Westport - Jan/Feb 2023

contents JAN/FEB 2023 departments features

TOP DOCS 2023 Here’s your guide to the health professionals you can trust—ranked among the tops in Fairfield County. 66 YOU, NATURALLY Change isn’t always easy—these experts help us take the first steps toward clean, green, natural living. by carol leonetti dannhauser 72

DISAPPEARING ACT Understanding the mysteries of eating disorders and how to treat them. by jill johnson mann

STATUS REPORT

BUZZ

Hasu for meditation essentials; Lux, Bond & Green’s transformation; cutting-edge technology at local hospitals; fighting ALS; new digestive health center in Westport; Deborah Royce’s new book; book reviews from Emily Liebert SHOP

Style-forward fitness wear GO Travel the easy way HOME Fresh home finds at the newly opened OKA; style finds EAT Isla’s Australian fare; chocolates for Valentine’s Day

THE BEST ORTHOPEDICS BY FAR IS RIGHT HERE.

Hospital for Special Surgery and Stamford Health bring the world’s finest orthopedics closer to you. We are proud to recognize our Moffly Media Top Doctor 2023 Winners, Dr. Daniel Markowicz and Dr. Karen Sutton, who uphold the highest standards of musculoskeletal care. They, along with all of our specialists, ensure that the best comprehensive musculoskeletal care is closer to you.

To learn more about our in-person and virtual appointment options, visit HSS.edu/StamfordHealth

Most major insurance plans accepted.

1 Blachley Rd. Stamford, CT 06902

2080 Whitney Ave., Suite 280 Hamden, CT 06518

195 Danbury Rd., Suite 200 Wilton, CT 06897

Drop into new restaurants around town, score the most stylish finds from local shops, see who’s out on the social scene—and take a frontrow seat to the most talked about happenings right here. It’s easy! Just follow us on Instagram and like us on Facebook. Together, we make living here the best!

J.P. MORGAN PRIVATE BANK

INNOVATING IN WEALTH FOR OVER 20 YEARS

J.P. Morgan, one of the world’s most significant and best-known financial institutions has deep rooted ties to Connecticut. The firm’s founder, John Pierpont Morgan, was born, raised and rests in the state. For nearly 200 years, J.P. Morgan has provided its clients with comprehensive solutions to their financial needs.

Located in the heart of Greenwich, J.P. Morgan Private Bank has been serving the community for more than 20 years. The Private Bank first opened its doors in July of 2002 with approximately 20 professionals. The business has seen substantial growth, expanding to over 100 bankers and $75 Billion of client assets. The team on the

ground in Greenwich delivers a full suite of investment, banking and credit solutions.

“Our clients are looking for integration across banking and wealth management services all delivered in a personalized way. Many of our Greenwich based clients also do business with the firm in other channels – namely with our commercial or investment bank as part of their professional life. We differentiate in our ability to deliver the entire firm to our client base in a sophisticated and holistic way where we are all connected across business lines,” said Brian Bisesi, Managing Director, Head of the East Region for J.P. Morgan Private Bank. “We are committed to continued innovation,

delivering enhanced technology, and providing industry leading advice across an expanded demographic. We are fortunate to have access to the considerable resources that only J.P. Morgan can offer, and still retain a boutique like approach to client service. ”

The J.P. Morgan team excels in helping clients create a custom financial plan that can help them achieve their goals and fulfill their vision for their family, community, and beyond. The team will constantly monitor, advise and deliver insights in real-time as clients build, manage and grow their wealth. Additionally, the team delivers expert planning and advice to help shape the course of a client’s life, business and legacy.

Within the community, J.P. Morgan is involved with many cultural, economic and philanthropic organizations across Connecticut. The Private Bank has partnered with The Greenwich Economic Forum, Greenwich International Film Festival, Breast Cancer Alliance, and LiveGirl, among other prominent civic organizations. Engagement ranges from board participation, volunteering, and mentorship.

“It’s incredibly important to us in the Private Bank to be involved in our communities and give back; it is in our DNA as a firm to support local nonprofits and invest in our communities,” added Brian.

Ian Dilts, Mariah Sawyer, Brian Bisesi

The World’s Best Private Bank* is here for you in Greenwich

TheWorld’sBest Private Bank* is hereforyou in Greenwich

J.P. Morgan raises the standard in private banking, delivering a uniquely elevated experience shaped around you. Whether you’re focused on building, preserving or transferring wealth, we bring you a team of specialists in planning, investing, lending and banking, carefully curated to match your goals.

J.P. Morgan raises the standard in private banking, delivering a uniquely elevated experience shaped around you. Whether you’re focused on building, preserving or transferring wealth, we bring you a team of specialists in planning, investing, lending and banking, carefully curated to match your goals.

*Global Finance Magazine, 2022. Awards or rankings are not indicative of future results.

*Global Finance Magazine, 2022. Awards or rankings are not indicative of future results.

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS:

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CONNECT WITH US

CONNECT WITH US

100 W. Putnam Avenue, 4th Floor Greenwich, CT 06830 (203) 629-3100

100 W. Putnam Avenue, 4th Floor Greenwich, CT 06830 (203) 629-3100

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: • NOT FDIC INSURED • NO BANK GUARANTEE • MAY LOSE VALUE

NOT FDIC INSURED • NO BANK GUARANTEE • MAY LOSE VALUE

“J.P. Morgan Private Bank” is a brand name for private banking business conducted by JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its subsidaries wordwide. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and its affiliates (collectively “JPMCB”) offer investment products, which may include bank-managed investment accounts and custody, as part of its trust and fiduciary services. Other investment products and services, such as brokerage and advisory accounts, are offered through J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (“JPMS”), a member of FINRA and SIPC. JPMCB, JPMS and CIA are affiliated companies under the common control of JPMorgan Chase & Co.

© 2022 JPMorgan Chase & Co. All rights reserved.

“J.P. Morgan Private Bank” is a brand name for private banking business conducted by JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its subsidaries wordwide. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and its affiliates (collectively “JPMCB”) offer investment products, which may include bank-managed investment accounts and custody, as part of its trust and fiduciary services. Other investment products and services, such as brokerage and advisory accounts, are offered through J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (“JPMS”), a member of FINRA and SIPC. JPMCB, JPMS and CIA are affiliated companies under the common control of JPMorgan Chase & Co. © 2022 JPMorgan Chase & Co. All rights reserved.

PLAN INVEST BORROW BANK

PLAN INVEST BORROW BANK

vol. 25 | no. 1 | january/february 2023

editorial editorial director

Cristin Marandino–cristin.marandino@moffly.com

editor: westport, fairfield living, stamford Diane Sembrot–diane.sembrot@moffly.com

style & community editor Janel Alexander books correspondent Emily Liebert

contributing editors

Megan Gagnon–editor, athome

Elizabeth Hole–editor, custom publishing

Julee Kaplan–editor, new canaan • darien

Veronica Schoor—assistant editor, athome

Amy Vischio–creative director-at-large, athome

copy editors

Terry Christofferson, Lynne Piersall, David Podgurski, Scott Thomas

contributing writers

Liz Barron, Tom Connor, Carol Leonetti Dannhauser, Kim-Marie Galloway, Malia Frame, Elizabeth Keyser, Jill Johnson Mann

editorial advisory board

G. Kenneth Bernhard, Bridgett Csapo-DiBonaventura, Nancy Conroy, Nancy Gault, Caren Hart Nelson, Jennifer O’Reilly

art senior art director

Venera Alexandrova–venera.alexandrova@moffly.com senior art director

Garvin Burke–garvin.burke@moffly.com production director

Tim Carr–tim.carr@moffly.com assistant art director Lisa Marie Servidio–lisa.servidio@moffly.com senior photographer Bob Capazzo

digital media director of digital content strategy

Diane Sembrot

digital marketing manager

Rachel MacDonald–rachel.macdonald@moffly.com digital assistant Lloyd Gabi–lloyd.gabi@moffly.com

Calendar@Moffly.com Editor@WestportMag.com Weddings@WestportMag.com

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ONE MOMENT

Aside an empty ball field, my thoughts are overflowing. Every day I learn something new. I talk to experts, read books, watch tutorials, listen to podcasts and so on—and then try everything out. I don’t just accept an idea, I research it and test it (whatever that says about my personality type).

On the plus side, I naturally enjoy learning new things, and there is no end to the topics, tips and tricks sprouting up absolutely everywhere. Not all of what I dive into is focused on better writing or keeping up with all things digital (impossible); some is about taking better photos and videos or being a better communicator or running productive meetings. Whether I move on the advice isn’t the point; simply seeing things in a new light is enough.

I apply most of what I learn to doing a better job for you. I keep up with advice from the four corners of the Earth (or, at least, seemingly so), so that you will enjoy reading about your hometown on these pages and online. I hope what I am doing—exploring all those rabbit holes—is working and that you are interested in, and delighted with, our content and voice—that what we share in Westport magazine is both current and meaningful to you. Ideally, what our team puts together makes your day better.

Also, I hope that reading our stories and enjoying the photography of people and places

of your hometown makes you feel closer to your community. I recently received an email about how clear it is that I love Westport, and it’s true—I do, and I have loved it for a very long time. It never fails to show me its natural beauty, and everyone I talk to has something interesting to share. You’re always doing something, from launching a new business to hosting a fundraiser to taking on a big issue— you always face whatever comes and insist on moving forward. The people here are not just resilient, but dynamic.

Every day I learn from you. This is especially true when, rather than emails, IMs or texts, I talk to someone face to face or, at least, over the phone.

What I take away from these moments takes root during quiet moments, when I enjoy what is before me without doing anything other than appreciating it. For example, before me right now a man and his dog who have entirely taken over that empty ball field and are having the best afternoon under a perfect blue sky, not a care in the world. They have no big ambitious “to do” list other than to toss and catch a ball and be together—and there’s something beautiful to be learned from that.

capture the magic

Artisanal excellence and precise attention to detail with the highest quality materials crafted in Valenza, Italy. Leo Pizzo designs are the embodiment of sophistication and natural beauty, each unique piece its own work of art.

Bitesized Meditation

A NEW TABLET for Mindfulness

by emily liebert

When Fairfield resident Bryan Litman began practicing meditation in his late thirties and ultimately adopted the Chan Buddhist tradition of Silent Illumination, he had no expectation that it would turn into a profession one day. Having started his career in commercial production—creating award-winning work

for clients such as Chase, Verizon, Mailchimp, Under Armour and The New York Times Bryan eventually left the advertising industry to start Gendron Design and Innovation with his wife, Claudine. The company used human-centered design to help healthcare organizations elevate their processes, culture and experiences. It wasn’t until the pandemic

hit that Bryan and Claudine decided to launch their own business, based on a need they saw in the competitive meditation marketplace. Enter Hasu—a dissolvable tablet that engages your sense of smell and mouthfeel to center your attention and cultivate a moment of mindfulness. We sat down with Bryan to learn more about his new and innovative product.

above: Bryan and Claudine Litman, founders of Hasu—a unique way to find focus during meditation

Claudine and Bryan Litman

Have mindfulness and meditation always been a significant part of your life?

No, I wasn’t even introduced to the concept of mindfulness until my life got more complicated and stressful, and I felt like it was out of control. Someone I really respect introduced me to the concept of present-moment awareness, and I started exploring meditation and Buddhism. Eventually, I found myself traveling for work, and while my colleagues were going out for dinner, I was in my hotel room with a meditation instructor learning mantras.

Tell us about what prompted you to create Hasu and how you were able to realize your vision.

During the pandemic, I struggled with my own practice. And Claudine and I also saw the need to teach concepts of mindfulness to our kids, almost as a counterbalance to their increased screen time during isolation. The fact that the pandemic lasted so long meant we had an excess of time to work on it and get creative. We were able to observe and question and try a few things together as a family. By experimenting with food with my son, Townes, I became interested in mindful eating. That’s when things started clicking,

The flowershaped, dissolving tablets come in ginger, mint and vanilla.

and we officially kicked off a design exercise on the barriers of practicing mindfulness and how to integrate mouthfeel as a key feature.

What are the main purposes of Hasu and how can micromeditation impact people’s lives in both the short and long term?

The main purpose of Hasu is to make meditation more accessible, and the biggest “perceived” barriers are time and knowledge. Therefore, Hasu is a super simple and short exercise. Meditation experts and novices can both appreciate the calming effect, and how it can aid one to go from “noise/busyness/craziness of everyday life” to calming your brain for a few minutes. For some, this will be all they want as a meditation practice, and that’s great. You could call that a micromeditation. For others, it’s a calming ritual they can use for a deeper, longer practice.

There are many individuals who believe they’re unable to meditate. How does Hasu address this?

Research shows that people are most successful with meditation when they are in a guided environment. Especially beginners. It reduces a lot of the questions like: Am I doing this right? What comes next? This is

During meditation, people focus on the Hasu tablet melting.

one of the reasons why digital apps are so effective, because they act as a guide. So we spent a lot of time creating and designing an experience that’s intuitive and as efficient as being guided, but you don’t need to be in a class or on an app. The way we solved that, is the form and delivery is the guidance itself. The smell and the way the tablet dissolves act as a timer for the exercise. All you need to do is pick a calm environment and focus on your senses. For people who like using an app, that’s fine too. You can use Hasu before a short Headspace or Calm session as a nondigital complement to your routine. Hasu is a way to meditate in those same moments of the day.

Take us through the process of using the tablet. Are there specific moments and places where it can be put to best use? Pause. Smell. Mouthfeel. It’s as simple as that. The whole exercise takes about two minutes. As for moments of the day, it will be different for everyone. But a good rule of thumb is that right before bedtime is probably better than during a heavy metal concert.

What are the ingredients in Hasu and how did you decide on the flavors?

Hasu is currently made in a 3D food printer and is basically composed of water, sugar and

vegetable starch. The flavors are mint, ginger and vanilla. We’re still testing different scents and flavors and refining the mouthfeel of the tablet as it dissolves. As of now, we’re focusing on flavors that are associated with nature and seeing what’s more suitable for different types of users. In fact, the user is part of how we are working with our flavor profiles. We’ve found that the vanilla tablet is great for kids. We’ve paired it with a raspberry scent to add to the mouthfeel experience. We’re always experimenting.

What important elements contributed to the design of the tablet and its packaging?

It’s been a journey, but that’s what experience design is all about. It started with us playing with clay over a Christmas break. Hasu means lotus in Japanese, and the first version we tested was literally a 3D printed flower that came in a flowerpot, and you would “pick” off a petal to do the exercise. We refined it from there, but we liked the symbol and shape of the flower. We have design principles that have been guiding our design decisions over time for this product. We also take user feedback very seriously; it’s a big part of how we evolve our product.

Is the product suitable for people of all ages, including children?

Yes, absolutely. It’s 100 percent vegan as well.

Do you have plans to expand the brand?

Definitely. The space of mindfulness and well-being has never been more important or relevant. Coming out of the pandemic, we all need time to center ourselves. Quality is extremely important to us, so we want to listen and learn from the phases we’re going through, as we move forward. And, of course, stay in the present moment.

NAMED AS “Top Docs” IN THE 2023 CASTLE CONNOLLY SURVEY

A CONSERVATIVE APPROACH WITH RADICAL RESULTS.

At ONS, our fellowship-trained orthopedic and neurosurgical specialists are ranked among the best in the country. They live in your neighborhood, send their kids to local schools, and care for both community and elite athletes. And believe surgery may not be the first step toward a great outcome. See the premiere Orthopedic and Neurosurgery practice in Fairfield and Westchester counties. ONSMD.com

THE LUXE LIFE

We know there are many new shiny objects on Westport’s Main Street to grab your attention— new furniture stores, new athleticwear stores, new restaurants and so forth. Along with all of the new stops, shoppers will also notice renovated favorites. One of the most recent is the completely redesigned Lux Bond & Green (see all locations at lbgreen.com) store. Not just polished, it was overhauled—and has never looked better.

With 125 years of experience, the business is deeply rooted in Connecticut. Since it was established, in 1898, it has remained in the family and dedicated to fine

diamonds, jewelry, watches and gifts. The Westport location celebrated its new look with a friendly, yet official, ribbon cutting. President and CEO John Green gave the honors to Westport First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker. Inside, guests enjoyed an exclusive sneak peek of the work of Jay Stabach, architect at ID3A. The Rolex Suite, with watches on display and a private room for a closer look of the top selections, is a particularly impressive addition.

We caught up with John Green to ask a few questions about all things shiny and bright. by

THE REDESIGNED LUX BOND & GREEN STORE SHINES BRIGHT FOR ITS ANNIVERSARY

diane sembrot

The new Rolex suite at Lux Bond & Green in Westport includes display cases and a private viewing room.

How long has LB&G had a store in Westport?

We have been a Connecticut company since 1898, since our great-grandfather opened his first store, and opened our Westport location in 1996.

Why did you decide to renovate this store?

Shopping is evolving. The customer’s journey has evolved, and we wanted to make sure everyone feels good about shopping with Lux Bond & Green. Our focus on the smartest ways to communicate with our customer, and allowing our customers to shop the way they want to shop has become more important. From rebuilding our website to make searching, shopping and educating easier, to a new inventory system for improved technology, to a relaxed and exciting environment within our store, this renovation was needed.

When did the project start?

The project was designed over two years ago with a challenged supply chain, which meant greater planning. Making sure everything is organized is both a challenge as well as an opportunity, and having a fantastic and understanding staff, a great architect and general contractor are vital to a seamless workflow.

Some of the biggest changes?

The addition of a dedicated Rolex corner, and the addition of Tudor watches and our expanded diamond department. Plus, there are

seating areas for relaxing. Our dedication to hospitality is ensuring that your time in the store is truly enjoyable.

The Rolex suite is gorgeous—tell us more. These are the latest designs from the world of Rolex, from their iconic aqua glass, to a wall highlighting the many features of a Rolex dial, and a private room to make the journey of purchasing and learning about the most exemplary watch brand in the world relaxing.

Anything else to add?

As experts in diamonds, jewelry and watches, we understand our responsibility to our customers. We have been a part of the Westport community since 1996, and, as a multigenerational family business, we appreciate the support and trust that our customers have shown us.

above: An overview of the main shopping area, with display cases of designer diamond jewelry, gems, watches and gifts

top: The entry to the Westport location, which opened in 1996 bottom: The Rolex suite for private viewing is sophisticated, soothing and expertly lit to help shoppers make final selections.

above: Medical technology is critical to procedures, and advances open doors to treatments.

WHAT’S NEXT?

As the digital revolution continues to transform virtually every aspect of our social lives, A.I.-assisted technology is having a significant impact on hospitals and healthcare systems throughout Fairfield County.

Since the onset of the pandemic, telemedicine and remote everything—from doctor’s office visits and video consultations

with specialists to medical evaluations, diagnoses and treatment—have increased patient access to healthcare providers locally.

To explore the latest hardware, software programs and services, we turned to three prominent healthcare providers in our area.

COGNITIVE CARE

Nuvance Health ROBOTIC

The millions of Baby Boomers now in their seventies have ramped up the need for cognitive care as more exhibit signs of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia and other issues around memory, thinking and language. To date, no medications have been approved to treat MCI.

In October, Nuvance Health became one of the first health systems in the U.S. to pilot Neuroglee Connect, a remote monitoring technology for patients with MCI. Taking a cue from current guidelines about the benefit of regular brain

stimulation and healthy lifestyle habits, staff at Nuvance’s Neuroscience Institute use the technology to provide brain-stimulating activities to patients through its iPads, then measure performance and identify signs of cognitive deterioration.

“Nuvance Health has embraced a range of technological solutions to continue providing the best care possible for our patients,” says Chief Medical Information Officer Dr. Albert Villarin. “We are constantly innovating cutting-edge care in all of our hospitals.”

ESOPHAGEAL CANCER SCREENING

Stamford Health’s Heartburn, Reflux and Esophageal Specialty Center

In September 2022, Stamford Health’s Heartburn, Reflux and Esophageal Specialty Center introduced a noninvasive earlyscreening procedure for esophageal cancer, the fastestgrowing cancer diagnosis in the U.S. Traditionally, the only screening for the cancer has been with an endoscopy, a thirty-minute procedure that requires anesthesia and still can be uncomfortable.

Called EsoGuard, the technology can

identify precancerous cells in a process that takes two minutes and is performed in an office visit. The screening is important because over-thecounter medications for heartburn and acid reflux—common preconditions for esophageal issues— can disguise cancer.

Dr. Michael Ebright, thoracic surgeon and director of the Esophageal Center, notes: “This new screening technology will expand access for potentially lifesaving early screening for patients.”

ASSISTANCE

Bridgeport Hospital / Yale New Haven Health

At Bridgeport Hospital, part of the Yale New Haven Health system, A.I.-guided TUG robots are helping address the current shortage of nurses by carrying out routine administrative tasks, such as transporting specimens from the lab and monitoring patients. The robots are freeing healthcare professionals to attend to patients.

“The care we provide requires emotional impact and the human touch, neither of which can ever be replaced by technology,” says Anne Diamond, president of the hospital. But, she adds, “one of the benefits of A.I. is that these new tools

and technology will allow us to spend more time with our patients, providing the care that is critical to their wellbeing and healing.”

Elsewhere in the Yale New Haven Health system, robotic-arm technologies are enabling surgeons to perform joint replacements with more accuracy and precision. For patients, this means smaller incisions, increased saving of healthy tissue, minimal scarring and faster recovery time. Such innovations are improving care locally as well as providing a glimpse of the future of healthcare in America.

above: The entrance to Bridgeport Hospital left: A TUG robot, which can pick up administrative tasks around the hospital.

above: Stamford Health

above: The biplane angiography system, a high-tech system —unveiled at Norwalk Hospital—helps care for neuro and heart patients.

above: A doctor at Stamford Health explains how the EsoGuard device works to a patient.

“Nuvance Health has embraced a range of technological solutions to continue providing the best care possible for our patients.”

DR. ALBERT VILLARIN Chief Medical Information Officer

Getting Vocal

by jamie marshall

In December of 2016, Valerie Geerer was doing her normal lunchtime walk with work colleagues when a friend noticed something off about her gait. “I remember she said, ‘Is there something the matter with your foot?’” the fifty-nine-year-old Stamford resident recalls. “I told her I felt fine. A month later I was tripping myself. It was ironic. Six months earlier, my husband, Michael, and I were climbing mountains in Utah, and, suddenly, I couldn’t walk without stumbling.”

Over the next four years, as her leg strength deteriorated, Val and Michael made the rounds of doctors, none of whom could come up with a satisfactory explanation. Because Val has Type 1 Diabetes, the first neurologist she saw assumed she had diabetic neuropathy. She knew he was wrong. “That doesn’t happen within six months. And I didn’t have the feeling of pins and needles in my feet. I needed to find another neurologist.” That led Val to a doctor in Greenwich, who treated her for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). “We did that treatment with infusions, and although it helped the fatigue,

above: Valerie Geerer with friends and family at the Rhythm and Roots Music Festival in Rhode Island right: Val Geerer

above: Val Geerer with her husband, Michael

it never helped me get my strength back,” she said.

From there, Val sought a second opinion at Columbia Presbyterian in New York. “They did all these tests—EMGs, bloodwork, even a spinal tap. These didn’t identify any specific disease. It hadn’t progressed beyond my legs at that point.”

Beginning in 2020, she noticed she was having trouble with the fine motor skills in her hands, and in August she lost the strength in her arms. A month later, the doctors were able to give her a diagnosis of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, eventually leading to full paralysis for which there is no cure. Life expectancy after the onset of symptoms is from two to five years.

For Val, the diagnosis was a relief. “Not that it’s a great diagnosis,” she says. “But at least I knew what to expect.”

Although she is confined to a motorized wheelchair, Val is still able to work from home four days a week with the help of dictation software. She and Michael still travel, which is her passion. She is also helping move the needle forward on ALS research as a participant in a groundbreaking study conducted by EverythingALS, a nonprofit organization founded by Indu Navar, whose husband, Peter Cohen, died of the disease in 2019. The study uses AI technology to gather physiological data on the speech patterns (vocal and facial expressions), gait movements (walking and climbing stairs) and breathing of people with ALS. Val first learned about the study through her local ALS support group.

“A friend told me about it, and I was like, ‘Sure, I’ll do it if it will help.’ ” Once a week, Val connects with an EverythingALS avatar that walks her through several

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tasks, including saying different words, repeating different phrases and counting as high as she can in a single breath.

“I’m still in the OK range for breathing, but it’s not as good as it used to be,” she says. “It’s interesting to see how my results have changed over the course of time. I know my speech has definitely slowed since this started, and I have difficulty with certain words.” (EverythingALS has recently changed the protocol, so people only have to log in once a month.)

By gathering as much data as possible from participants at different stages of their illness, the study will provide biomarkers that will help make early detection easier and also track progression during the course of the disease, so the information can be used in clinical trials. “It’s a way to see the subtle changes that are happening,” says Navar. “Even though someone’s speech might not be impacted, the AI is seeing the change.”

For Navar, an electrical engineer with a master’s in computer science and a tech entrepreneur/investor who helped launch WedMD, Serus and other ventures, the motivation to improve diagnostic tools for ALS is personal. Her husband died a year after he was diagnosed and two and a half years after the onset of symptoms. “The hardest part was the waiting,” she recalls. “We’d go to doctors, and they’d say come back in eight months and we’ll see where we are. Wait and see on the one hand is a good thing—we thought maybe it’s not so bad. On the other hand, hope is not a strategy. And every part of our background was screaming this is wrong, this is wrong.”

Since it launched in 2020, under the auspices of the Peter Cohen Foundation, the EverythingALS research study has enrolled nearly 1,000 participants. The project is free and open to anyone in the U.S. who is eighteen or older, those with ALS and those without. If Navar has her way, one day preventive care for neurodegenerative diseases will be as commonplace as doing blood work for diabetes and cholesterol.

“Going through the experience of losing someone you love to ALS is a nightmare,” she says. “I don’t want to see others go through what I experienced: no hope, no cure. By creating EverythingALS I wanted to give patients an outlet where they can be proactive about their situation while also getting answers and advice from professionals.”

For information about the study and EverythingALS, visit everythingals.org.

Peter Cohen • Peter Cohen and Indu Navar

Founder of EverythingALS, Indu Navar

Indu with friends and supporters

Follow Your Gut

by malia m c kinnon frame

W

estport is now home to an innovative Digestive Health Center that offers general gastroenterology care as well as a variety of experts who specialize in colorectal, bariatric and hernia disease prevention and surgery. “This is the first center at Yale New Haven Health (YNHH) where patients have access to a multidisciplinary team that provides everything our system offers in digestive health care,” explains Marie Gratton, vice president of Digestive Health Services.

Staffed by a team of digestive disease specialists from Yale Medicine and gastroenterologists from Northeast Medical Group, this new center will offer consultations and pre- and post-operative care at the Riverside Avenue location in Westport. Most surgeries will be performed at Bridgeport Hospital’s main campus or the Park Avenue Medical Center in Trumbull.

“It’s a novel concept to have medical and surgical sub-specialists integrated together under one roof,” says Gratton, adding that they’re thrilled to be able to serve Westport where the demographic can benefit from screening and treatment for a variety of digestive issues. She notes that since colonoscopy screening guidelines changed from age fifty to forty-five in 2021, there’s a significant unmet need in many communities to have access to this type of medical service.

“Colonoscopy is the gold standard for screening, is proactive and has potential lifesaving benefits,” she says.

Many people who shy away from colonoscopies now opt for a FIT test, where a patient mails in his or her stool sample, awaits results, then may pursue further testing if the test comes back positive. “Ten to fifteen percent of FIT tests come back with further testing recommended,” warns Gratton, “plus the FIT test has to be done annually whereas a colonoscopy is only once every ten years. I can’t stress enough that people should make the effort to get colonoscopies, because they help with early detection. Prevention is key, and with colon cancer many people are asymptomatic— when they’re diagnosed, it’s often at a late stage with more limited treatment options.”

Since the Digestive Health Center’s opening in June, they’ve seen a steady influx of patients that Gratton credits with the comprehensive care and streamlined service all at one location. “The Center has been well received and is a great prototype for us to launch other likeminded centers.” Based on the Westport model, the Yale New Haven Health group is planning to open another location in North Haven in January 2023. “We’ve become a real touchpoint for all things gastrointestinal and are so glad to be serving Westport and more of Connecticut soon,” she reflects.

top: The Digestive Health Center on Riverside Avenue, in Westport, opened this year. middle: The center provides care with a multidisciplinary health team. bottom: Patients can see digestive disease specialists from Yale Medicine in one place.

The groundbreaking DIGESTIVE HEALTH CENTER in Westport is “one-stop shopping” for all of your gastroenterological needs

WHAT TO SEE

TRY THIS

by

The upcoming season at WESTPORT COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE is full of great shows, including Ain’t Misbehavin’, Dial M for Murder, Antigone, The Cocktail Hour, School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play and Script in Hand readings. Plus, did you know that the Playhouse also has a specifically designed mobile theater program that is adaptable to any space? You can book a performance with a Q&A and study guide session. See more at westportplayhouse.org

WHAT TO DO

How to enjoy a snow day? Prep ahead by checking out the WESTPORT LIBRARY’S special collection of Library of Things. It has over 100 unique items for use. Here are a few examples: board games (Clue!), arts and crafts (maybe embossing or jewelry kit?), recreation and fitness (walking sticks to kayaks), kitchen (pans and urns), media (drawing tablet), equipment (golf rangefinder), tech (microscope). Find it on the main level and check out an item at Patron Services. See more at westportlibrary.org.

WHAT TO TRY

This winter, things are heating up in Tim’s Kitchen at WAKEMAN TOWN FARM. Make a meal guided by a local chef in the commercial kitchen space while you learn culinary techniques hands-on— then enjoy the meal. Coming up: A Mardi Gras Cooking Class with Chef Caroline Fey, Valentine’s Dinner with Chef Alison Milwe Grace, Sunday Afternoon High Tea Experience with Chef Robyn Herman, Pasta Ripena Workshop with Chef Vita Palmeri and a Tour of Italy Dinner with Chef Robert L. Norman. Tip: Classes sell out quickly. See more wakemantownfarm.org.

left: Performances at Westport Country Playhouse middle: Games and more at Westport Library right: Cooking classes at Wakeman Town Farm

PHOTOGRAPHS: WESTPORT COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE BY ROBERT BENSON; WESTPORT LIBRARY BY DIANE SEMBROT; WAKEMAN TOWN FARM, LIZ MILWE

Mid-winter blah? Not in Westport! Here are just three choices that will boost your seasonal agenda.

diane sembrot

New Year, New Reads

There’s no better resolution than ringing in the New Year with FRESH AND EXCITING LITERATURE. To kick things off, check out this issue’s

read-it roundup: a heartwarming romance, gothic suspense, a convoluted thriller, and a murder mystery.

by emily liebert

THE WEDDING RANCH

BY NANCY NAIGLE

Lorri Walker is anxious to save her deteriorating marriage. So anxious that pleasing her husband becomes top priority, which includes agreeing to a brand new puppy. Yet when her husband leaves her for another dog owner he met at puppy school, her world is turned upside down and she ends up accidentally falling for a man who’s lost his faith in love. Still heartbroken, Lorri finds the strength to forgive her past mistakes and to move on with her life in this touching romance about two wounded hearts united by hope. Nancy Naigle is the USA Today bestselling author of Christmas Joy and Hope at Christmas, both of which have been turned into films for Hallmark Channel.

THE VILLA

BY RACHEL HAWKINS

As children, Emily and Chess were the best of friends. But, by the time they reach their thirties, the stresses of adult life have weakened their bond. Eager to reconnect, Chess suggests a girls getaway to Italy and Emily is all for it. Little do they know what awaits them at Villa Aestas in Orvieto, now a chic holiday escape, formerly known as Villa Rosato, rented for the summer of 1974 by infamous rock star Noel Gordon. While Gordon’s intention was to reignite his creativity, the summer ended with the brutal murder of then up-and-coming musician Pierce Sheldon. As Emily uncovers the details of that ill-fated time, she realizes that there may have been something menacing at play. And the closer she comes to the truth, the more secrets from the past and present are revealed. The question is: Will the villa claim another victim before it’s too late?

THE SECOND HUSBAND

BY KATE WHITE

New York Times bestselling author Kate White, the former Editor-in-Chief of Cosmopolitan magazine, will have you on the edge of your seat with this fastpaced psychological thriller about a woman whose first husband was killed in a random street crime, or so it appears. Since then, Emma has built a new life with widower Tom, who, by all accounts, is perfect in every way. She feels safe with him, and their marriage is thriving in their home on the Connecticut shore. Until one day a homicide detective arrives at their door asking questions about her dead ex-husband. But why are they reviving an old case? And is she still a suspect? Suddenly, Emma has no idea whom she can trust, including her new husband, whose backstory seems to have an awful lot of inconsistencies. Add in a second murder and a questionable cast of characters, which leads to a shocking ending.

MURDER THIS CLOSE

BY TIMOTHY COLE

Welcome to Westport, where a deadly feud between mystery writers forces retired secret agent Dasha Petrov to clear her name by identifying the killer. Previously one of the most lethal spies in the world, she’s hunted Nazis, Communists and one common murderer (in Cole’s The Sea Glass Murders, the first thriller in the series). Now, two years later, Dasha is living a quiet life in Connecticut, spending time with her grandchildren and casually flirting with her neighbors, rival mystery novelists Barnaby Jayne and Michael Aubrey. While she believes that Barnaby and Michael are relatively innocuous, their constant strife is anything but, and ultimately both men end up dead, with the evidence pointing to Dasha. In order to prove her innocence, she teams up with Westport police chief Tony DeFranco and local TV reporter Tracy Taggart to find the real killer and figure out why she was targeted. If you like a smart, twisty plot with plenty of hard-hitting action, this book is for you.

MOTIVATE

AMO Homestyle Cardigan, $355, Greenwich; thewestsideshop.com

VUORI Performance Jogger in Carmel Heather, $94, Westport; vuoriclothing.com

Pair a lightweight joggerstyle and a slim top with unique colors that emulate earth and water.

AERIE OFFLINE

By Aerie Puffer Vest, $88, Greenwich; ae.com

TIBI Camille Check Liam Snap Blazer, $925; tibi.com

by janel alexander

TODD SNYDER Todd Snyder X New Era Yankees Nubby Camel Cap, $98, Greenwich; toddsnyder.com

by kim-marie galloway

Taking Flight

ALMOST EVERY COUNTRY HAS DROPPED THEIR COVID ENTRY RULES, AND AMERICANS—ALL OF THEM, LITERALLY— ARE READY TO TAKE TO THE SKIES. BEFORE YOU ENTER THE JET-SET FRAY, BE PREPARED

OPTIONS FOR HASSLE-FREE TRAVEL

BEFORE YOU ENTER THE JET SET FRAY, BE PREPARED

START HERE

You’re A Star

Just as we were going to press, the Department of Homeland Security announced plans to update its deadline requiring travelers to have a Real ID-compliant license or valid passport to fly anywhere in the U..S. Originally scheduled for 2023, the new date is now May 7, 2025 But don’t procrastinate that trip to the DMV. Book an appointment and be sure you have all the documents you need—they vary by state. Check the official website for a list of requirements. dhs.gov/real-id

Get a Pass

Don’t have Global Entry? There’s an app for that. And shockingly, very few people know about it. The free app will help you clear customs and immigration on return to the U.S., often as quickly as you would with Global Entry. Bonus: The entire family can use it at once. Scan everyone’s passport into the app ahead of time (or last minute, if you’re that type). When you land, select your port of entry and terminal on the app, and you’ll get a QR code, flash the code along with your physical passport to the agent in the dedicated mobile passport line and be on your way.

The Fast Track

Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or CLEAR?

Global Entry and PreCheck are government programs that verify you’re a reduced security risk and therefore trusted with wearing your shoes through security and leaving your laptop in your bag. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck. Once approved for Global Entry (for international travel), you’ll receive a KTN, Known Traveler Number, that will give you TSA PreCheck (for domestic travel). It’s your job to add it to your flight reservation. TSA PreCheck is $78 for five years. Global Entry is a one-time fee of $100 but needs to be renewed every five years. Check your credit card perks. Your issuer may cover the fees.

CLEAR is a purely commercial operation. It pays the airlines a lot of money for the ability to put its clients at the front of security lines. It’s like being put at the head of the line for the hottest club in town. The standard price for CLEAR is $189 annually, but if you add family members there are discounts. Thirty-one airports and four cruise ports have CLEAR. access.cbp.gov; tsa.gov; clearme.com

Look for Mobile Passport Control in your app store. It’s free and secure. Some savvy travelers who have Global Entry also do Mobile Passport and pick the shortest line. It’s me. I’m the savvy traveler. But you already guessed that.

The More You Know

Airlines have delayed and canceled flights in record numbers over the past year. They also struggle to keep luggage on the same plane with its owner. At one point, British Airways announced it simply was no longer answering the phones.

No one can avoid inevitable travel trouble, but you can see it coming. Download an airline tracking app (I like Flight Aware) and set up notifications for your flight. If it is delayed, pull up the app and click through to the plane’s previous flight to check its status. If you think you might miss a connection or you’re worried your delayed flight will eventually be canceled, protect yourself and book the next flight. The airline or a travel advisor can do this for you. Do it quickly, because there are always limited seats. If a storm is coming and an airline puts out a weather waiver allowing customers to change flights to different days or adjust the route, take them up on it before everyone else does.

Ever wish the airport had the equivalent of the Disney Fast Pass—a magical ticket allowing you to bypass all the lines and go straight to your gate? Book yourself a VIP fast-track service at any airport in the world through a travel company. Whether you’re arriving, transferring or departing, you can hire someone to help whisk you through the chaos. We spoke with Hicham Enhaili, founder of Simply Select, a VIP travel company based in New York and London. Hicham was about to miss a connection in Johannesberg and luckily had a service provider who could help him make his connection by quickly transferring him from one plane to the other. Rates vary by airport and service but start at around $250. A fast-track agent will meet you curbside before you even enter the terminal. They will walk you to the front of the check-in or baggage drop line, escort you through security, get you lounge access and wait until they deliver you to the boarding gate.

Simply Select can be reached at 212-365-8606 or online at simplyselect.com.

VIP TRAVELER

COZY UP

Westporters stepping inside 44 Main Street may feel as if they’ve been teleported across the Atlantic and into the homes of British friends with great style and taste. Welcome to OKA, a leading British interiors brand, with dozens of venues across the U.K., and an interior design service. In 2019, the company opened its first U.S. locations in Houston and Dallas, and in late December planned the opening for its first Northeast retail store here in Westport.

Why Westport? Our town seems a natural choice. “We are very excited to bring OKA to the East Coast and especially to Westport,” says Cofounder and Creative Director Sue Jones. “Its rich cultural history and artistic

bent make it a perfect match for us.” The store transformed the building that was home to Banana Republic and, before that, to Klein’s Department store.

The two-story, 14,500-square-foot retail space downtown is designed as a series of exquisitely decorated rooms and staged vignettes recalling the richness and warmth of a Regency-style London townhouse, a country house in the north of Wales and a bucolic Cotswold cottage. The rooms will change with the seasons.

In effect, OKA Westport is a treasure trove of unusual finds and statement pieces, as well as a gateway to an Old World aesthetic that even well-traveled Westporters rarely get

to experience. Once inside, shoppers will find not only an eclectic mix of furnishings— plush, made-to-order sofas; classic dining tables and chairs; an abundance of throw pillows in the colors and textures of an English garden—but also services not normally available in American retail stores. Recently, the company launched its first customizable collection, “Tailored by OKA,” which offers made-to-order seating designed in the United Kingdom. On hand in Westport is a team of home stylists providing advice and helping customers realize the interiors of their dreams.

If you can’t visit OKA Westport in person, visit the brand online at oka.com

THE NEW WESTPORT LOCATION IS AN IMMERSION IN BRITISH INTERIOR STYLE by tom connor

above: A selection of furniture and accessories by OKA, including the Egerton sofa (right)

warm & fuzzy

AND

“using a bit of shining reflective brass, gilt, or silver surfaces, whether it be in mirrors, sconces, chandeliers, vases, or even trays, adds a glow that feels nothing less than welcoming.”

eleish and edie van breems, eleish van breems home

ELDVARM

Emma fireplace tools; $695. Design Within Reach, Stamford; dwr.com

2 SERENA & LILY

Avery pillow cover; $228 for 24”. Westport; serenaandlily.com

3 APPLEGREN

Swedish raw brass wall sconce; $1,050. Eleish Van Breems Home, Westport; evbantiques.com

4 TIMOTHY OULTON

Sivan footstool; starting at $1,495. Westport; timothyoulton.com

5

WILLIAMS SONOMA HOME

Jackson andirons; $295. Westport; williams-sonoma.com

6 RH

Yeti sheepskin pelt; $199. Greenwich; rh.com

7

MITCHELL GOLD + BOB WILLIAMS

Flynn luxe swivel chair; $3,428. Greenwich; mgbwhome.com

—rhonda

COZY UP WITH SOFT SEASONAL PIECES

A FIRESIDE GLOW by megan gagnon

decadent deco

BRING THE DRAMA, WITH ICONIC 1920 s STYLE by megan gagnon

“the pattern in our allure collection speaks to a modern deco aesthetic. the gem-like accents are placed in fine lines to create subtle yet glamorous geometric patterning.”

—sebnem gungen, akdo director of marketing and commercial sales

1

AKDO

Allure rug mosaic

Calacatta with Blue Lagos; price upon request. Bridgeport; akdo.com

2 HOMMES STUDIO

Rapple console table; price upon request. hommes.studio

3 RALPH LAUREN

HOME

Art Deco Athena clock; $1,095. New Canaan; ralphlauren.com

4 NEIMAN MARCUS

Classic Art Deco single panel fireplace screen; $665. The Westchester; neimanmarcus.com

5

MIRROR HOME

Southampton wall mirror by Michael S. Smith; $3,957 Fig Linens and Home, Westport; figlinensandhome .com

6 ARTERIORS

Priestly sconce; $1,430. Trovare Home Design, Greenwich; trovarehomedesign .com

7 CARLYLE COLLECTIVE

Saint-Germain sofa by Fabrice Juan; price upon request. carlylecollective .com

1

MODERN MATTER

Edgewood elliptical knob in Oxblood; $45. modernmatter.com

wine not?

A FULL-BODIED RED MAKES FOR THE PERFECT PAIRING

5ARTERIORS

Turner small sofa in paprika velvet; $6,175. Schwartz Design Showroom, Stamford; schwartzdesignshowroom.com

HOUSE OF HACKNEY

MEY HEH Wallpaper in Sienna; $312 per roll. houseofhackney.com

“this shade feels a little softer and cozier than traditional glossy red; it pairs perfectly with dashes of gold, which will see you through the holidays with ease.”

—sue jones, oka co-founder and creative director

LES OTTOMANS Iron eye tray; $91. amara.com

THE URBAN ELECTRIC CO. Niles sconce; starting at $1,312. urbanelectric.com

by megan gagnon

Isla & Co Opens

Australian Flavor in Fairfield County

by elizabeth keyser

Australian food and drink have come a long way from Fosters, shrimp on the barbie and the bloomin’ onion. Like American food, Australian is a blend of English colonizers and immigrants from Europe, the Middle East and Asia. At ISLA & CO (pronounced I-la, like “island”), which opened recently in downtown Fairfield next to the Community Theatre, that means a contemporary cheffy upgrade on classics, a focus on vegetables and no fear of flavor.

The concept is Down Under café culture, starting in the morning with good coffee and brunch (see sidebar), and continuing in the evening with cocktails and dinner. The concept was started by a group of Aussies who opened the first Isla & Co in hip Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Isla & Cos are opening in West Palm Beach, Atlanta and Dallas, with even more in the works. (This is not the first Australian restaurant in Fairfield County; we put Stamford’s Flinder’s Lane’s passion fruit pavolva

our must-try list (see the October 2019 issue our sister pub, Stamford magazine).

Executive Chef Matt Foley, who developed the menu, was a sous chef at Marea, the two-Michelin-star seafood restaurant in New York City, and he has experience growing a restaurant concept. At a recent preview dinner hosted by the restaurant, we sat on the spacious brick patio and ordered from the dinner menu. Isla & Co has a small, forty-five-seat interior filled with French café tables. The clean

left: Zucchini in spiced herbed yogurt and salsa macha center: Creative cocktails right: Spicy Thai green curry with basmati rice

contemporary design features a wall staggered in climbing plants. The bar offers a window into the kitchen and sightings of the chef.

ORDER UP

The Basil Gimlet cocktail was a smooth and refreshing blend of pineapple, lime and basil vodka, with an aromatic sprig of fresh basil. The Kings Cup, a cassis-hued, tequila-based concoction featuring mint-infused amaro and fresh mint, was lightened by a splash of ginger beer. It was refreshing and herbal. Wines are chosen from Europe and Australia, and the beers include a local IPA from Oceanside, New York.

Our favorite starter was the steamed clams served in their shells in a bowl of white wine sauce, rich with leeks, garlic, chiles and ’nduja, a soft spicy sausage from Calabria, Italy. The clams were sweet, juicy and fresh. A thick slice of grilled sourdough bread, perched on the side of the plate, let us sop up every last taste of sauce. Another starter was a classic English sausage roll, puff pastry enclosing a juicy

Fish & chips with yuzu kosho tartar sauce above: The light-filled dining area of the new restaurant left, top: Spicy shrimp vodka rigatonie left, bottom: Sticky date pudding with bourbon caramel and whipped mascarpone

pork sausage. It was served with an Asianinfluenced sweet-spicy dipping sauce.

A main of Thai green curry was redolent of fresh herbs, Thai basil and cilantro. A punchy sweet-sour sauce coated spears of soft eggplant and strips of red bell pepper. Fish and chips came with tartar sauce mildly tarted up with yuzu kosho, a Japanese fermented paste of hot bird’s-eye chiles, salt and citrusy yuzu.

For those looking for comforting, less spiced dishes, there’s roasted chicken with seasonal vegetables, and braised short ribs with smashed potatoes and roasted peppers.

THE EXTRAS

Sides are stars of the table, bursting with flavor. Roasted carrots, the multicolored farmhouse style we’ve grown to love, are sliced lengthwise, roasted to bring out their sweetness, and tossed in a Vietnamese-style, umami-rich nuc mam, with thinly sliced red onions and lots of fresh basil and cilantro. It was like a farm-to-table, vegetarian (protein-less) version of the Thai salad called “yum.” Another must try: zucchini. A visually arresting dish of soft, juicy, charred zucchini spears placed over a luscious green herb yogurt, and hit with a bit of nutty, garlicky, spicy macha salsa, it was a lesson in how to transform a standard veg into an exciting dish.

Puddings, as English desserts are known, are seriously sweet, and can feel like a lot after a whole meal. The sticky date cake with bourbon caramel sauce and mascarpone is as rich and moist as it sounds, and it deserves to be shared over strong cups of coffee, perhaps as an afternoon treat. Isla & Co is an island of Australian hospitality any time of day. More at isla-co.com

Brunch Served Every Day at Isla & Co

We went back for brunch anonymously days after Isla & Co opened. Busy Fairfield County folks tend to think of brunch as a long, relaxed, weekend affair, but Isla & Co could change that—brunch is offered every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Coffee is a serious focus, and on our visit, the espresso was rich and strong. My dining companion asked for a little extra milk to mellow out her latte, and the young, eager server was happy to comply.

Sambal Scramble is the signature egg dish, with spicy chile sambal sauce and herby green harrissa to give those eggs some character.

Sourdough toast and a choice of bacon or avocado come with it. The Brekkie

of a salad of arugula and paper-thin radish rounds tossed in vinaigrette, or frites. The Benedict features salmon, and the avocado toast is seasoned with feta and almond dukkah, a nutty spice blend from Egypt.

Mushroom toast is a hearty upgrade on an English breakfast standard. A slab of toasted sourdough was piled with sautéed cremini mushrooms. Upon it sat a white orb of poached egg, showered with grated Parmesan, and topped with a sprig of feathery dill. We cut into the egg, and the bright yellow yolk ran over the cheese and mushrooms, creating a sauce that absorbed into the bread.

the divine peaches, melting marscapone and drizzled with maple syrup, this dish is an indulgence—so why not order one for the table to share?

Roll, a soft, toasted brioche bun layered with scrambled eggs, melted cheddar and crisp bacon, was utterly satisfying, and allowed the choice

French toast is topped with sweet poached peaches, which make the dish sing. Brioche, rich and buttery, creates a fluffier texture, and topped with

The brunch menu also offers salads and healthful grain and vegetable bowls. Meat is not overlooked; the burger features grass-fed beef. We left brunch feeling full and content. It was Wednesday, but for an hour or so, we felt like it was the weekend.

above: Enjoy outdoor seating in the warmer months.

above: Brekkie Roll (eggs, cheddar, bacon, arugula)

above: Brioche French toast with fruit

above: Fresh coffee drinks

THE SHORELINE GROU P OF WESTPORT AT MORGAN STANLEY

by elizabeth keyser

Working with chocolate is a passion for Westport’s and Wilton’s artisans and chocolate shops, and the evolution of chocolate-making is here to taste, savor and share.

Downtown Westport is home to two trained, artisan chocolatiers, Le Rouge by Aarti and Chocolatieree, and the newest chocolate store on the scene is Bridgewater, a Connecticut-based operation that opened an

outlet on Main Street (enter near GG & Joe’s) in September. In Wilton, Sweet Pierre’s offers gourmet brands of chocolates, including House of Kniptschildt, the nationally recognized brand made in Norwalk. Greenfield Hill, Fairfield, is the home of BE Chocolate, where a Belgian master matches tradition with ingredient-driven fillings. All take online orders and ship across the country. Many host classes and events.

BRIDGEWATER CHOCOLATE

Westport is home to the newest (its fourth) outlet of Bridgewater Chocolate (bridgewaterchocolate.com). The Connecticut-based brand specializes in sweet, creamy and crunchy upgrades on American classics, such as toffee, turtles (called törtél in honor of founder Chef Erik Landegren), bars, bark, shortbread, graham crackers, dried fruits and flavored fillings. In business since 1995, Bridgewater has built up the capacity in its factory in Brookfield to handle a high volume of corporate gifts and large events, as well as personal gifts. For Valentine’s Day, boxes of assortments will be tied with red bows, and milk and dark chocolate, as well as cherry-and-chocolate hearts will fill the display case.

CHOCOLATIEREE

The display case at Chocolatieree (chocolatieree.com) has a decadent austerity, and the shiny, tempered chocolates are decorated like jewels. Laureen “Ree” Hayes is the newest artisan chocolatier on the scene. She uses rare, single-origin Criollo cocao beans from Peru, which produce smooth, rich chocolate. For Valentine’s Day—its first in Westport—she’ll feature strawberry-and-champagne-ganache truffles enrobed in chocolate. Don’t be surprised to see some ex–New York City hipsters here; this shop is one of the reasons they’re glad they moved out to Connecticut.

CHOCOLATIEREE BY EMU HAYNES

above: Chocolatieree's mixed boxes, in blue, come in different sizes, including the five-piece mix below: The shop's artisan chocolates, in a variety of flavors, shine.

top: Bridgewater Chocolate Valentine's Day Red Box bottom: The chocolate brand's Törtéls, named for the founder below: The chocolate bar in Westport

BY GARVIN BURKE

LE ROUGE BY AARTI

The little den, Le Rouge by Aarti (lerougebyaarti.com), on upper Main Street, Westport, smells delightfully of chocolate, and that’s because Aarti Khosta is melting, molding and painting chocolates in the kitchen right off the display room. Celebrating her tenth anniversary of creating fresh chocolates sans preservatives or artificial flavors, Khosta is inspired by her world travels, flavoring truffles with masala chai and filling chocolate crowns with pistachio caramel. Her campaign “Give a Little Love” has funded chocolate hearts to thank teachers and staff of Westport’s school district and graduating students in Bridgeport. Valentine’s Day can also be about random acts of kindness. “Give a heart to someone who doesn’t expect it,” says Khosta. “It’s a way to spread love and inclusion.”

Nearby Picks

SWEET PIERRE’S

This gourmet retail chocolate shop, Sweet Pierre’s chocolate shop (sweetpierres.com) in Wilton, features organic, vegan, European and local chocolates, gift baskets, assortments, including locally made House of Knipschild, who began mixing savory flavors with chocolate back in 2001. (Fritz Knipschild has beaten Bobby Flay and been a contestant on Chopped.)

BE CHOCOLATE

This is the modern atelier of Belgian Master Chocolatier Benoit. Chocolate and coffee perfume the air at BEchocolate (bechocolat .com). The Valentine’s Day pièce de résistance are heart-shaped boxes made of chocolate, filled with Champagne & Raspberry Hearts, Ruby Passion, Gin & T (local Fifth State Gin and Bigelow Earl Grey) or Vanilla Bourbons. They can be personalized with a sweet message written in white chocolate. (BE Chocolate is also sold at Isabel et Vincent in downtown Fairfield.)

above: One of the shop's Valentine’s Day creations is the decadent Mini Heart Cake, which is a dark-chocolate ganache cake topped with plump and juicy fresh raspberries below: A collection of heart-shaped chocolates with intricate design, colors and jewellike shimmer make a beautiful statement.

above: Individual and packaged chocolates

left: Open heart box right, in box: Vegan Double Dark, Raspberry Laurent-Perrier, Lavender; right, on plate:: Ruby Passion Fruit, White Vanilla, Raspberry Laurent-Perrier, Dark Salted Caramel, Double Milk, Milk Salted Caramel

MEET FLOWCODE, THE NEXT GENERATION OF QR CODES

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

people&PLACES

Speak Up T

he Center for Family Justice hosted the twenty-fifth anniversary of its Speaking of Women Luncheon at The Waterview. Bestselling author, activist and survivor Stephanie Land—whose memoir, Maid, about being a single parent escaping domestic abuse inspired a Netflix series of the same name— was initially scheduled to give the keynote address. However, due to an injury, she had to back out and Rachel Louise Snyder, author of No Visible Bruises, stepped in to save the day. The successful luncheon is the most important fundraiser for the nonprofit, which provides free and confidential crisis services and coordinates care for survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking and child abuse in Fairfield County. The event was chaired by Patti Masarek, Sofia DeCarvalho and Sarah Cwikla Mastropole, and M&T Bank was the presenting sponsor. See more at centerforfamilyjustice.org. »

1 Trustees of the Elizabeth M. Pfriem Foundation: CFJ Chairman of the Board Matthew Reale; S. Earl Shook; Elizabeth M. Pfriem Foundation representative; Candy Montalvo; author and keynote speaker Rachel Snyder; Tony Montalvo; James B. Stewart; CFJ President/CEO Debra A. Greenwood 2 Event cochair Sarah Cwikla; Matthew Reale; Debra A. Greenwood; CFJ Board Member Donna Craft 3 CFJ Executive Project Coordinator Mary Ann Mencel; CFJ Domestic Violence Adult Advocate Anne Morcone; CFJ Pathways to HOPE Coordinator and Clinician Sasha Collins; CFJ Pathways to HOPE Youth Trauma Specialist Amanda Valentin 4 CFJ Board Member Jill Fitzburgh; former CFJ Board Member Tom Gallo; Matthew Reale

Matthew Reale; event cochair and CFJ Board Member Sofia DeCarvalho; Sarah Cwikla; event cochair Patti Masarek; Debra A. Greenwood 6 Patti Masarek; Sofia DeCarvalho; Sarah Cwikla

Event MC Anna Zap, The Anna & Raven Show,

SPEAKING OF WOMEN LUNCHEON / Center for Family Justice

1 Craig Melvin

Ward and Grace Horton with their children, Will and Alexa—all of Fairfield

Christine Squires 4 Laura and Todd Kelly of Westport

Michael and Margaret Bartlomowicz with Christian Trefz of Westport

An entertainer

the event

Jen Sweeters of Wilton, Amy Bloom of Redding and Lori Brayton of Norwalk 9 Eric and Joy Weintz, Craig Melvin, and Erica Hill and David Yount

Caring Is Sharing

The thirty-fifth annual Americares Airlift Benefit, highlighting the Stamford-based nonprofit’s response to the war in Ukraine and the hurricane in Puerto Rico, raised nearly $1.8 million. Nearly 400 people attended the gala, held at the Citi Aviation Hangar at Westchester County Airport. Craig Melvin, an award-winning news anchor on NBC News’ TODAY and cohost of 3rd Hour of TODAY, served as event MC. Americares Senior Director of Latin America and Caribbean Programs Dr. Brenda RiveraGarcía and Americares Director of Complex Emergencies Adam Keehn were featured speakers. Percival Barretto-Ko, Roberta and James Conroy, Erica Hill and David Yount, Marti Noxon and Joy and Eric Weintz, M.D., were event cochairs. Over four decades, the health-focused relief and development organization, which saves lives and helps those affected by poverty or disaster, has provided more than $20 billion in aid to 164 countries, including the United States. Moffly Media is proud to serve as the exclusive regional magazine sponsor of the 2022 Americares Airlift Benefit. See more at americares.org. »

AIRLIFT BENEFIT / Americares

1 The event raised nearly $147,000

2 Judges Eric Shoji, Meg Tolin Piper and Brendan Fraser 3 Carly Samalin, who won The Mirrorball Trophy for best dancer and People’s Choice Award for top fundraiser, with instructor Matthew Ames 4 Ali Wentworth, Elmar Schmidt and Afton Fraser 5 Clemens Lengenfelder and Lindsay Darrell 6 Lengenfelder and Makeda Mays-Green 7 Brad and Erica Walker

Star Power

The fourth annual Dancing Stars of Greenwich charity dance was all smiles and cheers. It raised $147,000 for Abilis, a nonprofit that was founded in 1951 and provides programs, services and support for more than 800 individuals with disabilities and their families throughout Fairfield County. For the event, the dancers Brad and Erica Walker, Trevor Crew, Lindsay Darrell, Afton Fraser, Elaine Madonna, Greg Masone, Makeda Mays-Green, Cris McCormack and Carly Samalin were paired with professional dancers Matthew Ames, Clemens Lengenfelder, Santa Pavlovic, Christian Perry and Elmar Schmidt from the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Greenwich. Ali Wentworth, co-creator, star and co-executive producer of the Head Case series, served as MC. Actor Brendan Fraser, DJ and TV host Eric Shoji and actress Meg Tolin Piper served as celebrity judges. “The dance off is one of our favorite events of the year,” Amy Montimurro, CEO and president, said. “And the partnership with The Fred Astaire Studio of Greenwich is priceless.” More at abilis.us. W

DANCING STARS OF GREENWICH / Abilis

money matters

NO PICNIC

After years of soaring up, up and away, the stock market plunged back to Earth in 2022, taking with it trillions of dollars in retirement savings, college funds and more. At various points in the year, the Nasdaq had tumbled more than 30 percent from previous highs; the S&P 500 more than 20 percent— in other words, into a bear market, which is loosely defined as when the stock market index sinks more than 20 percent from a recent high.

“Three main drivers have upended the way people have

BY CAROL LEONETTI DANNHAUSER

PREPARING FOR ANOTHER NOT-SO-SWEET BEAR MARKET

thought about investments for the past forty years or so,” says Ed Laux, assistant vice president and financial advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Greenwich. “Interest rates have gone up considerably, the dollar has had a major move to the upside, and we’ve also had higher inflationary numbers.”

That trifecta has “caused a lot of reticence on the part of people who have had success on buying the dip,” Laux says. “Whether you think back to the crash in 1987, or you think back to a couple of years ago when we went down over 30 percent in one month, those turned out to be pretty good buying opportunities.”

Not that you should embark on a buying spree. Instead, perhaps welcome 2023 by examining your asset allocation and understanding the risks and vulnerabilities attached to your investments, so that when the bear is growling, you’re prepared.

Though younger investors haven’t experienced a bear market beyond the months-long, Covidinduced market drop in 2020, bear markets are not that unusual. Research counts more than twenty since 1928, or one about every five years or so. Market free falls happen in a hurry, and as the numbers fall, risk and fear rise. Each bear market has recovered, and grown to new heights, but over time. That’s little consolation to people nearing retirement or parents counting on investments to cover tuition payments.

The bear market that began in 2022 is a little bit different from those in the past, Laux notes. It wasn’t an economic crisis, like the dotcom bust in 2001 or the mortgage crisis in 2008, that drove the downturn. Instead, this stemmed from the Federal Reserve’s deliberate attempts to cool the economy by raising interest rates. The fear of slimmer corporate profits “caused a lot of people to sit back. They haven’t

been jumping in with a lot of verve like they had in the past.”

While Laux remains a “big believer in staying invested in the market,” he adds a caveat: “People should be tweaking their plans. It’s important for them to determine investment choices that are in their best interest depending on where they are in life. A thirtyfive-year-old is going to have a lot different mindset than a seventyyear-old. The younger people have a longer time frame to be aggressive, and for long-term trends, equities are a great place to be.”

Many investors have a “set it and forget it” mentality, with contributions to investment accounts and retirement accounts happening on cruise control. Whether you’re a DIY investor or you work with an advisor, you might want to revisit and refresh your financial plan, shoring up your strategies. “That’s good advice every year, whether you’re in a bull market or a bear market,” says Laux.

While there’s a whole lot of pain associated with raised interest rates, there’s also a bright side: Municipal bonds, CDs, money market funds, Treasury bonds and other income-generating investments that have languished over the past couple of years are finally paying more for your money. And don’t forget that old reliable place to stash cash you’ll be needing shortly—the credit union. Fairfield County counts more than three dozen credit union branches, many of which are open to the general public, most of which pay higher interest rates on their CDs and money market accounts than neighboring banks do.

Ed Laux

To all of our Top Docs committed to providing the greatest of care: Congratulations.

At Yale New Haven Health, we are proud to recognize the 42 doctors representing Bridgeport Hospital, Greenwich Hospital, Northeast Medical Group, and Yale Medicine who’ve been named Top Doctors. Their compassion, talent, and dedication are exceeded only by their tireless commitment to treating each and every patient with the greatest of care.

Fairfield County’s

Health and wellness continue to be as important as ever at the global and regional level. Locally, we’re fortunate to have at our disposal so many leading physicians working in highly-ranked hospital systems throughout Fairfield County. Finding the right doctor when a health concern arises can be an overwhelming process, so we turned to the experts at DataJoe Research to compile a reliable directory of nearly 700 specialists. The firm evaluated everything from skills and credentials to peer-voting and public perception in order to deliver this year’s handy, muchanticipated, guide to our area’s top doctors. »

TOP DOCTORS TOP DOCTORS

ADOLESCENT MEDICINE

Sara B. Levine

Greenwich Adolescent & Young Adult Medicine Greenwich, 203-532-1919 greenwichhospital.org

Joanna ZolkowskiWynne

Northeast Medical Group Bridgeport, 203-384-3910 bridgeporthospital.org

ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY

Aimee AltschulLatzman

Allergy & Asthma Consultants of Fairfield County Fairfield, 203-955-1461 allergyfairfield.com

Kenneth S. Backman

Allergy & Asthma Care of Fairfield County LLC Fairfield, 203-259-7070 ynhhs.org

Jonathan B. Bell Danbury, 203-357-1511 ascdocs.com

Katherine Bloom

Allergy & Asthma Care of Fairfield County LLC Fairfield, 203-830-4700 bridgeporthospital.org

Leslie R. Coleman

Allergy and Asthma Associates of Stamford PC Stamford, 203-259-7070 stamfordhealth.org

Philip H. Hemmers

Allergy Center of Connecticut Norwalk, 203-869-2080 allergyct.com

Richard J. Lee

Advanced Specialty Care Danbury, 203-838-4034 ascdocs.com

Mitchell R. Lester

Fairfield County Allergy Asthma and Immunology Associates Norwalk, 203-324-9525 fairfieldcountyallergy.com

Paul S. Lindner

Allergy and Asthma Center of Stamford Stamford, 203-870-8731 stamfordhealth.org

Mark D. Litchman

Fairfield County Allergy Asthma and Immunology Associates Greenwich, 203-830-4700 greenwichhospital.org

Aymeric E. Louit

Fairfield County Allergy Asthma and Immunology Associates Stamford, 203-838-4034 stamfordhealth.org

Agnieszka Matczuk

Fairfield County Allergy Asthma and Immunology Associates Greenwich, 203-978-0072 stamfordhealth.org

Joseph Sproviero

Fairfield County Allergy Asthma and Immunology Associates Norwalk, 203-838-4034 greenwichhospital.org

ANESTHESIOLOGY

James E. Babashak

Nuvance Health Medical Practices Norwalk, 203-852-2276 nuvancehealth.org

Mark Chrostowski Greenwich Anesthesiology Associates PC Greenwich, 203-863-3390 greenwichhospital.org

Kaili Dilts Stamford Anesthesiology Services PC Stamford, 203-348-2614 stamfordhealth.org

Karl J. Kulikowski

Nuvance Health Medical Practices Danbury, 203-739-7118 nuvancehealth.org

Edwin Oh Greenwich Anesthesiology Associates PC Greenwich, 203-863-3390 greenwichhospital.org

Brian P. Sullivan Stamford Anesthesiology Services PC Stamford, 203-348-2614 stamfordhealth.org

Paul B. Sygall Greenwich Anesthesiology Associates PC Greenwich, 203-863-3390 greenwichhospital.org

Alfonso A. Tagliavia Greenwich Anesthesiology Associates PC Greenwich, 203-863-3390 greenwichhospital.org

Cynthia Twu Greenwich Anesthesiology Associates PC Greenwich, 203-863-3390 greenwichhospital.org

CARDIAC ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY

Murali Chiravuri Cardiac Specialists Danbury, 203-794-0090 cardiacspecialists.com

Sandhya Dhruvakumar Stamford Health Medical Group Stamford, 203-276-2321 stamfordhealth.org

Adam T. Lottick Connecticut Heart and Vascular Center Trumbull, 203-333-8800 ynhh.org

Michael R. Pittaro Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County Stamford, 203-353-1133 cafccardiology.com

Robert D. Winslow Cardiac Specialists Danbury, 203-794-0090 cardiacspecialists.com

CARDIOLOGY

Jonathan Alexander Nuvance Health Medical Practices Danbury, 203-739-7155 nuvancehealth.org

Jeffrey N. Berman Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County Fairfield, 203-254-2452 cafccardiology.com

Margaret Bond Nuvance Health Danbury, 203-739-7000 nuvancehealth.org

Alexander Delvecchio Yale New Haven Health Greenwich, 203-863-4210 northeastmedicalgroup.org

Ira Galin Danbury, 203-739-7155 nuvancehealth.org

Jeffrey Green The Heart Center Stamford, 203-674-1810 heartcenterct.com

Robert L. Labarre Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County Stamford, 203-353-1133 cafccardiology.com

David J. Lomnitz Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County Norwalk, 203-855-3680 cafccardiology.com

Mina Owlia Stamford Health Medical Group Stamford, 203-348-7410 stamfordhealth.org

Maria C. Pavlis

Yale New Haven Health Greenwich, 203-863-4210 greenwichhospital.org

Manuel C. Pun Northeast Medical Group Trumbull, 203-333-8800 northeastmedicalgroup.org

Russell H. Stein Nuvance Health Medical Practices Danbury, 203-739-7155 nuvancehealth.org

Arshad M. Yekta Nuvance Health Medical Practices Norwalk, 203-855-3680 nuvancehealth.org

CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY

Faiz Y. Bhora Nuvance Health Medical Practices Norwalk, 203-739-6586 nuvancehealth.org

Michael A. Coady Stamford Health Stamford, 203-276-1000 stamfordhealth.org

Michael I. Ebright Stamford Health Medical Group Stamford, 203-276-4404 stamfordhealth.org

Rafael Paolo Squitieri Hartford HealthCare Medical Group Bridgeport, 203-576-5708 hartfordhealthcare medicalgroup.org

David D. Yuh Heart and Vascular Institute Stamford, 203-276-4400 stamfordhealth.org

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Gregory S. Bloom Connecticut Heart and Vascular Center Trumbull, 203-333-8800 bridgeporthospital.org

Linda R. Casale Cardiac Specialists Trumbull, 203-385-1111 cardiacspecialists.com

Venu Channamsetty Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County Trumbull, 203-445-7093 cafccardiology.com

Joonun Choi Stamford Health Medical Group Stamford, 203-348-7410 stamfordhealth.org

Evelyn J. Cusack Stamford Health Medical Group Stamford, 203-348-7410 stamfordhealth.org

Lawrence I. Fisher Cardiac Specialists Danbury, 203-794-0090 cardiacspecialists.com

Ram Gordon Cardiac Specialists Trumbull, 203-385-1111 cardiacspecialists.com

David H. Hsi Stamford Health Medical Group Stamford, 203-276-2323 stamfordhealth.org

Steven H. Kunkes Cardiac Specialists Fairfield, 203-292-2000 cardiacspecialists.com

Craig A. McPherson Bridgeport Hospital Bridgeport, 203-384-3000 bridgeporthospital.org

Jay Lewis Meizlish Cardiac Specialists Fairfield, 203-292-2000 bridgeporthospital.org

Stephen P. Michaelson

Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County Norwalk, 203-845-2160 cafccardiology.com

Wayne H. Miller Stamford Health Medical Group Stamford, 203-348-7410 stamfordhealth.org

Robert M. Moskowitz Cardiac Specialists Fairfield, 203-292-2000 bridgeporthospital.org

Francis J. Neeson Yale New Haven Health Greenwich, 203-863-4210 greenwichhospital.org

John Novella Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County Norwalk, 203-845-2160 cafccardiology.com

Suhash Patel Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County Fairfield, 203-254-2452 cafccardiology.com

Ronald J. Raymond Cardiac Specialists Ridgefield, 203-438-9621 northeastmedicalgroup.org

Alon Ronen Northeast Medical Group Trumbull, 203-333-8800 bridgeporthospital.org

Robert D. Sackstein Connecticut Heart and Vascular Center

Trumbull, 203-333-8800 bridgeporthospital.org

Jeffrey Schmierer

Nuvance Health Danbury, 203-739-7155 nuvancehealth.org

Adam E. Schussheim

Yale New Haven Health Fairfield, 203-292-2000 ynhh.org

Edward H. Schuster Stamford Health Stamford, 203-276-2323 stamfordhealth.org

Aparna Srinivasan

Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County Norwalk, 203-845-2160 cafccardiology.com

Richard L. Taikowski

Cardiac Specialists Trumbull, 203-385-1111 cardiacspecialists.com

Joseph J. Tiano

Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County Bridgeport, 203-334-2100 cafccardiology.com

Anja Wagner

Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County Bridgeport, 203-683-5100 cafccardiology.com

Craig S. Werner

Northeast Medical Group Trumbull, 203-333-8800 ynhh.org

Stuart W. Zarich

Yale New Haven Health Bridgeport, 203-384-3844 bridgeporthospital.org

CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY

Deborah S. Lipschitz

Fairfield, 203-256-9926 drdeborahlipschitz. wordpress.com

Joan F. Poll Westport, 203-222-1186 joanfpollmd.com

COLON & RECTAL SURGERY

Stuart Bussell

Nuvance Health Danbury, 203-739-7131 nuvancehealth.org

Marc J. Casasanta

Nuvance Health Danbury, 203-739-7131 nuvancehealth.org

Marilee L. Freitas Stamford Health Medical Group Stamford, 203-323-8989 stamfordhealth.org

James M. McClane

Stamford Health Norwalk, 203-852-2262 stamfordhealth.org

Scott C. Thornton

Yale New Haven Health Fairfield, 203-256-5500 bridgeporthospital.org

COSMETIC SURGERY

Keith J. Attkiss Greenwich, 203-862-2700 attkiss.com

Prashant Soni

Advanced Specialty Care Danbury, 203-830-4700 ascdocs.com

CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE

Sandra K. Wainwright

Yale New Haven Health Greenwich, 203-863-3000 greenwichhospital.org

DERMATOLOGY

Beth A. Buscher

Dermatology Associates of Western Connecticut PC Newtown, 203-792-4151 dermwestconn.com

Julie Cantatore Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut Norwalk, 203-538-5682 dermatologyofct.com

Severine M. Chavel

Dermatology Center of Stamford Stamford, 203-325-3576 dermatologycenter stamford.com

Richard C. Connors Greenwich, 203-622-0808 greenwichhospital.org

Brittany G. Craiglow

Fair Haven Health Center Fairfield, 203-292-9490 dermatologyofct.com

Sarah E. Dolder

Greenwich Point Dermatology Greenwich, 203-764-2230 greenwichpoint dermatology.com

Rhett J. Drugge

Sheard and Drugge Stamford, 203-324-5719 stamfordhealth.org

Kenneth J. Egan

Advanced Specialty Care Norwalk, 203-830-4700 ascdocs.com

Kimberly M. Eickhorst

Dermatology Associates of Western

Connecticut PC Newtown, 203-792-4151 dermwestconn.com

Robin D. Evans Stamford Health Stamford, 203-323-5660 stamfordhealth.org

Rena Fortier Long Ridge Dermatology Norwalk, 203-329-7960 stamfordhealth.org

Samuel Gettler

Advanced Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology Stamford, 203-323-3376 samuelgettlermd.com

Loyd S. Godwin

Dermatology Center of Stamford Stamford, 203-538-5682 dermatologyofct.com

Rebecca Ross Hall

Dermatology Center of Stamford Stamford, 203-325-3576 dermatologycenter stamford.com

Lynne M. Haven Greenwich, 203-869-4242 lynnehavenmd.com

Omar A. Ibrahimi

Connecticut Skin Institute Stamford, 203-428-4440 ctskindoc.com

Michael A. Jacobson

Advanced DermCare Danbury, 203-797-8990 advanced-dermcare.com

Rhonda Q. Klein Modern Dermatology Westport, 203-635-0770 moderndermct.com

Jeffrey D. Knispel

Dermatology Associates of Western Connecticut PC Newtown, 203-792-4151 dermwestconn.com

Steven A. Kolenik III

Connecticut Dermatology Group Norwalk, 203-810-4151 ctdermgroup.com

Graeme M. Lipper

Advanced DermCare Danbury, 203-797-8990 advanced-dermcare.com

Leon E. Luck

Dermatology Associates of Fairfield County Westport, 203-227-0837 westportdermatology.com

Elizabeth R. Marsh

The Dermatology Center of Stamford Stamford, 203-325-3576 dermatologycenter stamford.com

Fern E. Mayer

Stamford, 203-969-0123 stamfordhealth.org

Jason C. Mcbean Fairfield Dermatology Fairfield, 203-259-7709 fairfieldderm.com

Jeremy Ethan Moss Brookside Dermatology Associates Bridgeport, 203-408-2725 brooksidedermatology associates.com

Ellen S. Naidorf Stamford, 203-964-1103 stamfordhealth.org

Kim M. Nichols NicholsMD of Greenwich Greenwich, 203-862-4000 kimnicholsmd.com

Michael P. Noonan Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists PC Trumbull, 203-377-0639 bridgeporthospital.org

Mark I. Oestreicher Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists PC Trumbull, 203-377-0639 bridgeporthospital.org

Robin G. Oshman Westport, 203-454-0743 derm-101.com

Robert John Patrignelli Trumbull, 203-261-0800 patrignellimd.com

Maritza I. Perez Advanced Aesthetics New Canaan, 203-972-7546 adv-aesthetics.com

Frank J. Pinto Jr Connecticut Dermatology Group Norwalk, 203-810-4151 ctdermgroup.com

Deanne M. Robinson Modern Dermatology Westport, 203-635-0770 moderndermct.com

Mitchell J. Ross Greenwich Med Spa Cos Cob, 203-779-6309 greenwichmedicalspa.com

Julia B. Sabetta Greenwich, 203-869-6111 juliasabettamd.com

Elizabeth C. Smith Fairfield Dermatology Fairfield, 203-259-7709 fairfieldderm.com

Debra S. Weissman Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut Norwalk, 203-538-5682 dermatologyofct.com

Rand L. Werbitt

Advanced Specialty Care Stamford, 203-830-4700 ascdocs.com

Alicia Diana Zalka Dermatology Associates of Western Connecticut PC Newtown, 203-792-4151 dermwestconn.com

Jonathan R. Zirn Advanced DermCare Danbury Danbury, 203-797-8990 advanced-dermcare.com

DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY

Bradford Bottger Specialty Imaging Associates

Danbury, 203-426-3002 specialtyimaging.org

Richard R. Culver Norwalk Radiology Consultants Stamford, 203-276-2663 stamfordhealth.org

John P. Donahue

Yale New Haven Health Fairfield, 203-370-4092 ynhh.org

Jennifer Fan Yale New Haven Health Bridgeport, 203-384-3876 bridgeporthospital.org

Christopher P. Fey Greenwich Radiological Group Greenwich, 203-861-2381 greenwichradiology.com

Francis T. Flaherty Specialty Imaging Associates Danbury, 203-426-3002 specialtyimaging.org

Kirt Frederickson Specialty Imaging Associates Danbury, 203-426-3002 specialtyimaging.org

Shelley Lynn Goodstine

Advanced Radiology Consultants Trumbull, 203-576-5061 adrad.com

Ian Karol Bridgeport Radiology Associates Trumbull, 203-337-9729 md.com

Lily Kernagis Stamford Health Breast Center Stamford, 203-276-7465 stamfordhealth.org

Ruben Kier Bridgeport Radiology Associates Trumbull, 203-337-9729

Linda LaTrenta Greenwich Radiological Group Greenwich, 203-863-3952 greenwichhospital.org

Ronald P. Lee

Norwalk Radiology Consultants Stamford, 203-276-2663 stamfordhealth.org

Anna Mah

Danbury Radiological Associates Danbury, 203-739-7000 castleconnolly.com

Erez Salik

Yale New Haven Health Greenwich, 203-863-3960 ynhhs.org

Andrew C. Shih

Norwalk Radiology Consultants Norwalk, 203-276-4311 norwalkimaging.com

Sarah Travis Stewart Advanced Radiology Consultants Bridgeport, 203-384-3876 bridgeporthospital.org

Noel Velasco Bridgeport Radiological Associates Bridgeport, 203-384-3876 bridgeporthospital.org

Adam Welber

Danbury Radiological Associates Danbury, 203-739-7532 nuvancehealth.org

Kenneth Zinn Bridgeport Radiology Bridgeport, 203-384-3876 bridgeporthospital.org

EMERGENCY MEDICINE

Robert J. Capodanno

Bauer Emergency Care Center at Norwalk Hospital Norwalk, 203-852-2281 nuvancehealth.org

Christopher M. Davison Greenwich Hospital Greenwich, 203-863-3632 greenwichhospital.org

Brian M. De La Rosa

Hartford HealthCare Medical Group Bridgeport, 203-576-6000 stvincents.org

Jason A. Fischel

Bauer Emergency Care Center at Norwalk Hospital Norwalk, 203-852-2281 nuvancehealth.org

Jean M. Hammel

Bauer Emergency Care Center at Norwalk Hospital

Norwalk, 203-852-2281 nuvancehealth.org

Bonnie J. Mcguire Wreschner

Greenwich Hospital Greenwich, 203-863-3637 greenwichhospital.org

Christopher Michael Orelup

Hartford HealthCare Medical Group Bridgeport, 203-576-6000 stvincents.org

Steven Valassis

Hartford HealthCare Medical Group Bridgeport, 203-576-6000 stvincents.org

ENDOCRINOLOGY, DIABETES & METABOLISM

Mary Arden-Cordone

Northwell Health Stamford, 203-359-2444 northwell.edu

Danielle P. BenavivMeskin

Northeast Medical Group Trumbull, 203-371-7048 bridgeporthospital.org

Judith C. GoldbergBerman Greenwich, 203-622-9160 greenwichhospital.org

Ranee A. Lleva

Northeast Medical Group Stamford, 203-863-3750 northeastmedicalgroup.org

Bismruta Misra Stamford Health Stamford, 203-276-7213 stamfordhealth.org

Antonio Pantaleo

Northwell Health Stamford, 203-359-2444 northwell.edu

Nancy J. Rennert

Nuvance Health Wilton, 203-852-2270 nuvancehealth.org

Joseph A. Rosa

Northeast Medical Group Trumbull, 203-371-7048 bridgeporthospital.org

Robert R. Savino

Nuvance Health Danbury, 203-794-5620 nuvancehealth.org

Glenn Siegel

Soundview Medical Associates Norwalk, 203-838-4000 soundviewmedical.com

Linda S. Werner

Hartford HealthCare Trumbull, 203-372-7200 hartfordhealthcare.org

Yi-Hao Yu

Northeast Medical Group Stamford, 203-863-3750 greenwichhospital.org

FAMILY MEDICINE

James K. Ahern

Copps Hill Family Medicine Ridgefield, 203-431-6342 coppshillfamilymedicine.com

Steven T. Benaderet

Northeast Medical Group Westport, 203-221-3030 northeastmedicalgroup.org

Jennifer Bendl

Stamford Family Practice Stamford, 203-359-9997 stamfordhealth.org

Timothy Bookas

Soundview Medical Associates Norwalk, 203-838-4000 soundviewmedical.com

Marc Brodsky

Center For Integrative Medicine and Wellness Stamford, 203-276-4777 stamfordhealth.org

Shanthi Devaraj Stamford, 203-323-8700 stamfordhealth.org

Douglas Duchen

Northeast Medical Group Trumbull, 203-372-4065 bridgeporthospital.org

Alan T. Falkoff

Hartford Healthcare Medical Group Stamford, 203-322-7070 stamfordhealth.org

Joseph Feuerstein

Stamford Health Medical Group Stamford, 203-276-4777 stamfordhealth.org

Cosmo Filiberto

Northeast Medical Group Trumbull, 203-372-4065 bridgeporthospital.org

Carol-Ann Galban

Copps Hill Family Medicine Ridgefield, 203-431-6342 coppshillfamilymedicine.com

Joshua B. Herbert

Stamford Health Medical Group Stamford, 203-276-4644 stamfordhealth.org

Anna M. Jamrozik

Stamford Health Norwalk, 203-276-7870 stamfordhealth.org

Lawrence D. Leibowitz

Matrix Personalized Medicine LLC New Canaan, 203-920-1772 larryleibowitzmd.com

Angelo Mallozzi

Stamford Health Medical Group Stamford, 203-977-2566 stamfordhealth.org

Leslie R. Miller

Bridgeport Hospital Bridgeport, 203-384-3000 bridgeporthospital.org

Seth M. Sullivan

Concierge Care of New Canaan New Canaan, 203-972-4215 nuvancehealth.org

Byron S. Thomas

Dignity Memorial Danbury, 203-749-5700

Ann H. Williams Stamford Health Medical Group Stamford, 203-977-2566 stamfordhealth.org

Henry Yoon Stamford Health Medical Group Stamford, 203-359-9997 stamfordhealth.org

GASTROENTEROLOGY

Charles Adelmann

Soundview Medical Associates Norwalk, 203-838-4000 soundviewmedical.com

David Barenberg Nuvance Health Danbury, 203-739-7038 nuvancehealth.org

Henry G. Beecher

Gastroenterology/ Hepatology Associates Stamford, 203-348-5355 stamfordhealth.org

Emil J. Blanco

Gastroenterology Associates of Fairfield County Fairfield, 203-292-9000 castleconnolly.com

Steven L. Brandwein

Nuvance Health Danbury, 203-739-7038 nuvancehealth.org

Bryan Burns GI Health Specialists Trumbull, 203-459-4451 northeastmedicalgroup.org

Gena M. Cobrin

Gastroenterology Associates of Fairfield County Fairfield, 203-292-9000 gidox.com

Robert M. Dettmer

Gastroenterology Hepatology Associates Stamford, 203-348-5355 stamfordhealth.org

Scott G. Estabrook

Nuvance Health Medical Practices Ridgefield, 203-797-7038 nuvancehealth.org

Joseph Fiorito Nuvance Health Danbury, 203-739-7000 nuvancehealth.org

Steven Gorelick Western Connecticut Medical Group Danbury, 203-739-7038 castleconnolly.com

Tarun K. Gupta Gastroenterology Associates of Fairfield County Trumbull, 203-452-1411 castleconnolly.com

Sarah A. Kahn Stamford Health Stamford, 203-276-8490 stamfordhealth.org

Neda Khaghan Center for Gastrointestinal Medicine Greenwich, 203-489-6900 centerforgimed.com

Chunwang Lam Gi Health Specialists Trumbull, 203-459-4451 bridgeporthospital.org

Gordon S. Latzman GI Health Specialists Trumbull, 203-459-4451 bridgeporthospital.org

Nicholas Lillo Bridgeport Hospital Fairfield, 203-392-9000 bridgeporthospital.org

Rakhee Mangla Nuvance Health Medical Practices Norwalk, 203-852-2278 nuvancehealth.org

Kenneth R. Mauer Gastrtoenterology Associates Fairfield, 203-292-9000 bridgeporthospital.org

Darlene S. Negbenebor Stamford Health Medical Group Wilton, 203-276-8490 stamfordhealth.org

Alan M. Nelson Bridgeport, 203-3744963 md.com

Miechelle L. O’Brien

Nuvance Health Medical Practices Danbury, 203-739-7038 nuvancehealth.org

Neal J. Schamberg Center for GI Medicine of Fairfield & Westchester Greenwich, 203-489-6900 greenwichhospital.org

Michael K. Schiffman Nuvance Health Danbury, 203-739-7038 nuvancehealth.org

Alan E. Selkin Center for Gastrointestinal Medicine Greenwich, 203-489-6900 centerforgimed.com

Amy E. Smithline Gastroenterology Hepatology Associates Stamford Stamford, 203-348-5355 stamfordhealth.org

Julie E. Spivack Gastroenterology Associates of Fairfield County Fairfield, 203-292-9000 gidox.com

Stuart Waldstreicher Gastroenterology Consultants PC Stamford, 203-967-2100 gastro.com

Thomas P. Whelan ProHealth Physicians Gastroenterology Bethel, 203-791-2221 prohealthmd.com

Felice R. Zwas Center for Gastrointestinal Medicine Greenwich, 203-489-6900 centerforgimed.com

GENERAL SURGERY

James Bonheur AMI Surgery Stamford, 203-327-4444 stamfordhealth.org

Jeanne S. Capasse Nuvance Health Norwalk, 203-846-8885 nuvancehealth.org

Zandra H. Cheng Nuvance Health Danbury, 203-739-7040 nuvancehealth.org

Walter M. Cholewczynski Bridgeport Hospital Bridgeport, 203-384-3890 bridgeporthospital.org

Anthy Demestihas Surgical Associates of Connecticut LLC Bridgeport, 203-332-4744 hartfordhealthcare medicalgroup.org

Kevin M. Dwyer Stamford Health Medical Group Stamford, 203-276-5959 stamfordhealth.org

Artem Dyatlov Hartford HealthCare Medical Group

westportmag.com

Bridgeport, 203-332-4744 hartfordhealthcare medicalgroup.org

Neil R. Floch Norwalk, 203-852-3050 drneilfloch.com

Craig Lawrence Floch Hartford HealthCare Medical Group Wilton, 855-792-6258 hartfordhealthcare medicalgroup.org

Royd Fukumoto Nuvance Health Danbury, 203-739-7131 nuvancehealth.org

Richard J. Garvey General Surgeons of Greater Bridgeport Bridgeport, 203-366-3211 northeastmedicalgroup.org

Emilia Genova Hartford HealthCare Medical Group Trumbull, 203-268-5212 hartfordhealthcare medicalgroup.org

Saber Ghiassi Yale School of Medicine Fairfield, 203-418-9520 medicine.yale.edu

Mandy Greenberg Surgical Breast Care of Connecticut Norwalk, 203-846-8885 stamfordhealth.org

Peter A. Ingraldi Nuvance Health Medical Practices Norwalk, 203-852-3050 nuvancehealth.org

Andrew S. Kenler Trumbull, 203-373-9015 bridgeporthospital.org

Sajid A. Khan Yale New Haven Health Bridgeport, 203-337-8507 bridgeporthospital.org

Kevin D. Miller Stamford Health Medical Group Stamford, 203-276-5959 stamfordhealth.org

Jeraldine S. Orlina Nuvance Health Danbury, 203-739-7131 nuvancehealth.org

Helen Pass Stamford Health Medical Group Stamford, 203-276-4255 stamfordhealth.org

Athanassios Petrotos

Yale New Haven Health Greenwich Greenwich, 203-863-4300 greenwichhospital.org

Mary Pronovost

Yale Medicine Trumbull, 516-742-3404 drankeottyoung.com

Valerie Staradub Western Connecticut Medical Group Danbury, 203-739-7040

Barbara A. Ward

Northeast Medical Group Greenwich, 203-863-4250 greenwichhospital.org

GERIATRIC MEDICINE

Vivian Argento

Northeast Medical Group Trumbull, 203-384-3388 northeastmedicalgroup.org

Mithil Choksey

Yale New Haven Health Trumbull, 203-384-3388 bridgeporthospital.org

Harsha Naik

Yale New Haven Health Trumbull, 203-384-3388 bridgeporthospital.org

Allison M. Ostroff

Stamford Health Medical Group Greenwich, 203-276-2516 stamfordhealth.org

GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY

Masoud Azodi

Bridgeport Hospital Bridgeport, 203-384-4870 bridgeporthospital.org

Karen J. Nishida

Stamford, 203-998-0848 stamfordhealth.org

HAND SURGERY

Henry A. Backe

Fairfield, 203-337-2600 dr-henry-backe.com

Joseph DiGiovanni

Ortho Connecticut Danbury, 203-797-1500 myorthoct.com

Joseph DiGiovanni

OrthoConnecticut Danbury, 203-797-1500 myorthoct.com

Haik G. Kavookjian

Stamford Health Norwalk, 203-846-0040 stamfordhealth.org

John G. Lunt

OrthoConnecticut Danbury, 203-797-1500 myorthoct.com

Thomas A. Rago

The Surgical Center of Connecticut Bridgeport, 203-374-5892 surgicalcenterct.com

Ross J. Richer

Orthopaedic Specialty Group PC Fairfield, 203-337-2600 osgpc.com

Scott Wolfe Stamford, 203-705-0977 scottwolfemd.com

HEMATOLOGY

Michael H. Bar

Stamford Health Stamford, 203-276-2695 stamfordhealth.org

Daniel E. Boxer

Nuvance Health Norwalk, 203-845-4811 nuvancehealth.org

E. Andrew Duda

Hartford Health Care Fairfield, 203-255-4545 hartfordhealthcare medicalgroup.org

Glen Alan Reznikoff

Hartford HealthCare Fairfield, 203-255-4545 hartfordhealthcare medicalgroup.org

David H. Witt

Yale Cancer Center Trumbull, 203-502-8400 medicine.yale.edu

HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE MEDICINE

Marina L. Blagodatny

Yale New Haven Health Trumbull, 203-384-3388 bridgeporthospital.org

Vijay V. Desai

Nuvance Health Medical Practices Norwalk, 203-852-2665 nuvancehealth.org

Jo-Ann Maroto-Soltis

Nuvance Health Medical Practices Danbury, 203-739-6566 nuvancehealth.org

INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Maher I. Madhoun

Stamford Health Medical Group Stamford, 203-323-4458 stamfordhealth.org

Gavin X. McLeod

Yale New Haven Health Greenwich, 203-869-8838 greenwichhospital.org

Paul Nee

Nuvance Health Danbury, 203-739-8310 nuvancehealth.org

Michael F. Parry

Stamford Health Stamford, 203-353-1427 stamfordhealth.org

Jo-Anne Passalacqua

ID Specialists of Fairfield Fairfield, 203-384-0451 stvincents.org

John G. Stratidis

Nuvance Health Danbury, 203-739-8310 nuvancehealth.org

Lynda Streett Stamford Health Stamford, 203-353-1427 stamfordhealth.org

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Robert A. Altbaum Westport, 203-226-0731 imawpc.com

David H. Baum

Nuvance Health Westport, 203-571-3000 nuvancehealth.org

James J. Bivona

Stamford Primary Care Stamford, 203-325-2667 stamfordhealth.org

Thomas V. Cigno Ridgefield, 203-244-7848 cignomd.com

Frank A. Ciminiello

Northeast Medical Group Trumbull, 203-374-6162 northeastmedicalgroup.org

Peter R. Cimino

Fairfield Medical Group Fairfield, 203-255-8827 fairfieldmedicalgroup.com

Ralph J. Cipriani

Glenville Medical Concierge Care Greenwich, 203-531-1808 glenvillemedical conciergecare.com

Joseph V. Costanzo

Stamford Health Stamford, 203-348-9455 stamfordhealth.org

Carolyn M. Couture Stamford Health Wilton, 203-276-4015 stamfordhealth.org

Allen Davis Pro Health Physicians Newtown, 203-270-1016 prohealthmd.com

Christopher M. Edelmann

Yale New Haven Health Greenwich, 203-869-0502 greenwichhospital.org

Steven A. Fisher

Concierge Choice Physicians Trumbull, 203-459-5100 choice.md

Vernetta D. Gallop Stamford Health Stamford, 203-359-4444 stamfordhealth.org

Sarah M. Gamble

Greenwich Pure Medical Greenwich, 203-869-2800 greenwichhospital.org

Steven L. Glazer Sachem Medical Norwalk, 203-852-1300 castleconnolly.com

Rahul Gupta Fairfield, 203-254-2046 drsgra.com

Peter G. Hasapis

New Canaan Medical Group New Canaan, 203-972-4218 newcanaanmedical.com

Pamela B. Hoffman Hartford Health Care Bridgeport, 203-365-6400 stvincents.org

Richard G. Huntley Jr. Westmed Medical Group Norwalk, 203-845-4800 westmedgroup.com

Shara P. Israel Stamford Health Medical Group Stamford, 203-327-1187 stamfordhealth.org

Nina S. Karol

Concierge Physicians of Westport Westport, 203-571-3000 cpwdocs.com

Melanie Kelton

Yale New Haven Health Old Greenwich, 203-637-5406 greenwichhospital.org

Nazanine Khairkhah True Care Medical Greenwich, 203-8692304 greenwichhospital.org

Ted E. Listokin Westchester Health Northwell Physician Partners Stamford, 203-327-9321 stamfordhealth.org

Elizabeth Mckinnis Nuvance Health Medical Practices Westport, 203-226-0731 nuvancehealth.org

Steven P. Mickley

Glenville Medical Concierge Care Greenwich, 203-531-1808 glenvillemedical conciergecare.com

Charles Miner Stamford Health Medical Group Darien, 203-655-8749 stamfordhealth.org

Caleb Moore Greenwich, 203-661-2596 greenwichhospital.org

Ken J. Nori

Yale New Haven Health Trumbull, 203-374-6162 bridgeporthospital.org

Craig H. Olin Stamford Health Stamford, 203-276-4644 stamfordhealth.org

David Pazer ProHealth Physicians Gastroenterology Ridgefield, 203-438-0874 prohealthmd.com

Steven E. Phillips Wilton, 203-544-0005 stevenphillipsmd.com

Ioana S. Preda Yale New Haven Health Trumbull, 203-374-6162 northeastmedicalgroup.org

Jeffrey S. Puglisi

Glenville Medical Concierge Care Greenwich, 203-531-1808 glenvillemedical conciergecare.com

David M. Radin Stamford, 203-359-4888 stamfordhealth.org

Remi M. Rosenberg Stamford Health Stamford, 203-276-4644 stamfordhealth.org

Burton R. Rubin Old Greenwich, 203-637-5406 greenwichhospital.org

James Samuel Westmed Medical Group Norwalk, 203-845-4873 westmedgroup.com

Craig D. Serin Nuvance Health Wilton, 203-762-3353 nuvancehealth.org

James Slater New Canaan Medical Group New Canaan, 203-972-4215 newcanaanmedical.com

Frederick B. Slogoff

Personal Physicians of Connecticut LLC Stamford, 203-968-9500 ppcmedical.com

Neil E. Smerling

Hartford Health Care Fairfield, 203-259-7442 hartfordhealthcare medicalgroup.org

Frank Spano

Fairfield County Medical Group Trumbull, 203-459-5100 hartfordhealthcare.org

Maura Sparks Stamford Health Wilton, 203-276-4015 stamfordhealth.org

Shiela V. Subramanian

New Canaan Medical Group New Canaan, 203-972-4205 newcanaanmedical.com

Peter J. Tenicki Stamford Health Medical Group Stamford, 203-276-7298 stamfordhealth.org

Joseph Tortorello

Yale New Haven Health Trumbull, 203-374-6162 bridgeporthospital.org

Edward Martin Tristine Hartford HealthCare Medical Group Trumbull, 203-696-3550 hartfordhealthcare medicalgroup.org

Cathrine L. Troy Stamford Health Medical Group Stamford, 203-327-1187 stamfordhealth.org

Shira B. Vadel Stamford Health Medical Group Stamford, 203-327-1187 stamfordhealth.org

Julia H. Voytovich

New Canaan Medical Group New Canaan, 203-972-4204 newcanaanmedical.com

Dennis J. Williams

Yale New Haven Health Bridgeport, 203-371-5197 bridgeporthospital.org

Lu Yu Stamford Health Medical Group Stamford, 203-977-2566 stamfordhealth.org

INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY

Mitchell H. Driesman

Cardiac Specialists Fairfield, 203-292-2000 cardiacspecialists.com

Robert F. Fishman

Cardiac Specialists Fairfield, 203-292-2000 cardiacspecialists.com

Christopher J. Howes

Yale New Haven Health Greenwich, 203-863-4210 medicine.yale.edu

Robert Jumper

Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County Trumbull, 203-445-7093 cafccardiology.com

Marc Z. Krichavsky

Cardiac Specialists Danbury, 203-794-0090 cardiacspecialists.com

Charles Landau

Connecticut Heart and Vascular Center

Trumbull, 203-333-8800 bridgeporthospital.org

David Lorenz

Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County Norwalk, 203-845-2160 cafccardiology.com

Victor M. Mejia

Connecticut Heart and Vascular Center

Trumbull, 203-333-8800 bridgeporthospital.org

Thomas J. Nero Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County Stamford, 203-353-1133 stamfordhealth.org

Edward Portnay

Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County Stamford, 203-353-1133 stamfordhealth.org

Jared G. Selter

Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County Fairfield cafccardiology.com

Mark K. Warshofsky

Nuvance Health Danbury, 203-739-7155 nuvancehealth.org

MATERNAL & FETAL MEDICINE

Jonathan Barnhard Nuvance Health Medical Practices Norwalk, 203-852-3354 nuvancehealth.org

Paul D. Bobby Women’s Specialty Center

Stamford, 203-276-2030 stamfordhealth.org

William Cusick

Hartford Health Care Bridgeport, 203-576-5678 stvincents.org

Gina Dunston-Boone Bridgeport Hospital Bridgeport, 203-384-3544 bridgeporthospital.org

William Hale

Nuvance Health Norwalk, 203-852-2278 nuvancehealth.org

Gary Eleazar Kleinman

Yale New Haven Health Trumbull, 203-372-0710 northeastmedicalgroup.org

Steven Laifer Park Avenue Perinatal Specialists Trumbull, 203-384-3544 northeastmedicalgroup.org

Robert J. Stiller

Yale New Haven Health Bridgeport, 203-384-3544 bridgeporthospital.org

Dimitry Zilberman

Nuvance Health Norwalk, 203-852-3354 nuvancehealth.org

MEDICAL ONCOLOGY

Sandhya Dhanjal

Hartford Health Care Fairfield, 203-255-4545 hartfordhealthcare medicalgroup.org

Beverly J. Drucker

Yale New Haven Health Greenwich, 203-863-3000 greenwichhospital.org

Neal Fischbach

Smilow Cancer Hospital Care Center Fairfield, 203-502-8400 medicine.yale.edu

Anthony Gulati Stamford Health Stamford, 203-276-2695 stamfordhealth.org

Paul L. Weinstein Hematology Oncology PC Stamford, 203-276-2695 stamfordhealth.org

George F. Zahrah

Nuvance Health Norwalk, 203-845-4811 nuvancehealth.org

Richard S. Zelkowitz

Hartford Health Care Bridgeport, 203-382-2475 stvincents.org

NEONATAL-PERINATAL MEDICINE

Shruti Gupta Stamford Health Stamford, 203-276-7083 stamfordhealth.org

Gerald B. Rakos

Stamford Health Stamford, 203-276-7083 stamfordhealth.org

Stylianos N. Theofanidis Greenwich, 203-863-3515 greenwichhospital.org

NEPHROLOGY

Eric Y. Brown Stamford Health Stamford, 203-324-7666 castleconnolly.com

Brenda S. Chan Stamford Hospital Stamford, 203-276-1000 stamfordhealth.org

Irwin D. Feintzeig

Bridgeport Hospital Bridgeport, 203-335-0195 ynhh.org

James Gavin

Bridgeport Hospital Bridgeport, 203-335-0195 ynhh.org

Richard T. Gervasi

Westmed Medical Group Norwalk, 203-845-4800 westmedgroup.com

William H. Hines Stamford Health Stamford, 203-324-7666 stamfordhealth.org

William A. Hunt

Nephrology Associates PC Bridgeport, 203-335-0195 bridgeporthospital.org

Robert Kim

Nephrology Associates PC Bridgeport, 203-335-0195 ynhh.org

Marianne Monahan

Westmed Medical Group Greenwich, 914-682-6454 westmedgroup.com

Raymond Raut

Nuvance Health Danbury, 203-739-7104 nuvancehealth.org

Winston Shih

Nuvance Health Danbury, 203-739-7104 nuvancehealth.org

NEUROLOGICAL SURGERY

Khalid M. Abbed

The Ayer Neuroscience Institute Westport, 203-226-2499 hartfordhealthcare.org

Paul J. Apostolides

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists Greenwich, 203-869-1145 greenwichhospital.org

Andrea F. Douglas

Stamford Health Medical Group Greenwich, 203-661-3333 stamfordhealth.org

Amory J. Fiore

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists Greenwich, 203-869-1145 onsmd.com

Abraham Mintz

Trumbull, 203-372-6460 bridgeporthospital.org

Perry A. Shear Yale Medicine Trumbull, 877-925-3637 bridgeporthospital.org

Scott L. Simon

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists Stamford, 203-487-0363 onsmd.com

Mohamed Akli Zetchi Yale Medicine Greenwich, 877-925-3637 ynhh.org

NEUROLOGY

Robert Bonwetsch Associated Neurologists PC Danbury, 203-748-2551 associatedneurologists.com

Neil Culligan Associated Neurologists PC Danbury, 203-748-2551 associatedneurologists.com

Louis J. Cuzzone Neurology Associates of Norwalk Norwalk, 203-853-5000 norwalkneurology.com

David Greco Associated Neurologists PC Danbury, 203-748-2551 associatedneurologists.com

Eric Kung Stamford Health Medical Group Stamford, 203-276-4464 stamfordhealth.org

Peter J. McAllister New England Institutefor Neurology and Headache Stamford, 203-914-1900 neicr.com

Louise D. Resor Stamford Health Medical Group Stamford, 203-276-4464 stamfordhealth.org

Alice H. Rusk Yale New Haven Health Greenwich, 203-863-4490 greenwichhospital.org

Daryl Story Neurology Associates of Norwalk Norwalk, 203-853-5000 norwalkneurology.com

Jennifer C. Werely Neurology and Headache Center of Greenwich Greenwich, 203-900-4226 nhcgreenwich.com

NEURORADIOLOGY

Howard Liu Stamford Hospital Stamford, 203-276-2362 stamfordhealth.org

Gerard Muro Bridgeport Radiological Associates

Stamford, 203-384-3000 bridgeporthospital.org

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

Roxanne C. Abder Women’s Health Care of Trumbull Trumbull, 203-374-1018 bridgeporthospital.org

Thomas V. Ayoub Nuvance Health Norwalk, 203-644-1100 nuvancehealth.org

Gary S. Besser Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates PC Stamford, 203-325-4321 stamfordhealth.org

Emily E. Blair Yale New Haven Health Fairfield, 203-256-3990 bridgeporthospital.org

Patrick J. Cahill Coastal Obstetrics and Gynecology Stamford, 203-353-9099 stamfordhealth.org

Ronika D. Choudhary Women’s Obstetrics & Gynecology Trumbull, 203-268-2239 bridgeporthospital.org

Deanna DelPrete Women’s Health Care of New England Norwalk, 203-644-1100 whcnewengland.com

Leslie A. Donovan Brookside Gynecology Greenwich, 203-869-7080 brooksidegynecology.com

Leonard Ferrucci Women’s Health Connecticut Stamford, 203-325-4665 womenshealthct.com

Vito Ferrucci Women’s Health Connecticut Stamford, 203-325-4665 womenshealthct.com

Caroline Filor Brookside Gynecology Greenwich, 203-869-7080 brooksidegynecology.com

Shieva L. Ghofrany Coastal Obstetrics and Gynecology Stamford, 203-353-9099 stamfordhealth.org

Daniel S. Gottschall Women’s Health Connecticut Bridgeport, 203-374-0404 womenshealthct.com

westportmag.com

Donna J. Hagberg Cos Cob, 203-742-1150 donnahagbergmd.com

Pierre Hage Women’s Health Connecticut Bridgeport, 203-374-0404 womenshealthct.com

Julianne Yantachka Icatar Southwest Community Health Center Bridgeport, 203-576-5131 hartfordhealthcare.org

Edward Jacobson Hormone Replacement Therapy Center Greenwich, 203-580-6383 greenwichhormone replacementtherapy.com

Irene I. Komarynsky Stamford Health Medical Group Stamford, 203-325-9920 stamfordhealth.org

John A. Morris Ferrucci Ferrucci & Morris Stamford, 203-325-4665 womenshealthct.com

Sujata Pendyala Women’s Health Care of New England Norwalk, 203-644-1100 whcnewengland.com

Michael D. Schechter Westmed Medical Group Greenwich, 203-210-2880 westmedgroup.com

Beth J. Simon Northeast Medical Group Greenwich, 475-240-8222 northeastmedicalgroup.org

Helena T. Squicciarini Women’s Health Connecticut Trumbull, 203-374-1018 womenshealthct.com

Marina C. Torbey Women’s Health Connecticut Trumbull, 203-374-1018 womenshealthct.com

Russell F. Turk Stamford Health Riverside, 203-637-3337 stamfordhealth.org

Caterina Violi Obstetrics & Gynecology for Women-By Women Greenwich, 203-861-9586 greenwichhospital.org

Christine E. Waldron Women’s Health Care of New England Norwalk, 203-644-1100 whcnewengland.com

ONCOLOGY

D. Barry Boyd

Yale New Haven Health Greenwich, 203-863-3700 greenwichhospital.org

Richard C. Frank Norwalk Hospital Norwalk, 203-852-2000 castleconnolly.com

OPHTHALMOLOGY

Bruce S. Altman

Connecticut Eye Consultants PC Danbury, 203-791-2020 danburyeye.com

Ora Burstein

Allergy and Asthma Center of Stamford Stamford, 203-978-0072 stamfordhealth.org

Christienne F. Coates Ridgefield Ophthalmology Ridgefield, 203-894-9700 ridgefieldophthalmology.com

Joseph L. Conway Jr Greenwich Ophthalmology Associates Stamford, 203-869-3082 greenwicheye.com

Donna Densel

CT Eye Specialists LLC Stamford, 203-869-3082 greenwicheye.com

Leslie C. Doctor Doctor & Associates PC Westport, 203-227-4113 ynhh.org

Shelley K. Driesman

Ophthalmic Surgeons of Greater Bridgeport Fairfield, 203-371-0141 ophthalmicsurgeonsof greaterbridgeport.com

Joan T. Gewirtz

Stamford, 203-348-0868 stamfordhealth.org

Gina F. Gladstein

CT Eye Specialists LLC Stamford, 203-869-3082 greenwicheye.com

Anisha Jangi

Danbury Eye Physicians & Surgeons PC Danbury, 203-791-2020 danburyeye.com

Archna Johar

Connecticut Eye Consultants PC Danbury, 203-791-2020 danburyeye.com

Jeffrey N. Kaplan

Eye Group of Connecticut LLC Bridgeport, 203-374-8182 eyegroupct.com

Wendy A. Klein

Ophthalmic Associates PC Trumbull, 203-378-3224 bridgeporthospital.org

Flora Levin Westport, 203-814-1438 drfloralevin.com

Suresh Mandava Greenwich Ophthalmology Associates Stamford, 203-869-3082 greenwicheye.com

Delia M. Manjoney Hartford Health Care Bridgeport, 203-576-6500 stvincents.org

Robert J. Noecker

Ophthalmic Consultants of Connecticut Fairfield, 203-366-8000 ocli.net

Glenn E. Ostriker Stamford Health Stamford, 203-348-6300 stamfordhealth.org

Philip A. Piro Retina Associates of Connecticut Stamford, 203-325-4481 drpiromd.com

Stephen M. Rabinowitz

Ophthalmic Surgeons of Greater Bridgeport Fairfield, 203-371-0141 ophthalmicsurgeonsof greaterbridgeport.com

Vincent S. Reppucci Danbury, 203-792-6291 reppucci-vincent-s-md. business.site

Kim P. Robbins Robbins Eye Center Fairfield, 203-371-5800 robbinseyecenter.com

Joanna Lumba Sarracino

Ophthalmic Surgeons of Greater Bridgeport Fairfield, 203-371-0141 ophthalmicsurgeonsof greaterbridgeport.com

Richard Scartozzi

Connecticut Eye Consultants PC Danbury, 203-791-2020 danburyeye.com

Scott Seo

Merritt Medical Center Bridgeport, 203-372-4211 scottseomd-com/home

Elizabeth Siderides

Stamford Opthalmology Stamford, 203-327-5808 stamfordeye.com

Mahsa A. Sohrab Greenwich, 914-200-1405 drmahsasohrab.com

Jerry W. Tsong

Yale New Haven Health Stamford, 203-869-3082 greenwichhospital.org

Esteban C. Vietorisz Stamford Opthalmology Stamford, 203-327-5808 stamfordhealth.org

Eric L. Wasserman Eye Care Center of Stamford Stamford, 203-978-0800 stamfordhealth.org

Richard B. Weber Stamford Health Stamford, 203-353-1857 stamfordhealth.org

James M. Weisz

Retina Consultants LLC Bridgeport, 203-365-6565 ctretina.net

Marc L. Weitzman

Ophthalmic Surgeons of Greater Bridgeport Fairfield, 203-371-0141 ophthalmicsurgeonsof greaterbridgeport.com

Andrew Wolf Stamford Ophthalmology Stamford, 203-327-5808 stamfordeye.com

Katherine J. Zamecki

Connecticut Eye Consultants PC Danbury, 203-791-2020 danburyeye.com

Stephen J. Zuckerman

Danbury Eye Physicians & Surgeons PC Danbury, 203-791-2020 danburyeye.com

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

Jonathan L. Berliner

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists Greenwich, 203-869-1145 onsmd.com

David F. Bindelglass

Orthopaedic Specialty Group PC Fairfield, 203-337-2600 osgpc.com

Michael Brand

OrthoConnecticut Danbury, 203-797-1500 myorthoct.com

Dante A. Brittis

Orthopaedic Specialty Group PC Fairfield, 203-337-2600 osgpc.com

Adam Brodsky

Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine New Canaan, 203-323-7331 ossm.net

Jeffrey Brooks

Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine New Canaan, 203-323-7331 ossm.net

David B. Brown

Ortho Care Specialists Bridgeport, 203-372-0649 orthocarespecialists.net

Mark H. Camel

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists Greenwich, 203-869-1145 onsmd.com

Curtis Lyle Campbell

The Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Center Trumbull, 888-676-3627 hartfordhealthcare.org

Russell J. Cavallo

Stamford Health Medical Group Stamford, 203-614-8888 stamfordhealth.org

Angelo M. Ciminiello

OrthoConnecticut Danbury, 203-797-1500 myorthoct.com

Michael R. Clain

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists Greenwich, 203-869-1145 onsmd.com

James G. Cunningham

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists Greenwich, 203-869-1145 onsmd.com

Demetris Delos

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists Greenwich, 203-869-1145 onsmd.com

Jeffrey V. Deluca

Ortho Connecticut Norwalk, 203-845-2200 myorthoct.com

Francis A. Ennis

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists Greenwich, 203-869-1145 onsmd.com

James J. Fitzgibbons

Orthopaedic Specialty Group PC Fairfield, 203-337-2600 osgpc.com

Mark J. Fletcher Ortho Connecticut Norwalk, 203-845-2200 myorthoct.com

Joshua B. Frank Ortho Connecticut Norwalk, 203-845-2200 myorthoct.com

Andrew Haas

Westmed Medical Group Stamford, 203-210-2830 westmedgroup.com

D. Ross Henshaw

Ortho Connecticut Danbury, 203-797-1500 myorthoct.com

Steven E. Hindman Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists Greenwich, 203-869-1145 onsmd.com

Peter W. Hughes Westmed Medical Group Stamford, 203-210-2830 westmedgroup.com

Brian F. Kavanagh

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists Greenwich, 203-869-1145 onsmd.com

T. Jay Kleeman

Hartford Health Care Darien, 203-845-2200 hartfordhealthcare.org

Marc S. Kowalsky

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists Greenwich, 203-869-1145 onsmd.com

Michael M. Lynch Ortho Connecticut Norwalk, 203-845-2200 myorthoct.com

Daniel S. Markowicz Hospital For Special Surgery Stamford, 203-705-0715 hss.edu

Seth R. Miller Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists Greenwich, 203-869-1145 onsmd.com

Sean C. Peden Yale Medicine Stamford, 203-785-2140 yalemedicine.org

Nicholas V. Polifroni Nuvance Health Norwalk, 203-845-2200 nuvancehealth.org

William T. Schmidt Westmed Medical Group Stamford, 203-210-2830 westmedgroup.com

Paul M. Sethi Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists Greenwich, 203-869-1145 onsmd.com

Marc Silver Stamford Health Stamford, 203-210-2830 stamfordhealth.org

Michael Soojian Ortho Connecticut Norwalk, 203-845-2200 myorthoct.com

James I. Spak Connecticut Orthopaedics

Fairfield, 203-601-5237 ct-ortho.com

Karen M. Sutton Hospital For Special Surgery Stamford, 203-705-0725 hss.edu

Samuel A. Taylor Hospital For Special Surgery Stamford, 203-705-0750 hss.edu

Craig Tifford Yale Medicine Stamford, 203-470-9253 yalemedicine.org

Allen I. Troy Specialty Surgery Center Stamford, 203-325-4087 specialtyascct.com

Katherine B. Vadasdi Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists Greenwich, 203-869-1145 onsmd.com

Corinne VanBeek Stamford Health Stamford, 203-276-2277 stamfordhealth.org

Mark A. Vitale Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists Stamford, 203-869-1145 onsmd.com

Mark E. Wilchinsky Connecticut Orthopaedics Trumbull, 203-601-5238 ct-ortho.com

ORTHPAEDICS

John D. Dowdle Stamford Health Medical Group Stamford, 203-276-2277 stamfordhealth.org

Gerard Girasole Connecticut Orthopaedics Trumbull, 203-601-5235 ct-ortho.com

Andrew W. Grose Hospital For Special Surgery Stamford, 203-705-0935 stamfordhealth.org

David Jon Martin Connecticut Orthopaedics Trumbull, 203-601-5236 ct-ortho.com

OTOLARYNGOLOGY/ EAR, NOSE & THROAT

Adam Arguello Connecticut Ear Nose Throat Medical and

Surgical Specialists PC Trumbull, 203-452-7081 entdoctorsct.com

Michael C. Bard

Advanced Specialty Care Danbury, 203-830-4700 ascdocs.com

Dov Bloch

Advanced Specialty Care Stamford, 203-830-4700 ascdocs.com

Steven A. Bramwit Greenwich Ear Nose & Throat - Head & Neck Surgery PC Greenwich, 203-869-2030 greenwichhospital.org

Stephen D. Breda Bridgeport, 203-371-5166 bredamd

Jacquelyn M. Brewer

Ear Nose and Throat Center LLP Stamford, 203-353-0000 stamfordhealth.org

Bradford S. Chervin

Ear Nose & Throat Allergy and Facial Plastic Surgery Specialists Southport, 203-256-3338 drbchervin.com

Steven M. Feldman

Westmed Medical Group Greenwich, 203-210-2870 greenwichhospital.org

Lawrence J. Fliegelman Fairfield, 203-259-4700 bridgeporthospital.org

Neil A. Gordon Retreat at Splitrock Wilton, 203-834-7700 retreatatsplitrock.com

Jay Klarsfeld

Advanced Specialty Care Stamford, 203-830-4700 ascdocs.com

Jason R. Klenoff

Ear Nose and Throat Center LLP Stamford, 203-353-0000 stamfordentcenter.com

Biana Lanson

Ear Nose and Throat Center LLP Stamford, 203-353-0000 stamfordhealth.org

Richard Levin

ENT of Fairfield Fairfield, 203-259-4700 entoffairfield.com

Michal A. Manaster

Pediatric Practice Associates Stamford, 203-323-8171 pediatricpractice associates.com

Michelle Siegel Marrinan

Greenwich Ear Nose & Throat - Head & Neck Surgery PC Greenwich, 203-869-2030 greenwichent.com

Andrew J. Parker

Parker Ear Nose & Throat Norwalk, 203-866-8121 parkerent.com

Sara Richer Northeast Medical Group Trumbull, 203-459-2666 bridgeporthospital.org

Stephen J. Salzer

Greenwich Ear Nose & Throat - Head & Neck Surgery PC Greenwich, 203-869-2030 ynhhs.org

Heather H. Waters

CT Ent Sinus Center | Hearing & Balance Norwalk, 203-716-6008 ct-ent.com

Robert Lawrence Weiss

CT Ent Sinus Center | Hearing & Balance Norwalk, 203-716-6008 ct-ent.com

PAIN MANAGEMENT

Rahul S. Anand

Connecticut Pain & Wellness Center LLC Fairfield, 203-319-9355 bridgeporthospital.org

Arghiris Barbadimos Stamford Health Stamford, 203-276-1000 stamfordhealth.org

Vincent R. Carlesi Pain Management Associates of CT PC Stamford, 203-325-5700 paindoctors.net

Cristina Tamasdan Hartford HealthCare Medical Group Bridgeport, 203-382-2350 hartfordhealthcare medicalgroup.org

PATHOLOGY

Robert C. Babkowski

Stamford Pathology Group PC Stamford, 203-276-7420 stamfordhealth.org

Raymond A. Baer

Stamford Pathology Group PC Stamford, 203-276-7420 stamfordhealth.org

Paul N. Fiedler

Nuvance Health Medical Practices Danbury, 203-739-7453 nuvancehealth.org

Eugene Lewis

St. Vincent’s Medical Center

Bridgeport, 833-431-0013 stvincents.org

Steven C. Sieber

Nuvance Health Medical Practices Danbury, 203-739-7453 nuvancehealth.org

Bo Xu

Stamford Pathology Group P.C. Stamford, 203-276-7420 stamfordhealth.org

PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY

Allison B. Levey Stamford Health Darien, 203-662-0313 doctors.columbia.edu

Michael S. Snyder Stamford Health Darien, 203-662-0313 stamfordhealth.org

PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY

Patricia Eagan

Pediatric Healthcare Associates

Bridgeport, 203-452-8322 pha4kids.com

Mary Sarrantonio

Pediatric Healthcare Associates Norwalk, 203-229-2090 pha4kids.com

PEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGY

Mark S. Glassman Yale New Haven Health Norwalk, 203-853-7170 greenwichhospital.org

Sarah Lusman Cohen Children’s Specialty Center Stamford, 203-276-1000 stamfordhealth.org

PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Nimrod E. Dayan

Pediatric Healthcare Associates Trumbull, 203-452-8322 bridgeporthospital.org

PEDIAT RIC OTALARYNGOLOGY ENT

James S. Batti

Advanced Specialty Care PC Danbury, 203-830-4700 ascdocs.com

PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY

Jacob Hen Pediatric Specialty Center Trumbull, 877-925-3636 northeastmedicalgroup.org

Hossein Sadeghi Pediatric Pulmonology LLC Stamford, 203-276-5949 stamfordhealth.org

PEDIATRIC SURGERY

Gerard Weinberg

Stamford Health Medical Group Stamford, 203-276-5912 stamfordhealth.org

PEDIATRICS

Robin Abramowicz Village Pediatrics Westport, 203-221-7337 villagepedi.com

Nicole Abramowitz Bay Street Pediatrics Westport, 203-227-3674 baystreetpediatrics.com

Peter J. Acker

Westmed Medical Group Greenwich, 203-210-2815 westmedgroup.com

Amy Agoglia

Doctors’ Pediatric PC Wilton, 203-762-3363 drspedi.com

Jamie L. Alon

Pediatric Associates of Western Connecticut LLC Danbury, 203-744-1680 pediatricassociatesct.com

Joanne Angiello

Ridgefield Pediatric Associates Ridgefield, 203-438-9557 childrenshospital.org

Maura Angiello-Smith

Stamford Pediatric Associates Stamford, 203-324-4109 stamfordpediatrics.com

Karen E. Beckman

Riverside Pediatrics LLC Riverside, 203-629-5800 stamfordhealth.org

Marivic Botta

Pediatric Healthcare Associates Bridgeport, 203-452-8322 pha4kids.com

Jane M. Brotanek Ridgefield Pediatric Associates Ridgefield, 203-438-9557 childrenshospital.org

Sofia Chiocconi

Summer Pediatrics Stamford, 203-388-8668 summerpediatrics.com

Loretta Cody Children’s Medical Group of Greenwich Greenwich, 203-661-2440 childrenshospital.org

Bruce W. Cohen

Pediatric Associates of Western Connecticut LLC Danbury, 203-661-6430 pediatricassociatesct.com

Erik L. Cohen

Next Generation Pediatrics Greenwich, 203-744-1680 ngpeds.com

Jay V. D’Orso

Nuvance Health Medical Practices Ridgefield, 203-438-6541 nuvancehealth.org

Jason M. Davis New England Pediatrics LLP New Canaan, 203-972-5232 nepeds.com

Arthur E. Dobos

The Center for Advanced Pediatrics Norwalk, 203-229-2000 thecenterforadvanced pediatrics.com

Richard M. Freedman Pediatric Healthcare Associates Fairfield, 203-452-8322 pha4kids.com

Lambros G. Geotes Stamford Pediatric Associates Stamford, 203-324-4109 stamfordpediatrics.com

C. Nicole Gorman Village Pediatrics Westport, 203-221-7337 villagepedi.com

Debra K. Gotz Stamford Pediatric Associates Stamford, 203-324-4109 stamfordpediatrics.com

Stephen Grevious Park Street Pediatrics LLC Norwalk, 203-840-7566 pspkids.com

David B. Gropper

Pediatric Associates of Western Connecticut LLC Danbury, 203-744-1680 pediatricassociatesct.com

Jennifer B. Gruen

Village Pediatrics Westport, 203-221-7337 villagepedi.com

westportmag.com

Eva L. Grunberg

New Canaan Pediatrics New Canaan, 203-972-4250 stamfordhealth.org

Andrew S. Hart Stamford Pediatric Associates Stamford, 203-324-4109 stamfordpediatrics.com

Jennifer F. Henkind Stamford Pediatric Associates Stamford, 203-324-4109 stamfordpediatrics.com

Thomas P. Homa Pediatric Healthcare Associates Southport, 203-452-8322 bridgeporthospital.org

Maria Ieni

New Canaan Pediatrics New Canaan, 203-972-4250 stamfordhealth.org

Susanna K. Jalkut Pediatric Healthcare Associates Fairfield, 203-452-8322 pha4kids.com

Paul Juan Valley Pediatrick Greenwich, 203-622-4301 valleypediatricsof greenwich.com

Rosemary E. Klenk New England Pediatrics LLP New Canaan, 203-972-5232 stamfordhealth.org

Elizabeth Z. Krowitz Greenwich Pediatric Associates Old Greenwich, 203-637-3212 greenwichhospital.org

Susan E. Lasky Stamford Health Medical Group Stamford, 203-327-1055 stamfordhealth.org

Rebecca L. LePage Doctors’ Pediatric PC Wilton, 203-762-3363 drspedi.com

Christine E. Macken Doctors’ Pediatric PC Wilton, 203-762-3363 stamfordhealth.org

Laura Marks Willows Pediatrics Group Westport, 203-319-3939 willowspediatrics.com

Melanie G. Mier Doctors’ Pediatric PC Wilton, 203-762-3363 drspedi.com

Katherine Mini Children’s Medical Group of Greenwich Greenwich, 203-661-2440 childrenshospital.org

Jennifer Moore

The Center for Advanced Pediatrics Norwalk, 203-229-2000 thecenterforadvanced pediatrics.com

Alan H. Morelli

Stamford Health New Canaan, 203-972-5232 stamfordhealth.org

Alyssa Newman

New Canaan Pediatrics New Canaan, 203-972-4250 stamfordhealth.org

Katherine Kelly Noble

Stamford Health Stamford, 203-363-0123 stamfordhealth.org

Karen Nordberg Summer Pediatrics Stamford, 203-388-8668 summerpediatrics.com

Laura Nowacki Newtown Center Pediatrics Newtown, 203-426-3267 newtowncenterpediatrics. com

Nancy H. O’Hara

New England Center for Health Wilton, 203-834-2813 castleconnolly.com

Thomas I. Odinak

Pediatric Healthcare Associates Fairfield, 203-452-8322 pha4kids.com

Jeffrey A. Owens Willows Pediatric Group Westport, 203-319-3939 willowspediatrics.com

Todd Robert Palker New England Pediatrics LLP New Canaan, 203-972-5232 stamfordhealth.org

Kathryn J. Quinn

Trumbull Pediatrics Trumbull, 203-268-1766 trumbullpediatrics.com

Henry M. Rascoff

Sound Beach Pediatrics Stamford, 203-363-0123 soundbeachpediatrics.com

Meredith M. Renda

Doctors’ Pediatric PC Wilton, 203-762-3363 drspedi.com

Dara Thomas Richards

Southwest Community Health Center Bridgeport, 203-330-6000 swchc.org

Marisa B. Rommeney Stamford Pediatrics Associates Stamford, 203-324-4109 stamfordpediatrics.com

Rachel R. Rothschild

Pediatric Associates of Western Connecticut LLC Danbury, 203-744-1680 pediatricassociatesct.com

Alicia A. Salas

Stamford Pediatric Associates Darien, 203-655-3307 stamfordpediatrics.com

Steven Schiz

Children’s Medical Group of Greenwich Greenwich, 203-552-5276 childrenshospital.org

Sarah Siegel Village Pediatrics Westport, 203-221-7337 villagepedi.com

Jonathan E. Sollinger

Willows Pediatric Group Westport, 203-319-3939 willowspediatrics.com

George V. Tsimoyianis

Darien Pediatric Associates LLC Darien, 203-655-9741 stamfordhealth.org

Mark H. Vincent

Black Rock Pediatrics Fairfield, 203-337-5333 blackrockpeds.com

Amy S. Weinrib

Pediatric Healthcare Associates Fairfield, 203-452-8322 pha4kids.com

Beth Wittenberg

Black Rock Pediatrics Fairfield, 203-337-5333 blackrockpeds.com

Janet Woodward Willows Pediatrics Group Westport, 203-319-3939 willowspediatrics.com

PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION

Beth S. Aaronson

Nuvance Health Medical Practices Danbury, 203-794-5605 nuvancehealth.org

Michael J. Brennan

Yale New Haven Health Fairfield, 203-255-3451 bridgeporthospital.org

Alice Chen Stamford, 212-606-1000 hss.edu

Janet E. Freedman

Greenwich Hospital Greenwich, 203-863-4290 greenwichhospital.org

Linda F. Grant

Greenwich Hospital Greenwich, 203-863-4290 greenwichhospital.org

Jeffrey M. Heftler

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists Greenwich, 203-869-1145 onsmd.com

Tamar Kessel

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists Greenwich, 203-869-1145 onsmd.com

Stephen J. Massimi Stamford, 212-606-1000 hss.edu

Edwin Richter Stamford, 203-316-0610 doctorrichter.net

Angela H. Ryan

Rehabilitation Consultants PC Norwalk, 203-523-0100 rehabmdconsultants.com

Christopher S. Sahler

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists Stamford, 203-869-1145 onsmd.com

Halina M. Snowball Integrated Pain Solutions Stamford, 203-263-1683 castleconnolly.com

Gary Solomon

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists Greenwich, 203-869-1145 onsmd.com

David Lee Tung

Core Medical Group Bridgeport, 203-373-1593 coremedgroup.com

PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

Harvey Jay Bluestein

Yale New Haven Health Fairfield, 203-254-8557 bridgeporthospital.org

Gregory F. Brucato

Brucato Plastic Surgery Center Ridgefield, 203-431-7644 brucatoplasticsurgery.com

Harold S. Gewirtz

Harold S Gewirtz MD Stamford, 203-325-1381 stamfordhealth.org

Boris Goldman Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Center Westport, 203-222-3700 westportplasticsurgery.com

Sohel Islam Advanced Specialty Care Danbury, 203-830-4700 ascdocs.com

Anya Kishinevsky Norwalk, 203-388-9919 anyakishinevskymd.com

Joseph B. O’Connell

Total Aesthetics LLC Westport, 203-454-0044 plasticsurgeryct.com

David Passaretti Darien, 203-450-4384 davidpassarettimd.com

Elsa M. Raskin Greenwich, 203-861-6620 greenwichhospital.org

Arthur R. Rosenstock Stamford, 203-359-1959 arosenstockmd.com

Alfred Sofer Fairfield, 203-336-9862 drsofer.com

Tito L. Vasquez

Connecticut Plastic Surgery Group LLC Southport, 203-652-8272 ctpsg.com

PSYCHIATRY

Linus Abrams Greenwich, 203-861-2654 abrams-linus-s-md. business.site

Jeremy B. Barowsky Greenwich, 203-340-1115 drjeremybarowsky.com

Joseph F. Goldberg Norwalk, 203-854-9607 josephgoldbergmd.com

Charles R. Herrick Nuvance Health Medical Practices Danbury, 203-797-7420 nuvancehealth.org

Daniel Kelleher Danbury Psychiatry Consultants Danbury, 203-616-5234 danbury-psychiatryconsultants.com

Javier Lopez Bridgeport Hospital Bridgeport, 203-551-7350 northeastmedicalgroup.org

Laurence S. Lorefice Old Greenwich, 203-637-4006 laurenceloreficemd.com

Charles J. Morgan Ridgefield, 203-293-0343 charlesjmorganmd psychiatry.com

Joshua C. Pollack

Greenwich Hospital Greenwich, 203-863-4373 greenwichhospital.org

Bruce Shapiro Stamford, 203-327-4144 castleconnolly.com

John S. Tamerin Greenwich, 203-661-8282 castleconnolly.com

Mark Waynik Fairfield, 203-254-2000 thewaynikgroup.com

PULMONOLOGY

Amy M. Ahasic Nuvance Health Medical Practices Norwalk, 203-852-2392 nuvancehealth.org

Michael A. Bernstein Stamford Health Stamford, 203-348-2437 stamfordhealth.org

John J. Chronakos Nuvance Health Danbury, 203-739-8330 nuvancehealth.org

James S. Krinsley Stamford Health Medical Group Stamford, 203-348-2437 stamfordhealth.org

Caroline P. Kurtz Nuvance Health Norwalk, 203-855-3888 nuvancehealth.org

Christopher Manfredi Nuvance Health Norwalk, 203-855-3888 nuvancehealth.org

Dominic J. Roca Pulmonary Associates of Stamford Stamford, 203-348-2437 stamfordhealth.org

Daniel J. Rudolph Pulmonary & Internal Medicine Associates PC Trumbull, 203-261-3980 bridgeporthospital.org

Paul Sachs Stamford Health Medical Group Stamford, 203-348-2437 stamfordhealth.org

Adil Salam Pulmonary & Internal Medicine Associates PC Trumbull, 203-261-3980 bridgeporthospital.org

Robyn N. Scatena Nuvance Health Medical Practices Norwalk, 203-852-2392 nuvancehealth.org

Philip Simkovitz Hartford HealthCare Medical Group Trumbull, 203-365-0577 hartfordhealthcare.org

Ian Weir Norwalk Hospital Norwalk, 203-852-2392 castleconnolly.com

RADIATION ONCOLOGY

Sean W. Dowling

Bennett Cancer Center Stamford Stamford, 203-276-7886 stamfordhealth.org

Deborah X. Fang St. Vincent’s Medical Center Bridgeport, 475-210-5085 hartfordhealthcare medicalgroup.org

Christopher M. Iannuzzi St. Vincent’s Hospital Bridgeport, 203-576-6000 stvincents.org

Frank A. Masino Bennett Cancer Center Stamford, 203-276-7886 stamfordhealth.org

Bruce McGibbon Bridgeport Hospital Bridgeport, 203-863-3701 bridgeporthospital.org

Pradip M. Pathare Nuvance Health Norwalk, 203-852-2719 nuvancehealth.org

Seema Sanghavi Radiation Oncology Danbury Danbury, 203-739-7190 nuvancehealth.org

John Spera Nuvance Health Danbury, 203-739-7190 nuvancehealth.org

REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY

Joshua M. Hurwitz RMA of Connecticut Norwalk, 203-750-7400 rmact.com

Mark Peter Leondires

RMA of Connecticut Norwalk, 203-750-7400 rmact.com

Andrew J. Levi Park Avenue Fertility Trumbull, 203-372-6700 parkavefertility.com

Cynthia Murdock

Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut Norwalk, 800-865-5431 rmact.com

Ilana Belle Ressler

RMA of Connecticut Stamford, 800-865-5431 castleconnolly.com

Spencer S. Richlin

RMA of Connecticut Norwalk, 203-750-7400 rmact.com

Barry Witt Greenwich Fertility and IVF Center Greenwich, 203-863-2990 greenwichivf.com

RHEUMATOLOGY

Lana I. Bernstein Northeast Medical Group Greenwich, 203-302-4181 greenwichhospital.org

Sharon Karp

Westchester Health Northwell Physician Partners Stamford, 203-327-9321 stamfordhealth.org

Joao M. Nascimento

Yale New Haven Health Bridgeport, 203-371-0009 bridgeporthospital.org

Stuart N. Novack

Western Connecticut Medical Group Norwalk, 203-852-2290 castleconnolly.com

Roberta Rose Nuvance Health Norwalk, 203-852-2290 nuvancehealth.org

Alla G. Rudinskaya

Nuvance Health Danbury, 203-794-5600 nuvancehealth.org

Michael Spiegel Danbury Hospital Danbury, 203-794-5600 castleconnolly.com

Jessica Rachel Stein Rheumatology Norwalk Norwalk, 203-852-2290 nuvancehealth.org

Marcie Lynn Wolinsky-Friedland

Soundview Medical Associates Norwalk, 203-838-4000 hartfordhealthcare.org

SPINE SURGERY

John N. Awad

Orthopaedic Specialty Group PC Fairfield, 203-337-2600 osgpc.com

David A. Bomback

Connecticut Neck and Back Specialists LLC Danbury, 203-744-9700 ctneckandback.com

David Lawrence Kramer

Connecticut Neck and Back Specialists LLC Danbury, 203-744-9700 ctneckandback.com

SPORTS MEDICINE

Brian Bast

OrthoConnecticut Darien, 203-845-2200 myorthoct.com

UROLOGY

Milton Frank Armm

Tallwood Urology & Kidney Institute Bridgeport, 203-338-8760 stvincents.org

Michael E. Karellas

Stamford Health Medical Group Stamford, 203-276-8545 stamfordhealth.org

Nicholas Viner Northeast Medical Group Trumbull, 203-375-3456 bridgeporthospital.org

Joseph Robert Wagner

Tallwood Urology & Kidney Institute Bridgeport, 203-338-8760 hartfordhealthcare medicalgroup.org

Matthew S. Wosnitzer

Northeast Medical Group Fairfield, 203-256-5500 northeastmedical group.org

VASCULAR SURGERY

Paul J. Gagne

Vascular CT PLLC Darien, 203-548-7858 nuvancehealth.org

Brian King

Connecticut Vascular Surgical Associates PC Fairfield, 203-382-1900 ctvascular.com

DataJoe Research is a software and research company specializing in data collection and verification, and it conducts various nominations and research campaigns

across the United States on behalf of publishers. To create the "top doctors" list, DataJoe Research facilitated an online peer-voting process, also referencing government sources. DataJoe also conducted media analysis through Internet research to factor in public perception. DataJoe then tallied the votes per category for each doctor to isolate the top nominees in each category. After collecting nominations and considering additional information from the media analysis, DataJoe checked and confirmed that each published winner had a current, active license status with the state regulatory board. If we were not able to find evidence of a doctor’s current, active registration with the state regulatory board, that doctor was excluded from the list. In addition, any doctor who has been disciplined, up to the timeframe of the review process for an infraction by the state regulatory board, was excluded from the list. Finally, DataJoe presented the tallied result to the magazine for its final review and adjustments.

Final Note:

We recognize there are many good doctors who are not shown in this representative list. This is only a sampling of the huge array of talented professionals within the region. Inclusion in the list is based on the opinions of responding doctors in the region and the results of our research campaign. We take time and energy to ensure fair voting, although we understand that the results of this survey nomination are not an objective metric. We certainly do not discount the fact that many, many good and effective doctors may not appear on the list.

Disclaimers:

DataJoe uses best practices and exercises great care in assembling content for this list. DataJoe does not warrant that the data contained within the list are complete or accurate. DataJoe does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All rights reserved. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without written permission from DataJoe.

Questions?

For research/methodology questions, contact the research team at surveys@datajoe.com.

The doctors featured on the following pages are some of our area᾿s best medical professionals. Learn about their practices and what drives them.

MEDICAL PROFILES MEDICAL PROFILES

Lynne M Haven, MD D ermatology & Laser Center

5 Oak Street, Greenwich, CT 203.869.4242

LynneHavenMD.com

DR. LYNNE HAVEN IS A BOARD CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST in Greenwich who specializes in cosmetic dermatology and laser treatments. Dr. Haven graduated from Harvard University and received her medical degree from Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons. She completed her internship at Massachusetts General Hospital and her dermatology residency at New York University.

Dr. Haven strives to provide state-of-the-art skin and laser treatments in a warm, caring environment. She offers Botox, injectable fillers, Diamond Glow, and a wide range of lasers including Picosure, Exel V+, Hair laser, PDT, and Aviclear for acne. Dr. Haven is one of the first physicians in the country to introduce the Emface and Ellacor, two innovative procedures designed to noninvasively lift and tighten. Dr. Haven says “Emface is an exciting new noninvasive way to tighten the face. It not only builds collagen and elastin but also works on the muscle to lift and improve the overall muscle tone of the face without surgery. Ellacor is a game changing technology, which uses fractionated micro-coring to remove microscopic cores of skin to improve wrinkles, remove excess skin on the face or other areas of the body.” Dr. Haven offers Emsculpt Neo for body contouring which can build muscle by 25% and decrease fat by 30% after a series of treatments.

Dr. Haven is consistently ranked in the top 1% of injectors nationwide, and she personally performs 100 percent of all Botox and filler treatments. Dr. Haven was once again selected as one of America’s Top Cosmetic Dermatologists.

Dr. Haven believes in designing an individualized anti-aging treatment plan for each patient to ensure desirable results. With a focus on noninvasive rejuvenation, Dr.Haven helps her patients look younger and more radiant. Her expertise gained from working in private practice for more than 22 years allows her to customize each treatment session to offer optimal results to every patient. In August 2021, Dr. Haven moved into a brandnew office with state-of-the-art technology. Dr.Haven says, “Patients have plenty of privacy coming to our spacious stand-alone building-and as always, excellent personalized care.”

We agree. Our docs are tops!

Congratulations to the doctors who have earned a spot on Westport Magazine’s Top Doctors list. And thank you to all of Hartford HealthCare’s amazing doctors. Every day their skills, dedication and compassion save lives and help people live their healthiest lives.

Thank you for all you do.

Madhu Mathur, MD, MPH

Lifestyle Medicine Center 2777 Summer St, Suite 604 Stamford, CT 06905 203.614.8517 lifestylemedcenter.com

Fairfield Dermat ology

1305 Post Road, Suite 310, Fairfield, CT 203.259.7709 fairfieldderm.com

Congratulations to Dr. Jason McBean and Dr. Elizabeth Smith on their TOP DOC awards.

FAIRFIELD DERMATOLOGY is a comprehensive medical and aesthetic dermatology practice that offers a professional and cutting-edge approach to the treatment of your skin. With three board certified dermatologists, two nurse practitioners, and a physician assistant we are available to provide you with a thorough skin evaluation and a personalized treatment strategy for all of your, and your family’s, skin care needs. We provide complete dermatologic care for the treatment and prevention of skin diseases and skin cancer.

At Fairfield Dermatology we are committed to remain at the forefront of aesthetic medicine as it continues to evolve. We believe that incremental changes in appearance impact how our patients feel and allow them to live and thrive with confidence and satisfaction. We combine our expertise and knowledge with experiences and treatments that build long lasting relationships. Our services include body contouring, robotic hair transplantation, laser resurfacing, Botox, Juvederm, Kybella and other injectable fillers. Treatments also include microdermabrasion, chemical peels, micro-needling, and PRP (platelet rich plasma). Drs. McBean and Smith are Platinum Level Providers of injectable products.

Our vision is to be the premier skin care service provider for all the skin care needs of our patients and community. We are dedicated to the highest standards of patient care whether we are treating skin disease or improving one’s appearance. We welcome you to our practice.

Internal Medicine of New Canaan, PC Shiela Subramanian, MD, MPH 173 East Avenue New Canaan, CT 203.972.4205 newcanaanmedical.com

“I

Dr Mathur encourages behavioral changes, improving nutrition and lifestyle. She wants children to heal the natural way and be the best version of themselves.

She completed her Master’s in Public Health from Columbia University and has led public health advocacy in Stamford, working with many agencies. She has received many honors and awards for her work. In 2014 she started working with individual families

SHIELA SUBRAMANIAN, MD, MPH, IS A BOARD CERTIFIED internist and has been practicing primary care internal medicine in New Canaan since 2004. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and New York Medical College. She completed her internship, residency and chief residency at the Yale University School of Medicine.

She manages a broad spectrum of medical issues, including heart disease evaluation, comprehensive women’s health issues, gerontology and cancer screening.

In 2014, Dr. Subramanian transitioned to a concierge medicine practice. “Practicing good medicine requires more time listening to what your patient has to say.” Her philosophy has allowed her to spend time and provide quality care without compromise.

Dr. Subramanian is affiliated with both Stamford and Norwalk Hospitals.

Dr Madhu Mathur is double board certi ed in Pediatrics and Obesity Medicine. She specializes in treating weight and nutrition issues.

focus on weight related issues, because I see an increasing number of children who are gaining weight and feel poorly. But they are not the ones who are shopping or cooking. We have an opportunity to x this”.

YNaturally ou,

Clean, Green, Natural, Sustainable Living in the New Year — Easily

by carol leonetti dannhauser

G et Outside

Maybe your aim is better fitness this year. Literally any one of dozens of gyms and personal trainers in Westport, Wilton and Weston can help get you there. But there’s more to fitness than running faster and lifting more. Sometimes, when it comes to upping your fitness level, slower is better.

Take your workout outside. Walking on the beach, strolling through the woods, practicing downward dog in the backyard and more not only

increases blood flow and supplies you with wellneeded vitamin D, but also such outdoor activities can help settle that busy brain of yours.

Options abound, from Westport’s beaches and cozy, accessible Earthplace Nature Center (and its walking trails); to Trout Brook Valley Preserve and more in Weston; to everything from the Town Forest to Weir Farm in Wilton.

“The effects nature has on people include physical things, like reduced heart rate, as well as a mental component. A lot of people find when they take a walk on a trail in nature that the daily stresses fall away,” says Sophie Pollmann, the development and marketing director at the nature center Earthplace. “We’re constantly bombarded with snippets of information from all directions. It’s like it becomes an overload that we have become sort of numb to. Just being outside and away from noise pollution and the stresses of daily life balances that out.”

And if you want to ratchet up that heartbeat, hiking, snowshoeing or running outside challenges your balance and heightens your senses, Pollmann says.

Try a “forest bath,” which is all the rage with wilderness travelers flocking to Costa Rica, Japan and New Zealand. You don’t need to board a plane to make it happen, Pollmann says. Instead, find a local trail, put away your phone and focus on the smell in the air, the sound of birdsong or the wind, the touch of tree bark. Pack a picnic, even in winter, for a lunch date with a colleague, family member or friend.

Try a forest bath,” which is all the rage with wilderness travelers flocking to Costa Rica, Japan and New Zealand... find a local trail, put away your phone and focus on the smell in the air, the sound of birdsong or the wind, the touch of tree bark.

ye - bye, stressful 2022. Hello, carefree 2023!

// Hopefully, anyway. // Books, travel agents, therapists and a constant supply of information from everywhere suggest steps to better health and happiness. But one surefire, accessible way

to get you - and the planet - there this year is to incorporate nature into your daily routine. This doesn’t have to be complicated ; instead, it’’s about keeping things simple.

above: Take to the trails at Earthplace, a nature center in Westport. SASHA

Aim for ZERO Waste

Chances are good that each time you head to the store, you pick up something that will end up in a landfill or incinerator. Much of what you dump, though—food, plastics, paper, metals, clothing—could have a second life. It’s just a matter of knowing what to do with it.

Start by composting. About one out of four bags of groceries gets tossed out, according to the folks at Sustainable Westport. Their Westport-wide campaign, Zero Food Waste Challenge, aims to reduce food waste by 25 percent. Hire a hauler in Westport to pick up your food scraps at your curbside or drop off your food scraps at the transfer station for free, or compost at home. Earthplace sells composting starter kits. “It’s the little changes you can make that collectively have an impact,” says Sophie Pollmann.

When you bring home something new to wear, recycle what you’re replacing. If your garb isn’t consignment-shop worthy or good enough for Goodwill, Bay State Textiles will take it. The company collects clothes, linens and footwear (even flip-flops, cleats, slippers and more) at the Westport town recycling center. Even stained, holey and frayed items will have a new life. A ratty T-shirt becomes a wiping rag. A one-armed teddy bear is transformed into car-seat stuffing.

Do a little spin around the house, hunting for things your body and the environment can do without. Toss toxic cleaners, for example, and replace them with natural alternatives. Distilled white vinegar cut with water cleans everything from the crud in your coffee maker to the dirt on your windows. (Just keep it away from your gadgetry.) And ditch those fragrance plug-ins. Pick up a natural diffuser and some real oils or, better yet, boil some water and toss in cinnamon, lemon, rosemary or whatever you’re in the mood for.

right: Composting and recycling do a lot of good for the environment, and local initiatives are making it easier to get into the habit.

Pollmann Development and Marketing Director, Earthplace

About one out of four bags of groceries gets tossed out, according to the folks at Sustainable Westport. Their Westport- wide campaign, Zero Food Waste Challenge, aims to reduce food waste by 25 percent ... It’s the little changes you can make that collectively have an impact. ”

Sophie

HAIR Color

You only need to sniff the air around some hair products to recognize chemicals. Many hair dyes contain ammonia, formaldehyde and hard-to-spell chemicals that are known carcinogens. Some overthe-counter color products even contain tiny shards of metal. The color sticks to the metal and the metal sticks to the hairs. Why slather your head with this toxic brew when you can switch to natural alternatives? Odete DaSilva, a master colorist and behind-the-scenes stylist at Fashion Week in New York, Milan and Paris, wants you to investigate your options. “With hair color, there is natural, traditional and chemical. We have a lot more clients going chemicalfree. It’s definitely a trend in the industry,” says DaSilva, who owns Artistex Salon and Spa in Westport and offers all-natural and chemicalfree options. “You want zero metallics and low ammonia.”

Also find out what’s in your nail polish. Her salon uses formaldehyde-free polishes. Why? “Many polishes contain formaldehyde. It chips off, and you it eat.”

Finally, salons in North America generate 877 pounds of landfill waste each minute, most of which is metal foils used in coloring, says DaSilva, who uses recyclable or biodegradable products instead, and ships waste to a company that repurposes hair-salon refuse.

Don’t Forget FIDO

While

eliminating toxins, pay attention to what your pets are chewing on, chasing after or ingesting. Many pet foods contain the chemical compound BHA, which extends the shelf life of food, but has been found to cause cancer in humans and tumors in animals. Chemical food coloring makes meals more attractive—to pet owners—but can cause all kinds of side effects to furry family members. Read the ingredients. Many manufacturers put bleach in their rawhide chews and preserve them in formaldehyde.

Your pet is healthier without any of that, say the folks at Earth Animal, a national company with roots in Westport.

On the day we visited, freshly baked pumpkin cookies were for sale by the oven in the back of the store. They were for the four-legged visitors, not the two-legged. Nearby, natural raw foods,

including rabbit for cats and marrowfilled bones for dogs, filled the freezers.

Earth Animal dates back to 1974, when Dr. Bob Goldstein, a holistic veterinarian, and his wife, Susan, rescued a golden retriever that was crippled with hip dysplasia.

Their quest to heal the dog led them to supplements and natural remedies that worked so well that Susan opened a health food store for animals next door to her husband’s veterinary hospital. Seven stores later, the couple produced their own line of holistic products for animals. Today, they supply products to pet stores nationwide.

There’s no rawhide in their chews; instead, they contain sustainably sourced whole foods, without dyes and fake-food ingredients. Even the flea and tick collars contain natural repellents. Not pesticides or insecticides; rather, scents that fleas and ticks “find objectionable.”

for cooper // Rethinking what we feed our dogs

Cooper was a very good dog. The golden retriever’s family loved him and did the best for him. So, when he became ill with lymphoma, pet dad Tom Arrix scrutinized what his dog was eating. After consulting vets, he prioritized the nutrition of Cooper’s food, giving him only fresh ingredients (no additives or preservatives). Arrix was rewarded with twenty more months with his best friend.

That research became the foundation of the dog-food company Get Joy (getjoyfood .com). Based in Norwalk, it offers freeze-dried and fresh food as well as three freezedried treats (beef liver, heart and kidney) and plenty of natural sticks and chews. (For brand fans, Get Joy also sells hats, hoodies and T-shirts for people.)

Online, the company also shares dog tips. The post “Get

Fit with Get Joy,” for example, mentions “doga”—and we can confirm that some dogs are, indeed, interested in yoga. “It’s a great way to slow down and bond with your dog as you take care of your body. Incorporate your pet into the classic poses or take time just enjoying their presence as you wind down. Generally, classes include a lot of eye contact with your dog, which can be very comforting to them.” –D.T.S.

you’re

above: Earth Animal in Westport offers a large selection of pet products.

Switch to TEA

Many of us look for a caffeine jolt to jump-start the day. But when that caffeine comes from the coffee shop, it can bring unexpected additives, like xanthan gum, potassium sorbate and three Hershey bars’ worth of sugar in a grande Frappucino, for example. That medium cocoa mocha latte could pack nearly 78 percent of the day’s added sugars and an alphabet full of chemicals and artificial flavors. Coffee can bring on the jitters, as well as acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome.

Try tea instead. Westport-based Arogya Tea offers hundreds of organically grown teas to choose from, each selected by the shop’s founder, Shanghai-native Wei Huang Bertram. Bertram flavors many of the teas herself in her cozy shop with plants and herbs that, according to Chinese medicine, boost immunity and restore balance in the body, maintain blood sugar levels, aid digestion and more.

American tea drinkers prefer bold flavors and strong aromas (think black tea smoked in pine needles or lime ginger matcha with rosemary and black pepper) versus in China, where “they’re more poetic about it,” says Bertram. She accommodates

both. Health-conscious Westporters buy lots of turmeric and ginger tea for its health benefits, she says, and, in the wintertime, opt for nutty roasted buckwheat, which studies show improves circulation and boosts immunity.

Regardless of the flavor, slowing down for a morning or evening tea ritual—mindfully making and drinking the brew—can bring a sense of calm and peace, Bertram says. Swap in tea for your end-of-the-day cocktail, as well. Alcohol hoodwinks your brain into thinking you feel good. But sipping a cup of fermented pu’er can actually help you to feel good. Pu’er contains probiotics, which are great for gut health, and is a natural detox and antioxidant.

Bertram sounds like an oenophile when she describes teas by their mouthfeel, layers of flavor, notes of fruits and chocolate. She can identify a tea’s terroir because she has visited the villages in the mountains where her wild tea grows and is plucked, sun-dried, hand-rolled, fermented, steamed, tossed, dried and packed by tea masters whose families have been in the business for 700 or 800 years.

Tea-growing and drinking “is a spiritual practice from soil to cup” for indigenous villagers in China who supply tea to Arogya, says Bertram, who opened Arogya Holistic Healing Center in Westport in 1997 with her husband, Gregor. “We are extending that gratitude. Take the time to contemplate what you are grateful for in your life and in your day.” Wind down versus wine down, as it were.

American tea drinkers prefer bold flavors and strong aromas...versus in China, where they’re more poetic about it. ’ Health - conscious Westporters buy lots of turmeric and ginger tea for its health benefits. ”

Wei Huang Bertram Founder of Arogya Tea

left to right: The shop offers hundreds of teas. • Sample fresh-brewed tea • The peaceful entry of Arogya Tea

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

EA ING DISORDERS T

For those of us who have been around since the 1970s, it was chart-topping singer Karen Carpenter who brought the term “anorexia nervosa” into our vocabulary. Her velvety contralto voice was the soundtrack of the era, but those rich, full notes she sang were in stark contrast to her frail body, wasting away before the world’s eyes until not much more than a ghoulish clothed skeleton remained. Carpenter died of a heart attack in 1983, at the age of thirty-two.

Without treatment, up to 20 percent of all eating disorder sufferers do not survive. Knowing the warning signs and where to turn for help can be a matter of life and death. Fortunately, in Fairfield County we have some of the best doctors and treatment centers to support patients and their loved ones in understanding and overcoming the various eating disorders that can devastate young people and adults. »

by jill johnson mann

photo

typography by venera a l e x a n d r o va

TYPES OF EATING DISORDERS

ANOREXIA NERVOSA

Characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, severe calorie restriction to the point of starvation, distorted body image and abnormally low body weight.

BULIMIA

Characterized by cycles of binging and purging: bouts of extreme overeating followed by self-induced vomiting, purging, fasting or excessive exercising. Sufferers often have a normal or above average body weight.

BINGE EATING DISORDER (BED)

Frequently binge large amounts of food and feel unable to stop eating.

EXERCISE BULIMIA/ ANOREXIA ATHLETICA

Characterized by excessive and obsessive exercising. May focus more on exercise performance than body image.

AVOIDANT/RESTRICTIVE FOOD INTAKE DISORDER (ARFID)

Aversion based on sensory characteristics of food, not body dysmorphia. Can cause disturbance in growth, nutritional deficiencies and significant weight loss.

ORTHOREXIA

Uber clean eating and obsessing about nutrition to the point that it becomes damaging. Can be a forerunner of anorexia.

DIABULIMIA

Affects Type 1 diabetics who reduce or stop taking insulin with the goal of losing weight.

OTHER SPECIFIED FEEDING OR EATING DISORDER (OSFED)

A blanket term to catch all other eating disorder variations.

Something Seems Off WARNING SIGNS

“Our daughter, Leah*, was eleven when we realized something was off,” says local mom Tina Collins. “She was a ballet dancer and had always been tiny, so it didn’t occur to us until she sent me a text saying: ‘I don’t want to eat. I think I’m fat.’ By then, she was already fully delusional with body dysmorphia.”

Looking back, Tina realized there had been signs: Leah had become obsessed with food in a strange way—she was compulsively cooking but not really eating, she was moving her food around on her plate, she could not casually talk and eat, she was struggling in school because her brain wasn’t functioning, and she had lost weight. “It’s a tricky disease,” says Collins. “Your child disappears. This disordered brain takes over. She went from being a joyful little imp to a nonperson who didn’t communicate with us for months. For a little while, you lose them. The hardest part is that panic.”

Collins turned to Westport psychotherapist Dr. Noni Eden, whom she describes as the “gold standard” in the area for eating disorders. In addition to the telltale signs that Collins had noted, Dr. Eden adds, “If a child is active and open and starts retreating, staying in bed and not wanting to see friends, that’s concerning. Changes in academics or eating habits, or if out of the blue they become vegan, a red light goes off for me. A drop or gain in weight out of nowhere, change in mood, change in dress; they start wearing baggy clothes or layers, so parents won’t see their bodies. They eat in their room by themselves, avoid restaurants or run to the bathroom after eating. They are like turtles that go in the shell.”

Westporter Mark Baker remembers the day he and his wife realized something was desperately wrong with their teenage daughter. They had gone to a dance recital and noticed she was blossoming into a young woman. “A few months later, at the next recital, she had lost her entire shape. We were crushed,” says Baker. “We didn’t know what to do. She had disappeared, and it felt like overnight. We saw it on stage in front of all these people.”

Looking back Baker realized “she’d been hiding in massive sweatshirts, and there’s no question we missed how little she was eating.

Some fictitious names have been used in this story.

We don’t sit down and eat family dinners, none of my kids eat breakfast and we don’t know what they are eating at lunch. On vacations, she’d order a big meal and eat a few bites. We took it as a positive that she was being health conscious.”

Dr. Ingi Soliman, a clinical psychologist in Westport, advises parents to also look out for: “elimination diets [even vegetarianism sometimes], irritability around food or body or weight, a sudden change in your child’s growth chart percentile, depression and over exercising.” It is not only girls battling these demons—20 to 30 percent of her patients are boys. “We see it a lot with athletes, especially wrestlers and runners who have to maintain their weight,” says Soliman. Eating disorders also affect adults, especially those who had issues in their youth—whether diagnosed or percolating below the surface. College-age young adults are particularly at risk.

Dr. Joanna Bronfman, the director of Backcountry Wellness for Eating Disorders, mentions a few more disconcerting warning signs: “inflamed parotid glands in purgers, cut knuckles on hands from putting them in their mouths, thinning hair, a chronic chill, lanugo [a downy layer of body hair like babies have to provide warmth], frequent weighing, water loading and use of diuretics.”

Why Is This Happening CAUSES

“The truth of the matter is that eating disorders are caused by a perfect storm. It’s never one thing. It’s bio-psycho-social,” says Dr. Bronfman, affectionately known as “Dr. B.” to her patients. “It’s brain based, temperament, family, heritability, stress response, cultural. The cultural piece is big and loud and has reared its head through social media.”

Media imagery touting the slender “perfect body”—from Twiggy to the heroin-chic look to Victoria’s Secret angels—has been ubiquitous for half a century. But Dr. B. noticed two tipping points in recent years that caused an already bad situation to “morph into a beast.” First, in 2007, a camera was added to the iPhone. Second, Covid hit and life moved onto Zoom. “Seeing your reflection with that degree of frequency creates a loop in the mind that you have to change this or that about your look,” says Bronfman.

Dr. Eden, psychotherapist

“Identical twins, just by the very nature that they are identical, have a 33 percent higher risk of developing an eating disorder,” she explains. “If that’s the case, what is it? They are seeing themselves in the other, and they are always auto-correcting. We have treated hundreds of twins. If that is so with the twins, then so it is with Zoom and selfies.”

That doesn’t mean every kid with an iPhone is going to develop an eating disorder. The problem often comes on in tandem with “other biological inherent illnesses like anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder, when those are in the family,” says Dr. Soliman.

“My mom was bulimic her whole life and still battles anorexia,” says Mark Baker.

Genetics are likely a factor in his daughter’s case, but he also blames social media. “She was obsessed with it. On vacation, she’d be taking 200, 300 photos for Instagram,” he recalls. “Then she disappeared on social media overnight. Clearly something happened in that space, some cyberbullying. Once kids start down that rabbit hole, the algorithms amplify the content that makes them feel less secure.”

Trauma can be a factor as well. Dr. Eden became intrigued by eating disorders when she stumbled upon cases in the Orthodox community in Israel thirty years ago. “There was a lot of incest in that community and other trauma.” Dr. Eden often finds trauma, such as rape, triggering eating disorders in college-age

patients. But often “the thought was there before,” she says. Issues with eating had been brewing.

Collins suspects trauma from an assault was a trigger for her daughter, but so were the overachieving, perfectionist traits that are so common among anorexics. “Kids who are eating disordered, it’s like a competition for them,” she says. “Who can be skinniest, who can not eat the longest.” Social media amps up the playing field.

While the average onset age Dr. Eden sees is fifteen to twenty-five, she has patients as young as seven and as old as sixty-five. “The young ones are sometimes mimicking behavior they are seeing at home or sometimes it is rooted in trauma. There are pre-teens comparing belly fat on the bus. They are feeling a lot of pressure. When kids can’t control anything else, they control food.” Dr. Eden saw a sharp uptick in cases during the pandemic. “I was getting up to twenty referrals a week,” she says. “People were feeling trapped and using food as a substance to give them relief. Food was something they could control and manage when the world felt out of control.”

Dr. Soliman also notes that controlling people in a patient’s life can be a contributing factor: a harsh gymnastics coach or perfectionist parents. “Also, mothers who are anorexic in pregnancy often have babies who are overeaters,” says Soliman. “There seems to be a constant need to compensate for the lack of nutrition in utero.”

Where to Find Professional Help TREATMENTS

“It’s really hard to find people who are deeply trained in this,” says Dr. Eden, who has been treating patients with eating disorders for thirty years. Her practice in Westport utilizes a multidisciplinary approach, with a therapist, nutritionist, psychiatrist and, for children, involvement of the parents and pediatrician. “With kids, we must have family therapy. If you don’t work with parents, no change will happen,” she says. “We have to direct the parents and give them the same language to use at home. Parents become part of the team. This is really the key to success.”

Dr. Eden’s approach is unique to each patient and may involve: cognitive behavioral therapy;

“ if a child is active and open and starts retreating, staying in bed and not wanting to see friends, that’s concerning. changes in academics or eating habits, or if out of the blue they become vegan, a red light goes off for me. ”

deep work to get to the source; developing healthy coping skills; getting in touch with their feelings; “purging feelings rather than food”; narrative work to “rewrite the story of their life to become a hero, not a victim”; body and somatic approaches to trauma.

“If none of this works, safety always comes first. I will use an outpatient or inpatient program at a treatment center,” says Dr. Eden, who mentions Center for Discovery, Monte Nido, Clementine and Balance. “I have to use a lot of judgment. There can be benefits, but also patients can go and learn more tricks. I try to do programs that prepare them for real life. Life is about using food as a social event; eating should be fun. They need to make friends with food.”

Center for Discovery offers programs for various ages (ten and up) and levels of care in Southport, Fairfield and Greenwich. Northeast Regional Director Elizabeth Damon says, “Our residential treatment programs are located in homes, and our treatment process is set up to encourage ‘real life’ recovery. Our patients are involved in their own meal planning and preparation, and we don’t use measuring cups or scales. We know the work patients are doing in their psycho-educational groups and individual sessions is difficult, so we allow for down time, outings off-site and family visitation. Our partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs are physically set up similarly, to create a home-like environment.”

Damon continues, “We know eating disorders develop as a way to help people cope with something. Our goal is to uncover the source and replace the eating disorder with healthy, life-fulfilling coping skills. We work collaboratively with families and loved ones to give them the tools they need to support the patient at home.” Anyone concerned they or a loved one may be suffering from an eating disorder can call and set up a free consultation: 888617-0072. An online quiz (centerfordiscovery .com) can help determine if a consultation is warranted.

Leah Collins tried Center for Discovery and Clementine at Briar Cliff Manor in New York, which her mom describes as “a wonderful, beautiful residence for fourteen girls,” but she still wasn’t eating. Victims are “basically killing themselves, and there’s no silver bullet treatment,” says Tina. Ultimately, Leah went to Eating Recovery Center in Dallas, where

Dr. Bronfman, Backcountry Wellness

she could be intubated. Thankfully, she pulled through and returned to Clementine and then several years at a therapeutic school. “We put all kinds of restrictions on her social media after treatment,” Tina notes. “She will always have body image stuff, but she’s functioning normally and getting ready to go to college.”

A year into trying different therapists, Baker says, “We found Backcountry Wellness in Greenwich. They were so instrumental, as was my wife who dropped everything else for the better part of two years.” Baker is overjoyed that his daughter is now “doing great. She is so mentally strong, and that is why she beat it. You battle it your whole life, don’t get me wrong, but I’m stunned by her progress in the past year.”

Dr. Bronfman at Backcountry Wellness has focused exclusively on eating disorders for twenty-five years. “We are small and more boutique, with a six-bed adolescent residential program, only eight kids per section in our other programs, deeply compassionate caregivers and skilled clinicians. We really take the time to know our kids and get them better,” she says. “We are about health and wellness. There are days for kale and days for cupcakes in life— that’s balance. Food is joyous. Food and love are one and the same; a baby in it mother’s arms nursing or being given a bottle cannot distinguish between the two.”

Dr. B. believes Backcountry is the best in the county for treating ARFID. “We have really cracked the code,” she says. Dr. B. also notes

“we can enjoy the food we eat for all it brings us—nutrients, energy and social connection. we can move our bodies because we enjoy doing so, instead of worrying that we need to exercise because of something we ate . ”

a trend in many more boys suffering with these disorders now than in the past and, not surprisingly, many transgender people. “They are experiencing not only gender dysmorphia, but also body dysmorphia,” she explains. “There are all sorts of eating issues subsequent to that.”

Dr. Soliman emphasizes that catching the signs early and seeking treatment early gives the best chance of recovery. Six months prior to a girl getting her period is the average onset age she is seeing—and that is an easier age for parents “to swoop in and manage food intake” than later on. “They are starting to become an adult, their bodies are doing things they aren’t comfortable with, and they literally try to stop their body from developing,” she explains. “Parents need to treat them like a two-yearold; if your toddler is sick, you figure out a way to get the medicine into them. Treat the food as medicine. I have had parents sit in the car with their child at lunch time at school; you really have to supervise every meal. It’s really hard for parents, taking away their teen’s autonomy, but the physical piece comes before the emotional. Once the weight is up, it’s easier to address the emotional issues and figure out what the obstacles are.”

Dr. Soliman likes working with the Center for Discovery, Yale’s program (Child Study Center and Intensive Outpatient Program) and Greenwich Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, and she suggests checking out the virtual offerings and resources offered by Monte Nido (montenido.com) and The Renfrew Center (renfrewcenter.com).

The potential long-term effects of eating disorders—including heart disease, osteoporosis, amenorrhea, infertility, dental problems from stomach acid, cancer of the esophagus, abdominal bleeding from laxatives—are frightening, but Dr. Eden says, “We have a good rate of success of recovery. There may always be a hesitation or fear of food, but many people can have a healthy life.”

What Parents and Society Can Do CURBING THE TREND

“Social media is awful for kids. Parents need to be vigilant about what their kids are watching

and what accounts they’re following, especially if you suspect your kid is struggling,” advises Collins.

Baker adds: “We have to have the uncomfortable conversations with our kids. We have to stay on them. You have to look in their drawers and closets. You have to monitor their social media.”

Dr. Eden advises, “Don’t minimize kids’ feelings. Listen, don’t judge, and offer help. You can’t have the attitude: ‘Oh c’mon, get over it, just eat.’ It’s an illness like drugs or alcohol, except that we need food. Get informed.” She adds, “Never comment on looks or weight. Don’t talk about ‘bad foods.’ Kids need to learn balance in food and balance in life. Try to cook together.”

Dr. Soliman notes a change society can make: “Some countries have outlawed airbrushing to make people look thinner in the media. With the body-positive movement, we are seeing more of an athletic body ideal. Actors of different body types are being cast.” We have to keep pushing the needle. She reiterates for parents not to “comment on body or weight or eating—yours or theirs” and for binge eaters, to “encourage an active lifestyle.” Binge eaters can refer to Yale’s POWER program for support (@yaleteenpower on Instagram).

“I think a shift in the way we talk about our bodies, food and exercise is a little way to make a big difference,” says Damon. “We can stop labeling food as ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ We can stop commenting on other’s bodies, especially refraining from commenting on someone’s assumed weight gain or loss. We can enjoy the food we eat for all it brings us—nutrients, energy and social connection. We can move our bodies because we enjoy doing so, instead of worrying that we need to exercise because of something we ate.”

Dr. Bronfman recommends having dinners together. “If schedules are busy, pick one time during the week to eat together; it could be Sunday brunch. Food is family.”

She adds, “The way to talk about food is not to talk about food, except ‘Yum, this is so good! You have to try it.’ ”

For comprehensive, compassionate guidance, Dr. Bronfman finds the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) to be outstanding (nationaleatingdisorders.org, helpline: 800-931-2237). G

HELPFUL RESOURCES

Center for Discovery Recommendations BOOKS

Health at Every Size by Linda Bacon

Body Respect by Linda Bacon and Lucy Aphramor

Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch

The Parent's Guide to Eating Disorders by Marcia Herrin and Nancy Matsumoto

SITES

allianceforeatingdisorders.com anorexiafamily.com edininstitute.org immaeatthat.com laurathomasphd.co.uk marcird.com self-compassion.org sizediversityandhealth.org themindfuldietician.com.au thereallife-rd.com

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Our Mission

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The mission of Breast Cancer Alliance is to improve survival rates and quality of life for those impacted by breast cancer through better prevention, early detection, treatment and cure. To promote these goals, we invest in innovative research, breast surgery fellowships, regional education, dignified support and screening for the underserved.

The mission of Breast Cancer Alliance is to improve survival rates and quality of life for those impacted by breast cancer through better prevention, early detection, treatment and cure. To promote these goals, we invest in innovative research, breast surgery fellowships, regional education, dignified support and screening for the underserved.

Our Mission

Our Mission

The mission of Breast Cancer Alliance is to improve survival rates and quality of life for those impacted by breast cancer through better prevention, early detection, treatment and cure.

Our Mission

The mission of Breast Cancer Alliance is to improve survival rates and quality of life for those impacted by breast cancer through better prevention, early detection, treatment and cure.

The mission of Breast Cancer Alliance is to improve survival rates and quality of life for those impacted by breast cancer through better prevention, early detection, treatment and cure.

The mission of Breast Cancer Alliance is to improve survival rates and quality of life for those impacted by breast cancer through better prevention, early detection, treatment and cure. To promote these goals, we invest in innovative research, breast surgery fellowships, regional education, dignified support and screening for the underserved.

The mission of Breast Cancer Alliance is to improve survival rates and quality of life for those impacted by breast cancer through better prevention, early detection, treatment and cure. To promote these goals, we invest in innovative research, breast surgery fellowships, regional education, dignified support and screening for the underserved.

Our Mission

The mission of Breast Cancer Alliance is to improve survival rates and quality of life for those impacted by breast cancer through better prevention, early detection, treatment and cure. To promote these goals, we invest in innovative research, breast surgery fellowships, regional education, dignified support and screening for the underserved.

To promote these goals, we invest in innovative research, breast surgery fellowships, regional education, dignified support and screening for the underserved.

To promote these goals, we invest in innovative research, breast surgery fellowships, regional education, dignified support and screening for the underserved.

To promote these goals, we invest in innovative research, breast surgery fellowships, regional education, dignified support and screening for the underserved.

To learn more visit breastcanceralliance.org

To learn more visit breastcanceralliance.org

Breast Cancer Alliance 48 Maple Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830 info@breastcanceralliance.org

The mission of Breast Cancer Alliance is to improve survival rates and quality of life for those impacted by breast cancer through better prevention, early detection, treatment and cure. To promote these goals, we invest in innovative research, breast surgery fellowships, regional education, dignified support and screening for the underserved.

Breast Cancer Alliance 48 Maple Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830 info@breastcanceralliance.org

To learn more visit breastcanceralliance.org breastcanceralliance

To learn more visit breastcanceralliance.org

Breast Cancer Alliance 48 Maple Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830 info@breastcanceralliance.org

Yonni Wattenmaker Executive Director

Yonni Wattenmaker Executive Director

Breast Cancer Alliance

Breast Cancer Alliance 48 Maple Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830 info@breastcanceralliance.org

Breast Cancer Alliance 48 Maple Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830 info@breastcanceralliance.org Yonni Wattenmaker Executive Director

Breast Cancer Alliance 48 Maple Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830 info@breastcanceralliance.org Yonni Wattenmaker Executive Director

Yonni Wattenmaker Executive Director

To learn more visit breastcanceralliance.org breastcanceralliance

breastcanceralliance

48 Maple Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830 info@breastcanceralliance.org

Yonni Wattenmaker Executive Director

Yonni Wattenmaker

Executive Director

Breast Cancer Alliance 48 Maple Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830 info@breastcanceralliance.org Yonni Wattenmaker Executive Director

@BCAllianceCT

To learn more visit breastcanceralliance.org breastcanceralliance

To learn more visit breastcanceralliance.org breastcanceralliance

breastcanceralliance

breastcanceralliance

@BCAllianceCT

@BCAllianceCT

@breastcanceralliance

@breastcanceralliance

@BCAllianceCT

Breast Cancer Alliance 48 Maple Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830 info@breastcanceralliance.org

@breastcanceralliance

Yonni Wattenmaker Executive Director

@breastcanceralliance

@BCAllianceCT @breastcanceralliance

@BCAllianceCT @breastcanceralliance

@BCAllianceCT

To learn more visit breastcanceralliance.org breastcanceralliance @BCAllianceCT @breastcanceralliance

To learn more visit breastcanceralliance.org breastcanceralliance

@breastcanceralliance

OF SKIING AND SLIPPERY SLOPES

Right after Christmas people around here tend to take to the slopes—some to Colorado, others closer to home. Not me, unless I can help it. There aren’t any mountains in Ohio where I grew up, but after Jack and I were married and moved East, I ran out of excuses.

My first challenge was Stowe. No fancy new equipment, of course. Jack was old fashioned, from Philadelphia. Any pair of long wooden boards—like he had learned on—had been good enough for him. But by all means, Donna, borrow whatever you need. So a nice friend loaned me some gear. The boots didn’t quite fit; by the end of the first day my ankle bones were bloody, and I had to insert foam donuts around them. Plus I was terribly near-sighted, my glasses got all fogged up, and I couldn’t see where I was going. Nope, skiing wasn’t much fun—and it hurt. But I persevered.

Next, I tackled Stratton, enjoying my time off the slopes more than on at the Vaughns’ farmhouse where we learned how calves are born and maple sugar is made. Same was true when Jack bid on two ski houses at a silent auction for the Greenwich Symphony, figuring he’d get one, only to find out he’d won both. Yuck. But we made it happen. Besides, the Rindlaubs’ house in Vermont had a hammock in the kitchen—a great spot for watching other people cook dinner.

Skiing is a lot of work. Once we rented a lovely home at Bromley where I spent most of the time making sandwiches and doing major cleanup. It had been trashed by the owner’s unruly teenagers. Arms fell off chairs; one bathroom had a light we couldn’t turn off, another a light we couldn’t turn on; the master bed fell down (with us in it); the vacuum caught on fire, and a neighbor’s puppy pooped on the living room rug and growled at Jack

when he rubbed his nose it.

Skiing can be embarrassing. My downhill finale came sitting beside a ski instructor on a chairlift at Stratton. My husband had been asked to skipper a boat back to Newport after the Bermuda Race and was mad because I wouldn’t join him. I’d been there-done-that on Newbold Smith’s Reindeer and hadn’t slept for a week. So when I discovered this young gorilla was dying to go, I began super-selling him on the idea. But when we reached the top where the lift pauses to allow people to disembark, he got off while I, still talking, kept going. This was instant decision time: Ride back down in disgrace or jump off midair? I jumped, landing in a heap of skis and poles circled by concerned witnesses. The only thing bruised was my pride.

After that, I turned to cross-country, which Barbara King and I did at Okemo when we weren’t shopping. Once we rented a house right on the slopes; and after seeing the gents off the first morning, we rushed through the breakfast dishes, eager to get to the discount stores in Manchester. Then came a knock on the door from an apparition in a ski mask saying: “My boots fell off!” Jack was standing there in his liners, a trail of plastic in his wake. Due to the extreme cold, his ancient boots had detonated. He had to buy new boots, new bindings and (gulp) new skis because, said the wily salesman, “you don’t want to put new bindings on those old skis.” The final tally came to a whole lot more than I spent in Manchester.

Someday I’m going to write a book called I Married a Jock. Jack wanted me to join him in every sport that turned him on, from skeetshooting to waterskiing. I could only better him at ice-skating.

Being old enough now to do what I want to do is wonderful, but guess what? It’s not nearly as much fun.

“I was terribly near-sighted, my glasses got all fogged up, and I couldn’t see where I was going.”