Westport - Nov/Dec 2023 by Moffly Media

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contents NOV/DEC 2023 vol. 25 | issue 6

features

10 EDITOR’S LETTER

by sa ma ntha ya nks

12 FOUNDER’S LETTER by d onna mof f ly

LOOK OPTIC Andrew Leary sits down with our Editor-in-Chief to discuss the latest collaboration with supermodel Carolyn Murphy.

17 STATUS REPORT

STEPHEN WILKES above: Carolyn Murphy modeling the Lois. below: Rosemary Grissini and Sourdough, Cranberry-Pistachio Soda Bread, Pumpkin Dinner Rolls and Chorizo-Jalapeño Cornbread.

by ji l l joh nson m an n

BUZZ Westport Country Playhouse selects new leadership; There is no better gift this holiday season than a good book; Wynston Browne and his journey of starring in Presumed Incompetent; Discover Donnie Soddu’s jewelry brand, Highlight Rituals. SHOP Check out Hannah Deely’s gift guide; Three Westport stores celebrate anniversaries; Trey Laird brings a fresh look to J.McLaughlin. HOME Westport welcomes Studio McGee and Kohler collab; Special announcement from Cailini Coastal; Lee Jofa 200th anniversary collection.

LIGHT A FIRE Meet the 12 Fairfield County residents that have devoted themselves to giving back. by ji l l joh nson m an n

EAT Lauren Braun Costello shares two delicious holiday seasonal recipes.

49 PEOPLE AND PLACES 79 INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

on the cover: westp ort’s LO OK OPTIC c oll ab or ates with carolyn murphy on their l atest c ollection photo gr aphy by: antonell a marci WESTPORT NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023, VOL. 25, NO. 6. WESTPORT (USPS/ISSN 1941-9821) is published bi-monthly by Moffly Media, Inc., 205 Main St., Westport, CT 06880. Periodical postage paid at Westport, CT, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER:Send address changes (Form 3579) to WESTPORT, PO BOX 9309, Big Sandy, TX 75755-9607. U.S. Subscription rates: $19.95/1 year, $34.95/2 years; Canada and Foreign $40/1 year, $69/2 years. poster-pomellato-together-iconica-gerais-7x1,40m-50%-02.indd 1

80 A LOVE LETTER TO WESTPORT

PHOTOGRAPHY: CAROLYN MURPHY BY ANTONELLA MARCI AND BREAD BASKET CARE OF LAUREN BRAUN COSTELLO

by s a m a nt ha yan k s

Take a look at photographer Stephen Wilkes’ mentors, talented photos, his connection with Westport and more.

departments

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WESTPORTMAG.com CELEBRATING THE BEST OF WHERE WE LIVE

nov/dec 2023

LET’S BE FRIENDS! Show us your love and us on social!

@WESTPORTMAG Find out about store openings, see what’s coming up in the magazine, and enjoy photos of iconic places around the area— follow us on Instagram, like us on Facebook. Together, we make living here the best!

JUMP ONLINE

ENJOY OUR ARTICLES AND POSTS ON THE PEOPLE AND PLACES WHO HELP US ALL LIVE BETTER

TOP LEFT: MOFFLY MEDIA’S BIG PICTURE/KYLE NORTON; TOP RIGHT AND PHONE PHOTO: MOFFLY MEDIA’S BIG PICTURE/JACEK DOLATA; BOTTOM: CONTRIBUTED; SMARTPHONE: ©IEVGEN SKRYPKO - STOCK.ADOBE.COM;

digital content & MORE

Visit our directories for resources

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You deserve better We’ve got your back

Neck and back pain shouldn’t hold you back from doing the things you love most. Our spine doctors are here to help. Nuvance Health offers advanced testing and treatment options with a team of spine specialists right in your community to help you get beyond daily discomfort. Because what matters to you, matters to us.

Norwalk Hospital

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Book an appointment online with a spine specialist today

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For over 100 years, Cummings & Lockwood has been building meaningful and lasting relationships with our private clients, their family offices, businesses and charitable entities, serving as trusted advisors throughout their lifetimes and providing sophisticated legal counsel at every important stage of their lives.

vol. 25 | no. 6 | november/december 2023 editorial

editorial director

Cristin Marandino–cristin.marandino@moffly.com editor-in-chief: westport

Samantha Yanks–samantha.yanks@moffly.com books correspondent

Emily Liebert

Our core services include:

contributing editors

■ Estate planning and administration

■ Executor and trustee services

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services ■ Trust formation and management ■ Corporate and finance services ■ Philanthropic giving ■ Trusts and estates litigation and tax ■ Generational wealth transfer controversy ■ Probate and estate settlement ■ Business litigation, arbitration and ■ International estate and tax planning dispute resolution For a private consultation, please contact one of our attorneys by visiting our website at www.cl-law.com.

Megan Gagnon–editor, athome Elizabeth Hole–editor, custom publishing Julee Kaplan–editor, new canaan • darien copy editors

Terry Christofferson, Lynne Piersall, David Podgurski, Scott Thomas, Isabella Critchell contributing writers

Nancy Berger, Samantha Critchell, Lauren Braun Costello, Carol Leonetti Dannhauser, Sophie Edwards, Suzanne Gannon, Amy Guzzi, Elizabeth Keyser, Emily Liebert, Jill Johnson Mann, Erik Ofgang. editorial intern Lily Caplan editorial advisory board

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Bob Capazzo

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Rachel MacDonald–rachel.macdonald@moffly.com digital assistant Lloyd Gabi–lloyd.gabi@moffly.com, Jeffery Garay–jeffery.

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us at subscribe@westportmag.com, call 1-877-467-1735, or write to WESTPORT magazine, 111 Corporate Drive, Big Sandy, TX 75755. U.S. subscription rates: $19.95/1 year, $34.95/2 years; Canada and Foreign, U.S. $40/1 year; $69/2 years. Prices are subject to change without notice. FOR QUALITY CUSTOM REPRINTS/E-PRINTS, please call

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WHAT’S IN YOUR YARD?

vol. 25 | no. 6 | november/december 2023 publisher

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Assisted Living Your Way With care and support tailored to each individual, residents are able to enjoy the things they love.

Assisted, Independent & Memory Care Living

Schedule a visit and ask about our Exclusive Rates for a limited time: sales@residencesorchardgrove.com

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An LCB Senior Living Community: More Than 25 Years of Excellence

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editor’s letter

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 / SAMANTHA YANKS

s we approach 2024, it’s a time to send 2023 off in style! In this issue we bring you our ultimate gift guides curated by Weston’s Amy Guzzi and Stamford’s Hannah Deely. In this issue newlywed and President of the Westport Downtown Association Maxxwell Crowley shares his “Love Letter to Westport,” Nancy Berger pens a piece on a new vision for the Westport Country Playhouse, and some of our most beloved shops and salons celebrate anniversaries. As we here at Westport, Weston & Wilton toast our 25th, Millie Rae’s celebrates their 15th, Artisex toasts 25 and Tina Dragone raises a glass to their 40th. Our mission is always to celebrate the past, present and future of our community. A former Staples student Lily Caplan has her finger on the pulse of our community’s artisans with a piece on

SCAN TO VISIT US

three local brands LALAA KANANI, Penny Linn Designs and SANTM. I had the joy of exploring three new collections for the home that will be undoubtedly coveted by our coastal community. Celebrity designer She McGee of Studio McGee and Kohler collaborate on a collection available at their Westport showroom; Westport’s Meg Young of Cailini Coastal launches wallpaper and gives me a sneak peek at their soon-to-open Fairfield County location, and iconic home décor powerhouse Lee Jofa dips into the archives for its 200th anniversary. There’s so much to celebrate. Cheers to this holiday season!

samantha.yanks@moffly.com

SOLO SHOT: KATIE TUZMEN OF BROOK ROAD PHOTOGRAPHY; 1-4 CONTRIBUTED

HOLIDAY CHEER IS HERE! A

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HOW TO SCAN: OPEN, AIM & TAP

4 1: With my husband David Yanks at the opening of Rhone on Main Street 2: Celebrating Westport, Weston & Wilton Magazine cover star Jennifer Fisher at a private home with Sarah Landman, Kate Sloan and Eleanor Banco 3: Hosting the opening of Rhone with Co-Founders Nate and Ben Checketts 4: Enjoying Shopping in Sconset Square with Monogram Mary Founder Brooke Shepard.

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founder’s page

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 / DONNA MOFFLY

“After [our large Golden Retriever] climbed into bed with my stepfather, Mother and Ellis stayed at a hotel.”

round Thanksgiving, guestrooms become revolving doors with kids’ college roommates, grandparents from Philadelphia, friends hitting the Big Apple. Some houseguests are especially memorable. Among our first in Riverside were Barbara and Bob Dick, Jack’s business associate from Cleveland. We’d invited them for the weekend, plus twenty others for Saturday night buffet. Butterflied lamb on the grill, Jack insisted—which I’d never cooked. The Dicks spent that afternoon in the city while Jack went sailing in a “little race around the buoys” which turned out to be a 150-mile ocean race. With no host, poor Bob became bartender and chef, ripping his new Pucci pants on the grill. But we sang lustily around the piano and left stacks of dirty dishes for Jack when he crept home Sunday at dawn. Fast forward several years. Bob’s thenex-wife spent the night, except she couldn’t sleep and woke me up for sleeping pills. Now I couldn’t sleep. Still, at 9:00 a.m. I headed groggily for a Grace Notes rehearsal, parking on the steep uphill driveway at the Second Congo. In the middle of “Sunrise, Sunset”, a burly Greenwich cop walked in asking who owned the Ford with MOFCAR plates. I hadn’t put on the parking brake, and my car had rolled backwards downhill across four lanes of the Post Road without hitting a thing. Kids. Our littlest was Sarah McKnight, a real Daddy’s girl, staying with us while her parents went sailing. The three-year-old had a major meltdown going to bed the first night, but with a light smack on the bottom of her Dr. Denton’s, I got her settled down. Soon thereafter her father had gone back to their house nearby to get something, and I found him tiptoeing up the stairs to kiss her goodnight. “Phil McKnight, if you go near that kid, you can take her out of here right now!”

I said. He turned tail and left. Years later, at Sarah and Andy Burdick’s engagement party, my nametag read “First Spanker”. There was Stevie, a Fresh Air boy who hid Jonathan’s bike. So, I drove him down to the Riverside station. “See those trains?” I said.“They go to New York, and you’re going to be on the next one unless you shape up.” Sufficiently contrite, he offered to cook us an authentic Lebanese dinner that night. It was delicious. Gert Fries, a Danish exchange student, had written that he liked sailing and theater. Except he didn’t know how to sail (just thought it would be cooler on the water) and hoped we’d drive him to Stratford for Shakespeare. Barring that, he just watched television, until Jack said: “Have you ever heard of Hans Christian Anderson?” “Yah, Yah,” answered the kid from Copenhagen. “Well, he writes fairy tales, and television is make-believe! Get out there with the other students!!” So, Gert changed his ways. Our large Golden Retriever loved houseguests, but the feeling wasn’t always mutual. After he climbed into bed with my stepfather, Mother and Ellis stayed at a hotel. And once, we heard Aunt Jane Tuck screaming “Charlie, Charlie, let go!” and found them having a tug of war with her pink chiffon peignoir, his mouth full of marabou feathers. Probably thought it was a duck. We maxed out on houseguests during an October power outage in Weston when the junior Mofflys arrived nine strong, including five kids and Lena’s parents from Moscow. Everyone had sleeping bags except the Vostrikovs who, unfamiliar with Halloween, were somewhat bemused by all those funny little people ringing the doorbell. So, who are you expecting over the holidays? Better change the sheets and fluff the pillows. You never know. W

VENTURE PHOTOGRAPHY, GREENWICH, CT

OF HOUSEGUESTS & HAVOC

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

carol leonetti dannhauser Carol Leonetti Dannhauser has been telling stories on the page and screen for more than 30 years. She loves writing profiles; exploring social issues; and anything having to do with food, culture or personal finance. She has written for the Mofflys for two decades. Her 2022 Westport story on mental health issues among teens and adolescents was awarded first place in the nation/magazine writing by the National Federation of Press Women.

hannah deely Hannah Deely has worked in fashion for more than 20 years covering trends for Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, Glamour and Good Housekeeping. She currently splits her time between New Hampshire and Connecticut with her husband and crazy French Bulldog, George.

lauren braun costello Lauren Braun Costello, a native New Yorker and now Westport local, is a classically trained chef, author, expert food stylist, and the force behind It’s Lauren, of Course! She has helped countless people become better cooks with her 100 days cooking live on Instagram. Lauren can be found in her sunny kitchen cooking, of course, or @itslaurenofcourse.

jill johnson mann Jill Johnson Mann has written for The Washington Post, Glamour, and numerous regional magazines. She also authored the book Cancer Looks Good on You and helmed Tear Sheet, a modeling/fashion magazine she founded at age 26. She recently penned the award-winning short film Lux Freer, which she produced through Westport’s Triple Threat Academy. She is the mom of four creative kids.

amy guzzi Amy Guzzi is the founder of The Stylist Effect, based in Connecticut. She resides in Weston with her husband and two children, Joey and Caroline. Amy launched The Stylist Effect seven years ago and found inspiration in helping women feel good about themselves through pairing high-end staple pieces with her favorite budget finds.

nancy berger Nancy Berger has been a fashion-lifestyle marketer for over 35-plus years, and prior to launching her marketing consultancy in 2017, she worked for luxury brands such as Calvin Klein and Valentino. She now calls downtown Westport her home and can be seen daily walking her French Bulldog, Jack, on Main Street.

PHOTOGRAPHY: NANCY BERGER BY LISA BERG; AMY GUZZI BY CAROLINE GUZZI.; ALL OTHERS ARE CONTRIBUTED,

contributors

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As a Result of Their Generous Donations, Over $245,000 was raised

THE SHORELINE GROUP OF WESTPORT AT MORGAN STANLEY

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above: Vice Chairwoman of the Board of Directors Alison Smith and Chairwoman of the Board of Directors Athena T. Adamson right top: New Artistic Director Mark Shanahan right bottom: Acting Managing Director Beth Husking

importance of experiencing live theater with your kids, so familyfriendly events like A Sherlock Carol, a heartwarming holiday production for everyone, and The Lightning Thief, recommended for children grades 3 to 6, are highlights not to be missed. “It will always be a Playhouse and theater will always be at its core”, says Smith. To that end, the Playhouse will still produce its own series of theatrical events between September and March, while continuing to bring Westporters major events like First Lady of Song: Cherise Coaches Sings Ella. If you haven’t already experienced their popular Script In Hand playreading series, don’t miss out. These readings bring actors together for one day to rehearse and perform a play on a bare stage, with simple lighting and you. Actors, audience, and the director come together to

NEW BOARD, NEW VISION THE WESTPORT COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE IS READY FOR ITS ENCORE. by samanancy berger

I PHOTOS BY: MARK SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY

sed

STATUS REPORT

n 2023, the Westport Country Playhouse elected new leadership to its board of trustees to shape the future of this iconic piece of Westport’s history. Chairwoman of the Board of Directors Athena Adamson, Vice Chairwoman of the Board of Directors Alison Smith, New Artistic Director, and wellknown writer/director Mark Shanahan, and Acting Managing Director Beth Husking envision the Playhouse as a home for our community, a gathering place for

old and young. The goal is to have an event on-stage or in the barn every week. While large concerts like Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin and serious theater will take center stage, smaller events such as cocktail parties and cabaret concerts will ensure the Playhouse never goes dark. Children-family-specific programming with continue to evolve and become one of the Playhouse’s new cornerstones. Shanahan, is a big believer in the

create a unique, one-night-only experience. While music has always been an important part of the Playhouse experience, new programming will include concerts as well. From rock bands and legendary singers to comedians and one-woman shows, Westport now has a new concert venue. If all of this wasn’t already enough, film screenings are also on the horizon. Something for everyone perhaps, but not only with a commitment to bring Westport the highest quality entertainment but also to create a space that provides a sense of discovery and, ultimately, joy. westportplayhouse.org @wcplayhouse

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 WESTPORT

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Season’s Readings

WHAT’S LEFT UNSAID BY MELISSA DEROSA

s Secretary to the former Governor of New York Andrew Cuomo and one of the most powerful women in New York State government, Melissa DeRosa was on the frontlines of the COVID crisis. In her riveting new political memoir, DeRosa offers behindthe-scenes access to the dramatic rise and fall of the governor, what it was like to be thrust into the spotlight during the deadliest pandemic in U.S. history, and the untold story behind the #MeToo scandal. She also details the personal challenges she confronted—a deteriorating marriage, infertility, death threats, and misogyny—with an honesty so raw and vulnerable you’ll feel like you lived through every moment with her. This one is perfect for readers of Katie Couric’s Going There and Huma Abedin’s Both/And.

SELF!SH BY STÉPHANIE SZOSTAK WITH GIVE AN HOUR

WHAT WE KEPT TO OURSELVES BY NANCY JOOYOUN KIM

ome might call it selfish to take time for yourself every day. Szostak—a Westport resident and accomplished actress, known for her roles in The Devil Wears Prada, Iron Man 3, and the ABC series A Million Little Things—says own it! Self!sh is your personal workbook for your mindset. It’s a toolkit, unique to you, that will help you cope and flourish. The premise is that when you take care of yourself, you’ll bring more of what you treasure to the world. Centered on eight selfreflection exercises, you’ll be guided through prompts, questions and examples that will empower you to develop a sense of worth tied to your inherent value, your character, and your beliefs. There is no audience here. Follow your heart.

t’s 1999 and the Kim family is struggling to move on, one year after their mother, Sunny, disappeared— especially John Kim, who feels isolated from his grown children. When John finds a stranger’s body in the backyard, carrying a letter to Sunny, everyone is left perplexed. Traveling back in time to 1977, we meet a pregnant Sunny, who’s recently moved to Los Angeles from Korea with her detached husband. Feeling remote and lonely, she experiences a fateful encounter at a bus stop, which sparks an unforeseen connection that spans decades and echoes into her family’s present, as they uncover shocking secrets that will put their lives at risk. This extraordinary story speaks to identity, migration, and what it means to dream in America.

TELL ME EVERYTHING BY MINKA KELLY

inka Kelly’s early years weren’t easy. Sure, she became a famous actress starring as the spoiled cheerleader Lyla Garrity on Friday Night Lights and the enigmatic Samantha on Euphoria, but she was also raised by a single mother who worked as a stripper and struggled with addiction. She spent years waking up in strange apartments— and even living in storage units—as her mom dragged her around the country. It wasn’t until she reconnected with her father, Aerosmith’s Rick Dufay, that she landed in L.A. and made a career for herself in Hollywood. In her new role as a writer, Kelly shares her story of overcoming adversity and how inner strength and love are all we can rely on in the end.

RECIPE FOR SECOND CHANCES BY ALI ROSEN

rom cookbook author, James Beard Award– nominee, and TV host—of Potluck with Ali Rosen— comes a delicious fictional debut about the ones who got away. Stella Park is thrilled to escape from her real life, writing recipes for a living, to celebrate her best friend’s wedding in the Italian countryside. But her excitement quickly turns when she’s confronted with her ex Samuel Gordon, whom she hasn’t seen since she broke his heart a decade ago. As Stella tries not to question her past choices, she and Samuel keep getting pushed together. Yet, she can’t help but ask herself if a renewed romance is worth the risk. After all, maybe some love stories just need more time to marinate.

PORTRAIT BY KYLE NORTON: BOOK COVERS CONTRIBUTED

emily liebert Emily Liebert is the USA Today bestselling author of seven novels and a New York Times bestselling celebrity ghostwriter. Her books are available worldwide.

The holidays are upon us and there’s NO BETTER GIFT THAN A GOOD BOOK (even for yourself!). From two spellbinding memoirs and a personal workbook that will expand your mind to a poignant novel about family ties, and a second-chance romance, there’s something here for everyone on your list. by emily liebert

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Left: Westport’s Alexandra Pearl, who plays Chance’s nanny, with Wynston Browne, after shooting the emotional nature trail scene. Right: Wynston Browne as Chance dancing with Alexandra Pearl as Claire Below: Wynston cuddling on the couch with castmates Momo Burns-Min and Alexandra Pearl during a break on set. (Also pictured, Wynston’s life coach Max Aaron Brown)

RETHINKING AUTISM

ixteen-year-old Wynston Browne is making a lot of noise around town. This is especially impressive because Wynston has nonspeaking autism. The noise he is making is not the kind measured in decibels, but the kind that might be measured in the song a pulled heartstring makes, or the soft bubbling up of a social movement like a tea kettle just before it starts to whistle. Wynston spent the first fourteen years of his life trapped inside his own head, with no way to communicate. In addition to

autism, Wynston has apraxia—a condition that prevents his brain from effectively telling his body what to do. Doctors told the Brownes that their son, the youngest of five children, had a severe cognitive impairment and low IQ. Wynston underwent years of applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy and every alternative therapy the Brownes could find. Nothing helped. Wynston had no way to convey to his parents or teachers that his erratic movements and inability to focus indicated nothing about

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

WESTPORT NONSPEAKING TEEN WYNSTON BROWNE SPELLS OUT HIS MESSAGE FOR THE WORLD IN “PRESUMED INCOMPETENT”by jill johnson mann

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SAVE THE DATE! Tuesday, December 5, 6 – 9 p.m.

2023

Photos by Kyle Norton

Join us as we honor the extraordinary work of our community heroes! The inspiring event at the Westport Country Playhouse will feature a cocktail celebration followed by an awards ceremony. Visit mofflylifestylemedia.com/lightafire for tickets.

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buzz how he was feeling or what he was thinking. Wynston often appears distracted and agitated. But that is the apraxia talking, not this young man, who, it turns out, has a lot to say. Two years ago, the Brownes began exploring a spelling method, first with a stencil board and eventually a keyboard. A Communication and Regulation Partner (CRP) helps facilitate with the motor challenges people like Wynston face. For example, the CRP holding the keyboard up in front of the speller makes it easier for them than typing on a flat surface because they can use a larger sweeping motor movement rather than the fine motor skills typing requires. Wynston’s words began to flow. It turns out the doctors were wrong; Wynston’s disability is motor and sensory related, not cognitive. “Wynston has been paying attention all along and

Last summer added another aspiration to Wyn’s list. He starred in a groundbreaking short film, “Presumed Incompetent,” inspired by his story and produced by Westport’s Triple Threat Academy. For two weeks, a professional crew and local and international cast included and celebrated Wynston in a way he’d never experienced. Director Cynthia Gibb comments, “We made sure the cast understood Wyn’s disabilities and knew how aware and intelligent he is. I encouraged our cast to talk to Wyn (with the help of his CRP) to discuss their scenes as they would with any scene partner.” Gibb continues, “I listened to his parents and CRP carefully. Learning that Wyn can have five different stimuli around him, hear it all, and report back everything was an important piece of information for me. That meant that no matter what

absorbing everything,” says Wynston’s mom, Lynda Kommel Browne. In fact, the aspiring neuroscientist is intellectually gifted. Staples graduate David Corro, who is studying physics at Tufts, began tutoring Wynston in math last spring. “While studying algebra, I gradually increased the difficulty of problems and noticed Wynston was able to perform almost every question fully in his head, skipping from the problem to a solution without any work in between,” says Corro. “This also applied to his basic arithmetic. I’ve seen him perform multiplication problems on his own that I couldn’t have imagined were possible for anyone to do without a lot of thinking or a calculator. Over the summer we covered subjects usually found in higher-level courses, such as nonlinear functions and statistics, before starting geometry.”

Wyn’s body was doing (including where he was looking), he was fully aware of what I was saying. So when directing him, even in the crowded hallway scene with dozens of actors, I knew he heard and understood me even if he walked across the room away from me. So I just gave him direction, said it once, and then called ‘action’ and he knew what to do.” By day three of the shoot, he spelled to his parents: “I want to be an actor.” Wynston’s breathtaking performance, which had the cast and crew in tears more than once, is proof that the film’s message is spot-on: Don’t make assumptions based on how someone looks, acts or sounds; always presume competence. Follow Wynston’s and the film’s journey on Instagram @presumedincompetentfilm

Q&A with “Presumed Incompetent” Director Cynthia Gibb What were your expectations as far as directing a teen who is neurodivergent? I didn’t know how I was going to be able to direct Wynston. Under normal circumstances it can be a challenge to direct actors who have never acted, who are nervous, and who have never done film before. Wyn checked all of these boxes, and that’s before even considering his disabilities. I knew that with Wyn’s apraxia, he might not be able to follow blocking. We couldn’t count on his performance matching from take to take, making continuity challenging. I had to assume that on the shoot days his actions could be completely different from what we had rehearsed. After many nights of

insomnia trying to problemsolve these issues I realized they weren’t problems: We were telling Wynston’s (fictionalized) story and his autism and apraxia were part of the story. A neurotypical actor would not have been able to portray these physical behaviors as accurately or beautifully as Wynston could, so I realized it was our job as filmmakers to embrace all of it. That meant the crew and cast had to be ready for anything to happen during the shoot. If Wyn was blocked to be seated but got up and paced across the room, our cameraman and sound mixer followed him. The actors often found themselves improvising the scene because a scene was going in a different direction than we had

rehearsed. This kept all of us on our toes and in the end we got footage that was much more powerful than we could have hoped for. Why did you decide to cast Wynston? Wasn’t that a risky choice? Playing the role of “Chance” was going to be risky no matter who played him. As skilled as our actors are, how could we expect someone to portray Wynston’s’ disabilities accurately—and not be criticized for “mocking” or “making fun” of someone like him? That always felt risky. Once Wyn’s mother told us she thought Wyn could do it and once he said he wanted to play the part, I was relieved about that concern. ... Then I was anxious about all the

other issues I mentioned in Question No.1! I made sure every pre-production meeting with the crew, we discussed the need to be very flexible and to expect the unexpected. How did it go? I could not be more pleased with and proud of this project. It has already been a success because Wynston had such an amazing experience. He got what he’s wanted his whole life: to be included and to participate fully. He was the star and center of attention for two weeks. People asked him what he thought. They joked around with him. They were affectionate with him. The fact that he now says he wants to be an actor says it all!

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coming up at the playhouse! OCT 27 - NOV 5 NOV 13 In a spellbinding performance, Coaches effortlessly emits the sultry swing and playful joy that made Ella an American treasure. Production Sponsors: Judy & Scott Phares Production Partners: Paige & Jodi Couture Corporate Partner:

Cleo

by Lawrence Wright Directed by Bob Balaban Supported by Joyce Hergenhan and the White Barn Program of the Lucille Lortel Foundation

DEC 19 - 23

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For grades 3 to 6 Sponsored by: Roz & Bud Siegel and

TWO BELOVED CLASSIC TALES. ONE THRILLING NEW MYSTERY. Scan to learn more!

Don’t miss this heartwarming holiday production for all ages—and a theatrical experience you’ll never forget! Production Partner: Claire Wilkes

WESTPORTPLAYHOUSE.ORG 203 227 4177 All dates, times, titles, and artists are subject to change.

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buzz

left: The Sacred Pendant middle: Founder, Donnie Soddu right: The Garden Pendant & Signature Gold Bead Chain

Finding the Magic Within A STORY OF SELF-DISCOVERY, A DEEP CONNECTION TO THE PAST AND SPIRITUAL AWAKENING.

ighlight Rituals isn’t just another fine jewelry brand. It is authentically inspired by founder and certified crystal healing practitioner Donnie Soddu’s personal journey and the manifestation of the healing power she discovered within her maternal lineage. It is the literal embodiment of who she is and all that she loves. Donnie’s early path, while exceptional, wasn’t dissimilar from the paths of many career-oriented women…a successful marketing executive, a wife, a mother, a move from city to suburbia to raise her family. And while all these important life milestones were ultimately satisfying, she felt a pull toward the road less traveled.

She began her renewal studying the healing power of crystals and the exploration of the otherworldly via mediumship, ultimately leading her to connect to her fourth greatgrandmother, a matriarch responsible for healing her community through ritual magic and herbalism. I had the opportunity to meet Donnie in person and, as she told me her story, I could almost feel the presence of her ancestor…it still gives me chills. Highlight Rituals is the culmination of her journey. Donnie’s profound understanding of the power of energy, nature and ritual in everyday life shines through her beautiful, almost ethereal creations. Her designs nurture the divine in each of us, helping us draw

on our power. While they are ceremonial in nature, they are a modern and elegant iteration of the traditional more bohemian feel of the crystal market. To say her fine jewels are anything but exquisite would be an understatement as each piece is more special than the next. In Donnie’s own words, “my pieces are tools of transformation, delicate conduits of supportive energy that can empower you wherever you go and provide a reminder of your own divinity at every phase of your journey.” My favorite piece, The Element Pendant, embodies the force of the natural world and invites luck and personal power. Its five

PHOTOGRAPHY: DIMANCHE CREATIVE

by nancy berger

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buzz right: The Light Heart Trio Crystal Set

below: The Element Pendant & Signature Gold Bead Chain

above: The Garden Pendant, Side Detail below: The Element Pendant, Back Detail

stars and five diamonds symbolize the five elements of nature, while its egg-shaped silhouette functions as a talisman for inner transformation and renewal. The Sacred Pendant, created in homage to the goddesses of love and beauty, helps you deepen the loving connection between your body and spirit, while honoring yourself as a sanctuary of softness, strength, and power. It is hand-engraved with a signature Florentine finish and features a trio of eight-pointed Venusian stars that symbolize pleasure, bounty, beauty, love and divinity. The Garden Pendant is designed to usher in a life of rich abundance. As the Master Healer, clear crystal quartz protects you while helping attract harmony and block negative energy. Its surrounding garland of 18k gold and diamond dogwood flowers symbolize strength and resilience and together. This pendant inspires us all to nurture ourselves often in order to live a plentiful life. While fine jewelry is the centerpiece of Highlight Rituals, there are also modern ritual tools and unique, vintage talismans to indulge in. For example, The Light Heart Trio is a quartz set that provides compassion and positivity and is known to heal old emotional wounds. These beautiful hearts are to be placed in shared spaces to promote harmony and understanding. All of Donnie’s creations are slowly crafted in recycled 18k gold, ethically sourced crystals, or lab-grown diamonds to minimize the brand’s impact on the world’s natural resources. For those not familiar with lab-grown diamonds, they are not imitations or simulants. They have the same physical, chemical and optical properties as mined diamonds and therefore are just as precious. As if being sustainable isn’t enough, Highlight Rituals also donates a percentage of purchases to a cause of your choice. Choose from a selection of charities that champion racial and indigenous equity, sustainable farming, and climate resilience. To sum up this important brand, it is proudly Mother-led, Black-owned, and 100% committed to fostering a more generous and heart-centered future for all. All pieces are handmade to order via highlightrituals.com and ship within 6 to 8 weeks.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 WESTPORT

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SHEA’S CHIC COLLAB STUDIO MCGEE’S FIRST COLLABORATION WITH KOHLER ARRIVES IN WESTPORT by samantha yanks

How exciting for Westport that we have a Kohler Showroom here that will feature your latest collaboration. Can you tell us how Studio McGee X Kohler came about?

I’ve been a fan of the Kohler brand for a long time and have used their products in many of my design projects throughout the years, both in our Netflix show, Dream Home Makeover, and my own home. I threw out the idea of collaborating with Kohler, and I was thrilled when their team was equally as excited about

the idea. Once the collaboration officially began, the first thing we did was dig through all of the beautiful Kohler archives. I wanted to find the perfect vintage inspirations to build a modern yet timeless collection. Tell us a bit about the overall inspiration behind the collaboration?

I am always drawn to classic shapes and styles; pieces that will stand the test of time. When designing homes, my goal is to bridge classic

and current. I approached this collection the same way. I wanted to design a collection of fixtures that were rooted in history, but transitional enough to pair with a wide range of unique design styles. Kohler has a rich history with decades of archives, and they were a wealth of inspiration during the design process. We’ve pulled subtle details like coining, engravings and ribbed textures from the past, and connected them with the functionality of the present.

IMAGES COURTESY OF KOHLER CO.

this photo: Ann Sacks’ new collection with Studio McGee Collection features two finely executed porcelain designs and an intricate stone mosaic, each incorporating McGee’s distinctive style that speaks to a range of tastes and lifestyles. You can purchase the collection at Kohler’s Signature Store right here in Westport or on Kohler.com.

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home Insights from Shea McGee on her collaboration with Kohler

Share with us your aesthetic and vision for Studio McGee?

I’ve always been a fan of the quality and craftsmanship that Kohler adheres to. You can tell that it’s a fixture that will stand the test of time,” says Shea McGee. “For my own collection, I went deep into the Kohler archives to find some of the historical details and styling that make a fixture timeless. From there, I gave them modern updates for a mix that’s uniquely Studio McGee.

I always prioritize timeless designs that can withstand the everyday wear and tear of your home. I love to mix styles and throw in little historical details wherever I can. I would definitely say my aesthetic leans toward clean, classic spaces that exude a sense of warmth.

Lighting

How many pieces are in the kitchen and bath collection?

The collection includes six distinct product lines. One kitchen faucet collection (Edalyn™ Kitchen Faucets), one bathroom faucet collection (Castia™ Bathroom Faucets and Accessories), two vanity collections (Malin™ and Seagrove™ Vanities), and two lighting collections (Embra™ and Kernen™ Lighting).

above: Kernen™ Lighting Collection. right: Embra™ Lighting Collection.

Kitchen Faucets

Vanities

The launch of this collaboration with Kohler the next evolution for your brand. How did the design tiles from Ann Sack factor in?

As we were considering bathroom and kitchen spaces through plumbing, it was a natural transition to carry the classic meets current sensibility into a tile line with Ann Sacks. above: Malin™ Vanity Collection. below: Seagrove™ Vanity Collection.

What’s on the horizon for Studio McGee?

Currently, we're focused on celebrating our book launch! The Art of Home is a culmination of nearly ten years' worth of work and we've been focused on that milestone for quite a while. In the next year, we have back-to-back project installs and reveals. I'm excited to get fresh, new work out there and share a major update to my own home.

“I am always looking to bridge classic and current, I want each piece of our collection to be able to age with its owner, becoming an heirloom feature of a home that passes amongst generations.”

above: Edalyn™ Kitchen Faucet Collection.

Bathroom Collection

above: Castia™ Bathroom Faucet and Accessory Collection.

SHEA M C GEE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 WESTPORT

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left: Cailini Coastal’s first bespoke collection of wallpaper. right: Founder & Creative Director, Meg Young. below: Coquillages Grasscloth Wallcovering is inspired by the many treasures found under the sea.

Global Influence, Local Roots many of my peers’ homes started to look alike, with the same recognizable pieces from the same large retailers. I personally love having pieces in my home that are unique, and most of my finds were discovered at local coastal boutiques, antique stores or flea markets. Once I had my two daughters, it became more challenging to shop in person, and I realized there was an opportunity to offer something fresh online. I wanted to offer a different perspective on coastal décor with unique pieces you didn't see everywhere. The idea behind Cailini Coastal has always been to feel like you are shopping at a local design boutique in a seaside destination, discovering gems that you’ve never seen before, but with the ability to shop conveniently from your own home.

Samantha Yanks: We love the vibe of Calini Coastal, especially here in Westport. Tell us a bit about the overall ethos of the company. Meg Young: Thank you! It is indeed very

Westport. Cailini Coastal is an e-commerce destination for luxury coastal home décor and furnishings. Cailini Coastal offers a distinct design style that blends the airy simplicity of California coastal with a timeless East Coast elegance—reflective of the two places I’ve lived! I started Cailini Coastal like many businesses owners do, to create something that I felt was missing from the market. As a designloving consumer with a distinct aesthetic, I found that the luxury coastal home space was dominated by only a few mainstream retailers online. There was little to no variety. Living by the beach in Southern California, so

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DARINA TODOROVA

With its latest wallpaper launch, Westport-based CAILINI COASTAL has taken their love of local beaches and brought them to every seaside inspired retreat via the chicest e-commerce site. by samantha yabks

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SY: You have a distinct color palette which takes inspiration in the seaside. Which towns did you have in mind when you launched? MY: I grew up on Long Island and in New

Jersey and spent my summers out east in the Hamptons and down the shore in Avalon and Long Beach Island. I’ve always been influenced by the traditional New England shingle-styled beach homes surrounded by privet hedges and fluffy hydrangea. Those classic homes that are traditional and coastal at the same time. During the decade I lived in California, I fell in love with the beauty of coastal towns like Santa Barbara and Newport Beach—a bit more relaxed with bright and airy interiors, but still more sophisticated than some of the surrounding bohemian surf towns.

SY: When did you launch Cailini Coastal and what was the mission? MY: I launched Cailini Coastal in the early days

of the pandemic (April 2020) with just five bakers racks in my garage in Manhattan Beach, California. The mission of the business was to offer a highly curated assortment of highquality and unique coastal-inspired pieces you didn’t see everywhere. There is also a philanthropic mission to our brand. Prior to even launching the business, I knew I wanted to use it to give back in a direct and meaningful way. I chose to partner with Family Promise—a national nonprofit based that works to support low-income families and families experiencing homelessness achieve sustainable independence

above: Emmy Stripe Grasscloth Wallcovering, seen here in Chambray Blue, is available in 3 colorways.

through a community based response. At the time (the early days of the pandemic), the need was so tremendous, so I committed to donating 100% of profits in the first six months of business. I had no idea if I would have any profit to even give!! Our business took off and we donated $25K in those first six month. We continue to work closely with Family Promise today and we’ve donated more than $70K since we launched our business 3.5 years ago. Our partnership with Family Promise is one of the things I am most proud of. My goal is for Cailini Coastal to donate over $1 million to this great cause—and we will! SY: You’ve recently moved to Westport, how did you pick the town? MY: I'm embarrassed to say that we picked

the town after spending only a day in it! When were considering our move back east, we leaned on our friends in Fairfield County for input. While our friends were all pushing for their own towns, the secondary place they unanimously said we would love was Westport. Although it was a quick trip, we had such a good feeling when we visited Westport and we are glad we followed our instinct because we truly love it. Someone told us that Westport was the “California of Connecticut,” and I agree with that. It’s the perfect home for our family! SY: Your recent wallpaper is the next evolution. Why wallpaper? And tell us about some of the prints, texture and pattern play. MY: Wallpaper is one of our fastest-growing

categories and we saw the opportunity to expand our assortment, with this collection being our first foray into Cailini Coastaldesigned wallpapers. When dreaming up this seven-piece collection, I was inspired by quintessential coastal elements—like classic stripes, hydrangeas, shells and sailboats. We decided to make six of the seven wallcoverings on textured grounds—grasscloth and paperweave. I have always loved textured wallcoverings, but it’s hard to find printed grasscloths (ie: ones with patterns not just a solid color), as most are sold exclusively to-the-trade. I am always looking to add items that are difficult to find and printed textured wallcoverings fit the bill. Several of these designs were inspired by vintage textiles— making them feel even more unique!

above: Endless Summer Hydrangea Paperweave features New England’s most emblematic flower.

SY: We’ve spoken a bit about what’s next privately. Is it time to share publicly a hush-hush, very exciting opening you have planned in CT? MY: Only because it’s you asking,

Samantha! Yes, let’s share it here first! We are thrilled to announce that our first brick and mortar store will be opening in Darien’s new Corbin District in early 2025. We get asked about a store constantly, so we’re very excited to share this news! We’re working with two of my favorite, uber talented locals on this project—David Genovese of Baywater Properties, who is doing the development, and Lynn Morgan Design (who helped me with our home in Westport)— to make this store a jewel box unlike any other home store with the majority of the pieces in it available exclusively at Cailini Coastal. We are planning to do pop-up events and shops between now and then—in Westport, too—so stay tuned! SY: In terms of product categories, with wallpaper being the most recent what’s on the horizon for upcoming launches? MY: Creating Cailini Coastal branded product

has been a goal of mine since we launched, and I’m pleased to share that product development is now at the forefront of our expansion plans. This holiday season is our next big drop. We have over 15 products designed by and exclusive to Cailini Coastal, including bottle brush trees, holiday houses, wreaths, ornaments, table linens and more!

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 WESTPORT

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Stephen Elrod, Executive VP, Creative Director at LEE JOFA and BRUNSCHWIG & FILS gives us a behind the scenes look at their 200th anniversary by samantha yanks

Lee Jofa has such a rich history in the home décor world. How is the brand celebrating this milestone 200th anniversary?

In addition to our robust lifestyle collection launch, we are celebrating the anniversary in several dynamic ways, from panel discussions and events around the country, to showhouses highlighting designs from the new collection, to a feature at an antiques fair in Omaha. We're partnering with MarieBelle, an artisanal chocolatier, as well as Sarah Bray-West, a Bermuda-based designer using our fabrics to accent her beautiful hats.

Are wall-coverings on the horizon? Tell us a bit about the signature collection of textiles, furniture, and carpet and accessories.

We knew we wanted to relaunch beloved handblock printed patterns, Hollyhock and Tree of Life, and began development early because they are so labor intensive to produce.

Yes, wallpapers for many of the print patterns will be coming soon. A highlight is the introduction of Tree of Life as a wallpaper for the first time. This wallpaper is being offered as a continuous design as the fabric but also as a panel design harking back to the original design created in the 1920s.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LEE JOFA

A Beautiful Bicentennial

Chintz has been coming back, and we wanted to offer some new colorations of classic patterns, like Floral Bouquet (a favorite of Mario Buatta) and Trentham Hall. We looked at past favorites, and designs that represented different eras of the brand’s long history. Mille Fleur, for example, is one of the oldest-running patterns in the collection, and was developed at an English studio in the early 19th century in the Arts and Crafts style. Collaborating with our carpet and furniture departments allowed us to build, not just a fabric and wallcovering collection, but a larger lifestyle story that captures the timeless, English-inspired lifestyle of Lee Jofa.

left: Luxury accessories like throw pillows round out the lifestyle anniversary collection, photographed at the Boston Athenaeum. middle: Lee Jofa's 200th Anniversary collection includes Hollyhock as a wallcovering for the first time. right: A robust selection of corresponding wallcovering accompanies the textiles, including a fresh spin on Hollyhock.

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How has the brand reflected its deep roots in this anniversary collection? I am sure going through the archives must have been fascinating!

Through the process, we learned that the strength of the brand is our ability to adapt to trends and changes in the market, while staying tethered to the English roots and the archival patterns we’re known for. Also, color plays a huge role in making a pattern feel relevant to today’s market. Color can pigeonhole a pattern to a particular era, but it can also be used to make a pattern feel new and fresh again. In many cases, we employed a softer palette, incorporating newer tones like lilac and apricot to create unexpected combinations. Translating patterns like Hollyhock and Tree of Life to wallcovering was another way to showcase these classic patterns in a new light. Wallcovering continues to be a growing category for us, and is a great way to engage a new generation of designers. We stay connected to our traditional English roots, but are willing to adapt with the times, especially in terms of color. Archival textiles will always be at the core of our design process, but we look to fine art, fashion and global shifts in trend and culture to keep our collections fresh and tuned into the market. Tell us a bit more in detail about the carpet collection. It’s quite extensive.

The entire Lee Jofa 200 rug collection originated with a special signature color palette and was developed in tandem with the signature fabrics. The handmade assortment of rug options allows the designer to dress up or dress down their interiors as well as giving solutions for any area at a variety of price levels. High design meets high performance. One area of focus was taking performance to a new level of luxury and sophistication. By using tight time-honored techniques and ultra fine hand spun, worry free yarns that resemble lustrous Chinese silk that wonderfully support the lifestyle.

What are some of your favorite stand out pieces?

Asking to pick my favorites is a bit like asking a parent to prick their favorite child, but I am partial to the two iconic handblock prints in the collection. Hollyhock is generally considered by many interior designers to be the most beautiful floral print on the market. The design has a simplicity to it and doesn't read as too flowery or too feminine, which lends it a modern sensibility and broadens its appeal. I happen to have a colorway of it printed on cotton chintz in my own home.

top left: Chinese Brocade The second handblock print, is a woven interpretation Tree of Life, is a true work of art of an archival tapestry with block printed details. which requires 267 hand-carved top right: With over two wooden blocks to print one repeat million stitches per yard, Flame Embroidery is a of the design. Since its inception richly textured surface a hundred years ago, until now, with incredible detail and dimension. bottom it had only been realized in one color left: Dating back over a way. For the first time in generations, hundred years, Strapwork Print gains new life as we've painstakingly created two a print on a heavy linen new colorations which we feel cloth. bottom left: Mille Fleur Print is one of Lee reflect the manner in which Jofa’s oldest running many rooms are currently prints, originating in the collection of Arthur H. decorated. Furthermore, for the Lee, one of the brand’s first time in history, we've had founders. matching wallpaper printed in the two new colorways.

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Ranky Tanky with Lisa Fischer November 10 • 8 p.m.

Kaitlan Collins Anchor of The Source on CNN

November 12 • 3 p.m.

Become a Season Member Today MáM Michael Keegan-Dolan and Teac Damsa Critically claimed Irish dance company joined by renowned Irish concertina player, Cormac Begley

November 17 & 18 • 8 p.m.

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ith our w p u n so one h e sea for any S T Wrap t N SE E PRE t! T I R O ICE lis N FAV r u o on y e ly by ha

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// BROCHU WALKER Light Weight Puffer Jacket With Funnel Neck Design, $498; Westport; brochuwalker.com //

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Little Luxuries! OUR FAVORITE ACCESSORIES for your favorite person

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// 1 DANA GIBSON Leopard Eye Glass Case, $30, Greenwich; pinkyofgreenwich.com // 2 HERMÈS Collier de Chien Belt, $2,400, Greenwich; hermes.com // 3 BOTTEGA VENETA Mini Jodie Leather Hobo Bag, $2,650, Greenwich; saks.com // 4 KULE Nylon Puffer Scarf, $158; kule.com // 5 FÈROCE Handmade Italian Acetate “Cara” Sunglasses, $145, Greenwich; feroceeyewear.com // 6 GUCCI Rouge À Lévres Mat Lipstick, $45; sephora.com // 7 TORY BURCH Pickleball Set, $298, Greenwich; toryburch.com // 8 LOEFFLER RANDALL Mesh and Crystal Ballet Flat, $250, Greenwich; saks.com

IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

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Every dog & cat deserves a little magic this holiday season. 925 Post Road E., Westport, CT

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Man, Oh Man FROM FUN TO FASHIONABLE—light —light up his holiday with these unique finds

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5 4

7 10

// 1 ASHA Custom Cufflinks with Mother of Pearl Cameo, $350, Greenwich; ashabyadm.com // 2 TOM FORD Leather Camo Bi-Fold Wallet, $690, Westport; shop.mitchellstores .com // 3 BUGATTI Electric Scooter With Three Speed Modes, $1,200, Greenwich; saks.com // 4 DAVIDOFF Aniversario No.1 Limited Edition Cigars, $640 (box of 10), Greenwich; tobacconistofgreenwich.com // 5 ORVIS Mirage Fly Fishing Reel, $598–$898, Darien; orvis.com // 6 OLIVER PEOPLES Acetate Vintage Inspired Finley Sunglasses, $398, Greenwich; oliverpeoples.com // 7 OMEGA Stainless Steel Seamaster Aqua Terra Worldtimer Watch, $10,900, Greenwich, manfredijewels.com // 8 TODD SNYDER Knit Jacquard Chore Jacket, $448, Greenwich; toddsnyder.com // 9 SHINOLA Leather Runwell Backpack, $1,095, Darien; dariensport.com // 10 FAHERTY Quilted Fleece Shirt Jacket, $198, Greenwich; fahertybrand.com // 11 RODD & GUNN Leather Sussex High Street Sneakers, $168, Greenwich; roddandgunn.com

IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

westportmag.com

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shop 3 4 1

Décor Du Jour

Forget the fruitcake! These inspired HOME SELECTIONS will be cherished for seasons to come

IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

8 9 // 1 VAGABOND HOUSE Pewter Salt & Pepper Shakers, $115, Old Greenwich; back40mercantile.com // 2 LSA Rectangular Whiskey Decanter, $165, Greenwich; graysondevere.com // 3 KERRI ROSENTHAL Surf, Hang or Lean Custom Surfboard, $2,500, Westport; kerrirosenthal.com // 4 GEORG JENSEN Stainless Steel Koppel Pitcher, $239; georgjensen.com // 5 SALADINO Metal Folding Drinks Table, $1,440; saladinostyle.com // 6 JENNI KAYNE Shearling Moroccan Slippers, $275, Westport; jennikayne.com // 7 HERMES Jacquard Woven Wool and Cashmere Pillow, $770, Greenwich; hermes.com // 8 BACCARAT Selection of six Iconic Wine Glasses, $1,300, Greenwich; us.baccarat.com // 9 THE JAGUAR BOOK BY RENÉ STAUD Complete Jaguar Collection, $88; Old Greenwich; back40mercantile.com // 10 TRUDON Tuileries Classic Scented Candle, $135, Greenwich; hudsongracesf.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 WESTPORT

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ide u g t f i g Y H O L I DA 4

2 5

7 6

10 9

Ring in the Bling

// 1 LUX BOND & GREEN Tourmaline and Pave Diamond Earrings, $1,450, Westport; lbgreen.com // 2 BULGARI 18K Yellow Gold and Diamond Serpenti Tubogas Watch, $14,800, Greenwich; manfredijewels.com // 3 ANITA KO 18K Rose Gold Diamond Palm Leaf Necklace, $6,825, Greenwich; betteridge.com // 4 PETER SUCHY Pink and Green Tourmaline Earrings, $4,995, Stamford; petersuchyjewelers.com // 5 ROBERTO COIN Yellow Gold Cbelisco Chain With Single Diamond Station Necklace, $11,670, Fairfield; hcreidjewelers. com // 6 SHREVE CRUMP & LOW 1.12 CT Emerald Shaped Diamond Stud Earrings, $10,100, Greenwich; shrevecrumpandlow.com // 7 VERDURA 18K Yellow Gold Crisscross Cuff, $21,500, Greenwich; famillegreenwich.com // 8 STEVEN FOX JEWELRY Kite Cut Diamond and Rose Gold Bezel Set Ring, $11,500, Greenwich; stevenfoxjewelry.com // 9 J L ROCKS Blue Sapphire and Diamond Ring and Emerald and Diamond Ring, $1,475, Greenwich and Westport; jlrocks.com // 10 RUSS HOLLANDER MASTER GOLDSMITH 9.84 ct Fancy Light Yellow Radiant-Cut Diamond Ring, $126,000, Stamford; 203-363-2200

IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

The DREAMIEST JEWELRY to spoil the one you love!

westportmag.com

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TH 19 19 TH Anniversary Anniversary

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH, 2023 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH, 2023 COCKTAIL RECEPTION 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM | DINNER 7:45 PM - 9:45 PM COCKTAIL RECEPTION 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM | DINNER 7:45 PM - 9:45 PM TONY'S AT THE J HOUSE TONY'S AT THE J HOUSE 1114 E Putnam Ave, Greenwich, CT 06878 1114 E Putnam Ave, Greenwich, CT 06878 Register and Purchase Tables/Ticket Register and Purchase Tables/Ticket For more Information - Janine Bahar, jbahar@ofals.org or (203) 869-2002 For more Information - Janine Bahar, jbahar@ofals.org or (203) 869-2002

HONORING HONORING

Joy Bauer Joy Bauer Dietitian-Nutritionist, Healthy Registered Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist, Lifestyle Expert for NBC’s TODAYHealthy Show, Lifestyle Expert for NBC’s TODAY Influencer, TV Personality, #1 NewShow, York Influencer, TV Personality, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Times Bestselling Author

Henry Hidetoshi Izawa Henry Hidetoshi President and CEOIzawa at Fujifilm President and CEO at Medical FujifilmDevice Healthcare Americas, Healthcare Americas, Medical Device Expert, New Business Developer, and Expert, New Business Developer, and Product Marketer Product Marketer

Dr. Poonam Desai Dr. and Poonam Desai Practicing Osteopathic Emergency Practicing Osteopathic andAnti-Aging, Emergency Medicine Physician, Medicine Anti-Aging, Longevity, Health,Physician, and Wellness Expert, Longevity, Health, Wellness Dancer Expert, andand Professional and Professional Dancer

Dr. Ryan A. Grant, MD, MBA, Dr. Ryan A. Grant, MD, MBA, FAANS FAANS Neurosurgeon and Healthcare Neurosurgeon andand Healthcare Entrepreneur, Founder CEO of Dr. Steven F. Schutzer, MD and CEO of Health Dr. Steven F. Schutzer, MD Member & Medical Entrepreneur, Founder Vori Orthopaedic Surgeon, Founding Vori Health Orthopaedic Surgeon, Founding Member & Medical Director of the Connecticut Joint Replacement Director of the Connecticut Joint Replacement Institute, President of Connecticut Joint Replacement Institute, President of Connecticut Joint Replacement Surgeons LLC, Co-Founder of the Moving To Value Surgeons and LLC, Co-Founder the Moving To Value Alliance, Co-Founder of of Upswing Health Alliance, and Co-Founder of Upswing Health

@ORTHOFOUNDATION @ORTHOFOUNDATION

ORTHOPAEDIC FOUNDATION ORTHOPAEDIC FOUNDATION

VISIT OUR WEBSITE VISIT OUR WEBSITE

www.ofals.org www.ofals.org

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shop

ide u g t f i g Y H O L I DA

Wardrobe Wonderland

Score major points by giving any of

these stylish winter essentials

6 5

3 7 4

// 1 LA LIGNE Cashmere and Wool Marin Sweater, $295, Greenwich; lalignenyc.com // 2 ZIMMERMANN Oversized Shearling Jacket, $3,150; zimmermann.com // 3 BROCHU WALKER Relaxed Lounge Pants, $298; Matching Top, $268, Westport; brochuwalker.com // 4 BOGNER Quilted Down Jacket, $1,500, Westport; shop.mitchellstores .com // 5 RAG & BONE Wool Fringed Shawl, $350, Greenwich; rag-bone.com // 6 CANADA GOOSE Down Puffer Vest, $650; canadagoose.com // 7 REPEAT Cashmere Cable Knit Cardigan, $330; Darien; dariensport.com // 8 TORY BURCH Merino Fair Isle Sweater, $348, Greenwich; toryburch.com

IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

westportmag.com

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Your destination to dress up your home for the holidays...

1799 Post Rd E | Westport,CT 06880 | 203.292.5700 | www.thepostct.com

grand

ntrance

800-486-7553

Bring your custom ideas to life, design to completion. We can help you create a breath taking first impressions . . . something you are only able to make once, Wood and Wrought Iron Gates, Fencing & Railings, Handcrafted Stone Walls and Pillars.

see our gallery of pictures at grandentrance.com

LN# WC-35221-H22 CT HIC.0560846

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 WESTPORT

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shop

Cheers on Celebratory Years Three Westport stores celebrate MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES by lily capl an

above: Owner Odete DaSilvia who is a backstage lead hairstylist at NYFW, LFW, MFW and PFW.

40 AND FABULOUS CHEERS TO 25!

omen's fashion store, TINA DRAGONE is celebrating 40 years in business. The first store opened in the fall of 1983, in Orange, CT. Then, in 1999, they moved to Westport. “My dream was to have a location in Westport and in 1999 I was given that opportunity,” CEO Tina Dragone said. After college and being accepted into the Macy's NY Buyer Training Program, Dragone knew she didn't want to live in the corporate world. Dragone opened Tina Dragone in 1983 because of her love of fashion and making women feel beautiful. The selection of merchandise is directly influenced by Dragone’s taste and style of clothing. “The merchandise changes constantly due to the latest fashion trends, and I love to keep the store looking fresh and new,” Dragone said. Future plans are is to keep bringing in new designer merchandise from all over the world and staying current with fashion trends for every season. Dragone feels so grateful for the Westport community and would not have been able to remain successful for 40 years without it. “Westport has some of the most beautiful women and I am so grateful for their loyalty and those who patronize my business weekly. My customers constantly tell me how thrilled they are to have a store like mine in the community.” Website: tinadragone.com Instagram: @tinadragoneclothing

rtistex Salon & Spa is celebrating its 25th year anniversary. Sole owner and Fairfield County native, Odete DaSilva opened the salon in 1999. The store outgrew its first location and moved to the more recent location in 2019, 260 Post Road East. The new location opened just a year before COVID shutdown. “Not ideal timing to say the least,” Owner Odete DaSilva said. DaSilvia is a Goldwell Academy Artist in NYC where hairstylists from all over North America come to learn her coloring techniques. She was inspired to open Artistex Salon & Spa to have an inclusive and professional salon. “I wanted to come to work in a space that made everyone feel good, both workers and customers,” said DaSilva. Artistex Salon & Spa is a Green Circle Salon member providing traditional and organic services while responsibly repurposing and recycling waste. “I am committed to continue evolving as more of a sustainable business.” In honor of its 25th anniversary, the salon is planning on launching their membership services. “Without the Westport community, Artistex Salon & Spa wouldn't be in business. We owe everything to the support of the community and especially the clients we've had now for almost 25 years!” DaSilva said. Website: artistexsalon.com Instagram: @artistexsalonspa

above: Millie Rae's carries home furnishings, gifts, jewelry and women’s apparel.

A TOAST TO 15

illie Rae’s started as pop-up shop in owner and founder Cheryl Sugel’s home. When her children left for college, she opened the shop, now located at 1011 Post Road, East. “My whole career has been in retail. I was a buyer for a major department store prior to starting my family. Once my children were off to college, I opened the store to keep myself busy, explore my passion for home decor and fashion,” Sugel said. Millie Raes began 15 years ago as a refurbished vintage furniture store but as the business grew and customers' needs and tastes changed, they evolved to fit the needs of their clients. “Our mix of merchandise is a combination of casual and elegant style,” said Sugel. In honor of 15 years, Millie Rae’s gave away gift certificates, treats, gifts and special discounts. “So many friendly faces that have supported us from the beginning, came out to celebrate,” she said. With 15 years under Sugel’s belt, she looks back at the wonderful years and is excited for what is to come. “We aspire every day to be the best that we can be. To keep our merchandise assortment new and exciting; to offer professional and friendly customer service and to make the in-person shopping experience a pleasure.” Website: millieraes.com Instagram: : @millie_raes

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY STORES

above: Tina Dragone sources designer merchandise from all over the world for their customers.

westportmag.com

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singul ar in design “Edgy incarnations of luxury” Condé Nast Traveler

winvianfarm.com

•

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 learn more visit breastcanceralliance.org Breast Cancer Alliance, 48 Maple Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830 info@breastcanceralliance.org Yonni Wattenmaker, Executive Director

breastcanceralliance

@BCAllianceCT

@breastcanceralliance

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 WESTPORT

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shop

AMERICAN SPORTSWEAR BRAND J.MCLAUGHLIN HAS A FRESH LOOK

by samantha yanks

J.McLaughlin’s new campaign was photographed by Dan Martensen, styled by Clare Richardson, and features Arizona Muse, Jacquelyn Jablonski, Shayna McNeill, Alicia Burke, Hamide Onifade, RJ King, and Ben Hill. Creative direction by Team Laird, led by Trey Laird. All pieces from this season’s collection available at all J.McLaughlin locations.

ounded in 1977 by two brothers, Kevin and Jay McLaughlin, timeless lifestyle brand just went through a creative upgrade in partnership with campaign legend Trey Laird that ushers in a new wave for the brand while still remaining true to its core goal of imbuing old-school style with fresh relevance. “It has been a pleasure to work with the wonderful team at J.McLaughlin to help create a new identity and refreshed image for this great American classic.” “I was inspired how their team has managed to quite successfully evolve their design vocabulary over the past several years while maintaining their classic and spirited DNA. We tried to bring that same philosophy to the task of updating their imagery, graphic identity, brand code system, and tone of voice. It is a family brand that has always had a strong relationship with its clients, often in quite local settings…understanding their lifestyles, needs, love of color, and appreciation of effortless style. The results, created in partnership with photographer Dan Martensen and stylist Clare Richardson, capture this easy relaxed attitude yet elevated sophistication that are the hallmarks of American style at its best,” explained Trey Laird, Founder Team Laird. With a legacy of style and spirit, and the goal to make customers feel great with an unrelenting focus on quality, merchandise, and high-touch customer service, J.McLuaughlin went through a brand reimagination for the first time in forty six years. “We looked to the best when hiring Trey Laird. We’ve always admired Trey’s work, approach, and strong understanding of great American brands. Trey thoughtfully studied J.McLaughlin, extracted what makes us unique, and brought some of the best parts of the brand that already existed to the surface. A reworked logo, a sophisticated update to our signature blue, and refreshed styling, casting, and imagery. We’re incredibly excited about the freshness that he has brought to our branding and fall campaign,” says Kevin McLaughlin, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer.

PHOTOGRAPHY: DAN MARTENSEN

PREP 2.0

westportmag.com

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The Westy Experience… “Highly recommend. The staff is very attentive and makes it easy to determine exactly what size unit you need. They were helpful with the moving in and moving out process. Moving can be an incredibly stressful experience, but with Westy helping you out it’s a lot less so!”

— KB, Wilton FAIRFIELD

NORWALK

WILTON

2070 Kings Highway

50 Keeler Avenue

65 Danbury Road

(203) 256-2777

(203) 899-1234

(203) 762-7600

DEC 3 @ 7PM

westy.com “The most exciting vocal ensemble in current jazz” - Boston Herald

“The most influential jazz pianist of the last 20 years” - The New York Times

DEC 14 @ 8PM

JAN 28 @ 7:30PM From the producers of the World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra

Save Lives.

Build Healthier Futures. Learn more about our work at americares.org

APR 9 @ 7:30PM

APR 20 @ 8PM

203.438.5795 • RIDGEFIELDPLAYHOUSE.ORG NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 WESTPORT

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eat

Scan here for more great places to EAT & DRINK!

PUT ALL YOUR BREAD IN ONE BASKET LEAN INTO THE SPIRIT OF THE HOLIDAYS WITH THE STAFF OF LIFE.

is the season to be feasting with family and friends. What better way to break bread in merriment than with a gourmet bread basket gracing your holiday table.We might not live by bread alone, as the saying goes, but with the right combination of breads paired with delectable butters, we certainly could. Bread not only sates the appetite, but it also provides that requisite comfort and joy, even indulgence, that are hallmarks of the season. It is also the best way to chase the flavor on your plate, acting as an edible sponge to sop up any remaining puddle of gravy, jus, sauce or reduction. Still not convinced a bread basket is a must? Consider this: it presents beautifully as a literal cornucopia of baked bounty adding elegance to any festive spread. Best of all, you need not make the bread yourself. Use a mix of store-bought, semi-homemade, and from-scratch bread (pictured left), and follow the same concept for the butter, too. A holiday bread basket might just be the best thing since sliced bread itself!

“Feel good not guilty about making bread

Above: Rosemary Grissini and Sourdough from Fatto a Mano, Cranberry-Pistachio Soda Bread and Pumpkin Dinner Rolls (recipes on opposite page), Chorizo-Jalapeño Cornbread. Right: Basket from The Post $44; marble bowls from Terrain $20-24.

semi-homemade. Add sauteed chorizo and minced jalapeños to your favorite cornbread mix for an easy yet impressive addition to your bread basket.”

Lauren Braun Costello, a native New Yorker and now Westport local, is a classically trained chef, author, expert food stylist and the force behind It’s Lauren, of Course! She has helped countless people become better cooks with her 100 days of cooking live on Instagram. Lauren can be found in her sunny kitchen cooking, of course, or @itslaurenofcourse

westportmag.com

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YOU KNE AD TO MAKE THIS

ANATOMY OF A BREAD BASKET

Pumpkin Dinner Rolls

Cute as can be for a festive dinner, perfect for sandwiches the next day.

Like building a cheese board, variety is key

PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF LAUREN BRAUN COSTELLO

½ cup warm whole or evaporated milk (110°F-120°F) 1 tablespoon active dry yeast (or 1½ packets) 2 tablespoons + 1/3 cup sugar 2 large eggs + 1 egg for egg wash 1½ teaspoons kosher or sea salt ½ cup (one stick) unsalted butter, melted 5 cups all-purpose flour oil for greasing cinnamon sticks for garnish 1. In a mixer with a dough hook, blend the pumpkin and milk. Add the yeast and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix well and cover bowl with a clean dish towel. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the yeast to proof and activate. 2. Add 2 eggs, remaining 1/3 cup sugar, salt, and melted butter. Blend well. 3. With the mixer running on lowmedium speed, add the flour ½ cup at a time until the dough no longer sticks to the sides of bowl. 4. Lightly coat a large bowl with oil. Gather the dough and shape it into a ball. Using both hands, pull the sides of dough underneath the ball, tucking the ends underneath. Place the ball seamside down in the greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a clean dish towel. Place the bowl in a warm spot in the kitchen and let it rise 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. 5. After the dough has doubled, remove cover and punch dough once with a closed fist. Remove dough from bowl and place on a lightly floured work surface (cutting board or counter). 6. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cut dough in half and cut each half into 6 equal pieces for a total of 12 pieces. 7. Shape each piece of dough into a ball and set aside. Cut 12 pieces of twine, each 16 inches long. Tie each piece of twine around the ball of dough, one perpendicular to the next so that 8 equal, sections of dough appear. Once the knot is tied, trim any excess twine with scissors. 8. Place the pumpkin rolls on a parchment-lined sheet pan and brush each with the remaining beaten egg. 9. Bake on the middle oven rack for 35-45 minutes. 10. Allow the rolls to rest and cool for one hour before removing the kitchen twine and placing a shard of cinnamon stick in the center of each to resemble the stem.

Bread Type

Offer a plethora of bread types—at least three— including: yeast (rolls and focaccia), sourdough (boule and baguette), quick (cornbread and biscuits), and cracker (grissini or lavash).

Shape and Size Matter Make self-service easy and create visual contrast with a mix of sliced bread, miniature loaves, rolls, buns, knots, etc. ideal for individual portions.

Cranberry-Pistachio Soda Bread

This Irish-American classic is studded with garnet and green for a seasonal holiday twist. 4 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ cup sugar 1/3 cup dried cranberries 1/3 cup chopped pistachios 1 tablespoon caraway seeds 2 cups buttermilk 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. 2. In a large mixing bowl, mix all the dry ingredients. Then add the buttermilk, mixing well to create a slightly sticky dough. 3. Shape the dough in a ball and place in a round heavy pan. Slice the center with a shallow cross cut. 4. Place the bread in the oven at 375°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F for 60 minutes. 5. Remove the bread from the oven and wrap the bread and pan together in a damp cloth. Allow the bread to steam and rest wrapped in the damp cloth for 30-60 minutes. 6. Unwrap the bread and remove from the pan, using a spatula or a dough scraper if necessary to loosen the bread bottom from the pan. 7. Slice and serve with room temperature salted Irish butter.

Flavor Profiles

Provide an assortment of flavors including plain, nuts and seeds, herbs and spices, fruits and vegetables, etc.

Beyond Basic Butter

A variety of breads begs for a variety of condiments, spreadable or dippable. Sweet and savory compound butters blended with everything from herbs and spices to cheeses and honeys delight the tastebuds as do oils and vinegars as well as mustards and chutneys.

Basket Case

A beautiful basket lined with a stylish linen adds a decorative touch to a festive meal, enticing the diner while enhancing the setting.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 WESTPORT

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in fairfield county

awards

CHEERS

to 14 years! SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OF OUR 2023 SPONSORS

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

GOLD SPONSORS

VENUE SPONSOR

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10/13/23 AM 10/10/23 11:30 4:32 PM

23 4:32 PM

people&PLACES by samantha yanks

PHOTOGRAPHY BY VIDELER PHOTOGRAPHY 1

RHONE GRAND OPENING / Westport

Mind and Muscle

hone, the premium men’s clothing and accessories brand, had its grand opening in Westport, bringing men’s activewear and lifestyle apparel to the heart of Fairfield County. The grand opening was hosted by Rhone Co-Founders Nate and Ben Checkett, and Samantha Yanks in partnership with Westport, Weston & Wilton Magazine and The Connecticut Edit. Guests toasted the new Westport store and the brand’s opening of their new Stamford headquarters. 1 Dave Briggs, Jimmy Izzo, Westport Chief of Police Foti Koskinas 2 Rhone Ribbon Cutting 3 Nate Checketts, Samantha Yanks, Ben Checketts 4 Atmosphere Shot 5 Rhone Cold Plunge Activation 6 The Checketts Family 7 Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN & Jay Williams, Author and On-Air Host 8 Andrea Lawrence Moore, Jimmy Izzo, Ben Checketts, Jennifer Tooker, Samantha Yanks, Nate Checketts, Maxx Crowley, Gabriella Mays 9 Jennifer Tooker, Samantha Yanks 10 Nate Checketts, Co-Founder & CEO and Ben Checketts, Co-Founder & Creative Director NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 WESTPORT

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cover story

FACE THE FUTURE As we head into 2024 Westport-based LOOK OPTIC Founder Andrew Leary understands that the most impactful accessory is eyewear, as shown in their latest collaboration with the ultimate tastemaker, muse and supermodel Carolyn Murphy.

by samantha yanks // phot o gr aphy by antonell a macri st ylist christina ellegaard // hair by aleksandr a sasha

make up by alice l ane

westportmag.com

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left: Stylishly chic in Lois Jade

this page: Em znx zbxc bnz cnbz cnzb cnbz xncbz xcb zxc zx cbzvx cbvz xcbvz xcbvz xbvc zxbvc zbxvc zbxv cbzvx c

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cover story

Samantha Yanks: Andrew, I have adored

SY: Coming from a family of tennis

the mission and ethos of LOOK OPTIC since the moment I discovered the brand. You always have powerful muses and collaborators. Tell us a bit about how the partnership with Carolyn Murphy came about?

players, I have followed the Williams sisters closely. How did your recent Muse collaboration with LOOK OPTIC and EleVen by Venus Williams come about? AL: Venus was introduced to the brand through a mutual friend. Subsequently, she posted our “LIAM” aviators on her website as one of “V’s Favorites;” from there, we approached her team about a potential collaboration. She was amazing to work with and has been super supportive of LOOK. And I was even invited to play tennis with her and her sister after our photo shoot in Palm Beach.

Andrew Leary: My wife, Christina, is our creative director. Last year, after shooting Venus Williams in Palm Beach, she mentioned that Carolyn Murphy would be the perfect partner, as fashion and sustainability are key pillars of our brand. We had met Carolyn through mutual friends before, so I thought I would reach out. The next day, her agent sent me a photo of her and Carolyn in the back seat of a car wearing LOOK OPTIC glasses. I guess it was meant to be.

50_55_WPT_LOOK OPTIC_Nov-Dec_2023.indd 52

SY: Can I ask a serious question: I have a three-year-old Labrador Retriever and he has a weakness for stealing

and destroying my Birkenstocks and glasses. The “my dog just ate my glasses,” story. Does this happen a lot? AL : All the time. Our dogs like shoes as well. We actually offer a discount (one-time) when this happens. We also encourage people to send us their old frames to be recycled. We have partnerships with TeraCycle on how to help recycle hard-to-recycle products like glasses. The Lions Club also helps redistribute frames that are still usable to those in need. SY: What inspired you to launch LOOK OPTIC? AL: I paid $600 for my first pair of prescription glasses only to find out a few months later that I really just needed readers. However, the selection and quality were so poor that I saw an opportunity to create

10/13/23 3:43 PM

left: Classically confident in Muse below: Lois Navy for unparalleled comfort opposite page: See things differently in Lois.

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cover story

LOOK OPTIC. Although, since I had a full-time job, LOOK was a side hustle for the first few years. SY: LOOK OPTIC has a range of eyewear. Walk us through your focus, from readers to progressives, bluelight to sunglasses. AL: The progression was essentially led by consumer demand. We started with readers and quickly realized how many people were wearing sunglasses over their readers. Not a great look. In fact, there is a great photo of Brad Pitt in his car doing just this—admittedly a much better look for him. Then came the pandemic, and everyone was on their computers, so customers started requesting blue light lenses. If you haven’t tried them, they are a game changer, even just for eye strain. And then earlier this year, we released progressives to solve the biggest problem faced by our reader customers—always having to take them on and off and, as a result, losing them. I frequently joke about spending most of my childhood looking for my mom’s glasses, only to find them on the top of her head. Progressives now make up almost 50% of all sales, and customers love that they can leave them all day.

“Carolyn Murphy shares our passion for sustainability, and I hope that she will further influence others to make a change. We have a long way to go when it comes to prioritizing our planet, but together, one step at a time, we can make a difference.” Andrew Leary LOOK OPTIC Founder

SY: I always love to discover the stories

of brands like LOOK OPTIC that are rooted locally in our community. You and your family live here. Why Westport? And how is it being a global executive from our town? AL: Our office is in Westport, but our family lives in Weston. When we first moved here, I worked for the world’s largest market research firm and traveled 200 days a year. Having moved from LA, travel was much more manageable. However, our kids hated moving from the city “into the woods.” Today, you could not convince any of us, myself included, to move back to LA. SY: You photographed the images with

Carolyn locally. Can you tell us a bit about how you chose the location and how you were able to weave the designer’s jewelry into the shoot? AL: We were initially going to shoot Carolyn’s new frame in LA. However, as she was going

to be on the East Coast, we thought it would be great to find a location nearby. So, I called my good friend and investor, Wende Cohen from Bungalow Decor, for suggestions. She immediately said, “I know the perfect place,” The next day, I was in Southport meeting Lee Baldwin. Not only did she have the perfect house for the shoot on the beach, but also the most beautiful jewelry. In fact, you can see her rings and necklaces in several of our images from this collaboration with Carolyn. Thanks, Lee! SY: From local outreach to your social media channels, LOOK OPTIC does an impressive job of creating an online community. How have you found success on that front? AL: I ran a youth marketing company early in my career, making Time Magazine’s “Ten Most Innovative Companies” list based on

our peer-to-peer (word-of-mouth) marketing approach. So, I have always understood the power of building communities and how important authenticity is to a brand. This authenticity has attracted many of the women who create content for us today and those who help spread the word across all of our digital channels. SY: Your tagline is compelling: “FEAR NOT THE FINE PRINT.” Can you elaborate a bit on this? AL: When my vision started to change, it was my first sign of aging. I remember thinking, wow, I might not live forever. And it was a huge adjustment. Our tagline, FEAR NOT THE FINE PRINT, empowers people as they age and reminds them to have fun and enjoy the process. SY: Your frames are made of 100% recyclable materials. Talk to us a bit about why you feel so passionately about sustainability and creating a brand with the least amount of negative impact on the planet. AL: In the early ‘90s, I met Matt Peterson, the CEO of Global Green. At the time, I was an executive at Atlantic Records, and he asked if I could help secure music talent for his Academy Award party (you may remember all the stars showing up in the new Prius). Well, we became close friends, and as I learned more about global warming and the need for change, I traded in my Land Rover for a Prius and started supporting sustainability efforts. So, when we started LOOK OPTIC, Matt was our first advisor and had one mission—to help us create a sustainable company. With over four million frames ending up in landfills yearly, we all must help make a difference. Carolyn Murphy shares our passion for sustainability, and I hope that she will further influence others to make a change. We have a long way to go when it comes to prioritizing our planet, but together, one step at a time, we can make a difference. SY: Philanthropy, which we are celebrating in this issue, and always, here at Westport, Weston & Wilton Magazine is at the core of your

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brand. Share with us a bit about your partnership with charity: water. AL: Scott Harrison, the founder of charity: water is my hero. His story from New York club promoter to philanthropist is genuinely inspirational. Since meeting Scott and hearing his story, I have tried to do everything to support charity: water and Scott’s vision to bring clean water to every man, woman and child on the planet. So when we started LOOK, we made the decision to give a percentage of every sale to charity : water. So many of us take clean water for granted. However, over 780 million people go without clean water every day. And contaminated water is the No.1 cause of preventable blindness worldwide. But what I love most about charity: water is that 100% of all donations go to actual water projects so donors can see their contributions’ real, tangible and life-altering impact. Private donors fund operating costs so donors can rest assured that every penny they contribute will change people’s lives. SY: As we look ahead to 2024 and fashion trends, is it just me, or are glasses the chicest way to accessorize?

AL: With more ZOOM calls and fewer faceto-face meetings, purses and shoes are no longer as visible. So, yes, glasses (and eyewear chains) have become the ultimate fashion accessories. SY: Can you share with us any future collaborations you have on the horizon? AL: At LOOK, we love celebrating strong women through our collaborations. We are so grateful to Selima Saluan (Selima Optique), Venus Williams, and Carolyn Murphy for their partnerships. And don’t opt out of our emails quite yet because, in 2024, we have another collaboration coming with one of our all-time favorite actresses known for her love of glasses...

Thank you, Andrew! Shop LOOK OPTIC at lookoptic.com and Follow the brand on Instagram @lookopticusa left: A vintage look in Tortoise

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interview by jill johnson mann

p ortr aits by andrea carson

VIVID The World Through Stephen Wilkes Lens westportmag.com

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D this page: Stephen Wilkes at his home in Westport.

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STOP AND LOOK. Really look. This is what Stephen Wilkes’ photos

insist viewers do. And it is what Stephen Wilkes has done with patience and passion since he was twelve years old, pointing his camera down the mouth of a microscope, thirsting for the most detailed view of his subject. The Westport resident can spend 36 hours shooting the same scene to create his worldrenowned time-lapse Day to Night images, of which there are 75 and counting. With so much observation comes more than spellbinding photos; wisdom flows from Wilkes’ mouth with ease, like vivid colors spilling onto his film. Only ease is the wrong word altogether. Stephen Wilkes camps out on a mountain top within lava-spitting distance of an erupting volcano to get the shot. He has captured a total eclipse in Antarctica and battled 50 mph winds for a day and a half to capture Bears Ears National Monument. That Day to Night image landed on last September’s cover of National Geographic—an issue focused on protecting America’s natural resources. Wilkes has a granddaughter now and is concerned about the planet. Perhaps if mankind looks as closely as he does at the world, things will change. THE MENTORS

Wilkes’ mom, an opera singer, was a Holocaust survivor who arrived at Ellis Island at age nine with her family’s belongings sewn into a teddy bear. His dad was a painter who gave up art to pursue business so he could support his family, which is what he told his son to do. “There were challenges at home,” recalls Wilkes, who was born in Jamaica, Queens, and grew up in Great Neck, Long Island. “I had to figure it out myself.” During a field trip to The Met in seventh

grade, “Bruegel’s painting of The Harvesters changed my life,” he says. “I was this impressionable kid, and I saw this epic landscape with all these narratives within it. I was fascinated by that ability to tell stories.” By thirteen, he was assisting Rene Aresu, the photographer who shot his bar mitzvah. “I have an identical twin. Rene did a portrait of us by candlelight with his left side lit up and my right. We are mirror twins, so that made one of our faces,” he explains. Wilkes was

hooked. By sixteen, he had his own business shooting events. “Rene told me, ‘They only throw the rice once,’” says Wilkes. “He taught me what it meant to be professional.” Despite pressure from his father to pursue a realistic career, Wilkes was determined. “Nothing made me feel like I felt when taking photos,” he says. He took night classes at Parsons during high school and picked up another mentor, Bob Edelman. “I was thinking RIT for college but Bob told me, ‘If you want your pictures to speak to people, you need a great liberal arts education. And study business; most photographers are lousy businessmen.’” Wilkes pursued a dual major in photography and business at the Neuhaus School at the Syracuse University. While studying abroad in London, his professor, Tom Richards, sent him “headfirst into color. He saw one roll of color of mine and said, ‘Don’t shoot any more black and white,’” recalls Wilkes. “I saw the world in a really vivid way.” Jay Maisel’s “On Color” series in Life magazine caught the college kid’s eye. He took a chance and phoned Maisel’s studio in New York. The photographer himself answered. “I couldn’t believe it!” says Wilkes. He dropped his portfolio as instructed by his idol and found himself with his summer dream job in 1979—which evolved into a forty-year relationship. After seeing photos Wilkes shot during his senior year in China, Maisel told him, “You’re too good to assist, kid. I’m making you my associate.” In two years under his tutelage, “Jay helped define me and my value as a photographer,” says Wilkes. When Maisel, at eighty-four, had to sell his 35,000-square-foot building—a six-story former bank on the Bowery filled to the brim with a mind-boggling assortment of objects— in 2015, Wilkes shot a documentary about the move, Jay Myself (available on Amazon). The film is a visual masterpiece about the eccentric artist and a fading era in New York. “What Jay had in New York, you’ll never see that again,” he says. “Every floor was a cross-section of his mind.”

THE WORK In exploring Wilkes’ mind, an idea he had in 1996 is a good place to start. He was in Mexico City, on assignment to fill a gatefold in Life magazine on Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet. In pondering how to capture the

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OBAMA INAUGURATION // Day to Night Series Wilkes captured the celebratory crowd at Barack Obama’s inauguration in this Day to Night photograph. (He also captured the eerily deserted National Mall during Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021.) .

COMPO BEACH Wilkes didn’t have to venture far from his Westport home to capture a spectacular sunset on Compo Beach.

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square set in one panoramic shot, Wilkes— inspired by David Hockney’s photo collages— decided to shoot 250 images of the scene and layer them together into a single picture, with the last image catching a reflection in a mirror of Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio kissing, but in the center of the photo they are just embracing. “I was changing time in the photo,” says Wilkes, “but it was so much work! Sixteen years later, Photoshop was invented and allowed me to do it seamlessly.” In the meantime, Wilkes ushered in the age of digital printing with his America in Detail series for Epson, which was shot during 52 days on the road in 2000. Famed musician Graham Nash—also a printer—did the largescale printing of the photos. Bette Wilkes, Wilkes’ wife and business manager/producer, jokingly asked for a serenade as part of the deal, and Nash surprised her with an epic a cappella rendition of “Our House” dedicated to her at the San Francisco exhibition party. Wilkes’ first Day to Night was of The High Line for Life magazine in 2009. “I was scouting and looking at it all times of day,” explains Wilkes. “I loved it at lunch time, but I also loved it at night. I asked my photo editor, ‘What if I could change time in a photo, day to night, from south to north?’” Achieving that involves taking 1,500 photos from the same vantage point for 12 to 36 hours. Focusing in this way is “deeply meditative,” says Wilkes. “In a world where we are constantly bombarded by texts and emails, people don’t daydream anymore. My work is the antithesis of that…. The reaction was unbelievable.” Washington Square followed, then a series in the city—Wilkes’ “love sonnet to New York”—then cities across the globe and historic events: Obama’s packed inauguration, Biden’s deserted one, the March on D.C. in 2020. “Paintings of the Black Plague had a profound effect on me,” says Wilkes, of capturing the pandemic. “I’m trying to provide a window into how we live. Historically, as these images age, they become more and more important. In my Day to Night of Times Square ten years ago, New York was a yellow stream of cabs; now there are hardly any. You never think history will come quickly, but it does.” Kathy Moran, Wilkes’ former editor at National Geographic, says, “Stephen shoots sports beautifully, then turns around and make the most haunting images from Ellis

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SERENGETI // Day to Night Series Picking a favorite photograph is like “picking a favorite child,” says Wilkes, but this Day to Night shoot in Serengeti National Park gave Wilkes a new purpose: to use his work to inspire conservation.

Wilkes in his Westport studio, which houses archives from his lifetime of work. Huge bookcases are neatly filled to every inch with binders and boxes of slides, prints and negatives, capturing his passion for photography and extensive global travel.

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CORRIDOR #9 // Ellis Island Series This photograph hangs on the wall in Wilkes’ home, reminding him of his mother’s journey to America.

FIELD OF DREAMS // America in Detail Series This shot required mediating between the two feuding farmers who owned it to get the rights to shoot the side where the sun set.

Island, and then comes up with the concept of showing the passage of time through still photography. He is constantly pushing the boundaries of how he sees and approaches storytelling. You can spend hours going through one of his photographs and seeing something different in every inch of it. And anyone who meets him has the same takeaway—you think you are meeting this photographic superstar and within minutes feel like you’ve known him forever. He’s just the nicest person.” Wilkes began applying his Day to Night concept to wildlife, camouflaging himself for a 30-hour shoot of a waterhole in Serengeti National Park. “That shot transformed my whole consciousness on wildlife and preservation,” he says. “I got to see these animals communicate and care for their young. The greatest thing I saw is the connectivity—how everything is connected in how they live in their environment.” Wilkes worked with Moran on four Day to Night photos to commemorate the centennial of the Migratory Bird Act. Moran describes it as “one of the most logistically challenging things either of us had ever tackled.” For a story on the 30x30 Initiative—the mission to preserve 30 percent of land and sea by

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JENNINGS BEACH // Day to Night Series This Day to Night was photographed down the road at Fairfield’s Jennings Beach and is on permanent display at the Fairfield Museum & History Center.

MIGRATORY BIRDS SERIES // Day to Night Series Wilkes’ Migratory Birds series, featuring four photographs— Black-browed Albatrosses, Northern Gannets, Sandhill Cranes (pictured), and Lesser Flamingos—inspired the photographer to shoot more wildlife and raise awareness about how to protect our planet’s creatures.

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2030—Wilkes shot at four locales, including Bears Ears, which was put in jeopardy of being turned into a lithium mine by Trump’s administration. “Of all the photographers I worked with in 40 years at National Geographic, Stephen is the one who constantly challenged and astonished in all good ways,” says Moran.

FAMILY & WESTPORT

“When I was 9, I went to Stew Leonard’s with my dad. He used to sell Stew soft drink flavors,” says Wilkes. “I always loved Westport. It has this amazing topography, artistic community, and history.” In 1994, he and Bette moved their family here from the city to a pretty white house with a bucolic backyard and Compo Beach a few miles away—all places Wilkes could aim his lens. “We also wanted great schools,” he says. “I believe in the public school system.” Whether it was Westport schools or parents who modeled marrying work ethic and passion, the Wilkes’ kids are already laying down their own legacies. Sam is a bass guitarist, who has collaborated with the likes of Chaka Khan and Rufus Wainwright. “My dad’s work, like the rest of his life, contains a deep humanity and childlike joy for all that interests him,” says Sam. “I feel very lucky to have been raised by such devoted and loving people. His collaboration with my mom is legendary. The professionalism and brilliance she brings to their business partnership can’t be overstated.” “My dad has always said, ‘The harder I work, the luckier I get. And work doesn’t feel like work if you genuinely love what you do,’” says Jennie Wilkes, who is Senior Director of Global Creative Marketing at Netflix. “That philosophy has guided me my whole life.” Even though Wilkes’ own dad lived his life with a different mindset, he came around. “My dad had dementia. I went to visit him, when he was about 90,” recounts Wilkes. “My father’s friend told me that the day before my dad had said, ‘My whole life I told Stephen he wasn’t going to make it as a photographer. Can you imagine what a tragedy it would have been if he had listened?’” What’s next? “I’m talking with an astronaut,” says Wilkes. “I’d like to do something from space.” He’s not one to get hung up on a minor hurdle like defying gravity.

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A new edition of Stephen Wilkes’ Day to Night book was released this spring. Featured on the cover is a detail from his photograph of the Coney Island Boardwalk.

“I always loved Westport. It has this amazing topography, artistic community, and history.” STEPHEN WILKES

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Laura delaf lor

L iz Salguero

Robyn Wh i tti ngha m

lucy langley

Lighting the way

Bi l l Tom mi ns

J i l l robey

by jill johnson mann

phot o gr aphy by k atharine calderwo od on l o cation at robert r ackear’s lux flrs showro om, stamford

Ch ris Franco

Kath leen Walsh

Barbara Richards

Rach e l Franco

Robert Russo

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Jen n i f er lau

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2023

OUR HONOREES HAVE ALL SPARKED MOVEMENTS THAT SPREAD

Every year we ask our readers to nominate their Fairfield County neighbors who selflessly and tirelessly devote themselves to giving back. Three years ago, we honored the brave residents who refused to cower to Covid and went out and made a difference—however they could, whatever the risks. At that time, Liz Salguero, founder of Circle of Care, feared funds would run dry and she would not be able to support parents coping with pediatric cancer, just when they needed reassurance most. But then something unexpected happened. The general public, new to a life of wearing masks and fearing germs, gained a better understanding of what it must be like all the time for parents of immunocompromised children. Donations increased. Circle of Care grew—by 400 percent. This story is a reminder of how kindness flourishes; it’s not picky about the soil that feeds it. Even the most parched or rockiest foundation serves kindness just fine. It burrows down into any little crevice of compassion it finds, plants roots and spreads like ox-eye daisies. This year we are recognizing kindness in 1,920 Genevieve Lau Loved necklaces, 5,000 Flower Again arrangements, 500,000 Undies Project undergarments, twenty-plus Flinn Gallery exhibits, $25 million raised by Bank of America, a dozen historic buildings preserved, 13,000 immigrants served, fortyseven kids sent to camp, seven wishes granted … and the list goes on, reassuring us that the flow of nomination letters will never ebb. Keep ’em coming.

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Chris & Rachel Franco O R G A N I Z AT I O N

GREENWICH POINT CONSERVANCY I nspi ration

“Twenty years ago Chris and Rachel Franco were walking through Central Park with their toddler when inspiration struck. “We were both stunned by how beautiful the park was,” says Chris. “It had gone through a metamorphosis over the previous twenty years through the Central Park Conservancy. We stopped and bought a book about it. We said to each other, it would be amazing to do something like this at Greenwich Point. Central Park is the crown jewel of the New York City park system; Greenwich Point is the crown jewel of the Greenwich park system.” Chris, who is in real estate development, and Rachel, formerly on Wall Street (now a realtor at Sotheby’s) and raising their family at that time, dove in with gusto. They talked to the Friends at Greenwich Point about the idea. “It was too ambitious for them,” says Chris, “so a handful of us carved off and created the Greenwich Point Conservancy in 2004.”

Courage i nto Action

Hopes & Drea ms

“We want to continue to do the preservation work, but we are also thinking about working with children who are at risk,” says Chris. Rachel has worked as a life coach in the past, and she volunteered at Liberation Programs’ Families in Recovery Program, which serves homeless and drug-addicted mothers. “Once a week I would go and teach them positive psychology and how to use it in their recovery,” explains Rachel. “Chris and I have been really moved by all the press about human trafficking and what these young men and women are going through. We are interested in helping them rebuild their lives.”

The team began restoring the historic buildings at Tod’s Point. “What we hear all the time is that we have enhanced Greenwich Point—not changed the things that people love about it, but brought back these historic buildings and also made them useful,” says Chris. “That has been enormously rewarding for us. It’s really the anchor of the nonprofit work Rachel and I have done.” The projects they have completed include the preservation of the historic buildings at Tod’s Point: Innis Arden Cottage, the Old Barn, Gateway and the Sue H. Baker Pavilion. Next to be restored is the Chimes building. The pair have also restored The Feake-Ferris House, The Boat House on Ollie’s Creek, 44 Sound Beach Avenue and The Nathaniel Peck Jr. House, among others. “We do it because we love giving back to the community by saving these old treasures,” says Chris.

Words of Praise “Chris and Rachel Franco are passionate visionaries who have spent their energies preserving the Town of Greenwich. They respect the historical importance of buildings and properties from days gone by. They find resources and inspiration to preserve and repurpose these structures to save them from demise. Their unique ability to identify and navigate the often complicated paths needed is one that our entire town has and will continue to benefit from.” — A L I SO N FA R N L E I G H

GREENWICH POINT CO N S E RVA N CY B OA R D O F D I R ECTO RS V I C E P R ES I D E N T

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Jennifer lau

O R G A N I Z AT I O N S

PINK AID • ST. BALDRICK’S FOUNDATION BOSTON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL • EVAN’S FUND CAPALBO STRONG • CENTER FOR FAMILY JUSTICE INSPIRATION

“Nine years ago my husband, Steve, was undergoing chemo at Yale Treatment Center in Fairfield,” recounts Westporter Jennifer Lau. “I saw what people were going through. I thought, what can I do to make this process easier? I rushed out and got meals for everyone, so they could serve their families dinner. It struck me that these people needed to feel loved.” Jennifer had a new jewelry business, Genevieve Lau, and she decided that for each 14-carat-gold “Loved” necklace sold, she would donate one to a woman battling cancer. “I gave one to each of the staff at Yale helping Steve,” she says. “A year later, we were at Sloan Kettering, where Steve [who survived] was getting a stem cell transplant. I gave everyone there one, to give them the hope and strength to fight.” Lau spoke to Andrew Mitchell and linked up to Pink Aid, an organization the retailer cofounded to help underserved women throughout their breast cancer treatment journeys. Soon word of mouth and social media began fueling a nonstop flow of Loved. Lau has since pivoted to donating to “whoever is really in need of feeling loved.” She continues to be inspired by the stories that illustrate how the Loved necklace is much more than a piece of jewelry.

WORDS OF PRAISE “Jennifer gives to those who are suffering or struggling, signaling to them that they are seen, cared for and loved in their most trying times. She has made close to two million dollars in donations quietly and selflessly.” — J O L I N E M CG O L D R I C K , J E N N I F E R ' S S I ST E R

COURAGE INTO ACTION

Lau has donated 1,920 necklaces, including 150 to frontline workers during the pandemic. She donated twenty-nine necklaces to those affected by the tragic death of hockey player Teddy Balkind at St. Luke’s (karma struck and, coincidentally, an order for exactly twenty-nine Loved necklaces came into Mitchells the following week). She also donates Clover necklaces to children battling cancer through St. Baldrick’s Foundation and word-of-mouth. She donates “Imperfect yet perfect heart” necklaces to Boston Children’s Hospital, inspired by a Westport boy born with an “imperfect” heart. Her “Joy” necklaces are donated to those wrestling with mental health issues. Hopeful necklaces go to victims of domestic abuse, via the Center for Family Justice. “Always” necklaces are for those with a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s. Collectively, Lau has donated 250 of these other pieces, with a one-sold-one-donated ratio. If someone is in need, she gives a necklace whether that ratio is met or not. “I love seeing women wearing my designs and feeling beautiful. These pieces make them feel even more beautiful, because someone else is wearing one because of them,” says Lau.

HOPES & DREAMS

“I hope for all of these movements to continue to grow, particularly the Loved Movement,” says Lau. “I hope to make the world a lighter, brighter place, one Loved necklace at a time.”

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Bill Tommins O R G A N I Z AT I O N S

CATHOLIC CHARITIES • NEW COVENANT CENTER • THE CENTER FOR FAMILY JUSTICE • FAIRFIELD MUSEUM AND HISTORY CENTER • FTC • FAIRFIELD COUNTY’S COMMUNITY FOUNDATION INSPIRATION

“As a banker, early in my career I learned the importance of giving back to the community where you live and work,” says William “Bill” Tommins, president of Bank of America in Southern Connecticut. Tommins has served on various nonprofit boards through the years. His commitment to giving back deepened as a result of two events: the 9/11 attacks and the 2008 financial crisis. “I realized how quickly life can change for people for reasons outside of one’s control, and the critical role nonprofits play in delivering services at a time of real need,” he explains. “Many lives were turned upside down after these events: losing a loved one, losing a job and even losing a home. These events focused me on supporting organizations that are there for people at the time they need it most.”

COURAGE INTO ACTION

Tommins. “I’ve been privileged to lead Bank of America in Southern Connecticut for the past sixteen years. During this time, our team at Bank of America helped create and sustain Fairfield County Giving Day as lead sponsor, and by so doing, raised $14 million for area nonprofits.” Bank of America has also served for ten years as Presenting Sponsor of the Closer to Free Ride, supporting Smilow Cancer Center, helping to raise over $10 million for cancer research and patient care. This past year, Bank of America awarded a $1 million grant to Fairfield Bellarmine, a new two-year associate-degree program targeted at preparing underserved youth for the transition to a bachelor’s degree at a university or to find meaningful employment.

HOPES & DREAMS

“My hope is that the clients of these organizations can move toward self-sufficiency and lead fulfilling lives with purpose,” says Tommins.

WORDS OF PRAISE “Bank of America is a dedicated supporter of Fairfield County's Community Foundation, as well as a number of other local organizations and causes. Bill Tommins exemplifies true commitment to his community through his personal efforts and those of Bank of America. Bill is a champion of its corporate mission to support initiatives and programs that address the root causes of inequality through a company-wide commitment to advancing racial equality and economic opportunity. He has empowered his team to bring Bank of America’s local support mission to life here in Fairfield County. In addition to the work with FCCF, Bill and his team are consistently seeking new ways to invest in innovative ideas and partnerships to address issues like affordable housing, income and wealth building, health and more—issues that are at the core of a thriving community.”

“I’m fond of the proverb, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together,’” says

— K R I STA CA R N E S, C O M M U N I CAT I O N S D I R ECTO R ,

FA I R F I E L D C O U N T Y ’S CO M M U N I T Y FO U N DAT I O N NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 WESTPORT

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O R G A N I Z AT I O N

BUILDING ONE COMMUNITY (B1C)

Kathleen Walsh INSPIRATION

“I am the child and grandchild of immigrants myself, so I can remember hearing stories of the challenges my grandparents and mom faced when they first came to the United States,” says Kathleen Walsh, who is trained as a sociologist and city planner. “In the course of my work with the Stamford Partnership, I was seeing an increasing number and diversity of immigrants coming to Stamford. My responsibility was to identify emerging issues and trends and bring the community together to address them. I was inspired by the Partnership’s mission to have a positive impact on the community. That’s how the germ of the idea for Building One Community (B1C) developed.”

COURAGE INTO ACTION

As its founder, Walsh played a key role in forging B1C’s partnerships with Family Centers, Community Health Centers, Stamford Health, River House Adult Day Care Center, DOMUS, Person-toPerson, Stamford Public Schools and others. B1C opened its doors in 2011 with two employees and a budget of $455,000. The organization now has forty employees and a budget of

WORDS OF PRAISE “In a quiet and steadfast way, Kathie Walsh has been an extraordinary contributor to the Lower Fairfield County community, professionally as CEO of the Stamford Partnership and in a volunteer leadership capacity with many local nonprofits. Her work with Building One Community, an organization she helped found and led as board chair for five years, stands out for the positive impact that organization has had on the lives of thousands of immigrants and on the entire community.” — A N K A BA D U R I N A , B 1 C E X ECU T I V E D I R ECTO R

over $3.5 million. B1C has served immigrants from 117 different countries. Walsh highlights two accomplishments that fill her with pride: her contribution to developing affordable housing in New York earlier in her career and her work at B1C. “Those couple hundred units of affordable housing in New York were life-changing for those families,” she says. “I’m equally proud of the 13,000 people who have come through B1C’s doors and received language training, legal services, help with registering their kids at school and finding housing. I believe our obligation is to make the world a better place.” In 2016, Walsh spearheaded the effort seeking authorization for B1C to provide low-cost immigration legal services and then completed the rigorous training to become an accredited Department of Justice representative, allowing her to represent clients before government agencies, including U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services. B1C’s ILS department has managed over 2,100 consultations; 500 were handled by Walsh.

HOPES & DREAMS

“I hope that B1C will continue to be sustainable over the very long term,” says Walsh. “I’m so pleased that we have a group of people willing to serve as board members, staff and volunteers, delivering services that newcomers to the community really need. I hope over time the kinds of services people need will diminish, because they won’t have to work so hard to access them. But as long as they are needed, I hope B1C will be there for them.”

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WORDS OF PRAISE “Jill has always had a love for flowers and initially channeled her skills through her church flower ministry. In 2022, Jill decided to take her passion for florals and her love of spreading joy to another level by founding Flower Again. Flower Again is now in its second season and has expanded like crazy! It just goes to show that a tiny little idea can make a big impact in the lives of many. Jill is one of the most compassionate, organized and dedicated women I know, and I’m privileged to work alongside her on the board of Flower Again.” — L E S L E Y CO U S L E Y, B OA R D M E M B E R

INSPIRATION

“The beauty of flowers and how they evoke a smile in most everyone was my greatest inspiration,” says Jill Robey, founder of Flower Again, which receives floral donations from weddings and other events and repurposes them into bedside bouquets to be delivered to low-income seniors. “I love choosing flowers, arranging them and sharing them with others,” explains the New Canaan resident. “I had participated in flower arranging and delivery on a small scale at my church. When I learned about organizations in other parts of the country that were doing this on a much larger scale, I thought, I can do that.”

COURAGE INTO ACTION

“I’ve created an organization that reimagines donated flowers

O R G A N I Z AT I O N

FLOWER AGAIN

from events and CT Flower Collective by creating bedside arrangements for those who could use a lift of spirit,” says Robey, who is especially grateful to the twenty-five women at CT Flower Collective in Meriden, who make a weekly donation of flowers. Since its inception in April 2022, Flower Again has created and hand-delivered over 5,000 arrangements to over 1,800 individuals at twenty-eight different facilities in Fairfield County. “I have met so many individuals who I wouldn’t otherwise have had the opportunity to know and have a group of over seventy volunteers who enjoy the community this has created,” she says. “I also care deeply about our environment. By reusing flowers from weddings, funerals, florists or corporate events, we are ensuring less floral material is added to our landfills. Flower Again is trying to do our part to keep our planet healthy and beautiful.” She adds, “But really our greatest accomplishment is spreading joy, which is hard to quantify, but you know it when you see it.”

HOPES & DREAMS

“I hope to inspire others to remember those who could benefit from more human connection,” says Robey. “We all have gifts and talents and should be using our natural abilities to support each other—finding ways to work together, rather than against each other. I hope that Flower Again will continue to grow and maybe inspire others to join the movement. There are a lot of beautiful flowers out there and many, many people who would be thrilled to receive them.”

Jill Robey

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 WESTPORT

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Barbara Richards I NSPI RATION

“When I first arrived in Greenwich and happened upon the Hurlbutt Gallery [now called the Flinn Gallery], one of the gallery members asked if I would be interested in joining the art committee,” recounts Barbara Richards. “Once I started, I never looked back. Every day was a learning experience for me, and my law background was very helpful in contributing in many ways to the gallery.” Richards has been involved with the gallery for thirty years, taking on the challenge of keeping up with technology and upholding a level of sophistication that has made the gallery desirable to artists and art lovers alike. Through closures for construction and Covid, Richards remained determined to keep a committee of forty members motivated. She also has been involved with the Friends of the Greenwich Library—another preeminent institution in Greenwich that brings her great pride.

COURAGE INTO ACTION

Richards has served as board chair of the Flinn Gallery and on the board of the Greenwich Library. “I took on many different roles at the Flinn and the library,” she says. “I have curated twenty to thirty exhibits. Each one was exciting. It’s difficult to pick the most interesting, but I’m very proud of the Robert Motherwell show, The Tony Walton set design show, The Cambodian show with a pop-up diner and The Great American Landscape.” She has served on numerous

ORGA N IZ AT ION

THE FLINN GALLERY AT GREENWICH LIBRARY

committees over the years and says, “The gallery and the library are my second career. The Flinn Gallery is a unique volunteer institution. It is open ten months a year, seven days a week. Every moment it is open, it needs to be staffed primarily by our volunteers. We need to have curators take on each exhibit of the season, which entails months of work.” “The website needs to be kept constantly current. The selections committee needs to find artists to put shows together for the calendar for the following year— five or six shows that are exciting and salable. “Marketing needs to promote our shows. We have to design and print our invitations, posters and banners. We need to constantly remember that our volunteers are our most valuable treasure. They need to always know that.”

HOPES & DREAMS

Richards’ goal is to continue to keep members motivated and committee members engaged for years to come. “I don’t have an art background,” she says. “I’m a policy wonk. My goal is to keep the committees working and make members feel happy and valuable.”

WORDS OF PRAISE “Barbara Richards has provided exceptional leadership to the Flinn Gallery and has made a permanent impact on the availability and visibility of the visual arts and arts education in the Greenwich community.” — H I L A RY M A RT I N L E A

T H E F R I E N D S O F G R E E N W I C H L I B R A RY C H A I R westportmag.com

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WORDS OF PRAISE “Robyn Whittingham and her family have a longstanding record of exceptional philanthropy in their local community and beyond. She is a dedicated advocate for both physical and emotional wellness and is passionate about making a difference in people’s lives. Her extensive philanthropic endeavors are guided by that focus, and Robyn’s generous spirit and caring nature shine through in everything she does. A dedicated supporter of Make-A-Wish Connecticut since 2019, Robyn is a valued and active member of the Board of Directors. Through her involvement on the board coupled with her generosity, she has helped grant seven wishes and bring to life The Wishing Place, MakeA-Wish Connecticut’s home for hope and healing. From advancing healthcare, bringing people together and enriching communities to creating hope and making wishes come true, Robyn Whittingham is the epitome of a philanthropic leader.” — K R I S M O RA N , M A K E-A-W I S H CO N N ECT I CU T, D I R ECTO R O F M A R K E T I N G CO M M U N I CAT I O N S

INSPIRATION

“I lucked into a family that believed in giving back,” says Robyn Whittingham. “My in-laws, Jean and Tony Whittingham, were a true rags-to-riches story—first generation immigrants from Jamaica, who came to the U.S. in the early 1950s with nothing except hopes and dreams, when discrimination was rampant. Through constant hard work and perseverance, they built a great life here and shared the benefits of their strong work ethic with their communities. My husband and his brother continued the tradition, and now I, along with my son Adam and his wife Catalina, have the privilege of supporting

choose to be active and show their support, regardless of financial status or time constraints.”

causes that resonate with us. Make-A-Wish CT [which changes the lives of critically ill children and their families], The Ferguson Library, Mill River Park, the Palace and Avon theaters, and Stamford and Norwalk hospitals remain at the top of our list.”

HOPES & DREAMS

“My fervent wish is that my favorite nonprofits expand their outreach in our communities to help everyone find a small or big way to give back—adults, seniors and kids alike. We have such worthy organizations in Fairfield County that deserve our support,” says Whittingham. She hopes the long list of children waiting for wishes will have them granted through MakeA-Wish, and she emphasizes that it is community involvement that’s vital to making that happen.

COURAGE INTO ACTION

“I love my role on Make-A-Wish’s board, because there are literally dozens of ways I can contribute to their mission,” says Whittingham. “I volunteer at Ferguson Library’s bookshop and plan to help them build more community awareness of the importance of libraries in our lives. Anyone can

She adds, “Our libraries offer an incredible array of programs that many don’t know about. Mill River is a superlative city park. Stamford and Norwalk hospitals offer wellness programs for all ages and stages of life.”

O R G A N I Z AT I O N S

• MAKE-A-WISH, CT • FERGUSON LIBRARY • MILL RIVER PARK • THE PALACE & AVON THEATRES • STAMFORD & NORWALK HOSPITALS

Robyn Whittingham NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 WESTPORT

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Lucy Langley & Laura Delaflor O R G A N I Z AT I O N

INSPIRATION

THE UNDIES PROJECT

“Initially the inspiration came from me volunteering at Neighbor to Neighbor on the clothing distribution side,” says Lucy Langley, cofounder of The Undies Project. “I had a light-bulb moment when I was purchasing a bra for myself. I realized we didn’t get undergarment donations.” Langley’s friend Laura Delaflor, another active community volunteer in Greenwich, agreed they should be able to fill this gap in the donation market. “We both volunteered in the school system and with our kids,” says Delaflor. “When we became empty nesters, we thought, What are we going to do? We didn’t see ourselves going to coffee and lunches.” They pitched their Undies Project idea to various organizations and received resoundingly positive feedback. “When we saw how big the need was, we just wanted to help more people,” says Delaflor, who hails from Mexico and has a background in public relations; Langley, from England, brought a marketing background. The duo was unstoppable.

WORDS OF PRAISE “Running a nonprofit has meant countless hours building a stable of reliable volunteers, managing fiscal and fundraising operations, securing office and storage space, and working w ith manufacturers, all of which has led to an enormous expansion in the number of items The Undies Project is able to prov ide. Their impact on our community is utterly unrivaled for an organization that is only eight years old.” —JENNETTE LEAL

U N D I ES P ROJ ECT VO LU N T E E R

COURAGE INTO ACTION

“We now donate to over fiftythree organizations in the tristate area,” says Langley. “We’ve just hit over half a million donations of undergarments.” The pair constantly hears stories from the nonprofits they serve of tremendous gratitude from those in need. “A gentleman in Stamford had been homeless for four months. He had been in the same clothes with no shower for four months,” recounts Delaflor. “He walked into New Covenant, an organization we work with, and he couldn’t believe he was being handed a pack of clean underwear.” Langley adds, “It’s amazing how something as simple as that can put such a smile on someone’s face and make them feel human again. It gives them dignity.” By helping to fill a need for their clients, The Undies Project enables organizations to allocate more of their budgets to other areas, like food insecurity. “We’ve discovered clothing insecurity is a huge thing,” notes Langley. While some charities floundered during the pandemic, Langley and Delaflor decided to forge ahead. “It was great to be able to help during that time,” says Delaflor. Soon after, their organization took another big leap, renting space in the Diamond Hill Methodist Church.

HOPES & DREAMS

“We want to help as many people as we can,” says Delaflor. “We’d love for The Undies Project to be in every state.” Langley adds, “In the short-term, we are looking to expand our programs and our volunteer base. We would love to get more sponsorship. The more funds we can raise, the more underwear we can donate.”

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O R G A N I Z AT I O N

CURTIS SUMMER CAMP FUND WORDS OF PRAISE “Rob does a lot of work with local nonprofits. He really loves his community. Whether it’s serving as vice president of the Bridgeport Fire Commission or president of the board of trustees of Fairfield Country Day School, Rob is always happy to be involved. Through his own nonprofit, Curtis Summer Camp Fund, he sends deserving kids from Bridgeport to summer camp in Maine. Very few people know what he’s up to, and two weeks at this camp have a really big effect on these kids’ lives.”

Robert Russo

and teammates’ best interests as well as my own.” Russo also attended the summer camp that Curtis’s family ran in Maine, Camp Pinehurst, for ten years. There he enjoyed a classic summer camp in the great outdoors with a strong sense of community.

COURAGE INTO ACTION

“I was thrilled when my twin boys decided to go to Pinehurst when they were nine,” says Russo, “and it occurred to me that the Pinehurst experience was something I wanted to give to more children than just my own.” Russo put his altruistic idea into action and founded Curtis Summer Camp Fund three years ago. “We sent fourteen kids the first year and fifteen last year,” he says. “This past year we sent eighteen kids from St. Augustine’s school in the Hollow neighborhood of Bridgeport to Camp Pinehurst, each for a two-week session. They all had the exact same camp experience my boys had [and a few were in the same cabin]. They had an amazing time and brought as much to the camp as they got out of it.” Russo’s grandfather, Robert D. Russo, Sr., grew up across the street from St. Augustine’s and attended church there. “He taught us all the importance of generosity and supporting others,” recalls Russo. “It feels good to be doing a good thing in his old neighborhood.”

HOPES & DREAMS

“One of the things I love about the Curtis Summer Camp Fund is that it’s relatively simple,” says Russo. “I can raise $50,000 a year and send eighteen kids away to summer camp for a two-week session. How cool is that?” The school principals advise which kids are ready to go away to camp. “I hope to be able to grow and send even more kids, but I want to keep the process simple,” he notes. “I think it’s important for small nonprofits to maximize what they do with their donors’ money.”

— V I CTO R I A M I L L E R

ATTORNEY AT RUSSO & RIZIO

INSPIRATION

“I was inspired by John Curtis, who taught me for ten years at Fairfield Country Day,” says Rob Russo, founder of Curtis Summer Camp Fund. “He was such a large part of my life and had a profound impact on the man I turned out to be. He taught me how to lead and to prioritize my fellow students’ westportmag.com

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WORDS OF PRAISE “Circle of Care has provided over five million dollars in program services, giving patients and families the support they need from diagnosis, during treatment and throughout survivorship. Liz, since its inception, has never taken a salary, as she is devoted to providing these much-needed programs and services to this vulnerable population.” — L I SA W I L L I A M S, CIRCLE OF CARE

INSPIRATION

“The impetus for Circle of Care, which is now a thriving 501c3, was my two-and-a-half-year-old son’s cancer diagnosis in 2001,” says Liz Salguero. “We went to the hospital and didn’t go home for two weeks.” The Salgueros were far away from friends and family, in an unfamiliar urban setting, without even an overnight bag. Then they learned their little boy would face two and a half years of treatment. (Today he is a healthy, thriving twenty-four year old.) “That was the second sucker punch to the gut,” says Salguero. Two years later, she joined a support group and met another mom from Wilton going through the same ordeal. “We’d never met,” she says. “That was a glaring example of how incredibly isolating a pediatric cancer diagnosis is.” Circle of Care is Salguero’s way of ensuring no family going through this feels as alone as she did. “I get out of bed every day grateful for the ability to help one more family,” she says.

COURAGE INTO ACTION

In 2003, Salguero pitched her idea to the American Academy of Pediatrics of giving day-ofdiagnosis care packages and creating a parent-to-parent support group for families coping with pediatric cancer. “Our story is typical,” she says. “You go to the hospital and don’t go home. The care package includes essential items, like a toothbrush and toothpaste, and comfort items like a handmade, bright fleece blanket and our Purple Pages, edited by other parents, that includes resources for all stages of treatment, like wigs, alternative therapies, summer camps. So, on the first horrible day, someone who

has been through this reaches out to say, ‘We are here for you.’ ” Circle of Care delivered its first bags in 2004. It now has six full-time staff members and provides: Bags of Love care packages; a Lifeline Emergency Fund that provides non-medical needs assistance; Lifeline Parent Community support network; Art from the Heart, an in-home room makeover program; a volunteer program at Yale to support families in crisis; and an Adolescent and Young Adult program, connecting peers for emotional support and social outings—from beach volleyball games to a smash room event to “smash the heck out of” medical equipment. Circle of Care has reached over 3,000 families in Connecticut.

HOPES & DREAMS

“We have grown 400 percent in the last three years and just went through a rigorous strategic planning process to expand our services and regionalize to Westchester and southwestern Massachusetts,” says Salguero. “My hope is to ensure the sustainability of Circle of Care, so that it’s here long after I’m not.”

Liz Salguero O R G A N I Z AT I O N

CIRCLE OF CARE

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advertisers index ART

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EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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Ownership Statement Westport Magazine U.S. Postal Service. Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation. (Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685) 1. Publication Title: Westport. 2. Publication No.: 1941-9821. 3. Filing Date: October 1, 2023. 4. Issue Frequency: 6 times. 5. Number of Issues Published Annually: 6. 6. Annual Subscription Price: $19.95. 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 205 Main Street, Westport, CT 06880. 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor: Gabriella Mays, Publisher, 205 Main Street, Westport, CT 06880. Samantha Yanks, Editor, 205 Main Street, Westport, CT 06880. Samantha Yanks, Managing Editor, 205 Main Street, Westport, CT 06880. 10. Owner: Moffly Media. 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgages, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None. 12. For Completion by Nonprofit Organizations Authorized to Mail at Special Rates: Not applicable to Westport Magazine. 13. Publication Title: Westport. 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: September/October 2023. 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: a. Total Number of Copies (net press run): *5,887 **6,703; b(1). Paid/Requested Outside-County Mail Subscription Stated on Form 3541: *280 ** 283; b(2). Paid In-County Subscriptions: *1,067 **1,077; b(3). Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Non-USPS Paid Distribution: *513 **450; b(4). Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS: *84 **55; c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), (4): *1,944 **1,865; d. Free Distribution by Mail (Samples, Complimentary, and Other Free): d(1). Outside-County as Stated on Form 3541: *0 **0; d(2). In-County as Stated on Form 3541: *2,048 **1,970; d(3). Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS *0 **0; d(4). Free Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or Other Means): *1,427 **2,538; e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3), (4): *3,475 **4,508; f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e): *5,419 **6,373; g. Copies Not Distributed: *468 **330; h. Total (Sum of 15f, 15g): *5,887 **6,703; i. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (15c divided by 15f. times 100): *35.9 percent **29.3 percent. 17. This Statement of Ownership will be printed in the November/December 2023 issue of this Publication. 18. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on this form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including multiple damages and civil penalties). Elena V. Moffly, Business Manager/Treasurer, October 1, 2023. *Average No. Copies Each Issue During Proceeding 12 Months. **Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 WESTPORT

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endnote

A Love Letter To Westport by maxxwell crowley

went to Staples and also my friends who joined me at Prep. When I went to College at Loyola University in Maryland, I was shocked that when I would tell people I live in Westport they immediately knew of it. That was my first time really understanding how well-known our town was. As many kids do growing up in town, I thought, well—I am off to NYC after college and will likely never return to Westport. I was quite wrong. While I loved life in NYC, my friends and I would constantly find an excuse to get out of the city and come back to Westport on the weekends to enjoy Compo, Longshore and a break from City life. When COVID hit, I moved back to Westport with my wife Alex to live at home. After two years at home during the pandemic, Alex and I realized we didn’t want to leave. After a nine year career in NYC, I came back to work for my family’s real estate business, SCA Crowley, which just celebrated its 42nd anniversary in Westport. We moved into our new home on Riverside Avenue and quickly loved our life living Downtown. Randy Herbertson introduced me to the Westport Downtown Association which after one year I was elected to become the President! Being a part of this incredible organization shed an even deeper light as to what makes this town so great. Working with

the incredible merchants hosting fabulous events like Fine Arts Festival, and getting to build relationships with town officials and first responders you quickly realize what a special place Westport is. As Alex and I now look to start a family of our own, I feel lucky to be in a place like Westport and soon carry on a third generation of Westporters. We have many of our friends, some who grew up in Westport and others who will be new, who all have visited, and they too want to be out in Westport!

There are not enough words to describe what an extraordinary place Westport is. I feel lucky to call this place home and be a Westporter. Maxx Crowley, President SCA Crowley Real Estate & President of the Westport Downtown Association

PHOTO COURTESY OF MAXXWELL CROWLEY

ince the day I was born, I have been fortunate enough to call Westport home! I am technically a second-generation Westporter, as my father Steve Crowley was born and raised here as well. My parents moved into the house we still own on Roseville a year before I was born, and the rest was history. Growing up Westport was the ultimate playground, with summers at Compo Beach, going to school at Long Lots and Bedford, and winters sledding down the hills of Staples. I have always had a love for this incredible town. My first job, at 14 years old, was working for John Cooper at Longshore Golf Course; the “Caddyshack days at Longshore” as I like to call it! I got to know all the people in town, meet some of our celebrity neighbors, and work at one of the gems of our town. On the weekends, riding bikes from the far ends of Post Road East to Downtown with friends nothing was better. Downtown Westport was of course the cool place to hang out and yes, all the money I made at Longshore went to lunch at Onion Alley with my friends and ice cream at Ben & Jerrys. As I got older, I went to high school at Fairfield Prep but remained faithful to my Westport roots, keeping many of my friends who

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203.227.4343 | 47 RIVERSIDE AVE | WESTPORT | CT 06880

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