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vol. 15 | no. 5 | september/october 2024
editorial
editorial director
Cristin Marandino–cristin.marandino@moffly.com
editor-in-chief
Melinda Anderson–melinda.anderson@moffly.com
contributing editors
Megan Gagnon–editor, athome
Elizabeth Hole–editor, custom publishing
Eileen Murphy–editor, new canaan • darien • rowayton
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business
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Thatʼs the ONS difference.
U.S. News & World Report has recognized ONS’s Stamford Ambulatory Surgical Center as one of the nation’s best. Among nearly 5,000 centers evaluated, Stamford ASC meets the highest quality and safety standards. Exclusively for ONS surgeons, the Stamford ASC ensures the best experiences and outcomes for our patients. ONSMD.com
FOOT & ANKLE
PHYSIATRY
SPINE
editor’s letter
ALL IN THE FAMILY
When Scott Thomas called me six months ago to pitch a story about Stamford sports legacy families, I said yes quicker than when my husband proposed marriage to me.
As he outlined his idea, Thomas dropped surnames that are so well-known throughout this city even a relative newcomer like me (nine years) recognized them. Four of the most influential adults in my son’s young life are members of the families highlighted in the feature. Kate Fox and Kelly (Fox) O’Meara guided Anderson’s transition from pre-school to primary school as kindergarten and first grade teachers with such care and warmth that he truly felt part of their den. And in third grade he had such a banner year in the classrooms of Jeff Salvatore and Brittany (née Salvatore) Smegal (both grandchildren of Stamford’s favorite son Andy Robustelli) that he declared “nothing will ever be as good as this.”
I know firsthand just how special these Stamford families can make you feel. Plus, our own family is entrenched in local youth sports. We see how nothing can unite a community quite like it (especially, of course, when we’re winning). So, it is no surprise, I was an immediate yes. The resulting report “Generational Talent” is everything I hoped
it would be—and everything I hope this magazine will be—a joyful celebration of pride in our people.
Hanging in our kitchen is a favorite saying Anderson learned from Jeff Salvatore: A leader knows the way, goes the way, shows the way. It could be the subhead of this year’s “Teens to Watch” roundup. In it, Beth Cooney Fitzpatrick introduces us to remarkable young people who have also earned our pride. Their current and future accomplishments— including publishing scientific research and earning entrance to the U.S. Naval Academy— will no doubt add to the rich heritage and story of our city.
Inspired by this year’s class, I dug up my old high school yearbook portrait. It’s probably my favorite picture ever taken of me because I immediately connect with the feeling that anything is possible. That potential is something we feel 10 times over in the stories of the spotlighted Stamford students. I think about what their lives will be like, what their accomplishments will be and how we olds can help get them—and all young Stamford students—there. Together, our future is bright.
Melinda.Anderson@moffly.com
president’s letter
MOFFLY
FIFTEEN YEARS, OH MY!
Stamford magazine started with a simple idea: the City of Stamford deserved a magazine that celebrated its life. It should have positive coverage of living in Stamford—such as Top Teens, and sections like Do, Eat, Home and Buzz to keep you in the know. Tackling tough issues from time to time is also necessary to improve our lives, with insights into what we can do about them, like addiction, domestic violence, and health. Stamford magazine is about enhancing our lives and connecting with each other. We are about trust. We say “No” to negativity and “Yes” to kindness.
Your magazine is a living thing, evolving with the city. It was launched in the depths of the Great Recession with talented Editor Camilla Herrera at the helm. Also defying the economic odds, Harbor Point opened in 2009, gracing our first cover with a beautiful aerial view of the transformed South End. Every issue since then has celebrated fresh aspects of Stamford city and its people. The ever-creative Editor Diane Sembrot took over in 2020. And today the dynamic Editor-in-Chief Melinda Anderson leads the charge, bringing to Stamford a fresh wave of ideas and energy.
Have a thought? Send it to Editor@ StamfordMag.com.
One of our most memorable moments in 2009 came when Mayor Dan Malloy gave Stamford magazine a big shout-out at his 54th birthday bash downtown. That man could talk! At our launch party several months later, Mayor Malloy, Senator Dick Blumenthal and other local notables chatted up Stamford magazine’s contribution to our lives in this great city. Since then, every year, the people of Stamford reach further to make the city better, making our editorial a true pleasure to write.
As Stamford thrives, so do its people with
tales of accomplishments from sea to woods. Organizations are continually expanding Harbor Point, Mill River Park, Stamford Hospital, Stamford Museum & Nature Center, the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens and UConn Stamford. Big operations moved in, with NBC Universal, Frontier Communications and Chelsea Piers. Older properties were repurposed or evolving with the Old Town Hall and the Stamford Mall. Dog Parks have blossomed. Happenings abound with Alive@5, Stamford Day, HeyStamford!’s Food Festival, multi-cultural and history events, art, food and music festivals, and innovation weeks. (And don’t miss Stamford magazine’s celebrated Best Bartender event at Harbor Point every summer!).
Most importantly, Stamford cares. The nonprofits are expanding and reinventing themselves too. The Boys & Girls Club of Stamford, Building One Community, SoundWaters, The Palace Theater, Women’s Business Development Council, The Food Bank, Avon Theater, SilverSource, Children’s Learning Center and so many, many more make living in Stamford better.
Stamford magazine’s mission is to help residents and local businesses thrive. A huge thank you to our advertisers for being with us on the journey. Read our Shop section, peruse the Best Of and look at the gorgeous advertisements. These are businesses you can count on for your needs.
Lastly, at 381 years old today, Stamford is ranked as one of the safest cities in the country, rich in history and bursting with accomplishments. It is a jewel. Be proud. Be Stamford.
founder’s page
“I still remember . . . the yucky feel of holding a seven-pound bass under the gills for a picture.”
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2024 / DONNA MOFFLY
OF FALL AND FISH
Every summer we have a family fishing contest at the Basin Harbor Club on Lake Champlain—with lots of prizes and funky catches. Once, my son-in-love Drew Klotz was reeling in a perch, which suddenly became a tough job because a big wide-mouth bass had come along and swallowed it; so he ended up with a twofer. Daughter Audrey won a special prize for catching an old baseball cap. And the kids used to take Grandpa out on the boat, wait until he fell asleep holding the rod, then tie a fish on the end of the line and jerk it.
But September always reminds me of Canada, because that’s where my father went fishing the minute the black fly season was over up there. He was among the first Americans to join the Gatineau Fish and Game Club. Mostly he took customers, later his doctor and an oxygen tank but sometimes my mother and us three kids.
I’m surprised Mother ever agreed to go back to Canada after her honeymoon. Glamour queen that she was, she’d bought an elegant trousseau then learned they’d be going to a Canadian hunting lodge recommended by a friend of my father.
Turned out it had no indoor plumbing—just a chamber pot under the bed that she was too embarrassed to use, and between their cabin and the outhouse was a pasture full of cows. By their last stop—the Chateau Frontenac in Quebec—the newlyweds weren’t even holding hands. I’m surprised I’m sitting here writing this today.
The next time Mother went to Canada, her appendix burst, and she returned to Cleveland packed in ice, like the prize fish we’d catch in Gatineau someday.
In 1944, getting to Gatineau and its magnificent 31-mile lake meant changing trains in Buffalo, a sleeper to Ottawa, then a 90-mile drive on unpaved roads to a town called Point Comfort (!) populated by the Blah
family. Amé Blah, the toothless patriarch and head guide at the Club, had 21 children. “Two beds,” he explained.
We had three motorboats, one named the Donna Jeannette (that’s me). When we stopped on an island for lunch, the guides (who Dad refused to let open Coke bottles with their teeth) cooked our smaller catch over a wood fire. One year a fish bit Mother’s gold sinker— a shiny little disc with her initials on it—off the line, and months later someone caught the same fish and found it inside! True story.
The guides, incidentally, were proud to point out the summer home of movie actor Franchot Tone as we trolled by.
But luck still wasn’t with poor Mother. One year she was drying her hair after playing with a kitten that had rolled in poison ivy, got it on her scalp, and the ointment from a Point Comfort “doctor” almost left her bald.
We stayed in a cabin with a real icebox and gas lamps (no electricity). At night my two brothers and I lit cattails and used them to hunt bullfrogs. The people next door also had two boys, so I was outnumbered. They did things like leave dead snakes on our doorstep and tie me to a tree on an island so the bears could get me.
Women and children weren’t allowed in the main clubhouse except for dinner, but that was OK. Besides, one guy there was a ventriloquist who could throw his voice into the basement and had us kids believing in ghosts.
I still remember the smell of Nescafé in the morning, the smoky taste of “lunchers” and the yucky feel of holding a seven-pound bass under the gills for a picture. Actually I’d like to see more of Canada now—comfortably from the window of that train from Toronto to Vancouver.
So it’s September when crisp autumn air sharpens the wits—a good time to reminisce. And go fishing.
DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF WINDHAM MOUNTAIN CLUB
Nestled in the heart of the Catskills and just a short drive from New York City, Windham Mountain Club (WMC) is a sanctuary for year-round adventurers of all ages that bring families closer in every season. Standing as the preeminent destination for thoughtfully elevated and intentionally uncrowded mountain living, this premiere, publicprivate mountain community seamlessly blends world-class skiing with exclusive luxury amenities, offering an unparalleled experience for winter weekend guests and private club members.
“Our goal is to provide the best overall skiing and riding experience in the Northeast,” says President Chip Seamans. “With uncrowded slopes for the public and our members, our ski racing and development programs, and extraordinary culinary offerings, we aim to create a remarkable end-to-end experience at Windham Mountain Club.”
HONORING TRADITIONS, BUILDING LEGACY
Windham Mountain Club stands on a foundation rich in history, originating in the early 1960s with the establishment of Cave Mountain Ski Area. In 2024, the experienced luxury hospitality families of Sandy Beall and Kemmons Wilson (KWC Management) came on board as new majority owners. With over 100 years of combined industry experience, this experienced team placed emphasis on reshaping the resort into a four-season luxury destination and provided a historic investment of $70 million. Sandy Beall is Founder of Land Hospitality, a company that brings premier four-season private communities to life for unparalleled experiences, and best known as Chairman and Co-Founder of Blackberry Farm, a Relais and Chateux and Wine Spectator Grand Award property, and Blackberry Mountain, listed for Vogue’s 2024 Top 10 Best Spa Resorts in the United States.
“Our focus is creating memorable experiences, from a day on the mountain to an afternoon on the water or fairway, to summer mornings spent in holistic fitness and total rejuvenation. Windham Mountain Club will offer truly special experiences that guests will look forward to year after year,”
Sandy Beall
Chairman and Co-Founder of Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain
CELEBRATING LUXURY AND LIFE
Windham Mountain Club is a haven for those who appreciate luxury in every detail and value quality family time. Savvy skiers, diners, and outdoor enthusiasts will take note of improved, automated snowmaking and grooming, six different restaurants to choose from across the mountain (with more concepts on the way), and next up in the development pipeline, year-round luxury residences just steps away from the slopes. At the heart of Windham Mountain Club is a close-knit community that values connection, camaraderie, and shared experiences. Premiere events, social gatherings, annual mountain traditions, and members-only experiences foster a sense of belonging, making WMC not just a destination, but a second home. Whether you’re sharing stories over dinner or participating in a group hike, the spirit of community is ever-present. Children at Windham Mountain Club can embark on their own journeys of discovery, from exhilarating downhill skiing adventures to exploring forested trails and marveling at starlit skies. It’s
clear that here, young adventurers will create deep connections with nature and forge lasting friendships.
The recent developmental changes have catapulted Windham Mountain Club towards becoming a destination that is worth more than just a visit. Members and guests can embark on extraordinary journeys filled with unexpected delights–whether it’s a personalized wine or token of appreciation, every moment is curated to surprise and enchant. What will be obvious to anyone visiting Windham Mountain Club for the first time is that membership provides more than just access, it’s an investment in a lifestyle rich with memorable experiences. The transformation from charming local favorite to an elevated, world-class destination is well underway, and those in the know are eager to be a part of Windham’s storied evolution.
LEARN MORE
buzz
There’s exciting news to share about “We Are Stamford: Immigrants in the City that Works”, the photo exhibit that opened last year at Building One Community, the nonprofit center on Shippan Ave. dedicated to providing comprehensive resources to local immigrants. The 50 photographs highlighting 25 Stamford success stories taken by Pulitzer Prizewinning photojournalist John Moore will travel soon to the Government Center and to Stamford Hospital after a summer sojourn at the Ferguson Library.
“This exhibit celebrates the strength and resilience of those who leave their homes to seek opportunities in a new land. It portrays immigrants as they truly are—courageous individuals engaged in work they are deeply passionate about, building one strong community and generating economic growth,” says Elena Perez, executive director at B1C. Moore, a Stamford resident and special correspondent for Getty Images, is the author of “Undocumented: Immigration
Portraits with Purpose
Building One Community’s photo project CELEBRATING LOCAL IMMIGRANTS goes on the road and into a book
by liz barron // photography by john moore
and the Militarization of the USMexico Border” (powerHouse books 2018). He has received numerous professional accolades, including a Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award and World Press Photo of the Year, and has covered immigration issues for nearly two decades.
“For many years now, I’ve had the privilege of photographing within immigrant communities
in the United States and abroad. What’s often missing from media coverage is the longer-term story of how people, once here, integrate themselves, educate their children, and build this country, often literally,” says Moore, who worked on the project pro bono.
A book of the same name is also newly available this month, which will preserve these
impactful profiles for current and future readers.
“What I value most about this project is the tangible legacy it creates for future generations,” says B1C board member and editor of the book, Ellen Williams. “My hope is that 100 years from now someone will open up the pages of the book and learn about the lives of Stamford residents at this time in history and that they will come to appreciate just how many diverse people from all walks of life were able to live and work together.”
Get a sneak peek of the project in the three excerpts here.
For more information on exhibit dates and to purchase the book, visit b1c.org. Follow Moore @jbmoorephoto.
SAVE THE DATE B1C’s 9th Annual Colloquium “Deconstructing an Immigrant’s Journey and the Forces That Shape It” Tuesday, September 17 at The Village, 4 Star Point
left: Khurram Nomani moved with his family from Karachi, Pakistan, in 1985. right: Alicia Calixto came to the U.S. from Puebla, Mexico, in 2004.
Adriana Molina
Age 56, born in Medellín, Colombia
Today, Adriana is a sergeant in the Stamford Police Department and head of its Behavior Health Unit.
Back in Colombia, Adriana’s family probably didn’t think the little twoyear-old in their midst would become a respected police officer and advocate for the underserved. When her parents brought the family to the United States to obtain medical help for her brother, Adriana began to dream. She says, “When I was growing up, there were three things I wanted to be: a nun, a nurse, and a police officer. My mom told me that women can’t be police officers. The nursing school I attended told me to drop out—I couldn’t be a wife and mother and still do nursing school because that was too demanding. And, well, I got married and had kids so that took care of becoming a nun!”
Adriana did, in fact, become a police officer—at age 37. And
she is passionate about her role as head of the Behavioral Health Unit, whose mission is to provide follow up and resources after officers have responded to a mental illness call. She says that her unit performs many visits to people who are isolated, homeless or depressed. “We are proactive in the community. We talk to individuals, drop off blankets and toiletries, bring services to them, and, more importantly, get to know them. It’s been gratifying. We are also able to participate in many community outreach events. It’s nice to see that Stamford supports a police department that helps the community—and looks like the community it serves.” The city of Stamford embraces everyone: “We’re a big melting pot here, and we’re all accepted. We can all learn from each other.”
“We’re a big melting pot here and we’re all accepted. We can all learn from each other.”
Her belief in Stamford’s inclusivity reflects her values. Sergeant Molina’s commitment to serving the underserved underscores her inner empathy and her desire to make a difference. Even as she plans for the future, transitioning to nursing after she retires from the police force, Adriana’s spirit of service remains unwavering. She embodies the essence of a faithful community caretaker enriching lives and spreading positivity wherever she goes.
Reginald Boursiquot
Age 46, born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Today, Reginald is an artist working a day job as a home health aide.
Haiti is my paradise,” says Reginald Boursiquot. “It is a tradition when a baby is born, to bury the umbilical cord in the soil and then plant a tree there. So you are forever a part of that earth, that land. You are always a part of Haiti.”
“But Stamford is a nice, nice place,” Reggy adds. “I can walk a long way at night and never feel scared. That is a really good feeling.”
Having trained in an art school, Reggy arrived in Boston in 2015 to be part of a painting exhibition at the Haitian consulate office. That exhibition never happened,
“I came to B1C with no English. They helped me learn the language, they helped me train for jobs, they helped me with a lot of other things. I am sincerely grateful.”
and the political situation in Haiti made it too dangerous to return home. Reggy’s mother was already living in Stamford and his six siblings were also in the U.S., so Reggy decided to make his new home here. It was hard. He had left behind his wife and child. He says, “I had to start over. It is so crazy how one day you are
a professionally recognized painter making a good living and suddenly everything you have worked for has no value. You have to start from the bottom again.” He reminisces how much Building One Community helped him. “I came to B1C with no English. They helped me learn the language, they helped me train for jobs, they helped me with a lot of other things. I am sincerely grateful.”
Reggy dreams of a future in which he is an accomplished artist who is able to make a living. He has made a start—two of his paintings were included in an art exhibition at the Stamford Government Center. In the meantime, Reggy is looking at all the possible job options that might give him enough freedom and independence to live his dream.
Maria Cecilia Catilo Asnis
Age 42, born in Manila, Philippines
Today, Maria is a doctor specializing in endocrinology and obesity medicine in the Stamford Health Medical Group.
Maria Asnis was five years old when her family decided to pick up and change their lives forever in the United States. The family landed in Virginia, where Maria grew up as a typical American girl, loving school, making friends, and taking piano lessons. Her parents did not focus on the sacrifices they had made starting over in a new country. Instead, they set out to fulfill their American dream, believing that you can be anything here. Maria now lives that dream.
As a doctor, Maria has always focused on having a communitybased practice. She cares about serving the people around her and she saw in Stamford various tightknit immigrant groups. “This is a city of immigrant communities,” she remarks. “You feel it. For a pretty big city, Stamford feels
small. And I see them all—every kind of person from all over the world. It’s wonderful.”
Dr. Asnis holds on to core principles that are deeply embedded in Filipino values around the importance of compassion, community, and fairness—not always an easy feat in the American healthcare system. Because she ensures that all patients are provided with the utmost kindness and respect regardless of their backgrounds, Dr. Asnis is a sought-after physician.
With children of her own and a devoted husband, Dr. Asnis now balances being a proud American with being a person rooted in the Filipino culture. She says, “I try to preserve a lot of the culture by talking to my young children about it, and through food. There
is an expression in the Tagalog language—‘blood knows blood’— which means your roots never leave you. My kids really feel that.”
Maria’s extended family joined millions of others who have made their way to the U.S. Today Filipino Americans make up the third-largest Asian American population, after Chinese Americans and Indian Americans. Maria notes: “There are definitely quite a few Filipino nurses and doctors right here in Stamford!”
“I was proud to be a part of this project, which gives immigrants in Stamford the recognition they deserve and highlights how we contribute to every aspect of our community’s rich culture, business landscape, overall well-being and vitality. ”
do
OPEN
VISITORS TO PHILIP JOHNSON’S IDYLLIC GLASS HOUSE IN NEW CANAAN ARE NOW ABLE TO GET A PEEK INSIDE THE PROPERTY’S GUEST HOUSE
by eileen murphy
INVITATION
After being closed to the public for 17 years, the Brick House reopened this spring following a major renovation led by The National Trust for Historic Preservation. In contrast to the transparent Glass House, the almost entirely opaque Brick House afforded privacy to Philip Johnson’s famous guests, like artists Andy Warhol and Jasper Johns. The reopening of the Brick House was held in conjunction with the 75th anniversary of The Glass House. Tours are available from April 15 through December 15. Buy tickets at theglasshouse.org
Clockwise from above: The colorful library in the Brick House features a purple carpet and two Feltri chairs by Italian architect and designer Gaetano Pesce. Skylights and three porthole windows bring in natural light, while the brick façade provides privacy in the bathroom and bedroom.
MICHAEL BIONDO
FALL IN PLACE
SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER ARE PACKED WITH FAMILY-FRIENDLY TO-DOS FROM SWEET TREATS TO SPOOKY SEASON STANDOUTS by stefanie horn
No. 1 SWEET SPOT
Don’t miss the chance to get dressed up in your Halloween costume and head to Stamford Town Center on Sunday, October 27 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. for the Stamford Moms Candy Crawl. Trick or treat for sweet surprises, decorate pumpkins, take photos with favorite characters and have a ghastly good time.
No. 2 PICKY EATERS
Nabbing fresh apples straight from the tree is an absolute must in fall. “Pick your own” typically begins in early September. Two of our favorite spots for this are Silverman’s Farm in Easton, which has animals to visit and feed, a country store and a playground. And Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard in North Salem, NY, where on weekends families can enjoy live music, food and cider. For the full list of our other favorite orchards, visit stamfordmoms.com.
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A little later in the season, head out with the whole family to pluck your perfect pumpkin(s)! Designs by Lee is a top choice for both the selection and customer service. Be sure to visit the goats and take a turn on the playground. Keep an eye out for a list of their family-friendly fall events at designsbylee.com.
No. 3 DOLLARS TO DONUTS
In fall, we’re nuts for apple cider donuts. Lakeside Diner and Beldotti Bakery are faves for their versions that are best enjoyed on a crisp day at a nearby playground like Chestnut Hill or Barrett Park. There, little ones can burn off the sugar rush before begging to go back for seconds.
No. 4 EXTRA(FUN)CURRICULARS
The second annual Stamford Moms After School Activities Expo gives you and your kiddos a chance to meet, ask questions and see demos from more than 25 local programs, making it easy to decide the right fit for your child’s pastime pursuits this year. There’s a lot to enjoy, including a character appearance and more, on Sunday, September 8, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Stamford Town Center
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
AReady for TakeOff!
by kim-marie galloway
WE’VE FOUND SOME OF THE BOUGIEST WAYS TO BOARD A FLIGHT
viation legends don’t stand in lines and never remove their shoes. They arrive while the plane is boarding but never miss the flight. They slip into their seat at 2B (only rookies book bulkheads), having never stepped foot on the jet bridge. They know the airport VIP secrets that make TSA Pre-Check feel like a Jersey bus station.
KEEPING IT PRIVATE
The next best thing to flying a private jet is the use of a private terminal that’s only available to members of P/S or those who pay a one-time use fee. Guests don’t stand in line to check bags or line up to board with Zone 1. Think velvet couches and chilled champagne instead of sticky vinyl seats and Auntie Anne’s.
The boarding zone is a private car on the tarmac. Take a quick climb up
the stairs on the side of the jet bridge and then pop into your seat. The same service can be booked for arrival. Guests deplane down the stairs to a waiting car while someone else jockeys for position at baggage claim. This option is only available in Los Angeles and Atlanta— for now. Prices vary but average around $4,000 for the first passenger, unless you have the American Express Centurion card (the black card), and then it’s just a membership perk. reserveps.com
above and opposite: P/S offers the ultimate in airport luxury.
BUTLER SERVICE, ANYONE?
The next tier down from a fully private suite is a private concierge available at most airports. Fast Track can be booked for both arrival and departure. A representative meets guests at the curb, takes your luggage and moves you quickly through security. You’ll wait in a VIP lounge instead of waiting in line or lurking around the gate. There are no worries about missing your flight, because the concierge is also an escort to the boarding gate. This service is especially useful for arrivals at international airports. Guests clear customs and immigration in a fraction of the time it would usually take. Each airport controls the companies authorized to offer Fast Track services. A good travel advisor can organize this service or check Royal Airport Concierge at royalairportconcierge.com. Prices vary. Delta’s airport concierge service is one of the best-kept secrets in travel. Called VIP Select, the service is rarely advertised by the airline and is only bookable by calling an unpublished phone number or emailing the private service (see contact info on next page). VIP Select allows passengers flying in any cabin to check in alongside Delta One passengers. If this doesn’t sound like a big deal, or worth $500 for the first passenger and $100 for each additional passenger, you haven't experienced the Delta One treatment. The private check-in lounge at LAX feels like walking into a Ritz hotel. The bellman takes your luggage while a server offers chilled Champagne and caviar canapes. From
there, it’s a short walk to a private TSA screening with no line and entrance to the SkyClub lounge with reserved seating. The service is available for departures, arrivals and connecting flights. When it’s time to board the plane, passengers are transferred to their gate (depending on the airport, this could even mean being chauffeured in a Porsche across the apron). At the gate, fliers have a choice of boarding first or last—with reserved overhead bin space, of course.
The service is similar for connecting flights. Connecting passengers are met at their flight and transferred to the SkyClub and taken to their departing flight when it’s time to board. Arriving passengers are transferred from their plane to a designated spot at curbside pickup that agents pre-coordinate with the person
A private suite at LAX
responsible for picking them up.
United Airlines offers a similar service for its Global Services members. You can’t pay for Global Services status. You need to be invited.
Hawaiian Airlines offers the ultimate VIP experience for special occasions, honeymoons or people who just like to be taken care of. Book the premium service, and the host completes checkin before the travelers even arrive at the airport. The service includes priority baggage handling, access to expedited lines outside TSA, a private escort to the boarding gate (via private car service, depending on the terminal) and an option to board the aircraft first.
When the service is booked for arrival, passengers are greeted with a lei, receive carry-on baggage assistance, a private transfer to their transportation and baggage delivery to their final destination on Oahu. (Connecting passengers get a combination of these services.) But the biggest perk of this service is access to Apartment 1929, the airline’s brand-new private airport lounge. The exclusive area has indoor seating as well as an outdoor patio, and it offers access to a liquor menu curated by Bar Leather Apron, a James Beard Award winner. Guests can
also pre-order meal service and make a shower reservation. Prices for the experience start at $500 for a party of two. Travelers can also use Hawaiian Miles to cover the service.
Guests don’t stand in line to check bags or line up to board with Zone 1. think velvet couches and chilled champagne instead of sticky vinyl seats and auntie anne’s.
YOUR LITTLE BLACK BOOK
vipselect@delta.com
Available at: Atlanta (ATL) Detroit (DTW) Los Angeles (LAX) Minneapolis (MSP) New York (JFK & LGA) Salt Lake City (SLC) San Francisco (SFO) Seattle (SEA)
HAWAIIAN AIRLINES
808-470-3988
premiumairportservice@ hawaiianair.com
FOR THE REST OF US
Clear is a pay-to-play workaround for long airport lines. But even its lines are getting long, so the company has added dedicated lines for members who also have TSA Pre-check. However, the fastest way through security is by enrolling in the airline’s dedicated Digital ID programs. Delta was the first airline approved by the government to launch a Digital ID program. Fliers who have a Known Traveler Number and a passport on file with Delta can opt into the program on their Delta Airlines profile. After uploading a biometric photo they can use the dedicated Digital ID lines where you clear security by simply looking at a screen. It’s very Big Brother and also very worth it. There are rarely more than three to five people in these lines. Other airlines will launch similar programs soon.
The P/S terminal at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport
Photo: Michael Avedon
“She sings it not as musty nostalgia but as exuberant twenty-first-century pop, with a low, mesmerizing alto that is as commanding as any pop singer today...remaking Fado’s ancient sadness into a majestic modern sound.” — Rolling Stone
Acclaimed Portuguese Fado singer
October 6 • 7 p.m.
Machine de Cirque
Ghost Light: Between Fall and Flight
Perfect for the whole family!
October 24 • 7:30 p.m.
Bari Weiss
The Bennett Lecture in Judaic Studies
A Community Forum
October 28 • 7:30 p.m.
shop
TREND ALERT
WE SERVE UP THIS FALL’S M O ST VIBRANT TRENDS THAT’LL HAVE YOU SAVORING THE SEASON IN STYLE
By Hannah Deely
Denim
Cozy
Green
Gorgeous In Green
1 POLO RALPH LAUREN Cotton Chino Ball Cap, $49.50, Greenwich; ralphlauren.com
10 SHREVE, CRUMP & LOW Starburst Diamond and Yellow Gold Drop Earrings, $7,950, Greenwich; shrevecrumpandlow .com
eat&drink
right: The coveted crystal guarantees bragging rights—at least until next year.
OFIZZ THE SEASON
STAMFORD magazine’s 12TH ANNUAL BEST BARTENDER CONTEST
n July 16, the 12th annual Stamford Best Bartender contest drew a sold-out crowd of city-sippers to Harbor Point, where the scorching summer heat was tempered by refreshing drinks and an even cooler atmosphere. The town’s top bartenders showed off their mixology prowess, competing for the coveted title of Stamford’s Best Bartender. We added a second category this year: Best Sip & Snack for food and drink pairings. And as always, we crowned a People’s Choice and a Judge’s Choice winner in each category.
ELIZABETH KEYSER , our seasoned food and drink contributor, and DAVID MILTON , known as 'DAM' from @TheDamGram, judged this year’s competition. “Events like this bring everyone out. Stamford’s sophisticated clientele
really appreciates good food and drinks,” Keyser says.
Milton agrees and notes the spirits teams were up to the task of meeting (and succeeding) expectations. “I spend so much of my time seeing every inch of the state, and events like this really showcase the amazing talent we have. Fairfield County really holds its own,” says Milton.
every inch of the state, and events like this really County really holds its own,” says Milton. &
The folks from Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse
Competition was as stiff as a perfectly shaken martini. The judge’s pick for Best Bartender went to the team at bartaco and Best Sip & Snack was awarded to Prime: An American Kitchen & Bar. The folks from Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse dazzled the crowd winning People’s Choice Best Bartender, while Brasitas triumphed as People’s Choice Best Sip & Snack.
Cheers!
left: Chicken, rice and slaw from the team at Jerkyz was a huge hit. below: Spirits were high at the 12th annual Best Bartender contest.
long.
Best Bartender judges contributing writer Elizabeth Keyser and Insta-foodie David Milton
above: Bartenders from Tequila Escape shook things up all night
BEST SHOTS
Ingredients //
1.5 oz. Libélula joven Tequila
2 oz. Green juice from pineapple, mango and spinach
.5 oz. Agave
.5 oz. Combier
1 oz. Lime juice
Half lime (for garnish)
Tajín (for rim)
bartaco is a communityfirst restaurant—we are always looking for ways to give back and celebrate our local businesses and neighbors. When we heard about this opportunity to gather all the
best bartenders from Stamford together, we were incredibly excited. It's a great way to showcase local talent and celebrate Stamford’s bartending skills. It's also a great opportunity for us to promote collaboration and encourage local bartenders to get to know one another. This city has so much to offer in terms of great bartending talent and great places to dine out and grab a cocktail. We had a blast and can't wait for next year's event!
-General manager
David Laforest
Pour one out for ALL THE WINNERS
JUDGE'S PICK for BEST BARTENDER JUDGE'S PICK for BEST SIP & SNACK
Prime: An American Kitchen & Bar impressed the judges with their Suika Blossom cocktail, a spirited mix featuring yuzuinfused vodka and spiced gin, paired with a seared beef tostada with pickled watermelon and avocado mousse. The delectable duo also had a charitable element in support of the Vietnamese Farmers Project. Experience the winning flavors (and contribute
to a good cause) for yourself by making a reservation at Prime today.
Winner // bartaco Bartenders // Jennifer Lima at the event and Agustin “Yogi” Cristerna at HQ Drink // Green Margarita
Winner // Prime: An American Kitchen & Bar Sip // Suika Blossom Cocktail Snack // Seared Beef Tostada
3 A toast to Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse for people's choice Best Bartender win. 4 Brasitas earned people's choice for Best Sip & Snack for their sangria and ceviche.
1 The folks from bartaco celebrate their judge's Best Bartender win.
2 Prime: An American Kitchen & Bar lands the judge's Best Sip & Snack award.
above Green juice gave bartaco's margaritas the extra razzle dazzle needed to win over the judges.
above The team at Prime: An American Kitchen & Bar served their vodka-and-gin cocktail with a seared beef tostada that wowed.
above It was "Prime" time fun as the judges awarded the restaurant bar crew.
BEST BARTENDER BEST SIP & SNACK
Bartenders //
Drink(s) // Watermelon
Spicy Margarita and The Patricio
Watermelon
Spicy Margarita
1.5 oz Tante Jalapeño Tequila
0.25 oz Watermelon Syrup
0.25 oz Triple Sec
0.75 oz Lime Juice
Tajin (for rim)
The Patricio
1 Tablespoon of sugar
1/2 Lime
1/2 Kiwi
Muddle the lime, kiwi and sugar
2oz Cachaça
Shake well and serve in a wine glass topped with soda
We created a summer cocktail menu and searched for fresh ingredients that represented the season. After experimenting with various fruits and herbs, we discovered that the unique combination of watermelon and jalapeño was a winner. Inspired by this blend, we crafted a refreshing cocktail using jalapeño-infused tequila and watermelon purée, topped with a Tajín rim. It quickly became our number one summer seller. The Patricio, inspired by St. Patrick’s Day with a Brazilian twist, was designed to capture the green theme and offer a cocktail guests could enjoy all day. Its success led us to keep it on the menu.
-Partner/Manager
Alceu Pressi
In a summer dominated by every variation of a spritz, Brasitas threw it back with a classic— their famous red sangria. The refreshing drink was perfectly paired with a seafood delight, mango seabass ceviche served with chorizo yucca chimichurri. The delightful combo is an explosion of flavors that handily won over the crowd. To experience it for yourself, visit the restaurant on East Main Street.
ILet the Good Times Pour
t was a see-and-be-seen scene at this year’s Best Bartender contest. Our shakers and stirrers brought their A-game, while the crowd raised the bar on fun all evening long. These party pics capture the truly intoxicating spirit of the night.
4 Grubtok's Nitesh Pundra and Yogitha Julakanti with CT Biz Tour's Kate Frederick 5 New and old friends gather 6 The crowd takes in the sunset. 7 The temps were high but the crowd was cool at the 12th annual Stamford Best Bartender event.
1 Sips and selfies 2 One big happy crowd Summer beats provided by DJ Kunjan
KIMCHI MASTERS
in Japanese cuisine, Chef June Seo cooks the dishes of her homeland at Ginger's: hot stone bibimbap, kim bap rolls and teteokbokki (sticky rice cakes).
KOREAN CUISINE SHINES AT STANDOUT GINGER’S SEOUL BAR & GRILL ON HIGH RIDGE. by elizabeth keyser
Korean cuisine has been simmering in the background of Fairfield County’s culinary scene, and it’s time to move it to the front burner. Ginger’s Seoul, which opened quietly last January on High Ridge Rd. (the expanded site of the former Kit’s Thai Kitchen),
is just the restaurant to do it.
Many of us are familiar with Korean barbecue, fried chicken, kimchi and gochujang pepper, but Ginger’s Seoul’s extensive menu dives deeper into a range of dishes that’ll wake up the taste buds of vegans, vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Though trained
To start, homemade cucumber kimchi, flecked with sesame seeds, is fresh, crunchy, spicy and garlicky. Vegan summer rolls, filled with avocado, cucumber, carrot, are wrapped in rice paper or pickled radish. Kim bap (kim means nori or seaweed and bap means rice) are rolls filled with seasoned sushi rice, vegetables and cooked meats. Choices abound, starting with white, brown or black rice (the latter is particularly dramatic). The traditional kim bap roll is filled with grilled sausage, egg, cucumber, carrots and pickled radish. The substantial fried shrimp bao, pairs a plump shrimp in a crisp tempura-like batter with strips of cucumbers between a soft lotus bun spread with spicy mayo.
The menu features some serious comfort food too. If you’ve never had rose teteokbokki before, try it. It looks like gnocchi in a bowl of red sauce, but the pleasing texture of the chewy rice cakes and sweet, spicy, creamy sauce is infinitely more interesting. It’s a dish you crave the next day.
Bibimbap is the ultimate Korean comfort dish. Served in a hot stone bowl, the dish arrives sizzling. You can choose vegetarian or meat toppings. Pour in gochujang pepper paste, and use two spoons to break up the egg, toss the vegetables and protein, and lift up that crunchy rice from the bottom. Paired with Chef June’s homemade pickled radish and kimchi, this is a thoroughly satisfying dish, with the textures of the rice, julienned vegetables, and the flavor combinations of pickled and raw vegetables with the grilled bulgogi (beef rib eye).
Pizza is a universal food, so don't be surprised to see it on the menu. The dining room features a dedicated oven, and kids can watch the chef pull out ooeygooey three-cheese pies. Toppings include pepperoni and veggies— and, yes, there are Korean-style kimchi and bulgogi pies.
Owner and City Representative James Grunberger outfitted the dining room with Honduran mahogany tables and comfortable chairs. The restaurant is spacious, with 55 seats and 45 more on the new patio, and invites lingering over a meal. Geonbae!
927 High Ridge Rd gingersseoul.com
from left: Tofu and rice-stuffed inari, vegan rolls and kim bap rolls, which are similar to sushi, but filled with pickled vegetables and grilled meat; the dining room at Ginger's Seoul is warm and minimalistic; Chef June makes the kimchi from scratch.
left: Mandu starters (dumplings stuffed with beef, pork or tofu, and chives) are steamed or fried. right: Grilled, marinated short ribs come with pickled radish and steamed white rice.
Fast, Fit and Fresh
FIND DELISH HEALTHY FARE AT THE SOON-TO-OPEN GREEN & TONIC DOWNTOWN. by amy sarbinowski
The endless question of where to find a quick and healthy bite just got a little easier. Popular plant-based eatery Green & Tonic will open its fifth Connecticut location this month at 54 West Park Place, near Columbus Park.
“We have evolved from a smoothie bar into a cafe where everything is made from scratch,” says CEO Fausto Mieres who was raised in Stamford. “We use farm fresh ingredients to provide our consumer with quality.”
Mieres is on a roll here, with additional openings planned at two locations in Greenwich, which will add to his roster of restaurants in Cos Cob, Darien, New Canaan, Stamford and Westport.
A modern cafe requires robust coffee, and Mieres is on a mission to brew the best. Organic beans are sourced from Columbia, Ethiopia and Kenya, where they are selected for high levels of
polyphenols, a health-promoting antioxidant. They arrive in small batches twice a month and are roasted in-house to make Super Brew Coffee. The best part is that you won’t lose your lunch money paying for it.
“We are a small, local company that is taking business away from
big commercial cafes by being honest and transparent,” he says. “We undercut the competition.”
Bring your crew to sample breakfast offerings such as plantbased bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches, avocado toast or roasted banana bread—all glutenfree. In addition to the full coffee
bar, there are signature smoothies and a dozen ways to build your own açai bowl.
Green & Tonic has also expanded its menu and now features build-your-own chopped salads, falafel bowls, a house made veggie burger, plus grab-and-go options like seasonal soups, coldpressed juices and refreshing wellness shots. Our current fave is the Tumeric Boost. The dressings are made with real, not additiveladen ingredients, such as olive oil and lemon juice that bring freshness to every bite.
If still somehow you’re ho-hum at lunch options, there is more. At Green & Tonic you can sample creative inventions such as a Tofu Bibimbap Bowl or a Sunshine Bento Box, where curry chickpea salad is the star. And if you need a fix for your sweet tooth, there are homemade treats, so pick up a dark chocolate brownie, peanut butter energy bites, or coconut fig squares to top off your lunch.
left: Spicy Avocado Wrap and cold-pressed Grass Hopper juice middle: Desserts, like Vanilla Swirl with Almond Butter Drizzle, are less than 300 calories and packed with superfoods. right: Sunshine Bento Box with Green Guru smoothie below: Chopped salads to eat in or carry out
2024 SEASON
YOUR SUMMER CONCERT HOME!
MAY 18 NEIL YOUNG + CRAZY HORSE
MAY 24 THE BEACH BOYS W/ DAVE MASON
MAY 31 COLE SWINDELL W/ DYLAN SCOTT & MACKENZIE CARPENTER
JUNE 1 THE BRYSON TILLER TOUR
JUNE 13 TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVE W/ BIG BOI
JUNE 14 BONNIE RAITT
JUNE 18 NIALL HORAN
JUNE 20 JAY WHEELER
JUNE 21 BILLY CURRINGTON W/ LARRY FLEET & REDFERRIN
JUNE 23 SARAH MCLACHLAN W/ FEIST
JUNE 28 LAINEY WILSON W/ IAN MUNSICK & ZACH TOP
JUNE 29 A DAY TO REMEMBER W/ THE STORY SO FAR, FOUR YEAR STRONG, & PAIN OF TRUTH
JULY 5 JASON MRAZ W/ RIPE
JULY 14 RAIN – A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES
JULY 16 TOTALLY TUBULAR FESTIVAL THOMAS DOLBY, THE ROMANTICS, MEN WITHOUT HATS, MODERN ENGLISH & MORE
JULY 18 DIRTY HEADS & SLIGHTLY STOOPID W/ COMMON KINGS & ELOVATERS
JULY 19 JORDAN DAVIS W/ MITCHELL TENPENNY
JULY 20 BRIT FLOYD
JULY 21 O.A.R. W/ FITZ & THE TANTRUMS & DJ LOGIC
JULY 23 HALESTORM & I PREVAIL W/ HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD & FIT FOR A KING F OR A KING
JULY 24 SAMMY HAGAR W/ LOVERBOY
JULY 26 / 27 BILLY STRINGS
JULY 30 CHICAGO AND EARTH, WIND & FIRE
AUG 2 QUEENS OF R&B: XSCAPE & SWV
AUG 3 311 W/ AWOLNATION & NEON TREES
AUG 6 CREED W/ TONIC & FINGER ELEVEN
AUG 9 THE DOOBIE BROTHERS W/ STEVE WINWOOD
AUG 17 STRAY CATS
AUG 18 WHISKEY MYERS W/ BLACKBERRY SMOKE & EDDIE FLINT FLINT
AUG 19 CAGE THE ELEPHANT W/ YOUNG THE GIANT & BAKAR
AUG 22 IMPRACTICAL JOKERS
AUG 23 / 24 TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND W/ SPECIAL GUEST MARGO PRICE
AUG 30 YOUNG MIKO
AUG 31 WALKER HAYES W/ KYLIE MORGAN & TENILLE ARTS
SEPT 3 DEEP PURPLE W/ YES
SEPT 4 / 5 JAMES TAYLOR & HIS ALL-STAR BAND
SEPT 14 KILLER QUEEN W/ VOYAGE
SEPT 15 JANE’S ADDICTION AND LOVE & ROCKETS
SEPT 22 THE PRICE IS RIGHT LIVE
SEPT 25 THE MARLEY BROTHERS
SEPT 26 MT. JOY
OCT 5 KINGS OF LEON W/ PHANTOGRAM AND MANY MORE!!
people&PLACES
BY AVIVA MALLER
etting nautical in blue hues and oceaninspired looks, guests were invited to “dive in” and support SoundWaters at The Tall Ships Ball. The benefit at Riverside Yacht Club included a cocktail hour, dinner and auction, as well as live music by popular cover band The Short Bus. With more than 300 in attendance, proceeds from the evening enable SoundWaters to preserve and protect Long Island Sound through education programs, sailing courses and training to “prepare future generations.” soundwaters.org »
PHOTOGRAPHS
1 SoundWaters Staff 2 Rich and Victoria Thomas, Namrata Gandhi, Asaad Bhamla 3 David Kooris, Senator Richard Blumenthal, John Lucero 4 The Silva Family spoke about their SoundWaters journey. 5 Sam and Kaya Kies 6 Kristi Calver, Maria Vazquez-Goncalves, Paul Goncalves 7 Michele Segalla, SoundWaters Board Chair Tony Allott 8 April Aspinwall and Donna Bombino dressed as Ariel and Ursula.
Ace in the Hole
Golfers teed it up at The Stanwich Club for the eighth annual Children’s Learning Centers (CLC) Golf Outing and luncheon. Participants tried their skills at on-course competitions, including a Hole-in-One Contest with a chance to win $10,000. Funds raised from the sold-out event help provide early education and “prepare nearly 900 low and moderate-income children for kindergarten and a lifetime of learning.” CLC CEO Monica Maccera thanked the donors, adding: “Children who attended CLC are doing better in Stamford Public Schools than children without a preschool experience.” The tournament generated more than $150,000 to further the mission. clcfc.org »
CHILDREN’S LEARNING CENTERS OF FAIRFIELD / The Stanwich Club
1 Katherine Escalante, Sarah McMackin, Penny Lehman, Jennifer Hallissey, Stephanie Cowie, Sue Bodson, Monica Maccera, Marsha Guthrie, Anna Witkowski 2 Joe Spada, John Starks, Larry Lawrence, Duane Hill 3 Dan Finnegan, Tom Goldberg, Tom Malman, Bob Casale 4 Board Chair Noah Lapine, Jason Stuken 5 James Boylan, Nick Bueti, CLC CEO Monica Maccera, Christine and Joe D’Annibale 6 Meredith Bach, Darrell Ingram, Linda Cogan 7 Gregg Jennifer, David Crichlow, Board Member Carmen Hughes, Von Hughes 8 Bob Rahilly, Dan Hassett, Tony Guzzi, John Guzzi 9 Jonathan Moffly, Chris Raveis, Maxx Crowley, Ray Cashen
Healthy Impact
Cebrating the 45th anniversary of Americares, more than 400 people attended the annual Airlift Benefit at JFK International Airport’s TWA Hotel. Producer and award-winning actor Bryan Cranston hosted the event, surprising guests with exclusive auction items like movie premiere invites and backstage passes to a Broadway show. Cranston, along with Americares board member and actor, director, producer Tony Goldwyn, rallied the crowd to raise $1.9 million for the cause. According to Americares President and CEO Christine Squires, “The funds raised will make a meaningful impact for people affected by poverty or disaster worldwide.” americares.org »
1 Bryan Cranston, Christine Squires, Tony Goldwyn 2 Alan and Betty Feldman 3 Sarah Saint-Amand, David and Evangeline Decima, Deb Dowling 4 Sheri Sobrato, Nicole Gustafson, Cortney, Leif, Eric and Joy Weintz 5 Paddle raise 6 Steven and Joan Weisman 7 Lydia Fenet 8 Christine Squires 9 Aarti Abularach, Samhita and Ignacio Jayanti 10 Tony Goldwyn, Bryan Cranston 11 On the dance floor
1 Keith Styrcula, Jordan
Emily Goodman, Frances
2 Sammy Moore, Santana Grant, Dominique Moore
3 Isis-Rae Goulbourne, Marie Rocha, Jon Winkel 4 Mayor Caroline Simmons, Alison Malloy 5 Malik Okoro, Kevin Peraino, Paul Robertson, Matthew McCooe, Jordan Lue
6 Malik Okoro, Qiana Patterson, Peter Nicholos, Tamika Vantifflin, Christine Sullivan, Shii-Anna Mudie, Marie Rocha, Wei Liao, Alana Akerson 7 front row: Felicia Rubinstein, Leah Kagan, Marie Rocha, Isis-Rae Goulbourne, Clovia Mcintosh
back row: Qiana Patterson, Kevin Peraino, Paul Robertson, Matthew McCooe, Alana Ackerson, Ron Rodriguez 8 Howard
Strateman, Rick Leonard 9 Mayor Simmons, GE Appliances CEO Kevin Nolan, Alison
Malloy 10 Arthur Thomas III, Paul Robertson, Clovia McIntosh, James Nicholas
Talking Tech
Entrepreneurs and technology experts gathered for the inaugural CT Tech Week, kicked off by Realist Lab’s Demo Day pitch competition. Three founders from underrepresented communities received grants for innovative tech ideas. Another highlight was a breakfast with Mayor Caroline Simmons and Alison Malloy from Connecticut Innovations. Kevin Nolan, president and CEO of GE Appliances, gave an inspiring introduction. The speakers discussed Stamford’s role in “fostering a thriving environment for startups and small businesses.” cttechweek.com
Lue,
Zelazny, Jason Cabral
CT TECH WEEK / The Village
R EACH Prep provides access to transformative educational experiences that empower underserved, high-achieving students to graduate from top colleges and emerge as the next generation of leaders.
10
The future is bright for us all with these young leaders ready to TAKE ON THE WORLD Teens T WATCH
E
ven a global pandemic during their late middle school and early high school years couldn't stop these 10 teens from showing us their capacity for overcoming adversity to excel in the arts, academics, athletics and so much more. Come meet the multi-hyphenates (entrepreneur/rower/debater! scientist/dancer/class president!) who represent the best of Stamford's next generation. This year’s group of talented young people impressed us by how they made their mark being true to themselves, leaning into their personal interests to shine. If there is a through line that connects them all, it is an authenticity that seems to belie their age. No matter our own stage of life, we all have a lot to learn from and be inspired by their passion and determination. We look forward to watching their stories unfold. This is simply the first act.
by beth cooney fitzpatrick
1
Jaipal DOHIL
Jaipal Dohil is a competitive rower and debater, Model U.N. member and all-around ambitious student whose interests include macroand microeconomics, market simulations and leading the Investment Club at the King School.
says. “It was a small gesture that made them really happy.”
Soon, the family was busy baking for other isolated seniors. “We packaged everything beautifully and wrote special messages,” he says. “We’re delivering cookies, but I’ve learned the thing we’re really doing is addressing the problem of loneliness.”
To make things more personal, Baking Happiness began bringing in-person cookie decorating classes to senior centers. “It’s always exciting to see the fun and happiness that can come from an afternoon together.”
The project also gives Dohil a welcome respite from the demands of an otherwise grueling school and sports schedule that can include 5 a.m. weekend regattas as well as regular early morning weekday crew team practices. “I love it out on the water when you’re not struggling with the intensity,” he says.
never allowed just to argue your own point of view,” he says. “A subject may really resonate with you in a very personal way, but you have to be prepared to argue both sides regardless of your own feelings.”
Dohil’s burgeoning interest in economics might someday offer him pragmatic approaches to real-world problems through a field such as investment banking. “I have this passion for economics, but it’s also a role that involves working with people, dealing with clients, working on deals and helping companies,” he says. “It seems like another way to make an impact.”
POP QUIZ
Who is your ultimate dinner party guest?
Manchester United’s soccer forward MARCUS RASHFORD
stuff, but the 17-year-old senior still finds time for the sweeter things in life, like sharing his mouthwatering brownies.
Dohil grew up helping his mother, Seema, a gifted baker, make delicious custom cakes for family and friends. Eventually, he took over the mixing bowl, finding he loved experimenting with recipes. “If I have a specialty, it’s brownies,” he says. “I’ve noticed it can be interesting when you mix semi-sweet, bitter and other kinds of chocolate together.”
During the Covid-19 pandemic Dohil and his three younger sisters launched Baking Happiness, a nonprofit that delivers sweet treats to homebound seniors and nursing home residents. “The idea started
Jaipal takes a lineup of AP classes and then tackles serious real-world subjects for King’s debate team, where he’s made strong showings in state competitions. “What I like most about debating is that you’re
The Premier Leaguer is a steely player on the pitch, but Dohil salutes his commitment to ending food insecurity. “For me it’s cookies, for him it’s trying to end hunger. I really admire him for that, and for using his platform to have an impact.
It’s all serious and heady
with us dropping things off to my grandparents who were pretty unhappy during lockdown,” he
King School
The King School senior with his three younger sisters and partners in Baking Happiness
Kioja DUFF
King School
Kioja Duff’s creative endeavors make an intentional statement. Through a variety of mediums, the King School senior and award-winning artist offers creative discourse on societal perceptions that perpetuate often damaging and painful stereotypes.
“Whether it’s the norms and
of view. In March, Duff was honored for her piece “10-6June” with the Art Education Award at the 31st annual National Arts Program presented by the Connecticut Art Education Association. The work featured an elaborately crafted collage of newspapers her family had collected over time that distorted the authentic beauty of black people and perpetuated racial injustice. Her goal was to advocate for more inclusive standards, rather than solely traditional Eurocentric ones.
“I didn’t just focus on the negative things. I focused on the joy and excellence and beauty of Black people,” she says. “And I don’t just mean physical beauty. I mean the things on the inside that are beautiful, too.”
When she isn’t making art, Duff is co-leader of King’s Black Student Union, a role she took to create space on King’s campus for other Black students. “We are a small community, so sometimes just gathering for conversation is important,” she says.
Duff also leads King’s art club, regularly volunteers in the community and is a track and field athlete. “Shot put is my best event. I really love it and find it’s deceptive in the way it challenges your body. So much of the power of throwing comes from your legs.”
Despite her many interests, art comes first for this honor student. She traces her artistic talents to the “mesmerizing” New York City museum trips she took with her parents as a child. “I was the kind of kid who thought it was fun to go to the Whitney Biennial,” she laughs. “As much as I loved books—I still love to read—I was always drawn to the illustrations first.”
At King, she has immersed herself in advanced studio art classes. While she often takes a colorful deep dive into issues she cares about, Duff also believes creativity has the power to change communities. Her future goals include creating beautiful and sustainable living environments. “I love the idea of doing something environmentally friendly while creating the next generation of buildings.”
POP QUIZ
Who is your ultimate dinner party guest?
JIM PARSONS . I’m a huge fan of the ‘Big Bang Theory,’ so much so that I named my dog after Sheldon Cooper [his name is Cooper-Sheldon]. But I also look up to him because everything about him says, ‘It’s okay to be quirky and different.’
expectations we face as teens, or Black people or the LBGTQ-plus community, I like to examine those things through my art,” she says. “There’s a lot to unpack, and I find art to be the way I can express all the things I want to say.”
The art community has already taken notice of her versatile talents and thoughtful point
The versatile King School senior was a member of the crew team for two years (above) and pursues multiple mediums, including metalworking (below) in her art.
Brody EBRIGHT
When it comes to pursuing his passions, Brody Ebright likes to keep things on the fast track. The 17-year-old St. Luke’s School senior is a competitive runner, rock star Relay for Life fundraiser and has high-octane interest in “anything with four wheels.”
Ebright’s love of vehicles began as a child when on long family car trips he would study the other cars on the road. When we chat, he points to geared-up Lego projects behind him and says, “Nothing’s really changed. Cars have always been my thing.”
Ebright’s early fascination with things that move has only grown more serious in his adolescence. During an eighth-grade physics unit at Scofield Middle School, he realized he had already mastered the vocabulary from his long-running habit of watching YouTubing gear heads work on cars. “I love just watching random videos of people taking engines apart and putting them back together,” he says.
Perhaps it’s no surprise that his St. Luke’s years have been punctuated by deep dives into his favorite subjects, math and science, and making real-life connections to his interests in engine dynamics. Last year, he took on a still-in-progress independent study building a go-kart from scratch.
While the GMC SUV Ebright
drives to school is not his dream car (that would be a Porsche 911), he hopes to kick things into high gear when he heads to college, where he intends to study engineering.
When he’s not pondering the inner workings of driving machines, Brody has been honored for his campus leadership through his ongoing commitments to sports and service.
Last year, Ebright and a friend partnered to lead the school’s Relay for Life team to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. They had ambitious plans to raise $17,000 and a commitment to avoid the common approach of asking parents to help meet their goal. By the campaign’s end, the team raised $30,000. “We really had to take things up a notch,” he says. “That idea of working together and pushing as a team, really came from experiences with sports.”
Ebright plays tennis for St. Lukes and is particularly passionate about running for the school’s cross-country team. He began during his Scofield days for fun but stuck with it and became
increasingly competitive. When we spoke, he was prepping for Fairfield’s half-marathon. “For me, it’s about getting outside. It clears my head for all the other things I have to do,” he says. Naturally, the guy who needs speed was working on improving his race times.
POP QUIZ
Name something you love about your school.
I love the TIGHT-KNIGHT COMMUNITY at St. Luke’s. Everyone is friends with one another. I know my whole class and it’s a great community. It’s been essential to being happy in school. Everyone bands together for the common good.
St. Luke's School
clockwise from above left: Ebright with beloved family member Ziggy; the St. Luke's senior's mind is always on the go, whether in sport or tinkering with engines that make things move.
An independent, college preparatory day school, providing character-based education for boys in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12.
Maggie FLEISCHER
Academy of Information, Technology & Engineering
During the scary early months of the Covid-19 pandemic, Maggie Fleischer noticed her normally social friends were increasingly disconnected. Some of that made sense—school was virtual, and many families were practicing some form of lockdown. “But everyone my age seemed to just be isolated and struggling,” she says. “Social media is intended to connect us, but for my generation
it can also be super isolating.”
That’s when her interest in promoting teenage mental health and community wellness first began. In her years as a volunteer member of the Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council, Fleischer has emerged as a leader on the committee that advises the city’s Youth Services Bureau on issues facing Stamford’s adolescents. The council has taken on serious subjects, including suicide and sexual harassment and assault
prevention, often in an up-close and personal way.
Through visits to middle school classrooms, the honor student has been part of the effort to get local teens speaking about sensitive subjects that are too often ignored and stigmatized. “One thing we’ve done is a lot of talking about healthy relationships and what they look like,” she says, adding there is a “fine line between flirting and harassment that’s important for teens to discuss and understand.”
Fleischer hopes the council’s peer-to-peer delivery makes a difference. “If an adult is standing in front of your classroom, you can kind of check out,” she says. “When it’s another student, it’s more impactful.”
Community engagement and volunteerism have always mattered to Fleischer, who is also co-captain of Stamford High’s field hockey team. A Girl Scout since kindergarten, she continues to serve her troop. Strong friendships, as well as the opportunities for service, keep
her scouting. This year, she sold a whopping 400 boxes of cookies. “The whole experience has been a great way to learn about entrepreneurship,” she says.
At AITE, Maggie is part of the magnet school’s biomedical track. Her love of science, along with her interest in community health, has inspired her to pursue a nursing degree in college.
“The appeal for me is that there are so many things you can do with a nursing career. It’s not limiting. I could be a nurse anesthetist, a midwife or change my mind and go to medical school and become a surgeon,” she says. “I’m excited to see where it takes me.”
POP QUIZ
Name something you love about your school.
What drew me to AITE was the BIOMEDICAL TRACK . I like that it's smaller. By the end of freshman year, I knew everyone. And I was still able to play sports at Stamford High, which I loved. So, I feel like I had the BEST OF BOTH WORLDS.
above: Fleischer with Mayor Simmons and members of the Youth Leadership Council far and near left: The AITE senior is a true scholar-athlete, balancing academics with her role as cocaptain of Stamford High's field hockey team.
Elly FOX 05
Stamford High School and the U.S. Naval Academy
Public service is in recent Stamford High School graduate Elly Fox’s DNA. The standout Black Knight runner, student journalist and volunteer hails from a family committed to the community. Her mom, Bridget, is Mayor Caroline Simmons chief of staff. Dad Dan is a former state representative and current State Superior Court Judge.
Fox answered a demanding call to serve, when she began the notoriously grueling plebe year at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, this summer.
Fox’s four years at Annapolis will be followed by a required six years of service upon graduation. “My first reaction when someone suggested [it] was, ‘No way, I’m not going into the military,’” she says, with a laugh. “But the more I did my research, the more I realized this could be an incredible opportunity to learn and do things I might not have access to any other way. I’m incredibly honored to serve.”
Going the distance is second nature for Fox. When she started running in middle school to stay in shape for another passion, competitive Irish step dancing, she was among the slowest athletes. “I couldn’t even run a seven-or eight-minute mile,” she
says. Determined, she worked her way up in the state rankings, excelling in distance events for Stamford High’s girls track and field and cross-country teams, serving as a captain of both. The exceptional student also received FCIAC Scholar/Athlete honors for both sports.
Balancing the rigors of distance running with a challenging course load wasn’t easy. “Running is a two-hour practice and you’re exerting your body so much you’re exhausted,” she says. “It’s a lot of toll on your body and you’re thinking, ‘How am I
but I always looked forward to my visits,” she says.
going to get enough hours of sleep?’ ”
Still, Fox made time to volunteer and serve as multimedia editor of the award-winning student newspaper, The Roundtable. “I think the real benefit for me was connecting with students who had different interests than I do, like the kids in theater or jazz band,” she says. She also logged copious service hours at Soundwaters and supporting seniors living at New Canaan’s Waveny Care Center “I had a lot going on,
Right before graduation, Fox was already prepping for military training by rising early for hard core workouts that included running, swimming, pushups and pullups. “They say the whole point of plebe summer is to break you down,” she says. “So, I want to be as ready as I can.”
POP QUIZ
What is your dream job?
There’s something interesting to me about THE CIA , but I would also love to be CHIEF OF SOMETHING AT THE WHITE HOUSE
right: Elly with her siblings and parents, Bridget and Dan Fox below: The US Naval Academy plebe served as captain for both the track and field and crosscountry teams at Stamford High.
A single thought begins a journey of exploration and can be the source for igniting passions, inspiring others, or making an impact. It’s how we think.
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Saachi GOYAL
Academy of Information Technology & Engineering
During the Covidlockdown, Saachi
Goyal found herself looking for an intellectual challenge beyond her middle school’s virtual classrooms when she learned Harvard was offering a free online neuroscience class. “I had wanted to be a neurosurgeon since I started watching ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. We didn’t have much school work, so I enrolled,” she says.
That course super-charged her already innate scientific curiosity. Goyal spent her summer reaching out to medical researchers whose work she admired, asking them for opportunities to join their projects. There was a lot of rejection. “I was in eighth grade, and I found a lot of people just
that should be considered in research, but no one was tracking it.”
weren’t interested in me,” she says. Still, she persisted. Her tenacity paid off when Dr. Rachel Amy Ross, a physician/researcher affiliated with the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, said yes. “She’s a neuroscientist and endocrinologist with an interest in women’s health. There was a lot of things about her work that I loved.”
Goyal’s work in Dr. Ross’s lab inspired an independent research project that earned her state and international honors this year. She has been developing an automated process for tracking the menstrual cycles of mice. Why do the menstrual cycles of mice matter? “Hormones impact so much from metabolism to behavior,” she says. “It’s a factor
Her work took first prize in the 2024 Connecticut Urban School
the Joseph Gerber Award for
Her work took first prize in the 2024 Connecticut Urban School Challenge where she also received the Joseph Gerber Award for Excellence. That earned her an invite to Los Angeles to compete with 70 young science researchers from around the globe, where she placed third in the computational biology and bioinformatics category. “A lot of things have really come together this year,” Goyal says humbly of her thirdin-the-world placement.
less technical and more about being free form, and I like being able to express myself that way,” she says. “But the best thing for me is I just get to unwind and be
It’s Goyal’s long-term goal to see her ongoing work influence future medical studies by recognizing the role of hormones in research outcomes. “If you look at a lot of medical research, a lot of what’s true for males is also just assumed of females,” she says. “The hope is that we’re creating a baseline for looking at things in a different way.”
While this is demanding work, Goyal still finds time to pursue other passions. She was junior class president and dances at the Locus Performing Arts Center. Her favorite styles include hip-hop and contemporary. “It’s
able to express myself that way,” with my friends.”
Back at the lab, Goyal
aspires to harness science and technology in more novel ways, perhaps through biomedical entrepreneurship. “Science will help us solve so many of the problems we are facing, and I believe there’s so much more to discover.”
POP QUIZ
What is your dream job?
[RUNNING] MY OWN BIOTECH COMPANY —perhaps one that takes on climate change issues a little more.
left: Goyal poses for a picture on vacation in Venice, Italy. below: The AITE senior alongside her research presentation, which was honored in a global competition.
It would be easy to call Luke James the quintessential scholar/ athlete, but that would mean only telling part of his story. Yes, sports have always loomed large in the 18-yearold’s life but the two-sport varsity athlete learned during his Brunswick School years that leadership happens on and off
07 Luke JAMES
Eager for standout turns on the soccer field (where he excels) and in track, Luke suffered illness and injuries that sidelined him again and again. A bout with mono wiped out his senior year soccer season. Then there were the consecutive track seasons where sprained ankles and tendonitis took the team captain out of
The disappointments were consequential for James, a striker who had college soccer aspirations, yet they also motivated him to consider other ways sports could remain part of his goals. At Fairfield University, where he began classes this fall, the honor student plans to study sports business and accounting in the Dolan School of Business.
“My injuries taught me nothing is promised and that sometimes you have to pivot,” he says, adding his academic plans are motivated by passion, along with a dose of healthy pragmatism. “As much as I’m a huge sports person, I also want a skill like accounting.”
James will also bring his enduring commitment to social justice to the Stags’ campus. The alumnus of Stamford’s Waterside School and Reach Prep, the Stamfordbased nonprofit program that provides challenging educational experiences and opportunities to motivated students from underserved communities, James emerged as a leader of Brunswick’s Diversity in Action club, representing the school at the field. for soccer field (where he excels) and competition.
Brunswick School and Fairfield University
consecutive national Student Diversity Leadership Conferences in Texas and Missouri.
In the aftermath of the George Floyd murder and national conversations about racial injustice, James realized that speaking to these issues was urgent, even in the relatively cloistered environment of a private school campus. “At a place like Brunswick, where we were a real minority, there’s a lot of things you can do to raise awareness. But the one thing we had to do in terms of leadership was to be willing to put ourselves out there more.”
For example, a conversation on hair and culture that club members held turned into a hot topic that led to more serious and ongoing discussions with students and faculty. Interest in the Diversity in Action initiative grew, and its membership diversified. “One thing I took
away from these discussions was that if you haven’t had a set of experiences someone has had as a Black person, you just may not understand,” James says. “I know I will speak to these issues going forward because (advocacy) has become part of who I am.”
POP QUIZ
What advice would you give to your high school freshman self?
Talk more. I would say put yourself out there a little more. BRANCHING OUT IS A GREAT WAY TO MEET PEOPLE and take advantage of what school has to offer you.
The proud Bruin graduated Brunswick in the spring (below) and is pursuing sports business at Fairfield U.
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When I met Niko Rinaldi, the 17-year-old Westhill High School senior had just spent the day in Manhattan doing what he loves: performing. And he was doing it for a good cause. “It was a cabaret for brain cancer awareness,” he says. “So, for me, a really great day.”
In performing arts speak, Niko is the epitome of a triple threat: He sings, he dances, he acts. And he does it all with a charming enthusiasm for his craft.
The affable Rinaldi first imagined himself under the center stage lights in elementary school, while sitting in the Westhill audience for a Northstar Playmakers performance of “Guys and Dolls.”
“Right away, I said, ‘Wow, I’m going up there. I want to be on that stage doing that.’” By 10, he was taking singing and acting lessons. His first break was playing a munchkin in the “Wizard of Oz.”
Rianldi has since moved up the ranks of the playbill to leading man. In June he took on the dazzling role of Billy Flynn in “Chicago” at Westhill. “He’s a smooth-talking Frank Sinatra type of guy,” he says of his character. “It’s been so much fun to prepare for this one.” He’s also had starring roles for Northstar Player’s performances of “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” and “Our Macbeth.”
Rinaldi is also involved
in Stamford Curtain Call’s Summer Youth Theatre (he’s on its board), has been part of the Shine Theater Arts Project, the Broadway Youth Ensemble and often performs in charity benefits.
He’s also forever refining his performing repertoire. He studies at the Broadway Dance Center, where tap has become a favorite class. “There is something that feels free and interesting because you don’t have to point your toes like you do in ballet or even jazz,” he says.
He also takes on-camera acting lessons, was featured in a meningitis vaccine print ad and had a fun cameo as an extra in the film adaptation of “In the Heights.” Rinaldi’s experience was incredible “I got to meet so many amazing people like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Anthony Ramos and Melissa Barrera. You can catch
me in the movie if you look really close at the kids playing in the fire hydrants at the end.”
Although his free time is scarce, Rinaldi is an honor student who studies in Westhill’s Agriscience program. This summer he was off to the precollege program at the Boston Conservatory with future college plans that include more performing arts studies. “At this point, I’m all in,” he says. “I can’t imagine a life that doesn’t have me up on the stage.”
POP QUIZ
What’s your favorite pizza in town? MARIO THE BAKER . The cheese-to-sauce ratio is just perfect. There’s no flop to it. If there’s too much flop, the cheese is falling off. Sometimes I get plain, but I also go for sausage and pepperoni.
RINALDI
Westhill High School
below left: Rinaldi performs the role of Nick Bottom in the Stamford All School Musical performance of "Something Rotten."
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Sebastian ROSARIO
St. Luke’s School and Sacred Heart University
Puppy love had Sebastian Rosario smitten from an early age. Childhood visits to his family’s homeland, the Dominican Republic, piqued his interest in the ubiquitous and often friendly street dogs, sometimes called “coconut hounds,” who wander the island’s cities and rural towns. “I was that kid who wanted to pet, feed and adopt them all,” he says.
Today, he dotes on his Chihuahua, Brownie, at home in Stamford and pet Rottweilers, Cocoa and Oreo, who stay with family still living on the Caribbean Island. “The way I feel about dogs is they may not understand you completely, but in their own way, they do,” he says. “No matter what’s going on with me, they cheer me up.”
So, it’s no surprise that this science and animal-loving teen will begin biology studies at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield this fall, with hopes of becoming a veterinarian.
Time spent shadowing a vet in Pound Ridge, N.Y., convinced Rosario that helping pets and their families live healthy, happy lives together was his calling. “I have even taken care of snakes,” he says with a laugh. “I know being a vet isn’t an easy goal, but it feels like a fit for me.”
Rosario is also excited about immersing himself in campus activities at Sacred Heart, a
school he chose for its strong health sciences program, proximity to his closeknit family and commitment to service, an enduring personal value. At St. Luke’s he was awarded with the school’s Richard Whitcomb Award for being the senior who personified the qualities of responsibility, caring and kindness.
Rosario led through service including supporting the school’s football team (and his older brother, Juan) by serving as team manager. In that often-unsung volunteer role, he attended all practices and games, while keeping tabs on equipment and recording game videos. “I did
it at first because I wanted to understand the game my brother was so into,” he says. “But it turned into an unforgettable experience. The coach made me feel like a valued part of the team and had me working as hard as the players. I learned so much.”
He was similarly passionate about his leadership of St. Luke’s Black Student Union. “We were this relatively small group on campus as St. Luke’s is predominately white, but being in that space together made us feel a bit more connected,” he says. “I am so proud of my own Dominican culture. We are
above: In his role as manager, Rosario served as a valued member of the St. Luke's football team.
below: Rosario celebrated his St. Luke's graduation with his proud family in the spring.
a warm, fun-loving people who have a strong faith in God to get us through the day to day. And I love sharing that with others.”
POP QUIZ
What advice would you give to your high school freshman self?
Be yourself. BE KIND. Try new things and push yourself academically and TAKE SOME RISKS
Brunswick School
The Children’s School
EF Academy
Fairfield College Preparatory School
Greens Farms Academy
Greenwich Academy
Greenwich Country Day School
King School
Lauralton Hall
Long Ridge School
New Canaan Country School
Putnam Indian Field School
Sacred Heart Greenwich
Seven Acres Montessori
St. Luke’s School
Whitby School
Winston Preparatory School
Jasmine WHITFIELD
Stamford High School and Coastal Carolina University
Like all good local sports reporters, Jasmine Whitfield mixes analysis of the contests she covers with some requisite home-team enthusiasm. She spent the past year covering Stamford High sports as an editor for its award-winning school newspaper, The Roundtable, and interned for popular digital sports site The Ruden Report. A highlight was the storybook run of the Black Knight’s boys’ soccer team to a state championship game. “That was huge, but it really doesn’t matter what sport I cover, I love them all. If there’s a game going on at Stamford
High, girls or boys, ask anyone on campus, they will tell you, I’m always there.”
Yet the most compelling sports story during Whitfield’s Black Knight years just may be her own: The cross-country runner and track athlete finished high school as captain—and standout member—of Stamford High’s co-ed wrestling team. “Yes,” she
says, anticipating the typically surprised reaction she receives with this revelation, “I wrestle the boys.”
It took some prodding from fellow Black Knights female wrestlers for Jasmine to give the traditionally male sport a try her sophomore year. But when she finally hit the mat to compete in the 120-pound weight class she discovered next-level ambition. “When I wrestle, the only person I can rely on is myself,” she says. “Once I win, especially against the boys, I just push myself even harder. Wrestling gave me confidence, and made me want even more from myself.”
Whitfield competed in three state tournaments against other female high school wrestlers and won them all. She’s especially excited that her personal recruiting efforts in Stamford High’s halls and playing fields brought more girls onto the wrestling squad. “I see so much
potential for girls to excel and learn about themselves through wrestling and I can’t wait to see where it all goes,” she says, predicting girls’ wrestling may eventually have enough interest to have its own teams.
This fall the 18-year-old will bring her determination and enthusiasm to Coastal Carolina University where the honors student and former senior class president plans to study broadcast journalism with an almost singular objective: a seat at the anchor desk on a certain popular morning news show.
“Since I was a little girl, I have been watching the “Today Show” with my mom and I kind of idolize everyone on the show: Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie, the whole crew. I want to work in broadcast journalism, that’s always been the plan.”
So, stay tuned.
POP QUIZ
What’s your favorite pizza in Stamford?
I really like RIKO’S , but OUTPOST PIZZA is right down the street from my house, and I think it’s very underrated. They deserve a little more attention.
above and below: Whitfield's three state wrestling tournament wins as an athlete for Stamford High are among the many ways she shines as a teen to watch.
BY SCOTT THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY
KYLE NORTON
G e n e r at i o na l
PrESLE yS t HE
RobUstElL is Salvatores the
. . .
Stamford High School star sibling athletes Ejai (football, basketball) and Jalynn (soccer, basketball, lacrosse) with their parents, Jay (who recognized Jeff Salvatore at this photo shoot from their Pop Warner days) and Edith (former Westhill High School girls’ basketball statistician and current head of Cradle to Career)
Andy Robustelli’s great-grandson, grandson, granddaughter and son-in-law: SHS athlete Mikey Salvatore , Trinity Catholic alum Jeff Salvatore , Brittany Smegal (née Salvatore) who played at Trinity and SHS, longtime NBA ref Bennett Salvatore . (Ella Salvatore who appears on our cover had to rush out of the photo session before this group snap
in order to make it to a summer select soccer game.)
ta L e n t A chronicle of stamford sports family affair Stokes
Current Black Knights Emma (soccer, basketball, softball), Kaitlyn (soccer, basketball, softball) and Mattingly (field hockey, softball) with mom Kathy and three-sport Stamford Catholic alum and coach Bryan
Pete Stokes with his family from left: wife Mary Ellen , daughter Rachel (SHS field hockey, basketball, softball), daughter Alexis Melfi (Trinity Catholic volleyball, softball alum), son Jack (SHS football, basketball alum), daughter Olivia (SHS field hockey, softball manager)
Stamford Catholic hockey star Peter who used to compete in some of the rinks where his daughter Maggie now dominates in the same sport.
Maggie Lyden joined the celebration around goalie McCaffrey Tuttle as time expired in the semifinals of this year’s girls’ hockey state tournament. Lyden, then a freshman, scored both goals in the 2-0 win over Darien as the team with athletes from Stamford, Westhill and Staples upset the defending state champion and tournament top seed.
Peter Lyden, Maggie’s father, had not only seen this movie before, but he also starred in it. In the early 1990s, Lyden was recognized as one of the best players in the state. He earned All-State honors in 1993 for Stamford Catholic when he amassed 37 goals and 94 points, the highest among Division I players that year. His team won one state title and finished runner-up in his senior year. Some observers believe Peter was the best hockey player in the city’s history.
“Maggie didn’t start playing until she was 8 or 9,’’ her dad says. “She was always Irish dancing. She was getting carted away to the hockey games for our son, Peter. She said maybe she should start skating. Within three or four years, she was recognized as one of the top 68 players in the country.”
football fields, hockey rinks and basketball courts for decades. Sometimes, the legacy lines are easily identifiable. Others are harder to discern for a newcomer (and in Stamford a newcomer might be someone living here fewer than 30 years), such as Maggie’s biological link to one of the best ballplayers in city history.
It must be partly genetics, of course, but the enduring athletic success of so many Stamford families seems to stem from something else— multiple seeds planted long, long ago.
“Stamford is a different animal,’’ says Bryan Fox, who starred at Stamford Catholic in three sports, coached the Trinity Catholic football team for several years and now watches his three daughters shine at many of the same venues where he once excelled. “My wife, Kathy, moved here from New Jersey after we were married. She couldn’t get over the amount of people we know in such a large city through youth sports. It feels like Stamford is a tiny town with 130,000 people in it.”
all the Bases
Maggie Lyden’s family lineage suggests she could have excelled in other sports as well. Her grandfather Artie DeFilippis was selected in the second round of the Major League Baseball draft in 1970 by the Washington Senators. A legendary pitcher, he now coaches softball in the area. Her mother, Angela, was an all-league field hockey player. With that heredity, it’s nearly a given she would be a star athlete. “Her grandfather was always trying to get her into softball,’’ Lyden says. “Somehow, hockey won out.”
In Stamford, the Lyden story is not unfamiliar. Bloodlines run deep, and the same surnames of athletes who excelled one and two generations ago are still capturing headlines. Robustelli and Salvatore might be the most recognizable, but that only scratches the surface. Athletes with surnames such as Fox, Ballo, Stokes, Possidento, O’Leary, Smyth, Malloy and Haggerty (and more) have excelled on baseball and softball diamonds,
Forty years ago, Pete Stokes sprinted off the sidelines for the first play from scrimmage as the starting quarterback for the Stamford Catholic football team in the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference championship game on Thanksgiving Day. The Crusaders upset Wilton, 20-18, before a standing-room-only crowd at Boyle Stadium. A 61-yard touchdown pass to star running back Jay Baines in the final minutes provided the winning margin for the Crusaders in their last league championship. Some longtime sports historians believe it is the most exciting championship game in FCIAC history.
The title was one of many memories for Stokes, who has experienced Stamford sports from different vantage points over the past half-century. A football and baseball standout, he returned to Stamford after playing both sports at Plymouth State College (now University) in New Hampshire. He works as a landscape specialist for the Parks and Recreation Department—one of his primary responsibilities is upkeep at Cubeta Stadium—but he also served for four years as the head football coach at Trinity Catholic. He worked as an umpire before retiring a
1. PETER LYDEN coaches daughter MAGGIE (very) early one off-season morning at Terry Conners.
2. Lyden with her maternal grandfather, Stamford Catholic alum Artie DeFilippis, drafted to the MLB in 1970
LY dens THE
Peter Lyden
Current ice hockey star
MAGGIE LYDEN with her dad, PETER
Being involved in stamford
sports
all these years has been a dream and I m not ready to wake up Pete stokes
stokes
Current SHS three-sport athlete, star softball player RACHEL STOKES (seated) with her family (from left) dad PETE , sister ALEXIS MELFI , mom MARY ELLEN , brother JACK and sister OLIVIA
2 3 1
really put us on the map. I think the history is
really put us on the map. I think the history is encapsulated in the stories we have all heard and continue to tell our children.”
few years ago, and now spends most of his non-working hours supporting his children’s sports activities. His daughter Alexis played volleyball and softball at Trinity. Another daughter Rachel plays three sports at SHS. Yet another daughter Olivia manages the field hockey and softball teams. His son, Jack, played football and basketball there before he graduated in 2022. If anybody knows Stamford sports inside and out, it’s Stokes.
Stokes believes much of the sustained success for Stamford athletes stems from coaches in previous generations. When he returned from college, one of his first jobs was as an assistant coach to Mickey Lione, a legendary figure at Trinity Catholic who coached football, baseball and hockey. Stokes also played under Mike Walsh who won several state titles in basketball and was an accomplished baseball coach.
“You have maybe the Mount Rushmore of coaches, and that makes Stamford different,’’ Stokes says. “We’ve had a lot of great athletes, like Bobby Valentine and Rick Robustelli, that
commitment to youth sports paved the way
Lione and Walsh were among the coaching descendants of Sharkey Laureno and Mickey Lione Sr., who helped Stamford gain national recognition as a baseball community. Their commitment to youth sports paved the way for younger coaches who adopted the mindset that emphasized family, faith and teamwork all while remembering they were ambassadors for the city.
Department,’’ he says. “I couldn’t be happier. Being involved in Stamford sports all these years has been a dream, and I’m not ready to wake up.”
stick around
all while remembering they were ambassadors
“A lot of us had Mickey as a mentor, and a lot of us played for Walsh,’’ Stokes says. “There are still a lot of people that run in Stamford athletic circles who have been touched by these guys. Mickey did not have children of his own, but he felt like he had a thousand sons here in Stamford. That’s the way a lot of us feel.”
Some coaches currently in town have followed the winning script adopted by their predecessors. Donny Panapada, the Stamford High football coach, served as an assistant under Rich Albonizio at Stamford Catholic. It’s no coincidence that SHS made the state playoffs for the first time in 28 years last fall in his second year at the helm.
Stokes still marvels at the sight of seeing the same families he’s known for decades at games. Former Major League Baseball manager Tommy Lasorda often joked he bled Dodger Blue. Stokes feels the same passion for Stamford.
“I’m blessed to be a supervisor in the Parks
It’s not only good genetics and superior early coaching that play a role in the generational success of so many Stamford sports families. The city has developed a heritage, a culture, an identity that leads many of them back right where they started.
Fox played three sports at Stamford Catholic before moving on to play baseball at Boston College. Like so many other former athletes, he returned home to launch his career. His sisters, Kelly and Kate, were also standout athletes and followed similar paths.
Like their predecessors, many of yesteryear’s athletes stay engaged in sports, extending the legacy. Athletes embracing the city’s heritage while carving out their own identity, making their own memories, and exhibiting pride to represent their community is typical of the culture in Stamford. Fox, who has three daughters, coached basketball and softball for a long time in youth leagues. His oldest, Kaitlyn, is a three-sport captain at Stamford High. Emma and Mattingly (yes, for that Mattingly) are also multi-sport players.
Last year, Kaitlyn was one of four winners of the Mickey Lione Award, which provides
1. Legendary Trinity Catholic coaches MIKE WALSH , who retired after 39 seasons at the school and TRACY NICHOLS , who left after 40 years. 2. PETE STOKES’ Stamford Catholic senior yearbook entry 3. Number 12 STOKES was co-captain of the team that took the chip in one of the most-talked-about games in FCIAC history.
scholarships to high school sophomores to encourage them to set goals and be a positive influence among their peers throughout their high school careers. (Rachel Stokes was a finalist this year.)
“It was fun to talk to [Kaitlyn] about who Mickey Lione was,’’ Fox says. “I told her she should ask other people about who he was and told her she should talk with Marc Robustelli. His daughter, Mia, is one of her friends. I told her she should talk with Pete Stokes, too. That sort of storyline unravels in a million different ways in Stamford. It’s fun going through.”
current roster
Part of the charm for the parents of today’s athletes comes from visiting arenas where they once honed their skills. Fox, for instance, watched Kaitlyn play in a contest at West Haven High School. He competed in a state championship football game at the same facility.
“I sent a picture of the stadium to 13 people, and they all knew exactly where I was,’’ Fox says. “My last game coaching at Stamford Catholic was in Wilton, and we go up there to play softball. There’s a million gyms and rinks and fields you’re walking to, and I’ll say, ‘Hey, I remember this.’ It’s fun for me. There are just
so many memories.”
Lyden skated in some of the same rinks where his daughter now tortures opponents with her speed, stickhandling and other skills. He even sees former teammates with children of a similar age and scorekeepers who have stuck around for decades. “It’s nice to go back and see the familiar faces,’’ he says. “I asked Maggie if she was nervous before the state championship game, and she said yeah. I remember what I was feeling. It brings it all back.”
Families who bond through athletics pass along that passion. In Stamford, it’s a train that never stops moving.
“I think for a big city, Stamford still feels like it’s a small town in a lot of ways,’’ Lyden says. “There’s a strong support system among Stamford families. I don’t see that changing.”
A generation of young athletes—and their fans—is counting on it.
one generation to the next.
One tangible characteristic that runs throughout athletes who are following the footsteps of their parents and grandparents is strong family support. The legacy of so many Stamford sports standouts would not endure without family members who love and encourage (and challenge) one another, from one generation to the next.
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1. Trinity Catholic alum BRYAN FOX played baseball at Boston College following his years as a three-sport athlete for the Crusaders.
2. Winning is in the genes for EMMA pictured here victorious with her dad. 3. MATTINGLY hustles in field hockey for SHS. 4. The FOXES take a family selfie in July on Robustelli field.
5. Mickey Lione award-winner KAITLYN is a three-sport standout at SHS.
F oxes the
STAMFORD IS A DIFFERENT ANIMAL MY WIFE COULDN T GET OVER THE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE WE KNOW IN SUCH A LARGE CITY THROUGH YOUTH SPORTS
Bryan fox
Kathy, Emma, Bryan, Mattingly and Kaitlyn Fox at Stamford High
THE RobUstElLis / Salvatores
Giants in Stamford youth sports
In the span of 61 days in 2011, Stamford lost two sports legends. Only one, however, was widely known outside of the local community.
Salvatore) Smegal says about her grandmother. “They taught us what it meant to be a family. We loved growing up here because everything centered on family.”
when all of Jeanne and Andy’s children and grandchildren gathered and played.
Former high school sports star and long-time NBA referee Bennett Salvatore married one of Jeanne and Andy’s daughters, Laura. Another daughter, Tina, married Paul Salvatore (no relation to Bennett). That helps explain the legacy of all the Robustellis and Salvatores who have contributed to the success of Stamford sports teams. There is more to their story, however. The athletic roots for those young athletes were established at Sunday morning breakfasts, summer stayovers and holidays
Jeanne Dora Robustelli died on April 1, 2011, and her husband of 54 years, Andy, passed away on May 31. A Hall of Fame defensive end for the New York Giants and a prominent businessman, Andy’s exploits were well-documented and celebrated across the nation. His wife, however, was just as influential in her own way. They had nine children, 29 grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren at the time. Jeanne was a fixture on the sidelines for decades following their sports activities, and so much more. She devoted her time to her family in whatever role was needed. For all her husband’s athletic prowess, Jeanne’s family still savors her contributions in creating and maintaining a tight-knit bond.
“She went to every sporting event she could,” Brittany (née
“Growing up all we did was sports,” says Jeff Salvatore, Bennett’s son. “I always had a ball in my hand. We were all competitive as cousins. As we were watching television, somebody was always throwing a ball around the house. We called it Camp Nana.”
Jeff went on to play basketball and football at Trinity Catholic. Brittany (Paul’s daughter) played tennis as a young girl, and went on to play volleyball, basketball and softball in high school. Her brothers, Brad and Brendan, were also accomplished high school athletes. For the better part of 40
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years, athletes with the surname Robustelli or Salvatore were frequently mentioned in high school sports reports.
“My family is my biggest sports influence,” Brittany says. “I used to go to all the games to watch my cousins Jackie (Salvatore) and Emily (Robustelli). They were so much fun to watch. And my brothers. I can’t remember any time when any of us weren’t playing sports.”
It helped that Jeanne and Andy never applied pressure on their kids or grandkids. Sports were simply organic, a way to burn energy and enjoy time together. Andy, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971, was born in Stamford and
ANDY ROBUSTELLI in his senior yearbook
2. ANDY and JEANNE were married 54 years before they passed away within weeks of each other in 2011 3. The couple surrounded by eight of their nine children who, along with their own children (and grandchildren), continue the Stamford sports legacy forged by Andy. 1 3
4. One of Stamford’s favorite sons’ trading cards
5. ROBUSTELLI along with his SHS basketball team
number 81, on the attack
7. Today the SHS football field is named for the NFL hall of famer. 8. L.A. Lakers Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher speak with BENNETT SALVATORE during the 2008 NBA Finals on June 10 against the Boston Celtics.
the RobUstElLis / Salvatores
Veteran
NBA referee and Stamford native BENNETT SALVATORE (seated) with his niece BRITTANY SMEGAL , granddaughter ELLA , son JEFF (Ella and Mikey’s uncle) and grandson MIKEY on the SHS field named in honor of his father-inlaw, Andy Robustelli.
remained humble despite his notoriety.
“My grandfather never talked about being famous,” Jeff says. “I asked him two weeks before he died how it was being famous. He said he wasn’t famous. In fact, we never knew he was famous. We knew him as our grandfather. There was never any pressure. We just played sports for the fun of it.”
The sports landscape has changed in a lot of ways for young athletes, with private lessons and travel teams and a near-maniacal obsession with focusing on one sport for many youngsters at an early age.
The Robustelli/Salvatore clan, however, figured out a better formula long ago. Sports should be played for enjoyment, not as a means to an end. Going on a century after Andy Robustelli was born, his legacy still carries forward. Among his many athletic descendents, his great-grandson Mikey plays football and lacrosse at Stamford High School and his great-granddaughter Ella plays soccer, basketball and softball. Cousins Jeff and Brittany now teach and coach at Rogers International School. They are carrying the sports torch ingrained in the family’s culture, established by two Stamford Hall of Famers.
“I try to teach the players that it’s a family and you work together,” Jeff says. “Work as hard as you can and stick together. So many athletes today feel it’s all about me. Really, it’s about the play before the dance and being viewed as a team player. That’s what I’m trying to teach.”
Putting family and community first is the same spirit embodied by the Lydens, Foxes, Stokes and all the Stamford sports families excelling from one generation to the next.
“Most of our families were immigrants who settled here and taught us a lot about the importance of family,” says Brittany. “I think Stamford has something special. It’s kind of amazing to see all the people who have stuck around, and you don’t necessarily see that in other towns.”
1. JEFF SALVATORE in his Trinity Catholic senior yearbook
2. ANDY ROBUSTELLI with his baseball team
3. Number 21, basketball
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4. BRITTANY SMEGAL (née Salvatore) captained both the softball and 5. basketball teams at SHS (a squad with other easily recognizable surnames).
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just released!
“The Pope of the NFL: The Andy Robustelli Story and the Family that Loved Him” by son Bob Robustelli (former Trinity Catholic athletic director) is out now on Amazon. Its release coincides with the New York Giants season-long celebration of the organization’s 100-year anniversary. During the home opener against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, September 8, an on-field ceremony to acknowledge the top 100 Giants of all time will include Stamford’s own Andy Robustelli. The whole town will be watching.
Crusader JEFF SALVATORE
Now playingand dominating
Stamford High senior EJAI is the starting QB for the Black Knights football team and co-captain of the basketball team. His sister, junior JALYNN , played in last season’s state basketball tournament and also shines in soccer and lacrosse. Their superfan parents JAY and EDITH both grew up in Stamford.
Edith Presley has seen Stamford sports over the years from more lenses than most. Growing up here, she witnessed firsthand the community’s interest in athletics. She graduated from Westhill High School, where she served as the statistician for the girls’ basketball team under coach Brenda Birch.
She also saw the important role sports plays in the community as a longtime district educator. She has served in various capacities, including as principal at Julia Stark Elementary and co-principal at Roxbury Elementary. Currently, she is the president of Cradle to Career, a community-wide partnership that aligns resources to improve the lives of Stamford children.
“I think Stamford is a great town and a great city,” Presley says. “They both apply. We function a whole lot like a town. When there’s success, people want to be part of that. It’s magnetic. I see it now as a parent, and I’ve seen it as an educator. I strived to cultivate that sense of belonging within the schools. People want to be part of what’s going on.”
Presley has lived in town her entire life, except for attending Grambling University in Louisiana and a brief stint in South Carolina. Her primary sports perspective these days revolves around watching her two children excel as standout athletes at Stamford High School.
Local sports legend Pete Stokes calls her son Ejai, a senior, “the best QB Stamford has ever seen.” He led the football team to a state playoff berth last year as the starting quarterback. He
will captain both the football and basketball teams this year. Presley’s daughter, Jalynn, a junior, plays basketball for the Black Knights, which also made last season’s state tournament, as well as soccer and lacrosse.
“I think the majority of my close friends are [my friends] because we sat on the sidelines for so many sports,” Presley says. “Those relationships have been so valuable. They have friends who have been teammates since they were five years old. The other thing I enjoy is having a wholesome place for my kids to be. The threats of inappropriate content are everywhere. The sense of having to be somewhere and contributing to the greater whole is great for them. It means a lot less TikTok. And it’s not just physical—they’re collaborating, learning life lessons.”
Presley has also experienced how Stamford has become the stomping grounds for local recruiters. She’s seen interest
3. Whether she’s wearing number 3 on the court or 4. number 13 on the pitch, we’re all lucky to watch formidable junior JALYNN PRESLEY compete
from neighboring private schools that would love to have Ejai and Jalynn wear their colors. She has found, however, support and coaching in Stamford public schools that have worked for her children.
“We’ve been blessed,” she says. “The gratitude and dedication that has been shown to my children have been wonderful. For the informed parent, it’s an awesome place. If you are intentional and selective about the academic tracks for your kids, Stamford is a good place for students to attend school and play sports.”
When asked how we might ensure and expand future success in Stamford, Presley says, “It’s important to provide access to quality skilled programs early. With some intentional emphasis, we could open up more access points for families trying to hook into them.”
And then we all win.
1. Dual-sport EJAI PRESLEY is easy to spot in his pink kicks on the hardwood and 2. on the move against Greenwich High last season He is captain of both teams this year.
Highlights From the past 15 years
Come celebrate our anniversary—and our city—through the people, the stories and the meals that matter to Stamford. For months, we’ve been poring over past issues and sifting through our digital archive to bring you memorable moments that help define the last 15 years. Through stories about the Mill River Park expansion and the real estate development boom we were reminded just how much things have changed, and through stories about star young people and our enduring community spirit how much they have stayed the same.
by joey macari
F IFTEEN STORIES THAT SHAPED OUR CITY
Town Tales
Since our launch, this magazine has chronicled the city’s evolution—capturing moments of inspiration and transformation. From the impact of local changemakers, to the rise of vibrant community spaces and the cultural milestones we’ve paved along the way, each story captures the essence of the “city that works” better, together. Read on for major moments that define Stamford’s unique narrative issue by issue.
01 Nov/Dec 2010
“I think this economy has been tough on everybody, but especially tough for nonprofits,” explained Mike Cotela, executive director of Boys & Girls Club of Stamford, as local organizations like his struggled with severe financial strains following the Great Recession. Our coverage highlighted their ingenuity and resilience as well as the community’s response, underscoring the crucial role nonprofits play in providing essential services.
02 Sept/Oct 2011
On September 11, 2001, French documentary filmmaker and Stamford resident Jules Naudet was in NYC shooting footage of Engine 7, Ladder
Company 1 for a project about a young firefighter when he found himself amid the chaos of the World Trade Center’s collapse, asking, “Where is God?” Writer Chris Hodenfield profiled Naudet, his “9/11” film and the deeper questions sparked by that fateful day.
left: In September 2011 we featured local filmmaker Jules Naudet and his doc “9/11”.
400,000-square-foot facility is packed with top-notch training grounds—an Olympicsized pool, squash and tennis courts, a volleyball-basketball center, an indoor turf field, ice rinks and more. Now a staple for Fairfield and Westchester counties, Chelsea Piers continues to nurture athletic excellence and a lifelong love for sports.
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04 Jan/Feb 2013
03 July/Aug 2012
Unsurprisingly, we covered the opening of Chelsea Piers Athletic Club, showcasing this game-changing addition to our sports scene. After much anticipation, the doors finally swung open, ready to turn our young athletes into future stars. The colossal
It’s been more than a decade now since then-Governor Dannel P. Malloy celebrated Stamford’s rising media prominence as NBC Sports moved to the city, centralizing the network’s coverage under one behemoth, state-of-theart facility. In an interview with the magazine, multiple Emmy
winner Sam Flood highlighted the benefits of moving from Rockefeller Center to Blachley Road. Since then megamoments that matter in the world’s major athletic arenas have passed through Stamford to audiences everywhere.
05 Jan/Feb 2014
Stamford boasts a diverse roster of notable residents, from lifelong locals to transient luminaries. Among them, two retired sports legends Jane Geddes and Gigi Fernandez, who once called this city home. Fernandez, an Olympic gold-medal-winning tennis player and Geddes, a former professional golfer and SVP of operations for WWE, have since moved on, but their time here was chronicled in a 2014 feature that reflects the city’s appeal for champions who leave a lasting impact on the community.
06 Nov/Dec 2015
Back in 2015, we spotlighted Stamford’s longest-standing non-profit community theater Curtain Call’s 25th anniversary. From their humble
07 Sept/Oct 2016
beginnings to now, they’ve brought classics like outdoor Shakespeare on the Green and toe-tapping musicals like “Mamma Mia” to life. Despite COVID-19 challenges, Curtain Call thrives under artistic director Lou Ursone since 2000, embodying the resilience and importance of Stamford’s arts scene.
In 2016, we featured Alicia O’Neill, a Stamford mom who conquered Mount Kilimanjaro. “I was about twenty-nine years old, reading an article in Esquire magazine about a guy who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, and it planted the seed in the back of my mind,” said O’Neill. Joining a group to raise awareness for multiple myeloma, her trek illustrated personal growth amidst life changes, culminating in a transformative summit experience.
08 Jan/Feb 2017
In 2017, we spotlighted New York Times bestselling author and Stamford mom Wendy Walker’s journey from figure
skater to star author— whose psychological thrillers have topped lists here and abroad. Her book “All Is Not Forgotten” commanded Hollywood’s attention, with Reese Witherspoon snagging film rights. Fast forward to 2024, and Walker’s still skating circles with her Audible Original “Mad Love.”
It’s hard to imagine Stamford without Chelsea Piers— featured on its opening in 2012—the colossal training ground for future Olympians and sports enthusiasts alike.
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May/June 2018
We’re always on the hunt for reasons to celebrate our city, and our 2018 feature “150 Reasons to Love Stamford Right Now And More Than Ever” rounded up the best with flair.
10 Jan/Feb 2019
We covered beloved local landmark Stamford Museum & Nature Center’s transformative 2019 expansion, featuring the Knobloch Family Farmhouse, a sprawling 4,000-squarefoot addition for cultural and educational activities. SM&NC continues to grow with the highly anticipated Planetarium and Astronomy Center set to open soon.
11 May/June 2020
We highlighted Stamford’s robust support for Blackowned business leaders. Each emphasized the critical need to educate children about racial injustice. Their efforts underscore the city’s diversity and solidarity.
Cover star bestselling author Wendy
left: Walker
With creative powerhouse tenants, year-round events and waterfront dining, The Village’s economic impact is undeniable.
12 Nov/Dec 2021
In 2021, Stamford Magazine highlighted the transformation of Stamford’s South End through development of The Village. Led by Brent and Courtney Montgomery, The Village continues to be an innovation center for the region with major tenants like ITV America and Wheelhouse. With year-round don’t-miss events, must-eat meals at popular restaurant The Wheel and a slate of career-changing creative projects through the Community Foundation, it’s easy to see how The Village is helping to cement Stamford as a cultural and economic hub.
13 Nov/Dec 2022
Step into the artistic tapestry of the cityscape with this colorful 2022 feature on the enduring murals that shape our community. From Sen2 Figueroa’s expansive creation at the entrance to Stamford Town Center to Lauren Clayton’s vibrant tribute to Stamford’s history at Kiwanis Park, each public work is replete with local spirit. The feature illustrates how artists infuse our streets and landmarks with color and narrative.
14 Jan/Feb 2023
In 2023, we embarked on a remarkable journey alongside Stamford sailor David Tunick as he undertook a daring solo Atlantic crossing. From Stamford to Spain’s A Coruña and back aboard his cherished Night Watch, Tunick’s voyage brims with challenges and breathtaking moments. “I did it because I love being out in the ocean and because, very simply, I wanted to deliver the boat, by myself, back to Stamford,” reflected Tunick as he shared his courageous odyssey.
15 May/June 2024
In the spring we were introduced to Stamford mom Melissa Fay through her remarkable journey following her sudden cardiac arrest at the New Canaan YMCA in January 2023. Quick-thinking bystanders performed CPR and used an AED, saving her life. Supported by a dedicated community, Fay and her friends established Lucky Mother, which provides AEDs to local businesses and hosts CPR trainings.
right: Brent and Courtney Montgomery—founders of the work/play building, The Village, in the South End of Stamford left: The multi-use building seen from across the water.
(Almost ) All Grown Up
WE CHECK IN WITH FORMER ‘TEENS TO WATCH’ TO SEE WHERE THEY ARE NOW
Daniel Rosenblum
Brendan George
NOW: Teacher, director of concussion protocol and PhD candidate in kinesiology/sports medicine at the University of Virginia.
Rosenblum credits his Stamford roots for setting the stage for his success: The city’s rich diversity and his close-knit circle of friends were the perfect training ground.
“I am dedicating my career to researching concussions with the goal of directly influencing clinical practice and improving treatment for clinicians and their patients, I feel that my commitment to helping others was truly sparked by my experiences growing up in Stamford.”
NOW: Actor/writer/producer and recent NYU MFA acting grad
George’s original play “Eulogy for a Roman” made a splash Off-Broadway and even snagged a Drama Desk nomination. He looks back fondly at his town roots, particularly his formative years at Curtain Call..
“Stamford is where it all began. I practically grew up at Curtain Call—it was like a full-time hostel of the arts for me. I had my first performance experiences and was entrusted with responsibilities as a teenager. It was both educational and empowering.”
Luke Buttenwieser
Taylor & Devon Yaghmaie
NOW: Transportation Planner, Stamford
NOW: Taylor is starting a career in finance and Devon in real estate
In his junior year of high school, Buttenwieser teamed up with the city’s transportation, traffic and parking department for a science fair project.
The initiative led to an internship and paved the path toward his current role.
“I take pride in working where I live and being able to make a real difference in my neighborhood. It’s rewarding to know that my work has a direct impact on my community and helps my neighbors.”
Taylor Yaghmaie is now balancing the books in the world of finance with the same precision she once applied to her studies. Her alsohonored twin, Devon, reports landing a real estate position at Bowline Ventures. After graduating from the University of Connecticut in May, they’re back in Stamford, ready to cash in on their professional dreams. Taylor credits high school guidance counselor Bobby Augustyn for playing a pivotal role in her journey.
“He instilled the motto ‘humble and hungry’ in me, which I carry with me every day.”
While still in college, Armetta is already breaking ground in her field. As an Assistant Researcher at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center this summer, she conducted experiments and analyzed data on muscular dystrophy— even co-authoring a paper.
“Growing up in Stamford, I learned the importance of community and collaboration. The diverse perspectives and experiences I encountered there have been invaluable in my academic and personal growth”
THEN: King School, Teen to Watch 2011
Giovanna Armetta
THEN: King School, Teen to Watch 2021
NOW: Junior at the University of Rochester majoring in molecular genetics.
THEN:
Stamford High, Teen to Watch 2013
THEN: King School, Teen to Watch 2019
THEN: King School, Teen to Watch 2018
The Converted
So much has happened in our city since we celebrated Stamford magazine’s 10th anniversary in our September/October 2019 issue. From a global pandemic to new city leadership, this last half-decade has been filled with changes that highlight our community spirit and vibrancy. Here’s a look at five of them.
May/June 2020 /// Cover Story Stamford During the Pandemic
It’s safe to say that in the last five years there has been no event more significant to us all than the pandemic. We were proud to showcase our community’s resiliency and reliability throughout the challenges it brought in our May/June 2020 story “How We Did It”. We reported on Marcia Selden Catering who offered safe, contactless deliveries and partnered with Food for the Frontlines providing meals to local hospitals via donations from staffers and Stamfordites alike. Local biz Stamford Tent and Event Services also stepped up by providing tents meant for happier occasions to testing sites and food distribution centers. The initiative Stamford Together mobilized a city-wide volunteer network while Stamford Health launched a dedicated COVID-19 hotline. And on lighter notes, birthday trains paraded through neighborhood after neighborhood for kids whose party plans were suspended and the Avon offered free online screenings to favorite films. These stories (and more) celebrated our collective strength and generosity as well as our determination and compassion—traits that define our city.
In our “2020 State of Real Estate: Moving On” March/ April cover story, we explored how Stamford has become a magnet for new residents enticed by our amenity-rich developments, easy access to NYC and vibrant social scene. We featured three new constructions across town where sleek design,
luxurious living spaces and bustling community life converge to make Stamford a top choice for young professionals and retired downsizers alike who seek a vibrant lifestyle just outside the Big Apple. Ainslie Square just off Strawberry Hill features lowmaintenance three-and-fourbedroom single-family townhouses with a shared clubhouse, pool and playground. The Allure in Harbor Point boasts waterfront views of the Manhattan skyline and 435 apartments ranging from studios to four-bedrooms. And at the center of it all, Urby Square opened on a parcel of land at One Greyrock Place that sat undeveloped for 25 years (known locally as “the hole in the ground”) and was smartly designed to have everything from light to heat controlled through an app.
In our May/June 2022 feature “Green Growth”, we celebrated major milestones for the Mill River Park Collaborative, including the appointment of CEO Nette Compton and the opening of the Whittingham Discovery Center. Since then, how many field trips, festivals and birthday parties has the park hosted? In the thousands, no doubt. The ever-popular greenspace continues to blossom into a vibrant urban oasis in the heart of downtown. Last year, Mayor Simmons along with other prominent community leaders and fifthgrade students from Hart Elementary gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Mill River Greenway North project. And in June the old playground was temporarily closed to make way for a renovated one set to open next spring. One thousand local school students weighed in on plans for the new design that will feature natural play areas, a more inclusive environment for children of all abilities, picnic spots and ample seating for caregivers. All of it ensures the park will remain a dynamic hub for generations to come.
Stamford’s first female mayor, Caroline Simmons, was the star of our March/ April 2022 cover story. Since her interview, she has ushered in transformative changes for our city. In February the new 914-space parking garage at the train station officially opened to commuters. The mayor’s office is currently exploring mixed-use plans for the
land where the old structure stood that will reshape the area around the transportation center. Simmons secured a whopping $17 million Reconnecting Communities Grant that will enhance connectivity, pedestrian safety and green space for residents through investments in sidewalks, traffic signals and a greenway buildout. She also championed the Stamford Parks Community Partnership, a vibrant nonprofit initiative that’s breathing new life into our parks. Public safety capital projects include budget allocations for improvements at our firehouses and the opening of a new regional police academy located at headquarters on Bedford Street. Additionally, Simmons’ office oversaw the opening of a new walk-in permitting center as well as developed plans for a revamped 911 call center and new affordable housing units.
In our Jan/Feb 2024 issue, we cracked up over how the opening of the New York Comedy Club Stamford (one year prior) at the Town Center had turned our city into a comedy powerhouse. Since its debut, this full-time laugh hotspot has hosted marquees names like Pete Davidson as well as up-and-coming comics to test out new material in a laid-back atmosphere. It’s clear that more and more young professionals are trading NYC for Stamford’s robust new nightlife and entertainment options. Lines each night are as long as the punchlines are funny, a sign of the city’s rising cool factor. Next on our list of must-sees, the club will welcome Stamford’s own Mary Beth Barone on November 2 fresh off her first special “Thought Provoking” and we can’t wait.
01 The Pork Chop at Columbus Park
If there’s something to celebrate, locals know Columbus Park is the go-to. One dish worth every outing is the pork chop served with cherry peppers which some say is the best in town. I happily agree.
Hot Oil Pie at Colony Grill
Stamford should just change its official seal to include a Colony bar pie at this point, honestly. Go for the restaurant’s signature hot oil pizza and stay for that laidback, neighborhood feel that defines the city’s community spirit.
Homemade Doughnut at Lakeside Diner
Nothing beats an early morning trip to Lakeside Diner up Long Ridge, with a cup of joe in one hand and a freshly baked classic doughnut made in-house daily in the other, especially in the peak of fall foliage around its backyard pond.
happy meals
DISHES THAT DEFINE OUR CITY
In reviewing nearly 100 covers and three times that many feature stories to bring you this anniversary issue, one thing became crystal clear—Stamford (and this magazine) loves food. Savory bites and sweet treats pop up throughout our pages—and in conversations all over town. Here, a celebration of the classics, the truly in-theknow local culinary delights from North Stamford to the Sound. Author’s Note: I’d be remiss if I didn’t give an honorable mention to Sally Macari’s penne vodka—the best in town. IYKYK.
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Baked Chicken at Pellicci’s
To savor a slice of Stamford’s “Old World” Italian heritage, head to Pelicci’s on the West Side. The signature Baked Chicken, a delightful blend of spicy and vinegary flavors, is the star of every family dinner. Pro tip: Dip a piece of buttered bread in the juices; thank me later.
#12 from Rinaldi’s Deli
Stamford has its share of top-notch delis, but few are as legendary as Rinaldi’s on East Main, especially for their signature #12—a thin and crispy chicken cutlet topped with fresh mozz, roasted red peppers and homemade Italian dressing.
A Slice from The Original Pappa’s Pizza Downtown Stamford OGs reminisce about the perfect pairing of a few Pappas pies, with their classic, golden-brown Greekstyle pizza, plus July 4th fireworks at Cove Island and also during picnics during the nostalgic days of Alive @ 5 in the old Columbus Park.
The Wings
at Brickhouse
Brickhouse makes Sunday football losses easier to bear and wins even sweeter to savor with a plate of perfectly crisped up buffalo wings, a cold beer, a game of darts and good company.
08 Not-So-Secret
Pasta at Cafe Silvium
Let’s face it, everything on the menu at Cafe Silvium is good—but for a taste of something new, the off-menu Fagottini, aka “moneybags” pasta with pancetta and peas in a cream sauce will have you saying “oh madon!” even faster than waiter Chris Petrafesa serves a “generous pour” of Cab Sav.
The Greek Salad from Hope Street Pizza
You might be asking yourself, “does a salad really deserve to be on this list?” and the answer is, definitively, yes. Hope Street’s Greek salad topped with fresh feta and chicken souvlaki is tasty enough to go solo as a meal main attraction—and that’s saying a lot for, “just a salad.”
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A bag menu from reddi rooster
Not many eateries in Stamford are synonymous with a misnomer, but when it comes to The Number One (aka the “High School Special”) off the BAG menu, locals can’t seem to get enough. The 1/2 bag of specially seasoned chicken nuggets, fries and free can of soda combo is elite, but you can up the ante by adding cones. And if you don’t know what a cone is, do you really live in Stamford? (Potato puffs of honestly heavenly goodness.)
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A marg at bartaco
When a flight to Mexico is cost prohibitive, or when Auntie Carol can’t decide between an AirBnb or a hotel, I head to bartaco for a classic and fresh margarita and enjoy an instant getaway feeling— sans family drama. Bonus slurp: People really sleep on the green sauce that comes with the plantains. I could drink it. Try it next you’re there.
Coffee
and Churros from Lorca
Hump day no sweat with Lorca at hand. With just the right amount of cute and cozy, the coffee spot offers delish cold brews and seasonal lattes alongside churros with warm chocolate sauce.
13
Lomo Saltado at Fiesta on Main
For packed-with-flavor Peruvian, locals head to Fiesta on Main for Lomo Saltado. This beloved dish features tender steak strips over rice and fries, all topped with their cultfollowing yellow sauce.
14 The Steak & Cheese with Chili from the Wedge Inn
This landmark comfort-food joint is a must-bite, especially for its steak-and-cheese wedge, best enjoyed alongside their famous chili. Finish it off with a perfectly swirled Dairy Queen cone next door for a low-key perfect family outing.
15
A Perfect Vehicle for a Schmear from Liz Sue Bagels
No weekend morning is complete without a trip to Liz Sue Bagels known for its array of handcrafted savory and sweet bagels with all the fixings. The experience of seeing the staff make them in front of you offers a classic counter-style delight— perfect on Sunday mornings or post youth sports games.
JUDGES
HONORING EXCELLENCE
Welcome to athome magazine’s fifteenth annual A-List Awards.
In each issue, athome dedicates its pages to showcasing the exceptional work of our talented design community. From emerging stars to established professionals, we recognize the diversity and creativity within our industry. Our A-List Awards provide a unique opportunity to bring everyone together for an evening of celebration, highlighting the collaboration and innovation evident in this year’s entries. Our esteemed panel of judges, including some exciting new additions this year, faced the daunting task of selecting finalists from an impressive pool of submissions. We thank them for their dedication, time and expertise in making this year’s competition a success.
The following is a listing of the 2024 A-List Awards finalists by category. Please note that this listing includes the entrant’s name and contact information for each finalist project. To view the full list of professionals credited for each project as well as a project photo, please visit athomealistawards.com to view our digital A-List Awards program. Each finalist “page” can be shared on social media, and the link to each page can be included on a website or forwarded via email.
We hope this year’s set of finalists, with their forward-thinking and imaginative projects, is just the inspiration you have been looking for to reimagine your own living spaces. The winner of each category will be revealed on September 10, 2024 at our networking gala and awards ceremony. We wish our finalists much luck, and we thank all who entered, as well as our judges and our generous sponsors, who have made this celebration possible.
LIVING SPACE: Traditional/Classic Caroline Kopp Interior Design @caroline_kopp_interior_ design
Caroline Kopp Interior Design Westport; 917-797-9756 carolinekopp.com
Nima Design Interiors @nimadesigninteriors Maripi Aspillaga Nima Design Interiors Old Greenwich; 646-436-7685 nimadesigninteriors.com
Robin Henry Studio @robinhenryid Robin Henry Robin Henry Studio Westport; 646-409-3099 robinhenrystudio.com
VanderHorn Architects @vanderhornarchitects Douglas VanderHorn VanderHorn Architects Greenwich; 203-622-7000 vanderhornarchitects.com
KITCHEN: Transitional/Modern Alisberg Parker Architects @alisbergparker Susan Alisberg Ed Parker Alisberg Parker Architects Old Greenwich; 203637-8730 alisbergparker.com
Calla Cane @callacane Calla Cane Rowayton; 475-208-4888 callacane.com DEANE, Inc. @kitchensbydeane Peter Deane DEANE, Inc. Stamford; 203-327-7008 deaneinc.com
James Schettino Architects @schettino_architects James Schettino Jim Schettino James Schettino Architects New Canaan; 203-966-5552 schettinoarchitects.com
ENTRYWAY
Charles Hilton Architects @charleshiltonarchitects Charles Hilton Charles Hilton Architects Greenwich; 203-489-3800 hiltonarchitects.com D2 Interieurs @d2interieurs Denise Davies D2 Interieurs Weston; 646-326-7048 d2interieurs.com lulu HOME @luluhome.alana @luluhome.cami Alana Irwin Cami Luppino lulu HOME Greenwich; 203-340-2161 luluhomedesign.com
KITCHEN DESIGN: Traditional/Classic Austin Patterson Disston Architecture and Design @apdarchitects Stuart Disston Joshua Rosensweig Theresa Steinhardt Austin Patterson Disston Architecture and Design Fairfield County; 203-255-4031 Hamptons; 631-653-1481 apdarchitects.com
Robert Dean Architects @robertdeanarchitects
Robert Dean Architects 111 Cherry Street New Canaan, 203-966-8333 robertdeanarchitects.com
Kaitlin Smith Interiors @kaitlinsmithinteriors
Kaitlin Smith Interiors Essex, CT & Watch Hill, RI; 203-530-6871 kaitlinsmithinteriors.com lulu HOME @luluhome.alana @luluhome.cami Alana Irwin Cami Luppino lulu HOME Greenwich; 203-340-2161 luluhomedesign.com
Prudence Home and Design @prudencehomeanddesign Prudence Bailey Prudence Home and Design New Canaan; 203-859-9499 prudencehomes.com
Cardello Architects Westport; 203-853-2524 cardelloarchitects.com IN STUDIO with Prutting + Company Custom Builders @in_studio_architecture @pruttingbuilder IN STUDIO New York; 212-219-1026 in-studio.com
Palomino Interior Design @palomino.interiors Kate Ferguson Palomino Interior Design New Canaan; 203-216-0831 palomino-interiors.com
VanderHorn Architects @vanderhornarchitects Douglas VanderHorn VanderHorn Architects Greenwich; 203-622-7000 vanderhornarchitects.com
KID/TEEN BEDROOM
Prutting + Company Custom Builders Stamford; 203-972-1028 prutting.com Tanner White Architects @tannerwhitearchitects Tanner White Architects Westport; 203-283-4749 tannerwhitearchitects.com
Austin Patterson Disston Architecture and Design @apdarchitects Stuart Disston Joshua Rosensweig Theresa Steinhardt Austin Patterson Disston Architecture and Design Fairfield County; 203-255-4031 Hamptons; 631-653-1481 apdarchitects.com
Tischler offers custom windows and doors in mahogany, thermally broken solid steel, thermally broken laser cut stainless steel and aluminum. All products are manufactured to withstand extreme weather conditions. The products are manufactured in Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Arizona to the highest standards available. Our products have been tested and meet or exceed Dade County and Florida Building Code requirements for hurricane impact resistance against air and water infiltration.
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Tischler offers custom windows and doors in mahogany, thermally broken solid steel, thermally broken laser cut stainless steel and aluminum. All products are manufactured to withstand extreme weather conditions. The products are manufactured in Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Arizona to the highest standards available. Our products have been tested and meet or exceed Dade County and Florida Building Code requirements for hurricane impact resistance against air and water infiltration.
Tischler’s headquarters are in Stamford, Connecticut, from which all services are provided: Project management to the architectural community, installation to the construction community and service and maintenance for our customers.
Tischler’s headquarters are in Stamford, Connecticut, from which all services are provided: Project management to the architectural community, installation to the construction community and service and maintenance for our customers.
Hobbs, Inc.
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DDRESS: Hobbs, Inc: New Canaan, CT | New York, NY Saddle River, NJ | Bridgehampton, NY
Hobbs Care: New Canaan, CT | Saddle River, NJ
PHONE: 203-966-0726
WEBSITE: hobbsinc.com; hobbs-care.com
Hobbs, Inc.
Hobbs, Inc.
A DDRESS: Hobbs, Inc: New Canaan, CT | New York, NY Saddle River, NJ | Bridgehampton, NY Hobbs Care: New Canaan, CT | Saddle River, NJ phone: PHONE: 203-966-0726
A DDRESS: Hobbs, Inc: New Canaan, CT | New York, NY Saddle River, NJ |
Bridgehampton, NY Hobbs Care: New Canaan, CT | Saddle River, NJ
A DDRESS: Inc: New Canaan, CT | New NY Saddle NJ | Bridgehampton, NY Hobbs Care: New Canaan, CT | Saddle River, NJ
PHONE: 203-966-0726
WEBSITE: hobbsinc.com; hobbs-care.com
WEBSITE: hobbsinc.com; hobbs-care.com
Hobbs, Inc. is an award-winning builder of distinctive homes in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey. Brothers Scott and Ian Hobbs are proud to honor the legacy of integrity, quality and client service instilled by their grandfather and founder, Theodore deFreyne Hobbs, seventy years ago.
WEBSITE: hobbsinc.com; hobbs-care.com Hobbs, Inc. is an award-winning builder of distinctive homes in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey. Brothers Scott and Ian Hobbs to honor the legacy of integrity, quality and client service instilled by their grandfather and founder, Theodore deFreyne Hobbs, over six decades ago.
Hobbs, Inc. is an award-winning builder of distinctive homes in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey. Brothers Scott and Ian Hobbs are proud to honor the legacy of integrity, quality and client service instilled by their grandfather and founder, Theodore deFreyne Hobbs, seventy years ago.
The company sustains strong, collaborative relationships with the most respected architects and designers in the construction industry. They employ experienced, dedicated professionals and talented craftsmen to plan and execute every step of the “Hobbs
the most respected architects and designers in the construction industry. They employ experienced, dedicated professionals and talented craftsmen to plan and execute every step of the “Hobbs Approach” for each project. Whether renovating an apartment in New York City, constructing a waterfront home in the Hamptons or building a family retreat in Connecticut, each team is in constant to deliver a superior experience from concept to completion and beyond. Hobbs Care, a division of Hobbs, Inc., is available to clients to provide comprehensive maintenance programs, home improvement services.
Approach” for each project. Whether renovating an apartment in New York City, constructing a waterfront home in the Hamptons or building a family retreat in Connecticut, each team is in constant communication to deliver a superior building experience from concept to completion and beyond. Hobbs Care, a division of Hobbs, Inc., is available to clients to provide comprehensive maintenance programs, renovations and continual home improvement services. The company’s success is marked by their transparency, synergy and determination to adhere to the values and client services that make the company great.
The company’s success is marked by their transparency, synergy and determination to adhere to the values and client services that make the company great.
The company sustains strong, collaborative relationships with the most respected architects and designers in the construction industry. They employ experienced, dedicated professionals and talented craftsmen to plan and execute every step of the “Hobbs Approach” for each project. Whether renovating an apartment in New York City, constructing a waterfront home in the Hamptons or building a family retreat in Connecticut, each team is in constant communication to deliver a superior building experience from concept to completion and beyond. Hobbs Care, a division of Hobbs, Inc., is available to clients to provide comprehensive maintenance programs, renovations and continual home improvement services. The company’s success is marked by their transparency, synergy and determination to adhere to the values and client services that make the company great.
A DDRESS: 68 Violet Avenue Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Violet Avenue Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
PHONE: 845-452-8444
PHONE: 845-452-8444
WEBSITE: fairviewhearthside.com
WEBSITE: fairviewhearthside.com
For over 40 years, Fairview Hearthside is the Hudson Valley’s first name in hearth products. Please visit our newly renovated showroom at 68 Violet Avenue in Poughkeepsie, NY, offering the latest indoor and outdoor gas, wood burning and electric fireplaces, gas log sets, fire pits, and custom fireplace doors. We continue to serve builders, architects, and designers with the very best of the hearth industry and we install every product we sell.
For over 40 years, Fairview Hearthside is the Hudson Valley’s first name in hearth products. Please visit our newly renovated showroom at 68 Violet Avenue in Poughkeepsie, NY, offering the latest indoor and outdoor gas, wood burning and electric fireplaces, gas log sets, fire pits, and custom fireplace doors. We continue to serve builders, architects, and designers with the very best of the hearth industry and we install every product we sell. Each project we take on involves careful thought and planning and we pride ourselves on the ability to work with the customer in choosing the fireplace that best suits their style and needs. Fairview Hearthside offers many services to complete your project, from designing the look that you want to achieve through the follow-up maintenance of your hearth product for years to come. We maintain a staff of experienced, well-traveled and fully ensured technicians, as well as specialists in our Sales/ Design team and we are confident that your project will be handled with professionalism, thoroughness, cleanliness, and with safety in mind.
Each project we take on involves careful thought and planning and we pride ourselves on the ability to work with the customer in choosing the fireplace that best suits their style and needs. Fairview Hearthside offers many services to complete your project, from designing the look that you want to achieve through the follow-up maintenance of your hearth product for years to come. We maintain a staff of experienced, welltraveled and fully ensured technicians, as well as specialists in our Sales/ Design team and we are confident that your project will be handled with professionalism, thoroughness, cleanliness, and with safety in mind.
Our pledge is to deliver an extraordinary service while maintaining a high level of professionalism, integrity, foresight, and fairness. We are committed to growing Fairview Hearthside through complete customer satisfaction.
Our pledge is to deliver an extraordinary service while maintaining a high level of professionalism, integrity, foresight, and fairness. We are committed to growing Fairview Hearthside through complete customer satisfaction.
Our sales team would be happy to visit your job site or home for a free estimate for your dream project! Please give us a call at (845) 4528444 or email us at info@fairviewhearthside.com and we will be happy to speak with you!
Our sales team would be happy to visit your job site or home for a free estimate for your dream project! Please give us a call at (845) 4528444 or email us at info@fairviewhearthside.com and we will be happy to speak with you!
Lynn Morgan Design @lynnmorgandesign Lynn Morgan Sally Henry-Couannier Lynn Morgan Design Rowayton; 203-866-1940 lynnmorgandesign.com
lulu HOME @luluhome.alana @luluhome.cami Alana Irwin Cami Luppino lulu HOME Greenwich; 203-340-2161 luluhomedesign.com
Robin Henry Studio @robinhenryid Robin Henry Robin Henry Studio Westport; 646-409-3099 robinhenrystudio.com Studio Seva @studio.seva Stephanie Viesta Studio Seva Westport; 203-273-7627 studioseva.com
Karl Chevrolet is a third-generation family business founded in 1927. Based in New Canaan, CT, Karl serves the automotive needs of consumers and businesses in the Fairfield and Westchester County markets with their hallmark personalized service. A top-rated dealer by independent sources like CarFax, Cars.com, and DealerRater, Karl’s reputation has continued to flourish in the age of digital sales. While local customers have access to outstanding sales and service experiences, shoppers from around the country have appreciated Karl Chevrolet’s no-hassle approach to business. From the beginning, Karl’s focus has been on delivering the best overall value possible to each customer. That means, no matter the demand, Karl honors the MSRP pricing on new vehicles; never charging a premium or market adjustment. It’s simply the right thing to do.
Karl has fully embraced the world of Electric Vehicles, quickly becoming one of the top retailers in the Northeast for the Chevy Bolt EV and Bolt EUV. Looking ahead, the dealership is excited to welcome the all-new Chevrolet Silverado EV and Blazer EV within the next year. In anticipation of the coming wave of EV’s, Karl has actively supported and sponsored the deployment of public EV Charging Stations around Fairfield County. The future is electric. Visit Karl Chevrolet to learn more about how you can enjoy the ride.
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800-390-1000
WEBSITE: RingsEnd.com
End and recently acquired Johnson Paint | A Ring’s End Brand, operate 34 retail locations, serving both homeowners and trade professionals. Eight Ring’s End locations are full-service lumberyards, serving Connecticut, Westchester County, NY, and South County, Rhode Island. 26 locations are free-standing paint centers, most with dedicated design showrooms, serving communities in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine, in addition to Connecticut.
Ring’s End and recently acquired Johnson Paint | A Ring’s End Brand, operate 34 retail locations, serving both homeowners and trade professionals. Eight Ring’s End locations are full-service lumberyards, serving Connecticut, Westchester County, NY, and South County, Rhode Island. 26 locations are free-standing paint centers, most with dedicated design showrooms, serving communities in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine, in addition to Connecticut.
As a multi-generational family-owned and led business, Ring’s End is at the forefront of industry trends toward environmentally friendly products and local business growth. They introduce the latest and most innovative products, focusing on trends such as sustainable brands. Additionally, they educate customers on various topics, including building science, proper preparation and application of coatings, and the latest color trends. As an industry leader, Ring’s End continues to expand and evolve. In addition to its retail locations, the company has a commercial paint and lacquer facility, a custom millwork shop, a centralized distribution warehouse, an education center, and a window and door installation department.
As a multi-generational family-owned and led business, Ring’s End is at the forefront of industry trends toward environmentally friendly products and local business growth. They introduce the latest and most innovative products, focusing on trends such as sustainable brands. Additionally, they educate customers on various topics, including building science, proper preparation and application of coatings, and the latest color trends. As an industry leader, Ring’s End continues to expand and evolve. In addition to its retail locations, the company has a commercial paint and lacquer facility, a custom millwork shop, a centralized distribution warehouse, an education center, and a window and door installation department.
Marvin
Your video produced by real journalists . Your business needs a high quality video. Still photos just don’t cut it. Nothing can sell you or your company better than video. Moving pictures and sound are far more engaging to customers and clients. Business videos can be multipurposed: to enhance your website, use for presentations, for e-newsletters, for social networking sites, and so on. Video is the way of today and is so easily accessible to everyone.
KENDRA FARN
Emmy Award winning Kendra Farn is a veteran TV news reporter and anchor. She spent 13 years at WCBS-TV, and WNBC-TV in New York City, the country’s largest television market.
NOAH FINZ
Emmy Award winning Noah Finz is a veteran TV Sports reporter and anchor. He created and manages the Vantage Sports Network from Frontier highlighting CT sports. He spent 18 years as Sports Director for WTNH-TV, Connecticut’s ABC affiliate.
PHONE: 888-262-4192
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WEBSITE: marvin.com
At Marvin, we are driven to imagine and create better ways of living. With every window and door we make, we strive to bring more natural light and more fresh air into homes, and to create deeper connections to the natural world. We put people at the center of everything we do by designing for how people live and work and imagining new ways our products can contribute to happier and healthier homes.
As a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated company, Marvin fosters a culture committed to living our values. Our commitment to doing the right thing, working stronger together, and thinking differently inspires us to be better every day. Crafted with exceptional skill, our products deliver quality you can see, touch and feel, beauty that brings joy, and performance that stands the test of time.
Driven by a spirit of possibility, our commitment to people goes beyond the products we make. We commit to long-lasting and trusting relationships with our employees, customers, channel partners and communities. Learn more at marvin.com.
AND REMEMBER...
All the winners’ and finalists’ projects will be featured in athome’s winter issue
Doyle Coffin Architecture @doylecoffin Peter T. Coffin, AIA Alex T. Bellina, AIA Doyle Coffin Architecture Ridgefield; 203-431-6001 doylecoffinarchitecture.com
VanderHorn Architects @vanderhornarchitects Douglas VanderHorn VanderHorn Architects Greenwich; 203-622-7000 vanderhornarchitects.com
TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE: Less Than 7,000 Square Feet
Austin Patterson Disston Architecture and Design @apdarchitects Stuart Disston Joshua Rosensweig Austin Patterson Disston Architecture and Design Fairfield County; 203-255-4031 Hamptons; 631-653-1481 apdarchitects.com
DOUGLAS WRIGHT Douglas C. Wright Architects HEIDE HENDRICKS Hendricks Churchill
JOSH GREENE Josh Greene Design
MELISSA REAVIS Hollander Design
SUSANA SIMONPIETRI Chango
PHILIP MITCHELL Philip Mitchell Design
Build Awareness. Reach New Clients.
Legal Profile Special Section
• Special section following our annual Top Lawyers editorial feature • Annual guide to Fairfield County’s law firms & legal experts
• Custom profile created for your practice • Reach an audience of 200,000+ families and local residents • One year inclusion in our online lawyers directory • Bonus issue distribution to local events reaching families, charitable organizations and community influencers
9:30am 10:00am 12:00pm Registration Play Begins Lunch
Honorees
Gene
WINNING COMBINATION
At the RF Youth Boxing camp this summer, 25 athletes ages 8-14, nearly all on full scholarship, were trained by pros in the sport—and so much more. Coaches taught the core principles of discipline, focus, respect, work ethic, persistence and confidence through challenging workouts and special activities, including field trips and career day speakers. The camp is just one intiative offered from the non-profit based at Revolution Training on Elmcroft Rd., which also runs a popular after-school option and a newly launched mental health program. White Collar Boxing 2K24, featuring dinner and live matches where local (non-boxing) professionals duke it out, is the org’s main fundraiser. It takes place November 1 at the Hyatt Regency in Greenwich.
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 nathalie saum
Preeminent surgeons caring for you, their neighbors
Maureen P. McEvoy, MD
Breast Surgeon; Breast Surgery Fellowship Director, Montefiore Einstein and Assistant Professor, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Raised in Connecticut and a resident of New Canaan, Maureen P. McEvoy, MD, provides comprehensive breast surgery care using minimally invasive and oncoplastic techniques to achieve cosmetically optimal outcomes. She focuses on minimizing surgery and maximizing patient care, offering surveillance for those with a high risk of breast cancer, performing lumpectomies, mastectomies and nipple-sparing mastectomies, and practicing de-escalation of axillary surgery.
A graduate of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Dr. McEvoy completed a two-year clinical research fellowship at Memorial
Sloan Kettering Cancer Center followed by a breast surgical oncology fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard’s teaching hospital.
Dr. McEvoy has served on national committees and written national guidelines on ways to decrease lymphedema through smarter axillary surgery. She has presented her work on breast cancer nationally and has received awards at national conferences.
