W Putnam Ave, Greenwich 203-862-2352 whitmanbreed.com
GRETA E. SOLOMON
Cohen and Wolf PC 1115 Broad St, Bridgeport 203-337-4114 cohenandwolf.com
JAMES B. STEWART Pullman & Comley LLC 850 Main St, Bridgeport 203-254-5008 pullcom.com
AMY E. TODISCO
Braunstein and Todisco PC 1 Eliot Pl, Fairfield 203-254-1118 btlawfirm.com
HOWARD S. TUTHILL III
Cummings & Lockwood LLC 6 Landmark Sq, Stamford 203-351-4308 cl-law.com
DARREN M. WALLACE Day Pitney LLP 263 Tresser Blvd, Stamford 203-862-7874 daypitney.com
LAURA WEINTRAUB BECK
Cummings & Lockwood LLC 2 Greenwich Plz, Greenwich 203-863-6590 cl-law.com
AMY K. WILFERT
Day Pitney LLP 24 Field Point Rd, Greenwich 203-862-7811 daypitney.com
WORKERS COMPENSATION
JOHNPATRICK O'BRIEN
Law Offices of Johnpatrick O’Brien PLLC 239 Golden Hill St, Bridgeport 203-793-4743 lawofficesofjohnpatrick obrien.com
TOP LAWYERS IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY
BENJAMIN H. POMERANTZ
Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP 1055 Washington Blvd, Stamford 203-252-2645 carmodylaw.com
JEREMY C. VIRGIL Zeldes Needle & Cooper PC 1000 Lafayette Blvd, Bridgeport 203-332-5775 znclaw.com
METHODOLOGY: To create the list, the magazine contracted DataJoe Research to facilitate an online peer-voting process and Internet research process. DataJoe Research is a software and research company specializing in data collection and verification, and conducts various nominations across the United States on behalf of publishers. To create the list, DataJoe Research facilitated an online peer-voting process. We paired this with an Internet research process to identify success characteristics. DataJoe checked and confirmed that each published winner had, at time of review, a current, active license status with the appropriate state regulatory board. If we were not able to find evidence of a lawyer’s current, active registration with the state regulatory board, that lawyer was excluded from the list. In addition, we checked available public sources to identify lawyers disciplined for an infraction by the state regulatory board. These entities were excluded from the list. Finally, DataJoe presented the tallied result to the magazine for its final review and adjustments.
FINAL NOTE: We recognize that there are many good lawyers who are not shown in this representative list. This is only a sampling of the huge array of talented professionals within the region. Inclusion in the list is based on the opinions of responding lawyers in the region. We take time and energy to ensure fair voting, although we understand that the results of this survey nomination and Internet research campaign are not an objective metric. We certainly do not discount the fact that many, many good and effective lawyers may not appear on the list.
DISCLAIMER
DataJoe uses best practices and exercises great care in assembling content for this list. DataJoe does not warrant that the data contained within the list are complete or accurate. DataJoe does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All rights reserved. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without written permission from DataJoe.
Questions? For research/methodology questions, contact the research team at surveys@datajoe.com.
CASPER & DE TOLEDO LLC
PERSONAL INJURY FIRM
“Our legal team possesses decades of combined legal experience, and we are here to put that experience to work for you when you need it most.”
– Stewart Casper, Co-Founder
Traumatic brain injuries have many causes, ranging from sports injuries and car accidents to assaults and birth trauma. But regardless of their cause, the injuries are often understated and mischaracterized. Victims, however, can find understanding advocates at Casper & de Toledo LLC, a law firm that has cultivated deep knowledge of traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs.
at expertise starts with Stewart Casper, a firm cofounder with more than 40 years of experience. He has become a go-to guide on the issue for lawyers around the U.S. Here in Connecticut, Casper is the professional that TBI and concussion clients seek when they want a
second opinion or need a new lawyer. Results include a $9 million verdict for a client who sustained a TBI and related injuries while in a crosswalk and a nearly $8 million verdict for a child who sustained a TBI in a truck accident.
Of course, the attorneys at Casper & de Toledo handle a wide spectrum of personal injury cases in addition to their focus on TBI. ey also advocate for clients on issues related to discrimination and harassment, medical malpractice, employment contracts and whistleblower claims.
NEEDLE | CUDA
DIVORCE AND FAMILY LAW
GUIDANCE THAT MOVES LIVES FORWARD
Prenuptial Agreements
Prenuptial agreements are essential tools that safeguard "separate property" interest, protect inheritances, and define the terms for the division of future income, assets, and liabilities. These agreements provide clarity and security, helping individuals avoid potential disputes in the event of divorce.
Post-Nuptial Agreements
Well-crafted postnuptial agreements provide financial security and complement broader estate plans, wills, and multigenerational wealth strategies. These agreements protect both parties and create a window for couples to work through marital challenges.
Post-Judgment Modifications
Life can change unexpectedly. And when there is a "substantial change in circumstances," adjustments to alimony, child support, and custody arrangements may be necessary. Post-judgment modifications revise your separation agreement to reflect current realities and ensure fairness for all parties involved.
Needle | Cuda stands at the forefront of ultrahigh-net-worth divorce litigation in lower Fairfield County, Connecticut. Serving clients from Greenwich to Westport, our attorneys offer skilled and forceful representation in complex divorce cases. ese matters often involve nuanced division of property/assets (including family and closely held businesses), complex income division, and contested child custody matters.
Needle | Cuda employs strategic dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, binding arbitration, and negotiation that safeguard your privacy and reputation. Known for discretion and excellence, Needle | Cuda is one of Connecticut’s most trusted advocates in family law.
Westport Office: 830 Post Road East, Suite 301 203-557-9500 • NeedleCuda.com
Attorney Melissa Needle
Attorney Alexander J. Cuda
PHOTOGRAPHY VIDEOGRAPHY SOCIAL MEDIA
Moffly Media is one of the leading providers of professional event photography and marketing services in Fairfield County. We capture compelling, high-quality images of individuals and groups at meaningful events. With our wide range of capabilities from video to social media, Moffly will customize a marketing program that’s just right for you.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: BOB CAPAZZO, KRISTIN HYNES, MELANI LUST & MARSIN MOGIELSKI
FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES
The Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular must be the official start to the holiday season, featuring marching bands, dance troupes and, yes, giant helium balloons. Above (high above!), Shrek makes a guest appearance at the Palace Theatre during last year’s celebration. On Saturday, November 23, watch as favorite characters get all puffed up at the inflation party from 3 to 6 p.m., at the parade’s start near Hoyt and Summer streets. Then join friends and family at noon the next day for the main event, which winds its way to the corner of Atlantic and Federal streets on Sunday.
Send us your Stamford snaps to editor@stamfordmag.com for a chance to win $100. Please write photo submission in the subject line.
photograph by rick freeda
Our 17th annual Light a Fire event honors individuals and organizations from across lower Fairfield County who have accomplished incredible feats to support our community, families, schools and at-risk individuals. This year’s honorees were nominated by the community and the final award winners were selected based on their incredible work.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2024
Photos by Kyle Norton
