Westport Magazine, September/October 2018

20

YE ARS OF COVERING IT ALL

LOVE EAT SHOP PARTY SEPT/OCT 2018 | $5.95

. . . celebrate where you live

A N N I V E R S A R Y

I S S U E

At 60,

we needed a “little work” (just in time for our 60th Anniversary!)

NEWLY RENOVATED MEN'S DEPARTMENT & COMPLETELY REDESIGNED FITTING ROOMS & LOUNGE

5

NEW MEN'S BOUTIQUES ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA BRUNELLO CUCINELLI ATELIER MUNRO

15 EXPANDED COLLECTIONS

PETER MILLAR LORO PIANA

NEW MEN'S DESIGNERS JAMES PERSE

SWIMS

BALDWIN

ALTEA

CP COMPANY

AJMONE

STONE ISLAND

ASPESI

TINTORIA MATTEI

EDDY MONETTI

VASTRM

LARDINI

M. SINGER

BALDESSARINI

04651 | TRIP IN A BAG

ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA

SAMUELSOHN

BRUNELLO CUCINELLI

ATELIER MUNRO

LORO PIANA

ISAIA

BRIONI

PETER MILLAR

CANALI

4

NEWLY RENOVATED JEWELRY DEPARTMENT NEW JEWELRY DESIGNERS

EXPANDED COLLECTIONS

DAVID WEBB

KWIAT

TEMPLE ST. CLAIR

HOORSENBUHS

OSCAR HEYMAN

SYLVA & CIE.

MARIA CANALE

LOUIS NEWMAN

MARIANI

PASQUALE BRUNI

BAYCO

ALBERTO MILANI

NEWLY RENOVATED WOMEN'S DEPARTMENT

14

EXPANDED COLLECTIONS

BRUNELLO CUCINELLI THE ROW SAINT LAURENT CHLOƒ VALENTINO FENDI MANOLO BLAHNIK HENRY BEGUELIN ALEXANDER MCQUEEN NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD JIMMY CHOO

9

NEW WOMEN'S DESIGNERS THOM BROWNE

SAFIYAA

GABRIELA HEARST

RACHEL GILBERT

ROLAND MOURET

ASPESI

NILI LOTAN

LE KASHA

R13

ALEXANDRE BIRMAN AQUAZZURA GOLDEN GOOSE

Grand Re-Opening September 22nd

2x

SELECTION OF WOMEN'S SHOES & HANDBAGS

sixty

Magical Years

Join us Saturday, September 22nd for our Grand Re-Opening and Celebration of the people we've dressed, collaborated with and been inspired by during our first 60 years.

And we're just getting started...

CONTENTS SEPT/OCT 2018

You saw her growing up in Wilton. Now you have to catch the fabulous Abby Elliott on TV and the big screen.

FEATURES

106

Ten Teens to Watch

BY DIANE SEMBROT AND COLLEEN CROWLEY

They Grew Up Nicely

BY JILL JOHNSON

Twenty years ago they were teenagers with big plans. Now, they’re big-time movers and shakers. Mission accomplished.

126

Fashion

BY MEGAN GAGNON

Getting redcarpet ready with designers Erin Walsh, Kate Young, and Rob Zangardi & Mariel Haenn WESTPORT SEPT/OCT 2018, VOL. 20, NO. 5 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: Please 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 $44/1 year, $72/2 years.

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ABBY ELLIOTT BY DAVID NEEDLEMAN; ERIN WALSH, CONTRIBUTED; TEENS BY KYLE NORTON

122

Worried about the future? Rest easy.

A new crop of talented, ambitious, articulate and empowered local teens will reassure you.

Some watches tell time.

Some tell a story

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Architectural interpretation of an icon, letting light filter through the heart of its mechanics.

Grande Seconde Skelet-One Red Gold

CONTENTS SEPT/OCT 2018

29

love

DEPARTMENTS

Melissa Joan Hart challenges you to rethink one simple habit

16 | PRESIDENT’S LETTER 20 | PUBLISHER’S LETTER

29 | BUZZ

64

80 eat

shop

Pick up the looks that design pros say define local style

Melissa Joan Hart says #stopsucking Dr. Futoryan help post-summer skin Jack Mitchell wants a hug Mitchells fall fashions Todd von Ammon on art’s power 20 Small-business owners give tips Bill Harmer on evolving the library Carleigh Welsh on The Levitt Seniors advise their 20-year-old selves 20 Very Westport moments Andrea Rubin Graziano on college Dan Woog picks 20 unsung heroes

50 | SHOP

Fashion: Find your passion this fall

58 | GO

Clever packing The fun new Wrangler Emily Liebert’s winter escape

64 | HOME 5 designers define “Westport”

Rooms with a View

69 | DO

Ramin Ganeshram’s diversity goal Michael Barker on life-changing plays Mark Lamos on theater’s imperative Amanda Innes eyes emerging artists Leonard Everett Fisher picks legends Sandy Lefkowitz’s must-see movies 20 all-stars at Ridgefield Playhouse Fitness pros rock your routine

Must-know foodies and bartenders pick top drinks

80 | EAT Bartenders spill on top drinks

93 party Do good and have fun at luncheons, galas and celebrations

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Sours: Joe Farrell and Renzo KianKubota on the hot new craze Stephanie Webster on 20 foodies 20 donations the food pantry needs Rethinking your diet

90 | FINANCE FIX

Incremental wealth

93 | PEOPLE & PLACES 151 | INDEX OF ADVERTISERS 152 | DON’T MISS THIS

MELISSA JOAN HART AND FAMILY, SERENA & LILY AND BARTENDER CRAIG VENTRICE, CONTRIBUTED; GATSBY PARTY, CAROLINE O’KANE

24 | EDITOR’S LETTER

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VOL. 20 NO. 5

Y SEPT/OCT 2018

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Amy Vischio EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Cristin Marandino

editorial EDITOR

Diane Talbot Sembrot MARKET EDITOR

Megan Gagnon ADVISORY EDITOR

Donna Moffly EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Joey Macari BOOKS CORRESPONDENT

Emily Liebert CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Julee Kaplan–NEW CANAAN•DARIEN•ROWAYTON Camilla A. Herrera–STAMFORD COPY EDITORS

Meaghan Casey, Terry Christofferson, Kathy Satterfield CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Todd von Ammon, Colleen Crowley, Carol Leonetti Dannhauser, Kim-Marie Evans, Beth Cooney Fitzpatrick, Chris Hodenfield, Jill Johnson, Elizabeth Keyser, Nathan Tavares CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Kyle Norton EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

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

Jeffrey Evans, Rebecca Hoving, Molly Liebergall

art SENIOR ART DIRECTOR

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digital media DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER

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ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without express permission of the publisher. © 2018 Westport Magazine is a registered trademark owned by Moffly Media. The opinions expressed by writers commissioned for articles published by Westport Magazine are not necessarily those of the magazine.

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205 Main Street, Westport, CT 06880 phone: 203-222-0600 fax: 203-222-0937 mail@mofflymedia.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Lemuel Bandala, 203-571-1661, or email advertise@mofflymedia.com

CHEERS TO 20 YEARS

CONGRATULATIONS WESTPORT MAGAZINE!

J.P. J.P.FRANZEN FRANZEN ASSOCIATES ASSOCIATES

ARCHITECTS, ARCHITECTS,P.C. P.C.

203 203259 2590529 0529 www.franzenarchitects.com www.franzenarchitects.com

PRESIDENT From the

Then and Now IN 1997 WE HAD A DREAM TO START A NEW

publication. Ten months later Westport magazine was born. Our mission was to make the community an even better place for residents to enjoy life here, to enhance the sense of togetherness and to help local businesses thrive. Twenty years later our goal remains the same, even if the world is a whole lot more complicated. Every year technological evolution means more options that compete for our attention, more offers of things to do, and more opportunities to invest our time. These past twenty years have reshaped the landscape of all our lives— and for the regional magazine business, as for publishing in general, it has been transformative.

16

WESTPORTMAG.COM

In 1998 media consumption and advertising spending focused primarily on print, radio and TV. The internet was at its mass market beginnings, with website addresses put in advertisements and web browsers added to operating systems; the dotcom boom was just getting underway. Traditional media was slow to embrace it. How did we first publicly announce that the magazine was launching? We proclaimed it on a sign attached to a 1917 Roadster in the Westport Memorial Day parade. We followed up with a second splash just before the Fourth of July fireworks on a long streamer tailing a biplane that circled over Compo Beach.

It read: “Westport magazine coming this September!” In 1998 there was hardly a digital communication beep from us or a smartphone anywhere. But by 1999 we had a website and our digital story had begun to unfold.

Change kept coming. Technology has made magazine production vastly easier with many efficiencies. Westport started only as a print magazine—and, at that time, regional magazines were expensive endeavors to create, print, distribute and market with long production and delivery times. At Westport’s launch, a special courier service was required to physically get the materials to the printer; now it’s a click and a few seconds to upload, and never a weather delay. Onerous color proofing and file-checking processes have been replaced with digital tools. And for photography, a billion stock images are now at our fingertips, although, of course, great local journalism requires local photographers to capture the real images of the community.

While one could now create a magazine on an iPhone, with printed copies delivered the next day—instant magazine!—for practically nothing, we believe journalism takes time, effort and significant investment

to be worthy of your attention and your trust.

That is the foundation of Westport magazine.

And it is more. We bring people together.

For example, we host events: Best of the Gold Coast, Light a Fire, Women in Business and more. We also connect people by supporting many life-changing charitable events.

Additionally, we connect people through our digital properties: social media, mobile browsing, email and websites. Our followers voice opinions, stay up to date, connect with one another, find answers and get inspired.

Today’s complex regional media business makes this field more interesting than ever.

We connect through thoughtfully created print pages, face-to-face get-togethers and a myriad of digital options—and you choose the one that best suits the interaction and information you want. We were first to market in digital editions and in responsive design, and regularly we are beta testers and early adopters of various software. We embrace technology to serve you better.

One thing has not changed over the years: the importance of people in our lives, our community and our business. In 1998 we made a great sales executive hire for Westport magazine: Gabriella Mays. In fact, after her interview, we were so sure about her that Associate Publisher Caren Hart ran into the parking lot to tell Gabriella that she was hired.

She quickly sought additional challenges and rose to publisher with perseverance and passion for our community. Also, Editor Diane Sembrot, an eighteen-year veteran, a wellspring of ideas and a devotee of the community, brings Westport to life. Our team, our readers, our digital users and our advertisers are the soul of our business, and our community. To that, we remain ever true.

WILLIAM TAUFIC

JONATHAN MOFFLY

Gault Family Companies

congratulates Westport Magazine on

20 YEARS!

WESTPORT 203.227.5181

Meredith Donaher, Marketing Director and 6th generation Gault family member on the premier 1998 issue

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PUBLISHER From the

GABRIELLA MAYS

Twenty Years of Covering It All in 1998, I knew that Westport and our other special, neighboring towns of Weston and Wilton would offer a wide range of topics to write about. Looking back over the past twenty years, the rich diversity of compelling subjects we have addressed has been amazing.

From our famous artists and entertainers to the exceptional accomplishments of our lesser-known neighbors, and from our extraordinary cultural venues that are the envy of other communities to our treasured outdoor recreational sites, we have addressed and celebrated them all. And yes, even the serious issues that have risen up from time to time and challenged us as well. Our special twentieth anniversary cover captures many of our most important stories. I think you’ll enjoy seeing them, so take a look, and enjoy a trip down memory lane for reminders of our remarkable recent history.

Through the years, we have been guided by our unwavering mission to provide our readers and advertisers with a magazine that reflects the highest standards of production quality and editorial integrity. We are committed to these standards as we move toward an exciting future. A future that will undoubtedly be as full of changes as over the past two decades. Whether it be further initiatives to modernize town buildings 20

WESTPORTMAG.COM

and design, new advancements that impact our daily lives, or personal stories that will surprise and move us, Westport magazine will continue to be there to cover it all.

We thank all of our loyal readers and advertisers, especially those of you who have supported Westport magazine from the very beginning. In turn, we pledge to continue to support you as well by volunteering to work with town civic and cultural organizations, sponsoring charitable events, assisting local charities, and creating innovative signature events. Further, we will continually investigate ways to evolve our print and online products to meet the changing needs of those we serve.

Finally, I would like to thank our talented Westport magazine team for the depth of dedication and high level of performance that they contribute day in and day out.

I am proud to work with them. And on a personal note, I am proud of what we have accomplished since we first began twenty years ago. It has been an unforgettable journey.

LAUREN PELTZMAN SADKIN

WHEN WE LAUNCHED WESTPORT MAGAZINE

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE

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EDITOR’S Letter

DIANE SEMBROT

FOR OUR TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY,

Art Director Katie Conte with intern Becky Hoving

Intern Molly Liebergall with Editorial Assistant Joey Macari

Cheers to the Crew!

Pulling together an anniversary issue means all hands on deck!

Our creative team, including Art Director Katie Conte, Editorial Assistant Joey Macari, and interns Becky Hoving, Molly Liebergall and Jeffrey Evans (not pictured) devoted a summer’s worth of brainstorming, emails, phone calls, photo shoots, interviews, fact-checking and more to help round obstacles and sail this issue across the finish. Thank you!

24

WESTPORTMAG.COM

I wanted to do what I try to do every issue: celebrate the community that comprises Westport, Weston and Wilton. It would have made a lot of sense to dive into the magazine’s history—the people we’ve interviewed, the gardens and homes we’ve photographed at peak perfection, the many galas and parties we’ve covered, as well as the many store openings we’ve featured and restaurants we’ve reviewed (I have such a tough job, I know). It also would have been an opportunity to profusely thank the incredibly skilled, devoted and townproud writers and photographers who have shared their talents through the years. They have been integral to our story over the last two decades and it would have been a lot of fun to reminisce. Yet, ultimately, I made the decision to share town pride, show gratitude to our contributors and underscore the magazine’s mission by keeping the attention on you now.

Our team dug in by asking about specific topics, from Westport’s signature drink to the unexpected connection between Dante and climate change. Speaking of which, thanks to the Westport Arts Center for introducing me to art critic Todd von Ammon. He contributed a piece on art’s unique position to confront today’s environmental crisis. Also, no one chases down leads like writer Jill Johnson, so I asked her to interview a handful of locals

who were teenagers or even younger when this magazine was founded. Their stories prove how much can be accomplished in twenty years. They propelled themselves far forward and achieved astonishing success. They won’t be the last. A new class of high schoolers from Westport, Weston and Wilton is moving up. Inside, meet ten whose intelligence and openness reveal insights about this generation.

When we asked Design Within Reach (DWR) if we could hold the teen photo shoot at its bright and modern store in Westport, DWR said, “Sure!” Same, too, when we tapped the new Whip Salon on the shoulder and asked if their stylists wanted to handle hair and makeup. The reply: “Fun!” That’s just the way our townspeople are. Again and again, we heard, “Yes!” People helped because they love our community as much as we at the magazine do. Their contributions make for a diverse and beautiful issue. It doesn’t include everything or everyone that might be expected in a celebratory lineup, but that’s what future issues are for. We’re already working on the next one. Stick with us, and we’ll keep covering what matters to you.

Best wishes,

Have an idea? Let me know! diane.sembrot@moffly.com

DIANE SEMBROT BY WILLIAM TAUFIC; INSETS BY GARVIN BURKE

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BUZZ status report

#STOPSUCKING • SKINCARE • MITCHELLS • VON AMMON • BUSINESS TIPS • THE LIBRARY • LEVITT • WISE WRITERS • ONLY HERE • COLLEGE PREP • HEROES

Get Real by emily liebert

Melissa Joan Hart has a message for us all: #stopsucking

P

lastic straws are in nearly every beverage we drink at restaurants.

They’re dunked in cocktails at the bar. And our kids are using them in sippy cups and boxed juices. They’re a part of our everyday life.

So much so that most people don’t realize that they are a detriment to our environment. They significantly pollute land and sea on a global scale; in fact, it’s predicted that by the year 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean. In an effort to reverse this destruction, actress and Westporter Melissa Joan Hart is leading the cause to eradicate the use of plastic straws.

She’s launching her grassroots effort in this small town we call home.

WHAT IS THE #STOPSUCKING CAMPAIGN, AND WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT? “About two years ago, the actor Adrian Grenier, who cofounded the @lonelywhale movement, made me aware of all the plastic straws globally.

I started seeing them everywhere—even on the beaches in Punta Cana and at the seaside in Cardiff,

Wales. Straws are too light to be recycled and are used pointlessly in almost every restaurant.

They are adding to the pollution of the Long Island Sound and the oceans and waterways around the world.”

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO SPEARHEAD THIS WORTHWHILE CAUSE? “After a few years of being hyperaware of straws

CONTRIBUTED

#STOPSUCKING

Ready to take the challenge of not sucking?

Save marine life by challenging your friends and social-media followers to #StopSucking.

Get details on how to challenge, share and track at stopsucking.strawlessocean.org.

being used in every glass of water and iced tea I drink, I was sick of seeing them. It’s not always easy to remember to ask them to skip the straw.

So, I decided that I could use my social-media platform to at least help motivate our small town of Westport into action.

I’m proposing to local vendors and restaurants that I—along with other local influencers and mothers who are very active on social media— will post about their commitment to the cause if they’ll agree to abandon plastic straws in favor of more environmentally friendly options. This includes straws that are stainless steel—which can be cleaned like

utensils—paper, and biodegradable.”

way we did with reusable shopping bags.”

HOW CAN FAIRFIELD COUNTY RESIDENTS BECOME INVOLVED?

WHAT CHANGES CAN LOCAL RESTAURANTS IMPLEMENT TO DO THEIR PART?

“Residents can make it a habit, when they order a drink at a restaurant, to ask their server to leave out the straw. Another step my family takes is to eliminate kid cups with lids. It’s a simple enough adjustment that can create a huge difference in the cleanliness of our global waterways. It may seem inconvenient at first, but we have to make it our new normal routine, the

“Restaurant owners and managers can forgo plastic straws for steel, paper and biodegradable varieties. They can offer straws ‘by request only,’ which will keep their costs down as well. I also love the idea of coffee shops allowing locals to bring their own mugs or donate mugs to a bin that regular customers can take home to enjoy their hot beverages

CELEBRATING

20 YEARS

• SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 WESTPORT 29

BUZZ

About Face

Melissa Joan Hart and Mark Wilkerson with their three sons

and then return when they can. In reaching out to restaurants in our area, I’ve learned that many—The Whelk, Jesup Hall, The Cottage, OKO and Terrain— have started initiatives to cut out plastic straws. I’m working on growing that list considerably and rallying our community to do the same.”

ARE THERE MILESTONE GOALS YOU’VE SET IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE? “My goal right now is to get Westport to commit to going straw-free without waiting for our representatives to write a law about it. It’s common sense that we need to rid our world of singleuse plastics. As a town we were among the first to ban plastic bags, so I feel we need to spearhead the #stopsucking movement.

Cities all around the world, including Brisbane, Australia—where they banned straws and balloons among other plastics—and soon New York City, are all joining the effort. As an environmentally aware town, we can make this happen right here at home and then expand to a state and nationwide level, even worldwide. It’s time Westport committed to #stopsucking Hey, if saving our oceans isn’t reason enough, straws are also terrible for creating wrinkles around your mouth!”

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E

njoy your sun-kissed summer glow and be smart about skin health.

As the season wanes, you can choose from plenty of professional treatment and product options to mitigate possible skin damage.

“Post-summer skin is usually dry and full of sun-related pigmentation, such as brown spots and freckles,” says Dr. Tanya Futoryan, a Board Certified Dermatologist and a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology (FAAD). Over the last twenty years, since opening her practice, Westport Dermatology and Laser

Center (westportderm.com), she and her team have been designing treatment programs to address damage to the skin from ultraviolet radiation, or photodamage.

“We carefully listen to the patient’s concerns and formulate an individualized treatment plan specific to the patient’s needs and goals. These plans may vary based on age, skin type and extent of sun exposure,” she says. “In-office procedures include KTP vascular laser and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) to reduce redness and brown spots, as well as Clear + Brilliant Laser and

Laser Genesis to improve skin texture, fine lines and wrinkles, and boost collagen production; CO2 laser for severely sun-damaged skin.” She chooses the best one after assessing each patient’s specific issues and expectations.

Not all plans include a procedure. For example, Dr. Futoryan’s own personal routine relies on products: “My postsummer skincare consists of a pigment corrector, such as hydroquinone or nonhydroquinone-based lightening agents, such as vitamin C, arbutin and kojic acid, which will lighten dark spots and brighten the skin.

I also use an antioxidant or peptide serum to fight free radicals. Lastly, for hydration, I use a hydrating serum or moisturizer, such as my Advanced Skin Science Hydraserum or Restore cream. These products hydrate skin and plump fine lines and wrinkles. Also, as any dermatologist will tell you, daily use of sunscreen is an essential part of any skincare regimen. My favorite is our All In One, which is a tinted, chemical free, broadspectrum sunscreen.”

—Joey Macari

FAMILY PORTRAIT BY COLLEEN COFFEY; FUTORYAN, CONTRIBUTED

A pro's advice for finding the post-summer skincare plan that works for you

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BUZZ

Passing the

Hug Test Jack Mitchell’s latest book

CONTRIBUTED IMAGES

H

ow many times have you walked into a store or a restaurant and nobody greets you? Nobody says thank you and nobody cares about you?” Jack Mitchell asks. “This is what the book is all about— how we care, and really hustle.”

Selling the Hug Your Customers Way, released this past June, is the latest book from the chairman of the Mitchells family of stores. He’s a fixture at Mitchells in Westport, where you can catch him with his tailor’s measuring tape around his neck as he helps customers when he’s not giving motivational speeches around the country.

Easy to laughter, Jack speaks often about caring and warmth. It’s no shocker that sales with a generous helping of soul is the topic of his third how-to tome.

Where his previous best-selling books, Hug Your Customers and Hug Your People, focused on building relationships with customers and employees, respectively, his latest release homes in on his signature process of getting to know customers to boost sales. He breaks his technique down into five stages—making the connection, decoding the mission, show and share, allowing the buy and the kiss goodbye— with a sixth bonus stage for good measure, since he’s all about going the extra mile.

shares his secrets on sales with heart Sure, Jack has been, first and foremost, a salesman since joining the family business in 1969, eleven years after his father, Ed, and mother, Norma, founded the first Ed Mitchells store in Westport. But what you don’t hear other salespeople talk a lot about—perhaps because they’re too busy trying to strong-arm you into buying something—is creating a culture of caring.

That’s the magic of the “hug” as Jack puts it, which is any act that helps a customer realize that the salesperson actually cares about their needs and doesn’t just see them as a walking dollar sign. Even acts as small as helping customers take bags to their cars or opening the store early so a customer can pick up his new suit before work creates an environment of trust and warmth.

Which is not to say that Jack is solely in the business of handing out free hugs.

Caring is good business, leading to repeat customers and long-lasting relationships— something he credits as essential to the brand’s success over the past sixty years.

As for why more of Mitchells’ hugging culture is needed right now, all you have to do is switch on the news. “Beyond selling, the warmth and the joy and the value of getting to know people in a personalized way and doing special things for them is really what I think a lot of the country needs,” Jack says. “The world needs more huggers than they do haters.” He understands the power of doing good.

—Nathan Tavares CELEBRATING

20 YEARS

MAKE THE SALE IN ANY BUSINESS 1

MAKE A CONNECTION

“Learn how to make a great first connection that engages customers immediately and keeps them coming back.”

2

DECODE THE MISSION Determine what customers want and how to fulfill their needs. “Reading nonverbal signs,” says Jack, “is more important than merely asking, 'Can I help you?’ ” 3

SHOW AND SHARE

Instead of a hard sales pitch, engage the customer in a genuine conversation. It forms a personal connection.

4

ALLOW THE BUY

Establish trust and customers feel they’re making the decisions.

5

THE KISS GOODBYE

Make sure the customer leaves feeling valued and special. Follow up to create a customer for life.

Just in! Turn the page to see what's in store this fall.

• SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 WESTPORT 33

BUZZ

Fall Fashion Mitchells reveals the season's must-have designer looks for day and night

Mitchells is celebrating its sixtieth anniversary this fall. Over the years, locations, and new lines from design powerhouses—Mitchells remains the family business has consistently delivered the latest styles from the committed to the freshest looks. Here's what Andrew Mitchell-Namdar, biggest names in fashion. While much has changed—new generations and vice president of marketing and creative services, is eyeing now.

2

NILI LOTAN FOR HIS LOOK ON HER

“Feminine tailoring with fabrics borrowed from the boys is always an important message for us. This fall we are looking forward to being all buttoned up in doublebreasted blazers. Nili’s version is one of our favorites! We are thrilled to welcome Nili Lotan to Mitchells.”

3

ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA FOR HIS PAIRINGS

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MICHAEL KORS FOR PATTERN PLAY

“We love the way Michael Kors mixed prints and patterns this season. This look truly personifies personal styling at its best.”

WESTPORTMAG.COM

“The Ermenegildo Zegna Collection mixes the finest fabrics and expert tailoring with unexpected elements, like sporty details and relaxed silhouettes. We encourage our customers to mix and match casual pieces with more traditional ones for a look that feels fresh and modern.”

4 BRUNELLO CUCINELLI FOR DETAILS

“The master of casual elegance entices with luxurious layering and texture—and shine. Cashmere with paillettes paired with liquid silk knife pleats in the richest petrol blue is the best way to arrive at any party. The sweater leaves just enough to the imagination, with a surprise in the back.”

ALL IMAGES CONTRIBUTED BY BRANDS

NOBLE PURSUIT Sophisticated layers for day

BUZZ

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SCENE STEALER Dramatic and bold style for night

AKRIS FOR A STATEMENTMAKING LOOK

“Straight from the runway, this graphic blackand-white striped coat from Akris manages to make a bold statement while still being super chic.”

7 5

VALENTINO FOR EYECATCHING EVENT BAG

L'AGENCE FOR A LUXE LITTLE BLACK DRESS

“Leopard has become a staple print, and we are happy to see it prominently featured in the fall collections.

This dress from L’Agence is a great alternative to a classic LBD and is just as versatile.”

8 IT’S A PARTY!

“Valentino’s signature rockstud bags show no sign of slowing down.

This season, the cross-body shape is reinterpreted with quirky embroidery.”

JIMMY CHOO FOR FOOTWEAR FANATICS

“It’s all in the details for accessories this fall. Intricate lacing up the sides adds an edge to classic black booties from Jimmy Choo.”

Join the fun as Mitchells celebrates its sixtieth anniversary and its store renovation. The community party, open to the public, takes place on Saturday, September 22, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Dress to impress and head to 670 Post Rd. E., Westport, 203-227-5165; find more details online at shop.mitchellstores.com.

CELEBRATING

20 YEARS

• SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 WESTPORT 35

BUZZ

Defining the Finite by todd von ammon

W

hen asked to curate a show about climate change at the Westport Arts Center, my reflex was a combination of defensiveness and self-doubt. Overtly political art, I thought, was ineffective at best (not enough people see it), and hypocritical at worst. I have no illusions that economic growth is public enemy No. 1 in our battle to save the climate, and what is the art market if not the icing on the cake of global capitalism?

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I began to recruit a list of my favorite artists who are concerned about the survival of the planet, but my queasiness persisted.

As I write, First Nations communities in Canada and the United States are losing their treaty-protected lands to big oil and gas. Underserved communities near hydraulic fracturing mines are developing cancer much more frequently because of poisonous drinking water. The global energy market—and

its insatiable need for growth and profit—is winning its war with the planet. Despite ample evidence that renewable energy sources will not only mitigate the release of carbon in the atmosphere, but also create jobs and improve public health, there’s no evidence that the growth of extractive energy production (oil and gas) is stopping, or even slowing down. Postmodern philosopher Fredric Jameson once said that he can more easily picture the end of the world than the end of capitalism. These words seem more relevant today than ever.

The logic of my cynicism was faulty. It included exchange value as a necessary component in the equation.

Good artwork and its exchange value have zero correlation. I pondered what good artwork does and concluded that it does what markets do not and cannot. Successful artwork has no conscience, and by serving no other purpose than to refer back to itself and its content perpetually, it transcends the turbulence of the present, terrestrial moment. No financial instrument can achieve such profundity.

“Paradise” (the show’s title) gets its name from “Paradiso”

by Dante Alighieri. In the third part of “The Divine Comedy,” Dante travels through space.

Upon entering the Eighth Sphere (The Fixed Stars), the narrator sees Earth and “smiles at its scrawny image” (Canto XXII). Dante meditates on the sheer scrawniness of our precious home and the virtue of acknowledging our insignificance.

About 650 years later, the first composite image of Earth, captured by the ATS-3 satellite, was released. It made the cover of the first edition of the Whole Earth Catalog (a counterculture publication promoting self-sufficiency, ecology and holism) and was a major catalyst in the growth of the modern environmental movement. The Blue Marble was taken a few years later by astronauts on the Apollo 17 mission and became one of the most reproduced images in human history. Neither polemic nor moralistic, the image merely revealed an uncomplicated truth: Earth is not the sum of its useful parts.

Rather, it is an organism in itself, made up of unstoppable flows of energy that are profoundly larger than man, yet profoundly small relative to the cosmos.

CONTRIBUTED

The world of art takes on global climate change

BUZZ

Curated by Todd von Ammon Sept. 14–Nov. 9 Reception with curator on Fri., Sept. 14 at 6 p.m.

Westport Arts Center

ARTISTS Benjamin Bertocci Edward Burtynsky Julian Charrière Carl Cheng Ryan Estep Damien Hirst Roni Horn Katja Novitskova Dominic Nurre Pat O’Neill Max Hooper Schneider Paul Thek Julia Wachtel David Wojnarowicz Guan Xiao

GALLERIES & STUDIOS Mary Boone Jeffrey Deitch Hauser & Wirth High Line Art Philip Martin (Los Angeles) P.P.O.W. Société Berlin (Berlin) Team Gallery Cade Tompkins (Providence) Dominic Nurre Studio (Brooklyn) Ryan Estep Studio (Brooklyn) Carl Cheng Studio (Santa Monica)

More at westportartscenter.org

Ultimately, I decided that the best way to make a show about the climate was to find artists who are doing what Dante or those astronauts did: Look at the earth. By contemplating Earth—and humanity’s tenure on it— artists can reach conclusions that scientists cannot. Human influence has indelibly changed our planet for worse.

How does this feel? Due to human influence, the forests, beaches, animals and cities that we take for granted will soon be gone forever, surviving only in photographs and digital archives. How does this feel?

Contemporary geologists have proposed the coining of a new epoch: The Anthropocene. With varying start dates (some argue for the dawn of the Agricultural Revolution; some for the Trinity Test of 1945; some for the advanced stages of anthropogenic climate change), it is the geological epoch following the Holocene and defined by widespread and pervasive human influence on Earth. One could argue that in the twenty-first century, not a square inch of it has yet to be touched by human influence.

Roni Horn’s large-scale photography install—the most expansive piece in “Paradise” —evokes the concept of the Anthropocene with the artist’s typical poetic clarity: A human portrait is interspersed within a long sequence of images of hot springs, the geological and

the anthropomorphic sharing the same scale and context.

Paul Thek’s “Earth Men from 1975” depicts a different facet of the Anthropocene: three figures sporting business

a little lighter? With too much philosophical distance, one risks overlooking the miserable loss of natural life by way of anthropogenic climate change. The problems we face

“By contemplating Earth— and humanity’s tenure on it— artists can reach conclusions that scientists cannot.” suits carry globes on their shoulders instead of heads—a grotesque transposition of The Blue Marble photograph, which Thek lovingly appropriated at different points in his career.

Ryan Estep is focusing on a staggeringly ambitious project—cultivating an in-studio wheat field. The plants contain human DNA. Contemporary art’s ability to communicate contradictory (and often opposite) points simultaneously allows it to negotiate the wonder, terror and melancholy of climate change with forceful perceptibility. Consider David Wojnarowicz’s photograph from 1990, titled “What is this little guy’s job in the world,” which depicts a tiny frog on a human hand. In similarly tiny text, the photograph contains a list of questions: If this little guy dies, does the world know? Does the world feel this? Does something get displaced? If this little guy dies, does the world get

CELEBRATING

20 YEARS

today are unequivocally due in large part to humankind’s grotesque pursuit of money, property, prestige and comfort—or, more simply, economic growth.

“Paradise” includes darker talismans: Damien Hirst’s “Carnage,” a canvas coated in hundreds of thousands of dead flies; Dominic Nurre’s recent sculptures of appropriated animal taxidermy; Carl Cheng’s “Supply and Demand,” a contained, man-made food chain complete with flies, Venus flytraps and soil—lest we forget that most of the problems we face as a global community have to do with rapacious, rapid consumption of woefully finite resources.

When we make, think about and look at art, we’re not doing much else. So, barring major changes in the economy, those of us in the art world can spend more time as makers or viewers. Art creates discourse; when engaged in debate, we aren’t consuming resources.

• SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 WESTPORT 37

BUZZ

Big Advice owners break down the four laws of small-business success

Ever think of opening your own store? If you’re a Westporter, you probably have—the number of small businesses certainly suggests so. Westport magazine, itself part of a small business, approached twenty local owners and asked them to share insights about what they have learned from

1

PARTNER WISELY Jamie Camche

“Choose really good people and compensate them well. Make sure you select good people to work with in order to help build your business,” says Jamie Camche, owner of JL Rocks, a jewelry boutique that has been in business in Westport since 2001. “They represent a significant part of your success. Once you find them, compensate them well.”

Hiring people is one thing. Bringing on a partner is an even deeper commitment—and more

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complex. “If you choose to have a business partner, it is really helpful to have different strengths but a similar work ethic,” advises Kelley Frey, who is business partners (and friends) with Shereen Koshnoodi of Fred Sip & Shop, a fashion store which they opened in Westport in 2017.

Businesses, both young and long-established, also need to focus outward, and keep an eye on their relationship with the town in general. “Become a part of the community, whether it is partnering with a local charity to host its event or using local restaurants and vendors to provide services,” advises Amy Cesaratto, co-owner of Westport’s Southern Tide. The preppy clothing shop is rooted in the South, with a location in Playhouse Square that opened this year. “It’s a win for both businesses.”

Savannah Bee Company,which sells premium honey and honey-based products, also started in the South (we’ll let you guess where) before opening a shop in Bedford Square.

“Benefit and engage your community at large,” says store manager Julie Cook.

opening and running a shop in town. Some places have been ringing the till for decades, others could be counted in months, yet all agree on certain principles. We’ve grouped them into a crib sheet to guide fast-track entrepreneurs. Get ready to hang that welcome sign.

2 PUT CUSTOMERS FIRST “It’s extremely important for smallbusiness owners to deliver exceptional customer service,” says John Green, president of Lux Bond & Green, which sells fine jewelry. “Big brands can get away with OK service, but as small-business owners, to compete, we have to be smarter and better than nationally known stores.”

Other locals agree that customer service is paramount.

“Always treat your customers well,” says independent jewelry designer Ronit Tarshis, who founded the brand Lera Jewels in 2012 (online she lists local retailers who carry her pieces).

She adds that excellent customer service provides the extra benefit of positive word-ofmouth marketing.

Corri Neckritz also went into

business in 2012.

She opened her brick-andmortar shop with the catchy name, Groove.

“Be present in your business,” she advises entrepreneurs.

“I’m in my store on a daily basis getting to know my customers. I work hard to build relationships with them and also my employees.”

Natalie Toraty, owner of Noya—a jewelry store that opened in 2015— agrees. To attract shoppers, she suggests: “Stay true to your mission and your voice.”

Corri Neckritz

“Your ingenuity will come through and customers will follow,” adds her business partner Renée Segal Sarfaty. “Surround yourself with your community.

Embrace your town’s culture and life. It’s your home too.”

WHAT WORKS FOR YOUR BUSINESS? DON'T BE TOO PROUD TO CHALLENGE YOURSELF ON YOUR APPROACH, AS YOU MIGHT FIND THERE'S A BETTER WAY. —AMY PAL, WHIP SALON

JAMIE CAMCHE PHOTO BY DEBRA SOMERVILLE; CORRI NECKRITZ, STEVEN PAN

20 Westport shop

MELISSA LEVY BY MELANI LUST; BESPOKE DESIGNS PHOTO BY NICOLE DETONE; ALL OTHERS, CONTRIBUTED

BUZZ

3

4 PASSION

SEEK LIFE/WORK BALANCE

Every small business is rooted in its owner’s drive—that belief in what it has to offer. Tina Dragone opened the doors of her local fashion boutique in 1999, and she boils down those nearly twenty years of experience to this takeaway: “Come from your heart. It’s got to be your passion. And always sell the customer right.”

Even newer businesses pick up on this thread.

Melissa Levy—designer of the jewelry brand Devon Woodhill, which launched in 2015—says, “Have a strong point of view and don’t deviate. Know who and what you are and develop that across all you do. You can’t be everything to everyone, so be you.”

Annette Norton agrees on this point. Her gift shop celebrates its first year in October. “As a mom, wife and local independent retailer at Savvy + Grace of Westport, I find the most important rule to go by is to keep it real.”

“If your vision is something you believe in, don’t be dissuaded by the fact that it may take time,” says Shereen Koshnoodi, of Fred.

“Stay positive, remember why you believed so passionately about the business in the first place, and keep going.”

“You can’t do it all by yourself,” says Faye Kim, owner of Faye Kim Designs, the jewelry boutique she founded in 2012. “Surround yourself with authentic people who have your back; make lists; and prioritize.”

This advice carries over to life outside of work.

“The best choice I made as a smallbusiness owner was not expanding or growing too quickly. It allowed me to balance my work and life,” says Amy Pal, owner of Whip Salon, which opened this year in Westport's Bedford Square.

“My children were, and always will be, my priority. Having control over my business allowed me to be a parent

first and foremost.

It’s easy to get stuck in routine for the sake of it.

So, don’t just do things because it’s how you’ve always done them or, even worse, because everyone else is.”

Running a business and looking after a family take energy.

“Take a break sometimes,” says Laura Laboissonniere, who opened her Pure Barre studio in 2013 and Elliptica, a second fitness studio, this year in Fairfield. “My best ideas come on a vacation and not in the day-to-day grind, or when I am stepping away from the business for a few days, so I can clear my head and recharge. Self-care is essential.”

+ PAY ATTENTION “Whether shopping for a single shirt or the whole look, understanding the needs of the client and providing the unique shopping experience are what I am after: great service, attention to detail and the atmosphere that makes them return for a catch-up, a drink and another order later.” —Stephen Kempson, bespoke clothier and owner of Stephen Kempson London, which opened in Westport in 2017

NEW IN STORE

RUNNING A SMALL BUSINESS TAKES PASSION FOR THE PRODUCT. HERE’S WHAT THEY LOVE!

TAKE NOTE

Bespoke Designs fine stationery

“Being an entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart. You must have courage and conviction in your vision. I have found it invaluable to have a solid group of advisors for counsel and support on the journey.”

—Shari Lebowitz, owner of Bespoke Designs, opened in Westport in 2017

Ippolita Cherish ring, 18K gold and diamonds

TIME TO SHINE

Lux Bond & Green fine jewelers “It’s important for small-business owners to be involved in their community so the residents really get to know who they are.”

—John Green, president of the fine jewelry store Lux Bond & Green, which opened in 1898. With six locations, the family-owned business is in its fourth, going on fifth, generation of leadership.

SWEET TOUCH

Savannah Bee honey and honeybased products

—Julie Cook, manager at Savannah Bee Company, which opened its second location in Westport in 2017.

Melissa Levy

CELEBRATING

“Leave a positive impact by supporting, donating, sharing and collaborating to make Westport the vibrant town that it is.”

20 YEARS

• SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 WESTPORT 39

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BUZZ

Chapter The Next

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Executive Director Bill Harmer

U

ntil the Westport Library’s renovations are completed in 2019, Westporters can look forward to the inaugural Saugatuck StoryFest, a product of collaboration between the library and Westport Public Schools. The three-day celebration of writing, from October 12 to 14, combines a townwide multidisciplinary literary festival with a craftfocused, workshop-based writers' conference.

Boasting visual-arts exhibits, a “Lit Crawl,” a mini-BookCon and dozens of authors, radio hosts, composers and television producers, StoryFest is a hub of both literary icons and young writers on the rise.

Plus, Westober Fest—a townwide event featuring delicious food, drinks and sidewalk entertainment—takes

on the edge of its evolution

place the same weekend. So it’s sure to be a weekend for the books, so to speak.

This fall also celebrates the halfway point of the library’s two-year, $20.8 million renovation project. We reached out to Executive Director Bill Harmer to get an inside look at the major advancements coming to the organization.

For starters, visitors will eventually be able to enjoy the library's renovated café, which will be expanded threefold and have indoor and outdoor seating with unparalleled views of the Saugatuck. The eatery will also have a revamped menu, so you can sample a wide array of sandwiches, salads, snacks and beverages while nose-deep in the latest best-seller.

When you're ready to look up from that book and try something new, head to The Forum. Harmer and his team are especially excited for patrons to enjoy this flexible, multipurpose space, which will be built on the main floor and can accommodate up to 650 people.“Imagine a space where one night you can attend a lecture, concert or film screening with hundreds of other community members, and the next morning come to the library to meet your book group at a small table.” This

GUS CANTAVERO JR.

Westport Library enjoys the view

BUZZ space, at the core of the new library, will always be changing.

Another communal meeting spot is the new addition aptly named the Grandstand. This multitiered stadium-style seating area with access to the upper deck blends a modernday newsstand kiosk with a library reference desk. As the main floor’s centerpiece, the Grandstand will surely become a go-to meeting spot for patrons. Harmer says, “We imagine hearing, ‘Meet you at the Grandstand!’ often in the new library.”

What if you want to share your voice with others? Maybe you’ve long dreamed of recording your own song or podcast or incorporating multimedia into an ambitious new project. Just head to the library’s state-of-the-art recording studio. There, patrons will have access to sophisticated and robust technologies that will enable them to approach creative and work-related projects in a new

way. “Whether it’s a debut album, a demo for a new product or an oral history,” Harmer says, “the space will allow patrons of all ages and abilities the opportunity to fuel their creativity and share their story.”

Speaking of all ages, the emerging generation of library users will be able to read and play in a newly enhanced children’s library that boasts views of the Saugatuck River through beautiful floor-toceiling windows. It was recently announced that it will be named the Roz and Bid Siegel Family Children’s Library in honor of the couple's generous longtime support and specific contribution to the Transformation project.

Find the main book collection on the lower Riverwalk level and the Hub—with customer service, bestsellers and new materials—on the main floor.

To keep up with the latest news, go to westportlibrary.org.

t he

g r and

dam e

A Destination of Exceptional Spirit with its breathtaking panoramic views, elegantly appointed rooms and suites, and an evolving menu of activities, a stay at Ocean House revives mind and body. Savor fine food and wine in its dining venues and culinary center. Luxuriate in your private spot on a pristine Atlantic beach. Pamper yourself with treatments and classes at the world-class OH! Spa. Come and experience an unmatched blend of historic beauty and modern pleasure.

SINGING THE LEVITT'S PRAISES People flock all summer long to the banks of the Saugatuck River to take in the free performances at Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts. Here are lesser-known yet ovation-worthy hits: 1. It underwent a $9.5 million remodeling in 2014. 2. Carleigh Welsh—who co-runs/co-rocks the Levitt with her mother, Freda—started as her mom's intern. 3. The Blues, Views & BBQ Festival celebrates its tenth anniversary this September (grab a napkin!). 4. The venue aims to be as energy-efficient as possible and recently eliminated plastic straws. levittpavilion.com

866.830.5883 OCEANHOUSERI.COM

CELEBRATING

20 YEARS

• SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 WESTPORT 41

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BUZZ

Wise Words Senior writers on advice to their twenty-year-old selves

T

o learn from a lifetime’s worth of experience, we asked for advice from a few members of the Writer’s Workshop at the Westport Center for Senior Activities (WCSA). Since the program’s inception in 2015, coordinator Jan Bassin has worked to facilitate a multigenre workshop that aims to cultivate an inspiring and supportive environment for each writer. The group has held two public readings, collaborated with a creative writing class at Staples High School and boasts a number of published authors. Below, members of the workshop share heartfelt and witty advice to their twenty-year-old selves.

as queen of the berkshires’ gilded age country houses, Blantyre beckons travelers from its perch overlooking 110 acres of enchanted woodlands and meadows. Recently reimagined with a major renovation, Blantyre’s interiors reflect a modern interpretation of its glorious past.

Expanded culinary offerings in three exquisite new venues complement its elegant accommodations, an enlarged and pampering Spa, and resort activities indoors and out.

Combined with an unchanged tradition of extraordinary service, the ultimate Berkshires experience awaits.

—HOPE (AGE 91)

BE BRAVE.

—MARY (AGE 79)

BE A BADASS. YOUR HAPPINESS IS AN INSIDE JOB, SO SEARCH OUT THE THINGS THAT BRING YOU PLEASURE. STAY JUICY. —PHYLISS (AGE 70) Don’t drift through life. Freud’s dictum that life is about two things—love and work— has great merit. Make conscious choices, examined choices, in those two vital areas.

Be careful of anyone, friends included, who tell you only what you want to hear.

—MICHAEL (AGE 76)

413.637.3556 BLANTYRE.COM

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COMMIT TO YOUR OWN GREATNESS. DEVOTE YOUR TALENTS TO THE BETTERMENT OF HUMANKIND. DO THIS AND THE RESULT WILL BE TRUE SUCCESS. —NANCY (AGE 71)

YOU’VE ONLY GOT ONE LIFE TO LIVE, SO GET TO KNOW YOURSELF WELL. BRING FORTH WHAT’S WITHIN YOU. TRUST YOURSELF. —BARBARA

PHOTOGRAPHS BY BECKY HOVING

Every great destination has one iconic hotel

HAVE FAITH. EVERYTHING WILL TURN OUT ALRIGHT.

BUZZ SET YOUR SIGHTS HIGH! PREPARE YOURSELF FOR A CAREER IN A FIELD YOU LOVE. —CAROL (AGE 85)

Your struggles to be ‘normal’ will never work.

There is no normal.

Surround yourself with nonjudgmental people who will love you regardless of your perceived imperfections.

Use your sharp wit, kindness and powers of forgiveness to deal with people who criticize…for that is their flaw. Living life fully can only be done outside the box.

—SUSAN (AGE 81)

SPREAD JOY AND LOVE IN ALL YOUR INTERACTIONS. ALWAYS BE KIND TO OTHERS AND YOURSELF. YOU HAVE GOOD INSTINCTS THAT WILL SERVE YOU WELL. BE CONFIDENT IN YOUR WISDOM TO TRUST THEM. —JACQUELINE (AGE 74)

EXERCISE ALL YOU CAN. IT WILL KEEP YOU IN GOOD STEAD THROUGH THE GOOD TIMES AS WELL AS THE BAD. RUN, JUMP, SWIM, STRETCH YOUR MIND, AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY, FEAR NOT.

Before you look at what the world seems to need, look at what your passions and desires are—then work from the inside out. If you are doing what you love, care about and are good at, you are far more likely to succeed and enjoy your life. Learn to use your strengths to help you with your weaknesses.

—RALPH (AGE 69)

—NINA (AGE 68)

CELEBRATING

20 YEARS

• SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 WESTPORT 43

BUZZ

20 things ONLY WESTPORTERS UNDERSTAND Living locally means knowing and loving the town's insider secrets and quirks

6

The Christmas lights on the Saugatuck Swing Bridge (a.k.a.

Cribari Bridge; built in 1884, the oldest active bridge of its type in the state) are as essential to the season as the Santa hat on the Minute Man statue (1910, by H. Daniel Webster).

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8

We don't run to Christie's Country Store for practical Yankee things, like candles. We go to the town's oldest country store when we're starving. Hello No. 7 with fresh-roasted veggies.

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Fold-up lawn chairs were made for two things: reserving a space at Compo for the fireworks and reserving a space at the Levitt for free concerts all summer long.

We're obsessed with chickens and anything related to farms. Check out Harvest Fest on Sept. 22 (wakemantownfarm .org).

We love dogs. We walk our pampered pooches at Winslow Park, have lots of rescue organizations and events (the Dog Festival!)—and, for thirty years, have chatted about ticks, chewies and kibbles at Earth Animal (earthanimal.com).

14 We encourage our kids to get their hands dirty at Earthplace, with trails, nature programs, animal rehabilitation and more. Its preschool is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

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Gault is more than that oil-delivery truck rolling around town. Try landscaping, energy, commercial development (it's the town's oldest business, going on six generations).

It's also a street in town—and a must-go on Halloween (as is Compo Beach Road).

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When we're going to protest something, we make a sign and head to Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge—named for the late advocate for the UN and founder of jUNe Day.

Volunteering is in our DNA. We pitch in and give back from childhood to our golden years.

WESTPORTMAG.COM

On the first snow day, we race to Winslow Park, sled in hand. We want the first run down the hill.

Even fancy folks chill out at the Black Duck Cafe (blackduckwestport.com)—and, although it looks like it might, the building won't fall into the river just as you bite into your burger.

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2 We rush to get tickets on the Staples Players website (staplesplayers.com) like a Broadway show is opening.

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We go for a stroll to hidden Compo Cove to take in the view from the Sherwood Mill Pond footbridge.

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3

We treat celebs like people.

Enough said.

We don't stumble over the name Coffee An, knowing it's a coffee shop with oversized, irresistible donuts (and we bring cash only).

10 Each Labor Day weekend, we go full-on Southern at the Blues, Views & BBQ Festival— music, ribs and games for the kiddos.

15 Saturday mornings we're sporting distressed jeans at Compo's playground with the kids, and that night we're rocking designer duds for a fancy fundraiser at Mitchells. Just another fam-to-glam weekend in Westport.

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We love golf. We head to Longshore, a town-owned country club, with seasonal recreation, like sailing, ice-skating and golf.

Check out the golf outings in Don't Miss This, page 152.

GREAT DUCK BY DIANE SEMBROT; PLAYERS BY CHANNING SMITH SLEDDERS BY ISTOCK.COM/© SONYA ETCHISON; GUITAR BY ISTOCK.COM/ BY AZYRYANOV COMPO COVE BY BECKY HOVING; WAKEMAN BY STACY BASS; EARTHPLACE, CONTRIBUTED; VOLUNTEERING BY ISTOCK.COM/ BY @WAVEBREAKMEDIAMICRO

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If we have to carve your name into something or need a good photo op, we head to the boardwalk in Parker Harding Plaza. The mini walk leads us out to a great view of the bridge.

Westport quacks itself up with the annual Great Duck Race, hosted by the Westport Sunrise Rotary, supporting two dozen nonprofits.

Do good, have fun—how very Westport.

HOW YOU MOVE IS WHY WE’RE HERE. Wherever you live, how you move is everything. That’s why we’re bringing the most innovative musculoskeletal care to where it’s needed most: your neck of the woods. At HSS, we focus on the way you move because we know how crucial it is to your quality of life, from season to season and year after year.

Services Offered:

Specialties Include:

Learn more about our approach, and

After-Hours Walk-In Care

Joint Replacement

our leadership in orthopedics and

Physician Office Visits

Spine

rheumatology. And see a complete

Postoperative Care

Sports Medicine

list of specialties and services at

Radiology and Imaging/MRI

HSS.edu/stamford

Rehabilitation

1 Blachley Road, Stamford, CT 06902 Most major plans accepted. Call: 203.705.2400

STAMFORD

BUZZ

Extra Credit

IT’S HER TIME Heather Frimmer's debut novel

Private college advisor strategies for today’s college-bound students "A" HONORS VS. "B" AP

Andrea Rubin Graziano

C

ollege hopefuls confront rigorous requirements and endless expectations. Andrea Rubin Graziano knows this all too well. As the director of college counseling for International College Counselors (internationalcollegecounselors .com), she helps students overcome the frustration that led Mandee Heller Adler—a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard Business School—to found the business in 2004. It helps students review colleges, fill out scholarship applications, write essays and résumés, target the best colleges and set a strategy for admission to undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate programs.

From the satellite office in Westport, Andrea offers actionable advice that students can take now.

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“It’s best to get an A in an AP/IB class. When evaluating a student’s high school transcript, colleges not only look at grades, but also the academic rigor of a student’s classes.

Realistically, this isn’t always doable, but if a student’s goal is to get into the top-tier schools, that student needs a rigorous curriculum and academic success.”

APPLICATIONS NOW VS. THEN

“Parents are most oftentimes surprised to see how the collegeapplication process has changed. To start, colleges rely more on a holistic approach, not just grades and test scores. Then the Common Application and Coalition Application made applying to colleges a lot easier, enabling more students to apply to more colleges. This allows colleges to be

more selective, so students have become more competitive.

Additionally, students compete against a greater number of international counterparts.”

SPECIALIZE VS. GENERALIZE

“Admissions officers desire a well-rounded student body composed of athletes, artists, scientists, poets and others. Above all, they prioritize students who demonstrate commitment and impact in a couple of activities in which they have passion.

Therefore, it is better to be highly involved in one to three activities over several years, than less involved in many activities. Once a student finds the activities he or she wants to focus on, the next step is to become a leader or to demonstrate initiative, like suggesting and planning a fundraiser.”

IVY ACCEPTANCE RATES SCHOOL

1998

2008

Harvard

18%

10.3%

5.9%

Yale

17.6%

9.9%

6.3%

Columbia

24%

12.8%

7.0%

Penn

33%

21%

9.9%

11.9%

7.3%

Princeton

17%

2018

For Heather Frimmer, work life and personal life go hand-in-hand.

A radiologist, Frimmer took her residency at New York Presbyterian, completed her fellowship at Yale New Haven Medical Center, served ten years as medical director of Norwalk Radiology and Mammography Center and now works for Main Street Radiology in Queens. She also writes about what she knows best.

Frimmer recently published her first novel, Bedside Manners.

The story dives into a mother-daughter relationship that is challenged by unforeseen and tragic forces as well as the bonds that hold them together.

Marnie Novak is a bride-to-be and a surgical intern when her mother is diagnosed with breast cancer.

“Much of Marnie's story is inspired by

things either I or my classmates encountered during our medical training,” says the author. “Joyce's story is inspired by the many breast cancer patients I have had the honor of caring for over the years. I used their experiences and emotional reactions to guide my writing and make Joyce's journey realistic and emotionally resonant.”

Frimmer also credits her homelife. “The Westport/Weston community is so warm and welcoming, and the arts are flourishing.” She sees this firsthand, as her husband, Ben, has been teaching and directing theater at Coleytown Middle School for nearly twenty-five years.

She also notes her writing group and fellow local authors.

Emily Liebert, who wrote of Frimmer: “Her writing is both heartfelt and astute—this book will stick with you long after you’ve finished reading it.” heatherfrimmer. com —Joey Macari

Launch Party!

Oct. 21, 2 p.m., at the Westport Barnes and Nobel

N O W SER V IN G P A T IE N T S IN O U R

NEW WESTPORT LOCATION L O C AT E D AT 2 0 8 P O S T R O A D W E S T

WOM E N C A RIN G FOR WOMEN W IT H OVE R 50 YEA RS OF C OMBIN ED EXPERIEN C E MIRIAM SIVKIN MD, FACOG, MA, AASECT, CST, NCMP Clinical Instructor, Yale School of Medicine Certified Sex Therapist Specializing in Sexual Dysfunction Certified Menopause Practitioner

MARY E. MURRAY MD, FACOG

KAITLIN O’CONNOR DO, MA

Clinical Instructor, Yale School of Medicine

Assistant Clinical Instructor, Yale School of Medicine

Specializing in Minimally Invasive Surgery—DaVinci Certified

Specializing in Contraceptive Counseling with an interest in Adolescent Gynecology

Menopause Management and Bio Identical HRT

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT W O M E N’ S H EA LTH C A RE A S S O C I A TES Weekda y

and

Sa tur d a y H o u rs A v a i l a b l e 203-783-0543

|

(By Appoi n tme nt Only)

scwhca.com

BUZZ

20 Unsung Heroes Westport blogger Dan Woog shares 20 local superstars who shun the spotlight

M

ost Westporters know about Dan Woog’s blog, danwoog06880.com, a popular source for news and information about our town. One of his signature series, “Unsung Heroes,” covers people who make a difference in the community, yet remain under the radar. We asked for twenty such names. He gave us a peek at some of the many worthy people he has not yet honored.

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“Chair of TEAM Westport (town’s multiculturalcommission); brings African-American issues to the forefront.”

KATHIE BENNEWITZ “Westport’s arts curator; handles all arts-related events for the town.”

RICK BENSON “Very active in Rotary, and tons of other local events; volunteers for everything; local builder interested in preservation.”

MELISSA AND DOUG BERNSTEIN “Owners of Melissa & Doug toy company; every year they pay for the Compo Beach 4th of July fireworks, so PAL can make money from them.”

MORLEY BOYD “Leading historic preservationist in Westport.”

MIGGS BURROUGHS “Noted illustrator/graphic designer; volunteers his talents for every organization in town.”

DOROTHY CURRAN “Super volunteer; particularly instrumental in developing Westport Woman’s Club’s new Bedford Hall.”

AL DIGUIDO “Founder of Al’s Angels, which helps kids with illnesses and families in need; owns Saugatuck Sweets, the great ice cream shop in Saugatuck.”

JOHN DODIG “Beloved Staples High School principal (2003–2015); great reputation, great educator, made school a truly 'personal' place.”

LEONARD EVERETT FISHER “Noted artist; now in his 90s, leading the campaign to develop an arts museum in Westport.”

WESTPORTMAG.COM

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JIMMY IZZO “For 28 years, owner of Crossroads Ace Hardware; fantastic with customers; RTM member; all-around great guy.”

MARSHALL KIEV “Among many other activities, instrumental in raising lots of money for Westport Weston Family Y’s special-needs program.”

JO FUCHS LUSCOMBE “Former state legislator; active volunteer with Westport Rotary, Westport Woman’s Club, many other organizations.”

BILL MITCHELL “As former owner of Mitchells of Westport, always opens his store for charity events; works behind the scenes to help everyone.”

EVE POTTS AND MARION MORRA “Sisters; very involved in Westport history and the arts (Eve wrote Westport…A Special Place about twenty years ago).”

PETE ROMANO “ 'Mr. Saugatuck'; architect/engineer instrumental in the renaissance of Saugatuck.”

JIM ROSS “Chair of Westport Transit Committee (shuttle buses for commuters); also very involved in Westport’s Commission on Disabilities.”

ANN SHEFFER “Westport native; noted philanthropist; involved in arts, library, much more.”

RUTH SHERMAN “Great volunteer, particularly with Westport Weston YMCA.”

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ADAM VENGROW “Driving force behind Westport’s support of Catch a Lift, organization to help wounded veterans; volunteers in many other ways too.”

PAM EINERSEN

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HAROLD BAILEY

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WESTPORT | 606 POST ROAD EAST RYE BROOK | 18 RYE RIDGE PLAZA

MANHATTAN • GREENVALE • BROOKLYN

CLOTHING • SHOES • ACCESSORIES

SHOPLESTERS

LESTERSKIDS

SHOP

status report

FALL FASHION

p r o d u c e d by m eg a n g ag n o n 2

wild fall

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LEOPARD AND SPARKLE AND PINK! OH MY! BOLD PICKS—AND SOME WORKWEEK NEUTRALS—FOR THE NEW SEASON

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IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

1. VICTORIA BECKHAM Coat; $3,490. Copious Row, Greenwich; copiousrow.com 2. REBECCA DE RAVENEL Lea paw earrings; $275. rebeccaderavenel.com 3. MARC CAIN Coat; $810. The Westchester; marc-cain.com 4. CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Lady See; $1,145. christianlouboutin.com 5. ALL SAINTS Vincent shoulder bag; $368.

Penfield Collective, Fairfield; penfieldcollective.com

Soleil Toile Fine Lingerie & Swimwear

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CONGRATULATIONS TO WESTPORT MAGAZINE ON 20 YEARS! 2018

14 POST ROAD EAST • WESTPORT, CONNECTICUT • 203.454.8688 44 ELM STREET • NEW CANAAN, CONNECTICUT • 203.966.2887

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working girls FENDI

GABRIELA HEARST

SMART SEPARATES AND POLISHED ACCESSORIES WORK IN AND OUT OF THE OFFICE

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1. TORY BURCH Lee Radziwill leather satchel; $798. Greenwich; toryburch.com 2. WARBY PARKER Bell eyeglasses; starting at $95. Greenwich; warbyparker.com 3. VINCE Ralston in Horchata; $325. Greenwich, Westport; vince.com 4. CAMILLA AND MARC Dimmer blazer; $660. Perfect Provenance, Greenwich; theperfectprovenance.com 5. BALMAIN Tweed mini skirt; $1,350. Mitchells, Westport; shop.mitchellstores.com 6. CHANEL Boy.Friend watch; $11,200. Betteridge; betteridge.com 7. STUART WEITZMAN Veruka boot; $698. Greenwich; stuartweitzman.com 8. L’AGENCE Julia jumpsuit; $595. lagencefashion.com 9. HOBBS Ayla jacket; $395. Ayla trouser; $230. Florina coat; $700. Mischa roll neck; $75.

Ada boot; $360. Oxford saddle bag; $315. Greenwich; hobbs.com

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IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

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glam CHANNEL THE ERA OF EXCESS WITH BRIGHT AND SHINY FINDS

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1. MICHAEL Michael Kors Addie sneaker; $150. Lord & Taylor, Stamford; lordandtaylor.com 2. ATTICO Sequined velvet robe dress; $2,390. Saks Fifth Avenue, Greenwich; saks.com 3. TOM FORD Natalia large crystal shoulder bag; $11,500. Neiman Marcus, The Westchester; neimanmarcus.com 4. JIMMY CHOO Hurley 100 boots; $1,795. Saks Greenwich 10022-SHOE; saks.com 5. GRAFF Multi-shape diamond abstract earrings; price upon request.

Saks Greenwich The Vault; graffdiamonds.com 6. JUDITH LEIBER COUTURE Rahim boom box clutch; $5,995. judithleiber.com 7. LONGCHAMP Coat; $3,630.

Greenwich; longchamp.com 8. VERONICA BEARD Skirt; $650. veronicabeard.com 9. ZARA Gemmed hoops; $25.90. Greenwich, Stamford; zara.com 10. MANOLO BLAHNIK Spill in suede and fur; $2,995. manoloblahnik.com 11. MICHELLE MASON Striped blazer dress; $690. intermixonline.com 12. JULIANNA BASS Adellade skirt; $1,295. Michelle Farmer, Greenwich; michellefarmer.com 13. SCHUTZ Bette bootie; $258. anthropologie.com

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IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

TOM FORD

TEMPERLEY LONDON

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Fall for

Where fashion gets personal.

Celebrating 35 years Westport • Darien

SHOP 5

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SALLY LAPOINTE

VALENTINO

TIBI

TORY BURCH

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pretty pair

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STEP ASIDE, BLACK AND WHITE. HOT PINK AND RUBY RED ARE THE NEW COOL COMBO

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1. HERMÈS Square ankle boot; $1,575. Greenwich; hermes.com 2. TEMPERLEY LONDON Amelia lace dress in Hollyhock; $1,195. temperleylondon.com 3. VALENTINO GARAVANI The Rockstud spike bag; $2,745. net-a-porter.com 4. HELMUT LANG Bubblegum pink coat; $1,195. shop.mitchellstores.com 5. KAREN WALKER Miss Lark in red; $220. neimanmarcus.com 6. SALONI Issa dress; $695. modaoperandi.com 7. ALICE AND OLIVIA BY STACEY BENDET Theon cropped coat; $1,295. Greenwich; aliceandolivia.com 8. CINQ À SEPT Saphir ruffle flared pants; $445. Saks GreenwichThe Collective; saks.com 9. OSCAR DE LA RENTA Bold crystal earrings; $450. oscardelarenta.com W

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Barbour Westport 14 Elm Street #201 Westport, CT 06880 (203) 557- 6673

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status report

TIPS FOR THE PERFECT PACK • JEEP WRANGLER • STEIN ERIKSEN LODGE

Pack It Up Essential advice from those who spend almost as much time up in the air as they do on the ground BE CALM AND CARRY ON

GRAB A BAG

Travel tips are passed amongst frequent fliers like horse picks are passed around Belmont. A former NFL sideline reporter learned the secret of the “jacket in a bag” from a NatGeo photographer and shared it with us. It’s a pillow, a jacket, a sweater, a raincoat, the size of a small teddy bear and weighs even less.

Just like you never know when you’ll need a swimsuit, you never know when you’ll need a jacket.

Visiting Ireland this summer during a heatwave, the jacket was a lifesaver while on an excursion to the caves. It was 80 degrees outside, and only 20 degrees in the caves. The version from Uniqlo is affordable, stylish and the bag zips into the jacket. uniqlo.com

»

We have yet to find a travel toiletry tube that doesn’t explode, spill or refuse to dispense the shampoo we have so carefully dripped into it. The downside of buying travelsize products at the drugstore is that they likely don’t sell your favorite shampoo or face wash. But Europeans do travel amenities right.

Nuxe has had a cult following in France for decades; its Huile Prodiguese is the No. 1 seller for hair, face and body. Buy a few—no more rushing around looking for tiny toiletries at the last minute. Check feelunique.com for Nuxe products.

Sephora.com also sells great travel sets.

WRAP IT UP

A good scarf is a must-have for every journey. On a chilly plane, it’s a blanket. It can dress up a T-shirt or offer just the right amount of warmth to take a sundress from day to night. Katrina Bischoff, co-owner of Back 40 Mercantile in Old Greenwich, says she never travels without a scarf and loves the Late Sunday Afternoon brand. For every scarf the company sells, it donates a blanket to a child in foster care. Find at Back 40 or online at latesundayafternoon .com —Kim-Marie Evans

CONTRIBUTED

» WESTPORTMAG.COM

Packing cubes make it easy to see what’s inside without emptying your bag.

We like mesh cubes from Magellan’s. Use a cube for each day or type of clothing, roll the contents tightly and they won’t wrinkle. You’ll also be able to fit twice the volume you would without a cube. And it’s easy to stay organized though your trip since instead of rummaging through piles of clothing, you can sort by cube. magellans.com

GO SMALL

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ROLL WITH IT

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Not all suitcases are created equal. The luggage company Away has perfected the art of the carryon. Under the handle is a battery-powered charging station with two USB ports, so you’ll never be left searching the gate area for an outlet again. The battery is easily removeable, so it’s TSA compliant.

Choose the model with the exterior pocket for easy access to a tablet or anything you’d like to keep handy. The bags are only sold online. awaytravel.com

430 Tunxis Hill Road | Fairfield, CT

203-384-0005 EXT: 3102 Rick Hecker

GO JEEP WRANGLER SAHARA Entry price: About $30,000 Drivetrain: 3.6-liter V6, 285 horsepower All-wheel-drive

Fun Mobile

Jeep’s

The famed Wrangler is all new, but the message is timeless

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W

hen was the last time you’ve been considered a hell-raiser? Or maybe just unruly, perhaps a scamp? Now you’re plying the Post Road in an opulent SUV (they’ve all gone posh, haven’t they?) and wondering about your inner devil.

Folks at the club will thus understand should you pull up in an open-air Jeep Sahara with the front doors removed, all the better to air out your life and pursue some shenanigans.

The venerated Wrangler is not the cheapest Jeep, nor is it the most practical. But, gee, do its owners feel a devotion to the friendly knockabouts.

With the latest JL version, Jeep has cranked out an incarnation of the rowdy old warhorse. Among the new blessings is a soft-top version that can get into full blue-skies mode in a matter of seconds.

It rides far more smoothly now than in days of yore, although the bounce is there. All the modern electronics and computer connectivity are available,

including a hearty (optional) Alpine stereo system. If all that fresh air gets too hot, the Wrangler has an amazing air-conditioning system.

There are four models, starting with the Sport in the low 30s, going up to the serious off-roader, the Rubicon, in the 40s. But the basic Sport delivers this car’s raison d’être—the party-animal thrill of an elemental fun-bucket. According to our dealer, it’s selling to Wall Street types as well as recent college grads.

The four-door model can comfortably accommodate two adults in the second row. An eight-speed automatic is standard, but tough campaigners hitting the beach will want the six-speed stick.

Of course, if you want to be all Connecticut sensible, then you’d opt for the hardtop model; taking off that top merely requires the removal of eight bolts and the assistance of a friend to remove the 60-pound lid. But then you are really free. — Chris Hodenfield

CONTRIBUTED

EPA Mileage Rating: 18 city/23 highway

2018

GO

Thrill & Chill Work hard on the slopes, then recoup with luxury suites, spa treatments and four-star dining

A

midst the breathtaking landscape of Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah, sits Stein Eriksen Lodge—a traditional European ski lodge named for Norwegian Olympic Gold Medalist Stein Eriksen. It is Utah’s top Forbes FiveStar hotel and home to the state’s only five-star spa. Also, it has been dubbed the “World’s Best Ski Hotel.” From its

Luxury Bedrooms and Grand Suites, which offer the perfect balance of indulgence and comfort, to its award-winning restaurant, Glitretind, I knew it would be the ideal spot for my family’s annual ski vacation. Sure enough, it exceeded my expectations. Of course, the never-ending supply of bacon at the breakfast buffet didn’t hurt. Neither did the collagen facial.

ALL PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED

by emily liebert

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FOR YOUR STAY

FOR YOUR BOOK BAG

Ready to hit the slopes and chill in style?

Stow these three standout novels in your suitcase for that all-important “me time,” even if it is a family vacation!

STAY

For a family of four, we found one of the two-bedroom Lodge Luxury Suites to be the best bet. Each features a living room (with fireplace!) and full kitchen (separate dining area!), and some have private decks (with hot tubs!). If you’re traveling with a larger group, there are seven Grand Suites that can house up to fourteen guests. Tip: Ask for a suite with a washer and dryer, so you can pack light.

SPA

Soothe your sore skiing muscles in the sauna, steam room, or hot and cold plunge baths.

Services abound, from massages, body treatments and facials to manicures, pedicures, makeup

A Luxury Suite at Stein Eriksen

and hair care. For a real treat, partake in the Sculpting Collagen Facial (80 or 110 minutes). It boasts “advanced tissue manipulation techniques and a pure native collagen mask to sculpt, lift, firm and hydrate,” and it does not disappoint. I left looking ten years younger (fine, five).

EAT

The on-site Forbes Four-Star restaurant, Glitretind, is open for

breakfast and dinner daily. There’s also a lunchtime Skier’s Buffet and a Sunday brunch with seasonal specialties that’s a must. Be sure to make reservations in advance for dinner and Sunday brunch or expect a significant wait. If you’re looking to dine off-property, Park City is brimming with stellar restaurants (and shops!). Family favorites include Sammy’s Bistro and Windy Ridge Café.

OFF THE SLOPES

Want to mix things up and take a halfday break from skiing? Check out Gorgoza Park, which offers tubing and mini-snowmobiles.

They also have Fort Frosty—a tubing carousel designed for the really little ones (ages one through six). Not to be missed is Utah Olympic Park, which currently offers an array of activities and events, including the Comet Bobsled Ride, the Nordic Jump and mountainside zip-lining.

far left: Hugo and Jax Liebert at Gorgoza Park • near left: Maine scallops with white asparagus purée, grilled green asparagus and plum sauce at Glitretind Restaurant

CELEBRATING

Sailing Lessons

by Hannah McKinnon: The Bailey sisters’ troubled father floated in and out of their lives, until one summer when he never came back. Nearly two decades later, he returns with the hopes of attaining forgiveness.

Characters re-examine past mistakes and expose old wounds.

The Ever After by Sarah Pekkanen: Straight off her instant New York Times bestseller The Wife Between Us (with

20 YEARS

Greer Hendricks), Pekkanen is back with this solo domestic thriller. It follows Josie and Frank Moore and their two young daughters, living in the suburbs of Chicago. Their lives are picture perfect, until one morning when Josie borrows Frank’s cell phone and sees nine words that destroy her.

Limelight by Amy Poeppel: When Allison Brinkley relocates her family from suburban Dallas to cosmopolitan Manhattan, it’s not all they’d hoped it would be.

Enter Carter Reid, an entitled, hungover teen starring in a Broadway musical. Their encounter leads Allison to a job as his personal assistant, which may be just what she needs.

• SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 WESTPORT 63

HOME

status report

LILLIAN AUGUST • SERENA & LILY • TUSK HOME + DESIGN • WHITE BIRCH • BUNGALOW • ROOMS WITH A VIEW

Our

Style

H

ow would you define Westport style? Give it a try.

It’s harder than you might think.

Luckily, we have home-design pros in town who spend each day doing just that as they select home furnishings that speak to their local clients. It’s their passion to dig through the endless selection of chairs, pillows, mirrors, tables, artwork, rugs and everything else that turns a house into an authentic Westport home.

Read on for their picks of vignettes and specific finds that suit our community.

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the Westport look

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SEASIDE CHIC

“The coastal landscape and artistic roots of Westport bring a relaxed, beachy vibe to the polished Fairfield County aesthetic,” says Nancy Galasso, senior designer. “When designing for Westport families, it’s all about lifestyle and the Lillian August philosophy to Love How You Live. For this home [above], for an active family of five, we brought in bling elements, like the fun chandelier, and softened the look with slipcovered chairs in the client’s favorite blue, evoking the serene Westport waters and sky.

This is a place to come together comfortably and in style—that’s what Westport is all about.”

Lillian August lillianaugust.com

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PREPPY LOVE

“A staple of coastal style, seersucker has an airy quality and puckered texture we love,” says Lydia Cullen, PR and trade manager.

“Our Westport bedding collection is preppy meets romantic for a look that will never go out of style.”

Serena & Lily serenaandlily.com

CONTRIBUTED

5 design pros define

4

INDIVIDUALITY

“Luckily for me as a designer, I have found that Westport clients are a largely creative bunch,” says Susan Anderson, owner. “Not only do they desire comfortable and livable designs, but also a bit of personalization.

They don’t want their homes to look like the neighbors’ houses. Everyone has their own journey and one’s home should be a reflection of the family that lives there.”

TUSK HOME + DESIGN, CONTRIBUTED; WHITE BIRCH BY RANDY O'ROURKE; BUNGALOW BY HEATHER DESMOND

White Birch whitebirchstudio.com

5

3

ARTISTIC TOUCH

“Westport clients know what makes them happy, and they want that reflected in their homes,” says owner Sarah Weiland. “When you really listen to your client, you can find ways to incorporate what they love in life, whether that is their travels, art or family. The unique style of each client is the basis for the design, and the personal details are what makes it theirs.”

“Bungalow respects Westport’s history as an artists’ colony.

It features local Westport and Fairfield County female artists,” says Wende Cohen, owner. “Bungalow curates works by resident painters, jewelers, photographers and potters. We believe the spirit of these artists best bridges the gap between Westport history and our town’s creative environment. This is an important part of Bungalow’s offerings to the community.”

Tusk Home + Design tuskhomeanddesign.com

Bungalow bungalowdecor.com

PASSIONS

CELEBRATING

20 YEARS

• SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 WESTPORT 65

HOME

Rooms Making

Thom Filicia, Inc. thomfilicia.com Why you became a designer: “From when I was a young kid, I've always had a strong interest in interiors and architecture. I’m also very interested in the subtle details that are, I believe, the foundation of great design.”

Go-to paint color: “Black Magic from Pittsburgh Paints and Silver Satin from

Recent example of Filicia’s chic style

Benjamin Moore. Who doesn’t love a great black and white?”

On your coffee table now: “Cocktails.”

Up next: “New TV show, Get a Room with Carson & Thom, with Carson Kressley on Bravo this fall.”

Through the years Rooms With a View has helped launch and grow the careers of designers—here are three alumni you love now

PARKER ROGERS

SARAH WEILAND

Parker & Company parkerandcompany designs.com

Tusk Home + Design tuskhomeanddesign.com

Biggest design challenge at RWAV: “Figuring out how to treat the ceiling of the room and how to light the space properly.”

Favorite room to design: “The dining room. It’s a space for celebrations and where memories are made, so I like to use a lot of textures and colors.”

Favorite design style: “I love the traditional classic styles, but with a new, fresh twist, using colors or fabrics, and blending the traditional with modern pieces.”

Go-to paint color: “Benjamin Moore’s Dove White—all colors look great against it. And, of course, any hue of blue.”

SAVE THE DATES

Make “room” in your calendar for RWAV Albert Hadley's Rooms With a View is a highly anticipated annual design event. Since 1995, designers have created six-by-eight vignettes in the Southport Congregational Church and raised more than $1.6 million to support the church. RWAV includes The Shops, featuring crafts and home accessories, and The Shops Café, with treats.

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Show Hours: Nov. 2-3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Nov. 4, 12-5 p.m.

Gala Party Nov. 1, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

“All That Jazz” Luncheon with Rondi Charleston Nov. 2, 1 p.m.

A sample of Weiland’s style

Biggest design challenge at RWAV: “Capturing an aesthetic and translating it in a way that appeals to the masses, but conveys the style and feel of the room. With limited square footage and a brief install time, I was challenged to convey the design I wanted without leaving out crucial details that would be incorporated into my other designs.”

Favorite room to design: “Kids' spaces. I think it’s really fun to use color and have a space that inspires them and reflects their passions. It’s the one time in life when you can be playful and not follow the rules.”

Champagne Tour of Vignettes and Dinner

by Paci Nov. 3, 6-10 p.m.

On your coffee table now: “Nothing! I like simplicity and often feel a coffee table is styled too heavily and with things that just get in the way of life.”

Gingerbread House Workshop Nov. 4 2-4 p.m.

An example of Rogers’s signature look

Go-to paint color: “SherwinWilliams Rhinestone. It’s a gray that warms a space without being too much.”

PHOTO OF THOM FILICIA PROJECT BY NICK JOHNSON; ALL OTHERS, CONTRIBUTED

THOM FILICIA

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status report

HISTORY • THEATER • ART • CINEMA • SONG • FITNESS

It’s About Time Moving forward with the Westport Historical Society

RAMIN PHOTO BY JPVELLOTTI; WHS BY DIANE SEMBROT

F

or historical devotees, the folks at the Westport Historical Society sure do embrace change. Recent upgrades include high-speed WiFi, spruced up gift shop, a spiffy new coffee-and-snack station, and an outdoor seating area with games for the remaining warm days of the season. Also, they welcomed a new executive director: Ramin Ganeshram.

“Our mission is to serve the public,” she says. “With that in mind, we took stock over the past six months about how we could extend our services.

Our goal is to become a community hub where visitors can enjoy themselves, relax, have fun and learn a bit about our town’s history.”

Don’t miss the current exhibit in the main gallery.

Called “Remembered: The History of African-Americans in Westport,” it movingly illuminates significant stories and contributions. Find details at the center’s website, westporthistory.org.

A MOMENT WITH THE NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Falling into conversation with Ramin Ganeshram is a snap.

She’s naturally charming.

For example, when asked about taking the role of the executive director of the Westport Historical Society, she begins by saying that she’s lived in Westport for “only ten years.” Of course, only a true history buff would think of a whole decade as “only.”

About her new role she says, “I saw so much untapped potential in the organization.

I knew there were excellent archives, collections and costumes that the public never got to see.” As a trained journalist and former division head in market research firms

and publishing companies, she wanted to bring them out.

“History and storytelling has always been my passion.”

Her first exhibit, the ambitious “Remembered,” reveals not only selfconfidence, but also faith in the town’s interest in selfreflection. “I am a member of TEAM Westport, the town’s diversity action committee.

In that role, and as a writer, I had conceived of an idea of an exhibit that shared the heretofore erased AfricanAmerican history of this town—and so many towns like it. I knew that as one of the original thirteen states, previously colonies, AfricanAmericans were a part of the original founding story, as captive people. Yet, this story is never told.”

CELEBRATING

20 YEARS

Access to the town archives was critical. “We were able to use primary sources to tell an important story, versus depending on local lore and legend, which has its place but cannot always be corroborated.” Also, she recognizes the contributions of the staff and board as well as Broadway set designer Jordan Janota, “You can truly see the level of professionalism in the exhibit,” Ganeshram says. “We’ve rebuilt structures significant to this history right here in our gallery.”

When asked if she was surprised by any stories that came to light while creating the exhibit, she says: “I wasn’t surprised so much as saddened by many of the stories. For example, while I knew there were enslaved people in Westport, and that they were likely owned by prominent families, I was saddened to see the roster of slave holders as names still recognizable in the town: Jesup, Staples, Hide, Nash, Jennings and Sherwood.” She also mentions the suspicious fire at the boarding house at 22 1/2 Main Street, where many African-Americans lived. She concludes that the exhibit is part of WHS’s transformation, which tells town history “in a holistic way.” —Diane Sembrot • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 WESTPORT 69

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Play Time

I

and favorite moments at Westport Country Playhouse

’ve been blessed with the gift of many superb artists who have created great theater on our stage during my tenure,” says Michael Barker, managing director for the past nine seasons, “including Director Nicholas Martin—The Circle, The Year of Magical Thinking, The Show-Off; John Tillinger and his many stunning revivals of the comedies of Alan Ayckbourn; Patrick Andrews and Stephen Rowe in Red

1

Red

“The rehearsals and performances of John Logan’s Red were some of the most fulfilling days I ever had in any theater. Patrick Andrews as the young man and Stephen Rowe as artist Mark Rothko seemed to embody their roles from the inside out. Patrick had appeared in the role in its first regional incarnation at Chicago’s Goodman Theater, and Stephen had understudied Alfred Molina on Broadway. It was a gift to our audiences that both of them wanted to explore more depths in these challenging roles. Of course, a play about making art is catnip to theater folk, but I particularly loved exploring the crossover between our art and the painter’s art.

The performances, which just kept growing in magnitude and nuance, were thrilling to watch and edit and have conversations about, from first rehearsal to closing night.”

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2

Associate Director David Kennedy, who directed most recently the award-winning The Invisible Hand, as well as a wide range of others; Phylicia Rashad, who gave us a flawless production of A Raisin in the Sun, as well as talented actors, designers, composers, music directors and others.” Here are a few of his favorite moments on stage.

Room Service

“Another personal favorite was our production of Room Service, an old screwball comedy from the thirties that required a whole stage of brilliant farceurs; and before casting began, I was worried that I’d never find them.

They needed to each be very special but also work as part of a seamless fabric of clockwork zaniness. Almost from the first audition at Tara Rubin Casting in New York, we began to mine a gold streak of formidable, mostly young, comic actors of scope. Rehearsals were like a party, which is unusual for farce, where every move and line needs careful calibration and the contribution of all hands on deck. In this case, the actors loved working with one another so much they’d call castmates after our rehearsals or go out for drinks and suggest new ideas to one another. Every morning when I came into the rehearsal hall, they’d all have this mischievous look in their eyes and one would say, “We have a new idea. Wanna see it?”

They were invariably perfect! I basically just sat there editing while each of them spouted fountains of hilarious business and line readings. Audiences loved the comedy, and I remember being particularly thrilled to hear from a friend in the audience that Gene Wilder called it, ‘Wonderful.’”

Mia Dillon and Kandis Chappell in Lettice and Lovage

Lettice and Lovage 3

“The rehearsals of our production of Peter Shaffer’s comedy Lettice and Lovage were fraught with our leading lady’s health problems. Though convinced she would pull through, two days before the first public performance she was rushed from her dressing room to Norwalk Hospital. I had to replace her immediately. Paxton Whitehead, a veteran actor and Playhouse favorite, suggested an excellent actress living in

California with whom he had worked named Kandis Chappell.

I called her early California time after a, basically, sleepless night, and to my amazement she agreed to get on a plane later that day. We cancelled the first two previews; she arrived; and we went into a whirlwind of rehearsals. She was dazzling in the role, and with the help of an intrepid intern and a little earpiece, pulled off a stunning comic performance, followed by a standing ovation. She literally saved the day. I’ve never been more grateful to a performer in my life. It was above and beyond.”

SHOW PERFORMANCES CONTRIBUTED BY WESTPORT COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE

The enduring role of theater

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

BRILLIANT STARS WHO HAVE CROSSED THE STAGE IN THE PAST 20 YEARS Alan Alda

Sheldon Harnick

Milo O’Shea

Edward Albee

Neil Patrick Harris

Mark Parenti

Jane Alexander

Elizabeth Helitzer

Estelle Parsons

Karen Allen

Shuler Hensley

Bernadette Peters

Maureen Anderman

Melissa Joan Hart

David Hyde Pierce

Lucie Arnaz

Jayne Houdyshell

Kate Baldwin

Philip Seymour Hoffman

Christopher Plummer

Joshua Bell

Robert Redford

James Earl Jones

Chita Rivera

Tom Jones

Julia Roberts

Carole King

Tim Robbins

Eartha Kitt

Paul Rudd

Swoosie Kurtz

Chris Sarandon

Nathan Lane

Susan Sarandon

Angela Lansbury

Fred Savage

Michael Learned

Jean Stapleton

Harry Connick Jr.

Robert Sean Leonard

Frances Sternhagen

Frank Converse

David Levy

Tim Conway

Judith Light

Jane Curtain

Jo Sullivan Loesser

Blythe Danner

Laurence Luckinbill

Jeffrey DeMunn

Patti LuPone

Mia Dillon

Marsha Mason

Keir Dullea

Andrea Maulella

Sandy Duncan

Jefferson Mays

Richard Dreyfuss

Audra McDonald

Melissa Errico

Kathleen McNenny

Frank Ferrante

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Boyd Gaines

Debra Monk

Victor Garber

Matthew Morrison

Joanna Gleason

James Naughton

Betty Gilpin

Bebe Neuwirth

Whoopie Goldberg

Paul Newman

Charles Grodin

Leslie Odom Jr.

Jonathan Groff

Kelli O’Hara

Laura Benanti Tony Bennett Matthew Broderick Leon Addison Brown Stockard Channing Kristin Chenoweth Jill Clayburgh

A MOMENT WITH THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

LAMOS BY BRICE PLOTKIN; PLAYHOUSE BY MELANI LUST

T

heater endures because people want contact with other human beings who are acting out stories,” says Mark Lamos, artistic director of the Westport Country Playhouse, which was established in 1931.

“This is primal. It goes all the way back to tribal customs in basically every culture—the need to see oneself represented in a story, the need to exalt the human spirit, the need to learn lessons, the validation your life receives when you see it presented in a communal experience. And that’s the other important thing about live theater: It only happens in a room filled with people experiencing the story all together.”

In a phone-obsessed era, Lamos’s strategy for the theater is critical. For one,

he’s presenting a wide range of experiences—classics, world premieres, comedy, drama and beyond—with some of the finest talent in the country “to stretch the art form, to revive great American and British plays of the last century in beautifully designed, thoughtfully directed and brilliantly acted productions.” Lamos adds that he wants to “increase the size and diversity of the work on stage and the people in our audiences. The greater the diversity of age, culture, background and economic difference, the better the ‘conversation’ between the artistry and the audience.”

Jane Powell

Dana Ivey

Glenn Close Barbara Cook

Richard Thomas Marisa Tomei Kathleen Turner Michael Urie Ben Vereen Ralph Waite Christopher Walken Fritz Weaver Sigourney Weaver Paxton Whitehead Robert Wierzel Gene Wilder Robin Williams Elizabeth Wilson Joanne Woodward Karen Ziemba Stephanie Zimbalist

Ben Steinfield, Eric Bryant and Jim Bracchitta in Room Service

CELEBRATING

20 YEARS

• SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 WESTPORT 71

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On the Scene 9 artists active in the Westport arts community that you must know now

CULTURE TALK

and contemporary techniques, with masterful results.”

ARTISTS IN WESTPORT ASSUME THE MANTLE OF A LOCAL IDENTITY

PAMELA HOVLAND

SEBASTIAN AVILA

“The recipient of the prestigious 2016 Tracy Sugarman Westport High School Student Art Exhibition, Sebastian is a young artist catching local attention.

Though his first-place winner, ‘Dream On,’ mixes charcoal and wax pastel, he also uses ink and watercolor as his mediums. His artwork varies in styles, but he is consistently expressive and creative.”

DAVID DUNLOP

“Dunlop brings to his awardwinning work an incredible depth of knowledge in art history and the technique of Renaissance painters, with an unusual penchant for the sciences. His luminous landscapes combine historic

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arts culture. It’s a point of town pride. Knowing she could handle it, Westport magazine threw her a challenge: Name active, emerging artists that locals should know now. With her deep knowledge of the arts world, a desire to bring in notable talent from large cities and the sincere appreciation for all things local, she jumped into the task. Here’s who to watch.

“Hovland works at the intersection of graphic design, conceptual art and social activism. A consummate collaborator, her inspiration is often deeply rooted in the common good. Her method is to create and refine ideas into a full body of visual elements, synthesizing the input of other artistic contributors with her own vision, until a simplicity of message emerges with graphic power. Utilizing minimalist principles and a finely honed stylistic sensibility, Hovland’s work represents an ideal in the artist community today.”

SOOO-Z MASTROPIETRO

“Mastropietro’s unusual works begin with unusual materials.

A true mixed-media artist, Mastropietro works with fabric and textiles, enthusiastically pushing boundaries of form, color and texture, creating art with a vibrancy and joyfulness that is captivating.”

DUVIAN MONTOYA

“Montoya creates familiar scenes of modern life, deftly layering into his paintings the ubiquitous technology that tethers our curated, online personas to the hand of our real selves. The simplicity, the calmness, the familial contentedness of his scenes

Above: “Sign of the Times,”

by Duvian Montoya • At right: “Untitled,” by Pamela Hovland

belie the acute need to feel connected to a larger world beyond our reach. He lays bare the futility and the pretense, disabusing us of the belief that the lives of others are richer than our own.”

MELISSA NEWMAN

“Intuitively exploring nature’s beautiful yet relentless process of reclaiming constructed

ALL ART CONTRIBUTED BY WESTPORT ARTS CENTER; INNES BY MOFFLY MEDIA’S BIG PICTURE / KRISTIN BURKE HYNES

A

manda Innes, executive director at the Westport Arts Center, is used to making tough choices. One of her many responsibilities, after all, is deciding which artists to bring to the center as well as how to best present exhibits and programs. Some make it, some don’t—and it’s not easy making those choices or keeping up with the vibrant and deep-rooted

DO 93 LOCAL LEGENDS IN ART A MUST-KNOW LIST BY ARTIST LEONARD EVERETT FISHER We asked for twenty names of legendary artists in the area.

Naturally, we got quite a lot more—and we’re not about to edit a legend’s contribution.

His list includes both living and deceased artists.

Sophie Acheson

Michael Gish

Lev Purdy

Diane Davenport Alexander (d.)

Jean Gralley

Noa Purdy

Hardie Gramatsky (d.)

Paul Rabut (d.)

Barbara Gray

Henry Raleigh (d.)

Eric Gurney

Leslie Randall

Nancy Gurney

Walt Reed (d.)

Lee Gustaveson

Nancy Reilly

Robert Hallock (d.)

Ward Brackett (d.)

Mort Rosenfeld (d.)

Roe Halper

Bernie Burroughs (d.)

Alex Ross (d.)

Neil O. Hardy

Mel Casson (d.)

John Held, Jr. (d.)

Barbara Rothenberg (d.)

Chip Chadbourne

Albert Hubbell

Ann Chernow

Constance Kiermaier

Burt Chernow (d.)

Jack Kovatch

Alberta Cifolelli

Robert Lambdin (d.)

Arnold Copeland (d.)

Robert Lawson (d.)

Bert Dodson (d.)

Susan Lemieux

Harold von Schmidt (d.)

Florence Dohanos

Tom Lovell (d.)

Amos Sewell (d.)

Stevan Dohanos (d.)

Susan R. Malloy (d.)

Jim Sharpe

Eve Donovan

Estelle Margolies

Noel Sickles

Al Dorn (d.)

Ellen G. Marsen

Bob Skemp

Victor Dowd (d.)

John McDermott (d.)

Tracy Sugarman (d.)

Rita Edelman

Gordon Mellor (d.)

Susan Swan

Edna Eicke (d.)

Becky Roger Meciless

Lynn Sweat

Herzl Emanuel (d.)

Mike Mitchell

Norm Tate

Randall Enos

Howard Munce (d.)

Thornton Utz

Carl Ericson

Al Parker (d.)

Ed Vebell

Leonard Everett Fisher

John Prentice

Barbara Wilk (d.)

Bernie Fuchs (d.)

Nancy Prevo

Al Willmot (d.)

Tom Funk

Garrett Price (d.)

Cynthia Wilton

Robert Franklin Gault

Ray Prohaska

Jean Woodham

Ted Giavas

Frazier Purdy

George Wright (d.)

Tom Armstrong Arnie Bass (d.)

Harry Beckhoff (d.)

effortless, as if the camera simply made it so. But the images, so captivating, are the work of an experienced eye, perfected technique and an old soul.”

NORM SIEGEL Top: “History and Geography,” by Marlene Siff • Above: “Frog #1,” by Melissa Newman

forms, Newman’s work is simultaneously reassuring in its beauty and foreboding in its message. Her luscious sculptures entice with subtle and muted tones while quietly reminding us of the impermanence of all things manmade.”

FISHER BY XENIA GROSS

STEVE POMERANTZ

“A photographer as it once was, without memory sticks and digital devices, Pomerantz works from film, printing in a traditional darkroom. Even the old cameras he prefers to use seem to play a part, imbuing their images with an ageless quality, perhaps the camera’s cumulative effect of the thousands of images it has seen before. He has a way of making his artistry seem

“Norm Siegel’s hyper-realistic painting is nothing short of breathtaking. Working in the advertising and illustration industry in his youth led to a career that allowed him to explore the intricate details of aircraft design and the elaborate architecture that surrounded aviation. With a broad range of scale, though often in very large format, Siegel’s art focuses on science, aircraft and the space program with strikingly vibrant imagery.”

MARLENE SIFF

“Siff creates both painting and sculptural works with a clean, meticulous crispness that is thoroughly modern. Combining the precision of minimalists Judd and LeWitt with the visual symmetry and contrasting colors of Hammersley and Ellsworth Kelly, her work encourages viewers to experience the work’s physicality and bold colors free of gestural brush strokes.”

Austin Briggs (d.)

Ralph Boyer (d.)

John Russo Lucy Sallick Bernard Saunders Eric von Schmidt (d.)

EDITOR’S MENTION CHARLES REID I’m playing favorites to mention this Westport painter, teacher and author. His portraits and scenes, in watercolor and in oil, are universally serene, yet intimately expressive.

Join a watercolor workshop with the master: Sept. 10–14, Maine; Sept. 17–21, Vermont. Details at charlesreidart.com.

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20 YEARS

• SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 WESTPORT 73

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Lights, Camera, Westport!

Movies every Westporter should see, according to the Westport Cinema Initiative

T

he last movie theater in Westport closed in 1999. The Westport Cinema Initiative, a collection of film lovers, aim to bring one back. Until a permanent place is found, they screen movies at various venues to attract members and indulge in the joy of watching a movie together. Executive Director Sandy Lefkowitz suggests these films with local connections.

HELLO I MUST BE GOING (2012)

Set and filmed in Westport, this film is from writer Sarah Koskoff and her husband, Todd Louiso, who directed. It stars Gwyneth Paltrow’s mom, Blythe Danner, and HBO’s Girls star Christopher Abbott.

emotionally wounded vet living in suburban Connecticut. It was filmed along Main Street and at the train station in Westport.

(Woodward) convinces her husband, Harry (Newman), to head to Washington, D.C., to talk to the military.

THE SWIMMER (1968)

This film was filmed in swimming pools in and around Westport where director Frank Perry lived. It stars Burt Lancaster, Janet Landgard, Janice Rule and Joan Rivers.

Before he became a notable director, Perry had a job as a parking lot attendant at the Westport Country Playhouse, where he would later return to produce plays.

EDITOR PICKS: MOVIES WITH LOCAL STARS ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD (2017)

Westonite Christopher Plummer earned an Oscar nomination for this Ridley Scott film, completing it in just a week after replacing Kevin Spacey. The story follows the kidnapping of John Paul Getty III and his mother’s efforts to get his billionaire grandfather to pay the ransom.

STEPFORD WIVES (2004)

HEY BARTENDER (2013)

This documentary, exploring the newfound cocktail culture, is written and directed by Westport Cinema Initiative Board Vice President Douglas Tirola and features Steve Carpentieri, owner of Dunville’s Restaurant in Westport.

MAN IN THE GRAY FLANNEL SUIT (1956)

Set in the years after WWII, Gregory Peck stars as an

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This biographical drama is written by local attorney Michael Koskoff and his filmmaker son, Jacob. It focuses on Thurgood Marshall, the first AfricanAmerican Supreme Court Justice, and the real-life State of Connecticut v. Joseph Spell case in Bridgeport.

RALLY ROUND THE FLAG, BOYS! (1958)

This 1950s classic stars Westport’s own Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman.

When the Army plans to build a missile base in Putnam Landing, Connecticut, Grace Bannerman

2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (1968)

Fairfield resident Keir Dullea stars as the man behind the helmet, Dr. David Bowman, in Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 masterpiece. Dullea recently spoke at the Westport Woman’s Club and cofounded the Theatre Artists Workshop of Norwalk.

—Joey Macari

MR. AND MRS. BRIDGE (1990) Westporters Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward star in this film, for which Woodward received her fourth Academy Award nomination.

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA (2006) Weston’s James Naughton, who has an enormous body of work on stage (including City of Angels and Chicago), TV and screen, is a consistent scene stealer in this film adaptation of a book by Lauren Weisberger.

CONTRIBUTED

MARSHALL (2017)

Based off the novel by Ira Levin, this remake of a 1975 version starred an all-star cast: Nicole Kidman, Christopher Walken, Bette Midler, Faith Hill, Glenn Close and Matthew Broderick.

Most of the filming was done in New Canaan, Darien and Norwalk, and the author has stated that the fictional town of Stepford, Connecticut, is based on Wilton.

FOUN DED

by

AW AR D-W IN N IN G , B O AR D-C E R TIFIE D DE R M ATO LO G I S TS

DR. DEANNE MR AZ R OBINSON , M D, FAAD + DR . R H O N DA K LE IN , MD , F A A D

comprehensive care + cutting edge technology M E D I C A L, S URGI C A L, C O SMETIC + PEDIA TRIC DERMA TO L O GY

DO

High Note

A retrospective of world-class

O

performers who blew the roof of the Ridgefield Playhouse

ur anniversary issue allows us to sing the praises of our just-over-the-border friends of the Ridgefield Playhouse.

The arts organization prides itself on giving the county (and beyond) access to outstanding performances in its restored

historic theater; serving as cornerstone for the artist colony that exists in Ridgefield. From rock musicians, comedians, legendary directors, Broadway giants and more, here is their list of “all-time greatest performances” to light up their stage.

1. Gregg Allman 2. Paul Anka 3. Judd Apatow 4. The Beach Boys 5. The B-52s 6. Lindsey Buckingham 7. Dana Carvey 8. Judy Collins 9. Chris Cornell 10. David Crosby 11. Keith Emerson 12. Michael Feinstein 13. David Foster 14. Goo Goo Dolls 15. Andy Grammer 16. Buddy Guy 17. Herbie Hancock 18. Ron Howard 19. Joe Jackson 20. Jewel

MORE SHOWS COMING UP! A few highlights coming up this fall. Get your tickets now, and be prepared to give a standing ovation.

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21. Joan Jett and The Blackhearts 22. Cyndi Lauper 23. Jay Leno 24. Barry Levinson 25. Ziggy Marley 26. Michael McDonald 27. Tracy Morgan 28. Graham Nash 29. Willie Nelson 30. Christopher Plummer 31. Chita Rivera 32. Tim Robbins 33. Neil Sedaka 34. David Sedaris 35. Sarah Silverman 36. Stephen Stills 37. Cheap Trick 38. Brian Wilson

Thurs. 20 Bobby McFerrin: Circle Songs

Wed. 3 Marshall Tucker Band

SEPTEMBER Fri. 7 Easton Corbin

Fri. 28 Blondie: Fall Gala Event

Sat. 27 Tony Danza Standards & Stories

OCTOBER Sun. 7 Jane Monheit

NOVEMBER Fri. 2 Art Garfunkel: In Close Up

PHOTOGRAPH OF CHITA RIVERA BY MARIE DUNCAN; PAUL ANKA, THE BEACH BOYS, AND BUDDY GUY, CONTRIBUTED

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DO sure to drink up the day before, not just the morning of, your sweat session.”

STRETCH

Tried

Workout and recovery strategies from local fitness pros

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hether you’re new to the gym, go every day or just like running through the reasons to return after a hiatus, it’s wise to review the basics. Pros across Westport use a variety of moves to get us into shape one sprint, one pump, one punch, one lunge, one lift at a time, and all agree on these four pillars of a smart workout plan.

HYDRATE

Across the board, fitness pros we polled agreed that hydration is key for keeping up your energy, regulating your body temperature and supporting your overall

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health. “Keep in mind that optimal hydration occurs the twenty-four hours before your activity,” says Suzanne Vita Palazzo, owner of Upper Deck Fitness, which offers small-group cardio, strength and yoga classes. “So be

Crush an inevitable fitness plateau with creative planning.

John Andrade, regional manager of OrangeTheory Fitness—which mixes running, rowing and weight/floor work in each workout— breaks it down to five

essentials: 1. Build strength and gain muscle to rev metabolism.

2. Set fresh goals and plan.

3. Use your max heart rate.

4. Replace steady cardio with interval training.

5. Trade more reps for fewer with heavier weights.

REFUEL Effective workouts also require fuel, so be sure to watch what makes up your daily diet. “Eat a small carb/ protein-balanced snack one to two hours before and after a big workout,” says Debra Friedman, fitness director at Saugatuck Rowing Club. “Protein helps repair your muscles, and carbs refills them with energy, recovering your muscles and energy system for the next workout.”

REST Finally, know when to stop.

“Let your body recover,” says Andrew Kindt, cofounder of Achieve Fitness. “Knowledge of mobility, flexibility and recovery are essential to building a fat-burning body without injury.” Let your body do the work of recovery for a successful training program.

DO AS YOUR COACH DOES– TRY TABATA

“Sometimes in life less is more,” says Rhodie Lorenz, cofounder of JoyRide Cycling + Fitness and fitness pioneer.

“In the world of Tabata, more is more.”

Instructors incorporate Tabata—also known as HIIT (high intensity interval training)—into

spin, boxing and bootcamp classes.

They switch between a max round, usually twenty seconds, and a recovery round of ten seconds.

Control, she says, is more important than speed. Also, she advises, pace yourself so you can give max effort every round.

ORANGETHEORY FITNESS PHOTOGRAPH, CONTRIBUTED, JOYRIDE, MARWAN SHOUSER

Fit to be

The next essential for those chasing optimal fitness: Don’t blow off stretching before and after your class.

“Warm up appropriately for your workout,” advises Amy “Pistol” Mandelbaum, CrossFit Master and owner of CrossFit Westport. “Don't jump in unless you have gotten your heart rate up and have lubricated your muscles and joints with some dynamic stretching.

It can improve the range of motion in your workouts and decrease the chance of injury or tearing.”

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status report

BARTENDER’S CHOICE • SOURS • FOODIES TO KNOW NOW • FOOD DONATIONS • HEART-SMART DIET

Cheers to that 8 Top drinks at local watering holes and off-the-cuff suggestions bartenders think you should try

“Our Blueberry Lemonade and our most popular drink in the summer. Super refreshing, it’s Triple 8 Blueberry vodka floated over fresh lemonade with a lemon wheel and a few blueberries.”

–Scott Beck, owner If you like this, sip this: Cucumber Lemonade at The Chelsea

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ROGER RABBIT AT JESUP HALL

“If you’ve been to Jesup Hall, the carrot theme won’t be lost on you. This cocktail is built on a base of reposado tequila and a unique Carrot Eau de Vie from Austria, shaken with Vanilla Cinnamon Syrup, ginger, fresh lemon juice and a bar spoon of Labneh yogurt. Sweet, savory, tangy and delicious.”

–Craig Ventrice, beverage manager If you like this, sip this: Strawberry Daiquiri at Viva Zapata

Cucumber Lemonade

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FAREWELL MY LOVELY AT ROTHBARD ALE + LARDER

“This cocktail is always a favorite.

It’s a mix of vodka, Giffard Pamplemousse—grapefruit liqueur—lime and grapefruit bitters, so it is sweet with a citrus appeal. We had it on the cocktail list last summer, then took it off briefly. People asked for it still, so now it’s back.”

–Joe Farrell, owner If you like this, sip this: Literally Can’t Even at Jesup Hall

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FROGGER AT THE WHELK

“A summer classic, best enjoyed with a water view. A refreshing mix of vodka, fresh cucumber and lime juice, a touch

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7

SANGRITA AT VIVA ZAPATA

Craig Ventrice of Kawa Ni, The Whelk and Jesup Hall

of agave and a little kick of ginger.

Served with a half rim of kosher salt for those so inclined.”

–Craig Ventrice, beverage manager If you like this, sip this: Reviver at bartaco

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MARGARITA AT BARTACO

“There is nothing more refreshing than a classic margarita, especially when it’s done right. At bartaco, our classic margarita is a favorite, and we make every drink to order with

Combier Liqueur d’Orange, agave syrup, fresh-squeezed lime juice and our custom Libélula tequila, which sets our margarita apart from other classic margaritas.”

–Gretchen Thomas, wine and spirits director If you like this, sip this: Rubaba Rita at Kawa Ni

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150 OLD FASHIONED AT TAVERN ON MAIN

“An old-fashioned is the manliest cocktail to order and something Grandmother drank.

At Tavern we put our own twist

“A combination of margarita and sangria, our Sangrita makes the perfect thirst-quenching cocktail.”

–Bob O’Mahony, co-owner If you like this, sip this: Transcontinental at The Whelk

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THAI ME UP AT KAWA NI

“Our longest running cocktail, Thai Me Up is a tall, bubbly and spicy number with vodka, Thai chili–infused crème de cassis, Bianco vermouth and lime juice topped with sparkling water. Careful, they go down easy.”

–Craig Ventrice, beverage manager If you like this, sip this: Red Sonja at bartaco

PHOTOGRAPH OF CRAIG VENTRICE, CONTRIBUTED; THE CHELSEA BY JEFF KAUFMAN

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on it by adding a splash of amaretto for sweetness. Also, the luxardo cherries are a crowd pleaser.”

–John Zervos, head bartender If you like this, sip this: Big Fat Old Fashioned at Kawa Ni

BLUEBERRY LEMONADE AT THE LITTLE BARN

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CRAFT COCKTAIL & WINE BAR AMERICAN AMERICAN KETTLE KETTLE COOKING COOKING MUSSELS MUSSELS IN IN A A POT POT GLOBAL SMALL PLATES

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EAT

Something’s Brewing considered the Champagne of beer

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ove over IPAs. Sour beers are making a mark. Popular at Rothbard Ale + Larder, the boutique European gastropub in Westport, and among aficionados like Renzo Kian-Kubota, artisan beer specialist at Harry’s Wine and Liquor Market in Fairfield, this old European alebrewing tradition is inspiring American brewers to expand on tradition.

Two Roads in Stratford is opening a sour facility this fall, where they’ll experiment with open fermentation and barrel aging, sources of the complex flavors and aromas, and soft, sparkling textures found in sours.

At their best, sours are the Champagne of beer.

New to them? Buy a selection and throw a tasting party. If your palate runs too sweet, try Flemish Red Ale, with roasty malt flavors and cherry notes from aging in oak barrels. If you like tart, pick up Berliner Weisse.

Hazy blonde, light bodied and fizzy, it is refreshing and tangy. A German Gose, with its spice and salinity, is an acquired taste. A Belgian Oude Gueuze (“oude” is your hint it’s unsweetened), hazy amber and lemonscented, is tart, earthy, with a tannic finish. —Elizabeth Keyser

JOE FARRELL proprietor, Rothbard Ale + Larder, Westport

RENZO KIAN-KUBOTA beer specialist, Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market, Fairfield

JOE’S PICKS FOR EUROPEAN SOURS

RENZO’S PICKS FOR AMERICAN SOURS

1809 Berliner Weisse Dr. Fritz Briem, Germany

Farmhouse Ale Plan Bee Farm Brewery, Poughkeepsie, New York

Rodenbach Grand Cru Flemish Red Brouwerij Rodenbach, Belgium Abbaye de Saint Bon Chien, Brasserie des Franche Montagnes (BFM), Switzerland Belgian Gueuzeries Wild Beer Co., U.K. Sour'ir De Mortagne Picobrouwerij Alvinne, Belgium Leipziger Pineus Gose Bayerische Bahnhof, Germany

Poive Raz Springdale by Jack’s Abby Brewing, Framingham, Massachusetts Gin Barrel Saison Hermit Thrush Brewery, Brattleboro, Vermont Rosé is Bae Paradox Beer Co., Divide, Colorado Agrestic American Wild Ale Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Paso Robles, California

Elizabeth Keyser has written about beer, wine and spirits for newspapers, magazines and blogs.

She has sat on the Yankee Brew News tasting panel and judged craft and European brew contests.

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A WORD ON SOURS A drinktionary for your next tasting

BERLINER WEISSE

“Champagne of the North,” light, fruity, mildly sour.

BOTTLE CONDITIONED

Traditional method of re-fermenting beer in the bottle, creating natural carbonation.

BRETTANOMYCES (“BRETT”)

Wild yeast produces complex floral to funky flavors; during barrel aging, it creates acetic acid, giving beer crisp acidity.

FLANDERS RED ALE

Brown ale fermented a second time in oak casks up to two years, creating lactic acid that adds sour flavor.

FRUIT LAMBIC

Whole, crushed or juiced fruit— traditionally cherries, raspberries, black currants or peaches— are added to the cask for secondary fermentation, then bottle conditioned.

GOSE

Pronounced “go-sah,” it is brewed with salt and coriander, and bottle conditioned.

GUEUZE

Pronounced “gooze,” this “Champagne of Belgium” is a sparkling lambic brewed without fruit that ferments in koolships, then ages in casks for a year.

The aged lambic is mixed with a younger lambic, and bottle conditioned.

KOOLSHIP

Large, shallow, open vats expose the cooling wort to microorganisms, which inoculate it, creating complex flavors.

LAMBIC

Traditional Brussels sour wheat beer based on two stages of wild fermentation, producing sweet malt and sour lactic blend, then fermented in old casks. Brewers mix aged and young lambics.

PHOTOGRAPHS: PORTRAITS COURTESY OF EXPERTS; BEER GLASSES BY ©LESZEK CZERWONKA - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

In time for fall, find out why sours are

EAT

Getting Served according to an all-things-food fanatic

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he woman who signs off her emails with the tag line “Life is too short for bad food” has been preparing for her ten-year (and counting) role as founder and Editor in Chief for CTbites (ctbites.com) her whole life.

Stephanie Webster was born and raised in NYC by parents who professionally design restaurants. She discovered a knack for finding out-of-theway gems during weekly trips to Chinatown and frequent trips abroad. She started her own career in the city as a photo editor, followed by strategy, brand development, website architecture and content development work for top consumer brands. During her seven-year stay in Seattle, she adopted the city’s casual yet innovative approach to food. When she relocated to Connecticut, she began searching for great food. We asked this pro to name twenty foodies everyone in Westport, Weston and Wilton must know—no easy challenge.

Here’s what she served up.

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LLOYD ALLEN Owner of Double L Market in Westport and a fierce advocate for local farming and sourcing

JENN BALIN Owner of the café Sugar & Olives

JESS BENGSTEN Chef at Terrain Garden Cafe and supporter and advocate for sustainable local sourcing

TIM LABLANT Chef/owner of Schoolhouse Restaurant

NORM BLOOM Owner of Norm Bloom and Son Oysters

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ELLEN BOWEN

Founder of miabites.com, a partner of ctbites.com

LORI COCHRAN

Director of Westport Farmers’ Market

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ANDREW DOMINICK Food writer

ANNIE FARRELL

Farmer at Millstone Farm

RAMIN GANESHRAM Cookbook author

CHEF ALISON MILWE GRACE Chef/owner of AMG Catering

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BRIAN LEWIS

Chef/owner of OKO and The Cottage

FARAH MASANI Owner of Farah’s Farm, farmer, supplier to local chefs and supporter of local food community

MARINA MARCHESE Founder of Red Bee Apiary

PATTY POPP Farmer at Sport Hill Farm in Easton

LIZ RUEVEN Author of the blog Kosher Like Me

PIETRO SCOTTI Owner/chef of Da Pietro’s and community advocate

RICK SMILOW President and CEO of The Institute of Culinary Education

MATT STORCH Chef/owner of Match Burger Lobster, chef ambassador for Food Rescue US, advocate for farmers’ markets and local farms, and winner of Chopped

BILL TAIBE Chef/owner of the restaurants Jesup Hall, The Whelk and Kawa Ni, all in Westport

DAVID WEBSTER

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20 Must-know local foodies,

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CELEBRATING

20 YEARS

• SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 WESTPORT 85

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Essentially Good 20 Helpful donations your local

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hatever your passion, there’s a way to help. Our towns give back every day through volunteering, committee work, founding and/or running organizations—and, of course, donations. Jeff Weiser, president and CEO of Homes With Hope (hwhct.org), says donations are needed year-round to help the professional staff and more than 400 volunteers who support the

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PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY

canned

(in jars)

SPAGHETTI SAUCE

CEREAL

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COOKING OIL (small bottles)

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SALAD DRESSING

PASTA (any type)

CANNED FRUIT: PEACHES, PEARS OR FRUIT COCKTAIL

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POWDERED DRINK MIX

(iced tea or lemonade)

12+13 PANCAKE MIX & SYRUP

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MAYONNAISE

TUNA FISH

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homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless. Below he shares a list of the supplies he finds most helpful for the Gillespie Center, which also provides shelter and services. It’s just one example of the many nonprofits, both grassroots and huge organizations, that are based in Westport, Weston and Wilton.

Here is your call to action to donate items to those in need.

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MUSTARD & KETCHUP

RICE (1 lb. bags) CLEANING PRODUCTS (GLASS CLEANER, SPONGES, DISH DETERGENT, COMET)

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HEARTY SOUP

BEANS

(canned)

(canned)

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ALL IMAGES BY ISTOCK/COM, IN ORDER © LUIS SANTOS; ANJELAGR; EM ART; SUNNYS; MIKEBITA; GOOLYASH TAB62 AFRICA STUDIO; CURLYMARY; PICTURE PARTNERS ALENKADR CHERYLVB; RIMGLOW; CHARLOTTELAKE ; JULIE CLOPPER

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CATERING AND EVENTS

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1035 Post Road East 203.557.9600

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CELEBRATING

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Fact vs.

Fiction Understanding the latest intel on cholesterol control

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ost wellness-minded adults know that testing cholesterol regularly and understanding the good (HDL) and bad (LDL) numbers is critical to living a heart-smart lifestyle. Yet cardiovascular health experts say myths persist about the best ways to keep those numbers in check.

Two Fairfield County cardiologists give us some updates on the latest in cholesterol science. —Beth Cooney Fitzpatrick

HEART SMART: A healthy diet of fish, veggies, nuts and olive oil supports good cholesterol.

EAT SMARTER

The link between diet and cholesterol continues to expand, as newer research on genetic influences refutes some commonly held beliefs about foods once deemed verboten.

Take eggs. Their bad reputation can be blamed on their whopping 185 milligrams of cholesterol per yolk. “But they are no longer the dietary demon we once thought they were,” says Dr. Sasanka Jayasuriya, a cardiologist affiliated with Greenwich Hospital, referring to research that suggests nutritionally dense eggs can increase good (HDL) cholesterol. “Like many things, I think they are okay if you eat them in moderation.”

Dr. Steven Kunkes, a cardiologist affiliated with Bridgeport Hospital, says many patients attempt to control their cholesterol by adopting restrictive eating plans such as

Paleo or Whole 30 diets.

“Initially, they may have some encouraging success, but with all these things the question is, are they sustainable for a lifetime?” he says.

Instead, he advocates eating a Mediterraneanstyle diet where fish, vegetables, nuts, whole grains and heart-healthy oils are plentiful.

What to avoid? “Red meat, processed foods and simple sugars like those found in ice cream, because of the role they play in managing cholesterol, and in obesity and diabetes,” says Dr. Kunkes. But even beef burgers and ice cream are okay now and then if your diet is otherwise heart smart, he says.

FAMILY MATTERS “For a long time, we’ve focused on lifestyle factors when talking about cholesterol,” says Dr. Kunkes. “While that is a contributing factor, we are looking at the role heredity plays more and more.” Indeed, Dr. Kunkes says about onethird of people with high levels of bad cholesterol can probably attribute their numbers solely to lifestyle factors while the other two-thirds tend to have heredity-based disorders.

Dr. Jayasuriya says many of her patients are shocked to discover their unhealthy cholesterol profiles even though they work out regularly and eat a balanced diet.

“Patients think they are immune because they don’t fit the image of what they think someone with high cholesterol should look like or behave. The reality is this can impact anyone—even

the young—which is why it’s important to start testing your cholesterol as young as in your twenties.”

NEW TREATMENT For a long time, statins, a class of drugs that block the action of a liver enzyme responsible for producing cholesterol, have been the gold standard for treating patients with cholesterol levels that are out of control. “It’s been shown conclusively that the majority are great for preventing heart attacks, vascular disease and strokes,” says Dr. Kunkes.

Yet, some patients complain the drugs cause muscle pain and other side effects that threaten compliance. “You would be surprised how many people stop taking their medication, but don’t tell their doctors,” says Dr. Jayasuriya, who urges patients to come clean if they are avoiding prescriptions. “These medications have been given to you for a real medical reason and the good news is we now have alternatives if you don’t like them.”

This includes a new class of drugs known as PCSK9 inhibitors, an injectable made of natural substances (unlike statins) that have been shown to have a powerhouse ability to lower LDL cholesterol levels. They are not a first-treatment option for patients, though. For one thing, Dr. Kunkes says the injectable meds are pricey. “They are terrific medications, but it’s difficult getting payment for them [from insurers].” As a result, statins remain a first best bet for most patients.

PHOTOGRAPHS: EGGS BY © JIRI HERA ER- STOCK.ADOBE.COM; OLIVE OIL BY ©ALENKADR - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

CHOLESTEROL NEWS

PRIMARY CARE

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If you’ve ever wondered if all primary care relationships are the same, maybe it’s time to visit WCHN. Our doctors believe the best way to treat you is by getting to know you. That way they can create personalized plans designed to keep you enjoying the moments that make life wonderful.

Get to know a primary care physician at wchn.org/pcp | 1-800-210-1827

Fınance Fıx BACK TO BASICS

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nly Utah, Alabama, Missouri, Texas and Virginia require a personal-finance class in order to graduate from high school, reports the Center for Financial Literacy. The group graded states by their ability to “produce financially literate high school graduates.” Connecticut and MARTIN MAFFEI nine other states flunked. Our state ranks highest in per capita income, and we stand as the hedge-fund capital of the world; yet, for many of us, our understanding of money matters is lacking.

“The wealthiest clients are often the least equipped and knowledgeable to run their own portfolio,” contends Martin Maffei, vice president/financial adviser at UBS Wealth Management in Stamford. “It’s often those who earn less that we see making an effort to educate themselves and figure out how to maximize each dollar.”

What’s the most common mistake? “Not saving enough,” says Maffei, who notes that half of his job is educating clients. “Finance 101 teaches the basic power of compounding.” Nudging up your savings by just 1 percent can generate hundreds of thousands of dollars over time. Maffei met recently with a 40-yearold professional who earns about $400,000 a year and has about $200,000 in an old retirement account, with no additional savings. The client is accustomed to a high standard of living that includes private school

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? “Fear and greed are the two biggest factors in investing. There’s a big fear factor, and ignorance drives that fear,” says Martin Maffei. The smart plan, then, is to become financially literate.

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Master the basics of personal finance for long-term success

tuition for two children. “He’s lost sight of putting money away,” Maffei says. “A lot of folks making a good living tend to be pretty comfortable with their money and don’t necessarily keep a close eye on the budget. No one really thinks, ‘I’m going to stop getting a paycheck someday.’ But it happens.” By age 65, the man’s retirement portfolio is projected to reach about $650,000. “Now, assume he saves 5 percent annually and gets an employer match. It could reach in excess of $2 million.”

Most courses on personal finance advocate saving automatically, especially in employer retirement plans in which money is deducted before taxes.

“You will barely notice a change in your paycheck,” he says, “and you will be taking advantage of free money from the employer match.”

Before you develop a personal finance curriculum, assemble all of your statements that relate to money.

What you understand goes in one pile. What you don’t, goes in another—then learn about it. Break it into pieces. “Try to do a bit each day, even if you don’t implement it the whole time,” Maffei says. “If you work with a financial institution and you have a financial adviser, that should be your best resource, rather than you trying to drive through the internet or the whole universe.”

Financial literacy includes making the most of work opportunities and being prudent with spending, debt and taxes. “You tend to lose 2 percent of performance a year in a taxable account if you’re not managing efficiently for taxes,” Maffei says. Review tax planning, tax-efficient holdings and tax-loss harvesting. Next, share. “Get the family involved. If one spouse is the main income earner, and the other doesn’t have a clue, that can create problems.” If your mate were to divorce you, lose a job, or worse, would you know your balance sheet, asset level and location of your assets? Learn now. W

NEEDCHANGES TO THE KNOW NOW

ONLINE RESOURCES Whether you hope to brush up on personal finance basics or to dig deep into calls, puts and alternative investments, education is but a few clicks away. Check out these five online resources:

1 CNN Money money.cnn.com/pf/ money-essentials 2 Coursera coursera.org/learn/ family-planning 3 Khan Academy khanacademy.org/ economics-financedomain/core-finance 4 Morningstar morningstar.com/ cover/classroom.html 5

Udemy udemy.com/thecore-four-of-personalfinance-basics

HEADSHOT, CONTRIBUTED; WOMAN ON COMPUTER ISTOCK.COM/@ FOXYBURROW

Finance 101

by carol leonet ti dannhauser

It’s not just wealth management.

It’s life management.

At People’s United Bank, we believe wealth management isn’t just about managing your wealth, it’s about understanding, anticipating and helping clients prepare for the expected and the unexpected in life.

For generations we have earned the trust of individuals, families and businesses by solving wealth challenges with solutions that matter.

Investment products are offered through People’s United Advisors, Inc., a registered investment advisor. People’s United Advisors, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of People’s United Bank, N.A.

Let’s Talk.

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Investment and Insurance Products:

— Not Insured by FDIC or any Federal Government Agency

— Not a Deposit of or Guaranteed by by a Bank or any Bank Affiliate

— May Lose Value

Join Us!

Collage by Tracy Hambley on view at the Outdoor Arts Festival, Saturday & Sunday, October 6 – 7

Join the Bruce Museum today and enjoy these Member Benefits all year: • Unlimited free admission to the Museum

—View a dozen or more art & science exhibitions a year

• 10% discount on Museum Store purchases

—Save on jewelry, books, posters, hostess gifts & more

• Invitations to Members-Only exhibition openings

—Including Friday, September 21 reception for our major fall exhibition, ReTooled: Highlights from the Hechinger Collection

• Free admission to annual festivals

—Including the Fall Arts Festival and the Spring Crafts Festival

• Free admission to dozens of museums in Connecticut and New York —The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, New York Hall of Science, Intrepid: Sea, Air & Space Museum, and many more!

BRUCE MUSEUM brucemuseum.org

Annual memberships:

Family/Dual: $65 • Individual: $60 • Senior: $40 • Student: $35 To become a member or for information on other membership categories and benefits, visit brucemuseum.org or call Laura Freeman at 203-413-6764.

PEOPLE

by joey macari

& Places

WOMEN IN BUSINESS • PHOTOGRAPHS BY MELANI LUST PHOTOGRAPHY

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She Means Business

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he future is female right here in Fairfield County. Moffly Media celebrated its tenth annual Women in Business “Women, Wealth & Wisdom” event at the Greenwich Country Club for 250 attendees. Guests enjoyed specialized seminars; a wine reception sponsored by Whispering Angel; an awards presentation celebrating corporate leaders, entrepreneurs and business advocates; and a first-of-its-kind fashion show by brand icon Carolina Herrera, to close out the ceremony. An afternoon of networking and recognition of women’s achievements was hosted

by Emmy-winning former News 12 anchor Rebecca Surran, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Breast Cancer Alliance. In a groundbreaking year for women’s rights and advocacy, female and male allies alike demonstrated the power and potential of women leaders right here in Connecticut. » 1 Jonathan Moffly, Cohl Katz 2 Guests trying on jewlery 3 Fashion show 4 Gabriella Mays, Kim Nichols, and Laurinda Finelli 5 Moffly magazines 6 Women of Influence honorees from left: Tracy Chadwell, Alisa Bahl, Flavia Cattan-Naslausky, and Camilla Gazal 7 Keynote speaker Emilie Rubinfeld, president of Carolina Herrera 8 Greenwich Country Club 9 Table setting 10 Gemi Lusicco, Wendy Hll

( for more party pics visit westportmag.com )

CELEBRATING

20 YEARS

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1 Marguerite, Paul, Caroline and Charlotte Rossi enjoy the reception 2 Paul performs with Staples Players 3 Library Executive Director Bill Harmer, with Asher and Justin Paul 4 Paul accepts the Westport Library award 5 Tom and Paula Mcinerney with their granddaughters 6 Jim Torres and Diana Bowes 7 Cochair Stacy Bass 8 Booked committee: Kelle Ruden, Jenn Falik, Trish Schwartz, Candi Savin, Wendy Brown, Nina Sankovitch, Stacy Bass, Theanne Feldman, Maggie Mudd, Julie Genser and Laura Curly Pendergast

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAMELA EINARSEN

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ot too many people have their grandmother at a lifetime achievement award [ceremony],” joked Justin Paul, Westport native and Oscar, Tony and Golden Globe winner, who accepted this year’s Booked for the Evening Award at The Westport Library’s 20th annual fundraising event. The ceremony, which took place at the Rolling Hills Country Club in Wilton, drew a sellout crowd of 500 and celebrated Paul’s achievements. Attendees enjoyed an emotional performance by Staples High School students, who sang songs from the musicals Dear Evan Hansen, La La Land and The Greatest Showman, to name a few. Paul, who has composed several notable musicals with his musical partner, Benj Pasek, thanked his music and drama teachers who were present at the event, and like the song from his other hit musical Dogfight, became a “Hometown Hero” that night.

PEOPLE &Places Welcome Home 130 HILLANDALE ROAD | WESTPORT | $3.8M

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5 1 Keynote speaker Jane Seymour 2 Musical guest Brendan Fletcher with Betsy Auray and Lynne Taikowski 3 Westporters Dr. Maddie Geni and Dr. Emily Driesman, with Dr. Shelly Driesman, Liz Foster and Toby Meshberg of Fairfield 4 Rose of Hope recipient Dr. Anke Ott Young with Dr. Donna Twist 5 Event chairs flank Jane Seymour: Leslie Noland, Linda Blackwell, Lynne Taikowski, Finley Shaw and Dr. Donna Twist

| | NORMA PFRIEM BREAST CENTER | |

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JAMIE COLLINS PHOTOGRAPHY

Raising Hope

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early 500 supporters attended the annual Norma Pfriem Breast Center Rose of Hope Luncheon at the Fairfield Hunt Club in Westport to raise awareness and funds for underinsured women. Actor, author and philanthropist Jane Seymour served as keynote speaker at the event, and bravely shared personal career stories, relatable experiences and heartfelt words in her address. Musical guest Brendan Fletcher from Season 6 of The Voice performed, and Dr. Anke Ott Young of Bridgeport Hospital received this year’s Rose of Hope Award for her work in plastic and reconstructive surgery. »

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CELEBRATING

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• SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 WESTPORT 95

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1 Star realtors Yvonne O’Kane and Mar Jennings 2 Event poster 3 Guests dancing to ‘20s jazz 4 Pearl owners Marc and Lois Backon 5 Suave party guests on the red carpet 6 The venue 7 Period cars outside the venue 8 Event host, “America’s Top Lifestyle Expert” Mar Jennings with the Honey Taps

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY CAROLINE O’KANE

| | WESTPORT HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND THE WESTPORT LIBRARY | |

Into the Past

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he Pearl at Longshore hosted a rip roarin’ fun event, Gatsby’s Return, which was attended by more than 250 guests. To celebrate the brief time F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife, Zelda, called Westport home, the Pearl encouraged guests to wear their favorite Gatsby- and Daisy-inspired outfits and enjoy a live jazz band, display of period-style cars, a red carpet entrance and festive food and drink. Ten thousand dollars was raised to support both The Westport Library and Westport Historical Society. »

CELEBRATING

Southport | Quogue | apdarchitects.com

20 YEARS

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PEOPLE &Places

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Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Jeff Wieser, president and CEO, Homes with Hope 4 Julie, Steve and Patricia Lewine, and Jason Martin

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Row for Hope

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lad in their summer whites, the men and women of the Saugatuck Rowing Club came out to support Homes with Hope in Westport. The fundraiser, “Summer Night on the River,” raised money to support former homeless women ages eighteen to twenty-four who have integrated themselves back into the community with the help of Homes with Hope and Project Return. »

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T Against Gun Violence recently held its annual benefit luncheon at Greenwich Country Club. More than 300 guests showed their support for the state’s leading organization dedicated to reducing gun violence through grassroots engagement and legislative advocacy. The generosity of the Greenwich community for CAGV, founded here more than twenty years ago by a group of Greenwich residents, was demonstrated once again this year with record-setting contributions. W

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY BOB CAPAZZO

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When residents of Dataw Island get their friends to come down to the South Carolina paradise, the raves start just after they come over the causeway. Is this real?

The natural beauty is so overwhelming, even the two golf courses are certified by Audubon. People know it’s special after one deep breath.

“Being near the water is itself very much a lifestyle,” says Laura McCarthy, Director of Marketing at Dataw, located midway between Charleston and Savannah (and their fine airports). “There are lagoons and waterways. Without leaving the island, there is oystering and crabbing. There’s fishing from kayaks and a lot of homes have private docks. You find a real zeal for life here, and people look out for each other.”

Indeed, Dataw Island’s layout is all about friendly hellos in a lively community.

The sparkling weather pulls them in, but the good life keeps them. After that, there is no end to the diversions when you go back over the causeway. The lovely antebellum town of Beaufort and the hopping Hilton Head scene also offer a lot.

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Besides the robust golf and tennis scenes on Dataw Island, there are at least thirty social clubs. It is, in brief, a place to live, and live well. Call 843.838.3838 for information on Dataw Island or visit dataw.com.

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Corcoran Group. “As soon as they come over the bridge, it’s not, ‘Show me another 100 communities:’ it’s, ‘Show me what’s here.’ ” Florida’s tax laws have been a big draw for Connecticut people lately. But choosing a worldly place like Palm Beach means, says Paulette, “not leaving your lifestyle up north. With Norton Museum of Art, the Kravis Center, opera, theater and shows, you don’t have to just play golf and tennis.

There are great restaurants you can walk to. You can be active in the community or choose privacy­. You get the best of both worlds here. It’s become so evolved it’s amazing— and without all the hullaballoo you get in Miami.”

And if one desires more hullaballoo, there is the new, luxurious Brightline train to whisk you down to Miami (drinks optional). To check the many options in Palm Beach, call Paulette Koch at the Corcoran Group at 561.346.8639 or write paulette.koch @corcoran.com. You can also contact Dana Koch at 561.379.7718; dana.koch@corcorangroup.com.

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20 YEARS

• SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 WESTPORT 103

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(back row) Fox Schanzer, Spencer Creveling and Carolina Warneryd • (front row) Nick Attkiss, Annabel Roth and Chloe Adda

10 Teens to watch as they design the careers of their dreams… and open up about the challenges they face

(back row) Madeline Burke and Doran Sekaran • (front row) Julia Morneau and Ryan Felner

Behind the Scenes Our photo shoot took place at DWR in Westport. We loved the open space and bright colors to reflect the future before these amazing teens.

(Plus: Go to westportmag.com for Becky Hoving’s piece on the design of the furniture that appears in this story.)

Madeline Burke WILTON HIGH SCHOOL

Political Science & Volunteering What qualities make a leader effective?

“The best leaders have passion, commitment and integrity. I try to keep this in mind when leading a group and do my best to lead by example. I have learned that passion and a positive attitude help to inspire others, whether it’s on the basketball court or in the classroom.

If I’m not giving 100 percent at practice or during a game, I can’t expect my teammates to push themselves. I also stand by my word. If people can’t trust you, and you don’t deliver on what you say you’re going to do, why should they follow?”

Why do you volunteer?

“I am aware of the opportunities I’ve been given and try to help in ways I know will positively impact the lives of others.

My work at the ASPIRE program through Family & Children’s Agency allows me to do that.

The kids are so grateful for my help, whether it’s with math homework or preparing for a vocabulary quiz the next day.”

BIG PLANS “I am excited to meet a diverse group of people, build relationships and learn from others so that I can continue to grow.

After college graduation, I hope to gain valuable work experience, then consider a postgraduate degree, maybe law school. And a big family is definitely in my future!”

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Why do you want to pursue a career in public policy?

“Public policy combines several different disciplines, each with the end goal of helping people. As I pursue a career in this field, I want to affect positive change in the public sector, in education, healthcare or government. I would like to create statewide after-school programs, similar to ASPIRE, and make them available to

any child who needs the support. Today, there are nearly 250,000 children in need of this service, and it’s critical to ensuring their future success.”

Role model: Grandmother.

“She spent decades teaching English and health education in urban and affluent communities.

Now retired, she runs an ESL class and volunteers as a sexual health educator in cities with high teen pregnancy rates.”

Teen dilemma: Stress.

“We wake up at 6:30 a.m. for before-school club meetings or study sessions, attend a rigorous day of classes, and go straight to practice or rehearsal.

We return home to begin homework, studying or ACT prep, hoping to crash before midnight. While this pressure has become the norm for many of us, we also have to acknowledge the negative effects the pace is having on many students.”

Favorite class: Freshman year humanities.

“It was an interdisciplinary, teamtaught English and social studies course. We were a group of about thirty-five, discussing and writing about philosophy, literature and history.”

Guilty pleasure: Taylor Swift.

“I listen when I’m relaxing, driving, doing homework or getting pumped up for a big game.”

How did your business RAF|AIR start?

“Once consumer drones started to hit the market a few years ago, I became fascinated with them.

For a year, I watched videos on YouTube almost every night, whether they were reviews of the latest drones or mesmerizing aerial videography. Finally, I saved up enough money to buy a DJI Phantom 3 in my freshman year. I got really interested in the real estate market. I had practically memorized each Westport listing on Zillow. So, when I compared the photos I had taken of my own home to those marketed on the listings, it hit me: I had the perfect opportunity to combine my love of technology with my interest in real estate.”

What were your first steps?

“I started by scouring the online listings for homes that were either located near the water or situated on large properties. I emailed the realtors, highlighting the benefits that drone photography could lend to the marketability of their listing, along with sample shots. After a few emails, one realtor responded. The photos turned out to be amazing, and she became my biggest client.”

And your second business, SporTutors?

“In elementary school, my mom was trying to introduce me to sports— she wanted to find a way to spark my interest.

She realized that a high school athlete—a fun, relaxed, unintimidating role model—would be perfect. But the process of finding that athlete was imperfect. She reached

out to friends, to local sports teams, to the high school. Finally, she found a high school senior to coach me, and we worked in my backyard for weeks.

With SporTutors, I wanted to make it simple for families to find affordable and qualified coaches.

This business is all about connecting people, about building relationships.”

Was it ever too much?

“It taught me valuable time-management and organizational skills that are critical to both running a business and keeping up to date with my school assignments. I’ve also learned the importance of proper communication skills, especially when dealing with adults.

It’s so important to communicate promptly and politely—nobody in the business world likes to wait a few days for an email reply.”

Role model: Dad. “I vividly remember listening to my dad’s business calls as a young child. Once he hung up the phone, I was ready with a laundry list of questions. Instead of dismissing the concepts as too complicated for someone so young, he took the time to explain these complex topics in detail.”

Dream destination: China.

“Their radically different culture and status as a global economic powerhouse would make it an amazing place to explore.”

BIG PLANS ”I’m looking forward to applying to a wide array of colleges. I plan to study economics wherever I end up, and follow up with an MBA. But who knows?

Anything can change!”

Recent read: Being There.

“Despite being released in the ’70s, it’s highly relevant to today’s world.”

Ryan Felner

Binge watch: Curb Your Enthusiasm and Veep

STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

Business

CELEBRATING

20 YEARS

• SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 WESTPORT 109

Spencer Creveling King School

Robotics & Coding

BIG PLANS “My goal is to create a self-learning AI who will study, and learn from, patterns of human behavior in order to become the best companion for his owner.

Each version would be unique.”

How did you become interested in robotics and coding?

“I first got interested in coding during the nationwide Hour of Code back in fifth grade. As a young kid, I loved creating things, and seeing the limitless potential that coding provided really clicked with me. I went on to teach myself HTML, basic Java and Python, and I just completed my AP Computer Programming (Java) course this year. As for robotics, I dabbled in it in sixth grade during my STEM class. However, I never thought I would be able to join a team until my friend and the leader of the club asked me to join to lead the coding team.”

What’s your greatest success so far?

“Seeing that this was my first year in robotics, I think my greatest accomplishment was getting the robot’s code to properly respond to our remote inputs. The robot we were using understood a subsection of the language C+, which meant all of the programming guides were outdated or flat-out wrong. I had to manipulate the code for hours in order to get it to work.”

Any current projects?

“Currently, I am learning Apple’s custom programming language Xcode in order to program ios apps. At the same time, I am learning Javascript in order to program my own game using the Unity Engine. Another project I am working on is the refinement of my custommade solid propellant in order to use it in future rocket launches.”

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What do you foresee for 3-D printing?

“I hope that along with 3-D printers gaining new attributes, they will also become more commercialized. And perhaps in a few years, the mid-tier printers will become more affordable for schools and public institutions around the world.”

As a leader of several school clubs, how do you inspire peers?

“I motivate my peers by showing them the amazing things they can print on their own. For example, in order to get some publicity for the 3-D Printing Club, we printed a large amount of small figurines and gifts—key chains, phone cases, pencil holders, ghosts for Halloween, snowmen for winter, and so on—for fun and for various holidays and handed them out to our peers. As for the actual members of the club, on the first day I let them vote on anything they wanted to print in order to show them the limitless ability of the printers.”

Today’s teen dilemma: Pressure.

“Teens face an insane amount of pressure when it comes to performing in school. It seems that to be successful in the future, you need to be top of your class and get into an ‘elite’ college. In pursuing these goals, teens are often asked to ‘specialize’ in an academic area or sport at the expense of exploring other opportunities and their true interests.”

Dream destination: Large Hadron Collider near Geneva, Switzerland

What was it like moving to Westport as a freshman?

“While in Ridgefield, I sought out academic excellence purely for myself, not because I was told this is what I was supposed to do. In Westport, however, it appeared to me that no matter where one went, there was this silent belief that one’s worth was based on what grade he or she obtained. I do not know if I ever ‘overcome’ this challenge. Rather, I found ways to manage my own self-worth and lifestyle. I began taking part in a series of mindfulness activities, such as journaling, yoga and meditation.”

BIG PLANS “The main thing I want to accomplish is mending our country’s broken education system. Sometimes you are exposed to something so unfair and so heart-wrenching that you can never fully recover until you do something.

For me, this is academic inequality and stratification.”

Chloe Adda Staples High School

Education & Writing

How did your race impact your high school years?

“I have felt on multiple occasions that in Westport, ignorance and racism are spoken about as though they are two separate matters.

However, in reality, racism is the child of ignorance.

The other day, a fellow classmate told me he didn’t feel that it was fair for me to claim that my high school experience was different from his because I am black. Yet I always felt hyper aware of how I was perceived by others due to my complexion and hair texture. Likewise, there were many moments in which I would desperately try to reach out to students and speak about being black in this town and this country, but I am often shut down and said to be ‘playing the race card’.”

Why do you publish novellas online with a nom de plume?

“My writing has very

CELEBRATING

20 YEARS

little to do with ‘Chloe,’ but rather the characters and places I have chosen to create and portray through letters and spaces. This separation of self from work has always been one of the main aspects about my writing that I have enjoyed, and anonymity is this separation solidified.

When my book finally hit 5 million reads, I was eternally grateful because these reads had nothing to do with my personal identity, but, rather, with the identity of my writing.”

What’s your goal for attending Yale?

“I am looking forward to using my education to aid in repairing the education of children such as those who I work with during my internship. In economics, there is what is known as the spending multiplier. It refers to the theory that when the government spends money, it will multiply throughout the economy. I want my attendance to Yale to be like a multiplier. I hope to multiply my education to help kids who do not have the same educational opportunities.”

Lesson from Urban Impact internship: Severe academic inequality.

“Many of the students I have worked with during this program can barely read the word the despite being in third grade. This is just one example of how the U.S. education system fails millions of students every day.”

Last movie: 13th Role model: Angela Davis.

“She wasn’t afraid to push boundaries…and dutifully broke them down.”

• SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 WESTPORT 111

What’s your advice to girls who want to pursue STEM? “Girls can be intimidated

by STEM classes that are filled with confident boys who may monopolize conversations. There’s still a stigma that girls don’t have personalities that are well-suited for certain careers involving software engineering, building, etc. However, the landscape is changing and more universities are striving to attract women to STEM programs. Also, companies are eager to hire qualified women for STEM positions. In my school, there are a growing number of girls who like to code, and even though we may still be outnumbered— especially in a setting like a computer-programming competition—it seems to be improving. If you’re passionate about STEM, pursue it without worrying about how you may be perceived.”

BIG PLANS “I would like to study engineering and use my skills to build things that solve problems and improve the quality of people’s lives.”

Carolina Warneryd King School

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STEM & Politics

As copresident of Model UN, what realworld issue is on your mind?

“The U.S. has begun to take a strong stance against [human] trafficking domestically— our Department of Justice recently shut down Backpage.com, one of the largest online trafficking sites. However, I would like to see the U.S. assume an even greater role in eradicating trafficking globally by making it a focal point of our foreign policy. Only by working together with other nations can we create effective international

strategies that might one day end this modern-day form of slavery.”

Tell me about your Senior STEM Scholar project at St. Luke’s.

“I am in the process of designing and building a prototype of a portable, waterless toilet for people who live on the outskirts of the Guatemala City dump. Last summer, as part of a service trip, I saw firsthand the many problems that the people living on its perimeter face. The lack of sanitation contributes to a variety of health-related problems, particularly for children.”

Role mode: Elizabeth Hausler, founder and CEO of Build Change Teens today: Conflicting advice.

“We face a lot of pressure to maintain a high GPA and attend a well-known college while also excelling as athletes or musicians, but sites like Instagram and Facebook portray teenagers as leading enviable social lives. It’s an almost impossible set of standards.”

Favorite class: AP BC Calculus Guilty pleasure: Swedish candy.

“When I am in Sweden, I love filling up supermarket bags with many different kinds of ‘Plockgodis’— pick your own candy, especially salted licorice.”

Dream destination: Central and South America

Doran Sekaran WESTON HIGH SCHOOL

Politics

BIG PLANS “I want to expand the horizon of knowledge and disseminate that knowledge to others.

I want to discover something new, whether it’s an idea to solve a societal problem or a cure for a disease.”

As cofounder and copresident of the Young Progressives Club, what motivates you?

“One key factor keeps me intimately engaged in politics: Partisanship is tearing this country apart. Each side believes that the other is unAmerican, while viewing themselves as saviors who can solve problems on their own. There is nothing wrong with having far-left or far-right beliefs; I myself am fairly liberal. However, I’ve tried to use the club as a tool to loosen the partisan tensions that are hurting this country by inviting both conservatives and liberals to discuss a variety of issues and to work together on areas of common interest, such as collecting food for our local food pantry.

We’re trying to redefine what it means to be a ‘progressive’—from referring to someone with liberal beliefs, to referring to someone who has an open mind politically and is willing and able to empathize with the ‘opposing side’ so that society as a whole can progress.”

Why did you take courses in science and math at Columbia University Honors Science Program (CHSP)?

“I applied during my freshman year, the same time I was taking AP Biology. That class was a challenge, but it was also incredibly stimulating and engaging. I was finally understanding the importance and appeal of the sciences. I wanted to learn as much as I could about the world and how it worked, from how

CELEBRATING

20 YEARS

nutrients are delivered to our cells, to why nothing can travel faster than the speed of light. The CHSP satisfied my curiosity by giving me the opportunity to take classes in quantum computing, neurology, biochemistry, and abstract algebra.”

What is it like?

“I have been able to interact with other students who are just as interested in the sciences as I am. One of the main reasons I got involved in research was because my friends at CHSP recommended that I try to get a research internship over the summer to continue my active involvement in the field of biology. This past summer, I did a research internship at Rockefeller University, studying and sequencing the human genome.”

What have you learned as a violinist and composer?

“What I’ve realized from composing is that for a song to be relatively successful—to evoke emotions from an audience—it doesn’t need to be perfect. In fact, sometimes rough compositions can be more powerful than tight and clean compositions because they are a more accurate reflection of the composer’s imagination.”

Advice for Teens: Time away.

“Find an activity to do an hour a day that doesn’t involve technology or interacting with others.

Be comfortable in solitude.”

Dream destination: Space.

“Space exploration is the next great progression for mankind.”

• SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 WESTPORT 113

Fox Schanzer Staples High School

Cooking

BIG PLANS “I hope to have my own restaurant where I can be creative and expressive with my food, and where my friends, family and customers can enjoy themselves.”

What is your favorite ingredient?

“More important to me than the type of ingredient is the quality of the ingredient. Locally grown/raised produce is important to me. The dishes I enjoy most are the ones that I have never made before; something new and spontaneous.”

Who would you love to cook for?

“I would love to cook for the chefs who I have worked for—and my chef instructor at Staples High School, Cecily Gans—in tribute to how they have shaped me as a future chef.”

What have you learned in the kitchen?

“Something I find applicable to any job or task is staying organized.

Organization is the key to self-awareness. In the kitchen, an organized station is the dividing line between order and chaos on a busy night.”

What would you ban from the kitchen?

“Many kitchens maintain very high tension and a high-stress environment, making long hours and a difficult job less bearable.

This is old-fashioned.

Kitchens should try to be more proactive in supporting a healthy work environment.

Negativity will be banned in my kitchen—no reason we can’t all have a healthy and enjoyable time at work.”

Advice for young cooks?

“Get cooking! I had been interested in cooking for quite a while before I really learned how to cook, and I seriously regret not learning how to cook sooner. I encourage

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anyone who loves food to not only learn to follow a recipe, but also not be afraid to put their own twist on things and experiment.”

What’s the handiest tool in the kitchen?

“I think a trusty knife is definitely the most important tool to have in a kitchen, obviously to be able to accurately make cuts and prepare your ingredients. Another, less obviously important tool, is a simple spoon. With a spoon you can stir, mix, flip, place and taste. In a pinch you can often use a spoon in place of tongs or tweezers.”

Any food disasters?

“Pumpkin ‘Mush.’ While working on other, more important things, in the kitchen, I found spare cooked pumpkin meat and decided to make a snack. I can’t recall exactly what I put in the pumpkin ‘mush’ before dumping it in the food processor, but I remember it had a very unsettling texture, like caraway seeds in pudding. Years later, culinary buddies of mine still make fun of me for making the dish—and finishing it.”

Role model: Mom. “I trust her very much.

Her advice guides me through tough times.”

Today’s teen dilemma: Technology.

“I use my phone often, but I find a lot of people have no interest in walking, hiking or otherwise really enjoying nature.”

Little-known talent: Music.

“I play electric, acoustic and bass guitar, keyboard and analog synthesizers.”

Let’s build a brighter world. greens farms academy Be ready for joy. Be ready for wonder. Be ready to dream.

Be ready for curiosity and complexity, for Signature Programs and service learning, for empowering Responsive Classrooms, and life-changing discussions around Harkness Tables. Be ready to push yourself. Be ready to define what excellence means.

Discover the world we’re building.

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1:00 P.M.

Grades Pre K–12 Greens Farms Academy (GFA) is an independent co-ed day school for grades PreK-12 in Westport, CT. RSVP and see other open house dates at www.gfacademy.org/admissions

Julia Morneau WILTON HIGH SCHOOL

BIG PLANS “I know I want to work in medicine in the future and possibly with kids.

Whatever it is I end up doing, I just want to make a difference!”

Sports & Health What have you learned from sports?

“Swimming and lacrosse have taught me not only how to work well in a team environment, but also a lot about drive and commitment. I learned early on in both that the more I practiced and harder I worked, the better I became at the sport. That translates into my school work as well because I know the more I study and prepare for tests, the better I do.”

You founded your school’s medical club.

Why medicine?

“Working with patients face-to-face and the interaction with people has always appealed to me. I have seen many doctors over the course of my life, and I have a great appreciation for the difference a doctor can make. I can definitely see myself working with children. Last summer I was lucky enough to shadow Dr. George Zahrah, head of oncology at Norwalk Hospital, and it really piqued my interest in the area of oncology. Additionally, my work in the labs at Stamford Hospital and Yale have opened my eyes and interest into medical research because it is such a developing field.”

Why did you create Little Minds?

“I was motivated to start my foundation because of my own mental-health struggles. At six years old, I was diagnosed with anxiety, depression and ADHD, among other things. I hope to help educate and bring

CELEBRATING

20 YEARS

awareness to mentalhealth disorders so young children don’t struggle as much as I did. In May, mental-health-awareness month, I ran a weeklong awareness program in the Wilton Public Schools, K-12. I was overwhelmed with how many people came forward to say what a difference it made. I was able to help others. What I didn’t realize would happen is that I also helped myself. When I am now having a tough day, I am able to think to myself how would I tell someone else to get through this tough time.”

Why do you volunteer for Night to Shine, Role Model Mentors and elsewhere?

“I enjoy helping others.

It’s what keeps me going and gets me out of bed every day. It is also a good break from my schoolwork. I get the most joy out of being involved in organizations that strive to help those in need, people who feel excluded or are struggling with an issue. It makes me happy to know I have helped someone whether it’s a social struggle, anxiety/depression or simply becoming better at a particular subject in school.”

Role model: Parents.

“They love me for who I am.”

Today’s teen dilemma: Social media.

“Teenagers feel like their life is not good enough when they see on social media how ‘wonderful’ everyone else’s life is.”

Dream destination: France

• SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 WESTPORT 117

BIG PLANS ”My dream is to be a math professor, but right now, I’m planning on studying math with a minor in music, probably in musicology, and working toward a doctorate in math.”

BIG PLANS “I hope to have my own restaurant where I can be creative and expressive with my food and my friends, family and customers can enjoy themselves.”

As class salutatorian, what was your message?

“Most of my time in high school was spent trying to come up with some perfect formula that would make me most happy. I wanted everything in my life, inside and outside of school, to be perfectly predictable with no surprises to throw me off. But I’ve realized that I found the most happiness in the surprises I was trying to avoid. In my speech, I focused on how important it is not to let your life be overly defined by routine and to let go of the reins a little so that the world can take you to new and exciting places.”

Why Harvard?

“I’ve been interested in the school ever since I heard about how strong its math department was, and when I visited for the first time, I was struck by how beautiful the atmosphere was there.

What sealed the deal for me was seeing how outgoing the students are, that each one brings something unique to the table and isn’t afraid to share it. I’m confident that I’ll be able to learn something from every student there.”

Nick Attkiss Staples High School

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Math & Music

What do you appreciate about math?

“Its purity, the way that it uses strict rules of logic to prove statements with complete certainty.

It’s almost artistic. My favorite math class studies the foundation of math in formal proofs and logical reasoning. I get to revisit the basics,

like sets, functions and arithmetic, but with a focus on the beautiful underlying proofs.”

What’s your commitment to learning piano?

“My piano teacher, Yoshie Akimoto, encourages me to practice three hours a day during the week, and six hours a day during the weekend, but I don’t think I’ve once actually reached that goal. I started studying with her in my junior year, so I’ve had to work extra hard to get to the same level as all the musicians who have been competing since they were like eight or nine.

My inherent love of music couldn’t have singlehandedly motivated me to practice as much as I do, so I thank her tremendously for bringing out the best in me.”

What’s the connection between math and music?

“Music sounds the way it does because those who write music find the perfect balance between adhering to rules and breaking them. There’s a kind of mathematical purity to the rules themselves, as in a Bach fugue, for example, but there’s also a creative side in how to steer away to create something new and exciting.”

Role model: Alex Beyer.

“He’s an incredible performer and an even more incredible person.”

Favorite class: AP biology.

“Dr. Kabak is super knowledgeable and has a hilariously dry sense of humor.”

Above & Beyond The Truwit family of Darien: Jack ‘20, Jody, Alexandra, Cooper, Mitchell and Teddy ‘22

“ It can be easy to lose focus on what really matters in life. We love that St. Luke’s shares our values. They create a deep and genuine focus on academic excellence while nurturing each student’s individual capacity to make a difference in the world.

St. Luke’s delivers on this front like no other school we know.”

- Jody Truwit, Mother of Alexandra, Attending Yale University and Cooper, Attending Colgate University

Open Houses: October 21 & 28

See St. Luke’s 2018 College List: www.stlukesct.org/2018 2018 Top Ten Best College Prep High School in CT - Niche.com St. Luke’s is a secular, college-preparatory day school for grades 5-12.

203.801.4833 | admissions@stlukesct.org | www.stlukesct.org 377 North Wilton Road, New Canaan, CT 06840

Is your child struggling in school?

We can help.

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Connecticut New Jersey York Jersey New 57 126 901West West Route Rocks 17th 10East East Street Road 901 Route 10 Norwalk, 06851 New Whippany, York,CT NY NJ 10011 07981 Whippany, NJ 07981 203-229-0465 646-638-2705 973-500-6480 973-500-6480 @WinstonPrepCT @WPSNY @WinstonPrepNJ @WinstonPrepNJ

NOW ON LONG ISLAND Long Island New LongConnecticut Jersey York Island New LongNew Jersey Island York Long New Island Jersey Long Island 901 126 30Deforest Deforest West Route 17th 10Road Road East StreetRoad 901 30 Route 10Road East 30fl.

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APPLY NOW www.winstonprep.edu | facebook.com/winstonprepschool The Winston Preparatory School does not discriminate against applicants and students on the basis of race, color, or national or ethnic origin. The WPSLI campus is not associated with the Half Hollow Hills Central School District.

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY NOVEMBER 11

CHALLENGING EACH BOY TO REACH HIS FULL POTENTIAL EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.

GRADES K-9

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FairfieldCountryDay.org

203.319.4299

BOB CAPAZZO PHOTOGRAPHY (203) 273-0139

What have you learned from swimming?

“I practice over thirteen hours a week with the Wilton Wahoos. While I am far from the fastest for my age, I never miss a practice and give it my all each and every day.

Two awards are given at the annual banquet: one to a senior and one to a swimmer who represents the true spirit of our team.

Two years ago, Coach Matt described the swimmer getting that award as “committed, focused, a supportive teammate, and giving 100 percent every day.” Then he called my name. I was stunned and ecstatic. I had won the respect of my peers and the knowledge that I can persevere and stay focused.”

Why do you bake?

“Every November, my friends and I turn my kitchen into a pumpkinbread factory and bake over eighty breads for our teachers and coaches.

I am also fascinated by the science of baking and advanced decorating techniques. At the King Arthur Baking School in Vermont, I have taken seven classes, from cakes and pies to scones, cookies and even soft pretzels.

When I learned about leaveners and gluten structures and content in flours, I was inspired to do a science-fair project testing different combinations of mechanical, chemical and organic leaveners.

This summer I am baking cakes on weekends for the Bridgeport Rescue Mission.”

BIG PLANS “I don’t yet know exactly, but I do know my path will involve math and science because of my love for discovery and solving puzzles.”

Annabel Roth Greens Farms Academy

Swimming & Health

Tell me about your summer internship.

“I work in a lab at the Mt. Sinai Icahn School of Medicine with Dr. Ying Chen, an oncologisthematologist. I help her with her two projects:

CELEBRATING

20 YEARS

ovarian cancer stem cells and the orphan disease, infantile myofibromatosis, or IMF. For the ovarian cancer project, we cut, filter and break down pieces of tumor samples, make the medium that they’ll sit in and then put them in cell culture dishes so the organoids—spherical groups of connected cells—can grow. We also “harvest” cells to split and have their DNA sequenced. We are looking for specific genetic markers on the cancer stem cells, which are a major obstacle in curing the disease. For the other project, I am observing how mice cells behave when they are given different mutated versions of the gene, PDGFR, which causes the rare disease, IMF.” Role model: Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

“I admire how she became one of the first women to attend Harvard Law School and persevered through years of gender discrimination and being accused of taking a man’s spot.”

Little-known fact: Fluent in Mandarin.

“I lived in China for five years. Now when I hear people speaking Mandarin, I often say something to them. It always elicits a shocked response.”

Dream destination: Rwanda.

“Being part of GFA’s Komera Club, I feel a connection to Ruth, Olive and Solange, three Rwandan scholars whose education we fund. From our small school in Westport, we found a way to help advance girls’ education on another continent, where 28 million girls, ages 6 to 15, are not in school and may never set foot in a classroom.” W

• SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 WESTPORT 121

Star Gazıng by j i l l j o h n s o n

A LOOK AT LOCALS WHO GREW UP AND TOOK OFF DURING WESTPORT MAGAZINE’S LIFETIME

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ABBY ELLIOTT BY DAVID NEEDLEMAN

F

or our twentieth anniversary issue, we thought we’d take a look back at some home-grown talent who made names for themselves across the globe in the same era that Westport magazine became a household name around here. Since the “girl next door” in these parts often means a superstar rather than a regular Jill or Joe, we are highlighting only a handful of the many luminaries who came of age here in the last couple decades. Justin Paul fans, we didn’t forget the musical dynamo who was still in middle school when this magazine was born and since has won a Tony, Oscar and Grammy.

You can read all about him in “Life’s a Song,” a feature we ran on him last year. For now, enjoy catching up with these fierce go-getters.

WESTPORT 20TH ANNIVERSARY

20 years ago… she was

11 years old

Abby Elliott It seems like there’s something in the water in our towns, with all the locals who make it on the stage and screen. But with Wilton native Abby Elliott, acting and comedy is clearly in her blood. Abby’s grandfather Bob Elliott was part of the comedy duo Bob & Ray and co-starred on a Saturday Night Live Christmas episode in 1978. Her dad, Chris Elliott, was an SNL cast member during the 1994–95 season.

In 2008, at the tender age of twenty-one, Abby was the youngest woman in history to join the cast and remained on the show for four seasons.

Abby, who attended Immaculate High School in Danbury, has numerous TV and film credits. Most recently, from 2015–17, she co-starred on the Bravo series Odd Mom Out. Her younger sister Bridey is also an actress. The whole family collaborated recently on a film written and directed by Bridey, Clara’s Ghost, which centers on a showbiz family, played by the four members of this showbiz family. It screened at Sundance and Vanity Fair reported: “Clara’s Ghost is a rough, revealing look at a famous family.”

WESTPORT 20TH ANNIVERSARY

20 years ago…

Kyle Martino

K

WESTPORT 20TH ANNIVERSARY

20 years ago… he was

7 years old

Adam Kaplan

T

his Westport native, who honed his acting skills with Staples Players, has had an amazing run since landing in New York. Fresh from Elon University with a BFA in musical theater, he made his Broadway debut in Newsies in 2013. He played several roles and went on as the lead, Jack Kelly, numerous times (including a harrowing experience jumping in for two sick Jacks before he’d even rehearsed the second act!). Soon after, Adam performed in the National Philharmonic’s Show Boat, which was broadcast on PBS as part of the Live at Lincoln Center series. He then landed the lead role of Charlie Price in the national tour of Kinky Boots. Most recently, he starred as Calogero in A Bronx Tale on Broadway. All this from a guy who was only six years old when this magazine made its debut twenty years ago.

“I attribute a great deal of my success to having grown up in Westport,” says Kaplan. “I’ve always been proud of Westport’s ability to foster and encourage young artists. Our public schools challenged me to be a stronger, creative and driven performer.”

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he was

17 years old

yle’s stage is the soccer field. He played soccer at Staples High School and was named Gatorade National Player of the Year in 1998. In his junior season at University of Virginia, he was named ACC Player of the Year and was one of fifteen finalists for the Hermann Trophy as a sophomore and junior. He left UVA after three years to play professional soccer and was recruited by the Columbus Crew. He was traded to the LA Galaxy in 2006. Injuries led to his retirement two years later, but Kyle didn’t leave the soccer world behind. He became a sports commentator for NBC. Earlier this year Kyle ran for president of the United States Soccer Federation, focusing on infusing joy back into the sport for youth on the local level and breaking down financial barriers. He lost the race but not his commitment to his mission. A Westport mom comments, “He came to Mickey Kydes Soccer Camp here and was so great with the kids! My daughter got her shoe signed. It’s so nice of him to give back.”

Kyle is married to actress Eva Amurri (daughter of Susan Sarandon) and the pair has been open about the miscarriages they suffered, making the topic less taboo to the many who face the same despair. The couple now has two children.

WESTPORT 20TH ANNIVERSARY

20 years ago… she was

17 years old

Alisan Porter

T

WESTPORT 20TH ANNIVERSARY

20 years ago… he was

his Staples grad got an early start on stardom. At age five, she was the youngest performer ever to win Star Search, and five years later she starred in Curly Sue opposite Jim Belushi.

She acted with Staples Players during high school and landed the lead of Anita in West Side Story as only a freshman.

After moving to New York at eighteen, Alisan was promptly cast in Footloose on Broadway. Her success as an actress and singer continued in L.A., where she starred in The Ten Commandments: The Musical at the Kodak Theatre alongside Val Kilmer and Adam Lambert. Alisan performed in the Broadway revival of A Chorus Line in 2006 and came out with her debut album in 2009.

Being a mom of two small children did not slow her down when Alisan competed on The Voice in 2016. She won season 10, with Christina Aguilera as her coach (the first win for Aguilera—and first for any female coach on the show). W

16 years old

Jared Cohen

ADAM KAPLAN BY ANTHONY CHATMON; ALISAN PORTER BY LEE CHERRY

T

his Weston native was still a teen when the premiere issue of Westport hit the racks. By the time this magazine turned fifteen, Jared made Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

A history and political science major at Stanford, Jared went on to earn a master’s in international relations as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford. He interned at the U.S. State Department and then served as a member of the Secretary of State’s Policy Planning staff. In her book, No Higher Honor, Condoleezza Rice applauds the twenty-four-year-old’s foresight in integrating “social media into our diplomatic tool kit.” Hillary Clinton kept Cohen on staff and he advised on policy in the Middle East, particularly Iran, as well as Afghanistan and Pakistan as advisor to Richard Holbrooke.

Cohen is now an adjunct senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and Founder and CEO of Jigsaw (formerly Google Ideas). He has written four books, including the New York Times bestseller The New Digital Age: Reshaping the Future of People, Nations and Business.

CELEBRATING

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• SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 WESTPORT 125

hahelp ute OPPOSITE PAGE: COURTESY OF KATE YOUNG; THIS PAGE: COURTESY OF ERIN WALSH; JESSICA SAMPLE; INEZ AND VINOODH

by m eg a n g ag n o n

Styling powerhouses on the business of getting red-carpet ready

ERIN WALSH

ROB ZANGARDI & MARIEL HAENN

CELEBRATING

20 YEARS

KATE YOUNG

• SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 WESTPORT 127

ERIN WALSH

Q&A HOW HAS STYLING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?

EW

Social media means so much these days.

And when I started, people were pretty tied to the magazines they worked with.

Freelance styling wasn't such a huge thing, especially in terms of red carpet.

It's kind of all different.

You just have to keep rolling with it. You have to evolve and grow with the industry if you don’t want to be left behind.

WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB?

EW

Working with people who surprise and challenge me is pretty great.

WHAT’S THE MOST CHALLENGING?

It is hard to find enough time in the day most days.

WHAT'S THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION ABOUT YOUR JOB?

EW

dramatic flair

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nlike most of her colleagues, Erin Walsh did not grow up dreaming of a career in couture. Instead, she armed herself with a BFA in theater from NYU but changed her plans soon after graduation. A temping job at Condé Nast led to a coveted position alongside Phyllis Posnick at Vogue, and from there, fashion became her new focus.

Today, she’s known for her ability to use that editor’s eye to translate looks for style-savvy stars (see: Kerry Washington, who redefined maternity style with awardsseason looks that included crop tops and cutouts). Walsh has attracted clients like Washington who are unafraid to take risks and embrace her aesthetic; one that is both cool and elegant, strong and whimsical. With her guidance, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristen Wiig, Thandie Newton and Maggie Gyllenhaal tackle fashion with confidence. Walsh may have shied from the pressures of an actor’s life in the spotlight, but she is not afraid to let her leading ladies shine.

That it’s all glamorous and exciting. It is a lot of work, especially in terms of logistics and production.

WHAT'S THE BIGGEST DISASTER THAT’S EVER HAPPENED TO ONE OF YOUR CLIENTS?

EW

I have had all the trunks for a shoot not make it in time, and I made a shoot out of cutting apart the tank tops and slips in my kit.

That was interesting.

WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY LIKE FOR YOU?

EW

Snuggle kids in morning,

COURTESY OF ERIN WALSH

u

EW

coffee, email review, market planning for shoots and clients, try to squeeze in a workout somewhere, kids, kids, maybe a cocktail somewhere, make dinner.

Something like that.

Sleep at some point.

insta glam Behind the scenes with @erinwalshnyc

WHEN DID YOU FEEL LIKE YOU'D MADE IT?

EW

Still hoping...

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR FAVORITE RED CARPET MOMENT?

EW

Kerry Washington in Giles pony dress to Django Unchained premiere. Done.

Walsh plays hand model with a fistful of Fred Leighton rings.

WHICH TRENDS ARE YOU LOVING FROM FALL ’18?

EW

I love pastel plaids à la Balenciaga, oversized Native American looking prints à la Sacai, and 70s Western vibes from Chloé that feel so effortless and cool.

KERRY WASHINGTON BY FERDAUS SHAMIM/WIREIMAGE; INSTAGRAM COURTESY OF ERIN WALSH

WHICH TRENDS WOULD YOU LOVE TO SEE GO AWAY?

EW

Neon Impromptu elevator photo shoot with client Thandie Newton in Erdem

WHAT’S YOUR FOOLPROOF DAYTIME UNIFORM?

EW

High waisted jeans and a striped top.

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE DESIGNERS RIGHT NOW?

EW

Monse, The Row, Gucci, Khaite, Céline, Chloé

WHO ARE YOUR STYLE ICONS?

EW

SJP and Lauren Hutton, mixed with Jane Birkin and Jackie O. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR TRADEMARK LOOK?

Kerry Washington in Giles at the Django Unchained premiere

EW

70s with a twist; classic with a little quirk HOW DO YOU STAY ON TOP OF THE LATEST IN FASHION?

EW

By living in NYC, we are in the thick of it!

So we live in it.

WHAT’S YOUR BEST STYLIST TRICK OR ADVICE YOU GIVE TO PEOPLE GOING TO A BIG EVENT?

EW

Sarah Jessica Parker attends a fitting for her Met Gala ensemble by Dolce & Gabbana.

Are you comfortable?

That’s usually when you look your best.

CELEBRATING

20 YEARS

• SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 WESTPORT 129

ROB ZANGARDI & MARIEL HAENN

Q&A HOW DID YOU GET INTO STYLING?

RZ

I grew up in Ohio, where I got a degree in retail merchandising. I visited my brother in New York and met a wardrobe stylist at MTV. I worked on a job with MTV for a few weeks and then got hired full time.

MH

I went to school for design and met a music producer who introduced me to the wardrobe stylist on set. I was working the shoot as a seamstress but started making my own connections and got into styling.

WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB?

RZ

Traveling.

We can see and experience once-in-a-lifetime opportunities with our clients, like when Shakira performed at the World Cup or Jennifer Lopez at the Super Bowl.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO WORK AS A TEAM?

hen it comes to dressing larger-than-life celebrities, two stylists are better than one. And for Rob Zangardi and Mariel Haenn, working together as a team—a rare thing in the styling world—has proven to be the secret to their success. Just ask Jennifer Lopez or Gwen Stefani—two artists who dominate multiple industries, maintain personal global brands and, with Zangardi and Haenn’s direction, continue making waves with unforgettable fashion moments.

For clients like these, the duo has to look beyond the step and repeat to concert tours packed with costume changes and heavily choreographed performances. Their backgrounds prepared them well for these music megastars—Zangardi at MTV, Haenn on hip-hop video sets—but they also style actors looking for that mix of Hollywood glamour and rock ‘n’ roll (Charlize Theron, Hailee Steinfeld, Cara Delevingne, Lily Collins).

Each new client presents an opportunity for the pair to create next-level ensembles, whether they perform on the stage or screen.

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We met at MTV and bonded over jewelry.

Mariel was working with Rihanna, and she asked for my help since I lived in L.A. and knew the city. The first job we worked on together was the “Umbrella” music video, and we just clicked. We come from different backgrounds but have very similar tastes.

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION ABOUT YOUR JOB?

MH

People don’t realize

PORTRAIT BY JESSICA SAMPLE

better together

RZ

how hard the job actually is. It’s not always glamorous and it really relies on our relationships with designers and lugging trunks and rolling racks around the world. Styling involves missed meals, running around, driving, lots of coffee, and sleepless nights.

insta glam Behind the scenes with @robzangardi @marielhaenn

WHAT’S THE HARDEST PART ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?

RZ

There are really nothing but positives in working together. We can be in two places at once. Our clients get both a male and female perspective on wardrobe.

Jennifer Lopez matches her straw to her pink Gucci dress.

WHEN DID YOU FEEL LIKE YOU’D MADE IT?

JENNIFER LOPEZ BY STEVE GRANITZ/WIREIMAGE; INSTAGRAM COURTESY OF ROB ZANGARDI & MARIEL HAENN

RZ

We still have goals we want to achieve, but the first time we felt acknowledged and honored was when we were on the cover of The Hollywood Reporter with Jennifer Lopez.

It was a very special moment, especially considering the time she took out of her schedule to shoot the cover with us.

A rainbow collection of sky high heels

WHICH TRENDS ARE YOU LOVING FROM FALL ’18?

MH

We love the whole utilitarian vibes with the canvas straps and super-functional pockets.

FOOLPROOF DAYTIME UNIFORM?

RZ

Some kind of vintage jean, a jacket, and sneakers or boots depending on the time of year

FAVORITE DESIGNERS RIGHT NOW?

MH

Virgil Abloh, Johanna Ortiz, Vera Wang

Jennifer Lopez in Giambattista Valli at the 2016 Golden Globes STYLE ICONS?

MH Bardot

Kate Moss, Brigitte

TRADEMARK LOOK?

MH

Overall sexy, cool and effortless

HOW DO YOU STAY ON TOP OF THE LATEST IN FASHION?

MH

Attending and watching runway shows as soon as they walk WHAT’S YOUR BEST STYLIST TRICK OR ADVICE YOU GIVE TO PEOPLE GOING TO A BIG EVENT?

every angle to make sure everything looks good. Tailoring is key.

Also, make sure you feel as comfortable as your look will let you be.

Throwing shade with Hailee Steinfeld in Privé Revaux sunglasses

MH

Take pictures of yourself from

CELEBRATING

20 YEARS

• SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 WESTPORT 131

KATE YOUNG

Q&A HOW DID YOU GET INTO STYLING?

KY

I worked at Vogue for years and was regularly styling the “People Are Talking About” page, which is about new actresses. I worked with a lot of those actresses when I left to freelance.

HOW HAS STYLING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?

KY

People know what it is now. When I started doing it, I had to explain to anyone outside of the industry what the job entailed.

WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB?

KY

The clothes are the best part!

WHAT’S THE MOST CHALLENGING?

KY

132

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION ABOUT YOUR JOB?

KY

industry icon n amassing a roster of devoted celebrity clients, Kate Young has become famous herself. Known for her signature platinum locks and penchant for edgy-but-girly looks, she earned her place at the top with best-dressed moments from Margot Robbie, Sienna Miller, Natalie Portman, Michelle Williams, Selena Gomez, Dakota Johnson and Rachel Weisz, to name a few. Young’s story started where many fashion careers begin, at Vogue magazine, working first as Anna Wintour’s assistant and eventually as an editor. From there, she used her relationships to build a career working directly with the stars that graced her editorial pages. Her continued presence as a major player in the fashion world—she consults for labels and runway shows and has had her own design collaborations—ensures unrivaled access to the latest collections while cementing her status as one of the most sought-after stylists.

WESTPORTMAG.COM

That it’s glamorous.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR TRADEMARK LOOK?

KY

For myself, edgy classic For my clients, they look like themselves.

WHAT’S A TYPICAL DAY LIKE FOR YOU?

KY

After getting the kids (two young boys) to school, I usually try to exercise and then go to the office to edit racks or request looks and prepare for a fitting or a shoot.

I do lots of showroom appointments,

PORTRAIT BY INEZ AND VINOODH

i

The most challenging is all of the travel and organization.

insta glam

because I really am much better when I see things in person.

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR FAVORITE RED CARPET MOMENT?

KY

It’s always the latest.

I’m a fashion person and I want to see new, new, new.

Behind the scenes with @kateyoung

WHAT’S ONE PIECE FROM FALL ’18 THAT YOU’RE BUYING?

KY

I’m obsessed with a pair of Givenchy boots that are sort of 70s and sexy.

WHICH TRENDS WOULD YOU LOVE TO SEE GO AWAY?

KY

Margot Robbie’s Chanel Haute Couture gown for the 2018 Oscars took over 600 hours to create

Transparent panels in workout pants WHAT’S YOUR FOOLPROOF DAYTIME UNIFORM?

KY

Black jeans, button down shirt, Louis Vuitton boots

MARGOT ROBBIE BY VALERIE MACON/AFP/GETTY IMAGES; INSTAGRAM COURTESY OF KATE YOUNG

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE DESIGNERS RIGHT NOW?

KY

Jacquemus, Brock Collection, Chloé, The Row, Louis Vuitton

Stacked rings from Schlumberger and Tiffany & Co.

WHO ARE YOUR STYLE ICONS?

KY

I have too many to name. I wrote a book [Dressing for the Dark] about fashion and cinema because I’m really influenced by movies.

WHAT’S YOUR BEST STYLIST TRICK OR ADVICE YOU GIVE TO PEOPLE GOING TO A BIG EVENT?

KY

You must have good undergarments.

They make all the difference in the world. W

Margot Robbie in Tom Ford at the 2016 Oscars

CELEBRATING

20 YEARS

Young wears one of the crowns pulled for this year’s ‘Heavenly Bodies’themed Met Gala

• SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 WESTPORT 133

Moffly greenwich half vertical aug.qxp_Layout 1 8/1/18 1:25 PM Page 1

THE RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE Non-profit 501 (c) (3)

MOFFLY MEDIA

EVENING OF ART, WINE & JAZZ SERIES Join us in the lobby for wine tasting by Pera Wines & an art exhibit!

SEPTEMBER

20 Bobby McFerrin: Circlesongs

Ten-time Grammy Award winner best known for his a cappella hit “Don’t Worry, Be Happy!”

HOME & HERD providing sanctuary for more than 20 years

27 An Evening with Pat Metheny

with Linda May Han Oh, Antonio Sanchez & Gwilym Simcock

Twenty-time Grammy Award winner and 2018 NEA Jazz Master recipient!

OCTOBER

LEARN MORE at www.elephants.com

7 Jane Monheit

Grammy Award-nominated jazz and pop vocalist!

11 Lucky Chops

Opening Act: Funky Dawgz Brass Band The high-energy, brassy funk band known for their viral videos!

15 Pink Martini

Crossing genres of classical, jazz and old-fashioned pop!

25th Annual Benefit

Golf Outing Monday, September 17, 2018

The Country Club of Fairfield

DECEMBER

19 Glenn Miller Orchestra: In the Christmas Mood

A night of Big Band holiday favorites!

APRIL

28 In the Mood:

A 1940s Musical Revue

25th Anniversary Silver Celebration Tour A nostalgic Big Band musical revue featuring singers, dancers, period costumes & the String of Pearls Orchestra!

203.438.5795 • RIDGEFIELDPLAYHOUSE.ORG 134

WESTPORTMAG.COM

Call us at 203-333-2642

Tickets : www.habitatcfc.org/golfouting2018

BREAST CANCER ALLIANCE INVITES YOU TO HELP IN THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER THIS OCTOBER ANNUAL LUNCHEON AND FASHION SHOW

SHOP.DINE.DONATE. GOFORPINK IS A SERIES OF EVENTS BCA DEDICATES TO BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30TH 11AM UNTIL 2PM HYATT REGENCY GREENWICH

JOIN US ON OCTOBER 1ST, 10AM AT RICHARDS FOR BREAKFAST AND CONVERSATION AND THROUGHOUT THE MONTH FOR SPECIAL SHOPPING AND DINING DAYS

FASHION SHOW: AKRIS PRESENTED BY RICHARDS

INFO & MERCHANT REGISTRATION:

PURCHASE TICKETS:

BCAgoforpink.org

501auction.com/bcabenefit

Media Sponsor

BREASTCANCERALLIANCE.ORG

Presents

2018

www.nearandfaraid.org ww.nearandfaraid.org Targeting Poverty, Changing Lives

Homeswithhope_MOFFLYAD_2018FINAL.pdf

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8/3/18

11:49:46 AM

Pilobolus Performance Explosion

The Hallelujah Train

Featuring: Pastor Brady Blade Sr., Daniel Lanois, Brian & Brady Blade Jr. and the Zion Baptist Church Choir Sunday, September 30, 2018 | 3 pm

Friday, September 21, 2018 | 8 pm Saturday, September 22, 2018 | 2 pm & 8 pm

An Unscripted Evening with Michael Lewis Wednesday, October 10, 2018 | 8 pm

Service at 11 am & Brunch at 12 pm

203.254.4010 QuickCenter.com

3 RD A

ual ! nn

THE JUDY MICHAELIS GROUP INVITES YOU to experience some of Westport's best kitchens • 4 Spectacular Designer Kitchens • 4 Fabulous Chefs!

• All to benefit Food Rescue US's work to end hunger + reduce food waste

Saturday • September 29 • 6–9p.m.

Jesup Hall – Chef Anthony Kostelis Match Burger Lobster – Chef Matt Storch El Segundo – Chef Carlos Baez Mecha Noodle Bar – Chef Brian Reilly LEARN MORE + PURCHASE TICKETS: give.foodrescue.us/18kitchencrawl

All Proceeds Benefit:

JUDY MICHAELIS GROUP Sponsored By:

A Judy Michaelis Event In Partnership With:

Harvesting Hope Celebration THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2018 200 Elm Street Stamford, CT 06901 5:30 - 9:00 pm Leading Sponsor:

Event Honorees: JoAnne and Carl Kuehner, Sr.

To purchase tickets, visit www.hopeforhaiti.com/harvestinghope

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Hope for Haiti works to build sustainable communities and eliminate poverty. We believe that there is always a path to a better life and we invite you to make an impact with us.

THANK YOU!

TO OUR READERS, WINNERS AND SPONSORS...

YOU ARE THE BEST!

2018

A Huge Thank You for Making our 14th Annual Best of the Gold Coast Celebration a Tremendous Success!

For photos and live video from this year’s event visit bestofgoldcoastct.com

GOLD SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSOR

BUSINESS SPONSORS

EXCLUSIVE WATER SPONSOR

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to

5TH ANNUAL SHATTERPROOF CLASSIC MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 ROL L I N G H I L L S COU N T RY C LU B | W I LTON, C T

ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE EVENT WILL GO TO SHATTERPROOF, A NATIONAL NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO ENDING THE DEVASTATION ADDICTION CAUSES FAMILIES.

TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER THAN ADDICTION. PURCHASE TICKETS & LEARN MORE:

shatterproofclassic.org

SATURDAY, SEPT. 15

$60* $10

Two 1.25 lb. Lobsters or 14 oz. NY Strip Steak

Includes Corn on the Cob, Cole Slaw, Potato Salad, Rolls, Butter & more!

Kids ages 3-12

Hot Dogs or Chicken Fingers, Chips, Water or Lemonade

Kids Games & Activities • Live Music • Cash Raw Bar • Unlimited Beer, Wine & Soft Drinks

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Westport, CT 3pm - 7pm Rain or Shine!

* Early bird discount:

$55 Until August 18th!!

Tickets available ONLY IN ADVANCE:

• online at www.westport rotary.org • Your friendly Westport Rotary members

ils com re deta . t t r i Vis estpo & mo ftw ns .cra coupo w w w ssion i ar dm

fo

PRESENTED BY THE WESTPORT YOUNG WOMAN’S LEAGUE

A thoughtfully curated shopping event featuring handmade items from 200 modern artists & craftspeople

Plus gourmet specialties, kids activities, a pop-up Marketplace & more!

NOV 3 & 4 CraftWestport.com The Fieldhouse at Staples High School • Sat 10-6 • Sun 10-5

100% DONATIONS FUND DAMON RUNYON CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION

CELEBRATING

20 YEARS

• SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 WESTPORT 141

Movement Art Is (MAI) World Premiere

Friday, October 12, 2018 | 7 pm

Internationally recognized hip hop dancers and choreographers, Jon Boogz and Lil Buck will premiere their new work in response to the exhibition #UNLOAD: Guns in the Hands of Artists at the closing night party.

203.254.4010 QuickCenter.com

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SAVE THE DATE

Thursday, November 29 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

2018

Photos by Melani Lust

Please join us as we honor the nonprofit and philanthropic work of our community heroes.

Introducing Community Impact Awards, honoring two extraordinary nonprofits Presented by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation

Community Leader Sponsor

Event Host Sponsor

Become a Sponsor

Join us for

For more information & participant opportunities please contact Laurinda Finelli at 203.571.1614 • laurindafinelli@moffly.com

Moffly Media’s 11th Annual Light a Fire awards reception and cocktail party at King School

Comedy

AGAINST CANCER An Evening of Comedy Honoring

Gault Family Companies to Benefit the American Cancer Society

Thursday, October 4, 2018 The Inn at Longshore, Westport, CT www.acscomedyagainstcancer.org For More Information, Please Contact: Aubrey.Keely@cancer.org

Fairfield County Comedy 18 Ad 7.65x4.5.indd 1

7/31/18 4:00 PM

Helping Carver kids succeed is better than getting a hole in one!

Join your peers for Carver’s 5th Annual Golf Classic.

Embracing Love, Life and Home www.clasphomes.org

Band Together Presents

Arena Rock OCT 19, 2018 • FTC Stage One for our Friends at CLASP Special thanks to Moffly Media for their exclusive magazine sponsorship.

To purchase tickets: www.fairfieldtheatre.org

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Tuesday, September 25th, 2018 Shorehaven Golf Club Learn more at carvernorwalk.org or contact Nikki LaFaye at (203) 945-9665 or nikki@carvercenterct.org

Please join us in celebrating 20 Years of Changing Lives.

(Over 260 students & counting!)

And help us secure Shepherds’ Next 20...

SHEPHERDS 20TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER T H U R S D AY, O C T O B E R 11, 2 0 18 THE INN AT LONGSHORE, WESTPORT

FEATURED SPEAKER

Limited number of tickets available.

Get yours today!

MASTER OF CEREMONIES

BYRON PITTS

DAVE PRICE

Co-Anchor of ABC’s Nightline & Author of Be the One

Weather Anchor for NBC4 New York

For tickets or more information, call 203.367.4273 or visit shepherdsmentors.org

HONOREES

GREG DILLON & TAMMY TAYLOR

Stand up for

Mike BirBiglia Saturday, nov. 3, 2018

Quick center for the arts at fairfield university for ticketS and inforMation

www.hwhct.org or 203.254.4010 ticketS go on Sale SepteMBer 6th HwH_MikeB_WestprtMagAD4.indd 1

7/31/18 12:16 PM

CELEBRATING

20 YEARS

• SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 WESTPORT 145

Attention Best of Winners!

2018

You asked for it and we listened!

We received hundreds of requests on how you can get additional marketing materials and signs to announce YOUR BEST OF WIN! We’re proud to announce Moffly Media’s official Best Of The Gold Coast & Best Of Town ONLINE STORE! Proudly display your win to the community with:

PLAQUES

•

COUNTER CARDS

•

WINDOW CLINGS

•

BANNERS

Counter Card (Front and back)

ORDER NOW at bestofgoldcoastct.com These special keepsakes provide yearlong in-store marketing for your business!

CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN ON BEING A 2018 WINNER!

Fourth Annual

AIR COOLED CLASSIC CAR S H O W & CHARITY FUND RAISING E V E N T Presented by

SMALL CAR COMPANY.ORG

All Makes & Models of Air Cooled Ve h i c l e s Welcome S p e c i a l G u e s t H ost: Peter Bush Food F u n Aw a r d s

“The Atmosphere Cools Our Cars”

$ 2 0 P e r Ve h i c l e All Proceeds Go to Charity

Spectators Are Free

SUNDAY SUN SEPTEMBER 23, 2018 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

On The Grass at Veteran’s Gr e e n In Downtown Westport 110 Myrtle Avenue Westport, CT 06880

( Ac r o s s t h e S t r e e t F r o m To w n H a l l ) Ad v a n c e R e g i s t r a t i o n E n c o u r a g e d info@smallcarcompany.org

Our Charity Benef iciary

CELEBRATING

20 YEARS

• SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 WESTPORT 147

STOCK.ADOBE.COM

CELEBRATE YOUR WEDDING

We welcome wedding announcements together with candid photographs. Weddings should have a current Westport, Weston or Wilton family connection and must be submitted within three months of the wedding day.

Regretfully, we are unable to run every wedding submitted.

Send Information to: Joey.Macari@Moffly.com Westport Magazine | 205 Main Street Westport, CT 06880

Save Lives.

Build Healthier Futures.

Learn more about our work at americares.org

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PHOTOGRAPHY

•

PHOTO BOOTH

•

VIDEO

•

SOCIAL MEDIA

Moffly Media is one of the leading providers of professional event photography and marketing services in Fairfield County.

We capture compelling, high-quality images of individuals and groups at meaningful events. With our wide range of capabilities, Moffly will customize a marketing program that’s just right for you.

LEARN MORE! Contact KATHLEEN GODBOLD at Kathleen.Godbold@moffly.com or 203.571.1654

Jesup Hall 90 POST RD EAST WESTPORT, CT

HAP PY TI ME tuesday through friday 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm COCKTAILS * WINE * BEER * FOOD 203 557 6198 . JESUPHALLWESTPORT.COM . INFO@JESUPHALLWESTPORT.COM CELEBRATING

20 YEARS

• SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 WESTPORT 149

MEET

OCTOBER 20 21 2 0 1 8 SATURDAY 10AM – 4PM SUNDAY

11AM – 4PM

1 BLACHLEY RD, STAMFORD

100+

FREE

EXHIBITORS

ADMISSION

FREE PARKING

EXPERIENCE

DISCOVER DANCE AND EXERCISE FEATURING BILLY BLANKS JR., DANCE IT OUT

18

FOOD AND WINE FEATURING LOCAL HEALTHY RESTAURANTS

H E A LT H Y HOME

RAFFLE & GRAND PRIZES

BRING NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS & PURCHASE RAFFLE TICKETS TO BENEFIT:

TITLE SPONSOR SCUBA CLASSES OCTOBER 21 AT THE CHELSEA PIERS CT SWIMMING POOL

PRESENTING SPONSOR

SUPPORT SPONSORS

EBMAS–CT MARTIAL ARTS

MEDIA SPONSORS Natural Nutmeg

HWS-EXPOS.COM

FOLLOW US ON

JOIN THE FIGHT FOR ALZHEIMER’S FIRST SURVIVOR. At the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, people carry flowers representing their connection to Alzheimer’s — a disease that currently has no cure. But what if one day there was a flower for Alzheimer’s first survivor? What if there were millions of them?

Norwalk/Fairfield County Walk to End Alzheimer’s®

September 16

Calf Pasture Beach, Norwalk Visit alz.org/walk to register or start a team.

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An Essential Living Publication

EVENT PRODUCED BY

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS ARTS & ANTIQUES Backspace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Bruce Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Drew Klotz Kinetic Sculpture . . . . . . 104

AUTOMOTIVE Land Rover Fairfield . . . . . . . . . Cover 4 Scap Chrysler Jeep . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

BUILDING & HOME IMPROVEMENT American Frameless . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Austin Patterson Disston Architects . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 California Closets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Gault Family Companies . . . . . . . . . . 17 J.P. Franzen Associates Architects, P.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Michael Smith Architects . . . . . . . . . . 31 Neil Hauck Architects . . . . . . . . Cover 3

BUSINESS & FINANCE Clapboard Hill Private Wealth . . . . . . . 14 Costello, Brennan and DeVidas, P.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Cummings & Lockwood LLC . . . . . . . . 14 Georgette H. Geller, ChFC, CLU . . . . . 22 People's United Bank Advisors . . . . . . 91

DECORATING & HOME FURNISHINGS Lillian August . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Linda Hoffman Interiors . . . . . . . . . . 67 TUSK Home + Design . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 White Birch Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

EDUCATION & CHILDREN Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy of Connecticut . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Fairfield Country Day School . . . . . . . 120 Greens Farms Academy . . . . . . . . . 116 Independent Schools Open Houses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 St. Luke's School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 Winston Preparatory School . . . . . . . 120

ENTERTAINMENT 95.9, The Fox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148 Fairfield University Quick Center for the Arts . . . . . . . . . . . 137 Fairfield University Quick Center for the Arts/Movemant Art Is (MAI) World Premiere . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142 The Ridgefield Playhouse . . . . . . . . . 134 Westport Country Playhouse Man of La Mancha . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

EVENTS 2018 Near & Far Aid Golf Classic . . . . 136

3rd Annual Kitchen Crawl . . . . . . . . . 138 5th Annual Shatterproof Classic Golf Tournament . . . . . . . . . . . . 140 7th Annual Stamford Health Health Wellness & SPorts Expo 2018 . . . . 150 25th Annual Benefit Golf Outing . . . . 134 A-list Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 American Cancer Society Comedy Against Cancer . . . . . . . 144 Best of the Gold Coast Online Store . . 146 Best of the Gold Coast Thank You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139 Breast Cancer Alliance/Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show . . . . . 135 Breast Cancer Alliance/ Go For Pink! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 Carver's 5th Annual Golf Classic . . . . 144 CLASP Band Together Presents Arena Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144 Craft Westport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 Educate and Celebrate/Shepherds 20th Anniversary Dinner . . . . . . . 145 Experience Greenwich Week to Benefit Think Greenwich . . . . . . . 147 Fourth Annual Air Cooled Classic Car Show & Charity Fund Raising Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Homes with Hope Gather 'Round the Table Luncheon to Benefit Project Return . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 Hope for Haiti Harvesting Hope Celebration . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 Light a Fire 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 Lobster Fest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140 NYCWFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 People's United Bank Presents Speaking of Women . . . . . . . . . . 142 Stand Up For Homes with Hope . . . . . 145 Walk to End Alzheimer's . . . . . . . . . 150 William Raveis Ride + Walk . . . . . . . . 141

Match Burger Lobster . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Ocean House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Rive Bistro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Savannah Bee Company . . . . . . . . . 85 The Sinclair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Weekapaug Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Westport Farmers' Market . . . . . . . . 43

FASHION

REAL ESTATE

Barbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Lester's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Mitchells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 3, 4, 5 Nic + Zoe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Roundabout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Soleil Toile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Tina Dragone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

FOOD, CATERING & LODGING Amis Trattoria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Aux Délices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Blantyre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Jesup Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149 JK Chef Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Little Barn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Marcia Selden Catering & Events . . . . 79 Match . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

CELEBRATING

HEALTH & BEAUTY Elite Health Services . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Greenwich Medical Spa . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Hospital for Special Surgery . . . . . . . 45 Memorial Sloan Kettering Physicians at Norwalk Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Modern Dermatology . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 OrthoConnecticut/ Coastal Orthopedics . . . . . . . . . . 26 Rick Garcia Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Southern Connecticut Women's Health Care Associates . . . . . . . . . 47 Western Connecticut Health Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Whip Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Yale New Haven Health/Yale New Haven Children's Hospital . . . . . . . 19

JEWELRY David Yurman . . . . . . . . . . . . Cover 2, 1 Lux Bond & Green . . . . . . . . . Cover 2, 1 Manfredi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

NONPROFIT Americares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148 The Elephant Sanctuary . . . . . . . . . 134

PHOTOGRAPHY Bob Capazzo Photography . . . . . . . . 120

Douglas Elliman Real Estate/ Mar Jennings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Michelle & Company/ William Raveis Real Estate . . . . . . . 95 William Raveis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

REAL ESTATE, DESTINATION Corcoran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Dataw Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

SPORTS & FITNESS Orangetheory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

MISCELLANEOUS Bedford Square . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 11 Big Picture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149 Westy Self Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 20 YEARS

• SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 WESTPORT 151

Don’t Miss This SEPT/OCT 2018

Mon. 17 GOLF

Habitat CFC will hold its 25th Annual Benefit Golf Outing at The Country Club of Fairfield.

Luncheon starts at 11 p.m., with start time at noon. The Benefit will directly help families afford homes in Fairfield County. For a full event schedule, visit habitatcfc. org for details.

Sutton Sings Sept.8

Sutton Foster, two-time Tony Award winner and star of TV Land’s Younger, takes center stage at the Westport Playhouse Annual Gala. This year the event, “Andalusian Nights,” has a bit of Spanish flair and will feature live music and a special auction.

Eunice and David Bigelow will be presented with the 2018 Leadership Award. To buy tickets, visit westportplayhouse.org.

Thurs.-Sun. 20-23 BOAT SHOW

Head down to Norwalk Cove Marina for the Progressive Insurance Norwalk Boat Show, Boating enthusiats will love the dispay of premiere yachts, and water sports, shopping, and food and drink speciasl will also be included. Visit norwalkboatshow.com. .

Sun. 22

FARM FUN

SEPT. Wed. 12

HOME DESIGN

athome magazine’s 8th annual A-List Awards takes place at the Palace Theatre in Stamford.

The competition, highlighting interior decor, landscape, and architectural feats amongst Fairfield County’s greatest designers boasts an

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extravagant cocktail hour and achievement ceremony that feels like one big Golden Globe party. For event info, visit athomefc.com.

Mon. 17 GOLF

Book your SEA-time at the Maritime Aquarium Golf Classic at the Wee Burn Country Club in Darien. The fundraiser will donate all its proceeds to support STEM- education programs in the area,

Wakeman Town Farms will be holding its 8th Annual Harvest Fest Fundraiser. Local chefs will prepare farm-style fare in communal seating approach, and the event will feature live music and a silent auction. . Visit wakemantownfarm.org for ticket info.

Mon. 24 GOLF

Fairfield County Bank will once again sponsor the Near & Far Aid Golf

Classic event at the Country Club of Fairfield.

The classic includes a lunch and cocktail hour following for all players, and sponsorships can be purchased in advance on their website, nearandfaraid.org.

Mon. 24 GOLF

The Shatterproof Golf Tournament will take place at Rolling Hills Country Club in Wilton in an effort to raise more awareness to the addiction crisis. Guests can play golf, Canasta or simply take part in the reception, dinner, and auction that evening.

Visit shatterproof.org for more info.

Mon. 1- 15 DINING OUT

Who doesn’t love a good brunch? However you brunch, lunch, or dine, get in on all the good deals during Restaurant Week, organized by the Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce.

Fixed prices will be offered the first two weeks of the month at participating restaurants.

Learn more at connecticutrestaurantweek.com.

Sat. 6

HALLOWEEN FUN

Tues. 25 LUNCHEON

Take a stand against sexual and domestic violence at the 21st Annual Speaking of Women Luncheon benefiting The Center for Family Justice. Broadcast journalist Tamron Hall will be this year’s keynote speaker, For tickets to the luncheon at The Waterview, visit centerforfamilyjustice.org

Sun. 30

RIDE + WALK

OCT.

Walk for a cure in the William Raveis Ride + Walk event. The family and community event includes a 5K walk, a 12, 25, and 50-mile bike ride, as well as a kid’s 100yard dash at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk from 8 a.m., to 1 p.m. Legendary band, The Wailers, will also be performing. To register, go to raveisridewalk.com.

We think October is the best month, and so should you. No better way to kick of PreHalloween activities than at the Saugatuck Ghoul Fest, located in Wick’s Park. Kid-friendly games, live music and a bazaar will be included.

For event info., go to saugatuck.com.

Sun.-Mon. 7-8 FESTIVAL

The Earthplace Festival Weekend event is back. Starting Saturday night at 7 p.m., adults only will be treated with an all-night under the stars festival, complete with cocktails and a mechanical bull sure to make for a fun time; then please the kids with a day full of seasonal crafts and activities. For more info, visit earthplace.org,

Sun. 14 ART

Join the Pequot Library at their annual fundrais-

ing event, celebrating art by local and regional artists. Proceeds from the exhibition and sales will go directly towards benefiting educational programs at the library.

For more info, visit pequotlibrary.org.

Tues.-Wed. 17-18 LUNCHEON

Head on over to Shorehaven in Norwalk to benefit Project Return at Homes for Hope’s Gather ‘Round the Table event. Grab a drink on Tuesday 7-9 p.m., then return the next morning at 11:45 a.m., for a special luncheon to help the homeless. To learn about becoming a sponsor, go to hwhct.org.

Sat. 20

HALLOWEEN

Give your kids a fun and festive playdate at Ambler Farm’s Fright Night. Every Friday starting the 19th, drop the kiddos off 6-8 p.m. and let them enjoy haunted activities, games, and a moonlight hayride to top it off. To register, go to amblerfarm.org.

Sat.-Sun. 27-28 HALLOWEEN

Wilton is the place to be this Halloweekend.

First, enjoy the annual Pumpkin Parade on Saturday at noon, then sprint on over to the Halloween Hustle 5K on Sunday. Come on, come all, goblins and ghouls!

Visit wiltonchamber.com for more info.

SAVE THE DATE Nov. 3: Stand Up for Homes with Hope, featuring Mike Birbiglia. hwhct.org. W

( for more fun events visit westportmag.com )

CONTRIBUTED

and will include a BBQ lunch, cocktail reception and dinner, and auction directly following.

To register, visit maritimeaquarium.org.

BY JOEY MACARI